Yesterday & Today, detailed and intense discussions of the Forum were held with the Management represented by PGM (SR) regarding the notice served by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) – a platform comprising AIGETOA, BTEU BSNL, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU.

PGM (SR) conveyed that BSNL Management is taking the concerns raised by the forum seriously and is committed to resolving both HR and operational issues through a participative and time-bound approach. It was informed that a formal study group consisting of members from Management and representatives from recognized and support associations, including SEWA, will be constituted. This group will engage in structured, agenda-based discussions to resolve long-standing issues in a time bound manner.

The discussions were started with Management highlighted the significant and positive role being played by management under the leadership of CMD BSNL Shri A Robert J Ravi in achieving new milestones for BSNL along with getting support for the company from various stakeholders and the same was appreciated during discussions. The ‘BSNL First’ approach of current CMD BSNL was also emphasised by management in the discussions. It was conveyed by GS AIGETOA that BSNL First approach is very much valued by all the employees of BSNL also which was the prime reason for BSNL sailing through its toughest times. The very compassionate and sincere role played by Director HR, Shri Kalyan Sagar Nippani was also appreciated from both sides during discussions. BDM leaders said that its sad to note that despite this strong employee-employer bonding, the issues remain pending to be resolved.

PGM (SR) reaffirmed the commitment of management in initiating constructive dialogues and addressing concerns in a time bound manner. She assured that BSNL will sincerely work towards resolving issues within its scope and will escalate matters like 3rd PRC, standard pay scales, and pension revision – those falling outside BSNL’s purview – to the appropriate authorities. Management side also assured that the operational issues highlighted in the agitation notice are being taken care of and management is fully focussed in ensuring a smooth rollout of 4G/5G services and a rugged backhaul network and a good FTTH Ecosystem.

GS AIGETOA and Chairman BDM, during the discussion, emphasized that the issues pending before the management (Both HR as well as operational) has led to this widespread unrest. We also highlighted the point that many such studies have been done in past and based on the same only a combined letter from three recognised associations was given before the start of HR Month as per the discussions held earlier with management. We also emphasised that the HR Group should have acted more proactively, particularly during the month of April 2025 to avoid the current situation. The consistent problems faced by executives in maintaining the network and arresting the churn of the subscribers from BSNL is another major area of concern. Nevertheless, the forum is open to resolution through dialogue – but underlined that achieving the outcomes expected is all the more important.

GS also expressed concern over the transfer orders issued recently impacting the personal and professional issues of the affected executives. The GS highlighted cases of executives being transferred repeatedly within short spans and on promotions, such actions appear to be not in line to achieve the progress. The deviation from transfer policy in circle allocation, and use of the regular AGMs who are seniors in SDCA roles while the Junior officers (MTs) as OA Head were flagged as serious violations. In fact, the new transfer policy was already under discussion with AIGETOA/SNEA and the same has still not taken the final shape. The discussions on new transfer policy were still on with associations waiting for response of the management on the suggestions given by them. The discussions on the concerns raised by Circle OBs with management shall also be held on Monday. The association assures all affected executives that AIGETOA CHQ will pursue their concerns to ensure resolution. The Joint Secretaries have been asked to collate the issues received from CSs for further pursuance and all are requested to submit their grievances to the concerned JSs through the CS.

Following the discussions yesterday, an appeal from Management was issued to the Chairman and Convener of the Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (referencing Para 6 of the letter), proposing the formation of a joint study group to work collaboratively on the issues raised. GS AIGETOA informed PGM (SR) that the appeal would be reviewed in consultation with the constituents of BDM and BMS. Subsequent discussions shall take place on Monday.

As a responsible association, AIGETOA acknowledges the management’s timely outreach and openness to dialogue. We also appreciate BSNL gaining positive milestones and the forum is equally concerned for the health and growth of BSNL. But at the same time BDM cannot ignore the welfare of its fraternity which is of paramount interest for any Association. If good steps are taken, BDM will never hesitate in appreciating the good things but at the same time we will never back out in highlighting the lacunae also. The BDM forum maintains that resolutions must be tangible, time-bound, and documented – particularly on critical issues such as 4G deployment, network challenges, FTTH provisioning, 3rd PRC, 30 % SAB, pay loss, and overdue promotions.

