On World Telecommunication Day, AIGETOA salutes the dedicated telecom professionals building India’s Digital Lifelines.
Through indigenous Swadeshi 4G/5G technology, our workforce is strengthening resilience in a connected world. To power this digital revolution, we reiterate our commitment to organizational excellence and HR Justice for the internal workforce driving BSNL forward!
AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL Sh A Robert J Ravi highlighting serious concerns over the transfer orders issued vide BSNLCO-PERS/12(11)/1/2025-PERS1 on 09.05.2026 and the growing non‑transparent approach in handling transfers and postings of executives across BSNL with deep concern over the increasing involvement of external consultants and agencies in core HR matters of BSNL, particularly transfer and posting exercises.
Click here for letter submitted to CMD BSNL
The Association highlighted that despite repeated assurances regarding transparent and policy-driven transfers, the recent orders have reflected exactly the opposite, causing widespread resentment and demoralisation among executives across the country. The genuine cases related to Medical Grounds, PwD, Spouse Cases, Education, OTP Requests, Executives above 56 years of age, tenure completion and repatriation have been ignored or selectively considered without any transparent criteria.
It was also pointed out that though transfers have now been made annual, the complete financial year 2026-27 should have been considered while calculating tenure eligibility, but the same was ignored leading to grave injustice to many executives completing their tenure during the current financial year.
AIGETOA also raised serious objections regarding selective implementation of cut-off criteria, random postings across far away circles without any uniform surplus-deficit criteria, unilateral modification of unimplemented cases and complete deviation from earlier precedents of seeking options from executives before long-stay transfers.
The Association expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of external consultants and agencies in core HR matters of BSNL, particularly transfer and posting exercises. BSNL is not a theoretical corporate case study operating merely on spreadsheets and consultant-driven analytics, but a complex telecom organisation functioning across difficult terrains, hard tenure stations and operationally sensitive environments. Transfer and posting decisions cannot be handled through external experimentation without practical understanding of field realities, technical hierarchy, operational requirements and human sensitivities.
AIGETOA also highlighted that transfers directly impact the lives, health, families, education of children and financial stability of employees and hence any perception of favouritism, pick-and-choose policy or arbitrary implementation severely damages the credibility of the administration.
In view of the prevailing dissatisfaction among executives, AIGETOA demand:
1] Immediate review of transfer orders dated 09.05.2026 wherever anomalies, policy deviations and genuine hardship cases exist.
2] Complete transparency in transfer and posting exercises including disclosure of criteria, vacancy positions, tenure status and justification for deviations.
3] Strict adherence to approved transfer policy without selective interpretation.
4] Immediate restriction on involvement of external consultancy agencies in sensitive HR matters like transfer and posting.
5] Restoration of authority and accountability to BSNL’s established Personnel administration machinery.
6] Constitution of a transparent grievance review mechanism for executives aggrieved by arbitrary transfer decisions.
The Association expressed hope that BSNL Management will take immediate corrective measures and restore confidence amongst executives by ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in HR administration.
AIGETOA writes to the CMD BSNL proposing a strategic and future-oriented approach for simultaneous underground OFC deployment along with extraction of buried/spare copper cables through a unified tendering mechanism. The ongoing initiative of BSNL for extraction and monetization of obsolete buried copper cables not only generates revenue from non-performing legacy assets but also helps reduce recurring maintenance expenditure on the aging copper network.
Click here for Letter to CMD BSNL
AIGETOA highlighted that a significant portion of BSNL’s FTTH last-mile connectivity is presently operating over overhead OFC infrastructure, which remains vulnerable to frequent disruptions due to road widening works, smart city projects, accidental cuts, pole damages, storms and local civic activities. Such repeated damages adversely impact service reliability, customer experience and increase restoration workload and maintenance expenditure. Many Enterprise Business (EB) leased circuits are also operating on overhead OFC routes, resulting in avoidable interruptions for high-value customers.
In view of these operational challenges, AIGETOA proposed that while floating tenders for extraction of buried copper cables, BSNL should simultaneously incorporate provisions for laying underground OFC along the same routes wherever technically and economically feasible. Since contractors would already be accessing underground cable routes, ducts and trenches for copper extraction, simultaneous OFC laying could be executed with minimal additional civil effort and significantly lower execution cost.
The association further suggested that the initiative can be strategically utilized for strengthening BSNL’s transmission resilience by covering missing OFC links between adjacent SDCAs, exchanges and important network locations, thereby improving redundancy, alternate routing capability and overall network reliability.
