(a) whether the Government is considering is to revamp BSNL;
(b) whether it is a fact that Government‘s communication system is totally dependent on BSNL and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government proposes to make BSNL functional at par with private mobile companies and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the number of officers and employees working in BSNL currently;
(e) the present financial status of BSNL; and
(f) the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
(SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) to (c) The Government approved the revival plan for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) on 23.10.2019. The revival plan inter-alia, includes measures to reduce the Staff cost through a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for employees of age 50 years and above, administrative allotment of spectrum for providing 4G services with funding through budgetary allocation, monetisation of non-core and core assets to generate resources to retire debt, meet CAPEX and other requirements, debt restructuring by raising of Sovereign Guarantee Bonds and in-principle approval for merger of BSNL and MTNL. These measures are expected to help BSNL turn around and remain competitive.
BSNL plays a significant role in providing communication systems under various projects of Government inter-alia Bharatnet, Network for Spectrum for Defence, for improving communication systems in North Eastern Region, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, border areas and other inaccessible areas.
(d). Total number of officers/employees in BSNL as on 31.10.2021 are 63,010 (Executive-29,832 and Non-Executive-33,178).
(e) to (f) The financial Status of BSNL as on 31.03.2021 is as under:
( Amount in Rs Cr)
Year 2020-21
Total Income 18,595
Total Expenditure 26,036
Net Profit/ (Loss) (7,441)