AIGETOA Central Governing Council meeting was held on 29th Nov 2020 in the chairmanship of All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma. GS AIGETOA Shri Md Wasi Ahmad, Chairman Shri Laxman Banoth and all most all the CHQ officer bearers were participated in the meeting.

The emergency CHQ meeting started with the address of All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma, where AIP AIGETOA updated about the ongoing JTO to SDE DPC process and intimated that, management has again failed to keep their final time line of November last week also to complete the DPC process and issuance of JTO to SDE Promotion order.   It was apprised that number of Vacancies are not an issue for JTO to SDE promotion. Only thing which is to be decided now is that how the vacancy positions are to be treated.  Discussion on these issues along with submission of our view has already been done and the association view point has already been informed to Director HR and CMD BSNL. CMD BSNL has assured to hold the meeting with his HR team to decide on this issue in this week. Association is consistently following on the issue.

All India President also informed the house that DPC process is in advance stage and preparatory work on DPC is almost complete. Now a final go ahead is needed for the long awaited JTO to SDE promotion order.  He said that though personnel section is very actively doing their work on this issue but still time lines after time lines is failing and even the last time line given by management has also failed. He also informed that, there are many issues, which also needs to be settled in time bound manner. He emphasized that, though intent of management appears to be positive but at the same time, it is also a fact that HR issues are not getting the priority which they should get and now it’s high time that association should think about the next course of action. He categorically informed to CHQ officer bearers that, it is the high time to think and act immediately. 

He categorically informed to CHQ officer bearers that, it is the high time to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the post and extend their 100% active participation to protect the interest of executives as well as organization else association will be constrained to act accordingly against them. No body should take his/her posts for granted. He also requested CHQ OBs to start energising Circles OBs to motivate the members for long a long and sustained struggled in case of need.

AIP also informed that, apart from long pending HR issues, as the only recognised representative executive association, it is our responsibility to look at service related issues of our beloved company and take them to broader platforms. He emphasised that immediate need for BSNL is to roll out 4G services across India and role of AIGETOA for ensuring this roll out of 4G services is very crucial and same should happen in coordination with other major stake holders for the survival of BSN. Finally AIP emphasised that in the quest for an amicable solution, enough time has been given to management from association side and every time management has failed to keep their commitments and the final dead line of 30th Nov 2020 set by management is also over now. It’s time to go ahead with deciding the future course of action without waiting any further in the best interest of the executives.

GS AIGETOA, Shri Wasi Ahmad was also in the same view as that of All India president. He pointed out that, considering present prevailing condition of Covid-19 in the country, whatever possible way to start organizational action, AIGETOA will move ahead with that to highlight the serious resentment prevailing in the executives due to continuous denial of their due rights by the BSNL Management. He further appraised that even after passage of ten months of VRS implementation in BSNL, the management has failed to show any clear path of career progression to its existing executives and resolution of various long pending issues. Instead, the available possibilities to seek growth outside organisation are also choked by issuing unfair orders e.g. the last one is issuing ban of further two years for BSNL executives going to other departments on deputation. The HR Team is in passive mode and not showing any sign that how to get the acts together to take along all the executives by ensuring their career prospects and resolving HR related issues to motivate them for showing splendid performance to carry on the organization even after shedding of 50% of employees under VRS and onslaught of Covid-19 Pandemic. 

further said that it is extremely unfortunate that even some simple issues which were part of discussion in the agenda meeting on 15.09.2020 have not shown any progress after lapse of 2.5 months of the meeting, e.g. formation of Committee for Pay Loss issues, reminder to the DoT for standard Pay Scale of E2 and E3 for JT/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent grade, adding of clear direction in BSNL MRS for post retirement medical benefits to BSNL Recruited Employees, Settlement of Rule-9 cases, Operationalisation of online portal for Rule-8 and other request transfer process in BSNL, Review of Bond Period and Bond Amount as per industry standard for newly recruited JTOs/JAOs.   

