Nripendra Misra now heads Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

Nripendra Misra now heads Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

The Indian telecom authority TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has a new head in the form of former Secretary of the Department of Telecom (DoT), Mr. Nripendra Misra. He takes over from Mr. Pradip Baijal who retired after a three-year stint at the top of this government body.

Nripendra Misra is a 1967 IAS officer and has worked in close quarters with the Communications and IT Minister, Mr. Dayanidhi Maran. He was the DoT Secretary and had assisted in formulating some key policy decisions including the Broadband Policy.

He has also served in various administrative field positions and as Special Secretary of Finance of Uttar Pradesh. He was also the Director in the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Division from 1981 to 1985.

There are many challenges ahead for Misra as he arrives at a volatile time in the Indian telecom and broadband market. He would be required to regulate the broadcast sector, including the vastly unorganized cable TV sector. He would also have to focus on the emerging technologies around the world.

Misra also has the tough task of reviewing further reduction in access deficit charge within two months of taking charge, and also oversee its eventual withdrawal by 2009.