In continuation with our discussions with CMD BSNL, in a positive step further on 17.04.2025, PGM Pers BSNL CO called the General Secretaries of the three recognised associations and had final discussions over LICE Postings, OTP Cases, Unimplemented Cases etc and updated about the action being taken on Priority HR issues. It is good to note that our submission with respect to the proposed SOPs for Transfer and Postings have been given due consideration and management finally decided to do away with the proposed SOPs. This is the result of the United Voice of all the three associations together. We are also thankful to management that finally our request is given consideration.

With regard to OTP Cases, management has finally agreed to the suggestions of the recognised associations and the OTP Request Transfer orders will be issued in coming week.

On the Unimplemented Cases, it was informed that all the pending transfer orders will be implemented along with OTP Requests. We have narrated that there are genuine requests for individuals, which needs kind and sympathetic consideration and all may not be relieved without consideration to pending request for cancellation /retention/modification on grounds of self-medical issues, caregiver, educational ground, age barred, immunity requests submitted by individual executives and recommended by Circle Heads. PGM Pers informed that he will discuss further with his team and higher management and thereafter the decision with respect to their final relieving shall be taken.

Discussion also took place on the treatment of deficit and surplus circles on which it was decided that the vacancy position shall be reviewed after executing the OTP Cases, pending relieving and AGM LICE Posting etc. We requested consideration of the OTP requests by all executives further emphasizing on the consideration of requests by Executives who were transferred under long stay and will be completing two years shortly. PGM Pers informed that all OTP requests who have completed two years by 31/03/2025 will be given consideration. We requested for consideration of all requests at least till June 2025 and suggested that date of relieving can be mentioned for those who are yet to complete two years. PGM Pers informed that he cannot assure at this stage but assured to look into this suggestion and check possibilities to consider such requests.

After elaborating basic issues as finalised and updating to General Secretaries of all three Recognised Associations, PGM Pers informed that if it is acceptable to associations, the further course of action will be taken by his office. He added that his Pers team will be working on holidays also so that AGM LICE Posting Orders and OTP request orders shall be issued early coming week.

On consideration of other issues submitted by GSs of recognised Associations, PGM Pers informed that he is looking into these issues one by one and assured to discuss further on these issues once AGM LICE Posting, OTP Requests, review of non-implemented orders is completed.

The three General Secretaries of the recognised associations also had deliberations with Director HR on Friday through online mode. It was assured that next week, firm actions shall be seen with respect to resolution of issues.

We convey thanks and gratitude to Shri A Robert J Ravi, CMD BSNL for directing his team to work overtime for resolving the issues in the HR Month and moving ahead with certain actions towards resolution of HR issues. We sincerely hope that management will come up with final resolutions also as conveyed to us within this month.

We specially convey thanks and appreciations to Dr. Kalyan Sagar Nippani, Director HR BSNL along with his team members Shri Rajeev Kaushik, PGM Pers and Mrs Anita Johri PGM SR/RSTG for their sincere efforts and continued dialogue with associations and finding our ways forward for resolution of the important HR issues.

Let us hope for continued dialogue and resolution of the HR issues as submitted by us.

In view of April 2025 as HR Month proposed by Shri. A Robert J Ravi, CMD BSNL, three recognised associations viz. AIGETOA, SNEA and SEWA had submitted detailed agenda well in advance by the end of March 2025 and are continuously pursuing the issues on a common platform. By now almost half of the April 2025 is passed, but no visible action has been seen on the resolution of agenda submitted and even the simple and routine issues like issuing AGM LICE Promotion Orders, Transfer orders for consideration of OTP Requests pending for last one year period, relieving of executives from hard tenure etc are not given consideration and that there is a mass unrest among the executives who have high expectations from this HR Month as announced by CMD BSNL.

In this regard, it is to informed that discussions among the General Secretaries of the recognised associations viz. AIGETOA, SNEA and SEWA started well in advance of HR Month and since 02/04/2025, we had different rounds of discussions with prominent officers in BSNL Management viz. PGM SR/Rstg, PGM Admn/Estt/Trg, PGM Pers, Director HR and even with CMD BSNL and there has been assurance for resolution at all levels but actual outcome on ground is missing. By taking note of discussions with different officers and responses and progress thereof, General Secretaries of the Recognised Associations viz. AIGETOA, SNEA & SEWA had a meeting with Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD BSNL at 2000 Hrs on 11/04/2025 in his office, wherein Shri Rajeev Kaushik PGM Pers was also present.

