Today, Team AIGETOA comprising the General Secretary Sh Ravi Shil Verma, President Sh G Veerabhadra Rao, and Dy. General Secretary Sh Pavan Akhand held a meeting with BSNL Management, including the Director (HR) Sh Kalyan Sagar Nippani Ji, PGM (Pers) Sh Rajeev Kaushik Ji, PGM (Estb.) Sh S P Singh Ji, and PGM (Legal) Sh Nelli Ram Krishna Ji, on the issues raised through the pre-notice served by BDM and the ongoing “Work According to Rule” program, which commenced today.

During the discussion, the management once again reiterated that all issues are “under process” and that “work is in progress on the issues,” while advising the association to refrain from agitation. AIGETOA team stated that the discussion is going on for almost one year now and its high time that the concrete result should be visible on board.

We firmly stated that instead of going round and round in discussions, there should be a firm yes or no. Accordingly, the association demanded a clear and unambiguous stand from the management, with a firm “YES” or “NO” on each issue raised jointly by AIGETOA and BTEU through Bhartiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM).

On being pressed firmly, the management committed that within 2 to 3 days it will finalize its position and respond with a definitive stand on all the issues. AIGETOA has made it clear that detailed discussions has already been held and hence the next meeting should result in conclusive decisions.

We will wait for the final response from BSNL Management within the committed timelines. We will keep one and all informed about the developments.

Dear Friends,

Recently we have seen some message on behalf of GS MA wherein subsequent to his meeting with CMD BSNL, it was conveyed that..

“The discussion was fruitful on Majority of points including consideration of OTP Request Transfers in month of APR 2026.”

We find no wonder on such positive update from the handle of majority association as in the last 2.5 years we have seen many such positive updates, the recent one being the endorsement of IDA increase order on dated 15.03.2026 wherein it was informed that order has reached BSNL and shall be implemented in the month of March 2026.

Contrary to the message of fruitful discussion on all major issues with CMD BSNL on dated 07.04.2026, the fact is something else. In the evening of 7th April 2026 at 7.40pm, Team AIGETOA met CMD BSNL in the presence of Director HR & PGM Pers to deliberate upon the issues submitted vide our pre-notice dated 27.03.2026. The meeting lasted for around 45 minutes.

On Promotions, CMD BSNL was categorical in his statement that as far as promotions are concerned, he will not allow any work around solution i.e. Personal Upgradation Proposal, Increase in Posts through Restructuring, Diversion of unused posts, matching saving etc. He said he is open to promotions for the existing vacancies only in respective quotas provided all the stake holders and the litigants sit together and give an affidavit of “NO OBJECTION” in respective courts. He also said that association should become party in court and fight the cases.

With respect to Personal Upgradation Proposal, he said since DOT has raised the queries on the objections of other groups, he is not willing to take this proposal with DOT again. We responded by stating that the current proposal has got the concurrence of the all three Associations viz. AIGETOA, SEWA & SNEA and hence can easily be implemented now. Still CMD BSNL was resolute in his opinion that neither he will deviate from existing practice nor increase in posts will be allowed through restructuring and all stake holders and litigants must come together to find the solutions. We categorically stated that such suggestions of CMD are unlikely to happen in BSNL and delay by management due to such reasons should not happen.

It is clearly visible the BSNL management is taking shelter of such unresolved litigations to deny the long awaited promotions across various cadres.

With respect to our proposal of “BSNL Succession Plan” submitted by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) to Hon’ble MoC vide letter dated 9th Jan 2026. CMD BSNL told that BSNL Management is in discussion with Hon’ble MoC on the matter and they will revert once any go-ahead is received from the office of Hon’ble MoC.

On SET, the CMD said that he is in discussion with DOT on the objection raised by associations and management is not in any hurry to either conduct the exam or cancel the exam. It will be known in due course. However, through some unconfirmed sources, it has earlier come to our knowledge that MTs/SETs are being contemplated to be promoted directly to DGM Cadre and any amalgamation of the management cadre will take place at DGM level instead of AGM level. On this we have categorically informed management that if any such move is thought of, the same will be responded to with strong resistance in the form of agitation and legal cases, as well as complaints to various authorities CVC, Lokpal and other quasi-judicial bodies about the undue favour being extended to one particular group.