No doubt, the continuity in the leadership of any head of the organisation is vital for its resurgence and long-term success and the same holds true for BSNL also. The Current CMD after taking over the charge told us about his vision to transform the company into a technologically advanced, customer-first telecom leader, 4G/5G rollout, digital services etc and accordingly we all supported him wholeheartedly to strengthen the hands. We always stand united to reinforce the efforts for a stronger and profitable BSNL with a roadmap for sustainable growth and employee welfare. But, despite our best efforts and unqualified support, the resolution of the Operational and HR issues as mentioned in the demands are a big area of concern and the same is one of the major reasons for this prevailing unrest in BSNL. BDM Leaders also stated that keeping the company up and running are in the hands of policymakers and employees have only role to execute the decisions. Further the welfare of the employees needs to be ensured with the policy makers in line with the GoI/DPE/BSNL guidelines.

However, we do welcome the positive approach of continued discussion from management and CMD BSNL and with an intent for actual outcome both for BSNL growth issues as well as long pending HR issues, we always recognise the need for continuity of the dialogues and accordingly the discussions shall continue tomorrow also between Management and BDM.

The outcome of the discussions till today have been informed to all the leaders of Bhartiya Door Sanchar Manch and the Apex Leadership of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh. Further dialogue with BMS, our umbrella organization, is ongoing as they actively monitor and escalate the issues at the appropriate forums. We urge all executives to remain patient and stand united. The Central Headquarters of AIGETOA in consultation with Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is closely monitoring the developments and will continue to lead the way forward.

Click here for the Appeal Letter

Click here for the Meeting Notice for 5th May 2025

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) – A joint forum comprising AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU appeal for support and active participation of SNEA, SEWA, AIBSNLEA & SNATTA in the Agitation Program of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) on Crucial BSNL Revival and Long Pending HR Issues.

Click here for letter to GS SNEA

Click here for letter to GS SEWA

Click here for letter to GS AIBSNLEA

Click here for letter to GS SNATTA

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) – A joint forum comprising AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU has issued a strong protest letter to the CMD BSNL against the recent suspension of sports activities across the organization.

Click here for Letter

BSNL Management has justified the suspension on grounds of financial austerity. The rationale behind this decision is contrary especially when BSNL reported a net profit of ₹262 crore in Q3 FY 2024–25 after a 17-years gap.

BDM raised the below concerns on the suspension :

1] Contradiction to National Initiatives: The decision is contrary to the vision of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s “Fit India” and “Khelo India” initiatives that promote fitness and indigenous sports.

2] Impact on BSNL’s Reputation & Morale: BSNL has historically supported national and international level athletes and ranks 6th among 50 PSUs in All India Public Sector Sports Control Board rankings.

3] Alternative Austerity Suggestions: BDM asserts that potential savings can be made by analyzing and reducing excessive administrative expenses across offices, rather than suspending employee welfare programs like sports.

4] Disrespect to Players: The suspension disregards the achievements of BSNL’s sportspersons who have brought laurels to the organization and to the nation.

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch demands immediate withdrawal of the letter suspending sports activities. Restoration of all ongoing and future BSNL sports and welfare programs.

All Circle Secretaries/District Secretaries are requested to serve the Agitation Notice of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) at their respective Circle/District Headquarters along with all available constituents on the Letter Head of BDM by today positively.

The unions and associations affiliated with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and other unions/associations assembled under the banner of Bharatiya Door Sanchar Manch have decided to celebrate the coming months as “Betrayal Month by Management” as they have gone back on their own promise of celebrating the April’2025 Month as HR Month. The indifferent attitude of BSNL management is not only in clearance of pending and legitimate HR issues but also is prevalent in timely addressing the crucial concerns of BSNL viability mostly pertaining to the problems associated with the development of Swadeshi Mobile 4G/5G Core and non-provisioning of proper resources to handle the operation and maintenance issues..

The employees of BSNL are so devoted to the cause of BSNL that they came forward to celebrate February’25 Month as FTTH Month and March’25 as the Revenue Month. All the employees have been working very hard and the results of such hard work is now visible on the results of the FY 2024-25 and in the record-breaking revenue collection in the month of March 2025. It’s worth mentioning that that BSNL has delivered a net profitable quarter after almost 17 years in the Q3 results of FY 2024-25. Despite such strong results of togetherness, management has comprehensively forgotten its own promise of celebrating April Month as HR Month with no focus on resolution of long pending issues of Pay, Pension and Promotion.

Today, our beloved BSNL is facing lot of issues due to poor handling of the most prestigious Swadeshi 4G/5G Project which holds immense significance not only for BSNL but also for our country. Despite the full support of the government, the project is being consistently marred with problems, mostly due to the inept handling of the project by the Management and the associated vendors. This delay in smooth rollout of full-fledged 4G/5G services and consistent day to day problems in the network is leading to huge churn of subscribers which is further leading to a great dip in revenue.