At the outset, we shared the feelings of the executives all over India and that all the executives have been expecting about the resolution of the issues as per the idea mooted by CMD BSNL to celebrate for April 2025 as HR Month. But the inaction on the part of management has turned this HR month as a point of Joke, Memes and Criticism. The associations have given their constructive support to management to the extent that the associations themselves celebrated February as FTTH month which resulted in substantial increase in FTTH connections vis-à-vis other months. The executives gave their best efforts to realise the revenue when management declared March as the revenue month and the result was visible in terms of the record-breaking collection in March 2025 compared to last many years. The combined efforts of Management and Employees resulted in BSNL becoming Net Profitable in December 2024 quarter and the trend is expected to continue in the quarter ending in March 2025 also. We categorically expressed that perhaps the HR group of BSNL doesn’t want this growth story to continue and that may be one of the major reasons to put executives in a state of unrest by not fulfilling the promises as nothing is visible till date except for the promises and positive intent.

In response, CMD BSNL expressed that the team of Pers section is working day and night for the last many days and when things are moving ahead and HR issues are being resolved one by one, why association leaders are worried and getting panicky. CMD BSNL confirmed that BSNL Management Committee has approved the proposal for extension of updated Laptop policy to field units for all executives and similarly all other things shall also be resolved one by one.

The association side expressed that by now half of the working days of April 2025 are passed and we have seen nothing as outcome in HR Month as assured by his high office. We elaborated that even a simple and routine work which was expected in the first day/week of April 2025 like AGM LICE Promotion Orders, OTP Request transfers etc are not seeing light of day even though it has been firmly assured by everyone including CMD and Director HR, BSNL Board.

CMD BSNL informed that since fortnight the team of Pers section is working day and night and have not taken any holiday and associations should appreciate such devoted working. We said all that Pers Section is working is on development of SOPs and on the reports needed by higher management and not on the actual issues on which focus should have been. CMD BSNL expressed that he is not aware of any such SOP which needs to be signed by Associations though he appreciated the need for acknowledging and respecting performance of executives in BSNL. He added that good performers need to be rewarded and non-performers should at least be given the feeling that one has to perform and give his/her best to the BSNL. We conveyed that associations have suggested corrections and the SOPs are not acceptable to any of us in its current form. We categorically expressed that associations cannot accept probation in Promotions and also performance incentives based on IPMS score as the IMPS score of any employee is dependent upon external factors also and the same cannot be taken as a basis for evaluating performance. CMD BSNL directed PGM Pers to look into the concern expressed by the associations and see possibilities of its consideration.

Three associations have also submitted that the letter consisting the list of all such issues which needs to be resolved in HR Month April 2025 has been submitted to management and we are pursuing with all to fulfil HR Month assurance. CMD BSNL categorically directed PGM Pers to work proactively on the issues and to complete all the works with Priority to Promotion and Transfer/Posting Orders without any further delay.

CMD BSNL added that he also desires to complete all works related to Promotions and Transfers by the coming week and it depends on how fast the Pers section responds to it.

We had detailed discussions on the Promotions for AO to CAO, SDE to AGM, AGM to DGM, JTO to SDE (Telecom), JTO to SDE Civil/Elect and other promotions wherein associations have given detailed feedback. We updated him on the happenings over the period and how the matter has come to a stage where BSNL can issue AO to CAO promotions if certain initiatives with some concrete steps are taken as per DoPT guidelines in tune with Hon’ble Supreme Court Directions of 2022. We also highlighted the need for settling the 3^rd PRC, Pay Scales, 30 percent SAB, Pay Loss issues. CMD BSNL directed PGM Pers to look into the issues and see for possible solutions for these pending promotions and see that the promotions, OTP orders and relieving of the Hard Tenure Executives are issued as early as possible. CMD BSNL also assured that his team is working on all issues and the results shall be visible in the Month of April itself on certain issues while some issues will be pushed in pipeline towards resolution as they will need higher office intervention for settlement.

