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.

Entrustment of Additional charge of Director (Finance) BSNL to Shri Suresh Kumar Gupta for the period of three Months from 26.10.2020 to 25.01.2021

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As per AIGETOA continuous discussion over fund crunch with Directors/CMD as per the feedback given by various circle and district teams of AIGETOA, finally defined fund is allotted for next 5 months (including November) for every circle and maintenance region for media faults rectification.

We are hopeful that field problem of sever fund shortage will be resolved in some extent now.

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The group which is primarily involved in the derailment of all issues especially with respect to promotional aspects of BSNL Recruits is now at their notorious best. It seems Promotions of BSNL Recruits is not at all acceptable to them. For last many years, they have been doing their best to stop BSNL Recruits and Competitive Quota people from getting the benefits of Promotions like stopping JTO to SDE DPC citing unnecessary Training Center Marks Confusion, Stopping execution of List 8 for their own set of members in the name of financial loss in the form of one increment, opposing VY based Seniority for List 9 and the list is endless. In fact they are planning to reach to DoT for stopping VY based Seniority to List 9 executives. Such is their vendetta against BSNL Recruits and Competitive Quota People.

However, with AIGETOA, coming in picture as majority association, the malicious designs of the Proclaimed groups were exposed and we were able to get the rightful dues of BSNL RECRUITS and the competitive quota people in motion. Now when DPC for JTO to SDE is on the cards and we wanted to extend happy Deepawali wishes along with Promotion Orders, these Proclaimed Corners have again started their dirty techniques. In fact they are so perturbed with the developments that their chief executive went to the extent of threatening one of our office bearers that he will see how management issues the Promotions Orders.

As usual, whenever DPC is in sight, these people don’t forget to serve notice for implementation of the half baked CPSU Hierarchy, while all these times they prefer to keep mum on the half baked policy. They know that their notice is not going to have much impact on the DPC Process, so now through their activists, they are trying to get stay on the ongoing DPC for JTO to SDE Promotions from court of law. As many as four cases have already been filed out of which three attempts have already been foiled by AIGETOA team but they have partially succeeded in getting the DPC derailed from the fourth. But they will not succeed; it’s AIGETOA’s firm assurance.

Similarly, another set of their activist tried to stay the operation of List 9 from court of Law which was again foiled by the Alert eyes of AIGETOA. We really wonder why BSNL Recruits and affected competitive quota members still continue to be their members. We hope good sense will prevail and they will stop watering the plants of these Proclaimed corners as their own money is being used against them.

Anyways, purpose of our message is not to indulge into blame game. From the recent stay order in a case filed by the Executives who are mostly their activists, a lot of panic and sense of negativity has cropped into the minds of our BSNL Recruits who were due for Promotions. We want to assure them AIGETOA team is on job and we will not let this process be derailed because of malicious designs of few persons. We will ensure JTO to SDE Promotions at all costs and under any circumstances. Please don’t panic and instead try to inculcate a sense of sanity in those executives who are trying to derail the process. Despite, AIGETOA getting the process initiated for the next batches, these people have preferred to try to stop the ongoing process. We do understand that some people under the misguidance of over ambitious leaders are getting trapped in their scheme of things. Surprisingly, name of those over smart persons/leaders are not figuring in the list of applicants. However, it is their call but in general; executives should not forget that delaying the ongoing process will delay the next process also. So the best approach should be to live and let live others and do away with the crab culture. Let’s all reach out to each other in a constructive manner so that none is left behind and all get their rightful dues. AIGETOA CHQ would like to inform that the Process of LDCE for next Vacancy Years have also been initiated and very soon development will be on that part also which will take care of all eligible batches upto current year in a very short period of time.

Just have faith and patience. We will take care of all of you and we would like to assure once again that don’t panic. We are on course to get the Promotions Orders issued at the earliest. Further, we would like to warn those negative minded persons also. Don’t worries, Karma will take care of you!

And Finally, We would like to tell management also that if they make unnecessary delay now and allow all such unnecessary court cases to prevail, association will be left with no other options than to resort to organizational actions and come to streets against the continued injustice.

