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/JAOto 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.
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.
As per earlier schedule, CHQ Team of AIGETOA consisting of AIP CHQ Shri Ravi Shil Verma , VP CHQ Shri B K Mehta and OS Shri Vivek Kumar Singh met Director HR on 4th Sept 2020. Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Shri Arun Kumar PGM Pers, Shri A M Gupta, Sr GM SR and Shri Manish Kumar GM restructuring was present from Management Side. Following issues were discussed:
JTO to SDE DPC
It was informed by PGM Pers that they are waiting for the judgement copy. After receipt of Judgement copy, final opinion of the advocate shall be taken and action shall be initiated accordingly. We sought clarification that whether there is any deviation from process decided earlier. It was told that there is no such deviation from earlier stand and since judgement has been pronounced, management just wants to be doubly sure of process adopted by them. We extended our thanks and requested PGM Pers to ensure that Promotions from JTO to SDE happens within the month of September itself and process for next DPC and LDCE is notified soon thereafter. We are hoping that management will keep it’s words for issuance of promotions within this one month.
SDE Reversal:
It was informed that complete data has been compiled and the documents have been shared with all committee members. The committee was scheduled to meet in the last week itself but due to sudden demise of close relative of one of the committee members, meeting has been postponed and shall be held once he rejoins. We request all our affected friends to exercise a little bit of more patience. Some times things go beyond our hands. This is one of the same situation. It is difficult for the committee to give report in the absence of one of the committee members. We are expecting this issue to be resolved very soon.
Publication of Seniority List for the VY 2007-08 onwards:
We requested for immediate publication of the subsequent lists. It was informed that legal opinion has been sought from the Senior advocate dealing with the case earlier. Any further action shall be taken only after receipt of legal opinion. We categorically told that VY based Seniority is our right and any deviation from this will lead to injustice for all affected SDEs and shall not be in line with what RR states. Management assured that your right will be protected and justice will prevail .We expect a positive outcome on this issue soon.
BA Merger and Restructuring:
We highlighted discrepancies of the proposed structure especially with respect to Geographical Distance and Positional norms in various grades. We shared the feedback received from various circle members and OBs with management. We also shared our strong opposition on any reduction in the number promotional posts and categorically stated that any reduction in the number of posts beyond stipulated guidelines shall be strongly opposed. We clearly told that management should not consider existing executives as a liability and there should not be any dent to the promotional aspects of executives in the name of reorganisation. We requested for consideration of all pending promotions in all cadres before restructuring. It was decided a detailed meeting shall be further called on the issue to finalise the things in a manner which is beneficial for all. On the issue of shifting of BBNW HQs to Bangaluru, it was informed that the decision has been taken in view that major works of both NCNGN and BBNW are at Bangaluru. We said that such type of change of headquarters should be avoided. However it was assured that no executive will be disturbed from his present place of posting. We once again requested management to reconsider this decision.
The detailed agenda meeting to discuss the issues submitted by association shall be held on 16th Sept 2020.
Dear friends
Our team is on job. There are many who will try to misguide, deviate and befool all but we request all of you to exercise faith and patience and not to get the deterred by unnecessary utterances of other persons or groups. We are moving ahead with focused approach and if we face something which is setback or contrary to our interests, shall be informed to one and all with full transparency so that together we all can fight against any such injustices.
Today, AIGETOA CHQ team met Director HR as per the pre-decided schedule. The issues discussed were JTO to SDE DPC, Preparation of Seniority list 2007-08 onwards, SDE reversal 2007 issue, Initial Discussion on Pay Scale and Pay Loss issue. We presented our submissions to Director HR. We clarified the confusion created by office bearers of other association with respect to ERNAKULLAM Judgement. We also clarified why Vacancy Year Based Seniority is Justified and the same should be published for all future lists, We also discussed upon the Pay Scale issue and loss in Pay faced by our younger executives. We also presented the shortcomings of BA concept briefly. The meeting shall be continued on 4th September when the detailed deliberation will take place with respect to promotions, Seniority and Restructuring. Pay Scale and Pay Loss issue shall be discussed in AGENDA meeting which is scheduled to be held in next 10 days.
Friends !!! CHQ team is in consistent queries from members and we request them all to exercise faith and patience. TEAM AIGETOA is on Job and slowly and steadily we shall be taking up all the issues mentioned in our vision document. We know that other association specially one particular association is hell bent on derailing everything and creating confusion instead of cooperating with us for resolution of issues. But we request all to not to to get diverted from their dirty gimmicks. AIGETOA is committed to go to any extent for resolution of issues and we will not act as mere mouth piece and news broadcasters and will take all steps to ensure resolution of issues.
GS AIGETOA writes to Director (HR) with to request to grant formal Agenda Meeting to AIGETOA (Recognized Representative Assn) to take up various agenda points/ long pending HR issues of BSNL Executives.
