BSNL pulled up for being lax in monetising land assets

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) are sitting on property of Rs 20,000 crore that can be monetised. They have released only Rs 550 crore from land monetisation in the past few years.

Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary had called a review meeting with senior officials of BSNL and MTNL last week for an update of the monetisation process. He has asked for a detailed circle-wise report, with land parcel and reason for the delay or possible hurdles, by May 31.

The management of both BSNL and MTNL said that there are significant issues which are creating hurdles including permissions from state governments, local bodies, and in many cases title ownership of the assets.

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management has approved the monetisation of BSNL assets worth Rs 18,200 crore and six MTNL properties valued at Rs 5,158 crore.

CT Bureau