BSNL bailout: On revival and 4G launch, employees have fingers crossed

BSNL will commission home-grown 4G technology that is being developed by the Tata Consultancy Services

The first question Mahadev Adasul would often hear from new acquaintances was about his salary: did he receive it on time? Nowadays that query is not on people’s mind. Salary delays, too, are no longer an issue with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

“Tough times are behind us,” says Adasul, general secretary in the Sanchar Nigam Executives Association (SNEA).

But a turnaround has proved elusive, prompting the Union cabinet to unveil a second revival package in three years.

The Rs 1.64 trillion package, unveiled on Wednesday, includes a mix of financial support, debt restructuring, viability gap funding and administrative allotment