GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL, requesting the implementation of reservation in promotions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) in the cadres of SDE to AGM and the issuance of promotion orders for all the eligible candidates.

Click here for Letter

Despite previous reminders and references to relevant orders and guidelines, BSNL has not initiated the promotion process for eligible PwBDs. AIGETOA again highlighted that there are 85 eligible PwBD executives in the cadre of SDE who have been awaiting promotion since 2013.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates reservation in promotions for PwBDs, and the BSNL MSRR, which outline the eligibility criteria for promotion to the AGM cadre. Also in a recent Hon’ble Supreme Court order in a contempt petition, where the Court directed the respondents to consider giving notional promotions to eligible candidates from an earlier date.

Additionally, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued guidelines for providing reservation in promotions to PwBD employees, including the creation of supernumerary posts. The Hon’ble PCAT has also directed BSNL to implement reservation in promotions for PwBDs and promote eligible SDEs to AGMs within a specified timeframe.

The Association has expressed concern over BSNL’s delay in implementing these directions, stating that it will only lead to more legal complexities. AIGETOA requested the CMD to intervene and ensure that reservation in promotions for PwBDs is implemented as per the DoPT guidelines, promoting all 85 eligible PwBDs from SDE to AGM.

We highlighted a recent order by the Department of Posts, which clarifies the procedure for computing the number of vacancies reserved for PwBDs. The Association has urged BSNL to consider all eligible PwBD employees for promotion on a notional basis, as per the DoPT OM dated 28th December 2023.

Flash News:

VCs for promotions from SDE to AGM in Telecom Stream for review DPC for PWD Candidates has been called by BSNL CO.

All are requested to kindly pursue and arrange to send the VC immediately.

AIGETOA CHQ today took up the issue of joining time of executives in AGM cadre (in SDE to AGM promotions) as many genuine cases have not been considered for retention/modification.

Accordingly, 10 days extension has been given to all for joining on AGM promotions.

Form 16 is now available on the BSNL ESS Portal. Employees can now view, download, and print their Form 16 from the ESS portal.

Steps to view and download the Form-16 from ESS Portal:

• Login: Visit the BSNL ESS Portal and log in using your credentials.
• Under “Employee Self-Service”, Click on Form-16 tab.
• View & Download. Part-A & Part-B

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding the case of felling of 400+ trees in BSNL Exchange Campuses including Teak wood & Sandal wood. Victimization of the District Secretary of Dharmapuri OA, Tamilnadu Circle for Exposing Conspiracy and Revenue Loss.

Click here for letter

AIGETOA has brought to light a significant issue pertaining to a revenue loss of approximately 25 lakhs for BSNL due to the illegal felling of over 400 trees, including valuable teak and sandalwood, within BSNL exchange campuses in the Dharmapuri OA region of Tamil Nadu Circle.

The District Secretary of AIGETOA, Dharmapuri OA, courageously exposed this incident and brought it to the attention of the higher authorities. However, instead of appreciating his efforts, the BA Administration has initiated departmental proceedings against him, in an apparent attempt to suppress the voice of the Association.

Representations and requests for a thorough inquiry were made by the Circle Secretary of AIGETOA Tamil Nadu to CGM on April 26 and May 15, 2024, unfortunately, the grave issue of revenue loss and potential corruption has not been addressed, and instead, a whistleblower is being targeted.

AIGETOA has requested urgent intervention in the matter and emphasizes the need for a fair and transparent administration within BSNL and seeks prompt action to safeguard the interests of BSNL and its employees. The letter also highlights the importance of ensuring a level playing field for the recognized association to foster a corruption-free environment.

AIGETOA stands firm in its commitment to uphold transparency and integrity within BSNL and seeks justice for its members who courageously expose corruption and revenue loss. The association urges the BSNL administration to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take stringent action against any corrupt officials involved.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding review of the structure of Upgradation Training and Exam.

Click here for Letter

AIGETOA highlighted issues faced by BSNL executives regarding the Upgradation Training and Exam process. As per the Executive Promotion Policy (EPP), BSNL executives are required to pass an online examination within two years of receiving a pay scale upgrade. However, a large number of executives are currently awaiting their turn to appear for the exam due to limited seats and training slots at ALTTC and other training centers. The time slots fill up quickly, causing delays and frustration for many executives.

To address this concern, AIGETOA proposed the following suggestions:

Revert to a single-day exam without mandatory classroom training: Previously, executives took the exam without classroom training, expediting the process. Online training can be offered as an option, accommodating more executives.

