State-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is expected to go public shortly.

A spokesperson stated, “Unions will respond positively to a suggestion for listing of BSNL before June 3, which will help BSNL in getting Navratna status, which is very essential in order to maintain the image of BSNL and its survival and growth.”

The decision comes following a ‘positive’ meeting between Communications and IT Minister A. Raja and various BSNL trade union leaders on Thursday evening.

During the meeting, the participants also discussed various issues including a 50% dearness allowance.

“The meeting ended on a positive note with a collective decision on some issues, which included 50% industrial dearness allowance (IDA) merger orders that will be issued by BSNL,” the spokesperson added.

BSNL, going by the estimates, has been valued at more than Rs 4,00,000 crore and 10% equity dilution may bring over Rs 40,000 crore that can be used by the PSU for expansion of services.