AIR Spotlight is an insightful program featured daily on the All India Radio Newsonair. In this program, many eminent panellists discuss issues of importance which can be quite helpful in IAS exam preparation. In this article, the recent cabinet decisions and their impact are discussed in detail.
Participants:Â
- Mahesh Uppal, Telecom expert
- Sonu Sood, AIR correspondent
Context: Union Cabinet approved revival package of BSNL amounting to Rs.1.64 lakh crore.
Importance of Telecom Sector in Growth and Development of the NationÂ
- Traditional communication channel.
- Rising significance due to increasing digital penetration in various forms of life like governance, finance, etc.
- In the present scenario of hybrid warfare, the security of the country also depends on its secure network.
Current Issues with BSNL
- Technology-wise it is six years behind its private counterparts as it has not yet fully deployed 4G services.
- It is not market savvy as evident from just a 10% share in the market.
- Too much bureaucratic dependence leads to inefficiency in operation, management and maintenance.
Significance of the Cabinet Decision
- Relevant for filling the gap in the digital divide that exists between rural and urban areas.
- Financial help provided can help BSNL expand not only its range of service but also improve it and upgrade its technology (which is far behind its private counterparts).
- Providing additional financial resources to BSNL can help have a multiplier effect on the entire range of services and sectors thereby interlinked.
- Since BSNL is a government-owned company, it has a major role in expanding the service to difficult and remote locations which are often neglected by profit-seeking private entities.
- It will thus help in inclusive socio-economic development.
- Improving wireless connectivity is one of the major goals of the Digital India Mission and thus this decision is important to leverage it.
Key Recommendations to Enhance BSNL’s Performance
- Upgrading and advancement of the range of services and quality of services.
- Global best practices should be followed in running the Telecom entity.
- Bureaucratic involvement in management operations should be relaxed.
- Providing access and freedom to choose and deploy resources comparable to its competitors.
- Giving them financial autonomy to a certain extent can help it improve its economic parameters.
Read more Gist of AIR Spotlight here.
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