New Delhi: The central government have instructed Central Gov offices only to use BSNL and MTML services. The government has directed that only BSNL and MTNL telecom services should be used in central ministries, public departments, and public sector units.
"The government of India has, inter-alia, approved the mandatory utilisation of capacities of BSNL and MTNL by all ministries/departments of government of India, CPSEs, central autonomous bodies," a memorandum issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said.
The Department of Expenditure's note accompanying the memorandum mentioned that the decision to mandate the use of BSNL and MTNL telecom service was taken by the Cabinet.
"All ministries/departments are accordingly requested to issue necessary instructions including to CPSEs/Central Autonomous organisations under their control for mandatory utilisation of BSNL/MTNL network for internet/ broadband, landline and leased line requirements," the DoT memorandum said.
The order was issued on October 12 to all the secretaries and departments under the central government after consultation with the finance ministry. The memorandum issued to various departments states that the cabinet has used BSNL and MTNL services in public sector offices. This move is part of the central government's efforts to help BSNL to recover from huge losses. In 2019-20, BSNL had a record loss of Rs 15,500 crore and Rs 3,694 crore for MTNL.