Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Ravi Shil Verma Chairman, Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGs, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS and Shri Yogendra Singh AGS held detailed meeting Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar ji on dated 03-06-2022. The meeting lasted for more than two and half hours with elaborate discussion on HR Issues including following points:

AGM and CAO Promotions:

Team AIGETOA conveyed the Director HR that there is a huge resentment among the Executives as despite clarification from DoPT, there is no development in the AGM and CAO Promotion despite of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgment dated 28.01.2022 and DoPT Executive Instruction dated 12.04.2022. We said that there is no confusion as such on reservation in promotion issue and DoPT OM of 1997 combinedly read with the DoPT OM dated 12.04.2022 amply clarifies on how to move ahead with promotions. The need is to have a proactive mindset with clear focus on executing the promotions instead of dilly-dallying on the matter on one pretext or other. We can’t expect any more clarity on the matter and hence the BSNL has to move forward for promotion with this executive instruction only instead of trying to shred the responsibility in the name of non-existing complexities. We further apprised that resentment is running very high and delay is only adding fuel to fire. If management doesn’t move forward on the Promotion in AGM and CAO grades immediately, it will have to face serious unrest in the organisation. Director HR apprised that management is very much keen to in the promotion and taking all steps to realize it by sorting out obstacles.

Thereafter, he called the DGM(Pers) in the meeting itself and sought the progress on all aspects. Point wise status was briefed by the DGM (Pers) and the required formalities to be carried out. The Director HR gave certain directions to him to expedite the process in a time bound manner. We also raised the issue of vacancies to be filled up and prospective methodology to be adopted in calculating the vacancies. On this Director HR replied that these discussions can be done once there is finality on the path to move forward and management is not averse to any of the genuine suggestion from association in this regard.

In the meantime the AIGETOA Team is working in close coordination with all stake holders including our sister association SEWA and their leadership and having day to day discussions on the developments and outcome of these meetings.

Friends, we are giving enough time and room for discussion to the management to issue the much awaited promotions but at the same time reminding about serious repercussion in the event of any further delay. We have categorically told Director HR that the issuance of promotion in the current month is a must else the association will seek organizational recourse.

We will watch the movement of the management till next one week and thereafter take a decision according to the situation on the matter. All are requested to be prepared for any short notice Call to Delhi Chalo in case of any dilly-dallying tactics by the management.

E2-E3 Issue and DoT communication:

We lodged our strong protest on the recent communication of the DoT and its disagreement on account of Cascading, which is in complete contravention of the proposal of BSNL. The statement of DoT that the earlier PO of DoT dated 28.03.2017 for standard Scale has endorsement of DPE does not hold any merit as DPE has not commented anything on the previous scales of BSNL and Intermediary scales used by DoT.

We apprised about our multiple meetings in recent times with the senior officers of DoT including JS (Admin) on the matter and the concerns raised by the association. Team AIGETOA informed Director HR about the discussion of our meeting on 01.06.2022 with Joint Secretary Admin Shri Sushil Kumar Verma, DDG PM Shri Premjit Lal and Deputy Secretary DoT Shri Raiti Madhava Rao on the recent order issued by DoT on approval of standard scale E2-E3. We informed him about our assertion that the order issued by DoT has created a serious ruckus among the Executives fraternity of BSNL and it may disturb the peace of the organization if not rolled back immediately as DPE has never given concurrence on the intermediate scale proposal of DoT. We demanded Deputy Secretary, if any letter had been issued by DPE regarding the intermediate scale, it must be shared to the Association and if it is not issued, DoT must role back its order issued on 29/04/2022.

Director HR was in full agreement with the view point that final proposal of BSNL only asked for replacement of two Scale i.e. E1A by E2 and E2A by E3 and no cascading to other scales. We requested Director HR for immediate intervention and take up the matter with DoT and inform them that the proposal of BSNL is not having any cascading effect and replacing initial two scales will not have any impact on EPP. The Director HR said, he shall be taking corrective action soon in this regard.

