(a) whether the Government has contemplated for the merger of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL);
(b) whether any decision has been taken in this regard;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Employees have submitted their memorandum
to the Government in this regard; and
(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI DAYANIDHI MARAN)
(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF
LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 132 FOR 7TH MARCH, 2007 REGARDING MERGER OF BSNL AND MTNL
(a) to (e) Sir, various options for restructuring of MTNL and BSNL including
merger option is under consideration of the government for bringing higher synergy
in their operation.
The Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL employees had submitted a memorandum to the
Government on various issues concerning telecom sector including the issue of merger
of BSNL and MTNL. The Government is considering all aspects in this regard.