We elaborated that the integrated model would provide multiple long-term strategic benefits to BSNL, including optimum reutilization of existing underground cable corridors, reduction in trenching and restoration expenditure, replacement of old lossy OFC segments with modern fibre infrastructure, reduction in dependency on overhead OFC, improvement in FTTH and Enterprise service stability, reduction in operational workload and creation of a robust future-ready underground fibre ecosystem.
BSNL’s future competitiveness will increasingly depend upon the reliability and resilience of its fibre network and that the ongoing copper extraction initiative provides an excellent opportunity not merely for disposal of obsolete assets but also for rebuilding and strengthening BSNL’s underground fibre backbone in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
We requested BSNL Management to issue suitable policy guidelines to all Circles and Business Areas for incorporating underground OFC laying provisions in tenders floated for extraction of spare and unutilized buried copper cables wherever feasible. Further, We suggest pilot implementation in selected high-potential areas before wider rollout.
The letter conveying the approval of BBNL Board was awaited for processing the case at DoT. The letter is likely to be sent by BBNL to DoT today. The approval of BSNL Board and MTNL Board has already been conveyed to DoT.
Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) has once again strongly raised the issue of the prolonged ad-hoc arrangement in the post of CMD BSNL and has objected to the continuation of repeated extensions on additional charge basis for nearly two years now.
BDM has urged the Government to immediately appoint a regular full-time CMD for BSNL, stating that the prolonged continuation of additional charge arrangement for nearly two years is affecting the need for stable and accountable leadership in a strategically important PSU.
BDM writes to Hon’ble MoC seeking immediate intervention in the matter.
Despite substantial investment by the Government of India for revival and strengthening of BSNL, the company is still functioning without a regular CMD. It has further been highlighted that while even regular CMDs often get limited tenure, in BSNL the temporary arrangement itself has continued for an unusually long period through repeated extensions.
BDM has also submitted that the Public Enterprises Selection Board conducted interviews for the post of CMD BSNL in March 2025, but none of the candidates interviewed were found suitable. PESB thereafter advised the Department of Telecommunications to consider further action through the Search-cum-Selection Committee route or any other appropriate mechanism with approval of the competent authority.
Even after considerable time, no regular CMD has been appointed and no concrete outcome of the Search Committee process has come into the public domain. BDM has further noted that appointments to several other senior positions in DoT and related structures have moved ahead during the same period, making the continued delay in BSNL a matter of greater concern.
Highlighting the strategic importance of BSNL, especially in view of the rollout of indigenous 4G and its role in critical national telecom objectives, the company requires stable, accountable and full-time leadership for achieving operational improvement and fulfilling national expectations.
Accordingly, BDM has demanded the following:
1] Immediate appointment of a regular full-time CMD BSNL through the Search-cum-Selection Committee or any other suitable mechanism.
2] Seek records to ascertain the reasons for the non-finalization of a regular CMD till date.
BDM has reaffirmed the commitment of BSNL employees towards revival of BSNL and has requested urgent intervention of the Government in the larger interest of the organization and the nation.
OTP System Destroyed, Policies Bypassed, Executives Harassed : Still GS MA (Majority Association) Says “Thank You”
The annual transfer orders issued vide orders dated 09th May 2026 have once again established that the transfer and posting system in BSNL has become increasingly opaque, with discretion overtaking the laid down norms and policies. The pain becomes even more severe when genuine cases related to Medical Grounds, PWD, OTP, Education, Spouse Grounds etc. continue to remain unaddressed for many executives. To add further disappointment, the GS MA (Majority Association) has projected these orders as an achievement and extended thanks to all those involved in issuance of these highly discretionary orders.
It is not that the cases submitted by AIGETOA have not been considered or that we are reacting emotionally merely because some cases remained unsettled. The real concern and pain is the excessive use of discretion in place of the earlier transparent and automatic OTP mechanism which had become the hallmark of the transfer process in BSNL over the years. AIGETOA cannot celebrate such orders merely because some of our members may have got relief. AIGETOA considers it its duty to protect the rights of every executive irrespective of association affiliation. The real victory will only be when transparency, fairness and the hassle-free OTP system are fully restored.
With sustained efforts during its tenure as the Representative Association, AIGETOA had ensured the introduction and strengthening of the OTP Transfer System which streamlined the entire transfer and posting mechanism in BSNL. The process had become transparent and predictable wherein every executive was aware of his/her position, knew the circles available for placement, and long stay transfers were executed only after calling for options. Waiting lists were maintained and immunity provisions were extended transparently without bias or discretion.
