The issue of handing back BSNL’s assets from the DoT to BSNL has been one of the long-pending demands consistently pursued by AIGETOA. We have been regularly raising this issue, including during our recent meeting with the Hon’ble Minister.

We are happy to share that the matter has finally received due attention with intervention from Hon’ble Minister and necessary directions have been issued to the DoT to examine the submissions of AIGETOA and take appropriate action for accommodating the needs of BSNL for co-existence of ALTTC and NCA together.

We hope this positive development will lead to an early decision on handing over ALTTC, Ghaziabad, to BSNL or Co-existence of both the institutes. With our efforts, we have been able to open the chapter again and AIGETOA will continue to follow up the matter till the resolution.

Team Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) held the scheduled meeting with Shri K. Balaji, Joint Secretary (Admin), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), on 10th June 2026 at 4:00 PM in Sanchar Bhawan. The meeting was comprehensive and exhaustive, lasting for nearly one and a half hours, during which all agenda points submitted by BDM were discussed in detail.

One of the major issues deliberated upon was the “waiver of the affordability clause” for implementation of the 3rd PRC in BSNL. It was informed that the matter is now under examination by taking into account precedents from similarly placed Public Sector Undertakings entrusted with strategic and nation-building responsibilities. The role being played by BSNL in achieving the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the telecom sector is also being considered in this context. While the developments are encouraging, the matter is still at a preliminary stage and several procedural and policy hurdles remain before the objective of 3rd PRC implementation can be achieved. Continued unity and support from all employees towards the efforts of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch will be crucial in this journey.

The issues with respect to Stoppage of SET Recruitment, Implementation of Standard Pay Scales, Residual issues of the 2nd PRC, including SAB, Promotions across cadres, Internal Managerial Hierarchy, Mandatory utilization of BSNL 4G services by Central and State Government organizations and PSUs, Appointment of a regular CMD for BSNL was discussed at length. The Pension Revision was also discussed.

The detailed documents in support of our contentions for scrapping the SET Recruitment and implementation of standard pay scales of E2 for JTO/JAO/Equivalent cadres and E3 for SDE/AO/Equivalent cadres was also discussed and submitted again. BDM team informed JS (Admin) that if BSNL moves forward with SET Recruitment, there will be an absolute chaos in the organization and it will be strongly opposed through all means by BDM.

A detailed discussion was also held on the inputs submitted by AIGETOA before the HR Committee. All relevant documents and supporting submissions have been formally presented by the BDM team for consideration.

Positive developments are underway on several agenda points. Further details will be shared with the members and employees at the appropriate stage.

It was also informed that Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani Ji, during his meeting with BSNL Management on 08.06.2026, directed that the Committee constituted by BSNL on 02.06.2026 submit its recommendations within a timeline of 15 days. The Committee is also expected to examine and recommend issues relating to perks and allowances, including revision of the Transport Allowance.

Team BDM expresses its sincere gratitude to Hon’ble MoSC Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani Ji for his timely intervention and continued support on the issues raised by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch.

AIGETOA brought this concept of Sabbatical Leave in BSNL and raised the issue as one of the demands in similar lines as has brought other major policies being followed in other CPSUs to BSNL. Initially management showed its reluctance to approve the policy but subsequently accepted it, thanks to the continued persuasion by TEAM AIGETOA on the matter. This was an agreed issue, still management did not move forward till Jan’26. However, our proactive pursuance yielded results and finally management directed establishment cell of BSNL CO to process the case.

Our submission in February 2026 https://aigetoachq.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GS-AIGETOA-2025-26-104-Implementation-of-Sabatical-Leave-in-BSNL-Dated-17.02.2026.pdf may be referred to for details.

Thereafter, the case was approved by the Management Committee in Feb’2026. Finally, one of the long pending demands of AIGETOA was approved by BSNL board yesterday on dated 22.05.2026.

AIGETOA CHQ is in receipt of many queries from executives across India wrt details and applicability of the Sabbatical Leave. Therefore, we have prepared a small brief on the subject, based upon our submissions and deliberations with Management at several levels as stated below:

Sabbatical Leave basically enables regular employees of the organization with a minimum qualifying service period to avail a mechanism where they can take leave (Normally Maximum up to Five Years) to cater to various needs pertaining to the individual including Familial, Societal or personal needs etc. This also includes leave taken for supporting any family business, higher education, entrepreneurial ventures, skill upgradation, alternative professional assignments etc.

