As per provisions in the constitution of AIGETOA and subsequent discussion/decisions, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) Meet of AIGETOA CHQ is hereby notified to be held through online mode as per the given schedule.
The schedule is as follows:
Date & Time : 11th December’2021 (SAT) from 11:00 to 18:00 Hrs
Venue : Online Mode [Links will be shared to all participants individually]
A meeting of the General secretaries and representatives of Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) held today (24.11.2021) with the officials of the Dept of Telecom at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi on call of the DoT, where Sr GM(SR) Smt Anita Johri also participated from the BSNL side. The department of Telecom side was lead by the DDG (PM), who is also in charge of the JS(Admin) with DDG (PSU) and other officials. The AUAB was represented by General Secretaries of Associations and Unions in which AIGETOA was represented through General Secretary, Shri Wasi Ahmad. The meeting of Associations and Unions with the DoT officials held after a long time due to Covid Pandemic. The meeting deliberated on all agenda points submitted by AUAB including 4G roll out, 3rd PRC, Standard Pay Scale of E2-E3 and SAB to BSNL Recruits.
In the meeting, it was apprised that indigenous 4G Technology is the rout to be deployed in BSNL and government is ready to extend all possible support. The PoC with Indian Core through the consortium of TCS, C-Dot and Tejas has already been deployed and testing is going on in advance stage and it is expected to be completed by 31st Dec, 2021. The commercial supply and actual roll out of 4G in BSNL through the indigenous technology may start by July-August, 2022.
It was apprised that BSNL is unable to improve its financial health due to non availability of the most important services of the 4G, which is resulting in serious stagnant cash inflow and no major investment in CAPEX in aging network resulting in serious constraint in expansion of various services and finally the employees are the end sufferer in all terms. The debt on BSNL is also standing rock high and not settling in the absence of much talked Land Monetization and the payable by the DoT is also unaddressed. Similarly, other pending dues and support from the government as assured at the time of Revival Package. The employees are paying the price for the government policies.
It was apprised to us that the government is fully aware of the situation and committed to extend all due supports to BSNL, which is supporting country’s First Indigenous 4G deployment and so the government will very soon come up with a very good package for BSNL to sustain in the market. There were various items deliberated in the meeting including CAPEX of the 4G, Supported Transmission Network, Spectrum for 2G, AGR dues of BSNL, PS redemption etc. A decision in this regard is expected within December, 2021 itself, which will be helpful to BSNL. Further. The land monetization process has been started, which will pave the way to expedite it.
Discussion on 3rd PRC and Wage Revision also held but no assurance could be achieved in that direction and further dialogue will continue.
The issue of approval of standard scale of E2 for E1A for JAO/JTO equivalent and E3 for E2A for AO/SDE equivalent executives have still not been approved by the DoT as per the proposal sent by the BSNL on 06.06.2016 after its approval by the Management Committee of BSNL Board. Is a residual due of the 2nd PRC and resulting in the huge loss and demotivation to the initial grades of the executives? It was apprised that the PO released by DoT on 28.03.2017 was not implemented in BSNL on the ground that it was violating the DPE guidelines and degrading the scale of the executives. Hence it was requested to approve these two pending scales by the DoT at the earliest as 3rd PRC discussion is already going on, whereas our due of 2nd PRC are pending.
Thereafter the issue of Superannuation Benefit Fund (SAB) was raised to the DDG (PM) and apprised that against the 30% of SAB value, the BSNL recruited employees (executives as well as non executives) are getting just 21.8% (EPF-12%, Gratuity-4.5% & SAB Pension Fund-5%), which is a shortfall of 8.2%. Further it was started very late i.e. 3% wef 04.05.2016 and then 5% wef 01.04.2017. Whereas it was directed by the government at the time of formation of BSNL to make a mechanism of Pension for the employees being recruited by BSNL also as the employees absorbed from the DoT was protected Govt Pension through Rule 37A.
On these two issues of standard scale of E2-E3 and SAB enhancement, AIGETOA also submitted detail presentation and supporting documents to the DDG(PM) for consideration. The DDG(PM) was kind enough to deliberate it and further agreed to provide time to discuss on these two issues separately with the Recognized Association, AIGETOA. It will definably pave the way to start these two old issues, which is residual due of the 2nd PRC before implantation of 3rd PRC.
