When one thinks of telecommunications and broadband, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) are the first that come to mind. The two broadband companies have been faithfully serving the people for decades, but their future is now shrouded by a dark cloud.

Since the sector opened to private players in the 90s, the two state-run companies have been struggling to compete and now the the Finance Ministry has suggested that both the companies should be closed down.

According to a report in The Financial Express, the ministry has also rejected a proposal of the department of telecommunications (DoT) to pump in a massive Rs 74,000 crore to revive the two telcos.

Jobs of about 2 lakh people. In a country that is in dire need of active employment, the government seems to be doing little to fund and protect the jobs of people who already have a job. People have taken to Twitter to express their displeasure and concern at the shutting of the two broadband companies, and hundreds of MTNL employees are protesting with a hunger strike as you read this.