In continuation of its sustained efforts for safeguarding the interests of BSNL and its executives, Team AIGETOA today had a detailed, exhaustive and pre-scheduled meeting with the Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, Shri Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar Ji, at Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi.
The meeting lasted for nearly 20-25 minutes, during which Team AIGETOA placed before the Hon’ble Minister a comprehensive memorandum covering all the major long-pending HR, organizational and policy issues affecting BSNL and its executives.
At the outset, Team AIGETOA expressed its gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for sparing his valuable time despite his busy schedule. The team appreciated the Government’s continued commitment towards strengthening BSNL and highlighted that while BSNL has made remarkable progress in network expansion and business growth, the morale of its executives can be further strengthened only through timely resolution of the long-pending HR issues.
Detailed Discussion on Pending Committee Reports:
The team informed the Hon’ble Minister that despite his kind intervention and categorical directions to extend resolution of the issues in a time bound manner, the resolution is yet to be realized. We shared our understanding that BSNL Management is contemplating symbolic increase which is more intended towards complying to the directions of Hon’ble Minister than actual resolution. We stated that after much efforts and blessings of Hon’ble Minister, HR issues have gained priority but the management doesn’t appear to be very keen in resolving anything. We highlighted that as per our understanding, on all the issues viz SAB contribution increase, TA/DA revision, Medical Reimbursement Increase, things have been kept as a bare minimum and the revision of Transport Allowance has once again been dropped from the agenda.
It was emphasized that these issues involve minimal financial implications but have a significant bearing on employee motivation, organizational stability and productivity. The Hon’ble Minister was requested to advise BSNL Management to expedite implementation of all pending committee recommendations including the increase in Transport allowance without further delay.
Hon’ble Minister discussed the issues and assured for his necessary intervention to ensure the things. He categorically stated that he will ensure that the residual issues of 2nd PRC are resolved in totality to the best satisfaction of all the employees.
Uttarakhand Pilot Organisational Restructuring:
One of the major agenda items discussed during the meeting was the recently introduced Pilot Organisational Restructuring in Uttarakhand Circle.
Team AIGETOA apprised the Hon’ble Minister about the extensive feedback received from executives working across various circles. The team highlighted that the pilot restructuring, in its present form, has created widespread concern among field executives due to various operational, administrative and manpower-related issues.
It was submitted that the restructuring appears to have been implemented without adequate stakeholder consultation and without a comprehensive assessment of the actual operational and business requirements. The team explained that any restructuring exercise should strengthen BSNL’s service delivery and improve operational efficiency rather than create uncertainty among employees.
The Hon’ble Minister was requested to intervene urgently and advise BSNL Management to keep the implementation in abeyance until a detailed review is undertaken based on scientific manpower assessment, business requirements and stakeholder consultation.
Hon’ble Minister emphasized that since lot of government money has been invested for bridging the digital divide, the focus on strengthening the rural connectivity is a must. We said that management model is focused on SDE/JTOs doing all the multifaceted and specialized works which is not possible practically. We said existing setup is capable enough to take care of the concerns with respect to the rural network strength and the greater need is to provide the needed resources like vehicles, sufficient outsourcing staff etc. Hon’ble Minister assured that inputs will be examined and no implementation shall be unilateral. He directed his team to talk to management and get a detailed report on the issue.
Hon’ble Minister however was very concerned about the huge down time of the BTSs and directed us to take care of that aspect. He said while government is getting focused on resolution of HR issues also but at the same time employees must take care of this critical aspect. We assured him that employees are and shall be taking best efforts but at the same time requested for provisioning of sufficient resources for O&M.
Discussion on Standard pay Scale of E2 for JTO/JAO Equivalent & E3 for SDE/AO/Equivalent:
Hon’ble Minister directed his team to immediately speak to the concerned section in DoT and ensure finalization of this long pending issue. However, it was intriguing to note that one association claiming itself to be representative of the executives has been confusing all with their immature handling of the issue and are making it hard to resolve. However, team AIGETOA had clarified the issue including that of extending five increments as an interim measure and made Hon’ble Minister aware about the criticality of both the issues and other pay losses faced by the executives recruited after 01.01.2007. HE firmly assured that residual issues of 2nd PRC shall be taken care of.
