CAG Corrects BSNL Loss Estimates in Reliance Jio Deal After Contract Misinterpretation
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revised its earlier estimates of losses to BSNL from its agreement with Reliance Jio Infocomm. The initial report claimed a government loss of ₹1,757.56 crore due to BSNL's alleged failure to bill Reliance Jio for a decade. Minister of State for Telecom clarified that there is no actual revenue loss to BSNL or the government. The discrepancy was due to misinterpretation of add-on technology clauses in the contract. BSNL has issued revised invoices to Reliance Jio. The government has taken measures to resolve ambiguities, monetize surplus inventory, and improve billing processes.

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In a significant development for the Indian telecom sector, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revised its earlier estimates regarding losses to BSL from its agreement with Reliance Jio Infocomm. This correction comes after acknowledging a misinterpretation of contract clauses between the two telecom giants.
Initial CAG Report and Revised Stance
The CAG report released in April had initially claimed that the government suffered a loss of ₹1,757.56 crore. This substantial figure was attributed to BSNL's alleged failure to bill Reliance Jio for a decade, starting from May 2014, under their passive infrastructure sharing agreement.
Clarification from the Government
Minister of State for Telecom, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, has provided clarity on the matter. He stated that BSNL has Master Service Agreements with Reliance Jio for leasing tower infrastructure. Contrary to the initial report, the Minister emphasized that there is no actual revenue loss to BSNL or the government.
Misinterpretation and Rectification
The root cause of the discrepancy in the CAG report has been identified as a misinterpretation of add-on technology clauses in the contract. Upon realizing this error, the CAG has rectified its estimates. As a result of this correction, BSNL has issued revised invoices to Reliance Jio.
Government's Response and Measures
In light of this situation, the government has taken several proactive measures:
- Resolving ambiguities in the agreement between BSNL and Reliance Jio
- Monetizing surplus inventory
- Issuing revised demands based on the corrected interpretation
- Advising public sector units to process bills in a timely manner
- Encouraging caution in business decisions
These steps are aimed at preventing similar misunderstandings in the future and ensuring more transparent and efficient operations in the telecom sector.
The revision of the CAG report highlights the importance of accurate contract interpretation in high-stakes agreements between major telecom players. It also underscores the government's commitment to addressing and rectifying errors promptly, thereby maintaining the integrity of financial reporting in the telecom sector.
Historical Stock Returns for BSL
1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1.23% | -6.11% | +15.60% | -21.44% | -27.03% | +586.68% |