Team AIGETOA comprising Shri Ravi Shil Verma GS, Shri A A Khan All India Convener, Shri Pavan Akhand Dy GS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Yogendra Kumar AGS, Shri Sunil Kumar Gautam AGS met PGM Pers. The Team had elaborate discussions with respect to the recently issued Tenure policy on 20th September 2023.

We extended our thanks to PGM (Pers) for notifying the new tenure policy with clarifications but at the same time we expressed our strong concern on increasing the tenure period and omission of some tenure stations and considering the NCR region as single unit of BSNL CO which was never ever discussed and informed. We also informed PGM (Pers) about the confusions associated with certain points of Policy. We extended thanks for incorporating retention/Allotment of Pool Residential quarters and extension of other facilities but expressed that rate needs to be discounted further.

We expressed executives’ resentment on increasing the tenure period which was neither ever discussed nor it was ever informed earlier. We stated that this increase in period will defeat the essence of the tenure policy and needs to be reinstated to the original tenure period. We also told that the posting of main SDCA should also have been included in the tenure station. It will be pertinent to mention that these decisions in the circulated policy have been taken after MV process without any discussion with AIGETOA and we are not aware if the new MA has been taken into discussion or not.

We expressed that there is huge confusion with respect to applicability / date of effect of the revised tenure period. It was informed that these modified guidelines of tenure shall be applicable on the transfer orders issued after 19th September 2023. We requested for an explicit clarification on the same to avoid future complexity and confusion. PGM (Pers) assured to issue the same.

Tenure Break for working at Soft Tenure/Hard tenure is a welcome approach as executives posted in tenure should not be disturbed on long stay basis and the advantages associated with working at tenure Place must be extended to them. It was our categorical demand and the same has been accepted by Management. The circle stay break on posting to hard tenures which is clear in the case of J&K but not mentioned for Lakshadweep islands also needs to be taken care along with double tenure period mentioned for NE regions for getting circle stay break etc are needed with a uniform guidelines.

We also expressed that complexity will increase by considering the NCR station as a single station as they belong to different circles. Surprisingly, the same has been done on the demand of one welfare association. We requested PGM (Pers) to reconsider the same as it will give rise to many complexities in future. PGM Pers told us to submit the inputs/apprehensions in written for further examination by the section.

Team AIGETOA comprising Shri Ravi Shil Verma GS, Shri Badri Kumar Mehta FS, Shri A A Khan All India Convener, Shri Pavan Akhand, Dy GS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Yogendra Kumar AGS, Shri Sunil Kumar Gautam AGS had a series of meetings with the above authorities on 19th Sept 2023. The Team had elaborate discussions as detailed below:

Status of 4G Rollout :

We have sought the status of Pan India Rollout of 4G and CMD BSNL informed that some minor issues are still pending to be resolved but hopefully they shall be taken care of in due course of time. He further informed that equipment’s have been dispatched and within next 15-20 days, their integration will start so that the Network remains ready for roll out. CMD BSNL was positive on the full rollout of indigenous 4G Network at the earliest followed by up-gradation to 5G.

Standard Pay Scale of E2 for JTO/JAO Equivalent:

We have requested to CMD BSNL on further persuasion by management for early implementation of the same. CMD BSNL was categorical in his statement that decision in this regard can only be taken by DoT. We explained him about our pursuance at with DoT and MoC and firmly stated that we are hopeful that with our continued efforts supported by BSNL Management, definitely will make a change in stand of DoT and the standard pay scales of E2 and E3 will be a reality for JTO/JAO/Equivalent and SDE/AO Equivalent.

Addressing of Payloss of Executives :

Association categorically once again informed that the resentment and the huge losses are increasing day by day in the executives who are direct sufferer of Pay loss during the implementation of second PRC. Be it on the E1A recruited executives or the NE-9 recruited non executives, the justice is delayed and till now denied. It is high time that management need to take the cognizance on this severe issue and remedial measures may be done. Association had made several submissions earlier and we requested for a positive response in this regard.

