All India Graduate Engineers & Telecom Officers Association

20 Years of Togetherness – United By Purpose, Driven by Passion

Dear Members,

As we celebrate the completion of twenty years of AIGETOA on 21 November 2025, it gives us immense pride to look back at a journey that began with humble beginnings and has today evolved into the strongest and most credible platform of BSNL Executives. What started as a small group of young executives raising genuine concerns has, over the years, grown into a national organization with a clear purpose, deep conviction and an unbroken commitment to fairness and dignity for all BSNL executives.

AIGETOA was formed at a time when the concerns of BSNL Recruits were not receiving the attention they deserved. Guided by the foundational efforts at Rewari, Haryana, the association was built from the ground up with a structured and democratic framework. These early years laid the foundation of an organization that was driven not by slogans but by action, which is why “Our actions speak” continues to reflect our character even today.

The defining moment in our early history came during the historic “Operation Sacrifice” in 2009 that transformed AIGETOA into a force recognized across BSNL. “Operation Sacrifice” established the association as the true voice of BSNL Executives and firmly placed the issues of Pay Revision, Pay scales, Pay Losses, Promotions, HR Parity and Social Security on BSNL’s national agenda. The continuity of strong and committed leadership at CHQ, Circle & District has shaped AIGETOA into a stable, resilient and purpose-driven organization.

Over the last two decades, our collective efforts have ensured that executive’s issues remain at the center of policy discussions, whether it is of Implementation 3^rd PRC or settlement of residual issues of 2^nd PRC i.e. Standard Pay Scales of E2-E3 for JTO/JAO-SDE/AO Equivalent, Pay losses, Smooth Career Progression & Promotions, 30% SAB, HR transparency and Parity, settlement of reversal cases, correction of long-standing anomalies or responding immediately to arbitrary actions by Management. With persistent submissions to BSNL management, DoT, MoC and through the support of BMS and BDM, these issues remain firmly on the national agenda. Our recent interventions, media outreach and structured meetings have helped bring a new level of visibility to the concerns of BSNL executives spread across all platforms.

These twenty years have also been a testimony to our culture of togetherness. “Together we can, Together we have, Together we will” has not just been a slogan, it has been our lived experience. At every stage, it was the solidarity of members that carried the association forward, whether in times of struggle, persuasion, negotiation or policy corrections. Our unity has been our greatest strength and remains the foundation of every achievement.

What has always set AIGETOA apart is its character. We are not an association driven by legacy, nor are we guided by external interests. We were created by the executives of BSNL, for the executives of BSNL and that identity remains our strength. As the calendar marks our 21st milestone, our resolve shines brighter: To lead with Consistency, fight with Persistence, chase dreams with Passionate Pursuit, and protect the welfare of BSNL executives with unshakable Commitment. . 

At this momentous occasion, our commitment continues for one Nation, one BSNL, one Dream, One strength. We continue to move forward with the vision of “One PSU – One Association” – The most effective way to forge this dream into unbreakable reality! A unified and strong executive platform is essential for fairness in policies, transparent growth opportunities and long-term career stability and AIGETOA is taking all efforts to realize this vision.

On this landmark occasion, we extend heartfelt gratitude to every BSNL employee, every Member, every Leader – Past and Present whose commitment, trust and participation shaped the journey of AIGETOA. Your faith in this association is the reason we stand strong today, and it will continue to guide us in the years ahead.

Let us celebrate twenty years of determination, unity and progress with pride. And let us step into the future with renewed energy, committed to justice, dignity, growth and the long-term welfare of every BSNL executive.

With warm regards,

Team AIGETOA

Today, the case OA/405/2023 was listed for pleading and directions before the Hon’ble CAT, Ernakulam.

During the proceedings, our advocate highlighted that the matter has already been considerably delayed and also informed the Court that the 3rd PRC process is currently underway, making an early resolution important.

The Hon’ble Judge enquired about the filing of a rejoinder. Our advocate submitted that no rejoinder is required, as filing one at this stage would only cause further delay, and requested the Court to move forward to the hearing.

The Judge also asked the advocate of the connected cases regarding any pending submissions.

Our advocate strongly requested that the matter be posted for final hearing at the earliest, preferably next month. However, due to non-availability of an earlier date, The Hon’ble Tribunal has posted the case for final hearing on 02 January 2026.

