(a) the steps being taken by the Government to help BSNL recover from losses and to make it more competitive in comparison to other telecom companies of private sector;
(b) whether the Government is taking any steps for the future of technical staff and engineering staff of BSNL;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS,
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)
(a) to (d) The Cabinet in the meeting held on 23.10.2019 approved a revival plan for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) which inter-alia, includes reduction in staff cost through Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for employees of age 50 years and above, administrative allotment of spectrum to BSNL for providing 4G services, monetisation of its assets, debt restructuring through sovereign guarantee bonds and in-principle approval for merger of BSNL and MTNL.
With the revival plan, it is expected that BSNL will turn around soon and become more competitive. The improved financial performance of BSNL will ultimately benefit employees of BSNL including technical and engineering staff.
************