AIGETOA CHQ Team consisting of All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Vice President Shri Badri Kumar Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar met Director HR on 22nd October 2020 and had a review of the pending issues and it’s status. The issues discussed were as below:

JTO to SDE DPC :

The progress on JTO to SDE DPC was discussed. The sailent points of this discussion are:

The Provisional AIEL upto RY 2008 has been published and errors and omissions have been called for. BSNL CO is in receipt of around 150 representations on list 1 and around 450 on the second. The data from circle is awaited. The circles are being pursued for expeditious sending of representations by Pers Section. These representations shall be examined and all efforts are being taken to ensure a happy festive season for all. The finalisation of AIEL will not take much time as most of the data is available at BSNL CO. The AIEL particulars for RY upto 2012 has been called for to take care of filling up the remaining vacancies also. The process of preparatory work for DPC is also being initiated in parallel.

The matter of restructuring has also been discussed. There is no dearth of vacancies as of now as reported by some groups and AIGETOA has taken a firm stand that any exercise to reduce the vacancies beyond the guidelines is not acceptable to us and shall be strictly opposed. Further, it was surprising to note that one association instead of pushing management towards promotion are trying to raise confusion and fears in the HR group for court cases. However, AIGETOA is firmly stopping all such derailing exercises and confusions created by them was again cleared by our team. We would like to inform all that AIGETOA is on job and will ensure JTO to SDE DPC on the earliest possible time.

SDE 2007 Reversal Issue:

The matter was discussed and it was agreed that it needs a final solution instead of interim solution. Accordingly it was decided that a meeting of Pers Team and AIGETOA will be held to decide the final resolution of this issue.

Preparation of next list for VY 2007-08 :

The legal opinion is still awaited. Pers Team to pursue for expeditious receipt of opinion from senior advocate. The issue to be discussed in first week of November.

SDE to DE Promotions and AO to CAO Promotions:

The issue is taking time because of the reservation issue. PGM pers told that his team is working on the possibility of workable solution and they are in discussion with various groups to arrive at an acceptable solution for all. Matter to be discussed subsequently with pers section. The Promotions in other cadres are also being taken care of.

22820, TTA to DR JTO Pay fixation issue and E1 plus five increments:

The perspective of management is against the issue as of now, however detailed discussion took place on submissions of AIGETOA. We categorically told that this is our right and we will not have any compromise on this. Our Executives are facing pay loss and if this is not settled, it will result in huge unrest. Discussion on this issue shall continue further. We would like to assure one and all that association is fully determined to take these issues to finality and is prepared to go to any extent for its resolution.

Proposed CPSU Policy :

The proposed CPSU policy was also discussed. AIGETOA categorically informed that we are not against CPSU policy in general but we are aware that the policy is not going to take shape in its current form unless until statutory flaws of the policy is removed. We also told that one association is showing mirage to all and want everybody to run for it despite knowing fully well that it is not going to come. But we know the reality and that is the reason, our emphasis is on streamlining existing mechanism. We requested management to firmly convey it’s stand in black and white to alleviate the confusion amongst Executives.

Restg, promotional avenues and meeting with CMD BSNL :

The meeting is decided to be held in the first or second week of November based on the availability of Honble CMD BSNL.

From the meeting, it was also clear that one particular group is trying to create confusion both in management sides as well as within executives. Today they are shedding crocodile tears on everything and trying to dissuade all with non-existent fears. Having failed in their attempts, now they have invoked restructuring issue and are shamelessly requesting management to reduce the number of posts. The duty of association should be to protect the interests of fraternity but they are completely working against the welfare of Executives. Their website itself shows their true intention where they are saying only DE to DGM Promotions are possible and all other Promotions are impossible. Today they are crying on SC ST issues and trying to instigate all so that by any means Promotions can be stopped. But now executives are understanding their ulterior motives and they will not fall in their traps. No body has forgotten the fact that same association did not allowed ST quota Promotions to be executed in June 2018. Now their only motive behind spreading rumour is to instigate people to weaken the strong bond between AIGETOA and SEWA. We would like to advise these mischief mongers that foundation stone of SEWA and AIGETOA is belief and faith in each other and we do not believe in backstabbing others like them.