The meeting lasted for about One and half hours in a very positive atmosphere and started the dialogue process once again with the DoT. Although, no concrete could come out in the meeting but it has started the ball rolling once again for the various issues of the BSNL Sustainability as well as Employees matters.
Thereafter, GS AIGETOA requested for a separate meeting with the DDG(PSU) Shri Ravindra Prasad ji in his chamber to apprise the E2-E3 Scale issue, which he agrees and we discussed for about an hour on the issue and its journey from beginning till date. He is the officer dealing the subject from the DoT side. The meeting was very fruitful and further dialogue will continue with more submissions on the issue.
All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma, VP Shri Badri Kumar Mehta, AGSs Shri Yogendra Kumar and Shri Sunil Gautam, OS HQ Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, CS Delhi Shri Rajeev Meena and ACS Delhi Shri Mukesh Kumar while extending Diwali Greetings on behalf of AIGETOA had a brief discussion on the promotional aspects post finalisation of HR Plan. CMD BSNL told us that now after finalisation of HR Plan, the next step is to work on promotional avenues and management is keen to ensure that no executive under any stream stagnates in a grade. He further told us that discussion on promotional aspects will be taken up from 15th November as next week after Diwali meetings of Audit Committee, Board Meetings of BSNL as well as MTNL are scheduled. He once again reassured that it will be ensured that stagnation is taken care of and executives do not suffer on this account.
Thereafter Team met Director HR and other Directors of BSNL Board and extended Diwali Wishes. Team also met PGM Pers and had a brief discussion on JTO to SDE Promotions, Publishing of Subsequent SDE Seniority Lists, Next course of action with regard to SDE to DE and AO to CAO promotions and also of other streams. PGM Pers told that there is no reason to panic and all necessary actions shall be taken to ensure that no executive suffers on the part of promotions. He told that slowly and steadily, things are being streamlined and step by step we are moving forward. He also told that preparatory action with regard to further DPC in JTO to SDE has already been initiated and similarly they will move forward in other grades and streams. He told that promotion in AGM cadre is linked to outcome of SLP while we told to ensure that covering all eligible by any means will resolve the reservation issue and the same needs to be explored expeditiously. Action on publishing the subsequent SDE Seniority list is underway and JAO Final Seniority list is also being published. Further discussion on promotional avenues will take place from 15th onwards and we will take all necessary actions to bring all the stakeholders on board and move ahead jointly with consensus.
We once again reaffirm that AIGETOA is fully committed to ensure that promotion happens in a time bound manner and shall take all necessary action to ensure this. AIGETOA as well as Forum of Executive Association has already committed and decided that ensuring promotions in a time bound manner is our priority and we will take all necessary action to ensure this.
The association is closely pursuing the issue and awaiting the actual content of board minutes and management response on ground about execution of promotion in various grades and streams. We are restraining ourselves to give ample chance to the management for execution of long awaited promotion and working in tandem with Forum of Executive Associations in this regard. But we want to apprise the management that the executives are loosing patience and faith due to inordinate delay in issuing of promotions. An early action in this regard from the management is highly required to maintain industrial peace.
