MTNL, BSNL merger on the cards? DoT working on proposal, reports

The telecom ministry is reportedly working on a proposal to merge state-owned MTNL and BSNL in a last-ditch effort to revive the debt-laden firms. The final call will be taken by the Union Cabinet, according to reports. Some of the other components which are being considered to rescue the firms are voluntary retirement scheme, asset monetisation and allocation of 4G spectrum. MTNL provides network services in Delhi and Mumbai while BSNL provides in the remaining circles. BSNL incurred a loss of ₹14,000 crore in 2018-19 while MTNL has a debt over ₹20,000 crore.