The telecom department on Wednesday transferred legal advisor Santokh Singh, who was considered close to former telecom minister A. Raja, to his parent ministry of law.
He was with the telecom ministry for over four years. Mr Singh transfer comes on heel of another close associate of Mr Raja, Mr R.K. Chandolia being transferred to his parent cadre the Indian Economic Service. Mr Chandolia was economic advisor in telecom ministry during Mr Raja’s tenure.
Mr Singh’s transfer comes just few months ahead of his superannuation. It is alleged that Mr Singh had supported the controversial decision of Mr Raja not to auction the 2G spectrum in 2008. He had also allegedly took the stand that CAG and CVC could not question the decision of the telecom ministry as these were policy decisions. Mr Singh was linked with the controversial affidavit which was filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court that all the decision taken by the telecom ministry had the blessing of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This had dragged the name of the Prime Minister in the 2G scam and had given the Opposition an opportunity to attack Dr Singh.
It is expected that some more officials will be shunted from the telecom ministry in coming days. The CBI is already looking at the role of some of the senior officials in the wireless planning and co-ordination in the 2G scam.