How Did BSNL Come Back from the Brink? Insights from Jyotiraditya Scindia

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSNL has achieved a significant turnaround under the Modi government's initiatives.
- The company posted a net profit of Rs 280 crore in Q4 of FY25.
- BSNL has implemented India's first indigenous 4G network.
- Government support and employee dedication were key to BSNL's revival.
- BSNL is now positioned to play a crucial role in India's digital future.
New Delhi, July 2 (NationPress) Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia commended the strategic revival initiatives of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration for reviving BSNL from a precarious state, stating that the state-owned telecom entity, which was once on ‘ventilator support’ under the previous UPA regime, has now successfully re-established its presence in the hearts of Indian consumers.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, the minister reflected on BSNL's impressive recovery, noting, “At one moment, BSNL was not merely on ventilator support but in a dire failing condition.”
“The determination of Prime Minister Modi to restore BSNL to full operational capacity for the nation has borne fruit,” the Union Minister conveyed to IANS.
BSNL's financial reports indicate that the company achieved a net profit of Rs 280 crore in the January-March quarter (Q4) of FY25, marking the second consecutive profitable quarter for the first time in nearly two decades.
This followed a profit of Rs 262 crore in the October–December quarter, which was the first profit for the company in 18 years.
Scindia attributed this turnaround to a combination of governmental support and the relentless efforts of BSNL employees nationwide, from linemen in remote areas to the team at headquarters in the national capital.
“Their commitment and hard work have made this transformation possible. BSNL is no longer merely surviving; it is flourishing,” the Union Minister stated.
The government previously declared several financial revival packages for BSNL, totaling Rs 3 lakh crore, as part of its mission to rejuvenate the underperforming public sector unit.
Supporting this revival is BSNL’s vigorous push for a self-reliant 4G expansion.
Scindia announced that India’s first fully indigenous 4G network has been rolled out nationwide.
“Nearly 95,000 sites have been established, with around 90,000 commissioned and over 74,000 currently operational,” the minister elaborated.
“BSNL is now fully equipped to serve customers with a robust, indigenous 4G network. This is not merely a revival; it is a complete reinvention of BSNL’s role in India’s digital future,” the Union Minister concluded.