BSNL’s Unbilled Infrastructure Sharing Costs Government ₹1,757 Crore: CAG Report
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified significant lapses by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in billing Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited for infrastructure sharing, resulting in a substantial revenue loss for the government.
BSNL’s Billing Oversight
The CAG’s audit uncovered that BSNL did not raise invoices amounting to ₹1,757 crore for the utilization of its infrastructure by Reliance Jio. This oversight pertains to the sharing of BSNL’s towers and other facilities, which are critical assets in the telecommunications sector.
Implications of the Revenue Loss
The unbilled amount represents a significant financial shortfall for BSNL, a state-owned enterprise already grappling with financial challenges. This loss not only affects BSNL’s financial health but also has broader implications for the government’s revenue and the efficient utilization of public assets.
CAG’s Recommendations
In light of these findings, the CAG has recommended that BSNL implement stringent billing and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all infrastructure-sharing agreements are accurately accounted for and billed in a timely manner. This would involve enhancing internal controls and possibly adopting more robust financial management systems.
Response from BSNL and Reliance Jio
As of now, there has been no official response from BSNL or Reliance Jio regarding the CAG’s findings. Stakeholders and industry observers are keenly awaiting statements from both entities to understand their perspectives and the steps they plan to take in addressing the issue.
This development underscores the critical need for transparent and accountable financial practices within public sector enterprises, especially in sectors as vital as telecommunications.
