BSNL revival plan lacks vision: Staff union

An employees’ union of State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has sought “immediate” closure of loss-making telephone exchanges, estimated to be about 17,000-18,000, a demand if considered would impact Digital India initiatives. The union believes BSNL’s revival plan submitted before the government lacks vision.

In a letter to BSNL Chairman and MD PK Purwar, Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association (SNEA) has sought relocation of GSM Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) from these exchanges. About 99 per cent of these exchanges are in rural areas, with some of them in the border areas. The letter, signed by SNEA General Secretary Sebastin K, said that “massive” investments are needed for BSNL’s revival, even as it stresses on more funding for 5G.