What’s the Claim?
A social media post by Roshni Jaiswal, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has gone viral. The post alleges that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-owned telecommunications company in India, enjoyed a hefty profit of Rs. 10,183 crore in 2013, which then plummeted to a significant loss of Rs. 13,356 crore by 2023. The post implies a correlation between this supposed financial decline and a change in the governing political party in India.
Investigating the Facts:
Our investigation reveals these claims to be inaccurate. Here’s a breakdown of the truth behind the numbers:
- 2013 Profits? Not Quite. Assuming Jaiswal referred to the financial year 2013-14 (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014) as “2013,” BSNL’s official financial report for that period paints a different picture. The report clearly shows a net loss of Rs. 7,019.76 crore, not a profit exceeding Rs. 10,000 crore as claimed.
- 2024 Losses Exaggerated. The claim of a monumental loss exceeding Rs. 13,000 crore in 2023 also falls flat. BSNL’s financial report for FY 2023-24 (April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024) reveals a net loss of Rs. 5,367.45 crore, significantly lower than the figure circulated online.
Evidence to Back It Up:
- BSNL’s official financial reports for FY 2013-14 and FY 2023-24 are readily available on their website. These documents clearly show net losses in both years, contradicting the viral claims.
- Reputable news reports from both 2014 and 2024 corroborate the actual loss figures reported by BSNL.
The Verdict:
The social media post about BSNL’s financial performance contains misleading information. BSNL did not experience a dramatic shift from substantial profits to major losses between 2013 and 2023. In fact, the company incurred net losses in both years.
Why Does This Matter?
Accurate information is crucial for informed public discourse, especially regarding government-owned entities. This fact-check aims to clarify the truth about BSNL’s financial situation and counter the spread of misinformation.