BSNL Leadership Change Amid Telecom Challenges

The government has denied the extension of BSNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar, appointing Robert J Ravi as interim CMD. Purwar's tenure saw multiple revival packages for BSNL but limited success in 4G rollout, leading to subscriber decline. Ravi is set to face these ongoing challenges.

The government has decided not to extend the tenure of BSNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar, official sources confirmed. Instead, Robert J Ravi, a senior Department of Telecom officer, has been entrusted with the role.

P K Purwar, who took charge in July 2019, had requested an extension, which was rejected by the Department of Telecom. An Appointment Committee of Cabinet order has approved the 'non-extension of tenure' of Purwar beyond July 14.

During Purwar's term, the government sanctioned three revival packages exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore for BSNL, which helped in rolling out 4G and 5G services. However, limited progress was made as 4G services were only launched in the Punjab circle. Purwar's tenure also saw a decline in BSNL's mobile subscriber share and base.

(With inputs from agencies.)