Clear ₹28.54 Crore BSNL Dues Now: Scindia Writes to Odisha CM Majhi

Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, requesting urgent instructions to clear long-pending payments amounting to ₹28.54 crore owed to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) by state departments and government organisations.

Repeated Reminders, Payments Still Pending

In his letter, Scindia referred to earlier communications sent in September and November, where he had already raised concerns over unpaid dues. Despite multiple reminders, a significant portion of the amount remained outstanding as of December 31, 2025, further straining BSNL’s financial position.

BSNL’s Strategic Role Highlighted

Emphasising BSNL’s national importance, the minister said the public sector telecom operator plays a critical role in providing connectivity, especially in rural, remote, and underserved regions. He noted that BSNL also supports key government departments, including the armed forces, banks, and other essential institutions.

Financial Stress Despite Revival Packages

Scindia pointed out that BSNL continues to face financial pressure despite the Centre approving revival packages in 2019, 2022, and 2023. He stressed that while these measures aim to restore competitiveness, consistent cash flow is equally vital for daily operations and infrastructure modernisation.

Timely Payments Key to Service Quality

According to the minister, clearing pending dues is essential to maintain secure and reliable telecom services. He underlined that uninterrupted funding directly impacts BSNL’s ability to deliver quality services crucial for both governance and public welfare.

State Government Support Crucial

Scindia said active support from the Odisha government is necessary to help BSNL continue contributing to regional and national development. He urged the chief minister to direct concerned departments to fast-track the settlement of dues without further delay.

DoT Also Seeks Early Settlement

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already asked for early clearance of the pending amounts. To ensure smoother coordination, BSNL’s Odisha chief general manager, Rudra Narayan Palai, has been advised to engage with relevant departments for follow-ups.

Timely Action Can Stabilise BSNL

The Union minister concluded that swift intervention by the state government would significantly strengthen BSNL’s financial stability and ensure uninterrupted, reliable telecom services across the state.