BSNL to go on strike if Govt fails to implement 45.5 mln GSM order

New Delhi, July 2 (UNI) Employees of the state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigram Ltd (BSNL) today threatened to go on strike, if the Government fails to issue necessary orders for the 45.5 million GSM lines tender that was finalised in October, 2006.

The tender document was floated in March 2006, which was finalised in October last year with successful bidders such as Ericsson and Nokia.

Motorola, another bidder which failed to grab a share of the tender, filed a case against this, that was later withdrawn in April this year.

''Since Motorola has withdrawn the case in April, we demand the government for immediate implementation of the orders at the grassroot level in order to save the company as well as people's interest. Otherwise, we will take some direct actions, including strike,'' BSNL Employees Union General Secretary V A N Namboodiri told reporters here.

He said, ''We are waiting for the Government's reply in this regard by July 10, after that we will consider going on strike.'' He, however, did not decline the possibility of some conspiracy behind the delay.

''There might be some conspiracy behind the delay of the orders, but we are not able to find out the exact reason,'' Mr Namboodiri said.

On the other hand, the Government said that by another bidding, the BSNL will be able to save Rs 1,800 crore.

Commenting on this, Mr Namboodiri said, ''Fresh bidding will take another two years till the equipments are brought, which will cost the company more than Rs 30,000 crore.'' Although Motorola has withdrawn the case, the management has not issued any orders for procurement of the lines, he added.

''Even if the order is made, it will take about more than 10 months for supply to BSNL,'' Mr Namboodiri, said, adding that the order is delayed because the Communication Ministry has not approved it so far.

He, however, said there is no demand of wage or any other benefits for the employees.

''This agitation is only to ensure that BSNL is able to meet the huge demand of the people of this country for the BSNL GSM connections,'' he added.

Mr Namboodiri said the 3,60,000 BSNL and MTNL workers are agitated over the delay and have already sent about 10,000 of telegrams to the Prime Minister and Communication Minister.

''Because of the delay in tender, we will not be able to sustain in the market in terms of market share,'' he said.

At present, BSNL ranks at fourth place. But this may go up to the fifth position in the coming June report of telecom regulator TRAI, Mr Namboodiri said.

UNI