Prime Minister holds high level meeting regarding DOT/ BSNL
Point 10 from the Minutes of the PM Sector Review Meeting (07 January 2026) reads exactly as follows:
10. It was observed that BSNL is a human resource heavy organization. Steps may be taken to repatriate all persons on deputation from other departments with BSNL. Further, assessment of all personnel may be carried out with regard to their suitability for the organization and efforts be made to reduce staff.
Responsible: DoT
Timeline: 31.10.2026
Plain-English Explanation
The Prime Minister’s office has flagged that BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is overstaffed (“human resource heavy”). This is a polite way of saying the company has far more employees than it needs for its current operations, which is hurting its efficiency and finances.
To fix this, the government has directed two immediate and concrete actions:
Repatriation of deputationists
Many officers and staff from other central government departments/ministries are currently working in BSNL on deputation (temporary posting).
All such people must be sent back to their parent departments.
This is to stop BSNL from carrying extra manpower that actually belongs elsewhere.
Full staff assessment + downsizing
DoT must carry out a comprehensive review of every single BSNL employee (regular staff + any remaining deputationists).
The review will check:
Is the person’s skill-set suitable for BSNL’s present and future needs?
Is their performance up to the mark?
Do we actually need this post?
Based on the assessment, active steps must be taken to reduce the overall headcount (e.g., through voluntary retirement schemes, not filling vacant posts, redeployment, or other HR measures — the minutes do not specify the exact method, but the intent is clear: bring down the total staff strength).
Why this point was raised
BSNL has historically been a very large public-sector employer. Even after the earlier VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) of 2019–20, the employee count is still considered excessive compared to its revenue and network size.
The government wants BSNL to become leaner, more competitive, and financially viable — especially as it is being positioned as a key player in 4G/5G rollout and rural connectivity (BharatNet, etc.).
Reducing the wage bill is seen as essential for BSNL’s sustainability.
Deadline & Responsibility
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is fully responsible.
All actions must be completed by 31 October 2026 (i.e., within ~7–8 months from the date of the OM).
Progress on this action point will be monitored and reported back to the PMO/NITI Aayog.
In short, Point 10 is a clear directive from the Prime Minister to trim BSNL’s workforce by first removing outsiders on deputation and then carrying out a proper fitness/suitability exercise so that only the right people remain in the right numbers. This is part of the broader push for efficiency in public-sector telecom.
The minutes of the meeting are kept in the link Circular as below.
