When the employees’ unions/associations in BSNL protested against the reported recommendation of the NITI Ayog for closure or transfer to States of BSNL and ITI, NITI Ayog denied any such recommendation. It was clear that this was only to confuse the workers and dent their protest actions.

Now the ‘cat is out of the bag.’ A letter from the Prime Minister’s Office dated 30th December 2016 has asked the Secretary Department of Communications as follows:

“NITI Ayog after analysing the finances of CPSE has recommended Closure, transfer to States, Status etc. in respect of the following CPSEs under M/o Communications & Information Technology:

(i) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
(ii) ITI Limited.

The undersigned is directed to request the Department concerned to the above PSEs to furnish the status of implementation in respect of the CPSEs to this office by 01.01.2017 positively.

Sd./ Mayur Maheswari
Deputy Secretary: Phone: 2301 7676”

What is the justification for the closure of BSNL and ITI? It is nothing but to maximise the profit of the private telecom companies. Neither the security of the country, nor the future of the workers are taken in to consideration.

It is sure that mighty protest actions will be organised to defeat this anti-people, anti-worker decision of the government. United struggles have to be organised with the full support of the people, trade unions and political parties