Massive AGR Dues Revealed: Telecom Sector Owes Government Over Rs 1.77 Lakh Crore
Startling official data presented to Parliament has exposed the staggering financial liabilities of India's telecommunications sector. The collective adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues owed by telecom operators to the government have surpassed a monumental Rs 1.77 lakh crore up to the fiscal year 2025.
Vodafone Idea Bears Heaviest Burden
The data reveals a deeply concerning hierarchy of debt, with Vodafone Idea shouldering the most substantial portion of this colossal liability. The financially strained operator faces a daunting total of Rs 89,952 crore in outstanding dues.
Following closely behind is the Bharti Group, with its dues firmly pegged at Rs 51,091 crore. The Tata Group occupies the third position with Rs 20,426 crore, while MTNL's obligations amount to Rs 14,462 crore. Notably, Reliance Jio Infocomm appears with the smallest liability among the major players, standing at Rs 1,984 crore.
Frozen Dues and Reassessment Committee
A significant portion of Vodafone Idea's debt, specifically Rs 87,695 crore relating to the period between FY2006–07 and FY2018–19, has been officially frozen. However, this freeze comes with a critical caveat: these amounts remain subject to comprehensive reassessment by authorities.
In response to this complex financial situation, the Department of Telecom took decisive action on January 30 by establishing a specialized committee. This body has been tasked with determining the precise outcome of the reassessment process for Vodafone Idea's frozen dues.
Committee Composition and Authority
The newly formed committee boasts a distinguished composition designed to ensure impartiality and expertise. It includes a retired Secretary-level officer from the Government of India alongside a representative nominated by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
The committee operates under a strict timeline, with instructions to finalize the reassessment outcome within two months, unless granted an extension. Crucially, the official statement emphasizes that "the decision of the committee shall be final, binding on both parties (DoT and VIL)." This establishes the committee's determinations as legally conclusive for both the Department of Telecom and Vodafone Idea.
This revelation underscores the profound financial challenges facing India's telecom sector while highlighting the government's structured approach to resolving these substantial revenue claims through established parliamentary oversight and specialized assessment mechanisms.
