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.

Click here for Memorandum Submitted

Click here for Glimpses of Meeting

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.

Today Team AIGETOA consisting of Shri Ravi Shil Verma, GS Shri Wasi Ahmad and FS Shri B K Mehta met CMD BSNL today i.e. 21.04.2022 and discussed the following issues:

Status on SDE to AGM promotions and further course thereof:

Association side emphasized that with DoPT endorsing the Ho’nble Supreme Court Judgement, there is no hurdle in promotions and based on the DoPT instructions, the exercise for SDE to AGM promotions should immediately be completed and DPC should be done without any further delay. CMD BSNL appreciated our concern and told that his team is working on the same and next week they will be holding a meeting at DOPT also so that there should not remain any disconnect. Association side emphasized that there is clarity in order and hence the preparatory work should be completed immediately so that there is no delay in holding the DPC.

Further association once again emphasized to CMD BSNL that as assured by him earlier, the diversion of remaining 450 posts from external MT Quota should also be done, so that the complete 4500 posts remains for DPC. CMD BSNL told that presently we are focusing on the way forward towards the Promotion so that no legal lacuna remains. He is aware of the assurances made and all necessary action will be taken to ensure the benefit of the maximum, once the methodology to be adopted in promotion after discussion at DoPT is finalized. He also emphasized that he is not averse to the promotion and the recent SDE order is the example.

He also said that all stake holders including SEWA shall be taken on board before executing DPC, so that there remains no legal complexity in future. We said we will also try to get in touch with all the stake holders so that a consensus can be developed on the most important issue of reservation which has withheld promotions for so long

MS RR draft and Fast Track Promotional methodology

Association told that it was assured to us that final draft will be shared to us by April 30th. CMD BSNL told that his team is working on the same and very soon discussion will be initiated with AIGETOA on new MS RRs and Fast Track Promotion Policy. We once again requested for 8 years stagnation criteria in SDE cadre for promotion to AGM to be incorporated in the draft.

AO to CAO promotions

We requested to grant relaxation of 15 days in case of AOs and execute the promotions. CMD BSNL assured to examine once some clarity is reached on way forward.

Scrapping of MT RRs

We requested CMD BSNL for his intervention as assured to us earlier for scrapping of MT RRs as the new Fast Track Policy which has potential to take executives to highest level is under consideration. CMD BSNL told that his HR team will examine all the things and then a suitable decision shall be taken.

Notification of LDCE for JTO to SDEs and LICE for JE to JTOs

We said that despite several assurances, notification has not been issued yet. We requested him for directing Recruitment cell for immediate notification as now with DoPT letter, there are no showstoppers any more. CMD BSNL assured that he will ensure that LICE for JE to JTO is notified in this week itself only followed by LDCE for JTO to SDE. We thanked CMD BSNL for the same.

Standard Pay Scales of E2 for JTO/JAO/Equivalent

We once again requested CMD BSNL for his intervention with DoT. CMD BSNL assured to take up the same at highest level once he gets some appropriate opportunity to address the same.

Balance SAB Payment

We requested for ensuring the up-to-date balance payment. CMD assured that matter is under consideration and suitable action is being taken.

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS met with Shri Saurabh Tyagi PGM(Estt) BSNL CO on 19.04.2022 in his chamber. A comprehensive discussion was held on Standard Pay Scale E2-E3 and association show its strong displeasure about lack of intensity in persuasion at DoT level by the department. GS emphasized to send another strong reminder letter to DoT citing more inputs on this issue. Also, based on the inputs of our earlier meeting with DoT officials, we apprised him to incorporate some points in the reminder letter to provide further clarity as requested by them. It is quite unfortunate that the issue is persisting since long time and BSNL failed to find a solution of the Scale issue, which created at the time of its inception through non standard scale of E1A in BSNL instead of E2 as provisioned in MTNL. We also emphasized that the communication should be made with higher authority in DoT to bring seriousness on the issue. PGM Estt was positive on our submission and assured to incorporate our feedbacks.