From the discussions with CMD BSNL, things do not appear to be negative but at the same time, the outcome is also not visible. We can sense the positive intent in talks but the same is not visible in terms of actions in black and white on paper and the speed/aggression is missing in resolution. Hence, AIGETOA has decided to observe the progress for next ten days and thereafter shall come up with the next course of actions to ensure the resolution of the major HR issues.

A meeting of the CHQ, Circle Secretaries and Circle Presidents of AIGETOA has been held today on 15^th April 2025 wherein association has unanimously resolved to observe the progress on HR issues till 25^th April 2025 and if the issues do not get a breakthrough, the association will immediately shift to organisational action mode as having given so much support to management for realising the goals of revenue and net addition in connections, we cannot afford to loose any more time and all necessary actions including agitation etc shall be taken to ensure that the rightful dues of the executives are achieved without any further delay.

However, at the same time we request the executives to not to get into panic mode as the discussions with management is not negative but definitely the aggression and speed with which HR group should have worked to ensure resolution is missing and that needs a constant watch for next 10 days before arriving at any decision for the future course of actions. The details of the resolutions taken in today’s meeting shall be shared in due course.

On behalf of AIGETOA, we pay our heartfelt tributes to the champion of social justice, equality, and human dignity.

“Educate, Agitate, Organize” – Babasaheb’s teachings continue to inspire our collective mission for justice, equity, and rightful dues of BSNL executives.

We at AIGETOA remain committed to upholding Dr. Ambedkar’s principles in our fight for fairness, pay parity, and respect for every executive.

As you are aware that nine days of HR Month are passed but thing have not moved further including over delayed AGM LICE Promotions and OTP Request Transfers.

Discussions of General Secretaries of the recognised associations viz SNEA, AIGETOA and SEWA started since date 02/04/2025 with different officers continued on each working day including yesterday till 2200 hrs.

The discussion is struck on the performance based SOP for transfer and postings of the executives including Promotions.

Management wants to introduce certain provisions for transfer posting on OTP Requests and on Promotions. Some of these conditions cannot be agreed as the same are not in line with the DOPT/DPE guidelines and contrary to the interest of the promoted executives.

Management wants concurrence of three General Secretaries on the same while associations have categorically informed that they can’t agree to such provisions which are affecting executives drastically.

Though discussions are moving forward, it has not reached conclusion and hence the discussions shall continue on Friday also.

Both the orders i.e. AGM Promotions and OTP Request transfers are as good as ready to issue but not have been issued due to inconclusive discussions.

We are pursuing and are hopeful to clear the issues very shortly, may be by the end of this week.

The General Secretaries of the recognized associations of BSNL i.e. AIGETOA, SNEA and SEWA writes to CMD BSNL submitting the list of priority HR issues decided after the joint discussion and consensus amongst the three recognized associations with a request for its expeditious settlement in the HR Month of April 2025 for the larger interest of BSNL and its executives.

The three General Secretaries extend gratitude to CMD BSNL and Management for the proactive approach adopted for resolution of HR issues.

Click here for letter submitted

The cases filed by AIGETOA & Others seeking the implementation of dues of Superannuation Benefits  for BSNL recruited employees listed for hearing today 27.03.2025  at Hon’ble High Court , Kerala. The relief sought from applicants ( AIGETOA Association side ) included..

Allowing the Pension Scheme in line with Rule 37(A) CCS pensions rules for BSNL recruited employees from their respective date of joining

Enhancement  or streamlining of SAB contributions ( EPF, Gratuity , Pension &  PRMB )  to  30% of Basic+ DA with defined contributions need to be extended from 01.01.2007 inline with 2^nd PRC recommendations and DPE/GOI directions

From respondent side, BSNL counsel had submitted that they are providing 25.1% of SAB including 3.3% actuarial analysis of BSNL MRS Scheme. And due to current/ the then  financial position,   which doesn’t allow the company to go further in earlier days. It was also submitted from respondents that due to the absorption process of DoT employees and connected matters the SAB benefits for BSNL recruited employee could not process clearly.

