BSNL agitation affects telephone services in Karnataka

Bangalore, July 11 (UNI) Telecom operations and other services of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) were affected in Karnataka, following the nationwide strike by its officers and employees affiliated to different unions.

The employees were demanding the centre to approve the purchase of equipments for the 45.5 million GSM lines, for which the tender was finalised a year ago.

About 30,000 employees coming under the umbrella of Joint Forum of Unions, staged demonstrations across the state in front of BSNL offices.

State Convener of the Forum Vittal Rao accused the centre of 'step-motherly treatment' towards BSNL on the purchase of equipments for GSM lines and that it was taking the side of private operators.

UNI