Not only 4G but even the basic issues in the FTTH segment is also not being looked upon which is taking BSNL lag behind its competitors in this era of fierce competition in FTTH / EB segments. The backhaul issues, Network issues, connectivity issues, lack of proper Infra and Equipment have been brought to the notice of management time and again but to no avail and no appreciable action has been taken to rectify the problems. This loss of revenue to BSNL is only due to the poor implementation strategy and not taking vendors to the task in a timely and effective manner. BSNL is lagging behind not due to employees but due to the policy makers in management who never bothered to get into the root cause of the problem and are keeping employees engaged in Meetings, Report making etc than the actual output-oriented work.

Added to this, there is huge disparity in the Pay Structure, Promotional Avenues, Perks & Allowances within the BSNL wherein one group of the officers on deputation from outside organisation has been extended all benefits and preferential treatment while those recruited/absorbed in BSNL are being denied everything in the name of the profitability. Management made a promise of celebrating April 2025 month as HR month with focus on resolution of all the long pending HR issues of BSNL Employees but instead of lending focus on resolution, management is desperate to create more issues in HR. Non issuance of LICE Promotions despite readiness for two months, Withdrawal of Sports Facility, Issuance of a poorly framed Laptop Reimbursement policy, rejection of mobile reimbursement scheme to JEs etc are few glaring examples which speaks volumes about the intent of management for the resolution of the HR issues and the so called celebration of the self-coined term of the management itself i.e. “Celebrating April 2025 Month as HR Month”. It is very clear now that all that management is interested in is the nomenclature of months with no focus on actual output.

We are left with no option but to serve notice for organisational activity to seek resolutions on the crucial BSNL revival and survival issues, as well as long-pending genuine HR issues affecting BSNL employees. Our demands include resolution of 3rd PRC, Wage negotiation, Pension Revision, 2nd PRC residuals like Standard Pay Scale E2-E3 & Pay Loss Issues, 30% Superannuation Benefit (SAB) Quantum, PRMB, JE pay scale, Review of NEPP, Stagnation, Medical, All India LTC Perks & Allowances issues, Promotions for all eligible executives and non-executives across all streams/cadres and providing smooth career progression, “One Company – One Policy” for all Employee in BSNL. The disparity in the Pay, Perks & allowances and Promotional avenues of those on deputation and those Recruited/absorbed in BSNL must end now and equal rights must be given to all.

After exhaustive deliberations even with other stakeholders and groups, we conclude that our efforts to resolve the stalemate through dialogue have been unsuccessful, and our patience for amicable resolution has been exhausted due to the management’s failure to honour their commitments. With no hope for a mutually agreeable solution, the participants of the Bharatiya Door Sanchar Manch (BDM) have decided to serve an organizational call notice to settle the long-standing issues listed below.

We sincerely appeal all employees to unite and support this call for the betterment of the organisation as well as for the resolution of the long pending HR issues. Hopefully, in coming days, other associations & unions may follow suit and participate as the issues are common to all and for the benefit of all the employees.

Click here for the Notice by BDM

DEMANDS :

A] BSNL’s viability Issues:

• Enquiry into the circumstances leading to the failure of BSNL to launch full-fledged 4G and 5G services PAN India under Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Issuance of white paper on the actions taken by BSNL to resolve the problems in smooth rollout of the 4G services (Voice fine tuning issues etc.) and to arrest the growing customer dis-satisfaction.
• Implementation of recommendations given by the Committee of Public undertakings (COPU) in its 6th Report for BSNL dated 18th December 2024 submitted to the 18th Loksabha.
• Overhauling and strengthening of backhaul and other fibre network of BSNL. Alternate mechanism to arrest the frequent media outage leading to consistent problems in backhaul and low network availability.
• Provisioning of adequate resources to the field officers for Network and FTTH maintenance, including tools and mobile handsets for field staff.
• Issuance of white paper on the assets of BSNL which has been taken by DoT after 01.10.2000 without providing adequate compensation to BSNL and transferring its ownership back to BSNL as envisaged in the terms and conditions formulated while incorporating BSNL.
• White paper on utilisation of various “Revival Packages” by BSNL vis-à-vis the investment made and its associated outcome.
• White Paper on the outcome of the Consultant appointed for Organisation Transformation in Strategic Area vis-à-vis the expenditure made.
• Posting of a Regular CMD, CGMs and BA heads at the earliest in BSNL for continuity in the implementation of the various decisions/projects and telecom objectives of the government especially that of Atma Nirbhar Bharat in Telecom.