Anoop Das, ACS KRL AIGETOA, was present at the court.

The executive associations of BSNL AIGETOA, SNEA, SEWA BSNL and AIBSNLEA have jointly submitted a detailed representation to the Hon’ble Minister of Communications registering a strong and unanimous objection to the proposed lateral recruitment in BSNL through the Senior Executive Trainee (SET) route and the proposed Direct Recruitment of DGMs (External).

Click Here for Letter Submitted

The associations have conveyed that the move has created serious concern and resentment among BSNL’s serving executives. At a time when thousands of executives are waiting for their due promotions, the introduction of such large-scale lateral induction from outside is viewed as a direct setback to the long-standing career progression of BSNL’s own employees.

The Economic Times has published a detailed news report on the joint representation submitted by the BMS-affiliated unions and associations of BSNL to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The article highlights our collective request for implementation of the 3rd PRC in BSNL and clearance of the pending residual benefits of the 2nd PRC.

Click here for the Newspaper Link

This coverage reflects the growing national attention on the long-pending pay revision and the disparity faced by absorbed BSNL executives and employees. It also acknowledges the concerns raised in our recent submission on dated 14.11.2025 under the banner of the Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM).

Click here for letter submitted by BDM to Hon’ble PM

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) writes to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji with Humble appeal to implement 3rd PRC in BSNL and extend residual benefits of 2nd PRC to the employees of BSNL – Government’s own Telecom Carrier.

Click here for Letter

The efforts of AIGETOA and BTEU under the guidance of BMS with respect to the implementation of 3rd PRC has reached to the next level with Hon’ble PMO taking cognizance of the submissions by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch and directing the concerned ministry to take needful appropriate action. We are keenly following the developments on the aforesaid communication from the office of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

In the series of the efforts by AIGETOA and BTEU under the umbrella of BMS for implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL, we are again making another submission before Hon’ble Prime Minister of India containing the justifications for the waiver of affordability clause and treatment of BSNL as a special purpose strategic sector PSU as stated below :

1. BSNL was specially carved out from Department of Telecom (DoT) in the year 2000 to carry forward the specific of agenda of the government to meet the objectives of National Telecom Policy 1999. BSNL has been declared as strategic public sector by Government of India to implement strategic policy decisions of Govt. of India. In the recommendations of the 3^rd PRC, the affordability clause has been waived for the PSUs which are formed to perform a specific agenda of the government.
2. BSNL has been the flag bearer for the Aatmanirbhar Vision in Telecom having successfully implemented the Swadeshi 4G/5G mobile technology across Bharat and has been able to reach to the farthest and remotest corners of the nation through the 4G saturation and Bharatnet Projects.
3. BSNL has successfully overcome all the market challenges since its evolution and has completed 25 years since its formation. Earning profit has never been the objective of BSNL. In fact, it addresses the market imperfections and acts as a tariff balancer in the best interest of the nation and its citizens. Still the financials of BSNL have been on a continuous rising trend since 2019 solely due to efforts of current government and the resilience shown by the employees during the toughest times of BSNL.
4. The BSNL board and other decision makers has been following the policy decisions of Govt. of India and have to work in the limits of the defined policy framework and hence are not having the same advantageous position as available to its private counterparts. Hence, more or less BSNL has been working as a government organization only. In fact, the top managerial/decision-making positions of BSNL has always been occupied by the officers on deputation/deemed deputation from DoT.
5. There are two set of employees in BSNL. One fully absorbed/recruited in BSNL and other working on deemed deputation in BSNL. The officers on deemed deputation are decision makers and are getting pay and allowances at par with officers of Govt. of India (7th PRC benefits) as they opposed absorption a decision of Govt. of India and are due for 8th PRC benefits. Surprisingly, they are not governed by the affordability clause of BSNL though have mostly been working in BSNL ever since it was incorporated. The second set of absorbed/recruited officers are yet to get even the full 2nd PRC benefits, Pay scales and 30% Superannuation benefits.
6. This has led to wide disparity between the two groups of employees in terms of pay, perks and allowances though working in the same organization and carrying out the same work. This bias is unprecedented in any organization especially the government owned ones, is totally discriminatory and against the Article 14 of constitution of India which stipulates “likes should be treated alike”.

