The discussions and efforts are paving the way for much awaited promotions into AGM cadre. AIGETOA team comprising of Dy. GS Sh Pavan Akhand and Chairman Sh Ravisheel Verma and AGS Shri Sunil Gautam had marathon discussions and meetings in the last week to clear the stalemate with regard to promotion as well as Seniority issue.

The team (Dy. GS Sh Pavan Akhand and Chairman Sh Ravisheel Verma) met CMD BSNL, Director HR and GM (Pers) yesterday and requested to way forward nod for the promotions. The meeting ended on positive note and CMD BSNL was kind enough to issue firm Directions down the line. We also requested CMD BSNL for initiating the process for the next lot of promotions without any further delay. We also apprised CMD BSNL that with new MS RR, BSNL has finally recognised the need for pushing the deserving ones further up in the career but we highlghted that certain things have been missed out which are needed to incorporated to ensure that a firm and rugged system is in place with equal opportunity to all the deserving ones. CMD BSNL assured that while management has tried it’s best to ensure a merit oriented path for Executives but they are open to further suggestions and all genuine inputs shall be considered. We sought a detailed meeting under the chairmanship of CMD BSNL to present our views. Our AIGETOA Team is studying the MSRR draft and shall be presenting it’s views after haiving a detailed study and inputs from all concerned.

We sincerely hope that the aspirations of senior executives and junior executives who are placed in various cadres and streams will be satisfactorily cleared. Further with regard to ongoing AGM promotions also, we are firm on our path to ensure Promotions for all within the shortest possible time and CMD BSNL has also assured us that once the process takes a start, he is open to discussion on next course of promotions,

We also highlighted that while the thrust of MSRR is on IPMS, the same is not being implemented in a scientific manner and instead targets which are assigned to the executives are unreasonable and practically unachievable most of the time. CMD BSNL recognised our concern and told that he also agrees that IPMS should be a firm and rugged system with reasonable and practical targets and assured that they shall be taking firm actions to ensure the much needed reforms in the system which includes hiring a consultancy firm also.

Later Dy. GS & AIC held discussions with CGM (NTR) PGM(SR), PGM (Est), GM (Pers) and held brief discussions with regard to draft of MS RRs. We told that though many inputs are covered but still certain things have been left out which are needed to be taken care of while amending the RRs. Committee Members asked us to provide our inputs. We told that we shall be reverting after having a detailed study. It is further understood from the discussions that there are some inadvertent errors with respect to the eligibility criteria are there in the draft which will be rectified while finalizing the RRs. We are very sure management will listen to our genuine apprehensions and will take necessary steps to accommodate the same.

Friends, slowly and steadily we are moving forward towards the change which we wanted to introduce in the system. We are aware that many things are still there to be taken care of but with our firm and United approach, we will be able to ensure that all lacuna is plugged off and finally we will succeed in creating a win win situation for all.

Need is to have firm faith and patience.

Together We Can. Together We Have. Together We will.

Team AIGETOA lead by Shri Pavan Akhand Deputy GS, Shri Ravi Shil Verma All India Chairman, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS held a meeting with Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar on dated 09.11.2022. Shri S N Gupta, GM (Pers) was also present in the meeting. The following points were discussed in the meeting:

Staff Merger of MTNL issue :

It was categorically informed that any degradation in pay scale will not be accepted by AIGETOA at all and now it’s high time that management should pursue with DoT for clearance of E2 Pay scales for JTO/JAO/Equivalent and E3 Pay scales for SDE/AO/Equivalent. Staff Merger with MTNL cannot happen without addressing this issue and that too in positive manner. Added to pay scale issue, other issues are also there like determination of Inter-Se-Seniority post-merger of staff with BSNL etc. We requested to direct the committee for immediately start the discussion with recognised association of BSNL. Director HR appreciated our concern and told that he will direct the committee members to hold the discussion with AIGETOA.

Initiating the Committee discussions with AIGETOA w.r.t 22820 issue:

We requested Director HR to direct the committee for 22820/- to initiate discussion with AIGETOA which is badly delayed. Director HR assured that he will direct the PGM (Estt) for necessary action on the same.

AGM Promotions for List-8 in Telecom Cadre:

It was informed to Director HR that management has already executed AGM promotions in Electrical Stream and its high time that promotions in AGM cadre for telecom stream should also be executed for List-8 which is litigation free as on date. GM Pers cited legal issues on which we contradicted that there is no such legal hurdle for List-8 and it is only management’s reluctance to take firm decision which is stopping the whole process. We told instead of waiting any further, immediate action should be taken for executing promotions for Telecom wing immediately for these executives who are waiting since 14-20 years for their promotion. Director (HR) assured that he will explore all the possible options to execute the long pending AGM promotions and told us that his priority is to ensure these long pending promotions and he is very hopeful that management will be able to issue the orders in coming days without much delay.

