Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) writes to the CMD BSNL highlighting serious concerns regarding the ambiguous and incorrect information furnished by BSNL in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3160 related to suspension of sports activities in BSNL.
BDM that the reply submitted by the Admin Cell of BSNL Corporate Office is incomplete and misleading, as it only mentions representations from unions and associations while ignoring the specific query regarding appeals from athletes, coaches, and sports bodies associated with BSNL teams.
BDM pointed out several instances where BSNL sportspersons and officials were denied permission to participate in national and international events, even in cases where no financial implication on BSNL was involved.
The BDM also questioned the apparent double standards in the implementation of “austerity measures.” In the All India Public Sector Cricket Tournament, both BSNL and MTNL are invited to participate. However, while MTNL is granted permission to participate, BSNL players are denied permission. This raises serious concerns about how the justification of “expenditure control” is being selectively applied.
The forum further questioned the rationale of citing “austerity measures” for suspension of sports activities in BSNL. It pointed out that sports facilities continued even during periods when BSNL’s financial condition was far worse than at present, making the current justification appear inconsistent with past practice.
It further highlighted that the Sports Compendium is a Board-approved policy, and stopping sports activities without placing the matter before the Board, Management Committee, or Sports Board is improper.
BDM has requested the CMD BSNL to initiate corrective action, ensure accurate information is placed before Parliament, and fix responsibility for the misleading submission made by the concerned section of BSNL Corporate Office.