Dragging the erstwhile BJP-led NDA government into the 2G controversy, former TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) chairman M S Verma on Friday told the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee), probing the scam, that the then regime did not consult the telecom regulator on the issue of allocating '''excess spectrum'' to some private companies, in 2002.

Verma, who headed TRAI between March, 2000 and March 2003, made this submission during his appearance before the JPC, as a witness, for the second consecutive day on Friday.

The JPC Chairman P C Chacko told reporters after the interrogation of the former TRAI head that on being grilled on whether the issue of “excess allocation” of spectrum by the then (NDA) government, in 2002, was referred to the telecom watch dog, “Verma replied in a negative...he said the matter was not referred to TRAI”.

Chacko explained that upto 10 MHz of “excess spectrum, not additional spectrum” was allocated to some companies. “Some members asked him how such a decision was taken and whether TRAI's opinion was sought,” he said.

While TRAI has powers to make suo motu recommendations to government, the regulator did not opt for the option then. Chacko said, in fact, during Verma’s three-year tenure, TRAI  did not make any suo motu recommendations to the government on any issue.

In reply to a question, the JPC chairman said that while TRAI recommendations are not binding on the government, “such matters are expected to be referred (to TRAI)... efficient management of available spectrum comes under the power of TRAI”.

Chacko said the then Secretary, Telecom, would also be asked whether the excess allocation of spectrum was done based on a decision of the Cabinet or it was merely an administrative decision taken by the DoT.