Revising the Seniority List-9 to List-12 based on Rota and Quota as per Directions of Kolkata CAT:

We informed Director (HR) that the DoPT order 13.08.2021 which clearly stipulates that the Rota and Quota are to be executed for all the promotions held between 27.11.2012 to 18.11.2019. We told that lists covering promotions in SDE Telecom cadre held after November 2008 were never under dispute or under litigation and that there was no direction from any court on manner or formulation of seniority for candidates belonging to these lists. We made it very clear that only formula which exists as on date today for fixation of seniority for candidates belonging to List 9 and onwards is Rota and Quota based upon the directions of DoP&T, DoT, Ministry of Legal Affairs and Hon’ble CAT Kolkata Judgment which has upheld the applicability of DoP&T guidelines in case of candidates belonging to the list 9 and onwards.

SDE reversal issue for LDCE 2007 batch:

It was categorically informed that this issue has been pending since very long and management should settle it now as one time measure. Director (HR) assured for an early and expeditious settlement of the issue.

SDE RR amendment notification:

It was informed by Director (HR) that DoT has raised some issues in amendment related to stagnation criteria which is causing some delay. After the meeting of Director HR, AIGETOA Team immediately met Member (Services) and explained him about all the nitti-gritties related to SDE RR amendment proposal.

Discussion on amendment of MS RRs:

We expressed our serious concern on non-finalisation of revised MS RR containing the provisions of Fast Track Promotions, Scrapping of MT and DR DGM RRs, and Introduction of Stagnation Criteria for promotion to AGM grade. We told that it was unfortunate that despite repeated missing of deadline for discussions, management has yet not initiated the discussion with recognised association despite the fact that 2-3 meetings of the committee have already been held. Director HR assured that he will direct committee members to start discussion with association immediately. We expect that discussions shall be initiated very soon. After the meeting with Director (HR), Team went to meet Shri R.K. Goyal, the senior most committee member and apprised him of our concerns. He also assured that discussion with association shall be initiated soon. He also informed that DOT has raised some objection on Stagnation Criteria for SDE RR amendment.

AO to CAO promotions:

We informed Director (HR) that the pending litigation in CAO promotions can be settled with discussion amongst the applicants and management and management should not miss this opportunity for settling the dispute and executing the AO to CAO promotions immediately. We also requested for completing the preparatory exercise immediately for them.

Issuance of Hard Tenure Declaration for Uttarakhand and Soft Tenure for Few SSAs of Karnataka:

We informed Director HR that despite many a times discussion on the issue, instructions have not been issued for the same. It was assured that orders in this regard shall be issued very soon and directed GM (Pers) to ensure the issuance without any further delay.

Processing of OTP cases:

We said there was inordinate delay in processing of the cases and requested GM (Pers) to issue the same without any further delay. We requested for issuance of pending request of CHQ OBs also. Director HR and GM (Pers) assured for an expeditious action in this regard.

Holding of Agenda Meeting with AIGETOA:

We requested for allocating the time slot for holding the formal agenda meeting of management with AIGETOA. Director HR told us to submit the agenda points and assured us that he will direct PGM (SR) for holding the agenda meeting in this month itself.

Few issues could not be taken up due to paucity of time and we shall be meeting Director HR again to discuss them.

Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has delivered the verdict on EPF Pension case after hearing the applicants and the review petitions filed by EPFO & GOI challenging the Hon HC verdicts from Kerala, Rajasthan, Delhi etc. As already aware team AIGETOA is closely involved in EPFO Full Pension Case for entire BSNL Recruited Employees, who are willing to opt the scheme. AIGETOA Kerala Team had already won the case of EPF Full Pension Scheme against EPFO in Hon’ble High Court of Kerala on 25th Feb, 2019 in WP(C) No 39855/2017, 41071/17 & 3001/18 in line with WP(C) 13120/2015 judgement and other cases won by different applicants in the Hon’ble HC, Kerala. The order of Full Pension Scheme pronounced by the Hon’ble HC Kerala was challenged by EPFO through Special Leave Petition (Civil) in the Hon’ble SC vide Diary No 9610/2019. This SLP of the EPFO was dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 01.04.2019. After dismissal of the SLP, the EPFO moved Review Petitions in the Hon’ble Supreme Court, which was pending before the Hon’ble Apex Court. Due to the collective efforts of various applicants and their counsels spread across the country the cases were heard in detail which supported EPF members rights and the judgment is delivered.

