What is the Centre's target for asset monetisation for BSNL and MTNL in FY26?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The government aims to raise Rs 900 crore for BSNL and Rs 4,573 crore for MTNL through asset monetisation.
- Asset monetisation is part of a revival strategy approved by the Union Cabinet.
- BSNL has sold land assets worth Rs 1,341 crore since 2019.
- There are no plans to shut down BSNL and MTNL.
- BSNL reported its first profit in 18 years last quarter.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) The government announced that its target for asset monetisation in the financial year 2025-26 includes Rs 900 crore for the state-owned telecom provider BSNL and Rs 4,573 crore for MTNL.
Union Minister of State for Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, informed the Rajya Sabha in response to a query that these monetisation efforts align with the revival packages sanctioned by the Union Cabinet.
The minister reiterated that there are no intentions to shut down BSNL or MTNL, and that the funds raised through asset monetisation will be utilized based on the Union Cabinet's directives.
During a meeting on October 23, 2019, the Cabinet approved the revival strategy for BSNL and MTNL, which incorporates asset monetisation in accordance with DIPAM guidelines.
Since 2019, BSNL has successfully sold land assets worth Rs 1,341 crore across the nation, whereas MTNL has not recorded any asset sales, the minister indicated.
The minister assured that the future of BSNL and MTNL's employees will remain unaffected by the asset monetisation process.
Earlier this month, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia attributed the revival of BSNL to the strategic initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the telecom giant, previously on the verge of collapse, has now regained its position among Indian consumers.
In comments regarding BSNL's significant recovery, the minister remarked: "At one point, BSNL was not merely on ventilator support but was critically failing."
"Prime Minister Modi has made a resolute commitment to restore BSNL's full operational capabilities. We are now witnessing the outcomes of that dedication," the Union Minister observed.
According to BSNL’s financial reports, the company achieved a net profit of Rs 280 crore in the January-March quarter (Q4) of FY25, marking its second consecutive profitable quarter after nearly two decades, following a profit of Rs 262 crore in the October–December quarter, which represented the first profit in 18 years.