The Central Executive Committee Meet and Election of New Central Collegiums of AIGETOA was held through online mode on 18th & 19th October, 2021. The meeting was called as per provisions and compliances of the constitution and to deliberate the current status of issues, organizational matters and for the Constitution/Election of New Central Collegiums of AIGETOA in line with the notification issued vide letter number GS/AIGETOA/2021/114 dated 13.09.2021 by General Secretary AIGETOA CHQ, New Delhi. All India Presidents, Shri Ravi Shil Verma presided over the meeting and the General Secretary, Shri Wasi Ahmad placed Agenda Items, Status and Roadmap for the HR Issues of Executives, Development Issues of BSNL and Organizational Matters of AIGETOA in the Meeting. The Returning Officer Shri Sailesh Yadav and Asst Returning Officer Shri Gaurav Garg completed the Election Process of Central Collegiums’ on 19th October, 2021. Brief of the discussion is as follows:
1) Constitution of the New Central Collegiums for the next three years tenure:
According to the decision of CEC held on 2nd and 3rd August 2021, Shri Sailesh Yadav and Shri Gaurav Garg were appointed as Returning Officer & Asst Returning Officer respectively for the Constitution/Election of New Central Collegiums of AIGETOA. As per the notification issued by GS AIGETOA, vide GS/AIGETOA/2021/114 dated 13.09.2021, the collegiums election was completed in accordance with the laid down provisions and details of nomination received from the Circle and after observing all formalities the final Central Collegiums’ of AIGETOA for next three years tenure was announced by the Returning Officer on 19th October, 2021. The Final Strength of the AIGETOA Central Collegiums’ is 158 represents all Circles of AIGETOA, whose list is already uploaded on the website (www.aigeoachq.org).
2) CEC deliberation on the proposed programs All Unions and Association of BSNL (AUAB):
An internal meeting of AUAB also held on 18th October in online mode at 18:00 Hrs to assess the status after its meeting held with CMD and functional Board of Directors on 6th Oct, 2021. The matter with respect to the Twitter Campaign and other program was discussed in the CEC meeting of AIGETOA and Circle Secretaries and Circle Presidents. The status on various issues were informed to them in unambiguous manner and their view was also sought. It was unanimously felt that since there is an appreciable and visible progress on 4G issue as well as other viability related issues and further discussion on all HR issues are also open, it may not be prudent to enter into such action in haste. All were of the view that dialogue and discussion mode should be given preference as of now instead of extreme step of twitter campaign. If all routes fail then only we should continue with the programs. Accordingly, GS AIGETOA conveyed the feeling to the constituents of AUAB in the meeting and suggested to give dialogue more space instead of initiating the withheld program immediately. A fresh discussion should be held with the management to get their view on all issues and concrete resolution.
We sincerely hope the views of AIGETOA will be respected and all stake holders including the Management and AUAB will try to explore the options through mutual dialogues to find a concrete solution, which are the best way to move forward as of now. However it is reiterated that if dialogue and discussion route fails, we should not hesitate in starting organizational programs but any hurried approach should be avoided in the best interest of the organisation as well as cadre.
3) Deliberation on various HR and Organizational issues:
All HR issues including restructuring and promotional avenues were discussed in detailed and status on the issues was appraised to the house. The house raised serious concern over the extreme delay in settling various HR issue, which are raising anguish and frustration in the cadre with each passing day. The deliberation about ongoing restructuring activity and stand of AIGETOA and future action plan of AIGETOA was discussed. The association will continue its deliberation with management and all stake holders to protect the promotional avenues of the executives and oppose any reduction of promotional post. The association understanding with SEWA, SNEA and AIBSNLEA was discussed to work jointly for the welfare of the cadre. Time Bound Promotion Policy passed by the Board and pending at DoT was also discussed and efforts taken till date about its feasibility and implementation came in detailed discussion. The apprehension of SEWA about the policy due non availability of the reservation provision was also discussed and their stand to oppose any policy which undermines the constitutional rights also came under discussion. AIGETOA has categorically assured that we will always go by the laws and stands with the provisions available through constitution. Further deliberation will continue with all stake holders on the matter. A detailed update about the HR issues will be shared through minutes of the CEC.
4) Deliberation on 4G and other development issues of the BSNL:
A detailed deliberation was held on the 4G, Cluster Bottlenecks, FTTH, Long Distance Media, Backbone Network, Battery Power Plant, Fund for urgent Maintenance, Procurement of OFC, Pending Payments of housekeep and other vendors and long clearance of the approved advance. The matter of posting of regular CGMs and BA Heads also figured under discussion. A detailed update about the these issues will be shared through minutes of the CEC.
5) Discussion on the Annual General Meet cum all India Conference of AIGETOA:
The Joint Secretaries of the different zones have been requested to submit their report by 31st October regarding venues for the all India conference by the Circles interested to hold the conference with all relevant details. After receiving the reports by the Joint Secretaries, the central Governing Body will take a decision in this regard.
