B K Chaturvedi Committee to look into Antrix-Devas Deal on S-band Spectrum

The Indian Government on 10 February 2011 appointed a two member committee to review the controversial deal which ISRO's commercial arm Antrix had struck with Devas for lease of scarce S-band spectrum. The two-member Committee is headed by B K Chaturvedi, Member, Planning Commission and will also include Professor Roddam Narasimha, Member, Space Commission,. The committee was asked to review the technical, commercial, procedural and financial aspects of the agreement between Antrix and Devas Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. The panel is also expected to review the appropriateness of procedures and approval processes followed by Antrix, ISRO and Department of Space as well as suggest improvements and changes. The Committee has been asked to submit its recommendations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh within one month from its constitution.