While all verticals of the company is working in various possible ways to ensure growth of the business in post VRS era, HR vertical is completely lagging behind to capitalize existing human resource and ensuring their career prospects, various rightful dues and settlement of long pending HR issues in all these periods. It’s a fact that most of the cadres are facing acute shortage of officers and somehow they are being managed through local look after arrangements . Management has not shown any vision and action to resolve the issue and promote people on next level i.e. AGM, CAO, DGM(T), DGM(F) etc. Even the easiest one of JTO to SDE(T) is hanging in balance since last 4-5 months on the name of WIP. To our further dismay, when we see the letter of DoT that BSNL is seeking people on deputation basis for the post of IFA in 17 Circles, it raises serious questions on the part of management as well as those earlier formal representatives of the executives in these periods that even after Twenty Years of its existence, BSNL has to seek outside people in Telecom and Finance stream on deputation basis to run the organisation despite availability of sufficient internal qualified talents. GS-AIGETOA once again appeals the management to learn from past and start recognising the internal talent and give them sufficient opportunity to excel and groom them to cater requirements of the organisation at higher level else it is going to be a real tough time for the company in the coming days.

He also stressed that, it is also our responsibility to look at service related issues of our beloved company BSNL and updated the house about activities performed by AIGETOA during his stay at New Delhi for the roll out of 4G services in BSNL and other service related issues. He also appraised that if required AIGETOA will take all stake holders into confidence to start organizational action plan against DoT/Government for the early roll out of 4G services in BSNL, without which it is not possible for BSNL to survive in the Telecom domain. In this direction, AIGETOA is already working with a series of meetings and further movement will be made.

Chairman Shri B Laxman suggested to conduct regular CHQ meeting to update about status of HR issues  the CHQ office bearer and Circle officer bearers. He requested GS to meet MoC for the 4G services and write to Hon’ble Prime Minister for immediate roll out of 4G services in BSNL. He also asked the AIP/GS to take up the matter of pending temporary advance of the executives and is clearance which is running in Lakh of rupees of many executives. The association will take up the matter with competent authority for clearance of all pending dues spent by our executive fraternities for the maintenance of the system. 

All CHQ OBs bearers unanimously agreed that the resentment and frustration in the executives due to inordinate delay in resolving HR issues is at its peak and now association should not wait any further and supported the call for organizational action and assured 100% cooperation for successful launching of organizational action plan against management’s attitude towards settlement of HR issues. 

The summarized decision arrived in the Central Governing Council Meeting are as follows:

1. AIGETOA will write to CMD BSNL regarding unrest amongst the executives due to non settlement of long pending HR issues with an intimation that AIGETOA will start its Organizational action plan if things are not settled in time bound manner as assured by the management. 
2. As a symbolic protest to start with AIGETOA will start its movement with wearing black badges and signature campaigning and sending mass representation to CMD and DIR (HR) BSNL from next week i.e. the week starting 7th December 2020.
3. The Annual General Meet has been decided to be held on December 12th and 13th 2020 through online mode to transact important business of the association as well as to finalize harder organization action programs to resolve outstanding issues. It is decided to chalk out the next course on the organisation action programs in the AGM with inputs and concurrence of all Collegiums members. 
4. The meetings of Central Governing Council Members shall be held regularly on weekly basis to discuss and deliberate on the progress of various matters and future strategies.
5. It was also decided that any CHQ office bearer or any Circle/District Body member not executing their responsibility dedicatedly shall be dealt accordingly and decision on such CHQ representatives and Circle bodies will also be taken in the next AGM. 
6. AIGETOA will take all stake holders into confidence and will start organization action plan for the roll out of 4G services in BSNL exclusively. 

The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by AGS D K Sahoo. 

Thereafter another meeting of AIP Shri Ravi Shil Verma and Dy GS Shri Deepak Sahu was held with AIGETOA OBs mostly belonging to the sufferer group of JTO to SDE DPC on Monday 30th November 2020. AIP apprised them about the developments so far, the roadblocks due to which delay is taking place and the future course of action finalized in the CHQ meeting. All the OBs present in the interactive session supported the action plan finalized by AIGETOA CHQ and assured their full support to the program. The meeting ended with Vote of Thanks by Shri Hari Shankar Tiwari.

