In exercise of the powers conferred by sub rule 2 of rule 14 of the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (G.S.R. 16E) issued by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, published on January 8, 2021. This notification constitutes an amendment to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016. The core purpose of this amendment, as evidenced by the text, is to update the designated officers within various State Governments and Union Territories who are responsible for matters related to the Right of Way Rules. The key finding is that the amendment modifies the list of designated officers for Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh by either adding, substituting, or omitting entries. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of the amendment (G.S.R. 16E) to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016, based solely on the information provided within the government notification text. The report will cover the policy overview, rationale for the amendment, key changes, target audience, implementation aspects, expected outcomes, and a concluding summary. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification amends the original Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016, specifically referencing notification number G.S.R. 624E, dated the 19th June, 2017. The core objective of this amendment, based on the text, appears to be to update and maintain an accurate list of designated officers in State Governments and Union Territories for the purpose of implementing the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely stems from changes in administrative structures or personnel within the State Governments and Union Territories. The notification serves to ensure that the correct and current officers are designated for handling matters related to the Right of Way Rules, which are essential for efficient telecommunications infrastructure development. The changes likely reflect personnel changes since the original designation. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification focuses specifically on amending the "TABLE" within the original notification (G.S.R. 624E, dated the 19th June, 2017). The key changes are: * **Goa:** A new entry (5A) is *inserted* designating the "Secretary, Information Technology" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. * **[Entry Omitted]:** Serial number 9 is *omitted*. The text does not clarify which region or position this omission refers to, resulting in less clarity. * **Madhya Pradesh:** A new entry (12A) is *inserted* designating the "Principal Secretary, Science and Technology Department" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. * **Rajasthan:** A new entry (19A) is *inserted* designating the "Principal Secretary, Department of Information Technology and Communication" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. * **Tamil Nadu:** New entries (20A) is *inserted* designating the "Principal Secretary to the Government, Information Technology Department" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. * **Telangana:** A new entry (20B) is *inserted* designating the "Principal Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. * **Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu:** Serial number 27 is *substituted*. The new designated officer is the "Secretary, Information Technology," replacing a previously designated officer (unspecified in this amendment text). This *changes* the designated official. * **Jammu and Kashmir:** New entries (28A) are *inserted* designating the "Financial Commissioner Revenue" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. * **Ladakh:** New entries (28B) are *inserted* designating the "Secretary, Information Technology" as the officer. This *adds* an officer responsible for Right of Way. These changes directly update the list of contact points within the respective state and UT governments for matters related to telegraph right of way. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * Telecommunication companies and infrastructure providers seeking Right of Way permissions. * The designated officers themselves within the State Governments and Union Territories. * The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, and related government agencies. * Citizens who are impacted by telecommunications infrastructure. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, is the responsible agency. * **Timelines or Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined *within this amendment text*. The amendment primarily updates the list of designated officers, and the implementation relies on the existing framework of the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016. The implementation date is effectively the date of publication. * The amendment assumes that all listed secretaries will be made aware of their responsibilities related to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcome of these specific changes is improved efficiency in the Right of Way approval process by ensuring that the correct officers are contacted. This can lead to faster deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, improved connectivity, and economic benefits. By keeping the list current, this amendment aims to streamline communication and prevent delays caused by contacting outdated or incorrect personnel. **9. Conclusion:** The notification G.S.R. 16E represents a procedural update to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016. The core purpose is to maintain an up-to-date list of designated officers within State Governments and Union Territories responsible for facilitating Right of Way permissions. By updating this list, the amendment contributes to a more efficient and streamlined telecommunications infrastructure deployment process, crucial for the development of the digital economy. It is critical to ensure that all listed Secretaries are fully informed and compliant with the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016.

Key Entities Referenced