It is well known that Vodafone Idea is currently facing serious financial challenges and the Government of India holds a significant stake in the company. Recent reports suggest that BSNL and Vodafone Idea are exploring infrastructure and spectrum sharing arrangements to reduce costs and accelerate the rollout of 5G services. While such collaboration may appear beneficial in terms of cost efficiency and faster deployment, certain critical questions arise. Given Vodafone Idea’s present crisis, it is understandable that the company may seek support through such partnerships. However, what strategic advantage does BSNL gain by depending on Vodafone Idea for its 5G rollout? BSNL has consistently taken pride in its commitment to the “Atmanirbhar” policy. With nearly one lakh 4G towers recently installed to strengthen its network and attract more customers, the necessity of entering into such a tie-up becomes a matter of concern. In this evolving scenario, who stands to gain and who stands to lose remains an open question. The real impact of this arrangement will only become clear in the near future.

The BSNL Coordination Committee dharna programme was held on 23rd March 2026 with massive participation of regular employees, pensioners, and casual contract workers across BSNL offices nationwide. The programme was organised to highlight the burning issues faced by BSNL employees and pensioners and to protest the attacks from the central government. The Coordination Committee of BSNLEU, AIBDPA, and BSNLCCWF gave a call for this nationwide dharna to demand pay revision, pension revision, repeal of the four Labour Codes, and protection of contract workers from retrenchment. BSNLEU conveys red salute and greetings to all members for making the programme a grand success.

In Bihar, 16 officials in the ATT and TM cadres were converted from GPF to EPF about 10 months ago, following the Corporate Office’s directive for such conversion. While the CNTX(E) Circle and Bihar Circle carried out the conversion, the BSNL management has not deposited their EPF contributions from the date of their joining in ATT/TM cadre. The issue was raised during a formal meeting with the Director (HR), but the matter remains pending at the Corporate Office. The CHQ discussed the issue with PGM (Estt.) and CGM (ETR) and the Circle Secretary also took up the matter with the CGM of Bihar Circle. On 23^rd March, 2026, the CHQ met the Director (HR) and submitted a formal letter regarding this issue. The Director (HR) assured that necessary action would be taken in consultation with the Circle administration and the concerned officer at the Corporate Office.  Letter addressed to the Director (HR) is enclosed herewith.