The benefit of this leave is that it keeps the service continued for the Sabbatical period i.e. employee is not required to resign from the service and instead can opt for temporary disengagement in various trenches as decided by management. When the employee rejoins the organization, this leave period is not counted as break in service.

Sabbatical Leave is an unpaid leave and is treated as Extra Ordinary Leave for the purpose of calculating service-related advantages. This Leave Period is not counted as qualifying service for any purpose pertaining to promotion, pension or gratuity or any service-related benefits. Advantage it carries is that willing employees can venture out alternative profession without the fear of losing Job in case employee wishes to return back to BSNL.

AIGETOA has requested Management for allowing maximum possible employees of BSNL to be made eligible. AIGETOA has also requested for allowing the employee to opt for resignation in case he/she doesn’t wishes to come back and rejoin BSNL.

The details of the approved policy are still awaited but we firmly believe that management must have taken the genuine submissions of AIGETOA into consideration.

We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to Management for accepting a genuine demand which will be in the interest of willing employees. This was the minimum management could have done and finally they considered the implementation of Sabbatical Leave in BSNL.

Herein AIGETOA CHQ wishes to clarify that acceptance of this small demand by management should not make us complacent and we must keep ourselves focused on achieving the larger objective of realizing the resolution of various “P” i.e. 3rd PRC, Pay Scales, Pay Loss issues, 30 Percent SAB, Promotions and Profitability of BSNL.

We request one and all to extend their whole hearted support to the endeavors by AIGETOA/Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch in its quest for achieving the desired objectives as stated above.

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The BSNL Management has pushed us too far. Our restraint has been met with continued ad-hocism and a complete disregard for our genuine demands. Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch has declared: “OUR PATIENCE IS OVER! IT’S TIME TO ACT!”

We can no longer allow administrative inertia and policy gaps to jeopardize BSNL’s viability or the futures of its dedicated workforce. We demand dignity, fairness, and a clear path forward for both the company and its employees.

🚫 WORK ACCORDING TO RULE 🚫

STARTING FROM 16.04.2026 UNTIL OUR LEGITIMATE DEMANDS ARE MET:

BSNL VIABILITY FIRST:

• Mandatory use of Swadeshi 4G by all Government organizations and PSUs.

• Immediate appointment of a Regular CMD to ensure strategic continuity.

• Resolving current 4G network power, coverage, and quality issues.

• Implementation of the report submitted by COPU before 18th Lok Sabha

• Transparency with White Papers on BCG reports and Mass Transfers.

• Transparency on tenders, vendors and work executions with accountability

HR JUSTICE NOW:

• Immediate implementation of 3rd PRC with waiver of affordability clause.

• Pay loss issues settlement.

• Submission of Committee Reports on HR matters pending since April 2025.

• Pension Revision delinked from profitability, at par with Central Govt pensioners.

• Full 30% Superannuation Benefit and revised E2/E3 Pay Scales.

• Restoration of medical coverage (indoor+outdoor) and Perks & Allowances.

• Scrapping of discriminatory SET Recruitment and routine massive transfers.

• Immediate issuance of pending promotions and seniority dispute settlement.

• Redressal of stagnation issues of employees who have reached maximum scale.

• Creation of Internal Management Hierarchy and scrapping of all lateral recruitments/appointments

No more excuses! The management is solely responsible for this industrial unrest. It’s time to build strong unity and ensure our voice is heard.

STRENGTHEN THE UNITY! ENSURE SUCCESS!

Together We Have, Together We Can, Together We Will!

Dear Fraternity,

We are happy to share that two of our long-standing demands have received favourable consideration from BSNL Management:

1] Issuance of strict instructions to all Circles for compliance on the EPF Higher Pension matter.

2] Consideration of external recruitment at the JTO and JAO levels.

These issues were discussed in recent meetings at the Management level, including with the CMD BSNL and Director (HR). The instructions issued by BSNL Corporate Office clearly reflect positive movement on both demands. This reinforces that the issues consistently pursued by AIGETOA and BTEU are gaining momentum and receiving due attention.

At the same time, we continue to pursue the settlement of long-pending financial issues, including implementation of the 3rd PRC and resolution of residual issues of the 2nd PRC, with the objective of achieving outcomes to the best satisfaction of our members.

