The Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA) has written to the telecom minister asking him to intervene for seeking dues worth Rs 30 billion from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The vendors have requested the minister to ensure immediate release of the dues by October 15, 2019.
In a letter to the minister, TEMA highlighted the issue pertaining to funds release from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to BSNL for the work already completed by BSNL vendors. Further, TEMA stated that BSNL has no funds for operations and maintenance (O&M) and the payments are being delayed by raising inter-departmental issues where vendors have no role to play and are waiting for the due payments as per tender terms and conditions.
The letter was also addressed to finance minister Sitharaman, telecom secretary Anshu Prakash, and expenditure secretary G.C. Murmu.