Now by utilising the powers exercised in Article-142 of the constitution, Hon Supreme Court has extended the cut off date for allowing the existing members of EPS scheme for the eligibility for Full pension. It is learnt that with this judgment, the Cut off date imposed in EPFO amendment in 2014 is not acceptable and the member can opt for the pension scheme without such cut-off date. The members of EPS scheme who were eligible right through 11(3) option who desire to get the full pension will have the continued right to do so by exercising the option as mentioned in 11(4). The time to exercise option extended for a further period of Four months. Hon’ble SC also observed that the additional contribution (1.16%) as envisaged in 2014 scheme, on the salary exceeding the limit (Rs 15000/- now) to be ultra vires (this portion suspended for six months to enable EPFO to make adjustments/provisions by EPFO). At the same time the basis of calculation for pensionable salary (60 months average) is not altered.

AIGETOA has always been in forefront of pursuing for the cause of executives. It was AIGETOA which made BSNL realize their mistakes and pursued for correction in the system. AIGETOA and it’s team fought for streamlining the system and forced BSNL to not to recover penalties from employees. All may recall that with continued persuasion from AIGETOA during 2016-2017 , BSNL Corporate office had issued letter vide Letter no NO: 500-85/CA II/BSNL/EPF/2013/Vol VI Dated 30.03.2017 for collection of options from the employee who desired to opt for full pension . Further since the matter was placed before Hon Court , the same was pending. AIGETOA team filed a separate case to get the relief as the case by NCOA was for exempted which had their own trust like NTPC etc. which had potential to rejected also and would have jeopardized the case of BSNL employees which was a non exempted organization where accounts are being maintained by EPFO directly. Our Team won the case at High Court Kerala.

Now AIGETOA will once again reach out to respected CMD BSNL, Dir (HR) and concerned section, to re-start the proceedings afresh and take necessary measures for final submission of all joint forms to respective EPFOs in order to give the relief to all BSNL recruits who desire to get the social security through the enhanced pension in line with the verdict of Hon’ble Apex Court today. Further all employees falling under EPF scheme are advised to ascertain from respective BSNL offices that their date of joining in the service remains updated in the EPF ledger as due to transfers of account from one place to another, discrepancies may occur.

A detailed discussion on the matter of E2-E3 was held with the Hon’ble Member (Finance). Team AIGETOA at Karnataka Circle has submitted various inputs and justifications with respect to the proposal of E2 scales for JTO/JAO/Equivalent and E3 scales for SDE/AO/Equivalent to Member (Finance) and seeks his help to settle the long matter, which is to be approved by the DOT.

Member (Finance) has listened to the AIGETOA viewpoint very carefully & assured the AIGETOA team to help in the resolution of the matter.

The Team AIGETOA was led by Shri Kunal Kumar, ACS Karnataka who is also a member of the AIGETOA Pay Scale committee.

Click here for Memorandum Submitted

Click here for Glimpses of Meeting

The case filed on revoking the freezing of IDA of dated 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 and 01.04.2021 vide DPE Order dated 19.11.2020 at Hon’ble High Court, Guwahati will come up for hearing today. AIGETOA is intervener in the case filed by NCOA at Hon’ble High Court Guwahati. Although DPE has submitted that the increase has been subsumed in the increased IDA Rate of 170.5% w.e.f 01.07.2021 from the previous freezed rate of 150.9% standing on 01.07.2020. The association is pressing that the lost IDA of the intervening period is a permanent loss and hence the DPE order dated 19.11.2020 should be revoked to revise the IDA of slated period as the situation has improved considerably after Covid and Hon’ble High Court Ernakulam has also directed BSNL to extend the benefits of Dearness Allowance Revision to the Non Executives of BSNL.

The case at Guwahati is listed for today.

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Badri Kumar Mehta, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh and Shri Wasi Ahmad met senior officers in DoT i.e. Dr Mahesh Shukla Member Services, Shri S K Verma JS Admin, Smt. Roshni Madam DDG Estab, Shri Raiti Madava Rao Director PSU and held discussion in continuity of our earlier submission on E2-E3 Scale and discussed about the status of our representation on E2-E3 scale, which is to be approved by the DoT.

