Telecom Lead India: The state-run telecom operators BSNL
and MTNL are planning to spend around Rs 17,000 crore for slashing 121,000 jobs
through a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS).
DoT has received from BSNL a voluntary retirement scheme
aimed at reducing its workforce by 100,000. Likely expenditure on ex- gratia is
estimated to be about Rs 12,371 crore. In addition, there will be expenditure
on normal retirement benefits viz Gratuity, Pension, leave encashment and
transfer grant.
MTNL has also prepared a voluntary retirement scheme aimed at reducing its
workforce by 21,000. The estimated expenditure likely to be incurred on VRS is
about Rs 5074 crore. MTNL has estimated that VRS will reduce pressure on MTNL’s
wage and salary pay out to the tune of Rs.1130 crore per annum
BSNL and MTNL have requested DoT to finance their voluntary retirement schemes
and refund the BWA spectrum charges paid by them.
The requests of BSNL and MTNL are under examination in the Department of
Telecommunications, according to Milind Deora, Minister of State in the
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