B] Resolution of Long Pending HR Issues:

• Implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL for executives by waiving of the affordability clause in view of the BSNL’s status as strategic PSU and its involvement in the “Make in India” initiative for development of Swadeshi 4G/5G Technology. Finalization of Wage negotiation for non-executives.
• Delinking of Pension Revision with Profitability of BSNL. Pension Revision of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners at par with Central Government Pensioners and implementation of Hon’ble PBCAT judgement.
• “One Company – One Policy” for all Employee in BSNL. The disparity in the Pay, Perks & allowances and Promotional avenues of those on deputation and those Recruited/absorbed in BSNL must be removed and equal rights must be given to all.
• Settlement of residuals of 2nd PRC recommendation, including:
• Issuance of revised presidential order for replacement of the initial two scales E2 (20,600-3%-46,500) for JTO/JAO/Equivalent grades and E3 (24,900-3%-50,500) for SDE/AO/Equivalent grades, which was approved by the BSNL full board in May 2016 and sent to DoT.
• 30% defined contribution towards Superannuation Benefit as per DPE guidelines.
• Creating the mandatory Post-Retirement Medical Benefit Fund (PRMB) for BSNL recruits as per DPE guidelines.
• Settlement of Pay Loss issues of JTOs/JAOs recruited post 1.1.2007 due to wrongful implementation of 2nd PRC benefits for BSNL Recruits (22820/-, E1+5 increments, Pay fixation of DR JE to JTO, JE period Pay Loss)
• Fixing the appropriate JE pay scale and Review of NEPP to extend sufficient career progression to the non-executives.
• Redressal of stagnation issues pertaining to the employees of BSNL.
• Restoration of Medical Coverage (Indoor + Outdoor) as per initial BSNLMRS.
• Extension of Perks & Allowances (Transport, Children Education Allowance, TA/DA etc) and restoration of All India LTC etc.
• Promotions for all eligible executives and non-executives across all streams/cadres and providing smooth career progression with minimum span of years to the employees of BSNL by provisioning of sufficient promotional posts through restructuring review. Settlement of all pending seniority issues. Review of deficit and surplus circle transfer policy to enable inter circle, rule-8, Spouse, PWD and Medical cases transfer. Immediate issuance of all pending promotions.
• Implementation of E1 instead of NE-12 scale for the non-executives at par with MTNL.

All the Office Bearers and Members are requested to give a wide publicity to the program and ensure for its success to vent your resentment as expressed from time to time. BDM sincerely believes and quite hopeful that management will take necessary & immediate action on BSNL Revival and Survival and also seize the opportunity to address the lost trust and ensure immediate settlement of our long pending HR issues and address our serious concerns as stated above to maintain Employees-Employer relationship healthy and in a state of motivation for higher growth of the organisation.

Join us in our efforts to bring about change and ensure a brighter future for BSNL and its employees’ welfare.

On December 17, 2023, the Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM), a collective platform comprising unions and associations from BSNL/DoT/MTNL, successfully concluded a meeting in New Delhi. Significant resolutions were adopted addressing the viability of BSNL, the immediate launch of 4G services, as well as matters pertaining to Pay, Promotion, and Pension. Established on December 6, 2023, by the General Secretaries of eight BSNL unions and associations, the BDM was formed with the primary goal of addressing issues related to the viability of BSNL and the well-being of its employees including those superannuating from BSNL.

Click here for the Glimpses of BDM Meeting on 17th Dec 2023

Click here for the agenda submitted by BDM to BSNL Management and to DoT

Thereafter, the BDM has corresponded with the Hon’ble Secretary DoT and Hon’ble CMD BSNL, expressing concerns on various employee-related issues and seeking a meeting for resolution. BDM has also sought a hearing from Hon’ble Minister of Communication Shri Ashwini Vaishnav Ji for an agenda based discussion on the prominent issues of BSNL employees requiring intervention from the highest office like Issues pertaining to Pan India rollout of 4G services by BSNL, Implementation of 3rd PRC, Implementation of standard pay scales of E2 for JTO/JAO Equivalent and E3 for SDE/AO/Equivalent, Resolution of Pay loss issues pertaining to various groups and the promotion related issues. Additionally, the BDM has also emphasized for the restoration of the old pension scheme for eligible BSNL employees recruited as per DoT notification, aligning with a recent judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and OM dated 03.03.2023. The long pending issue pension revision of employees superannuated from BSNL/MTNL at par with Central Government Pensioners and implementation of Hon’ble PBCAT judgement Dated 20/09/2023 is also a prime agenda undertaken by BDM.

The next course of action to be taken by the platform was discussed and it was decided that since the conventional methods of seeking attention has lost its significance in the present-day scenario, the BDM must adopt the alternate methods available to highlight the long pending HR issues of employees and the significance of BSNL to nation and the contribution of employees in service of our mother nation. It was resolved that while each employee of BSNL remains fully dedicated to the cause and wellbeing of nation and BSNL, at the same time, it must be ensured that each employee is extended its due rights pertaining to Pay, Pension and Promotion and all necessary actions must be undertaken to achieve the same.