From Association side our counsel submitted  that the justifications submitted by BSNL is not acceptable and the superannuation Pension scheme  should have implemented  by BSNL w.e.f  01.10.2000  or from the date of joining of each BSNL recruited employee instead of the starting  on 05.05.2016. The egregious delay in starting the pension scheme for almost 16 years  affected thousands of employees. It was also submitted that mentioning the  current financial situation is not justified as the 30% SAB dues was supposed to get implemented w.e.f 01.01.2007  inline with 2^nd PRC implementation and the company was in total profit of many thousands  of crores from its formation to 2009-2010. The so called affordability of BSNL is not affected due to the working class employees. It was also pointed that the step by step package implementation as envisaged by 2^nd PRC was not followed by BSNL scrupulously.

It was also submitted that the superannuation benefits ( its components)  are directed as defined/fixed contribution Schemes for  ensuring retirement superannuation benefits and the company’s existence/ non-existence has no way connected with the retirement life of the employees.  The argument of  BSNL with regard to 3.3% actuarial analysis in BSNL MRS also negated by the association counsel by informing that BSNL MRS is only a medical reimbursement scheme for serving and retired employees of BSNL. Its applicability is connected with BSNL Board decisions and contrary to the directions of DPE/GOI, there is no fixed contributions are made for retirement medical benefits for BSNL recruited employees.   If BSNL is true to its commitment of 3.3% contribution for retirement medical benefits, they should create and maintain a PRMB trust with fixed contribution against each BSNL recruited employee.

The case is posted for further arguments to a later date.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL to extend the Laptop Reimbursement Policy to field units, ensuring a minimum reimbursement amount of ₹60,000. Despite multiple assurances from BSNL, including during the HR meeting on 03.10.2024 and the Agenda Meeting on 10.12.2024, the policy remains limited to the corporate office. The delay in Pan-India implementation has created a disparity between corporate office and field unit executives, even though necessary steps like asset entry updates were already initiated.

AIGETOA strongly demands the immediate rollout of this policy for all executives from JTO/JAO level and above, maintaining parity across BSNL. The association requests BSNL to issue the necessary instructions to the Corporate IT unit of BSNL CO, New Delhi, ensuring fair access to IT resources for all executives.

Click here for the letter

GS AIGETOA writes to Director HR BSNL Board, seeking immediate action to issue promotion orders for SDE to AGM cadre under 33% LICE competitive exam for the vacancy year 2023 failing which the association shall be forced to launch the organizational action programs.

As a responsible association, we have always moved forward with full support and cooperation so that the desired positive results for BSNL can be achieved right from starting FTTH Month, promoting BSNL Brand Value, removing negativity against BSNL, Promoting BSNL and its activities on social media and calling executives to give their best for achieving increase in revenue for BSNL. It is the combined effort of BSNL Employees and Management that slowly BSNL is moving towards absolute profitability but it seems there is a deliberate push to end this bonding and cooperation from some unknown corners who want to keep all employees of BSNL in a state of absolute unrest by denying the issues which can be resolved immediately.

The inexplicable delay in issuance of AGM LICE promotion orders completely emboldens our apprehension and if this is the status, HR month will mere be a formality in our opinion. If Management is really serious in its commitment, then the same needs to be shown also by issuing orders which do not have any implication, either financial or organizational. There is an immediate need for expediting the action on the issues mentioned in the preceding Paragraph.

It becomes absolutely necessary now that the held-up promotion orders be issued immediately. AIGETOA cannot accept this unjustified delay and hence calls upon your good self to intervene and get the orders issued immediately failing which this association shall be forced to withdraw all cooperation from tomorrow and shall be constrained to launch organizational action programs to protect the genuine rights of the executives. Now it’s for management to decide what is best for BSNL, issuance of orders or holding the same for no reasons.

Click here for the Letter

The 7th All India Conference of AIGETOA Conducted in a grand manner at City of Nawabs, Lucknow (UP) from 9th Feb 2025 to 11th Feb 2025. Around 250 delegates from different parts of India participated in the three day All India Conference. The CMD BSNL Shri A Robert J Ravi Ji addressed the gathering through video conference. The open session was graced by the Director HR Shri (Dr.) Kalyan Sagar Nippani Ji as Chief Guest, CGMT UP East Shri A K Garg as Guest of Honor. GS SNEA Shri M S Adasul, GS BTEU Shri R C Pandey and CHQ Representative SEWA Shri Vipin Ranjan attended the open session from our Associations & Unions side.

