Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Amit Roy JS(N), Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS and Shri Sunil Gautam AGS AGS has a detailed meeting with PGM Establishment on 26.05.2022 on the issue of E2-E3 Scale. We demanded from him to apprise us the action taken by the management on the letter issued by the DoT and the matter raised by the AIGETOA. He apprised that the matter couldn’t be taken up but assured to speak with Director HR for further action to firm our stand on the subject and approval of the scale by DoT. He once again stated that BSNL is firm that we want replacement of only two scales i.e. E1A to E2 and E2A to E3 w.e.f. 01.01.2007 without cascading of other scales. Thereafter a detailed discussion happened with full documentation to assess the situation and methodology to be adopted to strengthen our claim of E2-E3. He further apprised that a final decision will be taken only after discussion with the Director HR/CMD about the steps to be initiated on the matter. The association will also be taking up the issue with both the higher dignitaries in next week.
Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Amit Roy JS(N), Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS and Shri Yogendra Kumar AGS has a detailed meeting with PGM Pers on 25.05.2022 & 26.05.2022. The Team raised the matter of SDE to AGM, AO to CAO and other equivalent Promotion as per the DoPT direction issued on 12th April and the meeting held under chairmanship of Hon’ble Director HR on 12th May’2022 with AIGETOA, SEWA and SNEA. The matter was deliberated in detail and various aspects were discussed. PGM Pers apprised that there are some issued in operation of the DoPT guidelines, which needs to be tackled in the light of 2018 Promotion as well as the points raised in 12th May-2022 Meeting. We requested for issuance of Roaster Register as assured in the meeting of Director HR. PGM Pers apprised that work of Roaster Register is already going on and it is expected to be readied very soon; once completed the same will be sent to the CLO for verification. We categorically informed that the window given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court should not be missed and it is the duty of the management to find out the solution and implement the order in true spirit of DoPT OM of 1997. We further told that the association will not accept any excuse this time except promotion in these grades as people are waiting for years.
We want to apprise BSNL Management that the inordinate delay has already created serious resentment in the rank and file and hence department should come forward to ensure Promotion without further laps of time. Else the association will not hesitate to give a call for “Delhi Chalo Program” and then any disturbance of peace due to en-mass movement of the employees will solely be responsibility of the management.
Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Veerabhadra Rao AIP, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Kumar Gautam AGS visited Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi and met officials at the DoT on the matter of E2-E3 issue and lodge our protest on the recent reply of the department on the matter. As the respective officers dealing the matter were on leave and so the discussion remain inconclusive. We spoken to Director PSU over phone and the meeting fixed in next week. We went to have an appointment with the Hon’ble Secretary (Telecom) and Hon’ble MoC Cell also but the same couldn’t be materialised due to unavailability. The team will further follow up for the meeting.
A new dimension of cascading has been quoted by the DoT as a reason for not agreeing to the proposal of E2-E3 despite of the fact that all communications of the BSNL starting from the CMD BSNL DO letter dated 03.05.2017 clearly states for approval of only two Unsettled Scale i.e. replacement of E1A and E2A with E2 and E3 meant for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent grades respectively and applicable to all batches irrespective of their entry timing in the cadre. Even the current reminders going to the DoT are also emphasizing this fact.
In the meantime the case filed on the matter of E2-E3 by AIGETOA at Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh couldn’t be heard on 10th May due to single bench and now posted in July. It has been decided that the team will explore the means to get breakthrough on the matter as the case has full merit and is inclined to be declared in favour of Executives.
AIGETOA has also taken the matter on the AUAB platform as communicated in addition to our platform and working in a direction to escalate the issue through organisational means also. We call upon one and all across the affiliation to extend cooperation in finding a final solution of the issue. We will revert back with detailed program on the issue very soon.
