BSNL loss widens to Rs 8,161 crore in FY23

Loss for state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has widened to Rs 8,161 crore in FY23, compared to Rs 6,982 crore. The increase in consolidated losses for the telecom operator during the year is due to the provision for adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the government.

During the year, the company made a provision of AGR dues worth Rs 17,688 crore, and received the viability gap funding of Rs 16,189 crore. Owing to this adjustment, the company showed an exceptional loss of Rs 1,499 crore, which increased its total net losses.

BSNL’s total expenses rose 5.1% to Rs 27,364 crore. Of the Rs 27,364 crore, employee cost, which includes salaries, wages, allowances, and other benefits, was at Rs 7,952 crore, an increase of 11% from FY22.