Apart from above the association raised the matter of Pay Loss to these executives and interim extension of E1+5 to give some relief to those struggling with initial pay scale of 16400/- in E1 grade and not provided five advance increment. As on date there are three set of starting basic in JTO/JAO equivalent grade in BSNL, which should be streamlined. It has created severe loss to the young executives working in the cadre of JTO/JAO and ultimately affecting their morale.

The issue of settlement of Rule-8/Rule-9 cases and enhancement of Rule-9 period from current Two Years to Five Years was also demanded. It was apprised to PGM Pers that even some surplus Circles are not releasing the Rule-8/Rule-9 Cases despite of the direction from BSNL CO New Delhi. We requested intervene in the matter with respective CGM. Similar, status is prevailing in Rule-8/Rule-9 cases of JEs, where they are also struggling. Finally PGM Estt assured to take the case with all such Circles for Rule-8 Cases and the matter of Rule-9. He apprised that the cases of Rul-9 is resolving smoothly at BSNL CO except few but as far as the period is concerned, it is a policy decision which will be taken up with higher authority.

Team AIGETOA will follow up the issues regularly as discussed and it will ensure it’s implementation.

AIGETOA had a detailed meeting with Director HR on 18-April’ 2022 on the matter of AGM/CAO Promotion, JAO Retention, Group Health Insurance Policy BSNL MS RR and SDE Reversal Matter. Shri Wasi Ahmad GS AIGETOA along with Shri Badri Kumar Mehta FS and Shri Vivek Kumar AGS had a detailed discussion with Director HR on following issues :

AGM/CAO Promotion:

The association demanded for immediate start of the process for promotion in AGM/CAO equivalent grades in view of the instructions issued by the DoPT. It was emphasized that after the clearance of the DoPT, the hurdle has been removed and it is utmost essential to issue the promotion as the unrest is growing severely among the executives. Team also demanded to expedite the process for all vacancies as on date as discussed earlier by one time diversion. It is very much essential to fulfill the requirement of officers in the grade in view of the inclusion of complete operation of BBNL. The Director HR apprised that they are equally concerned for it and holding meeting on the matter to explore all possibilities to carry out the promotion. The association also demanded to issue promotion in CAO grade by issuing suitable relaxation and other equivalent grades in view of the recent order.

SDE Reversal Issue:

This issue was raised to him and reminded that it was assured to resolved the matter by April. But despite of passage of three weeks, the physical movement of the matter is not visible. Director HR assured for the resolution as per commitment.

JAO under Rule-9 Retention:

The association taken up the matter of extension for the JAOs, whose order has been issued for relieving from the current Circle. The association highlighted that when the management is taking so lenient view on the matter of longest stay transfer. Even after releasing of 26 years stay particular, the order has not been issued till date despite of availability of the rule under BSNL Transfer Policy. But these JAOs are being forced to go back to their Parent Circle in just three years on the pretext of Rule-9. We strongly objected such discrimination and demanded their retention. The Director HR assured to look into the matter for retention.

Group Health Insurance Policy:

The association highlighted that the Medical is a state subject and BSNL should pay the premium. We suggested to make the group health policy as an alternative for BSNL MRS Indoor. The Director HR told that currently we are taking efforts to improve the BSNL MRS Policy and the GHI is an added optional facility. The management do not consider it fine to replace the GHI with BSNL MRS and so the employees may opt group health insurance policy as an added facility on voluntary basis. He apprised that BSNL is also trying to improve the functioning of BSNL MRS, whose effect will be visible.

BSNL MS RR Discussion:

Director HR apprised that the management is very keen to bring revised BSNL MS RR at the earliest and discussion will be held with the association. The association will be called for discussion soon in the matter by PGM Pers. He once again apprised the intentions of the management to start Fast Track Promotion avenues in the revised draft.

Meeting ended on positive note.

Click here for the letters on these matter submitted.