3rd PRC in BSNL:

On this matter, CMD BSNL has informed that possibility of 3rd PRC is difficult till BSNL comes in net profit. AIGETOA informed him about our persuasion and discussions with Hon’ble MoC and at various levels. We communicated to CMD that we have firm belief on BMS platform and things may change in due course with our continued pursuance on the issue.

Promotions in various cadres and counting of vacancies as floating one:

We requested CMD BSNL for expediting the regularization of Provisional Promotions of 2018 and using all the vacancies as floating mode so as to ensure the promotions in cadre of AGM to DGM, SDE to AGM and JTO to SDE. This will enable maximum promotions in the grades. It will be pertinent to mention that the formula suggested by association for calculation of vacancies on floating basis has been accepted and we hope that management will adopt the same for envisaged DPCs in various grades including Civil, Electrical, CSS and PA/PS cadres.

We have requested CMD BSNL for diverting the vacancies of external quota SETs and DR DGM Quota for DPC from SDE to AGM and AGM to DGM. We further suggested that LICE should be for only those executives who have not completed their regular residency period as per RRs and all the executives who have completed their regular residency period must be promoted through Seniority cum Fitness by making available sufficient number of vacancies to take care of all eligible. We have explained the plight of LDCE-2012 executives who are meritorious in clearing the LDCE exam and were further pushed down the list for the reasons not pertaining to them. We further stated that number of Vacancies for the LICE should be fixed every year so that all future aspirants can appear in the exam every year and get equitable opportunity. We also emphasized that all vacancies of LICE quota should be created separately instead of using the regular vacancies. We further emphasized upon the needs for making the syllabus easier by giving options and choice topics instead of compelling all to study all the topics which is virtually impossible while executing the official responsibilities. We further stated that all the aspirants must be extended provision for study leave so that all the eligible aspirants can be given equitable opportunity. CMD BSNL was receptive towards our suggestions with respect to syllabus for LICE and asked us to give our representation/feedback in writing so that the same can be examined.

Inherent lacunae in IPMS, Attendance portal:

We also emphasized upon the need for further streamlining in IPMS, Attendance Portal and that still there is need for refinement in the process as executives are facing a lot of hardship because of these lacunae. CMD BSNL assured that he agrees on the need and will explore the same.

With Director HR, we have requested him for appointment of a Senior advocate in the cases pending at CAT Chandigarh for AO to CAO , DGM (Ad-hoc to Regular) and JTO to SDE and explore the possibility for subject to outcome of the court directions for promotions. BSNL Senior advocate appointed for the AO to CAO case had met sudden death due to dengue this month.

We also requested Director HR for resolution of the reversal issue but he was non-committal on the same. We will continue our persuasion for the same and if needed will reach out to the Hon’ble MoC also.

We further requested Director (HR) for notification of JTO to SDE LDCE with provision of more number of vacancies. We also requested to him for his intervention in settling the Pending Rule-8 Cases. We also requested Director HR for consideration of OTP cases and also the retention and cancellation cases. We requested for ERP relieving of all the transfer cases done under OTP.

We also met PGM (Estt) and requested him for reconsideration on repatriating the JTOs as they all are eligible for SDE Promotions. We requested him for retaining these JTOs at their current place of posting till their regular promotions in JTO to SDE grade happen. We further congratulated PGM (Estt) for his appointment as CGM (J&K).

Team AIGETOA consisting of  Sh S Suresh Kumar JS (South),  Sh D Srinivas Rao (ACS AP), K Uma Mahendra (CVP AP), Murali (DFS VM BA) along with AIP BTEU BSNL Sh  VVV Satya Narayana, Sh DV Prasad CS BTEU AP Circle met Sh Devusinh Chauhan Ji Hon’ble  MoSC, Govt. of India during his visit to Visakhapatnam  today on dated 17.09.2023. 

Team AIGETOA and BTEU BSNL presented it’s memorandum to Hon’ble Minister and requested for his intervention in settling out the issues mentioned in memorandum including 3rd PRC, Residual Issues of 2nd PRC, Pay Losses, 22820 and One Time Pension Option under CCS Rules to those whose Recruitment was notified during DoT Period and 30 percent SAB to BSNL Recruits.