Further, it can been from nasty update of the proclaimed corners that they are still trying to instigate the executives as well as confuse management by showing one or other hurdles, some times they spell out number of vacancies, some time they say restructuring, sometimes they say reservation. Perhaps they are still not satisfied even after ruining the careers of BSNL executives for the last twenty years and are still trying to continue the same practice. AIGETOA once again request one and all executives to not to pay any attention on such troublemakers as we are dedicated to remove all obstacles. 

Friends, AIGETOA is totally committed for the resolution of all the issues as promised by us in our vision document. The inertia of the system, the prevailing Covid-19 situation, uncertainty over issues like 4G and somewhat lack of focus by management on HR issues are the main reasons for the delay. Since the final timeline has also passed, association has decided to start the organization action programs for settlement of our long pending demands. We seek your support in the endeavors of AIGETOA to ensure the very basic rights of executives.

It has been decided to hold an Emergency Meeting of AIGETOA Central Governing Council Members on 29.11.2020 (Sunday) though online video conference mode. All Members of Central Governing Council of the Association are requested to attend the meeting positively as per schedules (intimated). The details of the meeting shall be shared individually .

GS AIGETOA writes to Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad Ji, Hon’ble Minister of Communication, Govt of India with a copy to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and senior functionaries of the government for consideration of our request for protecting the long term sustainability of BSNL by allowing it to upgrade its network for the launch of 4G Services through existing Proven Technologies and at the same time process for development of indigenous 4G/5G technology should also be undertaken in parallel.

We have mentioned that while we welcome the idea of current initiative of Government of India to develop indigenous technologies as part of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” in Telecom Field also but at the same BSNL should be protected from getting obsolete and redundant due to absence of full-fledged 4G services for a very long period of time in the cut-throat competitive era. We have highlighted that there is no company in India at present, which can provide Made in India core for 4G Technology. This whole technology needs to be developed indigenously and is definitely going to take minimum 1-2 years to ensure a firm and rugged technology in place and another few years after full-fledged rollout to ensure its efficacy and proven-ness in a go-live environment. Till that time, BSNL 4G services cannot be allowed to be affected by virtue of this experiment as it has the potential to ruin the business prospects of the company in totality and will affect the livelihood of around 65000 employees working in BSNL. Accordingly  AIGETOA has requested to allow BSNL to upgrade/expand the network for 4G services through existing proven technologies and as an interim measure 50,000 odd BTSs may be allowed to be upgraded through the add on orders which will enable BSNL to rollout 4G services within minimum possible time.

At the same time, AIGETOA understands and also supports the significance of ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT in the Telecom field which has an important strategic advantage not only for taking Indian Technologies to the next generation but also is critical for the security of our mother nation. Accordingly, we have suggested that instead of holding the full fledged roll out of 4G Services for the want of indigenous technology, BSNL may be allowed to upgrade the infra through existing available and proven technologies and at the same time, a parallel exercise to develop the indigenous 4G/5G core by reserving some locations and allocating a separate spectrum for testing should be done. Once the technology is in place and its efficacy and proven-nessis ascertained, all the operators should be asked to migrate to the indigenous technology as mandatory condition to rollout 5G services. Since the development of this technology will be in the best interests of the country and will create a new chapter in the Indian Telecom era, Government of India should bear the expenditure for rolling out this Project along with expenses for AMC for five years. Association has also requested for ensuring monetary compensation to BSNL for the delay in roll out of 4G services because of all these issues. Association has further requested that all the Central and State Government Departments, Institutions and PSUs should be asked to mandatorily utilize BSNL mobile services also in line with the recent directive to use BSNL/MTNL lease line/landline/broadband to add revenue potential of BSNL. As doing away with 2G services will be next to impossible for BSNL for next few years and also the fact that these services are still required for many Indian citizens, especially for those below poverty line, AIGETOA has requested for extending the 2G spectrum allotment for next few years and also that the new developed core should not be a 4G only model but should support 2G/3G/4G technologies on the same core. Running two parallel networks for 2G/3G will not only be economically unviable but also will degrade the quality of service also. 