Make classroom training optional: With course content available online, executives can study independently and appear for a single-day exam, reducing the backlog within 2 months and saving BSNL lakhs of rupees in TA/DA expenses.

Address hostel accommodation issues: Recently, hostel allotment refusals by NITPRIT authorities have caused accommodation problems for executives. A single-day exam pattern can mitigate this challenge to a large extent.

Accommodate administrative delays: In some cases, upgradation orders are issued 8-12 months late, leaving executives with less time to clear the exam. A single-day exam pattern allows them to appear for the exam sooner.

Revamp the training vertical: BSNL’s training centers can be reorganized to offer market-oriented courses to the general public, generating revenue and making it a profitable initiative.

Dear Friends,

Greetings for the day. First of all, on Behalf of AIGETOA, I convey my wholehearted gratitude for the faith and support which you all have extended to our beloved association AIGETOA. As you are aware that the membership change window is on and it gives all of you an opportunity to explore and introspect the relevance of your support to the respective associations to which you have extended support till date. At the same time, it gives the opportunity to the office bearers of the respective associations also to reaffirm their commitment and explain the way forward to achieve and fulfill the aspirations of the executive community.

I as the general secretary of AIGETOA, once again reaffirm the commitment to keep trying till we achieve the dreams of our fellow executives. Yes, the issues are many and the path is really tough given the ecosystem in which we are placed in where the HR issues hold the least priority for the management as well as the other associated offices. However, when the path is tough, only the tough gets going. We have been moving forward with the agenda of PPP. We have tried all the years when we were in majority and were able to resolve a few of our long pending issues. Post Membership Verification in September 2023, AIGETOA without thinking about who is MA and Who is SA have been moving forward with the same zeal, same energy and in fact a greater commitment to achieve the things. We have been able to make inroads on the very important issues of Pay, Promotions and Pension. The issues have been recognised at the highest level with the support of our umbrella organisation BMS and intervention of the Hon’ble MoC. The results are for everyone to see. First time in the history of associations, a tripartite meeting was held between DOT, BSNL and the BMS affiliated associations and Unions to discuss the pending issues of Pay, Promotions and Pensions pertaining to BSNL Executives. The subsequent development on standard pay scales which is now on record open and under discussion is the result of our hard work. We are very sure to achieve the desired results very soon on the issue of standard pay scales of E2 for JTO/JAO equivalent and replacement of E7 as the SG JAG scale instead of E6. This will go a long way in extending a long term future benefit in terms of pay for our young brothers and Sisters. This will also be a key in ending the stagnation for our seniors who have reached maximum of their scales. It was AIGETOA which provided the answer to the objections of DoT and gave a full fledged solution to end the Pay Scale Stalemate without cascading effect and the same was very well appreciated by DoT and BSNL. Similarly on the 22820 also, we have moved forward at high court and are very sure of achieving the desired results. On the issue of JE Period Pay Loss, our team at Kerala is moving at a good pace and we are very sure that we will win. The issue of E1 plus five increments is also on the priority list of AIGETOA. Our efforts which resulted in increase of mobile reimbursement (Though it needs further increase), Laptop to all executives, Revision in Perks and Allowances, all such issues have moved forward. AIGETOA is also pursuing for the Pay issues of PA/PS/Civil/Electrical and Architecture.

On the issue of Promotions, many issues have been resolved by AIGETOA but at the same time many more issues are still pending to be resolved. Our Focused approach has taken this issues quite forward and the adamant approach of management is a big show stopper but AIGETOA is committed to end that adamancy and ensure the promotions of all the eligible executives. Promotions in JTO to SDE, SDE to AGM, JAO to AO, AO to CAO, AGM to DGM, PA to PS, PS to PPS and other pending Promotions are to be executed and as General Secretary of AIGETOA, I convey my firm resolve to achieve these objectives in shortest possible time.

The management has inflicted a big disrespect to the contributions of our youngest lot of GATE JTOs who despite clearing the GATE exam and securing good percentage, are being tried to be made Junior to the candidates with Similar Qualification through SET. I on behalf of AIGETOA, put our firm opposition on record and would like to ensure one and all that come what may, this SET recruitment is not going to happen in BSNL. If management tries to demean the qualifications of our fellow brothers and Sisters across all cadres and streams, we will not hesitate in going to any extent. AIGETOA would like to firmly assure that no more fiddling with careers of executives shall be allowed.