However, after the current GS MA (Majority Association) took over, the significance of the transparent OTP process has steadily eroded. Transfers are increasingly being executed on discretion without transparency. Long stay transfers are being implemented without seeking options. OTP has virtually become redundant with executives being posted even to stations which they never opted for. Executives are being thrown to faraway locations, hard tenure postings are being done on own cost basis, promotions are being linked with transfers, and immunity provisions are being bypassed. Even PWD candidates and serious medical cases are not being spared.
The OTP Transfer system has practically been converted into ATP (Annual Transfer Process), forcing executives to remain stranded at their stations for almost a year. The cut-off date has been considered as 31.03.2026 instead of extending it to 31.03.2027 despite annual OTP being in place. It is pertinent to state that the prevailing transfer policy itself provides only a two-year break in tenure period in normal stations. Accordingly, those executives who had sought transfer back to their earlier circles after completion of the prescribed break period could very well have been considered. Alternatively, the cut-off date could have been extended up to 31.03.2027 in the larger interest of fairness and transparency.
The situation has become so rigid and opaque that even the sections dealing with the issue are often unable to provide clarity regarding the criteria being followed.
Those executives who obeyed earlier transfer orders, joined their transferred places in the interest of organisational discipline and complied with the policy in true spirit are today feeling cheated while witnessing selective and discretionary implementation. In fact, this selective execution has become one of the biggest issues prevailing in BSNL today. Whenever there is any change, instead of following the laid down policies uniformly, arbitrary methods are increasingly being adopted in implementation of promotions and transfers.
The GS MA (Majority Association) was duty bound to object and raise its voice to restore the system or improve it further. Unfortunately, all that is visible from them is endless thanks and gratitude for actions which deserved objection from the very first reading of the orders. During the entire tenure of the present GS MA regime, there has hardly been any substantial resistance or meaningful objection on issues adversely affecting executives. Even the current orders have been welcomed by them without any concern for the hardships faced by executives.
Neither do they raise issues effectively, nor do they allow others to function freely. While AIGETOA has remained consistently vocal on HR issues, day-to-day executive concerns and larger BSNL viability matters, the GS MA (Majority Association) has largely remained reluctant to raise issues. As AIGETOA started receiving wider acceptance and appreciation for its sincere efforts, even that became difficult for them to digest. Efforts were made to use the GS MA (Majority Association) tag to impress upon management that only they should be consulted and management need not discuss issues with Service Associations. If all such activities are happening with the concurrence of GS MA (Majority Association), then nothing can be more unfortunate for the executive fraternity.
It is only because of the persistent efforts and timely interventions of AIGETOA that some level of system and accountability still survives today.
AIGETOA never intended to enter into criticism or allegation-based discourse. However, the appreciation and thanks extended by the MA on such a sensitive and painful issue has deeply hurt the sentiments of executives when several discrepancies remain unresolved, serious medical cases are still waiting for justice, spouses are forced to live separately, women executives are being transferred to places more than 1500 kilometres away, promotions are turning into punishment postings and there remains no transparency regarding the criteria adopted.
Can these transfer orders dated 09.05.2026 genuinely be termed as appreciable?
Can such actions be claimed as creditworthy achievements?
Should thanks really be extended for such orders?
WE LEAVE IT TO THE WISDOM OF EXECUTIVES TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES.
BSNL Corporate Office has issued the Annual Transfer & Posting Orders vide letter No. BSNLCO-PETS/12(11)/1/2025-PERS1 dated 09.05.2026 covering various cadres of Telecom, Finance, Civil, Electrical, Architecture and Telecom Factory streams. The orders have been issued on grounds of Own Cost Request Transfer, Long Stay Cases etc.
Click here for List in Telecom (AGMs & SDEs)
Click here for List in Finance & Other Stream (AOs/EE/Civil)
All Circle Secretaries & Circle Presidents to review the transfer orders issued on 09.05.2026 and report discrepancies, anomalies & policy violations.
AIGETOA CHQ has started a detailed examination of the transfer orders and implementation methodology adopted across circles. Initial observations indicate that while a good number of OTP requests have been considered but still there are cases where uniformity, transparency and policy compliance require serious review especially in view of the arbitrariness exercised while issuing the orders. Further the cut-off date of 31.03.2026 is completely unjustified as the orders are being executed on Annual Basis. There is no point in making people overstay at their stations just because their tenures are getting completed May 2026 onwards.
