New Delhi: Government today (May 26, 2004) said Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will not be privatised, with the new Communications and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran announcing a 10-point agenda, including revamping the telecom policy to reduce the cost to customers.

"MTNL and BSNL will not be privatised. They are off the disinvestment list," Maran said immediately after assuming office.

He said he would like to revamp the telecom policy so as to take full advantage of the latest technological developments, with a view to take the country's communication services forward and make facilities truly world class.

Listing out the priorities of his Ministry, Maran said he would like to see the growth of broadband since the use of Internet and broadband facility were still limited in India.

"I shall be studying some recent recommendations (of TRAI) in this regard," he said.

There was a need to re-introduce the Convergence Bill and encourage manufacture of telecom equipment, he added.