Finally we would like to tell all that there is no derailment as of now and AIGETOA team is on vigilant mode and any such step shall be strongly opposed by us and overcome.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL with request to grant formal meeting to AIGETOA (Recognized Representative Assn) to take up various points related to BSNL viability, restructuring & key pending issues of Executives.

Click here for letter

AIP AIGETOA Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Vice President Shri Badri Kumar Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar met Director HR on 13.10.2020 and discussed the following issues:

AIEL for promotion to JTO to SDE : We thanked Director HR for the publishing of AIEL upto RY 2008. We requested Director HR to direct the concerned cell for expeditious actions to ensure that promotion orders are issued at the earliest. Director HR assured that his team is working on the promotions and all necessary steps shall be taken to expedite the promotions.

We also requested him for issuance of instructions for starting the preparatory work for further batches. Director HR assured us for the same. The letter calling for eligibility particulars of next batches shall be issued in 1-2 days so that process for filling up the remaining vacancies can also be started without any delay. We also informed Director HR that some over enthusiastic persons are trying to misguide executives to file court cases and henceforth BSNL should take all necessary actions to ensure that unmindful court cases by some executives should not derail the whole process. Director HR assured us that necessary directions shall be issued to circles to ensure that such type of derailment do not occur.

SDE 2007 Reversal issue : The SDE 2007 reversal issue was also discussed in detail. We informed Director HR that the letter issued for reinstatement of reverted SDEs has not addressed the issue in totality. Director HR agreed to our view and said that the issue will be resolved in totality. Another detailed meeting on this issue shall be held with Director HR in presence of PGM Pers. We reassure all affected executives that this issue will be dealt in totality and all the underlying apprehensions in this case shall be taken care of.

SDE to DE promotions and AO to CAO promotions: We requested to initiate discussions with all stake holders and contending parties to arrive at a acceptable solution for all. We apprised Director HR that if this issue is tagged with SLP in Honble Supreme Court, no body will get promotions for many years. We also suggested some legal mechanisms based on our discussions with advocates. Director HR said he is looking for all possible solutions and wants to ensure that SDE to DE Promotions and AO to CAO promotions also happen very soon. We shall be pursuing the issue on day to day basis and keep everybody informed.

LDCE notification : We requested for notification of next LDCEs. We requested for simultaneous notification of examination along with LDCE calender for different vacancy Years. We suggested the legal remedy with regard to this based on discussion with advocates. Director HR assured for an early action on this. We expect notification for LDCE also very soon.

Issue of HQ shift of QA and Inspection Circle to Bangaluru : We submitted our strong objection on the process and requested Director HR for rollback of this decision. We said such decisions which are solely based on whims and fancies of individual officers should not be entertained. We also told that if HQ was to be shifted, why the same was not done earlier when restructuring/merger of Inspection QA took place twice. We also told that presence of testing labs at Bangalore can not be a reason for HQ shift because CGM Level officer is not involved in such testing. Director HR said that decision has been taken based on definite justification and not on wishes of an individual officer. He guided us to have a detailed discussion with Restg Cell on the issue and thereafter meet him again. The discussion on same will continue with Director HR after holding the discussions with GM Restg.

The same team also met PGM Pers also and thanked him for the publishing of AIEL. All the above issues along with preparation of seniority list was discussed. The discussions shall continue next week also.

It has come to our notice that some over enthusiastic executives are trying to scuttle the JTO to SDE DPC process by exploring the legal options. By doing this they will be killing their own cause as we are working for ensuring promotions to all eligible batches and no body should feel himself as left out. It is responsibility of our association to protect the interests of all executives irrespective of batch, mode of recruitment and membership. AIGETOA understands it’s responsibility as representative association and there is no reason for anybody to be worried. We request all executives to not to fall prey to individual aspirations of few persons who were surprisingly silent when unjustified promotions were held in June 2018. Anyways let’s hope that good sense prevails.