AIGETOA CHQ team yesterday met PGM Pers and had discussions on the issues of JTO To SDE DPC, SDE reversion case, Preparation of further seniority list in SDE cadres and consideration of request transfers which were put on hold before MV. It was apprised that things are in pipeline and management is working on the issues. With regard to SDE reversion cases, final meeting of the committee is scheduled to happen next week.
There is a strong objection from other associations on method of seniority fixation in list 9 which shows their biased attitude towards competitive quota people. However AIGETOA is firm in its opinion that Vacancy Year seniority should prevail and the list has been correctly prepared to some extent and in fact provision of Rota should also be inserted in the list. The work in JTO to SDE DPC will also be initiated soon. The request transfers shall be processed immediately.
Team AIGETOA met CMD BSNL and extended its gratitude for conduction of MV process in free and fair manner. The team highlighted the pending issues in brief and sought speedy resolution of issues. We also informed CMD BSNL about the sad demise of JTO STR Shri Vengadeswaran R due to covid. We requested CMD BSNL that its high time that BSNL should immediately arrange for the cashless indoor treatment facility as the BSNL employees and its family are totally at risk. We also requested CMD BSNL to explore coverage of medical insurance scheme to all employees now. CMD BSNL was positive to the issue and he said management shall be exploring the options to provide medicalim coverage for all employees. He sought our cooperation on the matter. CMD BSNL emphasised that management is aware about the pending issues and said that all steps shall be taken to resolve them. He also emphised that he expects AIGETOA also to move ahead with a pragmatic approach. We assured that AIGETOA believes in a constructive approach and we will lend support to all steps taken by management for betterment of BSNL and its executives but at the same time we also expect a similar treatment from management on the issues of executives and let us all work together to make BSNL a better place for its executives. We also discussed the issues related to 4G implementation and issuance of Bonds.
The Team also met Director (HR) Shri Arvind Vadnerkar and extended its thanks and gratitude for conducting the MV process in fair and time bound manner as demanded by AIGETOA. We als requested Director HR for directing his team for immediate settlement of issues which have been pending for so long specially those related to Pay Loss and Promotions. We also requested for immediate directions to HR unit for JTO to SDE DPC, reinstating the reverted SDEs back as SDEs and issuance of seniority list Vacancy Years 2007-8, 2008-9, 2009-10. Director HR extended his good wishes and assured for a positive action on the issues without any delay. We shall be shortly asking for a detailed agenda meetig with respect to the pending issues.
The team then Met Director (Finance ) Shri S.K. Gupta and Director Enterprise Shri V Ramesh. Both the Directors extended their good wishes for AIGETOA and hoped that association will move ahead with a constructive approach. They assured their support on genuine issues of BSNL Executives.
Thereafter team Met Director (CFA) Shri Vivek Banzal and Director (CM) Shri S. K. Mishra and both the dignitaries extended his good wishes to Team AIGETOA.
The team then met DGM (SR) and PGM (Pers) and apprised them about the result of the 2nd Membership Verification and also discussed the issue of JTO to SDE DPC, SDE Reversal issue and Issuance of seniority list of VY 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10.
It is further surprising to learn that SNEA has submitted its objection on publication of list-9 for Vacancy Year basis and has in fact are trying to stop the publication of list of subsequent vacancy years. From their update on website, it is felt that they are still into MV mode and instead of trying to settle the issues; they are again into blame games and misleading campaigns. While AIGETOA has whole heartedly welcomed them with open arms for lending support on issues, they are still trying to prove their supremacy. We once again request them to come to ground, realise the truth and lend their construtive support to AIGETOA for resolution of all issues. They should understand that executives are a learned lot and it is very difficult to befool them always.
With regard to the verdict on the review petition filed by BSNL and SNEA & AIBSNLEA activists, it is learnt that Court has dismissed the Review Petition and has stated that the judgement is clear in its words and nothing needs to be changed. Hon’ble Court has stated that they have only given verdict on Inter-Se- Seniority and not on Intra Seniority which was never in challenge. Hence there was no ambiguity and confusion on the part of Training Centre Marks Seniority and SNEA is simply trying to create confusion in HR units just to derail the JTO to SDE DPC which is well in sight now after the win of AIGETOA in MV process. It will be pertinent to mention that Hon’ble Court has directed for prepartion of list as per the existing rules and rules of rota quota and there is no ambiguity as such on training marks seniority. We will upload more details once the order copy is received.
AIGETOA has categorically made it clear again and again that seniority should be fixed in vacancy year basis by following the rules of ROTA-QUOTA in both JTO and SDE grades. It is the SNEA and AIBSNLEA, who demand opposite and keep varrying stands which is nothing but double speak on issues.
We once again request SNEA and their leaders to come the terms of reality and work commonly for the cause of executives instead of indulging into blame games and confusion tactics. The executives of BSNL have suffered a lot in all these years as well as MV has completed, so now let’s concentrate towards welfare of the executives instead of accusation. We only hope that better sense will prevail on them.
