Government  to entities accountable for unsolicited calls
ECONOMY & POLICY

Government to entities accountable for unsolicited calls

The government has proposed holding accountable banks, insurance firms, real estate developers, brokers, and other entities, including agencies engaging in 'pesky calls' on their behalf, for contacting individuals through unregistered telephone numbers regulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). This represents the latest effort by the government and the telecom regulator to tackle the persistent issue that they have struggled to control for over two decades, despite previous initiatives such as the now-defunct 'do not disturb' service. Although Trai has discussed measures to address the problem, none of the agencies have yet established guidelines to address the unauthorised sale of personal data used by banks and real estate agents to make unsolicited calls, often featuring pre-recorded messages promoting properties or insurance schemes.

Recognising the violation of consumer rights and classifying unsolicited calls as an ‘unfair trade practice’, the consumer affairs department conducted a consultation with stakeholders recently and circulated draft guidelines to tackle the issue.

According to sources, under the proposed guidelines, calls made for business promotion from phone numbers not registered with the regulator would be classified as 'pesky calls.' The department's guidelines will primarily focus on safeguarding consumer interests and aiding them in identifying unwanted calls. Upon receiving complaints from consumers about such calls through the National Consumer Helpline, action would be initiated under the Consumer Protection Act.

It has been learned that there will be three distinct series of numbers — '140' for marketing, '160' for service-related calls, and '111' for government agencies to alert or inform citizens — to facilitate easy identification of the caller's purpose. A panel comprising members from the telecom industry, regulatory bodies such as telecom and financial services departments, the Reserve Bank of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, Trai, the Cellular Operators Association of India, telemarketing companies, and consumer organisations has been formed by the consumer affairs department.

The department emphasised that such calls not only infringe upon users' privacy but also violate consumers' rights. ""A majority of these calls originate from the financial services sector, followed by real estate. It has also been observed that spam callers are increasingly turning to internet calls, particularly via WhatsApp, to entice customers into ponzi schemes, crypto investments, and job offers,"" the department commented in a previous statement.

(Source: ET realty)

The government has proposed holding accountable banks, insurance firms, real estate developers, brokers, and other entities, including agencies engaging in 'pesky calls' on their behalf, for contacting individuals through unregistered telephone numbers regulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). This represents the latest effort by the government and the telecom regulator to tackle the persistent issue that they have struggled to control for over two decades, despite previous initiatives such as the now-defunct 'do not disturb' service. Although Trai has discussed measures to address the problem, none of the agencies have yet established guidelines to address the unauthorised sale of personal data used by banks and real estate agents to make unsolicited calls, often featuring pre-recorded messages promoting properties or insurance schemes. Recognising the violation of consumer rights and classifying unsolicited calls as an ‘unfair trade practice’, the consumer affairs department conducted a consultation with stakeholders recently and circulated draft guidelines to tackle the issue. According to sources, under the proposed guidelines, calls made for business promotion from phone numbers not registered with the regulator would be classified as 'pesky calls.' The department's guidelines will primarily focus on safeguarding consumer interests and aiding them in identifying unwanted calls. Upon receiving complaints from consumers about such calls through the National Consumer Helpline, action would be initiated under the Consumer Protection Act. It has been learned that there will be three distinct series of numbers — '140' for marketing, '160' for service-related calls, and '111' for government agencies to alert or inform citizens — to facilitate easy identification of the caller's purpose. A panel comprising members from the telecom industry, regulatory bodies such as telecom and financial services departments, the Reserve Bank of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, Trai, the Cellular Operators Association of India, telemarketing companies, and consumer organisations has been formed by the consumer affairs department. The department emphasised that such calls not only infringe upon users' privacy but also violate consumers' rights. A majority of these calls originate from the financial services sector, followed by real estate. It has also been observed that spam callers are increasingly turning to internet calls, particularly via WhatsApp, to entice customers into ponzi schemes, crypto investments, and job offers, the department commented in a previous statement. (Source: ET realty)

Next Story
Real Estate

Vikas Jain named President of NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen

Vikas Jain, CEO of Labdhi Lifestyle, has been appointed President of NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, succeeding Ridham Gada, who now serves as Vice-Chairman. Jain, a first-generation developer and turnaround specialist, aims to steer the youth wing of NAREDCO Maharashtra through a finance-driven and tech-enabled growth phase. Under his leadership, the association will prioritise project financing, RERA compliance, technology adoption, and future-ready leadership. “It is an honour to lead NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen. This platform empowers the next generation of real estate leaders,” Jain sai..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

TP Solar Crosses 4 GW Solar Output at Tamil Nadu Plant

TP Solar Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) and the manufacturing division of Tata Power, has announced a major production milestone—crossing 4 GW of solar module output at its advanced facility in Tamil Nadu.As of 31 May 2025, the plant has cumulatively manufactured 4.049 GW of solar modules and 1.441 GW of solar cells. This milestone underscores the company’s growing role in supporting India’s clean energy transition and self-reliance in renewable energy manufacturing.Looking ahead, TP Solar is targeting 3.7 GW of solar cell output and 3.7..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aayush Art and Bullion Reports 1000 per cent Rise in FY25 Revenue

Aayush Art and Bullion Ltd (BSE: 540718), formerly AKM Creations Ltd, has announced its audited standalone financial results for H2 and the full financial year ending 31 March 2025, showcasing a sharp surge in both revenue and profitability. The company attributes this stellar performance to robust demand across its key verticals and strategic execution initiatives.For FY25, the company reported revenue of Rs 737.7 million, marking a 1,000 per cent year-on-year increase compared to Rs 73.3 million in FY24. Net profit for FY25 stood at Rs 18.1 million, a jump of 696 per cent over the Rs 2.6 mil..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?