As per the schedule, AIGETOA CHQ Team met PGM Pers and held detailed discussion on various issues with facts and figures. The detailed discussion happened on the pending promotion of JTO to SDE, SDE 2007 reversal issue, Promotion in other cadres, publication of subsequent seniority Lists etc. We appraised all developments on JTO to SDE Promotions in chronological order with status and progress made so far in line with the formal meeting held on 15.09.2020 between Majority Recognized Representative Association i.e. AIGETOA and BSNL management under chairmanship of respected Director(HR), BSNL Board, New Delhi.

The PGM(Pers) listened to all submissions and arguments about it. It was nice to note that even after having joined just two days back, he was totally conversant with all the issues.

The issues were discussed on a positive note and amicable environment and we emphasised about the enormous delay that has already happened on the promotion. We requested immediate publishing of AIEL whose details are available and also requested to call for particulars of subsequent batches in due course of time. It was noticed that certain modifications were required in the AIEL which is being done. We expect the publication of AIEL without any delay now and also the letter with regard to calling eligibility particulars of subsequent batches for initiating their process shall also be issued very soon. We also requested to start the preparations for the DPC process which was agreed and directions have been given to start the activities in parallel.

It is however unfortunate to note that some corners are still trying to create confusion and are trying to dissuade management from taking right decisions every now and then. However, we have been able to overcome those obstacles and we hope for a speedy resolution of the issue very soon.

With regard to SDE 2007 Reversal issue, the necessary action to reinstate the reverted SDEs is being taken as assured in the discussions held in agenda meeting dated 15.09.2020 with AIGETOA. We are consistently following the issue and we hope for a breakthrough on this issue anytime now.

The issue with regard to publishing of lists for the VY 2007-08 onwards and promotions in other cadres were also discussed. Discussion on these issues will continue on next week.

Friends, AIGETOA team is consistently following up on all the issues. Though some corners are still indulged in their usual confusion and division tactics but we are very sure that truth ultimately wins and we will make it sure to overcome all such negativities. We are also prepared to take other course in case of any derailment on issues from the committed decisions. Let’s hope for the best and keep ourselves prepared.

Patience, Perseverance & Persistence are key of Success

BUT HOW LONG INORDINATE DELAY CAN BE TOLERATED

AIGETOA CHQ Team met PGM Pers today. We welcomed PGM Pers, Shri R K Goyal on his new assignment and thereafter had a detailed discussion on publishing of AIEL and JTO to SDE Promotion. We categorically emphasised that enough delay has already been done and anymore delay is not at all acceptable to us. We requested PGM Pers to immediately publish the provisional list and call for the eligibility particulars of further batches to initiate the process for preparation of next AIEL also. The PGM Pers sought one day time and called us for a final discussion on Wednesday i.e. 7th October 2020.

Thereafter team met Sr GM SR and informed him about the developments as Director HR was not available for meeting. We reminded GM SR for the maximum timeline of one month which was given to us in the agenda meeting for issuance of promotion orders for JTO to SDE through DPC. Today is the 20th Day and even provisional AIEL has not been circulated. We also reminded Sr GM SR on the timelines of other issues as assured in the meeting. This undue delay and lingering on the issues without any pretext is not at all acceptable and association is being forced to opt for the path of organisational action if things are not set in motion immediately. We categorically told Sr GM SR that now it is for the HR Team to decide for the future course of action as association has already given all its inputs based on which certain decisions were taken in the agenda meeting. None of the commitments met and assurances given in the agenda meeting has been fulfilled which is nothing but Breach of Trust which is bound to result in unrest and chaos in organisation. We requested Sr GM SR to convey the resentment amongst Executives to Director (HR) on which he assured to revert back after discussing with the Director.

The formal agenda meeting held between the Majority Recognised Representative Association AIGETOA and BSNL management held on 15^th Sep, 2020 under the chairmanship of respected Director(HR), Shri Arvind Vadnerker ji released yesterday. Although the points discussed have been captured in the minutes but the time line discussed has not been elaborated. We are quite hopeful that under the esteem leadership of Shri Arvind Vadnerker ji, Director (HR) we will succeed to remove all bottlenecks in a phased manner as assured by him in the meeting and the new belief will be created.