On Financial issues related to employees and finalisation of various committee reports, both Director HR and CMD BSNL replied that they are waiting for the financial figures of FY 2025-26 only after going through the same, management will be in a position to comment of any form of resolution.

On 3rd PRC also it was quite clear that nothing will be done by BSNL/DoT and same needs to be precipitated before the highest echelons including the PMO, MoC and senior group of ministers.

These statements of CMD BSNL and Director HR clearly indicates that management is in “NO MOOD” to settle any issue either financial or non-financial and shall again be taking various excuses to delay as much as possible. The great divide of BSNL between the so called “HAVES” (Policy Makers) and “HAVE NOTs” (Internal Employees of BSNL) will continue with one group getting all benefits of 7th CPC while the other group will continue to deprived of all benefits. This can only end if all the employees come together in the quest of “One PSU One Policy” being pursued by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) at various levels.

Hence, on all critical HR aspects it is concluded that to come out with any success, a huge effort is required on the part of all and nobody should get carried away by any Goody-goody update from any one claiming himself to be the representative of BSNL Executives.

Its high time to realize that struggle for existence is utmost necessity and without struggle our existence as BSNL Executives will cease to exist.

With respect to OTP transfers and issuances of hard tenure orders, right now deep research work is going on through AI/ML and the inputs have been sought w.r.t APAR scores, Qualifications, Field Experience and Length of service left. The complied request received by CHQ AIGETOA has been submitted to management with all necessary details for consideration by management. The orders are shall be issued after 14th April 2026.

Dear Friends,

A delegation comprising the General Secretaries of SNEA, AIGETOA, SEWA, and the President of AIBSNLEA, along with other leaders, met the CMDBSNL on 26.02.2026. The meeting was held in the Board room wherein Director (HR) and PGM (Pers) were also present.

The leaders demanded in voice to withdraw an unofficial ban on all HR activities and stop shifting every HR issue to April 2026.

We conveyed mass unrest among the executives due to not considering any of the HR issues including Request transfers from Tenure Completed executives and non issuing Promotions even after clearance of court cases.

CMD BSNL informed that there is no ban and the issues are being sorted out but will be decided in April by keeping in mind the targets of the year.

We narrated that not clearing any of the HR issues has already caused negative impact and demotivation among the executives and it is adversely affecting the targets.

CMD categorically informed that the issues are being looked into and nothing is stopped and added that issue like PRC needs some more time.

The Point wise discussions are as follows.

1] Undue delay in AO to CAO Promotions:

Leaders raised serious concern over undue delay on issuing CAO promotions even after clearance from the High Court and Directions from Supreme Court and this is reason for mass unrest.

The CMD informed that management intends to take a legally vetted step, as there have been many representations and notices. He pointed out that such a step would make the order foolproof against any legal challenges. His aim is to see that once promotion order is issued the same cannot be challenged in any court. Accordingly, BSNL has sought an opinion from the ASG, which is expected by next week. He also stated that he, along with PGM (Legal), is personally following up to expedite the matter. Once the opinion is received, BSNL will issue orders for the much-awaited promotions. Associations insisted for timeline and it was informed that the issue will be reviewed on receipt of legal opinion and on positive recommendations for going ahead with promotions, the orders will be issued immediately.

2] Deferment of SET Recruitment:

The association side expressed its unhappiness over the continuation of the registration process despite the categorical assurance by management to defer it. The management informed that necessary action is being taken to further extend the date of the examination. However, it was also stated that there is huge pressure from the DoT/GoI to recruit fresh candidates in BSNL, and hence immediate deferment may not be possible from BSNL side. Instead, they proposed postponing it to seek time to convince DoT regarding the apprehensions raised by the associations.