Similarly, We would like to assure one and all that the pensionary benefits which have been kept pending all these years will have to be compensated to all the executives. We are going to achieve the objectives very soon.

And the issue of 3rd PRC, we all know how it is going to be resolved and who can waive the affordability clause. We need to achieve the issue of 3rd PRC without any further delay and AIGETOA and BMS are equipped enough to take all efforts to convince the highest echelons to extend the same.

I also take this opportunity to state that AIGETOA is the only association which has been pursuing the issues on the multimodal aspects (Legal, Organizational and with Authorities). We have pursued with Hon’ble MoC and MoSC, We have pursued with Hon’ble Ministers and MPs. We have followed at DOT, We have followed at BSNL. Added to that AIGETOA is the only association which has taken all the issues related to Pay, Pension and Promotions on the legal platform also.

Our ground work of last 9 months through various meetings with Hon’ble MoC, Hon’ble MoSC, Different Ministers, MPs and leaders and at various hierarchical levels at the administrative ministry has put the things in motion. After the tripartite meeting, because of code of conduct, further follow-ups could not be achieved but now with new government in place, our efforts will again come into full pace now. Our team has already met Hon’ble MoC Shri Jyotiraditya Sindhiya Ji and have requested a detailed meeting. We are hopeful of a meeting very soon. Our Umbrella Organization BMS has assured us of all possible actions to achieve the resolution of the issues including the path of Agitation. If through pursuance, things do not materialize, AIGETOA and BMS will not hesitate in giving the organizational action calls also. The roadmap to achieve the objectives have been discussed with our umbrella organization and the activities will be visible at full throttle from here.

Even on the individual issues like transparent implementation of Transfer Policy, corrections in tenure policy and the recent fiasco of settling the pending rule 8 cases have been taken up aggressively by AIGETOA and we will definitely resolve the same.

But as you are aware that without being together, without your support, no leader, no association can do anything. Hence your unparalleled support is the need of the hour.

We won’t say that extend your blind support. But we definitely request you all to introspect that who is working for you, who is raising your voice, who is confronting management or any authority against the adverse actions and also who is taking care of even your individual issues.

Being MA or being SA, it never mattered for AIGETOA and we kept on moving with same pace. However now when we are at this critical time when the issues of Pay, Promotions and Pension is at most critical stage, each and every executive should come forward to support the cause.

You all will have to analyse – What is good for you. The results of MV and subsequent activities of the concerned association which won the MV should and must be introspected by all. A stronger AIGETOA with your support and under the guidance of BMS is the answer to the resolution of all the pending issues of the executive fraternity.

Hence in the best interest of the executives, I on behalf of AIGETOA, make a humble appeal to all the executives of BSNL to come, Join and Strengthen the AIGETOA, the only association in BSNL which is raising the voice of executives at all levels including that of highest echelons. Your support today will shape and decide the future.

Together We Will Definitely Achieve Everything.

Join AIGETOA, Strengthen AIGETOA, Empower Yourself.

With Best Regards

Ravi Shil Verma GS AIGETOA

The recognized Associations and Unions, including AIGETOA, BTEU, SNEA, BSNLEU, and NFTE, along with the Welfare Association SEWA, were invited to a meeting with the CMD BSNL today. The primary purpose of this engagement was to discuss the appointment of BCG Consultancy services for strategic organizational transformation within BSNL, with the aim of establishing the company as a leading brand in the telecom sector.

AIGETOA was represented by Shri Ravi Shil Verma, GS & Shri Pavan Akhand, Dy GS and BTEU was represented by Shri R C Pandey, GS & Shri Ajay Singh, Dy GS.

Key Discussion Points:

Quality of Service (QoS): BCG’s role in enhancing BSNL’s QoS, ensuring reliable and consistent services for customers.

⁠Customer Centricity: Strategies to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, making BSNL the provider of choice.

⁠Sales and Distribution: Optimizing sales strategies and distribution channels for better market reach and revenue growth.

Cost Reduction: Identifying areas to reduce operational costs without compromising service quality.

Performance Management: Implementing effective performance evaluation and improvement systems for employees.

Brand Strengthening & Growth: Developing BSNL’s brand identity and market presence to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

During the meeting, we raised concerns about the rumors of BSNL planning another Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) with the appointment of BCG. The CMD BSNL categorically denied these rumors, confirming that there is no proposal for a VRS and the consultant has also been directed to suggest the measures of utilising the full existing strength.

