The judgement of the Delhi High Court for a final disposal of the ITS absorption issue is welcome. For at least the last 5 to 6 years, the issue has been continuing without any final settlement. This has seriously and adversely affected the development and expansion of the company in an unprecedented manner. The company is in loss for the last three years and the top management is answerable. Along with the anti-PSU policy of the government, the uncertainty about the future of the ITS has demoralised the top officers to a very large extend which had its own repercussions in the functioning of  the BSNL. This situation can not continue, if the BSNL has to survive.

It is informed that the BSNL management is trying to approach the Court to get more time for the repatriation, on the plea that the services of these officers are indispensable. Similar was the argument by the Britishers that Indians can not rule the country on their own. It is only a fragile argument. There are sufficient ITS officers who have opted for BSNL who can be posted in the important posts. Even if more is necessary, senior and efficient executives can be posted. The Pitroda committee recommendations in this connection is relevant. Less than 100 senior officers are sufficient to man these posts. If necesaary expeditious recruitment also can be made.

The BSNL management should stand for the company from which they get their salary and not for those who want to leave the company for their career prospects. We don’t have anything against the ITS officers who want to get repatriated for better prospects.  The issue is very simple.  If they want BSNL, BSNL  wants them. If they do not want BSNL, naturally BSNL  also does not want them.

The BSNL Management has to rise to the occasion and has to settle the issue in the interest of BSNL. Any lapse on this will never be condoned or pardoned by the workers or the people of this country who  want BSNL to survive and serve the people.