India opens non-auction route for BSNL, MTNL asset monetisation; priority access to central bodies

India has approved a new framework to accelerate the monetisation of assets held by state-run telecom firms BSNL, MTNL, and ITI, allowing the government departments and organisations to acquire these assets without going through an auction process.

A Committee of Secretaries, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, has cleared the transfer mechanism, which permits direct purchases at a “market rate” determined through a tiered process.

For assets valued below ₹10 crore, BSNL, MTNL, and ITI will fix the price. For those above ₹10 crore, the Central Public…