The key decisions taken by “BHARTIYA DOORSANCHAR MANCH” in its meeting held on 17th Dec 2023 at New Delhi are as stated below:

1] BDM will try to convince all the unions and associations to join together and work together and accordingly an invitation shall be sent to the General Secretaries of all the unions and association by the convener and chairman.

2] Formation of Circle-Level Coordination Bodies: The Circle-level coordination bodies to be established by January 15, 2024.

3] Circle-Level Conventions shall be held at following cities between 1st January 2024 to 28th Feb 2024):

• Ahmedabad
• Pune
• Lucknow
• Hyderabad
• Vijayawada
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Bhubaneshwar
• Trivandrum
• Jaipur
• Bhopal
• New Delhi

4] A Memorandum highlighting the need for resolving the issues of BSNL viability and the prominent issues related to BSNL shall be submitted to all the MPs by 31st January 2024.

5] The National Safety Day Falls on 4th March. It is decided to appeal to all employees to work for extra one hour for one-week wef 4th March 2024 to for safety of BSNL. During this one hour, employees will highlight the contribution of BSNL towards national interest and its importance as strategic PSU in nation building, various services offered by BSNL etc across various media available including social media.

6] A Padyatra in support of the demands raised by BDM and to create awareness amongst the employees and the general public with respect to the contributions of BSNL employees in nation building, role played by BSNL employees during natural calamities, during tough times of national need (Example- Role of BSNL in recent Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse), the role played by the employees as the unsung Telecom Warriors of Covid-19 whose contributions and sacrifice went unnoticed without any acknowledgement from any corner including BSNL management and Department of Telecom. The Padyatra will aim towards making public aware about the role of BSNL employees in the service of nation. Awareness campaign shall also aim to inform one and all on how management has been depriving the employees of BSNL in terms of their genuine issues related to Pay, Pension and Promotions. The Padyatra will showcase the firm resolve of BDM towards resolution of the long pending HR issues without any further delay. The Padyatra will also pay homage to the unsung telecom warriors who lost their lives while doing the duty of nation during covid-19 pandemic and shall demand the compassionate ground appointment for their dependents and extension of all other facilities which has been given by government to other Covid Warriors. The Padyatra Shall be held in the month of March 2024.

7] It is also proposed to hold a bike rally from various parts of the country to BSNL CO, New Delhi. The modalities of the same shall be in similar lines to that of Pad Yatra and shall be discussed and decided by the above-mentioned committee.

8] Shri Hari Sowani ji, GS BDPS is unanimously nominated as Vice Chairman of the Manch.

9] Detailed program of the above activities shall be informed in due course of time.

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM), The forum of Union & Associations (AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, BTU) of BSNL submitted agenda to Secretary DoT Dr. Neeraj Mittal Ji & CMD BSNL Sh Pravin Kumar Purwar Ji to pursue issues related to viability of BSNL and the issues pertaining to the BSNL employees’ interest & their welfare.

1] BSNL Viability Related Issues.

2] Pay and Allowances Related issues.

3] Pension Related Issues.

4] Promotion Related issues.

Click here for submission of Agenda Points on behlf of BDM dtd 11.12.2023

The General Secretaries of the Unions and Associations of BSNL in its joint meeting held on 14th November and 20th November 2023 have decided to form a common platform of the interested Unions and Associations of BSNL/DoT/MTNL with the name Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch to pursue for the issues related to viability of BSNL and the issues pertaining to the interest & welfare of the employees of BSNL. The Meeting was attended by the general secretaries and other office bearers of the following Unions and Association.

1 ] All India Graduate Engineers & Telecom Officers Association – [AIGETOA]

2] Bhartiya Telecom Employees Union (BSNL) – [BTEU BSNL]

3] Bhartiya Doorsnachar Pensioners Sangh – [BDPS]

4] All India BSNL OBC Employees Welfare Association – [AIBSNLOBCEWA]

5] ST Employees Welfare Association – [STEWA]

6] FNTO BSNL Employees Association – [FNTOBEA]

7] Bahujan Trade Union, BSNL – [BTU BSNL]

The forum unanimously decided to nominate Shri Ravi Shil Verma, General Secretary, AIGETOA as the Chairman, Shri R C Pandey, General Secretary BTEU BSNL as Convenor, and Shri Pavan Akhand, Dy GS, AIGETOA as the Co-Convenor of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch.

Click here for letter