Will the Minister of SPACE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any legal objections were raised against the leasing of transponder space on Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) satellites to Devas Multimedia;

(b) if so, whether legal objections were taken into account before taking a decision to lease out transponders to Devas by ISRO;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether necessary clearances were given by the Government to lease out transponders to Devas by ISRO;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether Devas had made advance payment for the development of satellites;

(g) if so, the details thereof; and

(h) the total expenditure incurred on the development of satellites and the amount paid by Devas?
ANSWER: MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY):

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) & (d) The proposal for leasing of transponders on ISRO Satellites to Devas was approved by Antrix Board within its powers and did not come before the Government for any legal scrutiny or approval.

(e) Does not arise.

(f) & (g) No, Sir. Devas had made advance payment of ` 58.37 crores to Antrix Corporation as per the terms of the Agreement towards upfront capacity reservation fee for the two satellites.

(h) Total expenditure incurred on development of satellites up to March 31, 2011 is ` 231.45 crores.

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