Today a meeting of three association ie AIGETOA, SNEA and SEWA was held with management. The meeting was attended by Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Veerbhadra Rao President Shri Ravi Shil Verma Chairman AIGETOA, Shri M. S. Adasul GS SNEA, Shri Jagtar Singh JS North SNEA, Shri N. D. Ram, General Secretary SEWA, Shri R A Meena, VP-I , SEWA CHQ and Shri Mukesh CS SEWA BSNL CO as representatives from association side.
The meeting was chaired by Honble Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar Ji and was attended by PGM Pers, PGM SR, CLO and other officers from SR Cell.
The issue of discussion was how to move ahead with reservation in promotion.
All the three Associations were unanimous on the issue that the current OM dated 12.04.2022 has clarified the process in detail and the same needs to be followed in totality. As far as Roster is concerned, DoPT has emphasized on following the 1997 OM for roster preparation.
It was unanimously proposed by associations that OM 1997 needs to be followed in totality. Association side also demanded to increase more number of posts and include all to avoid any future dispute. We once again highlighted that matter of increasing more number of posts in cadre strength has already been taken up with CMD BSNL on meeting dates 26th April 2022 and he has given positive assurance for the same as BBNL operations are being taken over by BSNL and more manpower is needed for the same.
It was also emphasized that all vacancies including that of DGM Needs to be filled up in all cadres.
Discussion was also held on AO to CAO promotions and it was emphasized that the disputes needs to be cleared and relaxation of 15 days may also be granted for making maximum promotions in the AO to CAO grade.
Management should now take an expeditious action on extending the promotions as all the three association has given the go ahead for the same.
Director HR categorically assured that management is determined to go ahead with promotions and conveyed his pleasure that all three associations have taken same stand and this was the basic purpose of the meeting.
The management is enthusiastic on this devlopment after clarification from DoPT and Director HR assured that all necessary actions shall be taken to ensure the promotions at the earliest.
Friends, with single voice from all the three Associations, we are very hopeful that long pending promotions from SDE to AGM, AO to CAO, AGM to DGM (Regular) including DGM(Adhoc) to DGM (Regular) are expected positively.
A meeting has been called by the Hon’ble Director HR on 12.05.2022 for discussion on the implementation of Reservation in Promotion Mechanism with all stake holders in the light of the OM issued by DoP&T on 12.04.2022. This will pave the way for promotion in the grade of AGM, CAO and other Grades. The meeting will be held under chairmanship of Director HR and AIGETOA is one of the participant of the meeting and looking forward to find a solution for much awaited promotion in these grades.
A Meeting of Team AIGETOA was held with PGM(Estt) Shri Saurabh Tyagi on pursuance at DOT WRT E2 E3, Rule 8 cases in various circles, clarification about Rule 8 for GATE JTOs, consideration of special Rule 9 cases, creation of additional vacancies in JE to JTO(T) LICE, Amendment in JTO RR, Declaration of JTO LICE result of Punjab circle for VY 2014-15 onwards. The detailed discussion was held with the Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Ravi Shil Verma Chairman, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS, Shri Yoginder Kumar AGS & Shri Chander Singh Negi CS HP.
Pursuance with DoT on approval of E2 & E3 for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent:
As committed at various occasions, PGM(Estt) once again assured us that another reminder letter at the level of Director HR to DoT for approval of E2 to JTO/JAO and E3 to SDE/AO is under process and shall be sent in this week itself. We apprised that BSNL should not lag in strong pursuance with DoT at all whole association is also precipitating the same through office of MoC as well as with pursuance through various MPs and Members of the Parliamentary Committee. We also told that AIGETOA court case is slated for final hearing in Chandigarh in second week of May 2022 and we hope for solid breakthrough there also. It was agreed that through mutual faith and joint pursuance at various platforms, we will be able to clinch this issue in favour of Executives very soon.