This is the second meeting with Ministers of Govt.of India by AIGETOA Team in consecutive days.

Team AIGETOA consisting of Shri R N Mishra JS(Central), Shri S S Chaudhary (CS UPE) along with GS BTEU BSNL Shri R C Pandey Ji, Shri Ajay Kumar Singh AGS BTEU BSNL, Shiv Sewak (CS, BDSPS) met Shri Rajnath Singh Ji Hon’ble Defence Minister, Govt. of India at his residence in Lucknow today on dated 16.09.2023. Team AIGETOA and BTEU BSNL presented it’s memorandum to Hon’ble Minister and requested for his intervention in settling out the issues mentioned in memorandum including 3rd PRC, Residual Issues of 2nd PRC, Pay Losses and One Time Pension Option under CCS Rules to those whose Recruitment was notified during DoT Period and 30 percent SAB to BSNL Recruits. The team also requested for his intervention in pension revision for the retired employees. The team also apprised Hon’ble Minister about the recent steps taken by Management in violation of the code of conduct/REA rules which were intended just to create a bad environment and confusion amongst the executives against the BMS Affiliated AIGETOA which was the incumbent MA at that time. The relevant documents were also submitted to Hon’ble Minister which was immediately taken into cognizance.

Hon’ble Minister directed his secretary to get in touch with Communication Ministry and assured us of action on the inputs and the memorandum submitted by us. He further assured that He, along with Hon’ble MoC will have meeting with AIGETOA and BTEU very soon.

While others are still burning their mid night oil in remaining in the MV mode and spending their resources and energy on demeaning BMS and AIGETOA, we have decided to move forward and concentrate ourselves on the issues of significance. The current situation has made us more determined to achieve the long pending issues of PPP for all and we remain committed for the same.

We are pleased to share that Team AIGETOA had a productive meeting with the Hon’ble Minister of Communication, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji, on September 2, 2023. We are deeply appreciative of the Hon’ble MoC for sparing his valuable time despite his hectic schedule. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to National Secretary BMS Shri Ramnath Ganeshe Ji and Treasurer BMS MP Circle Shri Umesh Sharma Ji for taking all efforts and ensuring the meeting for us. GS AIGETOA was on scheduled campaign Meeting at Nagpur, but upon receiving a call from the leaders in Bhopal, he promptly cancelled the Nagpur meeting to attend this crucial discussion. Due to the extremely busy schedule of Hon’ble MoC, the initial meeting on September 1, 2023, was very brief. Due to Paucity Honb’le Minister asked us to continue the meeting the next day. We were fortunate to have a detailed meeting with the Hon’ble MoC on the following day today also.

During our meeting, we discussed various issues, including the ongoing membership verification. Hon’ble MoC extended his good wishes and encouraged us to give our best in the MV. He assured us of the government’s support and emphasized their awareness of the challenges faced by BSNL executives. The Hon’ble MoC told that a detailed meeting will be held after conclusion of G20 Meeting. He told us that feedback on our Memorandum has been sought from the concerned departments.

GS of BMS Shri Ravindra Himte Ji is actively pursuing a Tripartite meeting involving the DoT, BSNL Management and leaders from AIGETOA and BMS. We are grateful to the Hon’ble MoC for accommodating us in his busy schedule. The issues pending in BSNL, such as the 3rd PRC, 2nd PRC pay losses, Standard pay scale issue, E1 plus Five Increments for new recruits as interim measure, uniform first time bound Upgradation, 30 percent Superannuation benefits, old pension issues of DoT-notified recruitments, rights of PWD candidates etc require the highest-level intervention which were briefly discussed today once again. We are confident that with the support of BMS leadership, these issues will be addressed effectively within very short span of time.

Shri Umesh Sharma Ji, Treasurer of BMS MP Circle also joined us during these discussions today. They have pledged their full support and assured us of their commitment to resolve long-pending issues once the MV concludes.

