(a) whether the Government has not received any dividend from
MahanagarTelephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in the last two years i.e. 2009-2010 and 2010-2011;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(d) whether the Government has fixed any responsibility in this regard; and
(e) if not, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA)
(a) Yes, Madam,
(b) MTNL has not earned any profit during 2009-10 and 2010-11. As per Ministry of
Finance guidelines, all profit-making PSEs have to declare a minimum dividend on equity of
20% or a minimum dividend pay out of 20% of post-tax profits, whichever is higher.
The minimum dividend pay out in respect of Oil, Petroleum, Chemical and other infrastructure
sectors should be 30% of post-tax profits.
(c) to (e) Do not arise in view of (b) above.