BSNL started with a staff strength of about 3.5 lakhs in 2000. There were about 3.10 non-executives and 40 thousand executives. During the last 14 years more than 1,40,000 have retired. About 30,000 new recruits, mainly in TTA and JTO cadre have been appointed by BSNL.
Now, what is the present strength of BSNL? As in July it is 2,34,216. The number of executives are 48,164 and the non-executives 1,86, 052. About 800 ITS officers are also working on Permanent Deputation. Thus the total can be increased to 2,35,000.
It is to be remembered that while P and T Department was bifurcated in 1985, DOT had about 6 lakhs staff. It got reduced to 3.5 lakh in 2000 due to retirement and no recruitment.
About 10,000 to 15,000 employees are retiring from BSNL every year, which results in drastic reduction of staff. By ab out 2015 almost all the staff recruited in DOT will retire, except a few appointed on compassionate grounds, regularised casual labour etc.
The average age of the present employees are around 50 years and is going high every year. There is an urgent need for recruitment since fresh blood is required for any organisation.
But the BSNL Management is least worried about it. Now some executives may be engaged. But again, it will not be regular appointment. Management is thinking of engaging executives on contract.
This policy has got to be changed. BSNL being a public sector should give more employment, provide better service and should be financially viable. The actions being taken by the Govt. and the BSNL Management are not conducive to a healthy public sector. Struggle has become inevitable to maintain BSNL.
VAN Namboodiri's Blog 
SIR WHAT IS CURRENT STRENGTH?
more than the need of fresh blood, removal of liable corrupted management is the need of the hour. The new recruits are giving more than they are getting as a meager payment. The whole load is on JTOs and TTA, the upper management staff is not at all bothered, and with the inherent orthodox they cannot understand the ground problems. I don’t think so there is any hope for BSNL.
The new recruits will always be giving better out put since they are better qualified and are young. This has always been the case and is nothing new. The present seniors were younger at that time and they were also getting less salary. The present recruits will get better wages as years increase. Compared to many PSUs and private companies, BSNL employees are getting better wages due to the sustained struggles organised by the unions, for which the present seniors had to suffer termination, suspension, heavy punsishments, leave alone die-non and salary cut. The AUAB is fighting for getting better salary and other benefits. BSNL, despite the discrimination and attacks by the government is continuing as PSU. It is for the younger generation to take the lead and continue the struggle as the seniors have done. Be optimistic and not pessimistic.
The post was posted 4 years back and even now it holds the same facts.
Now the staff strength is 1,70,000.