One important hurdle in the growth of BSNL is the sad fact that the top management of BSNL who has to plan and execute important decisions does not belong to BSNL, but is on deputation. While the 3.5 lakhs executives and non-executives got absorbed in BSNL after corporatisation, the 1600 and odd ITS officers continued on deputation, except very few who got absorbed.

All top positions in BSNL like Chief General Managers, General managers etc. are occupied by ITS officers. They continue to be in the government service. This anomalous situation had a very unhealthy environment for the growth of BSNL.  Our strong opinion is that the BSNL should be managed by officers who belong to the organisation itself. That will result in more commitment and improve the functioning of the company itself. At present the future career prospects of the top management officers are not related with the growth of BSNL, but rest with the government, whether the company grows or not.  We had suggested that new recruitment should take place to these posts and also that capable and eligible officials working in BSNL  should be promoted to these posts. This will bring both experience and expertise.

BSNL was having about Rs.40,000 crore at its disposal when the company was formed. If this reserve has been used effectively for expansion and development, the present situation would have been different. In short we want  that BSNL should be managed by a top management committed to the growth of the company.