AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL seeking uniform implementation of the Second Saturday Holiday (SSH) facility across all field units of BSNL.

Click here for Letter

At present, while employees posted in Corporate Office and many non-field offices are availing the benefit of Second Saturday off, the same facility is not extended to employees working in field units. This disparity has resulted in dissatisfaction and demotivation among the field workforce, who are already engaged in highly demanding roles.

AIGETOA highlighted that:

• As per BSNL Corporate Office orders and subsequent clarifications, Second Saturday is admissible as a closed holiday. However, due to administrative interpretations, field units are not uniformly extending this facility.
• Denial of SSH to field employees is unjust and against the principles of parity and fairness.
• Most Central Government departments, PSUs, and large corporates already follow a five-day work week or at least provide Second Saturday off.
• In case operational exigencies require the presence of field staff, they should be compensated with suitable compensatory off or additional leave.

AIGETOA urged CMD BSNL to intervene and ensure that the Second Saturday Holiday facility is uniformly extended to all field units, or alternatively, a proper compensation mechanism is implemented for those working on such days.

Today on 11th Sept 2025, Team AIGETOA comprising Shri Veerabhadra Rao (All India President), Shri Pavan Akhand (Dy GS & GS-I/C), Shri Harjinder Singh (OS CHQ), Shri Vivek Kumar Singh (AGS) and Shri Sunil Gautam (AGS) were present in the meeting and deliberated on the issue.

At the outset, Team AIGETOA extended a warm welcome to Member (Services) on his new assignment. Member (Services) appreciated the constructive role of the association and assured his support on the matter of E2-E3 as well as other legitimate issues requiring his intervention.

AIGETOA submitted a detailed representation covering all aspects of the standard pay scale issue, covering the history and tracing developments from 2009 onwards and referring to communications between BSNL, DoT, and DPE. It was emphasized that:

• BSNL has recommended replacement of E1A with E2 for JTO/JAO grades and E2A with E3 for SDE/AO grades.
• DPE has denied continuance of intermediary pay scales E1A and E2A, as communicated by DoT vide letter No. 61-02/2014-SU dated 24.01.2011 and subsequent communications.
• BSNL has categorically ruled out cascading effects on other scales, with CMD BSNL reiterating the same through his DO letter dated 01.05.2017, supported with full justification.

During the meeting, Member (Services) raised some queries, which were addressed by Team AIGETOA with necessary details and examples where the issue of non-standard pay scales was resolved by adopting the next higher standard pay scale.

Member (Services) acknowledged the demand for standard pay scales and assured his intervention. He further stated that a follow-up meeting will be convened, with participation from his team as well as AIGETOA, to enable a comprehensive discussion and way forward.

He also shared important developments on pension revision matter. Recently, DoT has issued orders allowing BSNL to pay and calculate pension contribution of its combined service opted employees at the actual pay drawn instead of the maximum of the scale, with effect from 01.09.2025. This long-pending demand, earlier rejected in 2012, has now been approved after re-examination and consultations with DoPT, DoP&PW, and Department of Expenditure. He assured that, in the same spirit, the issue of standard pay scales will be pursued with equal seriousness to reach a positive conclusion.

Team AIGETOA will continue to pursue the matter with Member (Services), DoT, and remains hopeful that his intervention will help break the long-pending deadlock on E2–E3 scales.

BSNL Corporate Office issued guidelines to all Circle Heads for promoting the BSNL’s Brand Image with strict adherence.

Click here for letter

BSNL Corporate office issued the modifications in the deputation policy of BSNL, it is one of our pending demands regarding modification in the deputation policy which has been accepted by BSNL Management.

Click here for letter

The earlier restriction of forwarding only 2 deputation applications per employee per year has been removed. Now, eligible officers can apply for deputation without any numerical restriction, subject to suitability and approval by the competent authority.

This is a significant step towards providing greater opportunities for BSNL employees to explore deputation in other organizations.

AIGETOA remains committed to pursuing all pending demands for the betterment of executives.