The latest instruction / order issued by the DOT that the BSNL unions/Associations cannot directly correspond with DOT is a misguided one. BSNL was formed from the DOT and a lot of issues concerning the BSNL staff are still to be settled by the DOT, including that of pension and some retirement benefits. Wages and some other staff issues also need the approval of DOT. The policy decision with regard to functioning of BSNL is taken at DOT/government level in which the BSNL and its employees are very much interested. There are a lot of similar issues which have to be decided by the DOT or to be approved by the DOT.

In such a situation, the BSNL Employees Unions will have to take up these issues with DOT. Unless there is much pressure, just like strike notice, the BSNL management does not bring them to the notice of the DOT. Therefore, it is necessary to have a channel of communication for the unions with DOT in the interest of the BSNL and its employees.