We are very sure that the joint efforts of AIGETOA and BTEU under the umbrella of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will definitely pave the way for smooth and speedy implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL. Our consistent and persistent efforts for the last many months are being finally acknowledged and taken into consideration by the various concerned departments.

GS AIGETOA writes to Director HR BSNL with request for issuing direction to ALTTC Ghaziabad for introduction of additional batches and/or Hybrid Training Mode for conducting E3-E4 upgradation training to the Accounts Officers (AO) waiting for said mandatory training within two years from the date of issue of upgradation order under EPP.

Click here for letter

GS AIGETOA writes to BSNL Management for granting of quarterly review agenda based meeting to AIGETOA for discussion on crucial issues being faced by the BSNL Executives under the chairmanship of CMD BSNL.

Click here for the Agenda Points submitted for Meeting

AIGETOA wishes everyone a very happy and peaceful Guru Nanak Jayanti.

The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji guide us toward compassion, humility, equality and truthful living. His message of “Sarbat da Bhala” reminds us to work for the collective good and to uphold harmony in both our personal and professional lives.

On this auspicious occasion, we pray for the well-being of all BSNL Executives, employees, and their families. May the path shown by Guru Nanak Dev Ji inspire us to continue our journey with sincerity, dedication and unity.

The executive associations of BSNL SNEA, AIGETOA, SEWA, and AIBSNLEA collectively and with unified voice stand against the recently issued notification for the recruitment of Senior Executive Trainee (SET) in Telecom and Finance streams at the E3 pay scale. A joint letter submitted to the CMD BSNL, demanding immediate withdrawal of the notification and highlighting the widespread resentment among serving executives.

Click here for Joint Letter Submitted to CMD BSNL

The associations have expressed deep anguish and objection over the unilateral decision of the BSNL management to recruit SETs through an open lateral intake without consulting the recognized associations, in violation of the REA Rules 2014.

The Associations Strongly Objected and Pointed Out:

1] Complete Disregard for Internal Talent by BSNL: The SET recruitment ignores thousands of qualified and experienced executives already serving in BSNL who possess the same or higher qualifications and have 10–27 years of relevant experience.

2] Stagnation and Lack of Career Progression: Since BSNL’s inception, executives recruited through competitive processes like GATE and internal upgradations have largely remained in the same grade for 8 to 27 years without meaningful promotions.

3] Demoralizing the Existing Workforce: Bringing in fresh graduates at E3 pay scale without the required experience and placing them above serving JTOs/JAOs and other officers is seen as unjust and demotivating.

4] Ignoring Repeated Representations: This is not the first time such unilateral decisions have been made. Previous requests to prioritize internal promotions and fill key management roles through existing executives have gone unheeded.

5] Biased HR practices: The association highlights past examples such as the discriminatory handling of DR DGM recruitment, where similarly placed BSNL executives were sidelined in favour of external entrants.

6] Direct recruitment of freshers at higher level than JTO/JAO, while ignoring deserving internal talent and unresolved HR/financial grievances, is unjust, erodes executive trust, and impairs organizational effectiveness.

Demand:

1] Immediate withdrawal of the SET recruitment notification and stop any lateral entry in BSNL as being followed in other PSUs.

2] If any fresh recruitment is to be done then the same should be done in the cadres of JEs and JTOs/JAOs who are backbone of the BSNL. We also demand that instead of having bulk recruitment at JTO/JAOs, BSNL should recruit JTOs/JAOs/JEs every year and it should be regular yearly process.

3] f required, for filling vacant post of GM/PGM level in BSNL, a separate methodology and process may be defined to fill these posts from all the serving executives of BSNL.

4] Stop pick and choose applicability of Rules in BSNL and decide on applicability of rules to BSNL i.e. rules applicable to PSU or rules applicable to Government Services and please apply these rules uniformly for resolution of all issues of BSNL

5] Immediate action for Promotions of BSNL executives waiting for their first promotion. All the executives who have completed the residency in the grade must be extended promotions to the next level without any delay as jointly submitted by us.

6] Discuss the issue of shortage of Officers required at BSNL Managerial Position and to frame a methodology to fill vacant posts as followed in PSUs. 

7] Immediate resolution of the long-pending financial issues including implementation of 3^rd PRC, extension of E2 scales for JTO/JAO Equivalent, 30 Percent Contribution to Superannuation Benefits, Revision in TA/DA/ Transport allowances, restoration of previous Medical Reimbursement Limits.

