Govt Approves New Asset Sale Route for BSNL, MTNL
The central government has introduced a new framework that allows public-sector telecom companies like BSNL, MTNL, and ITI Limited to sell their surplus land and building assets directly to central government departments and agencies without the need for auctions. This new route grants priority access to government bodies for a 90-day period before the assets are opened up to private buyers.
Under the framework, eligible government entities must submit an expression of interest along with a refundable deposit amounting to 2% of the property value. The move is aimed at speeding up asset monetisation and easing the financial burden on these telecom PSUs.
Asset valuation will follow a tiered structure. Properties valued below ₹10 crore will be assessed by the PSU itself. For those valued between ₹10 crore and ₹100 crore, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) will conduct the valuation. Assets exceeding ₹100 crore will be valued by the National Land Monetisation Corporation.
The policy was approved by a Committee of Secretaries headed by the Cabinet Secretary. It is seen as a strategic effort to enable faster and more transparent disposal of idle government assets, helping BSNL and MTNL recover funds, reduce debt, and reallocate infrastructure more efficiently.
Officials claim this mechanism reduces bureaucratic delays, ensures public assets are first offered to government institutions, and improves utilisation of underused resources. However, experts have stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in valuations and sale conditions to avoid undervaluation or misuse.
The move is expected to unlock significant value from telecom PSU land banks, potentially enhancing the efficiency of government infrastructure and supporting future telecom expansion.