Day-1 : Open Session of All India Conference (AIC) on 9th Feb 2025:

The open session of 7th AIC was inaugurated by All India President Sh G Veerabhadra Rao, GS Sh Ravi Shil Verma by lighting the Lamp, followed by opening Prayer “Itni Shakti ham-e-dena data”.

The Open Session started with the Welcome address of CS UP East Sh Shankar Sharan Choudhary. Then All India President CHQ G Veerabhadra Rao addressed the August gathering with his opening remarks. Inaugurated the open session with the theme “BSNL@2025 – Empowering BSNL’s Workforce for An Innovation Driven Growth”. Around 500 Members attended the open session and more than 1500 executives watched the program live through our website www.aigetoachq.org.

The conference was honored to receive a message from the Hon’ble Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Hon’ble Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji who extended their best wishes for the event’s success. In their messages, both acknowledged the pivotal role of BSNL and its executives in advancing India’s telecommunications sector and emphasized the importance of such gatherings in fostering collaboration and addressing industry challenges.

Click here for the Message from Hon’ble Defense Minister

Click here for the Message from Hon’ble Chief Minister

General Secretary AIGETOA Sh Ravi Shil Verma delivered a keynote address, setting the tone for the conference. Followed by in-depth deliberations on human resources, organizational matters, and BSNL-related issues by the various speakers in the session.

Click here for the GS Key Note Address

Click here for the Speech of GS AIGETOA

CMD BSNL Sh A Robert J Ravi Ji addressed the Open session through Video Conference. CMD BSNL in his address apprised the august gathering about the current status of the company, the challenges ahead, the financial status of company, Governments Mission and Vision w.r.t 4G/5G services, BSNL operations in Delhi & Mumbai and also about the need for working together and keep the heads high to ensure that BSNL as profitable.

He stressed upon the need for increasing the market share to 25% to flourish as Telecom Operator. Govt of India is ready to extend necessary support not only to turn around BSNL but also make the services competitive for which we need to work together to reach the expectation of Govt.

CMD BSNL highlighted the management vision towards resolution of long pending HR issues of employees. He appeals all the association and unions work for minimizing the courts cases related to HR issues. CMD BSNL highlighted that BSNL Management is going to observe and celebrate the April 2025 as HR Month in BSNL.

Click here for the address of CMD BSNL

Director HR BSNL Sh (Dr.) Kalyan Sagar Nippani Ji emphasized that he is aware of our HR concerns. His sentence “Interpret policies in favour of Employees” is worth and which shows the humane touch.

He marked a humane and empathetic approach to HR management, emphasizing that policies should be implemented with a spirit of fairness, compassion, and employee well-being. His words reinforce the idea that while policies provide structure and guidelines, their interpretation should consider the best interests of employees, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. He is well aware of all issues and all efforts is to resolve pending issue with Employer-Employee interaction.

Click here for the Speech of Director HR

CGM UP East Sh A K Garg Ji in his address, conveyed his best wishes for the grand success of 7th AIC of AIGETOA at Lucknow & thanked AIGETOA CHQ for considering Lucknow as venue to conduct such a grand function of AIGETOA. He thanked all the employees of UP East Circle for their dedicated effort for the growth of BSNL UP East Telecom Circle.

General Secretary SNEA Shri M S Adasul, General Secretary Shri R C Pandey, SEWA CHQ Representative Shri Vipin Ranjan elaborated on the issues and stressed upon the need for an united struggle.

The open session concluded with vote of thanks by Circle President Shri Sharda Prasad.

Click here for the Glimpses of Open Session

Day-2 : Deliberation & Discussion on various HR, Organizational Issues & BSNL Related Issues

The second day of the session started on 10th Feb 2025. Shri S S Choudhary, CS UP East welcoming the house. Deliberation & discussion on various HR, organizational issues & BSNL related issues were done and the house was addressed by All India President Shri G. Veerabhadra Rao, All India Chairman Shri P N Sharma, All India Convener Shri A A Khan, Vice Chairman Shri Laxman Banoth, Finance Secretary Shri Badri Kumar Mehta and General Secretary Shri Ravi Shil Verma. General Secretary presented the key achievements and way forward on the HR issues for the association.