Association has also requested that as BSNL has been totally engaged in carrying forward the telecom vision of government and also Atma Nirbhar Bharat Showcase Model for the Nation, BSNL should be exempted from profitability clause and the company and its employees should be compensated irrespective of Profit/Loss theory and the employees should get all the benefits of employees of BSNL at par with other Grade-A CPSE including that of extending Standard Pay Scales, Superannuation Benefits, Career Progression and other benefits. We have also requested that BSNL should be exempted from the profitability clause and the 3^rd PRC should be implemented in BSNL without linking it to the profitability of the company and the additional fund on these counts should be borne out by the Government of India.

Friends, changing the thought process of government are herculean task and we all need to remain united. Association has decided to start a social media campaign also for the same so that government can ensure the long term survival of BSNL by considering the request of its employees.

Click here for letter

AIGETOA has extended it support to the Lunch Hour Protest call given by NFTE and AUAB on 24.11.2020 and 25.11.2020 respectively in the larger interest of the employees. All members are requested to support the call.

Earlier, AIGETOA tried to build consensus to have a common call by all the major associations and unions working in BSNL to lodge our strong and unified protest against the DPE Order of freezing the Dearness Allowance of CPSEs Employees. But the same couldn’t be achieved as different platforms issued letter for symbolic protest of lunch hour separately. But AIGETOA will continue its efforts to bring all stake holders under umbrella to fight against this anti employee order of DPE in real sense instead of gimmick.

Click here for our letter

Team AIGETOA comprising of AIP, Shri Ravi Shil Verma and GS, Shri Wasi Ahmad met CMD BSNL on 20.11.2020 in his chamber and held detailed deliberation on various issues including 4G roll out and pending promotions.

4G Rollout by BSNL: We apprised CMD BSNL about our discussions in the DoT with various officers including that of the brief meeting with Hon’ble Secretary (Telecom). We told CMD BSNL that it seems that Government is sticking to its decision for involving only domestic players in the 4G core technology through BSNL rout to promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme. But it’s also a fact that no domestic vendors have the proven 4G Technology to meet out the customer’s requirement of the service. The proposed methodology of DoT Committee for rollout of 4G Services in BSNL through introduction of SI, PoC testing, tender bidding by local vendors, commercial production and supply of equipment and rollout of the project by successful local bidder has lots of uncertainty. This will not only consume time but also a question mark about sustainability duration of the service. If the whole exercise got failed then BSNL will again back to square for loosing such precious time, which is crucial in the industry. So, the dependency of BSNL on such new local entrants to roll out its 4G service will posed a serious question on the viability of BSNL for which whole exercise of BSNL Revival Program was approved by the Union Cabinet last year. It seems government is forcing its decisions on BSNL without considering its technical and financial viability in its extreme desire for Atma Nirbhar Bahart Scheme and thereafter the employees will be held responsible if the decision will backfire. Although our BSNL Board under the esteemed leadership of CMD is putting all facts and figure in front of decision making authorities to protect the interest of BSNL but our responsibility as association gets multiplied to ensure that any adverse decision on BSNL should not be forced and AIGETOA is committed for it.

We also lodged our strong apprehension to the CMD on this non proven technology implementation in BSNL and its consequence on the viability of the organisation. We have seen how the employees were targeted for the downfall in the revenue of the BSNL, whereas it is a proven fact that wrong policy decisions were the main culprit behind the present state of BSNL. We requested CMD BSNL for seeking compensation for the losses of BSNL which is occurring because of the delay in rollout of 4G services as well as demand full project cost to implement non proven technology to carry forward the Atma Nirbhar Bharat theme of the government else otherwise BSNL should be allowed to procure the industry standard equipment for the 4G roll out in BSNL with open tender, where state of art equipment can be procured to roll out the service and maintained for long duration to recover the investment as well as earn profits by allowing all vendors including MNCs in the process. We also apprised CMD BSNL that AIGETOA has also taken up the issue of not allowing BSNL to upgrade the network with add on orders and requested him raise the issue once again.

