Update on Meeting with CMD BSNL on the issue of Recent Transfer and Postings: “The bigger Question – Who Did It as no body is willing to take the onus.” Time has come to restart the postponed organisational actions –
On 13th May 2025, Team AIGETOA met CMD BSNL and requested for consideration on the submissions made by the association with regard to recent AGM LICE promotional postings and OTP transfers. Association strongly raised objections on the arbitrary imposition of a mere 15-days joining period for executives promoted through LICE in contravention with the prevailing DoPT guidelines. The association demanded that the joining period be extended to 40 days, in line with the DoPT guidelines and all previous promotion orders issued under both SCF and LICE including DoT period. AIGETOA highlighted that genuine cases such as medical, PWD category, spouse, Care Giver, and Children appearing in Class-12 Board examinations have also been completely ignored, which is a clear deviation from DoPT guideline, established norms and compassionate consideration. We also highlighted that many people have been subjected to the consecutive transfers within a span of as low as 2-3 months despite the provision of cooling Period existing in the transfer policy.
It came as a huge surprise to us when CMD BSNL told that he was neither aware of how the 15-days joining period has been incorporated instead of 40 days clause nor he was aware of the methodology adopted in issuance of the transfer and Postings. This was indeed surprising that while all this while HR group has maintained that nothing is in their hands and have been helplessly sitting without any action on the issues raised and now even Head of the organization is showing ignorance on such an important aspect. This raises a very serious question that why all including the head of the organization is reluctant to own the decisions, is it coincidence or deliberate violation of the set rules and practices. On our insistence on why the DoP&T guidelines have not been followed by BSNL while issuing the current promotions, it was suggested by CMD BSNL that since promotions were granted, it should not be an issue whether the joining time is 15 or 40 days. He even went to the extent of saying that you only wanted promotions and now that we have given, your people are reluctant to join. Despite telling that there are many violations in the orders, There was no change in indifferent response to points raised like consideration genuine difficulties faced by executives, the delay in planning of travel during war like situation etc. Altogether the response was highly disappointing towards the executive fraternity.
AIGETOA also raised the serious concerns regarding the recently issued transfer and posting orders linked to LICE promotions, long-stay transfers, hard tenure postings, and OTP requests. It was pointed out that these orders have been issued in total violation of BSNL’s own transfer policy prevailing as on date. Despite long-pending OTP and hard tenure cases, no resolution has been made, and instead, a centralized, opaque, and arbitrary process is being followed. This pick-and-choose approach, bypassing standard rules and ignoring established process, is creating a sense of injustice, discrimination, and demotivation among the field executives.
The plea on considering the pending Inter Circle requests of OTP cases who have completed the tenure period, with grounds of spouse joining , medical and age considerations etc are also in vain. It was pointed out that as per the prevailing policy the requests of two OTP transfer windows are pending to be executed without any pick and choose or favoritism and the executives who are away from their native places are eagerly waiting for the return to their parent circles. No commitment or clarity was given in this regard also and we were directed to meet acting Director (HR) Shri Papa Sudhakar Rao ji. The acting Director (HR) was sympathetic and patiently listened to us but was not in position to comment or commit anything and replied that He shall be discussing with PGM (Pers) and let us know on 14th May wrt the LICE promotion orders only. Its really unfortunate that this unnecessary buck passing like game is becoming endless with no body is in a position to inform about a conclusive decision. Last week it was told that on Tuesday we can expect some decision. On Tuesday again we have been guided for next day as PGM(Pers) was on leave. Our team shall be actively following the developments and shall ensure that justice prevails. However this lack of empathy clearly shows that when it comes to employees specially those in lower and middle level bracket, no body is interested to take any call and the buck is passed to the next one. Lower management points to the higher one and the higher one points to the lower one. Never before in BSNL, we have been witness to such activities. This also belies our own assumptions that the current management was sympathetic to the employees and had humanitarian touch to HR.
It is increasingly evident that all critical HR issues – promotions, postings, and transfers – are being handled arbitrarily by a central authority, sidelining policy, transparency, and fairness. The association has already submitted detailed discrepancies and representations to CMD BSNL, Director (HR), and PGM (Pers), but the inaction continues. By seeing the attitude from the management it is ample clear that they are not ready to consider any genuine concerns of the employees and rather it is unfortunate to say that they are considering the real work force of BSNL as nothing.
Even though the BDM forum where this AIGETOA is one of the constituent was given some vague assurances on various grave agenda matters related with 3rd PRC, Pay scale and Payloss matters , Promotions and Superannuation issues along with revision on perks and other allowances, this systemic neglect of executive issues is damaging morale and eroding trust in the administrative process.
In light of the persistent inaction and growing frustration among the executive community, AIGETOA firmly believes that the time has come to resume the agitation program, which was postponed on 9th May 2025. The association urges all employees and its members in particular to mobilize, make awareness, and prepare to launch a strong protest against this unjust and arbitrary treatment. This Don’t Care attitude is simply Not acceptable as far as employee fraternity is considered. As the employees are pushed to the wall, the only option remains is retaliation and a befitting reply. AIGETOA is also eagerly waiting for action on the part of the group which has been chosen as the representatives for the executive fraternity. It will be interesting to see when they wake up to the call of fraternity. However, Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch and AIGETOA is geared up to take the injustices head on. The time to act is now. Let’s stand together in unity, strength, and purpose, ensuring that employees, the government, and the public remain the true stakeholders in this great organization.
Association shall be taking its call on resumption of the organizational action programs soon in consultation with constituents of BDM and also our umbrella organization BMS.
Join.. Mobilize.. Agitate.. Let’s make our voice impossible to ignore!
