BSNL is planning to outsource its 40,000 and odd towers in a bid to reduce its expenditure in maintenance and operation of the same. It is reported that about 20-25% of the total expenditure of the company relates to this item alone. It is also reported that the company has already started leasing /sharing the towers with the private companies.

These are all parts of the neo-liberalisation policy. After spending thousands of crore o f rupees for installing and making all infrastructures, they are being allowed for the use of the private companies for a minimum revenue sharing or rent. The maximum benefit of the towers is handed over to the private companies on a silver plate. The loss of the company, a creation of the wrong policy of the government and the inefficient management, is made a justification for the same.  CMD BSNL has stated that the process may get about Rs. 3,000 crore to BSNL. We have to watch and see.

It is to be noted that such important decisions are taken by the management even without consultation to the unions, important stakeholders of the company.  Unions get the information through the newspapers/media only.