In the backdrop of the Minutes of Meeting issued by BSNL Management on 30th May 2025, a meeting of all Circle Secretaries, Circle Presidents, and CHQ Office Bearers of AIGETOA was held on 31st May 2025. The meeting observed that the minutes issued are a complete breach of trust, inconsistent with the discussions and positive conclusions of the meeting held on 29th May 2025 under the chairmanship of Director (HR).

What was discussed and agreed upon in good faith during the meeting stands completely misrepresented in the issued minutes. This has further eroded the already fragile trust between BSNL employees and the management.

It appears that certain elements within BSNL Management are deliberately creating instability among employees by undermining efforts towards peaceful resolution. This continues to reflect a pattern of provocation instead of partnership.

All Circle Office Bearers have unanimously rejected the minutes as unacceptable and misleading, and reaffirmed their commitment to continue the ongoing agitational program under the banner of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM).

The first phase of the agitation will begin with a nationwide Signature Campaign from 2nd to 7th June 2025, in which all executives, non-executives, and retired employees are urged to participate.

All members are requested to mobilize in full strength, reach out OA/BA-wise, and ensure maximum participation in this peaceful protest to protect the interests of BSNL and its workforce.

Let us unite for justice, accountability, and revival of BSNL. Together, we stand stronger.

Today, Team AIGETOA met with the BSNL Management to discuss the implications of the recent judgment pronounced by the Hon’ble High Court of Chandigarh concerning LICE promotions, in the case filed by MTs.

During the meeting, Team AIGETOA conveyed its deep concerns regarding the stay order and its impact on the ongoing and upcoming LICE promotions. We emphasized the uncertainty it has created among executives and demanded clarity on the future course of action. We sought clear answers from BSNL on how the management plans to move forward in light of the judgment and the nature of the stay granted by the High Court.

AIGETOA expressed its anguish on the way the whole matter was handled by the Management. AIGETOA demanded an enquiry into the whole episode and fixing of responsibility for the persons responsible for the lapses. It was pointed out that when a caveat was filed, why the issue was not handled appropriately; when the appeal was filed, why the nodal circle as well as the nodal section of BSNL CO could not hire a senior advocate to defend the case. We have demanded an enquiry and fixing of responsibility for the lapses. Director HR has assured that the issue will be given due consideration and the matter shall be enquired into, and responsibility shall be fixed if anyone is found guilty of any lapses.

It was also demanded that when MTs have challenged their own recruitment process against the MSRR, their process should also be put on hold and all of them must be reverted to their substantive cadres before the exam. The additional protections given to them must immediately be withdrawn. It was told that the issues raised by AIGETOA shall be examined.

On Court orders, PGM (Pers) informed that there are currently two interpretations being considered internally by BSNL:

First Opinion: There is no explicit stay on the LICE promotions, and BSNL may proceed with the promotion exercise along with necessary modifications as earlier discussed. Only the CAT decision dismissing the plea of the MTs has been dismissed.

Second Opinion: The High Court judgment implies a complete stay on the CAT Chandigarh order, thereby restricting any further promotional activity.

It was further informed that BSNL is in the process of obtaining a definitive legal opinion on the matter. Based on this legal advice, the management will finalize its official stance. A clear position from BSNL is expected by tomorrow.

The timing of the listing of the case after so long, when the appeal was filed in the first week itself, raises many questions:

The caveator did not follow up the appeal. Only after AIGETOA got this information and alerted management, the on-panel advocate attended the hearing. This smells of conspiracy within the system of BSNL.

The listing of the case only after the conclusion of an important event of one association also raises a question. Why was the case filed in the first week listed only after the conclusion of their big event?

Why has the some corners of BSNL gone out of the way to help them? Whether some vested interests are involved?

Questions are many, and answers need to be found out.

With respect to the discrepancies on the transfer posting and modification of LICE posting, it was informed that cases highlighted and submitted by association side and the policy issues raised are being examined and same decision shall be taken maximum by next week. The new transfer policy shall also be issued by next week.

AIGETOA will continue to follow up proactively and ensure that the interests of executives are safeguarded at every step. We reaffirm our commitment to protect the promotional avenues of all eligible executives and will not allow any injustice to prevail.

We appeal to all members to stay united and be assured that AIGETOA is leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice and timely resolution.

United We Stand, Together We Will Succeed.

