Telcos owe govt `1.4 lakh crore in AGR dues as of FY26, Min tell RS

Telecom operators cumulatively owe the government over ₹1.4 lakh crore in adjusted gross revenue dues as on March 31, 2026, Parliament was informed on Thursday.  

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Telecom Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that the total adjusted gross revenue dues are subject to revision based on representations by telecom service providers, departmental assessments, audit observations, and court cases. 

Data shared by the minister shows that Vodafone Idea has the highest outstanding amount of ₹66,149 crore. It is followed by Bharti Airtel with total dues of ₹41,178.58 crore, Tata Group with ₹16,649.77 crore, and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited with ₹14,870.39 crore, while Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has no outstanding amount. 

"The adjusted gross revenue dues amounting to ₹1,18,550.45 crore pertain to moratorium and restructuring packages to Vodafone Idea," the minister stated. 

Telecom companies must pay a portion of revenue earned from selling telecom services to the government, derived as adjusted gross revenue after deducting other revenue components such as rentals and pass-through charges from gross revenue.           

-PTI