DoT asks BSNL to expedite mutation of 5,029 land parcels
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) to undertake due diligence during teh mutation process of land parcels transferred to the public sector telco at the time of its formation This development comes at a time when the Centre is looking to expedite the asset monetisation process of BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
The Ministry of Communications, in a letter to BSNL chairman Robert J Ravi, said, “In accordance with the proposal submitted by BSNL for the purpose of mutation of 5,029 land parcels of DoT in favour of BSNL which are presently in the name of President of India/government of India/DoT, the approval of the competent authority is accorded for the validations that these properties belong to BSNL and are in possession of BSNL, and that the DoT has no objection to mutation of titles of land parcels in the name of BSNL.”
ETTelecom has reviewed a copy of the letter dated February 11, 2025.
Lately, the efforts of BSNL to monetise its assets have hit a snag following local issues including land transfer in revenue records.
As per the letter, BSNL will carry out the necessary activities for the mutation and updation of revenue records, and all previous statutory taxes (if any), present taxes, or local authority charges shall be borne by the telecom PSU.
“The validation is subject to information/verification reports supplied by BSNL. DoT/government of India shall have the right to amend part/full validation of any property at the later stage, if required,” the ministry said.
ETTelecom has reviewed a copy of the letter dated February 11, 2025.
Lately, the efforts of BSNL to monetise its assets have hit a snag following local issues including land transfer in revenue records.
As per the letter, BSNL will carry out the necessary activities for the mutation and updation of revenue records, and all previous statutory taxes (if any), present taxes, or local authority charges shall be borne by the telecom PSU.
“The validation is subject to information/verification reports supplied by BSNL. DoT/government of India shall have the right to amend part/full validation of any property at the later stage, if required,” the ministry said.
In May 2023, the telecom department informed a Parliamentary standing committee that the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) had approved the monetisation of BSNL assets worth Rs 18,200 crore and six MTNL properties valued at Rs 5,158 crore.
The monetisation of BSNL and MTNL has been progressing at a snail’s pace since the revival package approval in 2019.
While releasing the Rs 69,000 crore revival package for both telecom PSUs in 2019, the Cabinet had said that BSNL and MTNL would monetise their assets to raise resources for retiring debt, servicing of bonds, network upgradation, expansion and meeting the operational fund requirements.
