The screening committee set up to select the next chairman of telecom sector regulator TRAI has shortlisted three candidates—finance secretary Arun Ramanathan, Consumer affairs secretary Yashwant Bhave and former BSNL director S D Saxena. Many a times it has been pointed out that the Independent Regulator’s office should not become a sinecure for retired bureaucrats and the job should be equally attractive for experts in the field. But, this development shows that these institutions, still only attract bureaucrats. What puzzles me is that why does the regulator’s office not attract non-bureaucrats? (more…)

This started out as an experiment, but the end result was both interesting and exciting. (more…)

In a bid to improve the functioning of electricity regulatory commissions (ERC), the Planning Commission has mooted an exclusive first-of-its-kind state-wise ranking system of these regulatory bodies based on their efficiency. Montek Singh endorsed this in a public meeting recently. While I have great respect for Montek but ranking of regulators will have no impact on the outcomes of the power sector. He misses the point. (more…)

We have defined 33 Consumer Segments, which together represent the entire urban spectrum of India. (more…)

A lot is being talked about capping of CEO salaries by the government. Who should decide the salary of the CEOs? (more…)