8] The other perks and allowances of serving executives which are presently freezed by quoting financial condition of BSNL should be immediately released.

9] As the freeze on external recruitment is removed, immediate start of Compassionate Ground Appointment with consideration of the dependents of all the executives who left for their heavenly abode in all these years.

We urge the management to reconsider and act in the best interests of both the Executives and the organization. There is huge unrest in BSNL executives because of such unilateral actions by BSNL and it will be difficult to control the emotions of executives if management continues to deny the rightful dues and continues to engage in such unilateral actions. In such scenario, the responsibility of any industrial unrest will lie solely on Management.

BDM writes to Hon’ble MoC for implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL by waiving of the affordability clause in view of the continued upsurge in financial performance and BSNL’s successful role in development of Swadeshi 4G Stack.

Click here for the Letter

BDM has submitted the following salient points for consideration of implementation of 3^rd PRC for BSNL by doing away the affordability clause:

1] Involvement of BSNL in successful development of Swadeshi 4G (5G ready) technology making Bharat only the fifth country have its own End-to-end indigenous 4G stack. Making India Atmanirbhar in all domains is the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and we take pride in being part of this divine initiative. 

2] BSNL has Strategic, Social & Economic Relevance in Telecom Sector and is rendering telecom services in a fiercely competitive market dominated by large Private Sector Telecom Service Providers. Its main role are as follows:

• It addresses market imperfections in telecom sector;
• It is functioning as a reference point for getting more reliable information for the sector regulator;
• It is working as tariff balancer so as to ensure availability of reliable and affordable telecom service to the masses;
• It is providing telecom services in the uneconomic, unviable, rural, far flung areas and difficult hilly terrains;
• It plays vital role in providing connectivity during emergencies, natural calamities, war like situation etc. The recent examples being – providing the uninterrupted telecom services during the recent tense geopolitical situation at Border Areas and Covid-19 Pandemic.

3] BSNL is executing Government Projects of national importance like Bharat-Net, Network for Spectrum, LWE Areas Project and Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for NE States, etc.

4] BSNL has been identified as ‘Strategic Sector’ CPSU in Telecom Domain, due to reasons mentioned above.

5] The financial position of BSNL has been on rising trend due to the continuous support and various initiatives taken by the Government of India under the active guidance of your good self and also because of the firm commitment shown by the employees of BSNL to fulfil these visionary objectives. This is very much visible from the recent statistics of BSNL as mentioned below:

Revenue statement (in Crores) for the last few years is as follows:

While seeking the options for absorption in BSNL, Government gave the Erstwhile DoT employees assurances for better prospects. Had they not opted for absorption, they would have got the benefits of 7th CPC and now will get 8^th CPC. Unabsorbed Government officers deployed in BSNL have already been granted the benefit of 7th CPC w.e.f. 01.01.2016 and they shall be now getting the 8^th CPC also without any linkage to Profitability of BSNL.

It will be pertinent to mention that almost all of these unabsorbed employees getting the 7^th CPC benefits have been working in BSNL only ever since BSNL was formed. Even they are being promoted against the vacant Posts of BSNL. It is our submission that the regular employees of BSNL should not face the financial loss just because they chose to obey the directions of the government. This disparity has been highlighted by the Hon’ble Parliamentary Committee of Public Sector Undertakings (COPU) with a recommendation to resolve this disparity to DOT/BSNL in its 6^th Report submitted before 18^th Loksabha.   

It is submitted that to make turnaround of a non-profitable CPSU working in stiff competition needs more motivated employees than an organization already running in profit in a lesser competitive market. Apart from above it is also worth mentioning that to remain vibrant and add to its competitive edge, BSNL has recruited about 36,000 employees with Technical and Professional qualifications. Pay revision is imperative to retain and motivate this young talent.

We would also like to submit the Recommendations of the 3rd PRC (Para 5 of the Executive Summary) wherein the committee has recommended that affordability conditions shall not be applicable to such CPSEs which are formed to perform specific agenda of the Govt. BSNL was formed in pursuance of specific agenda of the Govt of India to meet the objectives of the National Telecom Policy 1999. Therefore, the condition of affordability should not have been insisted in case of BSNL.