Policy Update
Sreyoshi Mitra
The Ministry of Communications is a Central Ministry under the Government of India that handles telecommunications and postal services. It was carved out of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on 19th July, 2016. It consists of two departments: the Department of Telecommunications and the Department of Posts. The Department of Telecommunications is also known as the Door Sanchar Vibhag. It concerns itself with policy, licensing and coordination matters including telegraphs, telephones, wireless, data, facsimile and telematic services. Its objectives include providing e-infrastructure for the delivery of e-services, promotion of electronics hardware manufacturing, implementation of research and development frameworks, providing support for the development of e-skills and knowledge networks, securing India’s cyber space and enhancing India’s role in internet governance globally. The Department of Post operates the India Post, which is one of the oldest and most extensive mail services in the world. It is a public sector statutory body headquartered in New Delhi, India. It is involved in delivering mail (post), remitting money by money orders, accepting deposits under Small Savings Schemes, providing life insurance coverage under Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc. The India Post is also the proud custodian of a number of heritage postal buildings that echo the historical evolution and architectural grandeur of bygone eras.
History of the Ministry of Communications
The Ministry of Communications dates back to the colonial era, when the British established formal systems of communication for administrative and military purposes. The Indian postal system was officially instituted in 1854 under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie. The Indian Post Office Act of 1898 formalized the structure and services of the postal network. In parallel, the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 laid the legal foundation for telecommunication services, granting the government exclusive rights to establish and operate telegraph lines. By the early 20th century, India had a widespread telegraph network, and wireless communication had begun to play a role in maritime and military operations. After India gained independence in 1947, the government inherited a communications infrastructure that was functional but limited in reach, especially in rural areas. The Ministry of Communications was established to oversee and develop the country’s postal and telecommunication services. Initially, both services were managed under a unified administrative structure known as the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department. This department was responsible for managing mail delivery, telephone and telegraph services, and financial services like postal savings. Throughout this period, communication services were entirely state-controlled and considered essential public utilities critical to national development.
In 1985, the government initiated a significant reorganization by separating the Department of Telecommunications from the Post and Telegraph Department, recognizing the need for specialized oversight of the rapidly evolving telecom sector. The remaining postal functions continued under the newly designated Department of Post. While telecommunications remained a government monopoly during the 1980s and early 1990s, the quality of service was poor, and public access was limited. The policy shifted after economic liberalisation reforms in 1991. The 1994 National Telecom Policy opened the telecom sector to private players, ending the state’s monopoly and encouraging competition. The establishment of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in 1997 marked the beginning of an independent regulatory framework. In 1999, reflecting the growing convergence between telecommunications and information technology, the government created the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. This umbrella ministry included three departments: the Department of Telecommunications, the Department of Posts, and the Department of Information Technology. The creation of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology facilitated the development of policies to support the rapid growth of mobile networks and internet connectivity in India.
A major restructuring occurred in July 2016 when the MCIT was bifurcated to streamline operations and enhance policy focus. Two separate ministries were formed: the Ministry of Communications, comprising the Department of Telecommunications and the Department of Posts, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which became an independent body focusing on digital governance, data policy, cybersecurity, and the promotion of the IT industry. This division allowed each ministry to focus more effectively on its respective mandates. Today, the Ministry of Communications plays a vital role in the development and regulation of India’s communication landscape. It oversees the implementation of next-generation technologies such as 5G, the expansion of broadband infrastructure through initiatives like BharatNet, and the revival of public-sector enterprises such as BSNL and MTNL.
Functions of the Ministry of Communications
The functions of the Ministry of Communications include, but are not limited to:
- Policy formulation and coordination- The Ministry develops and implements policies for telecommunications, including licensing, spectrum allocation and network infrastructure.
- International cooperation- The Ministry collaborates with its counterparts in other countries and other international bodies on matters of telecommunications.
- Regulation and oversight- The Ministry administers laws related to telegraphs, wireless telegraphy and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. It coordinates with them to ensure fair competition, consumer protection, and service quality.
- Standardisation and research- It promotes the development of standards and encourages development and research in the telecom sector.
- Supervision of organisations- It oversees the operations of various organisations, including the Telecom Commission, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and several other government-owned telecommunications companies.
- Promotion of indigenous technology and manufacturing- Encourages local telecom manufacturing under schemes like the Production Linked Incentive scheme and supports research in communication technologies.
- Postal services management- Manages the vast postal network in India, offering mail, parcel, express, and logistics services to individuals, businesses, and government bodies.
- Support to government schemes- Acts as a delivery mechanism for various government programs such as MGNREGA wage disbursement, Direct Benefit Transfers and passport services in rural areas.
Recent News from the Ministry
In recent developments, the Ministry of Communications has conditionally approved SpaceX’s Starlink to commence satellite-based internet services in the country. This decision follows Starlink’s agreements with major Indian telecom operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio to enhance its digital footprint in India. The approval comes after a debate over spectrum allocation methods for satellite internet services, with Indian authorities ultimately supporting the approach advocated by Elon Musk. Additionally, the TRAI has recommended a five-year allocation of satellite spectrum for commercial communication services, with a possibility of a two-year extension based on market conditions. This framework includes a 4% revenue charge for geostationary and mobile satellite services and aims to balance regulatory strategies with technological and commercial expansion as Starlink prepares to launch in India. Furthermore, the Ministry has launched citizen-centric initiatives, including the Sanchar Saathi mobile app and the National Broadband Mission 2.0, to enhance telecom accessibility and security across the country.
References
- Integrated Government Online Directory. (n.d.). https://igod.gov.in/organization/Gc4zv3QBGZk0jujBKgGW
- Ministry of Communications (India). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Communications_(India)
- Reuters. (2025, May 8). India agrees on conditional nod for Starlink operations in country, CNBC-TV18 reports. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/india-agrees-conditional-nod-starlink-operations-country-cnbc-tv18-reports-2025-05-08/
- Reuters. (2025, May 9). India watchdog recommends 5-year satellite spectrum allocation as Starlink nears entry. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/markets/emerging/indias-telecom-regulator-recommends-allotting-satellite-spectrum-5-years-2025-05-09/
- Ministry of Communications | National Government Services Portal. (n.d.). https://services.india.gov.in/service/ministry_services?ln=en&cmd_id=344
About the Contributor: Sreyoshi Mitra is a Research Intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute. She is currently pursuing a one-year course in Public Policy, Design and Management from the Indian School of Public Policy in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. She has a Master’s in Sociology and is equipped with critical thinking and research skills, focused on applying sociological insights to policy advocacy and passionate about contributing to impactful policy research and policy development.
Acknowledgement: The author sincerely thanks Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and the team at IMPRI for their valuable inputs and contribution.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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