CMD BSNL shared that SET Recruitment is no way affecting to the serving executives and then we have categorically explained how it is affecting career progression of existing executives and how it is wrongly projected as succession plan for ITS on deputation. We said that any lateral entry of any fresher at higher level than JTO/JAO in unacceptable and we cant allow that.

CMD BSNL directed PGM Pers to look into the concern expressed by the associations and directed PGM Pers to update him accordingly.

CMD BSNL informed that let the registration process go ahead and issues can be discussed and decided and after review it may continue or may be scrapped also.

We categorically stated that this is in complete contravention of the assurance made by management in the first week, and if the process continues, the associations will be compelled to launch organizational action programs to stop it. It was also highlighted that all associations are united on this issue and a joint program will be launched.

3] Promotions in All Cadres for Eligible Executives:

Management informed that promotions are being delayed due to conflicting approaches among stakeholders.

We stated that all associations have jointly submitted a proposal for promotions wherein all eligible executives can be promoted. The proposal was found to be legally feasible, and an administrative decision is required. The CMD replied that he is agreeable to any proposal that does not result in an increase in posts, though he expressed some apprehension. When it was clarified that there would be no change in the sanctioned strength, he agreed to discuss it further subject to no change in number of posts and directed Director (HR) and PGM (Pers) to deliberate and submit a summary.

4] JTO to SDE Promotions for Civil wing:

We narrated that the reluctance of Management on Promotions is clearly visible as the Proposal for JTO to SDE Civil promotions has been awaiting final call in Pers section for last one month and even after repeated assurances given to us, no promotion order is issued.

CMD expressed displeasure and unawareness about it and asked PGM Pers to check issues if any and see that promotion orders are issued. PGM Pers assured for the same.

Thereafter CMD BSNL narrated proposal to review present deputation policy so that good number of BSNL Executives get opportunity for deputation for period of three years in different organizations. he added that he will be pleased to see that BSNL Executives are deputed to selected organizations with higher pay/ perks and at one step above their present grade in BSNL and stressed for a transparent Deputation policy giving equal opportunity to all.

CMD BSNL expressed displeasure on practice adopted by some of Executives in managing deputation and then creating pressure on management to accept it despite not being eligible. He further said that in one of the cases, a written explanation was given from BSNL.

The issue of BSNL in social media and its positive and negative impacts were discussed in depth and in conclusion CMD BSNL appealed leaders to make efforts for uplifted brand image of BSNL in social media.

Subsequent to the meeting, leaders of all associations discussed together on the outcome of today’s meeting and adherence to assurance by CMD BSNL and the way forward for resolution of HR issues and keeping assurances by the Management.

It was decided to wait until next week and If management does not come forward with fulfillment of the assurances made, a joint action program will be launched by all the participating associations

It is understood that Management Commitee of BSNL has approved the Sabbatical Leave Policy for BSNL executives. The proposal shall be placed before BSNL Board for final approval and issuance thereof.

This was a long pending demand of AIGETOA and was pending to be processed by Estt cell since long. Finally the proposal was placed yesterday for approval before Management Committee.

We extend thanks to Management for taking this issue one step forward.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL highlighting the continuing disparity in pay, perks and service conditions between officers on deputation and regular BSNL executives. The immediate intervention to ensure fairness, organisational balance and long-term industrial harmony in BSNL.

Despite BSNL functioning as a single corporate entity, two parallel standards of compensation continue to exist. Officers on deputation draw CDA pay and allowances at par with Central Government employees, while regular BSNL executives remain on IDA scales without timely pay revision and adequate allowances. Both categories discharge responsibilities for the same organisation and from the same corporate resources, yet the service conditions remain unequal.

Click here for Letter Submitted

Issues:

1] Non-Implementation of 3rd PRC

The 3rd PRC period (2017–2026) is nearing completion, but BSNL employees are still drawing pay under 2nd PRC scales notified in 2007, while deputationists continue to receive 7th CPC benefits and are now poised for 8th CPC benefits .

2] Pending Residual Issues of 2nd PRC

Long-pending residual issues since 01.01.2007 remain unresolved, causing financial loss to BSNL-recruited employees .

