Meeting with CMD BSNL on22nd July 2006.

In the backdrop of the decisions taken by the Joint Forum and the serious preparations for the agitational programmes including strike, a meeting was arranged by the CMD BSNL Shri A.K.Sinha on 22nd July 2006. BSNL senior officers were also present.
Detailed discussions took place in the meeting, the gist of which is given below:
1. No Disinvestment of BSNL – The Joint Forum strongly opposed to the proposal of IPO worth 10% of the paid up capital over and above the existing shares, which will be only moving to privatization. CMD stated that there is no requirement of additional funds now and that there need not be any apprehension about IPO.
2. No unbundling of local loop – Though a committee under the chairmanship of Secretary DOT has been formed, no decision has been taken so far in the matter. The committee will look in to all options. He also mentioned that the earlier assurance of the Minister in this matter still holds good.
3. No sharing of BSNL infrastructure – The JF strongly opposed the move to share BSNL infrastructure. The move to erect towers of private companies in BSNL premises was also pointed out. CMD stated there is no proposal at present.
The JF also demanded that there should be no reduction in revenue sharing by the private companies. The delay in grant of Navaratna status to BSNL was pointed out with the demand that it should be granted early. The immediate need for grant of autonomy for BSNL, Expansion of Mobile and Broadband services and amicable settlement of ITS absorption issue were also discussed.
Demonstrations on 27th July and sending of Telegrams to the Prime minister were successfully organized. (To be continued).