Sharp variations in revenue receipts from telecom services have prompted the finance ministry to press for a review of the audit and control mechanisms of the department of telecommunications.
Finance ministry sources told Business Standard that the move was aimed at bolstering realisation of non-tax revenues from sectors that have been opened to the private sector.
Sources said with the liberalisation of the economy, non-tax revenues, especially from new sources like telecom and petroleum sectors, were expected to increase.
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However, not much receipts were forthcoming in the last couple of years, they added.
The hunt for additional revenues has led the finance ministry to focus on all other revenue streams, including dividend and interest payments from public sector undertakings.
Sources said even the Comptroller and Auditor General of India had written in 1999 to the Telecom Commission seeking proper audit of licence fees.