Letter to Dir HR on JAO under Rule 9 Retention

Letter to CMD, BSNL for AGM/CAO Promotion

Letter to CMD, BSNL for conduction of CAO DPC

Letter to CMD, BSNL for conduction of DPC in AGM Equivalent Cadres

Team AIGETOA met with the Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Rahul Kaswan ji at his residence to apprise our issues related with the Pay, Promotion, Pension and Profitability of the organisation. The Team comprises of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Badri Mehta FS, Shri Vivek Kumar AGS, Shri Ajay Kaswan ji, Shri Rajendra Singh ji and Shri Yogesh Chauhan Ji met the Hon’ble MP and apprised the issues being faced by the Executive of BSNL. The team requested him to use his good office for appropriate intervention of the Hon’ble Minister of Communication in the matter. The Hon’ble MP listened our points patiently, suggested some measures and and also assured for the possible help. The meeting was arranged by our senior leader Shri Ajay Kaswan ji through his good channel. The meeting ended on a positive note.

Meeting of AIGETOA held with the committee constituted for modification of SDE and other equivalent RRs. The AIGETOA team was led by All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Vice President – Shri Badri Kumar Mehta, AGSs Shri Sunil Gautam and Shri Yogendra Kumar. We strongly put forth our submissions and the points submitted by AIGETOA vide our formal inputs. The response of the committee members appeared positive towards the submissions. Further persuasion will be there and details shall be shared. After finalisation by committee, the RRs will be placed before BSNL Board for approval.

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Ravi Shil Verma AIP, Shri Wasi Ahmad GS and Shri Badri Kumar Mehta VP met CMD BSNL on 11.02.2022. We invited CMD BSNL for the upcoming event of All India Conference at Bhopal and requested to grace the occasion as Chief Guest in the Open Session to be held on 13^th March, 2022.

We also had discussions on career progression issues with CMD BSNL and he has shown his positivity towards ensuring proper career progression and creating polices for taking in house talent to the highest levels in BSNL. In this direction, he assured that thorough discussions shall be held with AIGETOA on our inputs and aspirations while modifying the MSRRs and he also assured to create a pathway for internal executives to reach the highest echelons of the management. It is a major change in thought process of the management when they have shifted their focus from external recruitment to giving proper avenues to deserving internal pool for higher posts. On Promotions in AGM and DGM Cadres, he informed that DoP&T has sought certain inputs from BSNL and it seems DoP&T is also keen to end the stalemate at the earliest. It seems that we can expect firm and positive momentum from DoP&T after the next hearing at Hon’ble Supreme Court in 24th February. In the meantime, Circle Secretaries are requested to ensure uploading of APAR grading for all eligible SDEs at the earliest.

We also held discussion on the ongoing support of the government to BSNL for the second revival package, 4G roll out, transmission backbone strengthening and CAPEX infusion. The process is moving in very positive direction and government is seen positive for sustainability and positive trajectory for BSNL. The announcement made by Hon’ble Finance Minister has to be rolled out and it is expected to be the major booster for BSNL in coming days.

The Team also met other Directors of BSNL Board and invited them to our All India conference at Bhopal and they assured positively. Thereafter we had detailed meeting with PGM Pers where discussions were held on various issues including the SDE RR, OTP, SDE Transfer on Promotion Cases and Inspection Circle issue. It was agreed that the inputs of the association will be judged on merit and thorough discussions shall be held with association on the issues of contention.  For other issues also the PGM Pers assured to look into the concern raised by the association and assured to address as per the provisions of defined rule.

Friends, we need to keep our focus on the current progress and specially the RR part as our future is being rewritten and no point should be let loose. We also request all to not to get demoralized or demotivated by the vicious campaign by the lie master and one of the proclaimed legacy association of BSNL. He may only know the reasons! Why he is indulging into such mischievous campaigns when his focus should have been on the new RRs which are being rewritten. We all know how the best talents were recruited by BSNL as JTO/JAO Grades and how these proclaimed corners left no stone unturned to ruin the careers of all the Executives in last 20 years in their era. Now after devastating everything like Pay, Promotion and Pension of the Employees recruited by BSNL, they are giving sermon to AIGETOA. Whether 20 years were not sufficient to the so called mighty association that now they are doing Karun Krandan. From their utterances on their lie machine, it is very clear that the heart of these proclaimed corners are burning by seeing the BSNL Recruited youngsters and other executives on the path of growth.  So now all they are is to tell lies and indulge into mischievous information campaign to mislead all executives. Anyways, AIGETOA is committed to ensure that all executives get their long awaited dues in all respect.

