Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Tuesday that a government committee will be formed to take a decision on the assets of public sector telecom firms Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Mumbai.
The committee, comprising officials from the state urban development department, the BMC and the Central government’s Department of Telecommunications, will submit its report within four weeks, Scindia said in a statement.
Scindia also said the BharatNet project is being implemented to create a fast communication system for every gram panchayat in the country. Scindia commended Maharashtra for its effective implementation of Phase I of the initiative.
Under phase II of the project, a communication system should be established up to every remaining gram panchayat in the state as well, he said.
The minister of communications attended a meeting at Mumbai’s Sahyadri Guest House to discuss BSNL’s assets in the city and the state’s communication infrastructure. Key topics included the status of BSNL and MTNL’s Mumbai assets, mobile tower construction, and connectivity systems under the BharatNet programme.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Union Telecom Secretary Neeraj Kumar, BSNL’s managing director Robert Ravi and others also took part in the meeting.
Fadnavis assured that the state will be at the forefront of the country in the project’s second phase as well.
Reservations on BSNL and MTNL properties in Mumbai will be examined, action will be taken to remove the reservations as per the rules, Fadnavis said. “The government intends to create various facilities for citizens on these properties. The state government will take action based on the recommendations of the committee formed,” he added.
Deputy CM Shinde said if a communication system is established in the remote areas of Gadchiroli, it will be possible for the state government to completely eradicate Naxalism.
In February, the Union finance ministry has come up with a plan to raise Rs16,000 crore by selling off assets belonging to MTNL and BSNL.
MTNL and BSNL have more than 600 land parcels and buildings across India, including prime locations in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
