Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations, met Secretary DOT, Sri Rakesh Garg today and discussed about the Revival of BSNL and connected matters.

Com. Namboodiri pointed out the need for urgent financial assistance to BSNL from the government so that it can purchase equipment and develop and expand the services. He stated that it was because of the equipment crunch from 2006 onward, due to the cancellation of the 45 million mobile tender, that BSNL started down sliding. He requested that the refund of spectrum charges coming to more than Rs. 6,000 crores and also the USOF allotment of Rs. 1,250 crores in lieu of ADC may be paid at the earliest. Secretary DOT stated that the government will certainly help BSNL for its revival and the issues stated will be taken care of. At the same time, he also mentioned that there are several complaints about the services to the public, which have to be improved a lot. He mentioned his own experience while in UP as also in Delhi. He appreciated the workers of Kerala for better service and profit. Com. Namboodiri explained in brief about the action and propaganda being made among the workers by the Forum for improving the services through which the services are improving.

Com. Namboodiri placed before the Secretary DOT about the hardship of the BSNL pensioners due to delay on settlement of the 78.2% IDA fixation for pre-2007 as also post-2007 pensioners. He requested that the Cabinet Note as required by the Department of Expenditure be prepared early and submitted to the cabinet for taking a decision. Secretary agreed to look in to the matter and expedite the same.
Com. Namboodiri thanked the Secretary DOT for the meeting and requested that such meetings may be granted in future also.