Telecom package: Discussions between DoT and FinMin at an advanced stage

Matters are also a bit complicated since Telecom Secretary Anshu Prakash is due to retire at the end of September

The Cabinet note for a government support to Vodafone Idea is not yet ready. However, discussions between the Department of Telecom­munications (DoT) and the finance ministry are at an advanced stage. 

Last week there were expectations that the package would be announced during the Cabinet meet. That did not happen as the departments, despite the need to step in, wish to proceed cautiously. 

The challenge for the Centre in developing a Cabinet note is not only to work out a rescue package, a top level official said. There is also no precedent for it. The Centre has never stepped in to rescue