Click here for the minutes

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS and Shri Vivek Kumar OS met with Shri S K Mishra, Director (CM) Shri Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA) and held elaborate discussion on launch of 4G services, PRBT bundling scheme and DLT charges on bulk SMS service after TRAI guidelines.

An elaborate discussion was held about delay in roll out of 4G services by BSNL and consequent leading to it. We appraised our serious concern about non-roll out of the services even after passage of ten months of time, which was one of the most important arms of the BSNL Revival Package announced by the Government last year. He was in unison about our concern but informed about the circumstances for cancellation of tender which was beyond the control of BSNL and thereafter framing of the committees and its report.

The way committee has recommended; the commercial launch of 4G services in BSNL may take more than 1.5 years and this may become show stopper in the revival of BSNL. We have to work in this direction in liaison with all stake holders for early roll out of the services.

We have submitted our various suggestions in this regard including up-gradation of 2G/3G sites and Add On order but these have its own limitation due to recent guidelines by the government but other proposals are being explored and the work is going in that direction as confirmed by the Director (CM), which we are not divulging due to some business requirement conditions. If everything goes by track, we may be able to get an alternate solution in coming months. We are confident that the management will make efforts to explore all possibilities to start the 4G services in BSNL and AIGETOA, as Recognised Representative Association will extend all its cooperation and will also fight at all levels for roll out of the services. We are going to build up a consensus among various stake holders to launch the campaign.

The matter of PRBT bundling scheme and DLT charges on bulk SMS also discussed in detail and the apprehension of the association were apprised to the director to which he given a patient hearing and elaborated all measures in detail. The meeting lasted for about two hours.

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Yogendra Kumar AGS-HQ, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS and Shri Vivek Kumar OS met with Shri Vivek Banzal, Director(CFA) and held elaborate discussion on FTTH Business, Restructuring, Consolidation of Business Areas by merging SSAs with stringent norms and its consequential affects on Service and Promotional Avenues to the Executives.

We discussed about acquisition of FTTH business, Retd Employees/ Relative of Employees as MSO/TIPs for providing FTTH services on revenue sharing basis and our over dependency on MSO/TIPs. The Director was of the view that the MSO/TIPs model is a successful one as we have fetched good business through the model and on our apprehension; he apprised that sufficient protection are available in the system from any untoward challenges. He further said that our own existing OLTs are not getting fully loaded due to various constraints so field units should get it managed by MSO/TIPs to get the capacity fully utilized. About continuance of Retired employees or relatives of working employees as TIPs/MSO, he said that the circular is self explanatory and he never asked for blanket roll back instead some mechanisms were introduced to protect its misuse on receiving complaints.

We explained that the CFA Business requires man power and the way Business Areas is being consolidated by merging SSAs with stringent norms will have and its consequential affects on Service and Promotional Avenues to the Executives and hence needs your kind intervention. The Promotional Posts of AGM/DGM are forcibly reduced on the name of restructuring by merging various activities even at BA level and this will simply chock the already limited promotional avenues available to the executives.

We explained how the posts of AGM/DGM levels are shrinking by merging various activities of CFA/CM verticals at BA level and undermining EB/S&M segments and similarly the CAO and DGM(Fin) have been reduced by merging various activities. However the director’s views were that the present conditions allow BSNL to have posts as per the operational requirements only and it can be reassessed in future when the conditions improves. We objected it and strongly argued that it is the responsibility of the department to ensure minimum career progression to the executives. We further explained that the promotions in BSNL are long pending due in the cadre of SDE/AO, AGM/CAO and they do not involve any expenditure but required for much needed motivation and hence it is utmost necessary to ensure career progression in any activities. He agreed that the motivation is necessary for employees and it should be looked into also. The meeting lasted for more than one hour.

The formal agenda meeting of the Recognised Representative Association, AIGETOA held with the BSNL Management on 15-09-2020 as per schedule at Conferences Hall, 9th Floor, BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Director HR and management side was represented by the PGM Pers, Sr GM Establishment, Sr GM SR, GM Administration, GM Recruitment, DGM Pers, DGM SR and other senior officers. The Association side was represented by Shri Ravi Shil Verma AIP, Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Badri Kumar Mehta VP, Shri Yogendra Kumar AGS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh OS.

