Mon Jan 20 05:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Modi Government Plans Telecom Sector Relief Package, Targeting AGR Dues

**New Delhi, January 19, 2025** – The Modi government is reportedly preparing a significant relief package for India’s debt-ridden telecom sector, potentially easing the burden of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues owed to the government. Sources suggest the Centre is considering a proposal to waive 50% of interest and 100% of penalties, including interest on penalties, on these dues. This move could provide over ₹1 lakh crore in relief to telecom companies.

Vodafone Idea stands to gain the most, with a potential reduction of over ₹52,000 crore in its AGR liabilities. Bharti Airtel could receive approximately ₹38,000 crore in relief, while Tata Teleservices may see a reduction of ₹14,000 crore. Reliance Jio, which has no outstanding AGR dues, would not be affected.

The proposal is under consideration by the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Telecommunications, and the Cabinet Secretariat, with an announcement potentially coming as early as the February 1st budget. The government’s plan is widely interpreted as an attempt to restructure the telecom landscape and potentially challenge the dominance of Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

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