MS RR Discussion and its Draft: The Chairman and GS AIGETOA informed Director HR that Pers cell has not initiated discussion on MS RR so far with the Recognised Association despite passage of the month of May’2022, whereas it was supposed to be initiated and draft of MS RR to be shared latest by April’2022. We apprised that it was to be initiated with stagnation criteria in SDE grade for promotion beyond vacancies as well as fast track mode of promotion to achieve the desired goal to give younger officers chance to reach highest echelon in their career as assured by Director HR & CMD on various occasions to the association.

The Director HR agreed with our concern and apprised that it got delayed due to multiple views of various stake holders but now the same is back in focus and is very much in the agenda of the management and assured to look into it.

Notification of SDE/AO RR:

We demanded Director HR to issue notification of new SDE RR as approved by the BSNL Board so that the left out JTOs of 2008 can be promoted immediately and LDCE for SDE and AO can be notified. Further the preparatory for DPC Promotion of subsequent batches of JTOs from SRD onwards and JAOs can be initiated. Once the AGM and CAO promotion is affected, we will be having sufficient vacancies for SDE and AO Promotions.

Director HR informed that the notification is pending due to some technical clearance from the DoT and once the clearance is received, the same will be notified without any delay. The association will further pursue with the DOT for early clearance by proper compliance on points raised.

SDE Reversal Issue Settlement:

We shown our strong displeasure for non settlement of this issue despite the passage of long time and agreeing of the Director HR to resolve it as One Time measure considering the genuineness of the issue. The matter has been discussed on several occasions and only a decision has to be taken in this regard and a direction was also given to Pers Cell on the matter by the Director HR himself. The inordinate delay is raising serious concern among the suffering executives and hence we reminded him about his assurance once again.

Director HR stated that he is well aware about it and his commitment and he will ensure the same as assured earlier. He agreed with the views of the association that it has got delayed enormously but assured to resolve.

SAB Deposit and Enhancement of Quantum:

The matter was raised strongly with the Director HR and recent demises of BSNL Recruited Employees were once again brought to his notice and endless suffering of such families in absence of any proper support. We apprised how the families post demise of their bread winner come on road owing to the meager support of Rs 3500 to Rs 4500 a month by including both SAB Fund and EPS Scheme. It is happening basically due to delayed start of the SAB Pension Fund by BSNL w.e.f. 2016 which should have been extended from day one and that too in totality. The delayed start and giving full 30% SAB has accumulated insufficient fund in the SAB Pension maintained by LIC and any eventuality coming as a serious financial blow to the families.

We demanded that this must be seen by rising above to the financial position of the organization as it relates with the survival of a family in event of any untimed demise of an employee recruited by BSNL. There is still a shortfall of 8.2% in the defined contribution under SAB and it should be used to increase the existing quantum from 5%. We also demanded to start PRMB Fund and deposit in the fund.

We apprised him that the association has also given a call to hold various programs including Pad Yatra from Chandigarh to New Delhi to pay tribute the recent demise of Late Vijay Bansal Ji and highlight the cause due to families of BSNL Recruited Employees are at stake.

Director HR agreed with our concern on the matter and suffering of the families due to less contribution under SAB Pension Fund and agreed to take up the matter with CMD BSNL.

Gross disparity in Transfer & Positing of QA & Inspection Circle:

This was raised to the Director and informed that the policy decided to send the executives out of the QA & Inspection Circle is faulty, biased and illogical. One side the executives are being shifted on the name of sensitive posting in the Circle and executives with a working of 10-12 years is shifted from the circle whereas people with 18-22 years are retained in the Circle. On raising the issue, lame reasons are put forward which is totally unacceptable and we demanded his intervention. Further, claims under association immunity and various medical grounds are also not looked properly. We categorically told that if department wants to keep a rotating place in view of sensitivity, a uniform policy on the basis of working period in the Circle should be framed and association will support any such transparent policy.

Director HR assured to look into it and take necessary decision. The cases were apprised to him in detail also.