AIGETOA has demanded to make the cut-off as 31.03.2027 and remove all the arbitrariness in the treatment of the cases and not to execute the things on the whims and fancies of any individual. System is run by rules and our association is committed to ensure that rules and policy should prevail.
Accordingly, all Circle Secretaries and Circle Presidents are requested to immediately undertake a detailed scrutiny of the transfer orders issued in respect of their circles and submit a comprehensive report to CHQ immediately.
The circles are specifically requested to examine and highlight the following issues:
• Cases where long stay norms have not been uniformly applied.
• Pick and choose implementation of transfers and OTP requests.
• Cases where similarly placed executives have been treated differently.
• Non-uniform application of hard tenure criteria.
• Instances where transfer policy provisions have been violated.
• Cases where executives with lesser stay have been transferred while actual long stay cases have been ignored.
• Improper retention or selective exemptions granted without transparency.
• Any deviation in implementation of immunity provisions ( Medical, Association, Education, Spouse etc) and selective non-consideration of the cases.
• Wrongful consideration or rejection of OTP requests.
• Non-compliance of rotational transfer norms.
• Any administrative irregularity, favoritism or discrimination observed in implementation of the transfer orders.
• Non uniform treatment of surplus and deficit circles during in and out transfers.
• Non-uniform treatment of unimplemented orders without any valid grounds.
• Cases where transfer orders appear arbitrary, inconsistent or against organizational interest.
All Circle units are requested to obtain complete details from affected executives along with supporting documents, stay particulars and policy references so that the matter can be effectively taken up with BSNL Corporate Office.
The discrepancies, anomalies and documented policy violations reported by the circles shall be consolidated by CHQ and submitted to Pers Section and Director (HR) for appropriate review and corrective action.
All Circle Secretaries and Circle Presidents are requested to treat the matter on priority and send their inputs urgently to CHQ for further necessary action.
AIGETOA CHQ shall continue to safeguard the interests of the executives and ensure transparent, fair and policy-based implementation of transfer orders across BSNL.
The 5th Circle Conference-cum-Annual General Meet of AIGETOA Rajasthan was successfully conducted on 2nd May 2026 at Hotel Swan & Banquet, Kota with enthusiastic participation from executives across Rajasthan. The conference, duly notified by the Circle Executive Committee in February 2026, witnessed the presence of Circle Management, CHQ Office Bearers, CEC Members, Circle Collegium Members, representatives from District Chapters and members from various BAs across the Circle.
The Open Session of the conference was graced by Shri Vikram Malviya, CGMT Rajasthan as Chief Guest and Shri Govind Singhal, PGM & BA Head Kota as Special Guest. From CHQ side, Shri Sunil Gautam, AGS and Shri Kamalesh Deo, JS West attended the conference as Special Guests. The programme commenced with welcome of dignitaries and delegates followed by an introduction session of participants.
A detailed brainstorming session was organised on the theme “HR Scenario in BSNL Vis-à-Vis Other Organizations: Comparative Gaps and Evident Need for Corrective Measures.” Senior leaders and representatives deliberated extensively on the growing HR concerns in BSNL and the urgent requirement for corrective reforms. The house was addressed by Shri Rajesh Handa ADS Kota, Shri P C Meena DS Kota, Shri Vijay Kumar Balu OA Head Jhalawar, Shri J P Meena OA Head Bundi, Shri Rajeev Jain CP Rajasthan, Shri Kamalesh Deo JS West, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS HQ and Shri Govind Singhal BA Head Kota. The concluding voice of the executive fraternity was raised by Shri P N Sharma, CS Rajasthan. Chief Guest Shri Vikram Malviya, CGMT Rajasthan also addressed the gathering and shared valuable insights from the management side along with motivational guidance for the executives.
The afternoon session witnessed felicitation of the outgoing Circle Executive Committee. Shri P N Sharma, Circle Secretary Rajasthan presented a detailed report on the organisational achievements during the tenure, while Shri Praveen Kumar Sharma, Circle Finance Secretary presented the financial report of the Circle Association. Thereafter, the existing body was formally dissolved and election proceedings for the next Circle Executive Committee were conducted by Returning Officer Shri Puneet Kaushik in a smooth, democratic and transparent manner.
The newly elected Circle Executive Committee of AIGETOA Rajasthan for the tenure 2026-2029 was constituted unanimously as per AIGETOA bylaws. Shri Vijay Kumar was elected as Circle President, Shri Praveen Kumar Sharma as Circle Secretary and Shri Rajeev Jain as Circle Finance Secretary along with other office bearers representing various BAs across Rajasthan. The oath ceremony of the newly elected team was also conducted during the conference.