Further, if government is so determined for local 4G Core deployment in BSNL then it should also come forward to bear the cost of employees related remuneration from government exchequer and immediately implement all benefits irrespective of profit/loss theory including 3rd PRC, Standard Pay Scale, Full Superannuation Benefits, LTC restoration, Medical and Insurance Care, Perk and allowances to all the employees. AIGETOA has decided to take up this issue of delay in rollout of 4G services to highest echelons and is prepared to start organisational action against such detrimental activities for stopping BSNL growth. We also requested CMD BSNL for ensuring the proper maintenance funds to ensure smooth functioning of the services.

HR Related Issues: We also discussed the Promotions issue with CMD BSNL. We apprised him that almost all the preparatory activities for the JTO to SDE DPC is complete and now decision needs to be taken with respect to treatment of vacancies. We told CMD BSNL that now the go ahead is urgently required for the DPC Process. We apprised that the process is going on smoothly under direction of the Director (HR) and the association is cooperating to maximum possible extent to get the order issued in current month. We further apprised CMD BSNL about the problems associated with promotions in other cadres like SDE to DE, AO to CAO, CAO to DGM and DE to DGM Promotions. We requested for an immediate intervention and action from his side to settle this impasse and ensure resolution of these issues. The CMD BSNL assured that he will be having detailed discussions next week. CMD BSNL told that he is currently totally involved in the 4G related and other viability related issues of BSNL and is having some very important meetings scheduled next week with various government agencies including PMO and Neeti Aayog. He shall be convening the discussion on HR issues after next week. He assured once again that management will not do anything which will stop the career prospects of executives and there is no adamancy as such with respect to number of vacancies and the same shall be decided taking into account the career aspects of Executives.

However, despite this discussion, we once again reaffirm our deadline for the JTO to SDE DPC within current month and firm positive movement on the promotional aspects of others cadre and the pay loss related issues. If management fails to execute the promotions within this committed period, we will move forward with our organisational action programs. Similarly, if we don’t see firm positive action on promotions in other cadre and the Pay Loss related issues, we shall be going ahead with the organisational actions program. Management has to fulfil the commitments it has made with association in agenda meeting and accordingly association is committed to go to any extent to achieve these rightful dues.

We Protest Freezing of Dearness Allowance to employees of CPSE by DPE:

We strongly protest the recently issued order of DPE regarding freezing of Dearness Allowance to the Employees of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) drawing pay as per 2017, 2007, 1997, 1992 & 1987 IDA pay revision guidelines at current rates till 30th June 2021, which is due from 01.102020.

AIGETOA will fight firmly against this arbitrary and vindictive order which inflicts damage to the rights of the employees of all CPSEs including BSNL. When 3rd PRC was not implemented in BSNL, then whether DPE came with a direction to blanket implementation of 3rd PRC to all CPSEs including BSNL. When the salary is being borne by the CPSE through own resources then how DPE can impose blanket ban/freezing on IDA. Friends, we are in discussion with Associations/Unions of BSNL as well as other CPSEs to give immediate response as well as start a sustained struggle to recall the biased order.

Click here for DPE order

AIP AIGETOA Shri Ravi Shil Verma, GS AIGETOA Shri Wasi Ahmad and VP AIGETOA Shri Badri Kumar Mehta met Director HR again on 18.11.2020 and discussed upon the pending issues. A review of all the pending issues and commitment as extended in the agenda meeting on the important points was done.

JTO to SDE DPC: It was informed to Director HR that data from almost all the Circles have been received and minor pending data shall be reaching corporate office by this weekend. We requested Director HR to ensure that DPC is done and promotions orders are issued by next week as committed by him. Director HR assured that his team is on job and shall try to get this completed as early as possible. We categorically informed Director HR that we have exercised enough patience and accordingly we will be constrained to adopt the path of organization actions if orders are not issued by next week end.

Pay loss Issue: (22820, E1 plus five advance increments and TTA to JTO DR pay fixation): We told Director HR that we have submitted our inputs in October itself and despite passing of one month, the matter has not been referred to any committee for examination. We requested for an early action on the issue. Director HR assured to look into the matter and will decide to get it examined by forming a committee, however he was still non committal. We shall be pressing it further and told that in absence of any positive action, we shall be adopting the path of organization action. We also apprised Director HR that association has raised the pay scale issue before DoT also in its brief meeting last week and we are expecting and agenda based meeting very soon.

