BSNL & MTNL

A report tabled before the Parliament states that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has 2,298 vacant plots across the country, out of which 139 are under encroachments. Similarly, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) has total 25 vacant plots, out of which 9 plots are under encroachment in Delhi & Mumbai. In Mumbai almost all (8 out of 9) the vacant plots of MTNL are under encroachment.

Unlike their telecom businesses that have been taken away by their competitors, these government properties have been encroached not just by poor, but also super-wealthy people and big shops are being run from the premises in posh localities. What is surprising is that no action is being taken by the management of both the PSUs to protect public assets.