In conclusion, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to go to any extent and make every effort to achieve our objectives of fair pay, promotion, and pension, while also ensuring the profitability of BSNL.

We express our gratitude to the Hon’ble MoC for the government’s support through various revival packages. We emphasized that every BSNL employee is dedicated to making India a leader in telecom technologies and self-reliant in the telecom sector. We hope that the government will also consider our due benefits as we continue to contribute our best to this noble cause.

Click here for Glimpses of Meeting with Hon’ble MoC

On 25th August 2023, Team AIGETOA consisting of Dy GS Sh Pavan Akhand, AGS AIGETOA, Sh Sunil Kumar Gautam AGS AIGETOA, Sh Yogendra Kumar AGS AIGETOA, met BJP State President of Andhra Pradesh (Former MoS HRD & MoS Commerce & Industry) Hon’ble Smt Daggubati Purandeswari Ji at her residence at North Avenue, New Delhi. The Delegation of AIGETOA met Hon’ble State President at a pre-scheduled exclusive time slot and discussed upon the issues of Residual issues of 2nd PRC, Pay Loss and Affordability clause waiver in respect of implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL, extension of one time option for Pension under CCS rules for those whose recruitment process was notified by DoT before formation of BSNL.

Hon’ble State President asked us to submit the Memorandum on Monday so it can forwarded through Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Ji.

Hon’ble State President assured us that she shall be taking up the issues mentioned in the Memorandum with Hon’ble MoC also.

Team AIGETOA comprising of GS Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Chief Patron Sh Aftab Ahmad Khan, JS (South) Sh S Suresh along with Chairman Tamil Nadu Circle Sh T Senthil, CP CHTD Sh Jai Murugan, CS CHTD Uma Chandran met Sh Kalyan Sagar Director HR (Designate) in his office at Chennai Telephones on 24th Aug 2023. During the meeting discussion on various issues was held in length.

AIGETOA conveyed best wishes to the new Director HR and assured him full support & co-operation in all the endeavors taken in the interest of BSNL and its employees.

Click here for Glimpses of Meeting

Dear Friends,

As You all are aware that AIGETOA has reached to all associations like AIBSNLEA, SEWA, AITEEA, ABLE, AIBSNLOA, BBOA, BEA including the welfare associations like JAI BHIM SEWA, BSNLOBCEWA, AIBSNLOBCEWA and DEWAB. We have tried to reach to all rank and file of BSNL so as to have an inclusive approach with support and cooperation from all likeminded groups who want a strong and united voice for resolution of the long pending HR issues. We take pleasure in informing all that we have received a positive gesture from all except few. Three Major Groups have extended support to AIGETOA showing confidence in the endeavours of AIGETOA which has been taken for welfare of the Executive Fraternity.

Both the OBC associations of BSNL i.e. AIBSNLOBCEWA and BSNLOBCEWA have extended support to AIGETOA and have appealed to their fraternity to Vote for AIGETOA. The CHQ Team of Both the associations were welcomed by GS AIGETOA and CHQ Team of AIGETOA. We vowed to move together with firmness and unity to further the interests of the executives at large and also for extending support and cooperation in resolving and protecting the constitutional rights extended by Government of India to the OBC Executives.

Click here for the Letter of Support from AIBSNLOBCEWA

Click here for the glimpses of Joint Meeting with AIBSNLOBCEWA

Click here for the Letter of Support from BSNLOBCEWA

Click here for the glimpses of Joint Meeting with BSNLOBCEWA

The team AIGETOA consisting of GS Shri Ravi Shil Verma, AIP Shri G. Veerabhadra Rao and Dy GS Shri Pavan Akhand along with Sunil Gautam AGS have met PGM SR and discussed the following points and recived the positive assurance.

As per assurance given to AIGETOA, the 3rd PRC reminder letter to DoT:

As per the decision taken in AIGETOA agenda meeting, Dir HR has assured to give a reminder letter to DoT with respect to implementation of 3rd PRC. We informed that the letter has still not been issued. PGM SR assured that the reminder letter shall be written to the DoT at the earliest. We said while AIGETOA is taking all efforts to extend the 3rd PRC benefits to BSNL employees and is trying to ensure implementation of standard pay scales of E2 for JTO/JAO Equivalent, management must also reiterate its stand to DoT. PGM SR assured us for issuance of reminder letter to DoT.

