Now, BSNL outgoing calls free for OBCs

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the country’s biggest national cellular operator, recently approved a plan to make outgoing calls free for OBCs (Other Backward Class) in Beed district, Maharashtra.

While BSNL vehemently denied the plan had anything to do with caste, political parties had mixed reactions.

Vijay Joshi, sub-divisional engineer of BSNL in Beed, said the plan was for members of the organisation and not OBCs in particular.

“Earlier too we have considered proposals from the barber community,” he said. “Even Baba Ramdev’s followers   approached us for a CUG connection.” Joshi, however, evaded a direct reply when he was asked if BSNL checks the credentials of such organisations before giving connections.

Both the BJP and the CPI said the operator should not try to earn money by exploiting the market based on caste. Vinod Tawde, BJP state general secretary, said it was not a bad idea to give CUG connections, but it would be better to give it to groups involved in some work related to development. “CUG connections should not be given to anyone based on their caste,” he said.

Prakash Reddy, the Mumbai president of the CPI, said the operator was dividing the society in the process of marketing its product. “This move will not help in the development of OBCs,” Reddy said.

BSNL approved a Closed User Group (CUG) plan for members of the Satyashodhak OBC Parishad in Beed. The condition is: the group should 6,000 members within 90 days of taking the plan.

The operator has waived off the SIM card and first recharge charges. But a member within the CUG will have to deposit Rs90 every month.

Despite repeated attempts, Hanumant Upare, state president of the Satyashodhak OBC Parishad, could not be reached for his comments on the matter.