Big Update for BSNL Employees: What's the Status of 3rd PRC?

 

BSNL 3rd PRC: Current Status, Expectations, and the Road Ahead

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is one of India's largest public sector telecom companies, serving millions of customers across the country. Despite playing a crucial role in connecting India, BSNL employees have been waiting for their 3rd Pay Revision (3rd PRC) for over 8 years. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the history, status, challenges, and future expectations surrounding the implementation of the 3rd PRC for BSNL employees.

🔹 What is the 3rd PRC?

The 3rd Pay Revision Committee (PRC) was constituted by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in 2016 to revise the pay of employees working in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). The recommendations of the 3rd PRC were submitted in 2017, and many PSUs have since implemented the revised pay structure.

However, BSNL has not implemented the 3rd PRC yet, mainly due to financial losses.

🔹 Why BSNL Employees Haven’t Received 3rd PRC Yet?

According to DPE guidelines, only profit-making PSUs are eligible for pay revision under the 3rd PRC. BSNL has been reporting consistent losses since 2009–10, largely due to:

Delay in 4G rollout

Increased competition from private telecom companies like Jio

Declining landline revenues

Operational inefficiencies

Due to these financial losses, BSNL has not met the eligibility criteria for PRC implementation.

🔹 Employee Unions and Their Demands

Employee unions, including AIGETOA, BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, and others, have been consistently raising their voices for 3rd PRC. Their major arguments include:

Employees have not received any pay hike since January 2007 (2nd PRC).

Cost of living has increased drastically in the last 15+ years.

Despite financial stress, employees continued to work during the pandemic and maintained essential services.

They have demanded that the government relax the profitability clause and implement PRC in BSNL as a special case.

🔹 Government’s Response and Recent Developments

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ministry of Communications have acknowledged the concerns raised by employee unions. Some key developments include:

Assurance of a financial revival package for BSNL in 2019 and 2022, including VRS and asset monetization.

Ongoing discussions between unions and top management.

A possibility of interim relief or partial PRC benefits.

However, no official notification has been released as of July 2025.

🔹 Expectations in 2025

With the successful launch of BSNL 4G and a gradual improvement in financials, there is growing hope among employees that:

The government may consider relaxing PRC rules for BSNL.

A special PRC package may be announced.

If not full pay revision, at least DA merger or interim relief may be provided.

🔹 Conclusion

The 3rd PRC for BSNL employees has become not just a financial issue but an emotional and motivational one. Employees are the backbone of BSNL, and their contribution—especially during tough times—needs recognition.

While the road to PRC implementation is filled with challenges, increasing political and union pressure may push the government toward a positive resolution. As BSNL inches toward 4G and 5G era, rewarding its workforce could be the first step in true revival.

🗣️ What do you think?

Are you a BSNL employee or a supporter of the public telecom sector? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Do you think the government should implement 3rd PRC in BSNL ?