The number of complaints related to unsolicited calls and messages against telemarketers received by telecom services providers have increased to average 46,402 a month over the last one year, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Milind Deora in a written reply to the Lok Sabha said, "…complaints related to unauthorised telemarketing activity from un-registered telemarketers (those who are not registered with TRAI), has increased during the last one year."
For the period between August 5, 2012 and August 4, 2013, the total number of complaints received stood at 5,56,834, which translates into an average of 46,402 complaints per month.
On the other hand, the total number of complaints between September 27, 2011 to August 4, 2012 stood at 1,49,882 or on an average 14, 998 complaints per month, Mr. Deora added.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has laid down a framework through Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2010, for addressing unsolicited commercial communications, he said, adding these regulations came into force with effect from September 27, 2011.
TRAI has also issued various amendments to these regulations and a number of directions to make the regulatory framework more effective.
Further, Mr. Deora informed that in pursuance of efforts by the sector regulator, a total of about three lakh telephone connections of un-registered telemarketers have been disconnected by service providers, while names and addresses of 25, 295 such subscribers have been put into the blacklist.