We also brought attention to the issue of low motivation among field staff, emphasizing the need to address HR issues promptly. GS AIGETOA categorically raised the issue of promotions, Pay Scales and 3rd PRC and sought support of management in addressing these concerns at priority. We also raised the concern on conducting this exercise when multiple rounds of such consultancies have already been done in BSNL with not much appreciable results. CMD BSNL explained that Project Shikhar has helped the organisation in bringing some major structural changes like creation of vertical wise operations, creation of a new vertical of EB, many structural reforms which helped in sustaining this organisation. He said though few consultants couldn’t give desired results but all efforts shall be made to convert BSNL into a profitable organisation through this consultancy exercise. We said unless the internal customers of the organisation i.e. employees of BSNL are motivated and unless their HR issues are addressed, any such exercise will not give the desired results and requested to address the HR issues on priority.

GS BTEU requested that mobile reimbursement be extended to non-executives, recognizing their similar use of BSNL applications in the field. GS BTEU also raised the concerns of non executives like stagnation and lack of promotions and requested to solve them on priority. GS BTEU also requested for implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL. He also emphasized upon the need for utilisation of JEs in a proper way in organisation and provide them more opportunities of promotion through provisioning of more posts.

In conclusion, we highlighted the importance of addressing HR concerns and transforming BSNL in parallel, ensuring that employee welfare and organizational growth go hand in hand. The meeting concluded with a positive outlook, and we look forward to further constructive dialogue and action towards making BSNL a leading telecom brand.

BSNL CO issues promotions of executives as from SDE (Telecom) to DE/AGM (Regular) of Telecom Operation stream against 67% seniority quota.

Click here for the promotion orders

AIGETOA congratulates all the promoted executives and conveys its best wishes.

At the same time, we consider it paramount on the part of management to extend justice to remaining SDEs who have completed their residency and are eligible to be promoted. AIGETOA’s fight for extending justice to the deprived lot will continue. We are not going to stop till we achieve our rightful due. We request management to ensure the promotion of all the eligible SDEs. We have already requested management for increasing the posts, diverting the posts from SET quota and introduction of stagnation criteria so as to ensure that all the eligible SDEs gets their promotion. Our pursuance for the same will continue till we achieve the rightful promotions for all the eligible ones

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL Shri P K Purwar Ji regarding need for increasing the limit for reimbursement of cost of Mobile handsets further to enable all executives to buy atleast optimum configuration handsets supporting Band-28 i.e. in the 700 MHz band which is being used majorly by BSNL for its Swadeshi 4G network.

Click here for the Letter

The proposed cost is insufficient for handsets compatible with BSNL’s 4G services, which will primarily utilize the 700 MHz spectrum band. The available handsets with this configuration are priced higher than the current reimbursement amounts.

AIGETOA highlighted the following intrinsic benefits of having a revised handset policy with Band-28 support handsets:

1] As part of the government supported projects BSNL is launching the 4G services in Band-28 in rural, far flung and difficult areas in the country. It will be timely and prudent that BSNL executives are equipped with proper mobile handset which will help them not only to complete their day to day office work but also enable them to assist customers, measure QoS, coverage.

2] BSNL having 4G rollout in Band 28 will be a long term advantage as the band is having excellent penetration and coverage. At this stage appropriate feedback will be required for improvements in the indigenous 4G stack.

3] The executives associated with Mobile related work will also require a day to interface with vendors and service providers and various government agencies also. Therefore, providing handset equipped with 700 MHz band support will be good investment which will be fruitful for the executives as well as the company.

4] By increasing the reimbursement limit at least by Rs 8000 at each level of existing policy rates should be accepted for immediate implementation. By this way BSNL management can make it mandatory for all executives to purchase the handsets supporting B28 operations.

5] The clause 4 of the letter dated 07.05.2024 seems to be discriminatory. It mentions that the officers on look after basis or local officiating basis shall be allowed reimbursement of the cost of Mobile Handset at their substantive post. There are many officers who been promoted and working on LA basis for the last 4 to 5 years and have been vested with all administrative and financial powers of the post. They are eligible to get promoted on regular basis but still not being promoted for the reasons best known to department. Surprisingly, these officers are giving their best even on LA basis but being deprived of the reimbursement benefits on the post at LA basis is gross injustice. We feel that the officers on LA basis should also be entitled/allowed to reimburse the cost of Mobile handsets at par with officers working on regular/adhoc basis.