SDE to DE and AO to CAO promotions: We requested for exploring an acceptable solution to all groups. Director HR told that PGM Pers is working on the issue and a solution is being tried to be found out. We said that how BSNL does it is not the matter. We told that how fast BSNL does it is the matter and hence BSNL should try to expedite the solution as early as possible by taking all groups into confidence.

Finalisation of SDE Seniority List for VY 2006-7 and publications of SDE Provisional Seniority List for 2007-8 VY onwards: It was informed that personal wing is examining the matter and decision on the same shall be taken very soon.

Settlement of SDE 2007 Reversal issue: Director HR once again assured to look into the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest as decided earlier.

Rule 8 and Rule 9 cases in JTO/JAO cadre: We apprised Director HR about the pending cases of various circles for request transfer under Rule-9 and Rule-8. We requested Director HR to consider genuine Rule-9 cases and start issuing the order. Director HR told us that he will discuss with Sr GM Estt and very soon will take decision in this regard.

Lifting of ban on forwarding of deputation cases to other organisations: The matter will be examined by HR team.

Friends, though outcome of today’s meeting is also assurances only, however keeping in view the volatile situation in which our organization is placed in, we have decided to wait till this month. If there are no postive solution to the issues as committed in the agenda meeting, association will not hesitate in starting the organisational action programs. By the end of this month, if issues so not move towards settlement, then we will be left with no options but to start intensive struggle for ensuring our basic rights. Accordingly, all CSs and CHQ OBs are requested to remain in ready state and start mobilising their Members. AIGETOA is firm on its decision to go to any extent for this.

Further with regard to the nasty updates on the lie machine of one of the proclaimed corners, we request all to not to pay any heed to their gimmics. They themselves are exposing themselves in their writeup. They say that they have opposed post reduction and in the same update they are trying to justify the stand of management which shows their double speak.

They say that they have removed those responsible for the court cases but at the same time they have rewarded the master minds with plum posts in CHQ.

However, we will not waste our time on replying to their nasty updates. Our reply will be in the form of results not words.

THOSE WHO RULED IN BSNL IN LAST TWENTY (20) YEARS ARE TEACHING LESSON TO THE ONE WHO GOT ELECTED JUST THREE (3) MONTHS BACK.

If they have shown true intent and not ditched us, then those recruited by BSNL in JTO would have been working in DGM grade instead of struggling for first promotion of SDE. But their ideology kept us denied all our rights and when we are trying to set the things right, they are out to detail it but we assure that they will not succeed.

We however still suggest and request this negative minded person to come to the terms of reality and try to strengthen the hands of unity and extend their support to AIGETOA in ensuring the resolution of long pending issues. However, we know that they will not mend their ways and hence the best thing which we can tell all is to ignore their gimmics and concentrate on the right path.

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri BadriKumar Mehta VP, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh OS met and Shri Subrat Mukund with the new Director(Finance), Ms Yojana Das on her assumption of the charge on 16.11.2020. The team greeted the director with a flower bouquet and welcomed her on joining to the esteemed post of Director(Finance).

Team AIGETOA under the aegis of the General Secretary held brief meeting with the Director and assured to extend full support in her endeavor for the betterment of BSNL.  The GS also apprised about the current status of the organization and newly elected representative association, AIGETOA and its goal to work towards the organization and its people. The issues of 4G roll out, regularization of salary, fund requirement to field units, pending promotions, SAB and restructuring figured briefly in the discussion. The comprehensive discussion didn’t happen as it was a welcome meet and item wise detailed meeting will be arranged between the Director(Finance) and the Recognized Representative Association, AIGETOA very soon. The meeting ended with a positive note to work with mutual respect and larger interest of BSNL and its employees. 