6) Printing of calendar for the year 2021:
The house unanimously approved the proposal for the printing of calendar for the year 2022. Accordingly one Committee of following members has been constituted to finalize the Theme and Design of the Calendar 2022 by 5th November, 2021. The calendars will be printed centrally at Bhubaneswar, Odisha Circle and house authorized Shri D K Sahoo AGS AIGETOA/CHQ monitor the activity. The Team is comprised of the following:
Calendar will be printed centrally at Bhubaneswar, Odisha Circle and house authorized Shri D K Sahoo AGS AIGETOA/CHQ monitor the activity from CHQ.
6) Regular maintenance of AIGETOA Society office:
The New Office of the Society at Faridabad, Haryana has been selected and Faridabad AIGETOA District Body Team has been authorized to look after day to day maintenance works of the Society office.
The Two Days meeting ended with vote of thanks by Shri Deepak Sahoo ji AGS. The complete details of the meeting will be shared through minutes of the meeting.
A meeting of the leaders of All Unions and Associations has been called by the BSNL Management on 6th October at 16:00 Hours. The meeting will be held with BSNL Board of Directors and CMD BSNL to discuss the issue raised in the circular dated 27.09.2021.
In view of the scheduled meeting of All Unions and Associations on the invitation of BSNL management, the proposed Twitter Campaign on 6thOctober 2021 has been postponed, as decided by the forum.
A meeting of AIGETOA, SNEA and BSNLEU held with the Members of the Committee formed to look into the drawbacks of Cluster based outsourcing System. The meeting was held through online mode which was attended by the CGMT Kerala and CGMT Karanataka along with other members of the Committee. AIGETOA was represented by Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Ravi Shil Verma AIP and Shri Ansal Mohammad Adv CHQ.
AIGETOA and other Associations/Unions have kept on raising the serious bottlenecks of Cluster based outsourcing with the management and thereafter the committee was constituted to look into its various aspects for improvement.
It’s a fact that massive disconnections of copper based LL/BB are continuing despite of huge expenditure in the cluster system by BSNL. Tender for Cluster has several shortcomings including the limitation of penalty clause of 15%, no provisions to ensure sufficient manpower in a cluster/outdoor area and supply of proper store for maintenance etc resulting into severe dissatisfaction among customers and resulting in surrendering of the services. It was also apprised that the net expenditure has increased but quality of service is not meeting the minimum expectation of the customers. Even the top 50 performing BAs list released by the Corporate Office are not matching the standard parameters of SLA i.e. MTTR (4-12 Hrs) and Clearance of 95% Fault within 24 Hrs. This situation is prevailing as Cluster Partner is not providing the required support to maintain the services and our filed officers (JTO/SDE/DET) are struggling hard and facing the ire of various Civil Authorities in absence of optimum service.
AIGETOA presented detail report about the deficiency of the cluster system, challenges in the copper based network and suggestions for improvement to the Committee Members. In fact we have also suggested giving a re-look on the continuity of the Cluster System and investing money in current form and instead we should think to go back to conventional system for at least certain places owing to the fact that the copper based services have its own challenges in present time. SNEA and BSNLEU also gave their presentation on the topic.
AIGETOA team Comprising of Shri D K Sahoo (AGS-I CHQ), Shri Ashok Acharya (JS East), Shri P K Mohanty (CP Odisha) and Shri Dhiren Parida (Circle Secretary Odisha) met CMD BSNL Shri P K Purwar at Bhubaneswar on 18th Setp 2021 & welcomed him to Temple City Bhubaneswar with a flower bouquets and honored him a specialized shawl of Odisha. AIGETOA Team submitted a memorandum containing BSNL revival issue & important HR issues of executives and some Odisha circle specific issues. In spite his busy schedule he discussed some of the important issues.
Promotion to all eligible executives before finalization of restructuring
Detail discussion held with CMD BSNL on the promotion issue. Where CMD BSNL informed about management’s action plan on promotion issue. We informed him that, as BSNL is going for a major structural change, it is utmost necessary to promote all the eligible executives to next grade as one time measure, which will resolve the stagnation issue of executives and definitely motivate employees for better performance. CMD agreed to discuss with his HR team on the issue.
