Kapil Sibal has deep policy understanding: R Chandrasekhar

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Sharing his experience of closely working with the Union Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal, the outgoing telecom secretary R Chandrasekhar said that he relishes his 2.5-year stint. "I enjoyed working with Mr Sibal, although it was a challenging period," he said.

Chandrasekhar, in a candid chat with CIOL, said that Sibal takes deep dive into policy matters and has profound understanding of associated problems. "He is able to articulate the view and direction that a policy would take," he added.

The formulation of the National Telecom Policy 2012, despite sectoral issues and stakeholders' concerns, is one of the key achievements complemented with the consumer-centric 'One-Nation-One-Number' approach by the telecom ministry.

The alleged 2G scam had, however, kept Chandrasekhar on his toes. "It was both challenging as well as learning experience for me," he commented. Chandrasekhar feels that there were enormous challenges, and has no regrets.

He believes that after almost two years' of turmoil, the sector was plagued with incertitude. The industry, he said, should rise to the challenges, especially in the areas where there are different perceptions including policy directives. "There should be homogeneous view to take the sector forward," he said.

The DoT, he said, is facilitating the industry to reach new equilibrium. There was uncertainty over licensing regime and spectrum management, but all the issues have been largely addressed now, while the remaining concerns, he said, would be resolved soon.

A 1975-batch AP cadre IAS officer is also one of the front-runners for the coveted CAG post. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Gurudas Dasgupta, commenting on Chandrasekhar's appointment believes that the pending 2G scam probe would be a conflict of interests.

On the contrary, legal experts feel that it would be hypothetical. Instead, they say that Chandrasekhar's expertise in the telecom department would help him demystify policies and probable revenue streams as a part of his CAG responsibilities.