Click here for Order

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri BadriKumar Mehta VP and Shri Vivek Kumar Singh OS met with senior officers of Dept of Telecom at Sanchar Bahawan, New Delhi on 12.11.2020. The details are as follows:

Meeting at with DDG (PM), Dept of Telecom: Team AIGETOA met with DDG (PM), Shri Sanjeev Gupta ji on a prescheduled appointment regarding 4G deployment in BSNL and raised our serious concerns over inordinate delay in its roll out and its after affect on BSNL. The DDG apprised about the development in details and the DoT strategy for rollout of the 4G deployment in the BSNL keeping in mind the government ambition to achieve Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme. We appraised the need to procure equipments of standard specification with single core which can support all technology i.e. 2G/3G/4G simultaneously instead of having separate core for 4G and 2G/3G as well as Release 15 specifications to meet the latest requirement. But it was apprised that the Committee formed by the DoT for the purpose has given its recommendations, which has been shared with BSNL managementand as per the recommendations the core of 4G has to be Indian only. Accordingly, BSNL has to work in that framework only for the roll out of the 4G services. He intimated that to implement the recommendations, PoC concept has to be explored as early as possible to save time. Although, we appraised that no Indianmanufacturer has developed the 4G core so far and by doing so, we are making BSNL a Test Bed which will have an adverse affect on the prospect of the organization. We further requested to reply on queries raised and clarification sought by BSNL vis-à-vis the Committee Report on which he assured to revert back very soon on all points raised by the BSNL. On a specific query of procurement of hardware/software for up-gradation of existing 2G/3G sites to 4G sites as a propriety items, he replied that it was not in the scope of the committee and BSNL is free to take its decision barring Chinese vendors. It is important to note here that more than 45K sites of Nokia/ZTE can be up-graded through this route also. Friends, it is very much clear that BSNL is being asked to work as the Government Atma Nirbhar Bharat Showcase Model for the Nation. If it is so, then the government should exempt it from profitability clause and the company and its employees should be compensated irrespective of Profit/Loss theory. The pending 3^rd PRC should be implemented without further dely and BSNL should also be compensated for the loss, it is incurring due to some binding decisions of the government.

Meeting with Secretary(DoT), Member(Fin), Member(Services), OSD to Secretary(T), DDG(IT), Dept of Telecom : Thereafter, the Team AIGETOA met the with Secretary(DoT), Member(Fin), Member(S), OSD to Secretary(T) and DDG(IT) in the Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi and extended Deepwali Greetings to all the dignitaries. The brief meeting happened with Shri Anshu Prakash Ji, Secretary (T) in which we apprised our new status of RecognizedRepresentative Association of Executives of BSNL and raised our concern for BSNL and requested for a scheduled meeting. He carefully listened our points and assured to meet us very soon.  The Team held detailed discussion with Member(F), Member(S), OSD to Secretary(T) and DDG(IT) on various matters of BSNL including 4G deployment, Standard Pay Scale of E2 for JTO/JAO equivalent grade and E3 for SDE/AO equivalent grade, complete 30% SAB for BSNL Recruits, 3^rd PRC implementation in BSNL and other issues. We also apprised about the detail structure of Superannuation Benefits implemented as on date in BSNL.

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It was understood that a meeting of whole HR Team was held on Friday, 6th November 2020 under the chairmanship of CMD BSNL which included discussions on the ongoing DPC Process also and how to move forward on the JTO to SDE Promotions. Accordingly Team led by AIGETOA President Shri Ravi Shil Verma along with VP Shri Badri Kumar Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar met PGM Pers and Director HR on 9th November 2020 to follow up on the promotion issue. It was noticed that AIEL II data received from almost all the circles except few was incomplete as it failed to include promoted, retired, resigned etc JTOs of 2002 to 2005 batch. Accordingly Team requested for issuance of another reminder with clarity on the subject. The letter was promptly issued by Personnel Section.

There after, from the discussions as well as the information learnt from various corners, it was understood that while preparatory exercise of DPC is almost complete, there is some hitch on the part of higher management with respect to promotions and notification of LDCE as they were being linked to the ongoing restructuring exercise and calculation of vacancies. Accordingly CHQ Team lodged it’s strong objection with Director HR and explained him the entire position that while we have been exercising patience as we could see the seriousness on the part of management with respect to actions taken on promotion aspects, but the same should not be taken for granted and any further delay will be strongly protested. Now that the work is almost over, opening a new chapter and linking the same to a never ending exercise of restructuring will not be accepted by the rank and file of Executives waiting for their first Promotions since long. Accordingly, management should immediately act for ensuring a happy Diwali for these executives. We also explained the legal position and complexities which can arise out of this new exercise by management. We firmly told, if management is planning to reduce the vacancies beyond the stipulated guidelines of VRS in the guise of Restructuring, the same is not acceptable to us. Director HR assured that management will not do anything which will be against the career aspects of Executives and there should not be any cause for worry. We said that unnecessary delay is the only cause for worry.