A huge decision impacting the existing functional designations of the executives was being contemplated by Management. Today PGM Restg informed team AIGETOA that there is a proposal to change the designation of executives as stated below:

JTOs – ENGINEER

SDE – Sr. ENGINEER/SPECIALIST

AGM – MANAGER

DGM – Sr. MANAGER/PROJECT MANAGER

Jt. GM/Addl. GM/GM/PGM – UNIT HEAD, BA HEAD etc.

Once the proposal came into the knowledge of team AIGETOA, the same was strongly opposed. Just imagine a JTO being degraded from an officer post to Engineer post which is normally offered to freshers, an SDO post being changed to Sr. Engineer which is normally offered to Engineers with 2-3 years of experience. Similarly AGM/DE level post being degraded to Manager which is basically an E-3 level post, and A DGM being called Sr. Manager.

However, the good part is that after strong discussions, management finally relented and agreed for not changing the nomenclature of posts.

FINALLY, WITH THE EFFORTS OF TEAM AIGETOA, THE PROPOSAL WAS SCRAPPED AT THE INITIAL STAGE ITSELF.

Congratulations to all the LICE-passed AGMs, one major hurdle has been removed. Finally, we succeeded in convincing management to extend the joining period in line with the DoP&T orders and precedence available in BSNL. Ever since the LICE promotion orders were issued, the AIGETOA team has been on its toes to set things in the right perspective. Today, also our team, led by All India President Shri Veerabhadra Rao, All India Convener Shri A A Khan, and Deputy GS Shri Pavan Akhand, has been consistently following up on these matters. Our team was stationed at BSNL CO until 9:30pm to ensure that the agreed-upon letter would be issued. The persistent efforts succeeded, and finally, the joining time has been extended. The other submissions from AIGETOA regarding discrepancies are also being examined, and we request everyone to be patient. The long-standing discrepancies have also been submitted and are being followed up.

While others have been active on Whatsapp and misguiding everyone, our team has been working with factual updates. We once again assure everyone that AIGETOA will address all the issues. We remain committed to resolving all the concerns.

We extend our thanks to PGM (Pers), Director (HR) for their positive role and persuasion, and to Hon’ble CMD BSNL for finally understanding the pain of the promoted executives. Hopefully, in the same manner, other submissions will also be considered positively.

Click here for the orders

✊ Team AIGETOA – Committed to the Cause

Update on Meeting with CMD BSNL on the issue of Recent Transfer and Postings: “The bigger Question – Who Did It as no body is willing to take the onus.” Time has come to restart the postponed organisational actions –

On 13th May 2025, Team AIGETOA met CMD BSNL and requested for consideration on the submissions made by the association with regard to recent AGM LICE promotional postings and OTP transfers. Association strongly raised objections on the arbitrary imposition of a mere 15-days joining period for executives promoted through LICE in contravention with the prevailing DoPT guidelines. The association demanded that the joining period be extended to 40 days, in line with the DoPT guidelines and all previous promotion orders issued under both SCF and LICE including DoT period. AIGETOA highlighted that genuine cases such as medical, PWD category, spouse, Care Giver, and Children appearing in Class-12 Board examinations have also been completely ignored, which is a clear deviation from DoPT guideline, established norms and compassionate consideration. We also highlighted that many people have been subjected to the consecutive transfers within a span of as low as 2-3 months despite the provision of cooling Period existing in the transfer policy.

It came as a huge surprise to us when CMD BSNL told that he was neither aware of how the 15-days joining period has been incorporated instead of 40 days clause nor he was aware of the methodology adopted in issuance of the transfer and Postings. This was indeed surprising that while all this while HR group has maintained that nothing is in their hands and have been helplessly sitting without any action on the issues raised and now even Head of the organization is showing ignorance on such an important aspect. This raises a very serious question that why all including the head of the organization is reluctant to own the decisions, is it coincidence or deliberate violation of the set rules and practices. On our insistence on why the DoP&T guidelines have not been followed by BSNL while issuing the current promotions, it was suggested by CMD BSNL that since promotions were granted, it should not be an issue whether the joining time is 15 or 40 days. He even went to the extent of saying that you only wanted promotions and now that we have given, your people are reluctant to join. Despite telling that there are many violations in the orders, There was no change in indifferent response to points raised like consideration genuine difficulties faced by executives, the delay in planning of travel during war like situation etc. Altogether the response was highly disappointing towards the executive fraternity.