Discussion on Circle office and Corporate Office Body recognition:

We once again raised the issue of consideration of Corporate office and Circle office immunity. While we tried to explain the requirements and PGM SR gave a patient hearing also but another round of meeting shall be required with Honble CMD BSNL for a concrete decision on the same. Association shall be taking it up tomorrow with CMD BSNL for further discussion.

Restructuring Letter – Issuance of Template for capturing Data for Cadre Strength Review:

As informed earlier, Restructuring Cell has finalised and submitted the draft for approval. During discussion, we pointed out that a review in positional norms is also required along with operational norms as the situation has changed now after extension of 2nd Revival Package to BSNL in July 2022, and hence the template for positional norms review should also be issued along with the letter. PGM SR appreciated the input and said that she will ensure that letter is issued tomorrow after suitable modifications.

Modification in immunity Guidelines:

Though SR cell has processed the case, but some of the suggestions of association w.r.t the OA immunity and Circle office body was not considered.

PGM SR said that she will discuss the inputs of association with higher authorities. AIGETOA shall also meet and apprise CMD BSNL on the concerns. ITPC Dev unit OA body issue and other circle’s OA body issues also discussed. PGM SR asked us to submit the letters on the issues.

This meeting ended with positive note.

Team AIGETOA consisting of GS Shri Ravi Shil Verma, AIP Shri Veerabhadra Rao, Dy GS Shri Pavan Akhand and National Convener Shri A A Khan met Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar Ji for discussion over the issues. PGM Pers Shri S N Gupta was also present in the meeting:

Issuance of OTP cases :

Shall be done by the evening of 3rd July i.e. today. We again emphasized that there should not be any scope for discretion in the system and cases should be considered on merit. We once again highlighted that all the long pending cases of earlier OTPs must be considered.

Karnataka Circle OTP Cases:

There was a huge reluctance on the issuance of these OTP cases but after discussion finally Director HR issued directions to Pers cell to process at least 10 cases on OTP date seniority basis. The orders shall be issued in next 2-3 days.

Retention cases for Transfer on Long Stay basis:

The cases with genuine grounds and orders which have been issued by mistake are under consideration.

Herein we requested that all those who have been transferred under long stay must be given an option to join their present Circles after completion of their tenures. Further we requested to seek volunteers for posting in shortage circles before issuance of any long Stay transfers. We highlighted if executives have the confidence of getting their parent circles after completing their tenure, no body will hesitate to give voluntary request for transfer. This was agreed to be considered by management.

Retention cases of JTO to SDE Promotions:

We highlighted that even spouse cases have not been considered which ideally should have been considered as per policy. The issue in under discussion and we hope that management will agree to our request.

Discussion on issuance of immunity Guidelines :

We once again raised the issue of consideration of OA level and Circle office immunity. After discussions , Director HR told that he will be discussing the same with PGM SR and asked us to discuss with PGM SR.

Issuance of Firm Directions for Restructuring:

We said that as per earlier discussion, instructions with template was to be issued to circles. Director HR said that he will ensure that instructions are issued immediately and preferably by the evening of 3rd July 2023 ie today. He further assured us that the process will be completed by 31st July 2023. We once again highlighted the need for increase in number of posts in all streams and Grades ie JTO/JAO/Equivalent, SDE/AO/Equivalent, AGM/CAO/Equivalent, DGM/Equivalent in Telecom, Finance, CIVIL, Electrical, CSS, PA/PS etc. The same shall be examined with due consideration to all the requirements. A committee of CGMs will study the requirements and accordingly it will be issued.

Extending the dates for APAR reporting:

In view of the problems of ERP, we requested for extending the dates. Director HR agreed to consider the same.

Considering the notional Promotions for AGMs whose DPC was also done in June 2018 :

Director HR agreed to examine the same with positive consideration.

Meeting ended with a positive note.