Click here for the letter

We taken up the matter of our representation with supporting documents on standard scale E2-E3, which was submitted on 23rd Sep’2022. It was apprised to us that the representation given by us has been processed as per request of the association to re-examine the case for approval of E2-E3 scale meant for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO Equivalent grades in BSNL. It is important to note that with the consistent and aggressive follow up meeting of AIGETOA on the matter of E2-E3 Scale in DoT has resulted in reopening of the case. The case has been reopened after a gap of almost 4-5 years by the DoT and it is going to be vital in coming days towards the permanent settlement of E2-E3 case for BSNL Executives. The file related to standard Pay Scale is currently with establishment Section in the DoT.

In the meeting with Member Services and JS Admin, we appraised the merit of the case once again and replied the queries raised to us. Both the senior officers have assured to examine the issue positively and see the best possibilities in the matter. Earlier we met the Director PSU and DDG Estab also on the matter and spoken in detail on the issue. Here onwards a regular follow up meeting will be held in the DoT towards every movement on the subject matter till final approval of E2-E3 scale is not accorded by the DoT to BSNL.

Later the Team AIGETOA met with DDG Estab and enquired about the SDE RR concurrence by the DoT as assured to us in last visit. She told that the file is with the section and it is being examined and very soon, the necessary consent will be sent to the BSNL after approval from the competent authority in the DoT.

We are highly thankful to the Member Services, JS Admin and Director PSU for accepting our request to reopen the case, an important step towards approval of E2-E3 Scale for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO in BSNL. Team AIGETOA extended Deepawali Greetings to all senior officers.

Click here for snaps

Earlier, Team AIGETOA also met to PS to the Hon’ble MOC, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji for seeking meeting with the Hon’ble Minister in continuity of our previous meeting held on 29.07.2022. He was kind enough to discuss the matter and assured to appraise the request to the Hon’ble Minister and meeting will be schedule soon at his convenience.

Today the Pay Loss case of 22820/- filed by AIGETOA OBs was listed at serial number 79 for hearing in Court No-2 at PCAT New Delhi.

Our Counsel mentioned the case in the morning itself for the argument before the Hon’ble Judge. The Hon’ble Judge asked the reason for urgent hearing on the matter. The Counsel explained in detail about the pay loss matter lingering since long time causing immense loss and also apprised the Court about the MA in the matter by applicant in the month of Oct 21, which has not been taken up for arguments so far due to no regular hearing on the matter. After listening the arguments of our counsel, the Hon’ble judge didn’t agreed to listen today but agreed for granting the short date of 27th Oct 2022 for the hearing, which was agreed by the BSNL Counsel also. So, we expect that argument on merit may start on next date on pay loss matter.

E2-E3 Matter at the DoT:

Team AIGETOA is in regular follow up at DoT and one another letter was sought to move on the matter and same was submitted by the association in DoT. Team AIGETOA will be meeting officials of the DoT by tomorrow in the follow up for reopening the matter pertains to approval of E2-E3 Scale by the DoT.

Hearing in the E2-E3 Case at Chandigarh is also scheduled in next week.

We are regularly following up the standard pay scale and pay loss case simultaneously at department as well as legal fronts and expect some breakthrough in both the matters.

As per the AIGETOA Meeting held with Director (HR) on 30.09.2022 and subsequent meetings in DoT and BSNL at various levels upto 07.10.2022, following is the current status of the issues:

AGM Promotion:

The AGM Promotion has been withheld due to stay by the Kolkata CAT granted on 13.09.2022. Although the earlier stay by the Jabalpur bench on 29.08.2022 has been vacated but the new stay by Kolkata is not allowing the promotion to happen. Some direction for clearing only list-8 was obtained by few executives from Kolkata bench but this is not accepted by the management citing the previous order and reservation issue. Meeting upto CMD level happened along with Dir HR/CLO but the deadlock is continuing. The efforts are continuing to break the deadlock of promotion.

Seniority Issue:

Association has taken a firm stand to revise the SDE Seniority List 9-13 in line with the direction of the Kolkata CAT dated 13.09.2022 as per DoPT OM dated 13.08.2021. Detailed arguments happened in this regard on 30.09.2022 and subsequently also but still some adamancy is being shown by the management. The direction of the Hon’ble court is clear and association pursuance is continuing in this direction. Further, association has firmly intimated the management that MT will not be allowed and association will take all necessary steps to check it.

AO to CAO Promotion:

The matter has been discussed with the Dir HR and requested to initiate the process as 1st Jan is reaching close. Dir HR has agreed with it and direction in this regard has been given to start the preparatory exercise for AO to CAO Promotion.

SDE RR Notification and left out JTO Promotion:

The matter has been taken up by the association as well as by Dir HR with Secretary DoT and it is expected that DoT will send its clearance by this week and then SDE RR will be notified. Once the RR is notified, all efforts will be taken to release the promotion of left out 2K8 JTOs within a fortnight.

