BSNL denies media reports on closure

An official statement from the Chief General Manager, BSNL, Tamil Nadu Circle said, some false reports have appeared in some sections of media. “These reports are initiated by some vested interests with ulterior motives,” it said

In a clarification to remove any doubts in the minds of the general public, it said there was no proposal to close down BSNL as wrongly reported in a section of the media.

“Due to stiff competition and the lowering of tariff, BSNL is facing a fund crisis for the last few months,” it said. However, the Central government was actively preparing a revival plan for BSNL which would be sent for approval by the Cabinet.

BSNL is a public Sector company, wholly owned by the government, and has been rendering telecom services in extremist-affected areas, remote areas and also for the defence forces.

Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has informed the Lok Sabha that BSNL was needed for the country as a strategic telecom service provider. He also said that BSNL was the only telecom operator providing services to the public even in times of natural calamities such as cyclone, floods, etc.

“In view of these facts, all the general public are hereby informed that BSNL will continue to serve the public for years to come and will continue to provide the best telecom services at the cheapest tariff in a transparent manner,” the statement said.

“We request the general public not to believe any rumours in this regard,” it added.