SDE Seniority List modification:

We lodged our strong protest on the inconsistent behavior of the department on the SDE seniority List, which pertains to the directly recruited Employees. Once again the current SDE Seniority list number 12 and previous list 9 has been revised. The inconsistency in the decision reflects that section dealing the matter is not clear about framing of the seniority list. This has got various revisions with every passing day. This started with July 2020 when the first provisional list was prepared on the basis of year of vacancy by giving Quota within the VY and DoJ in the VY to decide seniority in LDCE and DPC Mode of SDEs promoted against 2006-07. Thereafter the list has gone several ups and down and again a new revision raises serious question on the finality of the list. Such type of inconsistent behavior is not expected from HR Section and we demanded to fix up the responsibility, if there is any lapse in process either earlier or today. We simply cannot remain mute to everyday changing stand of HR section on such important matters which define the future career progression of executives.

The meeting ended with the final arguments from the association side that the management should come forward with concrete results else the peace and tranquility of the organization will be comprised, and association shall be forced to resort to strong organizational action programs to settle the long pending HR issues of Pay, Promotion and Pension.

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS visited DoT office, New Delhi on 01.06.2022 and held meeting with Shri Sunil Kumar Verma Joint Secretary, Shri Premjit Lal DDG PM and Shri Madhav Rao DDG PSU-I on the matter of E2-E3 and lodged our resentment on the letter issued by the DoT regarding disagreeing on E2-E3 Scale citing cascading as reason. We categorically emphasized that the order is in contrary to the proposal submitted by BSNL and hence it must be rolled back by the DoT to prevail peace and tranquility in the organization.

Firstly, we met the DDG PM for the subject matter of E2-E3, who was in the chain of the issue. But he apprised that the issue is now being handled through Joint Secretary and he is looking after only revival part of BSNL. A brief discussion was held on the ongoing revival package and other matter associated with Executives. We highlighted issues of the E2-E3, Promotional Prospects and Recruitment Rules being taken up in the BSNL Board considering the fact that he is currently holding the responsibility of BSNL Board of Director. He appreciated our concern and assured to extend all help as per merit of the issues, whenever taken up by the association.

Later the Team met with Shri S K Verma Joint Secretary DoT specifically on the issue of E2-E3. We explained him about the issue since beginning and our arguments behind incorrectness of the order and requested for roll back of the recent order of DoT. He apprised that he has taken the charge very recently and not updated about the issue. Thereafter, we submitted our letter in this regard and all supporting documents and apprised that it is affecting about 14500 Executives of BSNL (about 45%) and the recent order of DoT has created serious unrest in the rank and files of the company. We firmly told that any thought of denial will create serious repercussion in the organization as the youngest lot of the company is directly affected with the issue, which is lingering since 2007. We apprised him that BSNL has clearly asked for replacement of only two Scales i.e. E1A by E2 meant for JTO/JAO Equivalent and E2A by E3 meant for SDE/AO Equivalent w.e.f. 01.01.2007 without cascading effects to any other scales. The DO Letter of CMD BSNL dated 01.05.2017 is self explanatory on the matter and hence any deviation can’t be accepted by us. He took all documentations to study the issue and assured to look into the issue and sought some time to go through it and discuss with the section. We requested him to assess the matter with fresh thought and without any preconceived notion to impart justice to the employees of BSNL.

Thereafter, we met DDG PSU-I and apprised about our meeting with Joint Secretary and held discussion with him for half an hour convincing him that the letter issued by the DoT is in violation of the BSNL Management Proposal must be rolled back. He agreed to re-look the matter once again and brought the concern of the association in the knowledge of higher up along with supported documents. He also assured to revert back further on the matter.

In the meantime our AIGETOA Team also met with the Secretary Telecom, Shri K. Rajaraman during his trip to Pune on 01.06.2022 and apprised the issue in detail and submitted memorandum. We hope that our consistent efforts will definitely bring positive result on this long pending issue of E2-E3. We assure one and all that AIGETOA is committed on the matter and it will make all out efforts to resolve the issue affecting majority of the Executives.

FOLLOW UP ON E2-E3 CONTINUES………

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Ravi Shil Verma Chairman, Shri Wasi Ahmad GS and Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS held meeting with CMD BSNL on 31.05.2022. The meeting lasted for an hour and detailed discussion took place on various issues including AGM(T)/CAO , DGM Promotions and E2-E3 Scale.

