DoT open to expand list of offences in draft telecom Bill, say officials

Growing international focus on India's fast growing tele-scammers has led govt to specifically focus on call-based frauds and scams, sources say

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is open to suggestions from the private sector to expand the list of recognised offences (Schedule 3) in the draft telecom Bill, but it is not keen on reducing the penalties, officials have said.

“The government believes that punitive action in the form of fines is necessary in certain types of fraud that have risen sharply in the past few years. Subsequently, the draft Bill has listed the penalties for these,” an official said, adding that the DoT will now wait for any suggestion from the private sector on the list of offences.

Officials, however,