(a) whether the officers of the BSNL had registered their protest by observing silence at Rajghat in December, 2002; and
(b) if so, the demands put for the by them and the action being taken by the Government in this regard ?
(a) whether the officers of the BSNL had registered their protest by observing silence at Rajghat in December, 2002; and
(b) if so, the demands put for the by them and the action being taken by the Government in this regard ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Their demands inter-alia includes extension of five year limit for deemed deputation, continuous recruitment to `Indian Telecom Service` cadre through Union Public Service Commission, cadre review of Indian Telecom Service, upgradation of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Board & financial viability of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
The demands of the Officers of BSNL are under the consideration in consultation with the concerned Departments/Ministries. To ensure the financial viability of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, the Government has agreed to provide certain package of measures viz., moratorium on repayment of principal and interest upto 31.3.2004 on government loans, exemption from payment of dividend on preference share capital upto 31.3.2004. BSNL will also enjoy 50% and 25% waiver on dividend due on equity for the years 2002-03 and 2003-04 respectively. Payment of license fee and spectrum charges by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will be set off against reimbursements upto 31.3.2003 of losses incurred on account of rural telephony operations or other socially desirable projects.