Thereafter, on Tuesday, 10th November 2020, the team led by GS Shri Wasi Ahmad and AIP Shri Ravi Shil Verma along with VP Shri B K Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar met CMD BSNL and had an elaborate discussion on the promotion issue. We explained the whole issue, the complexities associated with linking the JTO to SDE DPC and other promotions to Restructuring exercise and non conduction of LDCE exams in time to CMD BSNL. We explained to CMD BSNL that organization should not start something which is going to result into an endless mess and will marr the future as well as career of executives for infinite time. Accordingly, management should immediately move ahead with DPC process without linking anything to Restructuring. CMD BSNL was receptive to our Submissions and told that it’s good that the complexities associated with the view of the management has been explained by the association and he will discuss and finalize with his HR team shortly, on the next course of action. He assured us that management has not taken any decision and anything which goes against the career prospects of executives will not be done. We apprised CMD BSNL about the restlessness and the resentment of the Executives because of non happening of promotions in any cadre and requested him to direct his team to ensure DPC immediately. CMD BSNL asked us to meet next week and in the meanwhile he will discuss with his team with respect to the inputs Submitted by AIGETOA.

Thereafter, the team again met Director HR and PGM Pers and apprised them about the discussions with CMD BSNL. Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, OS CHQ was also present in the discussions. We categorically told that we are not willing to wait beyond Diwali and ultimately association will have to resort to organisational actions to ensure justice to Executives. Director HR committed for an early action on the issue.

It was also surprising to learn that those claiming to report from close proximity of BSNL CO has forgotten to tell the executives that this decision of restructuring and DPC was conveyed by management to them during their tenure and they never chose to reject or protest against this, in fact in their recently held central meeting, no resolution with respect to the reduction in vacancies was undertaken. This shows their seriousness on promotional aspects. However, AIGETOA will take care of this. We would also like to suggest to them that instead of trying to raise unnecessary issues and confusions in the mind of management, they should do something constructive for the cadre. We will not hesitate in giving them their due credit, if they are worried about that. We would like to advise them that their recent reward to those responsible for trying to stop the Promotions has exposed their intents and double speak. On one side, they are exercising caution to their Members and on the other side, they are rewarding the masterminds with plum posts.

Friends, as you are aware, that we have set for ourselves a maximum target for Diwali for ensuring DPC for JTO to SDE Promotions, but that does not appear possible as of now as even the Complete AIEL Data has not been sent by Circles yet and VCs/APARs from many circles are still pending. In view of this, CHQ AIGETOA has decided to wait up to the last week of this month to ensure DPC for JTO to SDE Promotions and if management do not come forward with promotions orders by last week, the association will be compelled to serve notice for organisational actions. All CS/CPs/CHQ OBs should immediately start preparing for the same. All CHQ members/CS/CPs should also ensure that missing AIEL data be sent by all circles within two days.

With regard to legal issues created by the members and OBs of SNEA for staying the DPC Process, we would like to reaffirm that AIGETOA CHQ is on job and will clear all these hurdles. We would also like to request all those who are working to stop this DPC that instead of trying to stop the promotion process, they should lend a cooperative and helping hand. They should be aware that we have got the preparatory work started for further batches also and AIGETOA is committed to protect their interests also but still if they prefer to move ahead with the obstruction process, then it’s entirely their wish. We, however reaffirm all, that we will not let anybody either management or executives or any other association to play with the careers of Executives anymore and all such persons shall be dealt accordingly.

So, let’s be prepared for the cause and struggle for ensuring your rightful dues in BSNL. The last week of November is the final time line decided by us. After that there will be only one path and that is the path of struggle and organisational actions.

Come together, let’s Join Hands Together to Ensure the Bright Future for all.