Why Government wants to implement one more VRS?

Strong rumours are doing the rounds, stating that, BSNL Management and the DoT want to implement one more VRS. One VRS is already implemented. Management expected 30,000 employees would opt for that VRS. But, 80000 employees went on VRS. This is more than two times of the Management's target. Even after this, there is no improvement in BSNL's financial condition. This is because, BSNL has not been able to launch its 4G and 5G services. In a well calculated manner, the Government created the following road-blocks to delay BSNL's 4G launching.

1. Government did not allow BSNL to launch 4G service, by upgrading it's existing 49,300 BTSs. 

2. Government did not permit BSNL to procure its 4G equipments from reputed vendors like Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, etc. The tender floated by BSNL to procure 1,00,000 BTSs was cancelled by the Government.

3. Government imposed the condition that, BSNL should purchase it's 4G equipments only from Indian companies. 

BSNL placed Purchasing Order with TCS and ITI in May 2023, for the supply of 1,00,000 4G BTSs.  It is already 1 year and 4 months. Still, nobody can tell when TCS will commission BSNL's 4G network. BSNL customers are frustrated that, the Company is unable to provide high speed data service. 

The above mentioned road blocks created by the government are the reasons why BSNL could not be revived. Under these circumstances, Government wants to implement one more VRS. Now,  it is crystal clear that, cutting down the employees' strength further, is a major step being taken by the Government, to handover BSNL to some corporates, may be,  Ambani or Adani.

Without realising this danger, some comrades are advising the Union to bargain and settle Wage Revision, before the implementation of next VRS. Settlement of Wage Revision and Revival of BSNL are certainly the top most agenda of the unions and associations. But, if we want to stop BSNL being handed over to the corporates, then, we have to defeat the attempt of the Management and the Government to implement one more VRS.