Issue of 3rd PRC:
He said government appreciates the demand but the issue needs wider involvement of the higher echelons in Government. He categorically stated that while DoT team has been directed to work on the issue of affordability waiver for BSNL, the final decision is beyond his jurisdiction. We emphasized that association has been reaching all the forums including PMO and we are very sure that government will definitely consider our genuine demand.
Issue of Promotions:
We highlighted the need for extending the promotions through alternate means as the regular promotional is not only choked due to lesser vacancies but also is not moving forward due to various litigations. We highlighted that even in PSUs like TCIL within DoT jurisdiction follows the alternate method then why BSNL is not trying to adopt the same approach. We once again explained that a proposal of personal upgradation duly signed by the three recognized associations of BSNL i.e. AIGETOA, SNEA and SEWA has been submitted to management and that is the best way to end the current stalemate in promotions. We also highlighted the various factors and the reluctance of management to move ahead with the proposal. Hon’ble Minister desired a brief note on all the issues which was duly submitted to his team after the meeting.
Creation of a proper internal management hierarchy through timely promotions across all cadres and settlement of pending seniority disputes and Scrapping of the SET Recruitment and Contract GM Recruitment process and giving priority to experienced internal executives:
It was told by Hon’ble Minister that BSNL has informed that there is no body in the organization to take care of the higher responsibilities in the absence of ITS officers whose tenure is getting ended on 31st December 2026. We showed the details of the available internal talent within BSNL including their service profile, experience, left out service and to what position, the executives can reach. We expressed that notion created by Management is not true and the qualified internal executives within the BSNL is sufficient to carry forward all the responsibilities including the higher-level posts. We also informed that despite stay on appointment, BSNL moved forward to conduct the exam which will raise future legal complexities as was observed in the case of Airport Authority of India. Hon’ble Minister assured that inputs of AIGETOA shall be examined and necessary action shall be taken to address the grievances.
Rectification of various anomalies noticed in the recent executive transfer process and strict adherence to the Transfer Policy and OTP Policy:
It was informed that management has already been directed to ensure that the genuine inputs submitted by AIGETOA with respect to various discrepancies should be taken care of. In view of the no action on this yet, BSNL will be once again asked to ensure that the issues and the associated genuine cases submitted by AIGETOA is taken care of.
Implementation of “One Company – One Policy” ensuring parity in pay, perks and promotional opportunities between regular BSNL/MTNL employees and ITS officers on deputation:
We explained our submissions to the HR committee which was appreciated. It was informed DoT is already working on this and actions have been initiated.
Early appointment of a Regular CMD in BSNL/MTNL for continuity in decision-making and implementation of strategic telecom initiatives:
The notification has been issued and search committee is working on the same.
We also explained about the precarious position of JEs in BSNL who are taking a major share of load but have been denied proper pay, proper scale, proper promotions and even the proposed scales in wage negotiation have been very less vis-à-vis the market scenario. Hon’ble Minister assured to look into this critical aspect also.
The Hon’ble Minister patiently heard each of the issues raised by Team AIGETOA and personally went through the memorandum submitted during the meeting. He sought details on several issues and appreciated the comprehensive feedback received from the field level.
The Hon’ble Minister assured Team AIGETOA that the concerns raised during the meeting would be examined on priority and that necessary directions would be issued to BSNL Management for appropriate action. He also assured that the issues relating to the Uttarakhand Pilot Organisational Restructuring would receive due attention.
Team AIGETOA expressed its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for his patient hearing, positive approach and assurance of timely intervention.
The Association remains fully committed to pursuing all pending HR issues through constructive dialogue and continuous engagement with the Government and BSNL Management until their logical and satisfactory resolution.
In the evening, after the meeting with Hon’ble MoSC, Team AIGETOA met JS (Admin) as per the directions and apprised him about the discussions and pendency of the issues. The details of this meeting will be shared subsequently.
Team AIGETOA is committed to take all actions necessary to resolve the long pending issues of BSNL employees and request one and all to support us in our endeavour. Today is the last day of the change window and we appeal all the executives of BSNL to Join AIGETOA for a better and secure tomorrow.
Join AIGETOA, Strengthen the only voice which speaks in BSNL.