Sr GM SR welcomed AIGETOA in the first formal meeting as recognised Representative Association and assured all cooperation. The Director HR in his opening remarks welcomed AIGETOA and all participants of the meeting. He assured all cooperation from management to the Recognised Representative Association for betterment of BSNL and entire employees of BSNL. The Director HR emphasised that management is concerned about present status and is very much inclined to improve the status of each executives and resolve the long pending issues of BSNL Executives.

GS AIGETOA Shri Wasi Ahmad in his opening remarks welcomed Director HR and all senior officers of BSNL and emphasised on the need to show the goodwill in terms of firm decisions now instead of words and assurances. He said that since last 20 years, the executives have suffered a lot and now it’s time that management should convert the words into action and end the injustices for ever. He appreciated the concern of the Director HR for the executive fraternity and hoped that now with changed Regime both in management as well as recognised association side, things will be move towards resolution with positive mindset. He underlined the fact that People are still suffering in terms of Promotion, Pay loss and other anomalies even after twenty years of formation of BSNL and AIGETOA has been elected with a great hope from all corners to bring positivity into the existing system. GS AIGETOA also affirmed the firm commitment that BSNL Stands First and Association assures it’s firm support on the issues related to viability of BSNL but at the same time expects that management will take all care of its internal customers i.e. employees of BSNL by resolving the issues in a time-bound manner.

AIP, Shri Ravi Shil Verma in his remarks emphasised about the need for change in perception by management with regard to HR issues. He said that it’s high time that management should understand that HR is also a resource and it requires investment in terms of money to get a proper output associated from the human capital. He conveyed the cooperation of executives with the decisions taken for betterment of BSNL and its employees. He further said that management should also understand the fact that any decision which has an adverse impact on our Pay, Promotion, Pension and Profitability of BSNL shall not be accepted by Association and instead shall be firmly opposed. He said that there is eminence of positive vibes from management side as of now and hoped that same will continue in future also to maintain a best employee and employer relationship. He said association is committed to build a healthy and wealthy BSNL.

Then the meeting started formally as per the agenda submitted by the association and continued from 10:00 Hrs to 15:30 Hrs. All issues were discussed in detail and many firm decisions were arrived in the meeting. The highlights of the decisions and deliberations held in the meeting is as stated below:

Implementation of BSNL REA in true letter and spirit :

Association emphasised that any division/deviation in the name of existence of multiplicity of association should not happen and REA guidelines should be followed in true letter and spirit. These guidelines are very clear on how to deal on policy matters with majority association and management should abide by that. At the same time, Association side also firmly assured that as majority recognised association, AIGETOA will work as representative of all the Executives and not merely as representative of its members only.

JTO TO SDE DPC :

It was informed by PGM Pers that the judgement of review petition has been vetted by senior advocate and management is moving ahead with JTO to SDE DPC without any further delay. The provisional list shall be published soon followed by issuance of promotions after DPC. All things are on track, Association requested for completion of the process in shortest possible time and the same has been agreed to.

SDE 2007 Reversal issue :

The issue was discussed at length and finally management side agreed to resolve the issue immediately without any further delay. The committee has been asked to submit the report immediately.

Pay Loss issues (22820, TTA outsider and pay loss in TTA LICE) and E1 plus five increments to new batches :

Association has been asked to submit a detailed consolidated note on the pay loss issues and on extending E1 plus five increments . Director HR agreed to get the same examined and a committee shall be constituted based on our representation to examine and consider the issue. We shall be submitting the note in next few days.

Seniority Lists of VY 2007-8 onwards :

Input to be taken from senior advocate on the issue and then decision be taken. We have given our submission that under any circumstances, any change in VY based seniority is not acceptable to us as it violates RRs. Management has shown a positive approach and assured that issue will be settled in next few days

Medical Insurance :

we have been asked to submit detailed proposal in this regard which should be in the best interest of employees. Association shall be doing the same.

