A
large number of landline customers of state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) feel cheated
as they do not get the refund of the security deposit charged from them
at the time of booking the connection.
Though the figures of BSNL could not be obtained, government
figures say that MTNL, which has its operations in Delhi and Mumbai, had
Rs 555.77 crore as security deposits from customers as on 31 March
2015.
Though the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India guidelines
stipulate that the refund of security money (Rs 1000, or more depending
upon the usage) should be made within two months of surrendering
telephone connections, many subscribers complained that they are not
getting refunds even after years.
Sonbhadra (UP)-based Ashok Kumar Singh (phone number 05446-253668)
has been running from pillar to post to get back the security amount.
“It’s been two years now, but the BSNL is yet to refund my security
amount. I have met all the officials concerned in this regard, but to no
avail. Sometimes I am told to visit Mirzapur office, sometimes they ask
me for something else,” Singh told this newspaper.
Similar is the plight of Delhi-based Rajesh Kumar Sharma, who
surrendered his telephone (number 011-25322988) on 17 August 2013 along
with the instrument, routers, adaptor and copy of the last paid bill, at
Najaf Garh. “I was promised that I would get the security deposit of Rs
3,000 within 15 days. But till now, I have not received the amount,” he
said.
The TRAI guidelines say: “The service provider shall terminate the
connection within seven days. They cannot charge rental or any other
charges behind the period of seven days of request for closure by the
customer.” “The outstanding amount of security deposits has to be
refunded within 60 days of termination of service. In case of delay, a
customer is entitled to interest at the rate of 10% per annum for the
number of days refund is delayed beyond 60 days.” Telecom Minister Ravi
Shankar Prasad could not be contacted for his remarks despite repeated
attempts.
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