Non consideration of Rule 8 cases:
Team AIGETOA registered it’s strong displeasure on non-consideration of Rule 8 cases in various circles like HP & J&K etc. despite clear guidelines from BSNL CO through letter to clear all pending Rule 8 cases at least those who are willing to go from Surplus Circle to deficit Circle. CS HP was also present to discuss about his circle where strength of JTOs are surplus but still CGM HP is reluctant to consider Rule 8 cases. Near about 18 Rule 8 cases are pending in circle which are being overlooked even for deficit circles like Bihar. We requested PGM(Estt) to send another reminder letter on this serious issue and also direct circles to consider maximum possible cases and provide relief for those who have already worked in the circle for 13-15 years. He assured to issue another reminder letter on Rule 8 consider specially for surplus circle and also assured that he will personally speak to CGMs of HP, J&K and other circles.
Clarification of Rule-8 for GATE JTOs:
This issue was discussed on last visit of GS in a meeting with PGM(Estt) on dated 19.04.2022 and this time also PGM(Estt) once again informed that clarification was already issued on that matter and copy of that clarification was once again shared with us.
Creation of additional vacancies for JE to JTO(T) LICE issued recently:
We demanded to increase the LICE Quota vacancies for examination of JE to JTO(T) promotion. As shown in JTO(T) LICE notification only 18 circle have vacancies and aspirants of these 18 circle can only sit in the exam. Rest other circles and their aspirants are forced to sit outside because of non availability of vacancies. We emphasized that before restructuring, there were vacancies and hence the chance of the JEs present in various circles should not be killed at all. We told to once again consider the method adopted by Pers section and notify the exam for vacancy years before restructuring exercise was done. PGM(Estt) was sympathetic to the concerns raised and assured to explore the options within the possible framework of legal boundaries.
Consideration of pending Rule 9 cases:
After issuing amendment in Transfer Policy and incorporating stringent conditions for Rule 9 cases, some deserving cases of Executives who are full dependent on others even to manage their day to day activities must be considered. We strongly expressed that He group must consider these type of some most needy Rule 9 cases. Case by case discussion was held specially the cases from KTK & Kerala circle and it was told to reconsider their applications for Rule-9 on humanitarian grounds. PGM (Estt) assured to consider after going through the papers once again.
Amendment in JTO(T) RR:
It was informed to us the JTO(T) RR is also under modification and draft proposal will be shared soon with all stake holders for their comments. We once again emphasized that the JTO(T) RR pay scale should be E2 in place of E1 as per approval of BSNL Board and the same needs to be incorporated in the new RRs to avoid any unrest from executives and also to facilitate smooth approval by DoT on the same.
Declaration of JTO(T) LICE result of Punjab Circle from VY 2014-15:
As we are aware that Punjab JTO(T) LICE result was struck due to various court cases and result was not declared from Vacancy Year 2014-15 onward. We request PGM(Estt) to clear this hurdle for smooth career progression of Punjab Circle JEs. It was also informed to them since DoT&T guidelines are issued as per SC judgement and hence related cases may be expedited as early as possible. He assured for necessary direction to Punjab Circle in this regard.
Team AIGETOA held a detailed meeting with Director HR on various issues on 28.04.2022, which was attended by Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS, Shri Yogendra Kumar AGS.
Following issues were discussed in details:
Standard Pay Scale E2-E3:
The issue was raised once again before the Director HR reminding the losses being suffered by young executives due to three different basics i.e. 16400, 19020, 22820 provided by BSNL in same Grade of JTO/JAO. Earlier the management was taking the matter seriously with the DoT in line of recommendation of the BSNL Board to replace the Scale of JTO/JAO equivalent with E2 and SDE/AO equivalent with E3 and it is workable also as no functional grade is associated with E3 Scale. But presently it is not pursued vigorously despite of the long pendency of the issue. This has also become one of reasons that our newly recruited GATE JTOs and JAOs are deserting the department and large number of them already left. He apprised that BSNL is regularly taking up the matter with DoT and we again sending reminder letter in this regard and it will be further taken up with appropriate authority.
