28 May,2024 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Arvind Sawant, Sena (UBT) MP
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant has accused the central government of delaying MTNL and BSNL from launching 4G and 5G services, causing major customer losses.
Sawant published a letter dated 21 May 2024 from Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, to the secretaries of all central government ministries as well as the chief secretaries of all states and union territories on X. The letter proposes monetising MTNL and BSNL's surplus land and building assets, reported PTI.
According to the report, the letter said, "The Union Cabinet in 2019 approved the revival plan of BSNL/MTNL which also includes monetization of its surplus land/building assets. BSNL has assets spread across the country and MTNL has properties located in Mumbai and Delhi. Most of the properties are at prime locations. The properties are offered through outright sale to government departments, PSUs and government organisations."
Sawant, an MP from Mumbai South, questioned the letter's timing, noting that the model code of conduct remains in place owing to the impending Lok Sabha Elections 2024. He attacked the delay since the 2019 revitalization plan, claiming that it indicates an intentional undermining of BSNL and MTNL, the report added.
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"BSNL/MTNL properties up for sale. Oh! What a timing of this letter! When the Code Of Conduct is still existing how can a Secretary issue such letter? Why he should not be questioned about what he was doing since 2019 and he must answer it. It's nothing but strangulation of BSNL & MTNL and sabotage too. Under the pretext of Atmnirbhar, they did not allow #BSNL / #MTNL to launch 4G/5G services causing the loss of a huge number of customers & incurring huge losses. Mentally & Physically Corrupt, Careless and Destructive Govt. This is the way they Render Services to their Friends," said Sawant in his social media post.
