Telecom is one sector which had outgrown all other sectors during the last few decades. The private sector has outgrown the public sector companies in telecom due to the massive capital investment through FDI and loans from the banks. Another reason is the division of the Telecom services under the DOT in to many companies through corporatisation, like  BSNL,MTNL and VSNL. They  would have grown much more than the private telecom companies had the government has not continued its anti-PSU, anti BSNL-MTNL-VSNL policy. VSNL is privatised and is now Tata Telecommunications. More than 46% shares of MTNL have been sold.

In between, further division of BSNL has taken place by forming BBNL by bifurcation of the former. Move is afoot to form a Tower Company out of BSNL with the intention of privatising the same. Making all these PSUs in to loss is in preparation for privatisation.

This is a critical period. While through the initiative of the  BSNLEU, Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations and the BSNL Management a gradual change for the revival of BSNL is taking place, such a move is yet to take place in MTNL.

It is in this context that the workers and their unions/associations have to revisit the entire strategy to strengthen the public sector telecom companies and providing an excellent service to the customers.  The following points needs consideration.

  1. What is the possibility of merging the telecom PSUs including BSNL, MTNL and BBNL as also C-DOT? What will be the impact of such a merger? What should be the criteria and conditions for such a merger, if the same is to be demanded.
  2. What is the pros and cons of such a merger?
  3. The employees in most of the private telecom companies are  not organised as far as the available information. Much exploitation is taking place. Is it not necessary to organise the workers in these companies? What is to be done in this matter? Why can’t the unions/associations in BSNL/MTNL take the initiative?
  4. Is there any possibilities of forming a composite union for both the executive and non-executive employees in these PSUs? The example of Unions in Nepal Telecom can be examined.
  5. Workers participation in Management is not only an idea. it is to be practiced. At least one post of Director in these PSUs should be granted to the recognised union/s.

Many such suggestions may come if a fruitful discussion take place in the matter. There is no doubt that a revisit is necessary for saving the telecom PSUs.