Telecom and Regulatory Authority of India Chairman Nripendra Misra has sought an extension of the tenure of chairperson and the members of the authority from three years to five years besides seeking more powers for the regulator.
"The three-year tenure is rather short for making effective contribution to the sector. The Competition Act and IRDA Act have provisions prescribing a tenure of five years for the chairperson and the members.
"It is accordingly proposed to revise the tenures for CP and Members of TRAI to bring it at par with other regulatory authorities," Misra stated in a letter to Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran.
According to industry experts, department of telecommunication has no locus standi in amending the Trai Act as the body is a creation of the statute (Parliament).
Misra has decried the total ban on further employment under the central government or any state government on any chairperson or member demitting office.
"Such a move appears unreasonable. The chairperson/members of Competition Commission as also of the Securities and Exchange Board of India are eligible for future employment in central/state government, local/statutory authority," the letter stated.
The current Trai Act prescribes that the chairperson and the members shall hold office for a term of three years as the central government may notify on it from the date on which they enter upon their offices or until they attain the age of 65 whichever is earlier.
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