A question answer session was also held wherein General Secretary replied to all the queries. There were internal discussions also to strengthen the association and bring more cohesiveness among various stakeholders. The Modifications in Collegium from Rajasthan Circle, Karnataka Circle and NE II circle was placed before house. The modifications in the central collegium were adopted by the house after discussions. Further Karnataka Circle Secretary was asked to constitute a fresh circle collegium within 120 days. All Circles were instructed to ensure body formation in all the OAs/BAs including the non-territorial bodies as per mapping in BSNL ERP system. Due to Paucity of the time, the house opined that reiteration of the Circle Secretary Report may be skipped and the soft copy submitted earlier may be considered.

Click here for the Glimpses of Day-2 (10.02.2025)

Day-3 Dissolution of old CHQ Body and Election for New CHQ Body of AIGETOA

On the 11th Feb 2025, the existing central governing body (CHQ) was dissolved by the President and the dais was handed over to the Returning Officer (RO) and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO). The RO and ARO had conducted Elections in the transparent, democratic, fair and unbiased manner. After Elections, following members are elected as members of the governing body of AIGETOA:

• Shri G Veerabhadra Rao, President
• Shri Badri Kumar Mehta, Vice President
• Shri Ravi Shil Verma, General Secretary
• Shri Pavan Akhand, Asstt General Secretary-I
• Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Asstt General Secretary-II
• Shri Ansal Mohammad C, Asstt General Secretary-III
• Shri Nitin Dahiya, Asstt General Secretary-IV
• Shri Sunil Gautam, Asstt General Secretary-V
• Shri Rajeev Nandan Mishra, Asstt General Secretary-VI
• Shri Chander Singh Negi, Joint Secretary North
• Shri Nithya Jarald, Joint Secretary South
• Shri Vaibhav Goyal Joint Secretary Central
• Shri Kamlesh Deo, Joint Secretary West
• Shri Prabhash Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary East

Thereafter, the proposal to nominate National Convener, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Co-Convener for the national coordination committee was informed to the house in presence of the members of the new governing body and collegium members present in the house as below:

• Shri Aftab Ahmed Khan, Chief Patron and National Convener
• Shri Amit Roy, Chairman
• Shri Sharda Prasad, Vice-Chairman
• Shri Deepak Sahu, Co-Convener

Click here for Glimpses Day-3 Election & Newly Formed CHQ Body

The same was welcomed by the house and the house extended its best wishes to all the elected and nominated office bearers for the period 2025-28. Together all resolved to work for the welfare and growth of the executive fraternity of BSNL and in the best interest of AIGETOA.

The three day session ended with appreciation to the organizing team of UP East Circle for the best and hassle-free arrangements and house extended thanks to the team of UP (East) led by Circle President Sh. Sharda Prasad, Circle Secretary Sh. Shankar Saran Chaudhary, Circle Treasurer Sh. Rajeev Kumar and their team Sh. Gyanendra Pratap Singh-ACS, Sh. Atul Kumar Singh-ACS, Sh. Anurag Singh-ACS, Sh. Sanjeet Kumar-DS, Circle office, Sh. Dharmendra Yadav and rest of the office bearers and all the members of AIGETOA UP East Telecom Circle who contributed to the successful organization of the event.

Glimpses of Memorable Moments of AIC. Click here

As per the provisions of constitution of AIGETOA, the Central Executive Committee Meeting of AIGETOA CHQ is hereby notified to be held on dated 6th March 2025 at New Delhi. The agenda and schedule of the meeting is as follows:

Click here for Notification

Agenda of the Meeting:

1] Deliberation and discussion on various HR issues and adoption of the resolutions.

2] Deliberation & discussion on various organizational issues & adoption of the resolutions.

3] Formation of various nominated committees and teams for smooth working and execution of various organizational activities.

4] Discussion on any other item with the permission of Chair.

Venue and Schedule of the Meeting:

6th March 2025 from 1:30 pm at AIGETOA CHQ Office, Room no. 32, IR Hall BSNL CO, New Delhi. Provision shall be made for joining the meeting through online mode also.