New Delhi, July 11 (FN Agency) The government on Thursday sought views of public and other stakeholders on the draft rules for “Right of Way” for laying telecom network making it mandatory for public entity to grant permission in a time-bound manner, a move that would help telecom operators to enhance their connectivity through out the country. Upon examination of an application received, the public entity may seek clarifications or further documents through the portal, as may be required, within thirty calendar days of receipt of such application, the draft rules said adding provided that the public entity shall seek all such clarifications and additional documents, if any, in one consolidated requisition.
If all in order, the public entity shall grant the permission within sixty-seven calendar days of receiving the application, according to draft rules notification posted on the website on Department of Telecommunication (DoT). The DoT has asked all to send their views within thirty days. Any decision rejecting the permission for right of way, by the public entity, shall cite specific reasons for rejection. Upon rejection of permission the public entity shall refund to the facility provider eighty percent of the fee paid within a period of fifteen calendar days from such date of rejection.
If the public entity fails to either grant or reject permission within the timelines specified under this rule, the permission shall be deemed to have been granted, and shall be automatically uploaded on the portal. In order to address any damage to the property as a result of the works relating to the right of way, the facility provider shall, at the option of the public entity (a) restore such property to the state as it existed prior to the execution of such activities; or (b) pay compensation for such damage as may be mutually agreed, not exceeding the amount specified in the rules.