Click here to view the letters issued by BSNL Corporate Office

Click here to view the Orders on EPF Higher Pension

Together, we will achieve everything.

An issue with respect to the shortfall in the contribution for Gratuity trust of BSNL Recruits was raised by AIGETOA earlier verbally and then through letter.

Today, it was informed that the shortfall of Rs 250 crore has been deposited by BSNL and the contribution for the BSNL Recruits gratuity trust is up to date now.

This is another testimony of the tireless efforts of AIGETOA to keep the rights of the employees protected.

Together We Will Achieve Everything.

The Committee Constituted for the pay loss issued of executives recruited post 01.01.2007 has been revived. The letter for inclusion of new Members in the Committee has been notified. It was one of the major demands to revive the Pay loss Committee. The assurance was made during our interaction with CMD BSNL.

This is the second major point after the issuance of pending tenure completion orders yesterday. Though, many retention and modification cases have not been considered and the same is being persued by Team AIGETOA. The OTP cases of those displaced in Long Stay back to their parent circles is also being pursued actively.

Similarly the issue of taking up the standard Pay Scales issue with DoT is under submission and the same is likely to be sent to DoT in next 2-3 days.

Team AIGETOA is following all the issues diligently as per discussion held in the meeting with CMD BSNL. The things have started moving and we are keeping a close watch on the developments and will not stop till all issues are resolved to our satisfaction.

On April 23, 2025, a significant high-level meeting took place between the leaders of AIGETOA, BTEU and the Central Leadership of BMS (Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh), where in-depth discussion on various issues affecting BSNL employees was held. The meeting was attended by Shri Ravindra Himte Ji General Secretary BMS, Shri B Surendran Ji Organizing Secretary BMS, Shri Ramnath Ganeshe Ji National Secretary and Telecom Prabhari BMS and Shri SVS Subramanyam Ji, Central Executive Committee Member.

The meeting lasted for more than four hours with threadbare discussions on HR Issues, Organizational Issues, Operational and Maintenance Issues of BSNL which are day-today faced by employees.  Discussion was also held on the status of Swadeshi 4G/5G rollout of BSNL and why the revenue graph of BSNL is going down.

BMS Leadership was of the categorical view that disparity in the pay structure of BSNL Executives vis-a-vis the officers on deemed deputation will not be tolerated and since BSNL has been extending 7th CPC benefits to those on deemed deputation, there is no reason to deny the 3rd PRC to BSNL Executives. They also said that the disparity in the perks and allowances of those on deputation and those of BSNL must be removed and equal rights must be given to all. BMS Leadership also expressed the view that Long Pending issue of Standard Pay Scales and 30 percent SAB must be extended to the BSNL Recruits along with the resolution of all their pay loss related issues. BMS leadership also stated that the promotions for the executives shall also be ensured and management should not be allowed to work in its own style. They directed AIGETOA and BTEU leadership to assess the situation and if needed to go for full-fledged agitation.

General Secretary BMS Shri Ravindra Himte Ji informed both AIGETOA and BTEU that they have taken up BSNL’s issues, including HR Issues and the homegrown 4G/5G rollout, with the Minister of Communication (MoC) and even the Hon’ble Prime Minister. BMS Leadership have also agreed to precipitate the issues further and told us that all efforts will be taken to ensure resolution and BMS leadership stands firmly with the employees of BSNL. BMS leadership categorically told that the affordability clause for 3rd PRC should not be made applicable to BSNL as it is involved in Make in India exercise and they shall be taking up the issue with PMO also. They assured that a strategic action plan will be initiated to address the issues effectively in coordination with the concerned authorities.

There was a detailed discussion on the strategy to be followed and actions to be taken. A comprehensive action was chalked out for ensuring the long pending HR issues of 3rd PRC, Residual issues of 2nd PRC (30% SAB, E2 Pay Scales, E1+5 increments, 22820, & JE Period Pay Loss), Promotions to all eligible executives, Increase in Promotional posts through restructuring to give a smooth career progression to all executives, Perks and allowances at par with the officers on deemed deputation, BSNL Funded GTI/GHI, Increase in Medical Reimbursement Limits, Review of Rule 8 and Rule 9 policies, One Association – One PSU, Restoration of the Land and Infra assets back to BSNL which has been forcefully taken away by DoT. It was also decided to seek a white paper from BSNL/DoT on the utilization of the various revival packages and the associated output. BMS has given categorical assurance that they will extend all possible support including intervention at the highest level to ensure that long pending dues of BSNL employees are extended to them now.