All India President AIGETOA Shri Ravi Shil Verma, All India Vice President Shri Badri Kumar Mehta and AGS Shri Sunil Gautam met PGM Pers on 31.01.2022 and discussed the following issues:

Promotions from SDE/AO grade to AGM/CAO grade:

The team enquired about the managements next course of action in view of the Honble Supreme Court Judgement on reservation in promotions. It was informed by PGM Pers that his team is studying the judgement and the associated implications. We deliberated on the finer points of the judgement, complexities and the possible solutions. He said let the team study the judgement, then only they will be able to comment on the future course of action. We said all these things may go parallel and there is an imminent need to start the preparatory exercise as all the SDEs who have completed the required residency period are coming into the zone of consideration. PGM Pers assured to revert in next few days on this. PGM Pers also told that letter with regard to uploading of offline APARs gradings of all SDEs on ERP Portal has already been issued and circles must have been working on uploading of these gradings on the portal. We assured PGM Pers that our team shall be coordinating with various circles to get this exercise completed at the earliest.

He also informed that the work on RRs is also in advance stage and Pers Section shall be sharing their draft of few RRs in 2-3 days for comments from association . Thereafter, the deliberations on RRs will start. We sincerely hope that at the end of this exercise, the new RR is finalized in line with the career requirements of various executives and in an amicable and cohesive environment. Association will take all efforts to protect the interests of all executives from all grades and all streams.

Finalisation of Seniority List 10,11,12 and 13 :

AIGETOA Team informed PGM Pers that representations from all the circles have been forwarded to BSNL CO and now the lists should be finalised without any further delay. It was highlighted that there are certain issues with respect to correction in vacancy year of some executives and thereafter the lists can be finalised. We requested for an expeditious action on the same. PGM PERS assured to revert back in next few days.

Retention of newly promoted SDEs at their current circles :

PGM Pers told that they are examining the issue and after discussion with Director HR, necessary action shall be taken. It is expected that action on the same shall be taken in next 1-2 days.

Consideration of Left out cases and filling up of ST quota vacancies in the recently held JTO to SDE Promotions:

We enquired about the status on the DPC of the left out JTOs and filling up of the unfilled ST QUOTA posts. PGM Pers told that action for issuance of promotions for the unfilled vacancies in ST quota and the left out (unassessed, missing APAR etc) cases is under advance stage and hopefully promotion orders shall be issued soon. AIGETOA team requested for consideration of all the left out cases in OC and SC category also so that executives within the same batch should not be left out. We also requested for processing the pending LDCE notifications immediately as the same is pending for long now. An early action on the same is anticipated.

OTP Transfer Cases :

Team AIGETOA also highlighted to PGM Pers that some genuine Medical cases have been left out and they need to be considered urgently. We also highlighted certain discrepancies in processing of the OTP cases, specially many cases pertaining to Karnataka Circle have been left out. PGM Pers assured to discuss all those cases one by one and assured that genuine cases which has been left out shall definitely be considered. He however said that it may take sometime as his team is preoccupied in other DPC related works. The problem in OTP application arising out due to applying in test window was also highlighted.

Thereafter All India President and Vice President had a brief interaction with SDEs of BSNL CO belonging to List 8 and List 12. All India President explained the whole scenario to them and informed them about the possible roadblocks. All India President also explained the finer points of judgment as understood by him and his team and the associated complexities as well as the dependencies.

He also assured that AIGETOA team is on job and will not let management delay the AGM grade promotions both in Telecom as well as Finance Stream any more on account of untoward pretexts. He said association is taking all efforts to ensure the Promotion at the earliest. He further requested them to coordinate with circles and ensure that APAR grading of all the SDEs are uploaded on the ERP Portal. He further informed that this issue is there as an item for discussion in the next agenda meeting to be held with Recognised Association AIGETOA and there things shall be more clear and minutised in black and white. He requested all present to exercise faith and patience and to concentrate on completion of the preparatory works.

Together We will Achieve Everything.