Decision on next LDCE is to be taken in 15 days, Next DPC process initiation to be considered after the completion of promotion process. AIGETOA also raised the issue of calculation mismatch in Vacancies carried forward to different quota and requested management to re-verify the vacancies in LDCE Quota especially with respect to LDCE 2015, Decision on LDCE for other cadres like CSS is also to be taken in 15 days. DPC of other streams like Civil, Electrical, Architecture to be explored expeditiously

Restructuring and Cadre Review :

Formal discussions with AIGETOA to start on Restg and cadre review and BA structure. It is noted that many except 6 CGMs have not given any observation on the proposed BA structure which means that structure is more or less acceptable by them. So CSs may also discuss with the respective CGMs in this regard and request them to send their feedback to restg cell. We have categorically stated a big No to reduction of posts beyond stipulated guidelines and any dent to promotional avenues in the name of restructuring process.

SDE to DE and AO to CAO promotions :

Things are really complex because of CAT judgement of Chandigarh. We have been asked to explore the options with regard to judgement and submit proposal. We shall be getting in touch with the senior advocates and also all contending groups to arrive at a solution.

Rule 8, Rule 9 and Transfer requests :

Management agreed to our demand and accepted that they will develop a portal for request transfer cases where every aspect will be transparently maintained.

For Rule 8 provisions shall be made in ESS portal and SOP shall be issued to make it transparent. Estt cell to examine our input and coordinate with circles for clearance of rule 8 cases. Non applicability of Rule 8 clause of GATE JTOs to be revisited and clarification shall be issued from CO to end this discrimination.

GATE-JTO Service Agreement Bond Issue :

The issue related to the service agreement bond of GATE-JTO was discussed in length and it was agreed upon by the Establishment Cell to examine and AIGETOA shall be consulted on same.

Discussion on new promotion policy :

Director HR has gone through the proposal submitted by AIGETOA with respect to new promotion policy and appreciated the points. Discussion on same shall be initiated after receipt of input from DoT. SEWA will also be consulted on new promotion policy to ensure and smooth and acceptable policy for all stakeholders.

Change in designation of JTO/JAO to be examined and considered. AIGETOA has been asked to submit proposal in this regard.

Positive discussion on SAB and PRMB. In view PF Financial constraints, it may take some time but discussion ended on positive note and Director HR agreed to revert on the same after discussions with CMD BSNL.

Another important aspects was that there was some confusion with regard to admissibility of BSNLMRS facilities to dependents of deceased BSNL Recruits as many of the families were not getting the medical benefit after untimely death of a BSNL Recruit employee. Management agreed that this is applicable to BSNL Recruits also and a clarification shall be issued to all circles. Discussion on modified promotion policy also to be initiated.

Dear friends, above is just brief outcome of the discussions. Things have ended in good note and some issues which could not be taken due to time constraints shall be taken up in subsequent meetings. AIGETOA once again re-emphasizes it’s commitment for resolution of burning HR issues of all executives groups and none will be left behind. Minutes of this meeting will be issued soon by SR cell. But we need to keep the momentum and pressure on for a best outcome Let’s hope for the best.

Together We have Together We Will…

Today, Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Badri Mehta VP, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS and Shri Vivek Kumar Singh OS met CMD BSNL. It was first meeting of GS AIGETOA with the CMD BSNL after becoming the Majority Representative Recognised Association on his visit to Corporate Office New Delhi and he presented a flower bouquet to CMD BSNL. The meeting discussed about the BSNL revival issues, Salary issue, Promotion issues and Seniority issues briefly. A detailed formal meeting will happen in next few days on the agenda points submitted on the BSNL revival measures and other points by AIGETOA.

It was informed to us that the process for floating BSNL bonds have been completed and the bond prospectus has been submitted in Bombay Stock Exchange. Government of India has extended Sovereign Guarantee to an extent of 8500 crores as a part of revival package and BSNL is expecting to raise this much amount from the bond issue.

We extend our deep appreciation to the finance team dealing with the bond issue process who has completed this work well before schedule. Shri B K Mehta VP CHQ AIGETOA was also part of this team. We are very much hopeful that the estimated amount will be achieved by BSNL through it and this will improve liquidity of cash. The financial improvement will bring some respite to the employees also in terms of salary and other dues. We have also demanded to regularise the salary from next month as it is creating serious troubles in day to day life.

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