Left out DPC to be done for JTO to SDE
CMD informed that, HR team already working on it. He assured to complete DPC process of remaining executives at the earliest. Reminder letter should be issued to DOT for the E2 for JTO/JAO and E3 for SDE/AO cadre. He informed that, reminder Letter to DOT for the E2 for JTO/JAO and E3 for SDE/AO cadre will be issued soon.
Payment of pending SAB contribution and enhance the quantum from 5%.
We expressed our deep concern over BSNL management’s complete ignorance on pension benefit issue of BSNL recruited employees by the name of financial condition of BSNL. We intimated him that, more than 75% of existing employees failing on this category and this is only hope for their future security and requested CMD to increase contribution. We also requested him to release pending SAB contribution immediately.
CMD BSNL agreed to release outstanding SAB contribution. Regarding enhancement of SAB contribution he informed that, same will be considered only after improvement in BSNL financial condition.
Immediate Launching 4G services and persuasion at the ministry level
CMD BSNL informed that, BSNL management continuously trying at the highest level for the launch of 4G services in BSNL which is invariable delayed due to Govt policy to use indigenous technology for 4G equipments also informed that matter related to up gradation existing N/W to 4G, already communicated to Hon’ble minister for necessary intervention and issuance of instruction for approval of proposal submitted by BSNL Management committee for upgrdation to 4G.
On the Odisha Circle specific issue
Providing CPAN equipment to cater to the demand of high bandwidth. Strengthening the transmission media to provide quality service.
4F and OLT/ONT for FTTH service
He has assured to extend necessary support to Odisha Circle for Strengthening of Tx Network and improvement of Network uptime. BNG equipment not to be diverted and utilized in Orissa. Agreed, not to divert BNG from Odisha Circle.
Click here for the Memorandum submitted to CMD BSNL
On 18th Sept 2021, team AIGETOA Punjab Comprising Circle Secretary Sh. Yogesh Chhabra, Circle President Sh. Vikas Gupta, ACS-1 Sh. Narinder Kumar and ACS-4 Sh. Ramanand Srivastava welcomed Hon’ble Director (CM) Shri Sushil Kumar Mishra on his official visit to Chandigarh and submitted memorandum containing issues of utmost importance for BSNL survival and burning issues of pay, pension & promotion(PPP). Inspite of his hectic schedule, he gave a patience hearing in the chamber of CGMT Punjab.
Each and every point is discussed in detail as mentioned below-
Immediate Launching of 4G Services
Team conveyed very clearly that 4G services should be launched at the earliest on PAN India basis as it is must for the survival of BSNL. He informed us that management is also working on the same path. Even Govt. of India is planning to provide financial support under their Make in India initiative. If TCS will pass this POC then PO will be given to TCS directly for launching of 4G services instead of any tender.
Revenue loss due to bundling of VAS services with our popular STVs
Association expressed their concern over leakage of money to VAS vendors due to bundling. Director (CM) informed us that BSNL doesn’t have its own platform for providing such services. These are necessary for the attention of customers. We also suggested that two separate STV’s with bundled and without bundled services can be launched and also revenue to be paid for only those subscribers which are using this services. He responded positively and said that he will definitely explore this.
Regularization of Salary
On this Director (CM) said that salary is regularized but the date of disbursement is 20th of every month due to some reason.
HR Restructuring & proper manpower utilization
Association side asked for the promotion of all eligible employees before the finalization of restructuring process as no. of post has been drastically decreased in management proposal. Director (CM) informed that discussions are already going on between union/association and management about the promotions to avoid stagnation of all employees in any cadre.
30% SAB to BSNL Recruit Employees
We expressed our deep concern over the avoidance of pension benefits to BSNL recruit employees by the management. In the recent Pandemic many employees lost their life and the family will hardly get a pension of Rs 2K to 3K a month from SAB Pension fund due to insufficient contribution. In light of this 30% SAB contribution should be extended to BSNL Recruited Employees and pending contribution till date to be submitted immediately. Director (CM) assured us to discuss this in next BSNL Board.