The Association expressed its strong displeasure on the unnecessary delay in execution of the Promotions in the grades of AGM(T) despite of the orders by Hon’ble Supreme Court and Executive Instructions thereafter by DoPT. CMD BSNL explained the position of management and said that he is not averse to the promotion and willing more than anyone to move ahead and that was the main reason to direct HR Team to hold discussion with major stakeholders on 12-May 2022. We said on 12th May, all associations have already expressed their concurrence in writing to management which was signed also by PGM SR as well as CLO BSNL both. When a way forward is already decided, citing same issue again and again to stop the process is totally uncalled for and management should show some confidence on its own actions instead of finding excuses out of these to avoid promotions. We said, management should move forward in line with the directions of DoPT which are very clear on the matter and there is no ambiguity at all in these instructions.

CMD BSNL informed that there is some issue in implementation of the DoPT Order in the promotion order due to divergent views of the department and welfare association on the topic of On Merit and Own Merit. The management is still working on it and is in continuous touch with the DoPT for its correct interpretation. He apprised that the management is also waiting for the execution of the order by DoPT, after which BSNL will be following the footsteps for methodology adopted for promotion. We categorically and unambiguously stated that now there is no scope for BSNL to stop the process citing these confusions, Confusions if any needs to be cleared and moved forward. We gave them our inputs on how to move forward and explained the roadmap which has potential to cover all the aspirants for the promotions and which is acceptable to other stake holders like SEWA also because we have already discussed with them on this issue. We also requested to ensure that DGM Vacancies needs to be taken into account and provisions to create more posts to put an end to all disputes. CMD BSNL told that he is open to all suggestions to end the stalemate. He said priority is to finalise the methodology first and thereafter discussion can be done on the topics like number of people to be promoted, more vacancies to be created and also on promotions from AGM to DGM grade.

We categorically and unambiguously intimated CMD BSNL that already enough delay has been made and as majority recognised association, we are answerable to executives and hence cannot accept the delay any more. Executives are in a state of maximum unrest due to unnecessary delay being created now by management. Whatever, that is right in line with the provisions of DoPT should be followed and promotion should be issued else association will have no option but to comeback with the available tools of the organisational program.

Thereafter, a workable solution was discussed in the meeting which we will be discussing with SEWA leadership to find a possible breakthrough in the promotion. Before the meeting also, we had a detailed discussion with their leadership on the possible course of actions and we shall continue with the discussion with them so that an amicable solution acceptable to all can be reached without any delay. However, at the same time we wish to reiterate that while we are not averse to this consensus building exercise but we have categorically alerted management that they now need to show the will to execute the things in the form of actions and results instead of delaying the process any further.

The issue of Pay Scale was discussed thereafter and we demanded immediate intervention by the CMD BSNL at highest level in the DoT. CMD BSNL apprised that currently DoT is completely negative on the issue despite of his consistent pursual on the matter and advised us to wait a little more for an appropriate time. He firmly assured that he wants positive resolution of the issue and that is reason, he is advising to wait a little more so that issue can be firmly resolved in the favour of young executives. We persisted with our demand and said that this is again an already delayed issue and requested him to ensure the resolution at the earliest in the best interest of the youngsters as company is now on a path to recovery and DoT will also not object on this being a motivational tool to perform better. We also requested for the implementation of E1 plus 5 increments as interim measure to all the executives provisionally recruited in E1 scale and demanded that this pending proposal in BSNL Board must now be cleared for all the new recruits.

MS RR Modification Exercise was also discussed on which CMD BSNL said that his team is working on the same and output will be visible soon. We again highlighted the delay and expressed that it seems management has lost confidence on their own actions which is in fact a very serious and worrisome trend. Association can’t allow situation to continue as such. If HR is not at all in priority list, then association will also forget the amicable path and shall come back on streets to set the things right and make HR a priority subject. If results are not achieved, then words and assurances, even from the apex doesn’t hold any value.

Friends, though CMD BSNL has expressed his firm intent on both the pay and promotion issue but seeing the slow movement and inaction on part of his team and various HR Sections, we need to remain vigilant. If within next few days, some concrete output is not reached on these issues, then association will not have any other path than to follow course of organisational actions. We request all executives, office bearers and members to remain prepared for the next struggle.

Together We Will Achieve Everything

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.

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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.