AIGETOA also raised the serious concerns regarding the recently issued transfer and posting orders linked to LICE promotions, long-stay transfers, hard tenure postings, and OTP requests. It was pointed out that these orders have been issued in total violation of BSNL’s own transfer policy prevailing as on date. Despite long-pending OTP and hard tenure cases, no resolution has been made, and instead, a centralized, opaque, and arbitrary process is being followed. This pick-and-choose approach, bypassing standard rules and ignoring established process, is creating a sense of injustice, discrimination, and demotivation among the field executives.

The plea on considering the pending Inter Circle requests of OTP cases who have completed the tenure period, with grounds of spouse joining , medical and age considerations etc are also in vain. It was pointed out that as per the prevailing policy the requests of two OTP transfer windows are pending to be executed without any pick and choose or favoritism and the executives who are away from their native places are eagerly waiting for the return to their parent circles. No commitment or clarity was given in this regard also and we were directed to meet acting Director (HR) Shri Papa Sudhakar Rao ji. The acting Director (HR) was sympathetic and patiently listened to us but was not in position to comment or commit anything and replied that He shall be discussing with PGM (Pers) and let us know on 14th May wrt the LICE promotion orders only. Its really unfortunate that this unnecessary buck passing like game is becoming endless with no body is in a position to inform about a conclusive decision. Last week it was told that on Tuesday we can expect some decision. On Tuesday again we have been guided for next day as PGM(Pers) was on leave. Our team shall be actively following the developments and shall ensure that justice prevails. However this lack of empathy clearly shows that when it comes to employees specially those in lower and middle level bracket, no body is interested to take any call and the buck is passed to the next one. Lower management points to the higher one and the higher one points to the lower one. Never before in BSNL, we have been witness to such activities. This also belies our own assumptions that the current management was sympathetic to the employees and had humanitarian touch to HR.

It is increasingly evident that all critical HR issues – promotions, postings, and transfers – are being handled arbitrarily by a central authority, sidelining policy, transparency, and fairness. The association has already submitted detailed discrepancies and representations to CMD BSNL, Director (HR), and PGM (Pers), but the inaction continues. By seeing the attitude from the management it is ample clear that they are not ready to consider any genuine concerns of the employees and rather it is unfortunate to say that they are considering the real work force of BSNL as nothing.

Even though the BDM forum where this AIGETOA is one of the constituent was given some vague assurances on various grave agenda matters related with 3rd PRC, Pay scale and Payloss matters , Promotions and Superannuation issues along with revision on perks and other allowances, this systemic neglect of executive issues is damaging morale and eroding trust in the administrative process.

In light of the persistent inaction and growing frustration among the executive community, AIGETOA firmly believes that the time has come to resume the agitation program, which was postponed on 9th May 2025. The association urges all employees and its members in particular to mobilize, make awareness, and prepare to launch a strong protest against this unjust and arbitrary treatment. This Don’t Care attitude is simply Not acceptable as far as employee fraternity is considered. As the employees are pushed to the wall, the only option remains is retaliation and a befitting reply. AIGETOA is also eagerly waiting for action on the part of the group which has been chosen as the representatives for the executive fraternity. It will be interesting to see when they wake up to the call of fraternity. However, Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch and AIGETOA is geared up to take the injustices head on. The time to act is now. Let’s stand together in unity, strength, and purpose, ensuring that employees, the government, and the public remain the true stakeholders in this great organization.

Association shall be taking its call on resumption of the organizational action programs soon in consultation with constituents of BDM and also our umbrella organization BMS.

Join.. Mobilize.. Agitate.. Let’s make our voice impossible to ignore!

The Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU) has announced the postponement of all organisational action program unilaterally which was scheduled to commence from 16th May 2025 in view current critical situation across the nation until the situation normalizes.

Click here for Letter for Postponement

As a group of responsible associations & unions, Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) firmly believe in Nation First (राष्ट्र हित सर्वोपरि) approach. At this critical juncture, when the nation stands united to safeguard its sovereignty and stability, we prioritize national interests above everything else. BSNL, as a strategic asset, plays a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted communication services, especially during emergencies. Recognizing our responsibility, we have decided to postpone all planned protests unilaterally until the situation normalizes, to avoid any disruption to essential telecom services and maintain operational efficiency.