GS writes to CMD BSNL regarding immediate payment of salary for the month of October-2020 and its further regularization.

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Deployment of staff on network operation and maintenance post VRS on Temporary basis.

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Inter-Circle transfer orders of SDEs (Telecom).

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2nd Circle Conference of AP Circle was conducted successfully as per the constitution of AIGETOA on 18th October 2020 through online Video conferencing mode. The Chief Guest of the function CGMT AP Circle Shri Vinod P Abraham, Guest of honors GM(HR/Admin)AP Circle Shri K V Staya Prasad, All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma, GS Md. Wasi Ahmad, Chairman Shri B Laxman, JS South Shri M Sridhar Babu, AGS Shri Fazal Ahmed and CS/Dy. GS SEWA BSNL Shri R Maheswara Rao attended the 2nd Circle Conference of AP Circle and graced the occasion with their valuable speeches to the august gathering. Circle President, AIGETOA, AP Circle Shri K Srinivasa Rao presided over the meeting.

Chief Guest of the Function, Shri Vinod P Abraham, Chief General Manager Telecom, AP Circle, expressed his gratitude for inviting him to the Circle Conference of AIGETOA, AP & emphasized that : AIGETOA has to play a key role to regain the last glory of BSNL. This is possible only with whole hearted cooperation and coordination among the executives to regain dominant position in telecom market. He also pointed out that the importance of sales and aggressive, focused marketing of BSNL products. He ensured AIGETOA to extend his full support on any issues related in the larger interest of the organization.

Guest of Honor, Shri K V Satya Prasad, GM(HR/Admn), AP Circle congratulated AIGETOA for its success in the 2 MV and deliberated that, AP Circle is implementing the HR policies in very transparent manner & accommodating the wishes of employees wherever it is possible. He emphasized that, the contribution of executives remained in BSNL in post VRS scenario is outstanding even during the Corona Pandemic also. He also pointed out about the difficulty in treatment through empaneled hospitals due to pending payment, and matter already escalated to Corporate Office for release for atleast 4.34 Cr. for payment of minimum 2 hospitals in each SSA.

All India President, Shri Ravi Shil Verma addressed the august gathering, greeted all the dignitaries attended through online and thanked all the executives who supported AIGETOA to become No. 1 association in second MV. Further he told that, each and every member and leaders of AIGETOA are aware that, as a majority association we represent all the executives of our beloved organization and as Team AIGETOA through this dais he assured all executives that AIGETOA will not confine to the interest of any particular group and work in the interest of organization and all executives, unlike earlier associations. He informed that the association is in continuous touch with DoT and hurdles regarding 4G rollout will be cleared soon & Similarly, BSNL is doing well in FTTH all over the country and related business was improved a lot. He expressed that every executive should know the need of the hour and shall continue to work for betterment of beloved organization.

General Secretary, Shri Md Wasi Ahmad addressed the august gathering & welcomed all the participants and appreciated the AP Circle Team for arranging the AGM and Circle Conference in big and fashionable manner with help the Online VC mode in this pandemic situation. GS addressed the gathering and spoken on followings issues.

• BSNL is recovering from the losses under the esteemed leadership of the CMD BSNL with hard efforts by all stake and Telecom Sector is also improving from the downfall. He also thanked the Government of India for extending the full support in terms of implementing VRS-2019 on the cost of Government funding and extending sovereign guarantee to raise 8500 Cr from Market and also issued guidelines to the central and state government authorities to use the BSNL services as mandatory but at the same time he questioned the non-roll out of 4G Services and cancellation of the Tender for 4G equipment in last hours. He appraised the gathering about the efforts being initiated by association and requirement of this important service for BSNL, which was the part of government, supported BSNL Revival Program. GS AIGETOA also stressed upon the importance of renting out / leasing out of BSNL free space for collecting more revenues and he felt there should be separate wing to persuade activities of this as well as for the recent order of Govt. Of India to have BSNL Services as mandatory. He also stressed upon the need of proper and efficient land monetization so that funds can be available to CAPEX/OPEX and suitable restructuring of BSNL especially after post VRS. He mentioned AIGETOA is fully committed and involving fully in all these activities so that BSNL can have better prosperity and regain its past glory.

