Put all capex on hold, stop tenders, DoT tells cash-strapped BSNL

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is learnt to have asked state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) to put all tenders and purchase order on hold, as the company is facing financial crisis.

The finance department of BSNL issued order in this regard on June 2, directing all its circle heads to take prior approval of corporate officer located in Delhi before floating any new tenders for capital expenditure, according to official sources.

“The order issued to circle heads on June 12 says that BSNL is passing through a temporary financial stress and is not in a position to clear the accumulated liabilities,” a BSNL official on the condition of anonymity told PTI.