Govt seeks telcos' foreign CXO details

NEW DELHI: The government has asked telecom companies to furnish the personal details of foreign nationals employed by them, as CMD or CEO and CFO, besides giving information like shareholding pattern and overseas collaborations, on annual basis for security clearances.

In a letter to all cellular mobile operators and unified licencees, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has said if any of such position is held by a foreign national, it would require to be security vetted by the ministry of home affairs on yearly basis.

This is as per the notification of the revised guidelines vide Press Note-3 in connection with enhancement of the FDI ceiling from 49% to 74% in the telecom sector.

As per the guidelines, ���the position of the chairman, managing director, chief executive officer (CEO) and/or chief financial officer (CFO), if held by foreign nationals, would require to be security vetted by MHA���.

Security vetting shall be required periodically on yearly basis. ���In case something adverse is found during the security vetting, the direction of MHA shall be binding on the licencee.���

In case of individuals, DoT has sought personal details, including passport number and nationality of the foreign national. While in case of firms, they need to submit complete details, including foreign collaborator, shareholding pattern for applicant company and investing company etc.