Employees of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) have launched a series of protests demanding clarity on their future, as the company’s services continue to be merged with Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL). The protests, which began on 16 June, are expected to continue until the end of July across major telecom hubs, including Delhi’s Sanchar Bhawan and Mumbai’s MTNL Telephone House.
The unrest follows growing concerns among employees over stalled human-resource benefits and the absence of a clear transition plan. Workers say they are being left behind in an “empty shell” organisation that will soon lose services and revenue, retaining only liabilities and infrastructure.
In a letter dated 6 June, MTNL employee unions formally raised their concerns with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), addressing the Communications Minister and top officials. The unions highlighted that key HR benefits such as promotions, financial upgrades, and career- progression opportunities have been suspended. They also called for the withdrawal of an 11 March order that reportedly disrupts existing entitlements.
Government officials have stated that options are being explored to redeploy the 2,500–3,000 affected employees across the DoT, BSNL, and other ministries. However, no concrete plan for this has been formally shared, adding to employee anxiety.
The unions are also pushing for the formation of a joint negotiation committee to address pending transition issues. With their appeals to the government going unanswered so far, union leaders warn that demonstrations could intensify if action is not taken soon.
The ongoing protests reflect the deepening uncertainty faced by MTNL’s workforce as they await a formal and transparent plan for their future within or beyond the public-sector telecom ecosystem.
