New Delhi:
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has written to the Prime Minister wanting to step down as head of Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Telecom.
Here's the full text of the letter:I am thankful to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for giving me the responsibility of heading the Empowered Group of Ministers on vacation of spectrum and Auction of 3G Spectrum, and to look into the grant of licence and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service areas.
However, attempts have been made in the past to unnecessary drag me in the controversy surrounding the allocation of 2G spectrum. These allegations were false and ill-motivated, which I strongly refuted. Neither in the personal capacity nor in the official, I was connected with any of the decision making process in this sector.
At this juncture, I believe that my association in the decision making process as the Chairman of the EGOM, may further motivate the vested elements to try to drag me in the controversy. As such, I thought it will be appropriate for me to recuse myself from the position of the Chairman of the EGOM on this subject.
I had communicated the same to the Prime Minister who in turn has agreed to relieve me from the responsibility of the Chairman of EGOM on vacation of spectrum and Auction of 3G Spectrum, and to look into the grant of licence and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service areas.