SDE to AGM and AO to CAO Promotion:
On AGM Promotion, association submitted figure and details to the Dir HR and apprised that how 2006-07 and subsequent VY LDCE qualified SDEs have been placed en-block junior to 2008-09 SQ SDEs, inflicting grave injustice to these executives. These SDEs are victims of the wrong interpretations of the legal verdict by the management and delay in holding of the LDCE by the department. We reminded that management always speaks about the meritocracy but here the merit has been pushed aside. Hence, it’s a high time to extend justice to them by doing one time measure to promote all SDEs, who have completed more than eight years of the service in the grade, to render justice to these LDCE qualified Executives. We also apprised that various new projects are coming including BBNL operation, which gives ample scope to accommodate all SDEs for Promotion.
We requested the director HR for rigorous follow up from Corporate Office to complete the updating and certification of APAR uploading works which has failed many deadlines. The matter should be taken exclusively with respective CGM and at least one DGM rank officer should be deputed to take daily basis report from the Circle. A direction from your goodself should also go through message to all CGMs to complete the task immediately else the process may get delayed abnormally. He assured to take necessary action in this regard after speaking to the PGM Pers.
We also taken up the matter of CAO Promotion and apprised that only due to 16 days, these young and professionally qualified AOs are not meeting the benchmark to get promoted to CAO despite abundance of vacancies and acute shortage of officers in BSNL. As on date hardly 60 CAOs are working across the BSNL and hence management should think over our demand to give the required 16 days relaxation and carry forward their process of Promotion also simultaneously.
Settlement of SDE Reversal Issue:
On the SDE reversal issue, we reminded Dir HR that reversal issue has still not been settled as promised to get it done latest by April 2022. One more deadline for resolution of the issue has from the management side and these executives are under tremendous pain due to the cold shouldering on a genuine and assured settlement. Dir HR assured to speak to PGM Pers once he returns back from the leave. We requested to settle the issue immediately and ensured that in case of any delay they have to be in the list of promotion. The Director HR assured to do the needful.
Left out DPC of 2K8 JTOs, LDCE for JTO to SDE and LICE for JE to JTO:
The issue of left out JTOs of 2008 batch for DPC and holding of LDCE for JTO to SDE and LICE for JE to JTO were also discussed in detailed. The matter of shortfall of vacancies in the recently notified LICE for JE to JTO was also taken up with the Director HR. It was apprised that these qualified JEs , who are taking lot of load I field units must be provided the opportunity to upgrade themselves to JTOs through proper vacancies in LKICE in all Circles. This matter was also taken earlier in the CMD’s meeting on 26th April. Director Hr apprised that the matter is already is in his knowledge as the same was raised on 26th meeting also and they are working over it.
MS RR Draft discussion:
We demanded to initiate discussion on the MS RR draft and the proposal must contain stagnation criteria in the SDE to AGM Grade as eight years. This is the only way forward to deal with the promotional avenues to those executives not covere3d through DPC in the future in view of young age groups of the Executives existing gin BSNL. Director assured to call the association once formal discussion on the RR starts.
Posting of CGM at Orissa, Telangana and other vacant Circles:
This matter was once again raised with the Director HR emphasizing the importance of regular Circle Head and Orissa being one of the best Circle of East Zone is waiting for a regular CGM since more than four months. Earlier PGM Bhubaneswar was looking over the charge has also superannuated on 30th April and hence immediately one CGM should be posted. Similarly other Circles should also be posted regular Circle Head to intact keep the interest of the department at top.
Tenure Places of Uttrakhand and Karnataka Circles:
Scarcity of staff in Uttarakhand and Karnataka Circles are persisting since long time but no solution is coming from the management side. These Circles have suggested some measures but they are also awaiting decision from the BSNL HQ. We requested that the suggestion of Uttarakhand Circle to convert some soft tenure places like Almohra, Srinagar, New Tehri etc to hard tenure may help in getting the executives as a hard tenure places like other Circle Circles. Similarly, the non popular stations of Karnataka like areas of Bidar, Chickmagalur, Shimoga, Karwa, Madikeri etc should be converted into soft tenure to attract the Executives from adjoin states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana etc to join the Circle to break their Circle Tenure with facilities and fulfill the requirement of the Karnataka Circle. The Director HR assured to discuss the matter and see the way forward on the matter.