E2-E3 Scale:

The case has been taken up with Member Services and other officers and multiple meetings has been held in this regard to reopen the case at DoT. All requisite letter and documentations have been shared to the DoT and some ray of hope has been generated. Although CMD BSNL is not enthusiastic on the issue but we are using the route of the DoT for the settlement of the case. Further details can’t be shared in view of premature stage.

Pay Loss issue of 22820:

One meeting with GS, FS and AGS2 has been held with PGM Establishment in this regard on 07.10.2022 as per direction of the Dir HR. The meeting lasted for one and half hours and various important points have been deliberated with arguments/counter arguments. In the meeting some acceptance for the loss has been echoed by the PGM Estab but it is not in totality and delay factor has also been raised. It has been agreed that the association will further raise the points formally with the committee formed for the purpose. The details will be updated to the Director HR also.

MS RR Draft:

It has intimated that initial discussion has been done within the management and association may be called in 3rd week of October to initiate the discussion before framing the draft of the MS RR. This includes fast track mechanism in AGM/DGM grades.

Restructuring in view of BBNL:

Association has taken up the matter with the Dir HR/PGM Restg and it has been told that care will be taken to incorporate the points raised by the association for the review of restructuring. Some submission has already been made in the meeting which was acknowledged by Dir HR also.

SDE Reversal Issue:

Meeting of the association will be arranged with new committee formed for the purpose. In the deliberation it was told by the management to settle the case by keeping these SDEs in 2006-07 which was out rightly rejected by the association and firmly told to not change the position from 2005-06 at any cost.

GTI/DRF Implementation:

A direction has been given by the CMD/Dir HR to the PGM Estab to work out the provision to extend the insurance coverage (about 20 Lakh) to BSNL Employees by the department by paying through GSLIS Scheme. Estab Cell is working on this issue.

Hard Tenure and Soft Tenure:

Uttarakhand demand for conversion of Hard Tenure and Karnataka soft tenure has been accepted by the Dir HR and Pers Cell has been asked to work out the modalities to place the proposal in management committee.

Hard Tenure Circle Exemption for long stay:

The matter has been discussed and in principle it has been agreed that executive of hard tenure stations should be protected through some mechanism to save from the longest transfer or benefits should be extended. Pers Cell has been asked to work over it.

GATE JTO Transfer from hard tenure Circle:

It has been discussed and idea has been accepted by Dir HR but it will be further deliberated within the management before decision.

Allotment of Quarter to the association at Delhi:

The policy for quarter allotment has been withheld on account of ongoing election of the non executive, which is going to over by 14th Oct’2022. Hence it will be released after 14th and thereafter the allotment will be made.

Sabbatical Leave:

Management has agreed to start giving the Sabbatical Leave to its employees as demanded by the association and policy in this regard will be framed and notified soon.

IMPS and Online Attendance System:

The matter has been raised by the association strictly citing various issues and limitation in the field units and this will become a tool for harassment. It was reverted to us that it’s a new practice and sufficient time will be given to get acquaintance with IPMS system. All necessary supports will be provided in the field in coming six months to equip the officers to work smoothly and no vindictive action will be allowed. As far as the online attendance limitations are raised, they will be looked into and addressed.

Retention Cases of OBs:

The retention cases taken by the association for OBs transferred during JTO to SDE Promotion has been accepted and issued comprising of Punjab, Rajasthan, ALTTC and Telangana.

Today, meeting with DDG PSU and DDG Establishment concluded today on standard pay scale E2-E3 and SDE RR clearance. The meeting was attended by Shri Veerabhadra Rao AIP, Shri Wasi Ahmad General Secretary, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh AGS, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS.

The details will be updated soon…..

The Annual General Meeting of AIGETOA conducted in a grand manner at Hotel Grand Shobha, New Delhi from 24.09.2022 to 25.09.2022. Around 125 delegates from different parts of India participated in the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The day one was inaugurated by All India President Sh Veerbhadra Rao & GS Sh Wasi Ahmad by lighting the Lamp, hosting of AIGETOA flag followed by opening Prayer “Itni Shakti ham-e-dena data”.

The Meeting was presided over by the All India Chairman Sh Ravi Shil Verma, All India President CHQ Sh Veerbhadra Rao and all mandatory provisions of the association for the financial year 2021-22 were taken up for discussion and approval of the House. After detailed discussion, Annual Working Report, and Financial Report of the financial year 2021-22 of the association was passed by the house unanimously.

Details will be uploaded soon.

Click here for the glimpses of AGM