DoT to seek EC nod for cabinet note on BSNL VRS package

The Department of Telecom (DoT) officials are likely to move the Election Commission seeking its nod for floating a cabinet note on granting VRS package to employees of the ailing state-run telecom firm, BSNL.

In the same note, the DoT will also mention about the government's proposal to give 4G spectrum to the telecom firm.

The DoT officials had on Tuesday discussed with the PMO the revival of the ailing company, including announcement of Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) package and allocation of 4G spectrum, as well as monetisation of its land and buildings to raise funds.

However, the exact financial package for employees who opt for VRS was not discussed during that meeting, sources said.

Once the cabinet note is floated, opinion will be sought from the Niti Aayog and the Finance Ministry as well, sources said.

The DoT has already sought the opinion of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Trai) on the allocation of 4G spectrum to both BSNL and MTNL.

The BSNL board has already accepted the proposal to give VRS package to its employees.