2G scam: CAG's initial 2G loss figure at Rs 2,645 crore, says an RTI note

NEW DELHI: In what may add a fresh twist to the 2G spectrum allocation case, an RTI note has disclosed that CAG had first estimated the loss to the exchequer on account of the scam at just Rs 2,645 crore, far less than the final presumptive loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore arrived at by the CAG. The CBI investigations have, however, pegged the losses at Rs 30,984.55 crore.

As per the CAG documents, accessed through the Right to Information Act, director-general audit (post and telecommunications) RP Singh authored the draft performance audit report of May 31, 2010, on the issue of Unified Access Service licences and allotment of 2G spectrum, putting the losses at Rs 2,645 crore.

The audit showed nine operators were allotted spectrum beyond upper limit laid down in the UAS agreement. While on the one hand, the department of telecommunication was contemplating putting a cap on number of operators in service area due to the non-availability of spectrum, on the other, it was allotting spectrum to existing operators beyond the contracted limit.

RP Singh said, based on the amount charged from CDMA operators for GSM spectrum in 2007, value of spectrum held beyond upper limit worked out to be Rs 2,645 crore. The loss to the exchequer was calculated based on cost inflation index, which rose to 551 (2007-08) from 426 (2001-02).

However, in CAG's final report, this was not considered. As per Singh, CAG headquarters formed its own criteria to put the loss at Rs 1.76 lakh crore.