BSNL, Air India and MTNL posted net loss of Rs 116 billion in 2016-17

The 3 PSEs head a list of 82 loss making central government ventures

State-owned telecommunications services providers Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited apart from state carrier Air India registered a net loss of more than Rs 116.86 billion in 2016-17, effectively becoming the top 3 loss-making ventures of the government.

The Public Enterprises Survey 2016-17, tabled in parliament on Tuesday by the Department of Public Enterprises, showed that the number of loss-making central enterprises have continued to rise for the third straight year, growing to 82 in the last financial year.

Over the past 4 years, the Modi government has stepped up its effort to streamline its operations spread across hundreds