People's Democracy

Do Not Kill BSNL

The following is the text of a press release issued by joint forum of BSNL unions / associations of non-executives and executives on July 14, 2007.

THE joint forum of BSNL unions/ associations of non- executives and executives demands the minister of Communications & IT and BSNL management to procure the 45.5 million GSM lines decided two years back, without further delay.

The undue delay in sorting out the issue has already taken a heavy toll on BSNL. While BSNL is capable of providing connections of 15-20 lakhs in a month, it has not been able to provide any substantial number of connections since April 2007. As per the latest data compiled by cellular operators association, BSNL has shown negative growth during the last three months. It is sliding down to the lowest position amongst the GSM providers, from its earlier second position.

Employees working in thousands of BSNL customer centers, spread all over the country, are facing the anger of the irritated public when they are told that BSNL is unable provide GSM new lines. The people who wanted BSNL lines are naturally angry and are going to private companies as there is no other choice. In many centers, the employees are abused and threatened.

BSNL, the number one telecom company in the country and a major GSM lines provider is facing a very critical situation it never faced. Even after the entire workers and officers have been compelled to go on a one day strike on July 11, 2007 as a ‘wake up call’ to the government and the management, there seems to be no urgency on their part. The joint forum has cautioned the management that if the issue is not settled within 14 days, there is no alternative before the workers but to go on an indefinite strike to save BSNL and its workers. (INN)