Why Imports when Domestic Design Led Telecom can meet requirements
Rakesh Kumar (R.K.) Bhatnagar
Retd. ADVISOR (Technology), DOT, India and now International Telecom Regulatory Consultant
ANOTHER STORY IN SUPPORT OF INDIAN DOMESTIC DESIGN LED TELECOM INDUSTRY based on a detailed 194 Page CHINA TELECOM Imports to India CASE STUDY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY is captured below:
i. Products with huge Chinese Imports are there in-spite of MULTIPLE DOMESTIC DESIGN LED PLAYERS including PLI Awardees who can meet the entire Exports
ii. System Integrators are presently free to source from Domestic or Imported OEMs.
iii. It just suggests that LAND BORDER Policy is not being adhered strictly.
iv. Strict control on traders is required.
v. Investigations are required on adequacy of present Basic Custom Duties
vi. Incorrect Description by Importers to avoid Basic Custom Duties.
vii. Many of these Imports are then shown as Domestic Make in India Products by ‘On Paper Manipulation. Evidence is shared with Government including concerned Ministries and PSUs but hardly any action is taken against defaulters.
viii. Unless strongest action is taken against erring officials as suggested in Public Procurement (Make in India) Policy, violations will continue.
ix. Public Procurement Make in India Policy of DPIIT after including Class I and Class II players consistent with DPIIT Order is yet to be notified through DoT Gazette Notification that could have provided an update of 2018 notification.
PMI policy is very urgent for domestic Telecom Industry:
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a. There is no notified list for Class-I products in line with DPIIT’s updated Policy of 2020
b. No rules to get rid of Chinese white label equipment.
c. In turnkey tenders, System Integrators get away with supplying foreign make Telecom products as they make up domestic VA by other mechanical, electrical or civil products.
d. Many customers claim older MII 2018 DoT Gazette notification is no more Valid.
x. GEM Portal procurement needs a review as lot of Chinese products are still allowed to be inducted in Government/ PSU orders.
xi. Many Products are Security Sensitive.
The Case Study is picked up by media as well as per details below.
"TCS, Tejas, local firms seek check on Chinese telecom equipment imports"
Most of the lacunae is known and rules are being flouted . Are PSUs the only providers of national network? Are others players exempt from National security issues? Most of the traffic and data (may be 80-90%) are handled by non govt operators. Security and indigenization should be the concern of the Govt in all seriousness. Policies are generally good but biased and ulterior concerns ruin the noble objectives.