• He also requested for assessment of AMC bills in CFA vertical as most of the LL connections are getting disconnecting day by day and migrating to FTTH Services. The equipped capacity is much higher than the working g capacity and it needs reassessment.

• JTO to SDE- Sufficient vacancies are available and interests of all will be protected. The much awaited AIEL is already published up to 2008 and AIEL preparation is in process till 2012 recruitment year.

• BSNL is running with very acute shortage of staff at middle level management like AGMs & DGMs equivalent grades in Telecom and Finance stream and most of the officers working on looking after arrangement. As there is sufficient number of vacancies and most of the officers are discharging higher responsibilities and so all posts pertaining to middle level management should be filled without any further delay.

• Pay loss issues with executives recruited in the E1 Scales(JTO/JAO) should be extended E1+5 increments to all the executive recruited post 2010 (DR, LICE, SRD & GATE), as Management Committee has already approved it for two batches as an interim relief till implementation of standard pay scales E2 for JTO/JAO equivalent. AIGETOA committed to resolve the pay loss issue (Rs 22,820/-) of post 2007 batches and Standard pay scales to all the executives and already represented.

• He mentioned that due to pandemic situation, work from home and on line classes became necessity for every home and this require high internet bandwidth, so we should concentrate on our FTTH business.

• He also mentioned that AIGETOA taking care that the ongoing restructuring policy shouldn’t hamper the promotional avenues of working executives and actual field requirements.

In conclusion of his speech , he appealed for unity among BR fraternity irrespective of cadre, verticals and wings and requested to all to support and do not indulge in any activity which can be derail the entire process and unity.

CS/Dy.GS, SEWA BSNL, Shri R. Maheswara Rao greeted the august gathering expressed his happiness to see the sister association conducting Circle conference in on line mode successfully. Felt very happy to be the part during the 2nd MV and where AIGETOA won the election in a grand manner with huge margin in AP Circle. He also expressed that he always be ready for any kind of support to AIGETOA. Together, we can able to achieve tough goals and will revive the BSNL very soon.

All India Chairman, Shri. Laxman Banoth thanked all the leaders & members of AP Circle including AIGETOA, SEWA BSNL team for achieving victory in A.P Circle in the last M.V and elaborated that, as we are majority association, we should represent all the executives and has to take care of grievances of all the executives irrespective of batches/associations.There is urgent need to look into the status of infrastructure i.e. battery sets / power plants/ EA / AC Units etc. at our exchanges / BTSs and should procure where ever required. He thanked AIGETOA team AP Circle for the great efforts put for conducting this 2ndCircle Conference of AIGETOA AP Circle via online mode.

All DSs of AP Circle submitted their DSs reports. CS, Shri D Venu Gopala Rao submitted CS key note address and financial report was submitted by Shri M V Satyanarayana, CFS and same was accepted by all unanimously. Subsequently AP Circle existing body was dissolved. The New Circle body was elected as per the constitution of AIGETOA, in the supervision of Shri M Sridhar Babu, JS(South)/CHQ as CHQ Observer. The Circle Conference concluded with the vote of thanks to the House by AGS – III Shri Fazal Ahmed. The newly elected CP, CS and CFS are Shri K Hari Babu (AGM CO VJA), Shri D Venu Gopala Rao (AGM CO VJA) and Shri M V Satyanarayana (SDE-ELR) respectively.

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GS AIGETOA writes about 147 LDCE Executives cases citing various orders e.g. the judgments of Hon’ble HC of Punjab and Haryana, Hon’ble CAT Bangalore, Hon’ble CAT Guwahati, the views of NCSC, the Affidavit filed by BSNL before the Hon’ble Supreme Court on the basis of views of the Expert Committee and requested Director(HR) for a fair & holistic approach to address their seniority issue. In addition, he also requested to reinstate these 147 executives to the post held by them just before issuance of 06.06.2018 order by appreciating the stay granted on reversion by the Hon’ble CAT Guwahati and on the condition of subject to the outcome of the SLP pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

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