Cabinet gives nod to Rs 1,250-crore subsidy for BSNL rural phones
22 Sep 2016 10:59 PM GMT
The subsidy will be given to the state-run firm after an amendment in the Indian Telegraph Rules (ITRs), 1951. "The Cabinet approves subsidy of Rs 1,250 crore to BSNL as compensation for deficit incurred by BSNL in operating rural wireline connections," said Frank Noronha, the government's principal spokesperson, on Twitter.Â
The BSNL subsidy support will be given from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) for the rural connections installed prior to April 1, 2002, he added. The telecom operator had asked the government to provide Rs 2,000 crore to support rural wireline connections.Â
On the basis of the submission <g data-gr-id="26">from</g> BSNL and the detailed information in respect of working rural wireline connections installed before April 1, 2002, the deficit per rural wireline connection was estimated at Rs 4,876 for 2011-12.Â
Accordingly, the deficit from the rural wireline connections installed before April 1, <g data-gr-id="31">2002</g> for 2011-12 and 2012-13 were estimated at Rs 1,593 crore and Rs 1,265 crore, respectively.Â
The Department of Telecom had paid <g data-gr-id="32">subsidy</g> for these connections to BSNL up to July 17, 2011. Based on the trend at that point, regulator Trai estimated subsidy of Rs 1,500 crore for 2011-12 with effect from July 17, <g data-gr-id="33">2011</g> and Rs 1,250 crore for the subsequent year effective July 18, 2012.Â
BSNL has received Rs 1,500 crore subsidy and the Cabinet approved the pending amount of Rs 1,250 crore on Wednesday. "Full/lumpsum amount of Rs 1,250 crore shall be disbursed consequent on <g data-gr-id="36">necessary</g> amendment of the ITRs and signing of USOF agreement with BSNL," an official statement said.
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