The BDM also called upon BSNL employees to stand united in national interest while continuing to advocate for:

• Expedited execution of national priority projects like Swadeshi 4G/5G and BharatNet.

• Address the long-pending HR issues (Pay, Pension, Promotions, etc.) and BSNL’s viability concerns.

• Immediately review the arbitrary mass transfer orders dated 02.05.2025 displacing experienced officers, which jeopardize operational readiness during this critical situation and allow them to join at their current places of posting.

We still believe that BSNL Management will respond positively to this gesture and address the raised concerns amicably, avoiding the need to revive the agitation programs.

The Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) has submitted a strong appeal to the CMD, BSNL, urging the immediate withdrawal of recent mass transfer orders affecting experienced officers across BSNL.

Click here for Letter

BDM has highlighted the critical security situation at the national borders and emphasized the essential role BSNL’s domain-expert officers play in maintaining the stability of telecom infrastructure, especially during emergencies.

“Sudden displacement of officers with in-depth knowledge of Territory, Topology, and Technology—especially across distances exceeding 1000 km – at this sensitive juncture poses a severe risk to national preparedness,”

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) marked that these unplanned transfers compromise the efficiency, responsiveness, and strategic readiness of the telecom network, and contradict the principles of rational HR policy, operational continuity, and national interest.

GS AIGETOA writes to the CMD BSNL for withdrawal of the posting orders of the 205 executives promoted in the grade of AGM for 33% LICE Promotions and allow them to join on “as is where is basis” specially in current prevailing situation of the country in view of the various lapses, discrepancies observed vis-a-vis the existing promotion and transfer policy.

Click here for letter

The association urges the BSNL management to review the transfer orders and requests to:

• Immediately rollback the arbitrary Transfer & Posting Orders issued on 02.05.2025.
• The LICE promoted AGMs should be promoted on ‘As is Where is’ basis, specially in current prevailing situation of the country.
• Also make joining time as 40 days instead of 15 days as per existing policy and DoP&T guidelines. In fact, it should be extended further keeping in view the current escalation at Border States and closing of air spaces at many places.
• As per the existing T&P policies, the executives should be given option facilities to choose from the list of circles in the same way as provided in OTPs. Even some are willing to swap their allotted circles mutually.
• The disturbance in the name of Long Stay Transfer should be in accordance with the well-established T&P guidelines.
• Immediate withdrawal of orders to post LICE AGMs only in SDCAs.

Yesterday & Today, detailed and intense discussions of the Forum were held with the Management represented by PGM (SR) regarding the notice served by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) – a platform comprising AIGETOA, BTEU BSNL, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU.

PGM (SR) conveyed that BSNL Management is taking the concerns raised by the forum seriously and is committed to resolving both HR and operational issues through a participative and time-bound approach. It was informed that a formal study group consisting of members from Management and representatives from recognized and support associations, including SEWA, will be constituted. This group will engage in structured, agenda-based discussions to resolve long-standing issues in a time bound manner.

The discussions were started with Management highlighted the significant and positive role being played by management under the leadership of CMD BSNL Shri A Robert J Ravi in achieving new milestones for BSNL along with getting support for the company from various stakeholders and the same was appreciated during discussions. The ‘BSNL First’ approach of current CMD BSNL was also emphasised by management in the discussions. It was conveyed by GS AIGETOA that BSNL First approach is very much valued by all the employees of BSNL also which was the prime reason for BSNL sailing through its toughest times. The very compassionate and sincere role played by Director HR, Shri Kalyan Sagar Nippani was also appreciated from both sides during discussions. BDM leaders said that its sad to note that despite this strong employee-employer bonding, the issues remain pending to be resolved.

PGM (SR) reaffirmed the commitment of management in initiating constructive dialogues and addressing concerns in a time bound manner. She assured that BSNL will sincerely work towards resolving issues within its scope and will escalate matters like 3rd PRC, standard pay scales, and pension revision – those falling outside BSNL’s purview – to the appropriate authorities. Management side also assured that the operational issues highlighted in the agitation notice are being taken care of and management is fully focussed in ensuring a smooth rollout of 4G/5G services and a rugged backhaul network and a good FTTH Ecosystem.