CHQ leaders of AIGETOA, SNEA, SEWA (BSNL) and AIBSNLEA met Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director(HR) on 10.09.2021 and held detailed discussions on promotion to BSNL Executives. It is informed that Restructuring is in very advanced stage and it will be presented to MC in a couple of days.
Earlier CHQ leaders of AIGETOA, SNEA, SEWA (BSNL) and AIBSNLEA met and deliberated the Restructuring process and its deadly consequences on career progression of the Executives. Even small increase in the number of posts is not going to address the issue. There is a huge disconnect in numbers proposed by management and actual requirement of the posts to ensure smooth promotion for all eligible Executives in all the Grades across all the wings. It is also deliberated that the existing vacancies especially in AGM/CAO equivalent grades are also not getting filled owing to complexities associated with respect to SLP at Hon Supreme Court, relating to Reservation and the management is also not trying for any solution taking excuse of the situation.
After detailed discussion, it is decided to work jointly for the career progression of all the Executives either by making Time Bound Promotions without linking it with availability of vacancies or by getting so many numbers of posts which ensures smooth promotion for all eligible Executives in all the Grades across all the wings in a time bound manner without stagnating any Executive in any cadre or stream.
Associations agreed to pursue for implementation of the Board approved Time Bound Promotion Policy of May 2018 with incorporation of provisions for following Govt/DoPT guidelines on Reservation protecting the constitutional rights. The promotions should be extended w.e.f. 01.07.2018 onwards as and when the Executives fulfill their eligibility criteria.
Associations will also demand that all the Adhoc DGM(T/F) Executives should be made regular DGM(T/F) as sufficient vacancies are available and thereafter all posts should be filled on regular basis. Issues raised by AIGETOA and AIBSNLEA on the policy will be pursued to be implemented. It was discussed that changes required to consider those issues can easily be addressed by Management Committee of the Board.
Associations agreed for incorporation of a merit based fast track promotion should also be introduced for DGM equivalent and above grade for promotion to higher positions from among meritorious BSNL Executives to lead BSNL by creating adequate number of such posts. Associations will also demand for scrapping of Current MTRR and DR DGM RRs and replaced with internal fast track mechanism.
Other than promotional aspects, all issues pertaining to Pay, Promotion and Pension shall also be jointly pursued by all.
CHQ leaders of AIGETOA and SNEA met CMD BSNL Shri P. K. Purwar and communicated that if BSNL management is going ahead with Restructuring and post reduction without working out the promotional avenues for its Executives and finalizing the future road map to fill up the top management positions in the company with meritorious candidates, then it is going to meet stiff resistance and opposition from all the Executives. Normally, norms are framed after conducting extensive work study in the field units, but no work study took place and restructuring process has been converted into a pen paper exercise aimed only for reduction in posts. The inputs given by Associations highlighting the shortcomings of the restructuring proposal has been completely ignored and management moving ahead with drastic reduction in posts which is not at all acceptable.
We said that management cannot simply ignore the fact that BSNL Board has approved a proposal in May 2018 where they want JTO/JAO Equivalent level Executives to reach to post of AGM in a time of 15 years of service. Such type of demeaning of Executives where management wants JTO/JAO/SDE/AO Equivalent grade officers to stagnate for as long as 12 years for their first promotion and 25 years for its second promotion will lead to a disastrous situation in BSNL, where every Executive will be in a state of unrest and will give rise to a serious conflict. We categorically demanded CMD/BSNL to put on hold current restructuring proposal and requested him to deliberate a proposal which leads to a complete transformation of organization in all respects including the work culture, motivation, promotional avenues, and recognition of Merit.
BSNL Board has approved Time Bound Promotion Policy in May 2018 itself and promotions should be ensured in a time bound manner for all eligible Executives, we demanded. CMD BSNL said that he remains open to further discussion and told us to discuss with Director HR, BSNL Board.
Later, both Association leaders met Shri Vivek Banzal, Director(CFA) and Shri S. K. Mishra, Director(CM) also and demanded Time Bound Promotion for all eligible Executives, before the Restructuring.