GM Solan Complain to the Director HR:
The matte of GM Solan, Himachal Pradesh Shri Jaspal Singh was raised with the Director HR. We apprised that the GM Solan is creating serious unharmonious situation in the BA through his autocratic actions as well as engaged in local politics instead of concentrating development of the BA. He has issued more than 58 transfer order in just one year spreading throughout the period, which itself shows his priority. These order also used as pick and chose manner flouting all norms and conditions. We submitted all documents to the Director HR and demanded his transfer from the station before the situation becomes more vicious and turbulent. Hon’ble Director HR enquired some points and assured to look into the matter.
The meeting called by CMD BSNL with Recognised Association (AIGETOA), Recognised Unions (BSNLEU & NFTE) and Support Association (SNEA) was held today, which was also attended by Director HR and PGM SR, BSNL CO New Delhi. GS Shri Wasi Ahmad and AGS-II Shri Vivek Kumar Singh attended the meeting from AIGETOA Side. The meeting was started with welcome address by the PGM SR and initial note by all four General Secretaries.
The meeting continued for more than two hours and detailed deliberations held on BSNL sustainability and various businesses in pipeline. HR issues also came under discussion including Standard Pay Scale, Promotion, Superannuation, Medical and other issues.
CMD BSNL apprised in detail about the 4G rollout and roadmap for BSNL longevity through various projects in pipeline. The operation of BBNL is also going to be handled by BSNL, which will be funded by government. Network of Bhartanet will be used to expand customers base of BSNL in FTTH segment and organisation will be benefitted a long way through the project. BSNL has given initial procurement order of 6400 4G BTSs in first phase, which will be distributed across the country for field deployment in initial phase before full fledged roll out. Further procurement of one lakh 4G BTS will also be given subsequently and whole project is expected to be completed in next 2-3 Years. The strengthening of Transmission and Battery Power Plant is also in the process to make the network more reliable.
As far as the resources for field units are concerned, it was apprised in the meeting that items of transmission network, backbone network and battery procurement process already initiated and efforts will be made to ensure their availability in coming days.
He apprised that the organisation is stabilizing and hostility towards BSNL is diminishing and this will improve prospect of the organisation with a joint efforts of employees and management.
On HR front, AIGETOA taken following issues on priority in the meeting.
Standard Pay Scale E2-E3 issue was raised by the association and CMD apprised that he is also taking up the matter with DoT on insistence of association but currently the issue is not meeting expected progress in DoT. In this regard, once again reminder letter is being sent for pushing of the issue. As the matter has stuck up, more thrust and strategy will be required to bring it on the center stage for resolution.
On AGM Promotion, association submitted figure and details to the CMD in the meeting and argued how 2006-07 and subsequent VY CQ qualified SDEs have been placed en-block junior to 2008-09 SQ SDEs. These SDEs are victims of the wrong interpretations by the management and delay in holding of LDCE by the department. This has inflicted great injustice to these meritorious candidates. We reminded that management always speaks about the meritocracy but here the merit has been crushed. Hence, its a time to extend justice to them by doing one time measure to promote all 4900 SDEs approximately, who have completed seven years of service to render justice to these LDCE qualified. We also apprise that various new projects are coming including BBNL operation, opening scope to accommodate all SDEs with more than seven years of service. CMD apprised that he is not averse to Promotion and ready to discuss the number once things started rolling down but the discussion will be within the existing framework.
The promotion in CAO and other grades as well as LDCE for JTO to SDE, left out JTO DPC and other issues were also discussed. We also taken the matter of short vacancy in the recently notified LICE for JE to JTO, which is not acceptable to us. Earlier in the day, GS SNATTA has written to GS AIGETOA to pursue for it in the meeting. The CMD assured to look into these promotion and vacancy related issues positively.