The meeting also touched on the organizational structure, with BMS leadership commending AIGETOA for its well-organized functioning across all levels. They emphasized the need to strengthen BTEU BSNL further. The General Secretaries of AIGETOA and BTEU assured that they will make both AIGETOA and BTEU further stronger and are working in synch. Further in the meeting it was informed that Shri Harjinder Singh, AIGETOA All India Organizing Secretary, has been appointed as the Vice President of the Public Sector Employees National Confederation (An Industrial Unit of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh). This appointment is a testimony to AIGETOA’s efforts for employee welfare and is recognized by BMS, India’s largest trade union organization and the second largest in the world.

Click here for PSENC BMS

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of solidarity and a shared commitment to work together for the welfare of BSNL employees. AIGETOA and BTEU leaders expressed their gratitude to the BMS top leadership for their valuable time, suggestions, and support to the BSNL organization and its employees.

After the meeting, leaders of AIGETOA and BTEU again sat together and decided upon the next course of action to be followed in line with the discussions held with BMS Leadership. It was decided to consult all other constituents of Bhartiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) for discussion on the next course including all other major associations. Accordingly, Convener BDM was requested to convene a meeting and also enter into discussion with other major associations to move ahead with consensus and unity.

Dear friends, we are in the fourth week of so-called HR month declared by Management and except for few paper formalities for the formation of few committees, nothing has happened on ground. We consider it as an act of betrayal by management and hence under these circumstances, it will be most appropriate to declare the coming month as “Betrayal Month” by employees and consolidate under a single banner to teach appropriate lesson for this uncalled-for betrayal. Accordingly, we hereby give a call to each and every employee of BSNL to remain prepared for next course of actions and support us in our call to save the dignity, security and prosperity of ourselves and our families.

Click here for Glimpses of Meeting

CHQ AIGETOA is in receipt of lot of queries with respect to promotions in various cadres.

We wish to inform that CHQ Team of AIGETOA consisting of General Secretary Shri Ravi Shil Verma, AIP Shri Veerabhadra Rao, All India Convener Shri A A Khan, FS Shri B K Mehta, Dy GS Shri Pavan Akhand, AGSs Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Shri Yogendra Kumar, Shri Sunil Gautam and OS (CHQ) Shri Harjinder singh with active support from BSNL CO team is consistently following up with management at various levels including CMD BSNL, Director HR, PGM Pers and other officers from HR wing. The team has been discussing and pressing hard for issuance of pending promotions in various cadres and streams. CHQ is in serious discussion with Management and had many rounds of meetings. We have been able to convince on the need for issuance of pending promotions without any further delay. In the last week also we had two meetings with CMD BSNL and Director HR wherein we submitted our inputs with respect to the promotions. Meaningful and output oriented discussions took place on the issues of promotion from SDE to AGM, AGM to DGM, JTO to SDE, AO to CAO, JAO to AO, SDE to AGM LICE, PS to PPS CPC and that of other cadres. It’s our sincere pursuit to ensure the discussions get converted into output in the form of promotions in various cadres and streams.

We wish to inform that higher management and HR team is sincerely working on the resolution of our long pending issues and we are striving to ensure output in the quickest possible time.

We request all executives to have patience and concentrate themselves on their work and execution of roles and responsibilities assigned to them.

Team AIGETOA is working hard to protect your rights and ensure the resolution of your long pending issues. We are very sure that with your active support and our sincere pursuance, we will definitely achieve the desired goals.

The current HR team under the able guidance of our Hon’ble CMD BSNL Shri A Robert J Ravi Ji and Director HR Shri Kalyan Sagar Nippani Ji who are duly supported by the PGM Pers and SR Smt Anita Johri Ji have fulfilled another promise made by them in the agenda meeting dated 3rd and 4th October 2024.

Heartiest congratulations to all on achieving OA-level immunity for OBs across all levels.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble CMD BSNL, Hon’ble Director HR, Hon’ble PGM SR, Hon’ble DGM SR, and their teams for recognizing the importance of this matter and extending their valuable support. We sincerely believe and hope that all the promises made by the current management shall be fulfilled. We also promise that executives will leave no stone unturned to realise the vision of a profitable, vibrant and strong BSNL.

Click here for the letter