Manmohan did not look the other way: PMO

The Prime Minister's Office on Sunday denied reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh overlooked the matter related to issuance of 2G licences and spectrum pricing in 2008, and clarified that directions issued to the Department of Telecom were “intended to create a level-playing field between the existing operators and new entrants.” Referring to a noting of January 23, 2008 of the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister that “PM wants this informally shared with the Department. does not want a formal communication and wants the PMO to be at arms length,” the PMO said: “It did not deal with either issues relating to manner of grant of licence or charges for spectrum up to the threshold level” that each operator must have in order to function with a minimum level of efficiency. In particular, an impression is sought to be created that the noting was in response to the Prime Minister being informed of the steps being taken which he knew were inappropriate but he looked the other way … The noting under question can in no way be construed to mean that the Prime Minister or his office looked the other way on matters relating to the grant of licence or spectrum charges,” the PMO said on the eve of the monsoon session of Parliament. Therefore, it was sent as an informal suggestion to the Department of Telecom for consideration.” Meanwhile, the Prime Minister had cautioned the Opposition parties not to “pre-judge” the 2G scam as the matter was before the court.