The conference concluded with renewed unity, commitment and determination towards strengthening AIGETOA Rajasthan and collectively working for safeguarding the interests of BSNL executives and the revival of BSNL. The successful conduct of the conference reflected the growing organisational strength and active participation of executives across Rajasthan Circle.
Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) writes to all Unions and Associations of BSNL with respect to the “Delhi Declaration” adopted during the recently concluded joint meeting of the AIGETOA Central Executive Committee along with Circle Secretaries and Circle Presidents.
The Delhi Declaration, already submitted to the BSNL Management vide letter dated 29.04.2026, contains a detailed roadmap and resolutions for settlement of long-pending HR and policy issues concerning BSNL employees. The major issues highlighted include implementation of 3rd PRC, settlement of residual 2nd PRC issues like E2/E3 Standard Pay Scales, SAB related concerns, pay loss issues of different sections and other crucial HR matters impacting employees across cadres.
BDM emphasized the urgent necessity of greater unity and togetherness amongst all stakeholders for safeguarding the future interests of BSNL employees. BDM categorically mentioned that the year 2026 is extremely crucial for implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL and any further delay may push BSNL employees towards a situation similar to ITI, where even 2nd PRC could not be implemented despite the company returning to profitability.
Referring to BDM earlier communication dated 25.03.2026, it is reiterated that mere discussions will not suffice and the time has now come for real organizational action programs on the ground for settlement of employees’ issues. While welcoming the recent programs being contemplated under the banner of AUAB circulated via WhatsApp, BDM expressed hope that the developments will ultimately result into meaningful and effective struggles in the larger interest of BSNL and its employees.
BDM further reaffirmed its commitment towards the welfare, revival and strengthening of BSNL and assured that the constituents of BDM shall continue to work unitedly for resolution of all pending HR issues affecting BSNL employees.
AIGETOA has formally submitted the “Delhi Declaration” to CMD BSNL, conveying the resolutions unanimously adopted during the CS-CP-CHQ meeting held at New Delhi on 26th and 27th April 2026 under the banner of “Manthan”. The resolutions reflects the collective concerns and sentiments of the CHQ leadership, Circle Secretaries and Circle Presidents over the prolonged delay in resolution of critical HR issues and the growing concerns related to the overall viability and future direction of BSNL.
Click here for Letter to CMD BSNL
The house strongly reiterated the urgent need for immediate and time-bound action on several long pending issues including appointment of a regular CMD BSNL, implementation of 3rd PRC by waiving the affordability clause, settlement of all residual 2nd PRC issues, implementation of standard E2/E3 pay scales, 30% Superannuation Benefit contribution, creation of PRMB Fund, restoration of medical benefits and DA, resolution of various pay loss issues and ensuring parity between BSNL internal employees and Officers on deputation under the principle of “One Company – One Policy”.
The declaration further demanded immediate promotions in all streams and cadres, settlement of seniority disputes, restoration of allowances and perks as per DPE guidelines, scrapping of the SET recruitment process, review of transfer policy, implementation of COPU recommendations and immediate notification of next Membership Verification through secret ballot mode. Serious concern was also expressed regarding delay in HR committee reports and the expenditure incurred on BCG consultancy without visible outcomes and accountability.
Expressing deep displeasure over repeated assurances without tangible progress, the house resolved that in absence of concrete and result-oriented action by management, AIGETOA along with Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) will move ahead with the second phase of organizational action programs. The proposed course of action includes nationwide outreach to MPs, Governors and Union Ministers, coordinated struggles with unions and associations, signature campaigns, social media campaigns, black badge protests, demonstrations, mass mobilization, mass casual leave programs, hunger fast and ultimately Parliament March/Mass Dharna at New Delhi in the presence of BMS Central Leadership.
The house also authorized the General Secretary AIGETOA to seek a final and unambiguous response from the management side as a last effort towards amicable settlement and to coordinate with other unions and associations for a united organizational struggle on common issues.
AIGETOA emphasized that the Delhi Declaration represents the collective resentment of BSNL executives against prolonged inaction and non-fulfilment of repeated assurances despite continuous engagement at various levels. At the same time, the association reiterated its commitment towards constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement, provided it is backed by accountability, timelines and visible progress. AIGETOA urged the management to intervene decisively and resolve the long pending HR issues in a time-bound manner to avoid industrial unrest while safeguarding the legitimate rights and aspirations of BSNL executives and strengthening the future of BSNL.