In a bid to increase its revenes, state-run telecom major BSNL is launching a scheme under which family members of its 2.9 lakh employees can sell mobile recharge coupons as direct selling agents for a commission of 4.5 per cent, a senior company official said.

Even if the spouse or children of at least two lakh employees chose to become selling agents, it would result in a big boost to the company''s revenues, BSNL Coimbatore Principal General Manager N Haribabu told reporters here.

Initially the scheme would cover only recharge coupons and would be expanded to cover SIM cards and other BSNL products in a phased manner, he said adding PAN card was a must for those wanting to become selling agents.

The move comes at a time when BSNL's market share has dropped from 18.98 per cent in March 2009 to 13.37 per cent till June 30, 2011. Besides it had also incurred a loss of Rs 1,823 crore for 2009-10 and sought financial assistance from Department of Telecom to operate commercially unviable services.

Haribabu said BSNL was also taking steps to make available recharge coupons round-the-clock through all telephone exchanges across the Country and the security staff would be asked to look after the sales during night hours.

Stating that these schemes had already been implemented on a pilot basis in some telecom circles, he said they would be introduced in Coimbatore circle next week.

On performance of Coimbatore Circle, Haribabu said it clocked 10 per cent increase in the revenue in the first four months of this fiscal at Rs.74 crore as against Rs.68 crore earned during the corresponding period last year.