SAB, BSNL MRS, GTI, GHI, Transport Allowance, TA/DA were also raised in the meeting. The scarcity of staff at Uttrakhand and Karnataka Circles were also raised and we suggested to make tough areas of the Circles as hard tenure and soft tenure respectively to resolve the shortage of staff issues in these Circles.
The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Director HR.
Team AIGETOA comprising of JS (South), AIGETOA CHQ Suresh Kumar, ACS Shri Srinivas, CVP Shri Mahendra AP Circle & DS Shri Jagapathi, DFS Shri Murali and ADS Shri Rupa Prakash met Hon’ble MOC Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji on his visit to Visakhapatnam on 22nd April 2022 and submitted Memorandum of AIGETOA CHQ.
Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Badri Kumar Mehta FS, Shri Vivek Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS and Shri Laxminarayan CP KTK Circle met with Smt Yogana Das Director(Fin) on the issue of standard Pay Scale, AGM Promotion and Stay reconsideration of JAO repatriation.
Standard Scale E2-E3:
Detailed discussion was held on Standard Scale E2 to all JTO/JAO and E3 to SDE/AO Equivalent grades. General Secretary given a detail presentation of the standard pay scale issue and the loss being faced by young executive due to E1 (with initial basic as 16400/- only), while three different initial basics are existing in BSNL for JTO/JAO Grades. It was also informed that due to pay anomaly executive in feeder cadre highly demotivated at field level which is affecting individual performance as well as resulting in churning out of new officer. The Director (Finance) listened carefully and agreed with the concern of the association. She apprised that the issue is long pending at DoT and efforts shall be made for the resolution.
SAB Contribution:
Team AIGETOA expressed deep concern over non deposit of full SAB amount and up to date the fund, Dir(Fin) informed that approx 55 Cr was deposited as SAB in the month of March and further approx 22 Cr payment is under way. She appraised that management is keenly working to make it up to date in near future. GS demanded for immediate payment of all outstanding of SAB Pension Fund and regularize on monthly basis, so that the recurring loss should not be incurred by Employees. Director Finance agreed with our concern and assured to meet it shortly. Later, GS apprised that currently only 5% contribution is paid, which is insignificant due to less amount and delayed start. GS apprised how this has got exposed in Covid Pandemic, where families of deceased BSNL Recruited Employees are struggling to meet the daily need in view of the very less amount in pension under the provision. He argued that it can’t be linked with company health being a Pensionary part of the employees, who account almost 70% of the total strength. Director Finance assured to look into it. AO to CAO promotion: In the light of DOP&T order on reservation in promotion, association demanded AO to CAO promotion in finance vertical. At the same time GS focused to remind Dir(Fin )that due to shortfall of 15 days in residency period in AO grade as per MS RR, good number of qualified AOs are not meeting the RR Provisions for CAO promotion. Whereas there is acute shortage in the CAO grade and sufficient numbers of vacancies are available, hence a relaxation for 15 days in residency period will be a win-win situation for both the department and the incumbent Executives. These AOs were promoted in Junaiuary-2015 and already functioning as CAO through look after at many places to meet the shortfall. Hence an exemption is highly required to meet the conditions. It was also informed that since MSRR is going to be revised soon, suggestion of association must be considered.
Repatriation of JAO:
Discussion was held about the repatriation order of JAOs working on Rule-9 from more than three years of service. It was apprised that they were transferred on temporary clause through Rule-9 in the previous policy, which is having a provision of maximum stay of five years. Hence these JAOs must be provided relief and allowed to continue in line with the previous policy to overcome their hardship, which was the reason of their temporary transfer. Director Finance apprised that she is in full knowledge of the issue as the association has met earlier also on the matter. She assured to speak to the Director HR about these officers to resolve the matter by taking a balance approach including need of these JAOs and demand of the association.
Later, the team discussed about the financial position of BSNL and good collection made in the month of March with combined efforts of Employees and Management. It was demanded by the association to start restoring the facilities halted, as financial position is improving. Meeting ended on a positive note.