3] Outdated Allowances and Welfare Measures

• Transport Allowance still at 1996 levels
• TA/DA rates outdated, especially for AGM equivalent and below levels
• No All India LTC facility
• Limited medical and social security provisions compared to other Central PSUs.

4] Stagnation in Promotions

Even after 25 years of BSNL’s formation, no structured internal management hierarchy has been effectively implemented. Regular executives continue to face stagnation, while officers on deputation receive regular promotions against BSNL posts.

Demands :

AIGETOA has urged the BSNL Management for:

1] Strict implementation of the principle of One Company – One Policy in pay, perks and service conditions.

2] Elimination of disparity between office on deputation and regular BSNL executives in compensation and career progression.

3] Immediate settlement of residual issues of 2nd PRC and firm action for approval of 3rd PRC at par with other Central PSUs.

4] Revision of outdated allowances and restoration of welfare measures like All India LTC and improved medical facilities.

5] Time-bound promotions of eligible executives to ensure a proper succession plan in BSNL.

The affordability cannot be selectively applied when two sets of employees within the same organisation are treated differently. More than 52,000 employees and their families are looking towards the management for a fair and transparent policy framework.

Just now GS AIGETOA and AGS II AIGETOA met Director HR and PGM (Pers)/SR . It is decided to defer the SET Recruitment process. Recruitment Cell of BSNL CO has been directed to process the case. Secondly the proposal submitted for promotions is also being examined and the Pers and Legal cell is working on the proposal.

Finally our perseverance has paid and a major cause of concern has been taken care of. Team AIGETOA is consistently monitoring the situation on this issue as well as on other HR issues..

All the members and executives are requested to exercise patience and concentrate on their day to day activities.

AIGETOA has once again taken up the serious and long-pending issues related to the non-functioning of the Sanchar Aadhaar (SA) portal of BSNL. The matter has been taken cognizance of, and the DoT has directed BSNL to examine the issues and furnish its response to the concerns raised by AIGETOA.

As per the information received from DoT, a formal communication in this regard has already been issued to BSNL. It is also understood that the issues highlighted by AIGETOA have been addressed at the appropriate level.

AIGETOA continues to consistently raise all critical issues affecting BSNL, whether related to the viability of the organization or to HR matters. We are presently awaiting a formal and detailed communication from BSNL on this issue.

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM), writes to the CMD Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, seeking urgent intervention over serious technical flaws in the Sanchar Aadhaar (SA) Portal.

Click here for the letter

The non-functioning of the SA Portal is severely impacting customer onboarding and making it impossible for field units to meet mandated targets such as the 36-hour FTTH installation SLA and Zero Backlog policy. Key concerns raised include blocked provisioning due to CAFs not moving from FMS, non-availability of the CFA Sanchar Aadhaar mobile app, payment link failures, delays in number reservation, lack of clarity on handset requirements, and absence of a standard mechanism to retrieve CAF records.

BDM emphasized that employees are being pressured to meet ambitious targets without being provided reliable tools, turning systems into bottlenecks rather than enablers. The forum has urged top priority resolution of these issues by ITPC and concerned verticals to ensure smooth provisioning, protect revenue, and reduce avoidable stress on employees

On 18th July 2025, a meeting of Team AIGETOA was held with the team of PGM Pers. A joint meeting was a better option but same couldn’t be held for the reasons not known to AIGETOA. Hence meeting with AIGETOA was held individually.

The meeting focused on the promotions for all eligible on which detailed deliberations were held. Association also submitted the backdrop of the justifications which necessitates promotions of all eligible executives especially the injustices meted out to the executives by virtue of the wrong interpretation of S K Dubey Judgement.

Association gave its feedback and suggestions which was noted with positivity from Pers Side. Suggestions were primarily based on following points:

1] Execute the proposal initiated in December 2024 to finality.

2] Increase in posts in AGM and DGM cadre which will end all the litigations including promotions in JTO to SDE cadre for the whole LICE 2012 batch and even beyond them. The calculation was shared with Pers Team.