GS AIGETOA and Chairman BDM, during the discussion, emphasized that the issues pending before the management (Both HR as well as operational) has led to this widespread unrest. We also highlighted the point that many such studies have been done in past and based on the same only a combined letter from three recognised associations was given before the start of HR Month as per the discussions held earlier with management. We also emphasised that the HR Group should have acted more proactively, particularly during the month of April 2025 to avoid the current situation. The consistent problems faced by executives in maintaining the network and arresting the churn of the subscribers from BSNL is another major area of concern. Nevertheless, the forum is open to resolution through dialogue – but underlined that achieving the outcomes expected is all the more important.

GS also expressed concern over the transfer orders issued recently impacting the personal and professional issues of the affected executives. The GS highlighted cases of executives being transferred repeatedly within short spans and on promotions, such actions appear to be not in line to achieve the progress. The deviation from transfer policy in circle allocation, and use of the regular AGMs who are seniors in SDCA roles while the Junior officers (MTs) as OA Head were flagged as serious violations. In fact, the new transfer policy was already under discussion with AIGETOA/SNEA and the same has still not taken the final shape. The discussions on new transfer policy were still on with associations waiting for response of the management on the suggestions given by them. The discussions on the concerns raised by Circle OBs with management shall also be held on Monday. The association assures all affected executives that AIGETOA CHQ will pursue their concerns to ensure resolution. The Joint Secretaries have been asked to collate the issues received from CSs for further pursuance and all are requested to submit their grievances to the concerned JSs through the CS.

Following the discussions yesterday, an appeal from Management was issued to the Chairman and Convener of the Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (referencing Para 6 of the letter), proposing the formation of a joint study group to work collaboratively on the issues raised. GS AIGETOA informed PGM (SR) that the appeal would be reviewed in consultation with the constituents of BDM and BMS. Subsequent discussions shall take place on Monday.

As a responsible association, AIGETOA acknowledges the management’s timely outreach and openness to dialogue. We also appreciate BSNL gaining positive milestones and the forum is equally concerned for the health and growth of BSNL. But at the same time BDM cannot ignore the welfare of its fraternity which is of paramount interest for any Association. If good steps are taken, BDM will never hesitate in appreciating the good things but at the same time we will never back out in highlighting the lacunae also. The BDM forum maintains that resolutions must be tangible, time-bound, and documented – particularly on critical issues such as 4G deployment, network challenges, FTTH provisioning, 3rd PRC, 30 % SAB, pay loss, and overdue promotions.

No doubt, the continuity in the leadership of any head of the organisation is vital for its resurgence and long-term success and the same holds true for BSNL also. The Current CMD after taking over the charge told us about his vision to transform the company into a technologically advanced, customer-first telecom leader, 4G/5G rollout, digital services etc and accordingly we all supported him wholeheartedly to strengthen the hands. We always stand united to reinforce the efforts for a stronger and profitable BSNL with a roadmap for sustainable growth and employee welfare. But, despite our best efforts and unqualified support, the resolution of the Operational and HR issues as mentioned in the demands are a big area of concern and the same is one of the major reasons for this prevailing unrest in BSNL. BDM Leaders also stated that keeping the company up and running are in the hands of policymakers and employees have only role to execute the decisions. Further the welfare of the employees needs to be ensured with the policy makers in line with the GoI/DPE/BSNL guidelines.

However, we do welcome the positive approach of continued discussion from management and CMD BSNL and with an intent for actual outcome both for BSNL growth issues as well as long pending HR issues, we always recognise the need for continuity of the dialogues and accordingly the discussions shall continue tomorrow also between Management and BDM.

The outcome of the discussions till today have been informed to all the leaders of Bhartiya Door Sanchar Manch and the Apex Leadership of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh. Further dialogue with BMS, our umbrella organization, is ongoing as they actively monitor and escalate the issues at the appropriate forums. We urge all executives to remain patient and stand united. The Central Headquarters of AIGETOA in consultation with Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is closely monitoring the developments and will continue to lead the way forward.

Click here for the Appeal Letter

Click here for the Meeting Notice for 5th May 2025

Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) – A joint forum comprising AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU appeal for support and active participation of SNEA, SEWA, AIBSNLEA & SNATTA in the Agitation Program of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) on Crucial BSNL Revival and Long Pending HR Issues.

Click here for letter to GS SNEA

Click here for letter to GS SEWA

Click here for letter to GS AIBSNLEA

Click here for letter to GS SNATTA