CABINET FREEZES VODAFONE IDEA AGR DUES AND EXTENDS PAYMENT TIMELINE — A POLICY MOVE TO PROTECT COMPETITION AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Background of the Cabinet Decision The Union Cabinet has approved a major financial relief framework for Vodafone Idea Ltd. (Vi) by freezing its Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues at ₹87,695 crore as on December 31, 2025, and allowing repayment over a 10-year period from FY 2032 to FY 2041. The decision follows Vi’s representation to the government seeking relief after a series of Supreme Court orders permitted reassessment of dues in view of public interest considerations. Government Stake and Sectoral Stability Concerns The relief package is closely tied to the government’s strategic interest in Vi, where it acquired a 49% equity stake earlier this year to prevent market concentration and safeguard competition in the telecom sector. The government emphasized that Vodafone Idea’s continued existence as a viable operator is essential to prevent a duopoly and to protect nearly 200 million (20 crore) subscribers dependent on the network. The telecom sector was described as critical nation...