3] Else institute the 10 years personal upgradation criteria in SDE to AGM (Telecom) and AO to CAO, 6 years in JTO to SDE & JAO to AO, 6 years in AGM to DGM telecom and equivalent.

4] Else extend time bound promotions up to AGM level by making appropriate changes in hierarchy and making clusters which also aligns with the vision of lean and flat hierarchy.

5] With Respect to AO to CAO promotions, a way-out was decided to be worked out which can ensure the solution through legal means. AIGETOA team assured for expeditious action on those lines. Details shall be shared in due course. This will open way to JAO to AO promotions also.

6] It was also requested to ensure that backlog promotions in the PwD quota must be completed as the same has been delayed beyond any justifications. If there is any lag on the part of any authority, they must be taken to task. We requested for immediate clearance of backlog as per Hon’ble Supreme Court orders.

7] Various litigations were also discussed. Association assured that if promotions of all eligible are taken care of, association will coordinate with all the contending parties for ending the litigations and also will ensure that legal proceedings are taken care of in a conclusive way and wherever necessary, association will become party also.

Personal side noted all the points and said that one more meeting will be held by next week jointly if all agree else individually. We extended thanks to the Personal team. The discussions were held in very amicable environment and firmness in the words of Pers Team was visible.

Yesterday Hon’ble MoC has assured for his intervention in ensuring that promotions happen without any further delay and we sincerely hope that discussions gets concluded in the form of results ASAP.

OTP Window: PGM Pers told that with Annual transfers system in place now, OTP Window will be opened in Jan Feb only on which association raised its firm objection that such changes can’t be done by modifying the policy retrospectively. We requested for immediate opening of OTP window, however PGM Pers was non committal. Association categorically told that this violates the existing policy. Hence, the OTP window must be opened now.

On the issue of Hard tenure Completion cases, it was informed that tenure orders will be considered as and when same gets completed. We reminded him that many persons have completed their tenures and their orders have still not been issued. It was assured that the same will be taken care of.

The issues of the executives who were displaced in long stay and their posting back to their parent circles were also discussed. Pers team told that 3 years OTP can’t be claimed as a right. We said it was inhumane to displace people at the fag end of their careers and these executives must be allowed to go back to their parent circles. AIGETOA requested for calling for volunteers for the deficit circle on a fix tenure basis. Pers team agreed to explore the same.

Further discussions to continue.

The much-awaited case was listed on 10th July 2025 at CAT Chandigarh for hearing. AIGETOA counsel Sh. R.K. Sharma presented detailed arguments for over an hour, highlighting all key anomalies related to the grant of E1 and E2 scales post-2nd PRC. The bench appeared quite convinced with the arguments.

Due to time constraints, the matter was listed again on 11th July for final arguments. However, due to accidental injury involving our counsel, he couldn’t present himself physically in court. Though he tried to attend through VC but the case was finally adjourned to 19.09.2025 directing the Respondent No. 2 to file their reply, if any

Next Hearing Date: 19th September 2025 is the Final Hearing date for the case) AIGETOA is optimistic for a favorable outcome, considering the strong pleadings and legal preparation of the counsel and the legal team of AIGETOA.

Sh Sunil Gautam (AGS, CHQ), AIGETOA legal team Shri Chander Singh Negi JS-North CHQ, Shri Vikas Gutpa, Shri Yogesh Chabbra, CS Punjab & Shri Mohit Chandel CP Punjab was present during proceedings for both the days.

Friends, we are almost on the verge of success for achieving the long awaited settlement of the standard pay scale E2 for JTO/JAO Equivalent. One side, 9 year long case is reaching to its conclusion which in all probability will be in favor of the members of AIGETOA and on the other side, BSNL has once again taken up the issue with DoT, a phase shift from their earlier stand which they took after receiving the letter from DOT as a part of the CLC settlement held with the other association. AIGETOA all this while has never let it go and kept its struggle on, both through legal means and also through BSNL by organisational means. Today we are almost reaching to settlement. Thanks to your support and participation. We request you to strengthen the platform by joining en-masse.

Together We Will Achieve Everything