"We have written to the government over our proposal to give VRS to 20,000 employees in the C and D group. They (DoT) have some queries over the proposal and we will shortly reply them," the outgoing CMD of BSNL A K Sinha said in New Delhi.

Ironically, Telecom Minister A Raja on Tuesday asked BSNL to improve its manpower planning saying it is difficult to retain an edge in a competitive scenario with a large workforce.

"The aim of BSNL to sustain as a market leader is highly at risk with a large work force in the above 40 age bracket. This needs to be improved by systematic manpower planning, in both short term as well as long term," the minister said.

The current system of human resource management does not permit any preferential treatment or compensation to performers vis-a-vis non-performers. Appropriate motivational steps, linked with accountability at all levels, are the need of the hour, Raja added.

Technology is available to all operators but what makes the difference is the men behind these technologies, Raja said. Sinha also said the PSU is following the market trend on HR and will recruit management trainees for Class I officers.

The management will discuss with employee union about these recruitments. It has already recruited two telecom cadres of officials - junior telecom officers and telecom associates.