AIGETOA Urges BSNL to Restore Outdoor Medical Reimbursement Ceiling for Employees and Retirees

AIGETOA Urges BSNL to Restore Outdoor Medical Reimbursement Ceiling for Employees and Retirees

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL Shri A. Robert J Ravi, urging the immediate restoration of the outdoor medical reimbursement ceiling for BSNL employees and retirees. The association highlighted the significant hardship employees and retirees have faced since the reduction in the ceiling, which was implemented to economize medical expenditure in light of BSNL’s financial situation.

Click here for Letter

Reimbursement ceiling was originally one monthโ€™s basic pay plus DA. However, this limit was reduced to 23 days in 2018 and further curtailed to 15 days in 2020, causing hardship for employees, especially those requiring regular medical treatment.

AIGETOA emphasized the rising healthcare costs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which aggravated the situation for employees and retirees. The association requested that the reimbursement ceiling be restored to its original level to alleviate the financial burden and ensure access to necessary medical services.

Provisional List of Nominations received from all Circles for the Central Collegium of AIGETOA

As per the CHQ notification dated 27th Aug 2024 regarding constitution of central collegium, verification of the nominations received done by the returning officer in consultation with the concerned Circle Secretary from 19th Sept to 20th Sept, 2024.

The Provisional List of Nominations received from all circles as on 21.09.2024 for the Central Collegium of AIGETOA.

Click here for Provisional List

Team AIGETOA Meeting with Hon’ble Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur Ji on 20th September 2024 at New Delhi.

Team AIGETOA had the privilege of meeting Hon’ble Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, a five-time elected Member of Parliament from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, representing BJP. Shri Thakur is a distinguished leader who has held various portfolios, including Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports. He is also the recipient of prestigious awards such as the Best Young Parliamentarian Award (2011) and the Sansad Ratna Award (2019).

Discussion on BSNL’s HR Issues:

The meeting focused on long-pending HR issues within BSNL. Team AIGETOA apprised the Hon’ble MP of the following key concerns:

  • Non-Implementation of 3rd PRC: BSNL employees have not received the pay revision (3rd PRC) due since 2017, despite the company achieving operational profits for the last four consecutive years.
  • Implementation of Standard Pay Scales: The demand for E2 pay scales for JTO/JAO and E3 for SDE/AO, along with addressing pay loss for executives recruited on E1A, was emphasized. These changes have minimal financial implications but remain unresolved.
  • Promotion Issues: BSNL employees have received only one promotion in 22-23 years of service since 2007, which is a matter of serious concern.
  • Residuals of 2nd PRC: We highlighted the need for full 30% Superannuation Benefits (SAB) and the formation of a PRMB trust for BSNL recruits.
  • TA/DA Revision: The need for revising TA/DA rates, which have remained unchanged since 1996, was emphasized.

A Bouquet and a Memorandum outlining these issues were presented to Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, requesting his intervention and recommendations to forward these concerns to the Hon’ble Minister of Communication.

Shri Thakur graciously agreed to advocate for BSNL employees and assured Team AIGETOA that he would take up the matter with the Ministry of Communication at the earliest possible time.

On behalf of AIGETOA and BMS, Team AIGETOA expressed sincere gratitude to Shri Anurag Singh Thakur for his valuable time, patient listening, and positive assurances.

AIGETOA Opposes the People Analytics App:

After extensive discussions with office bearers of AIGETOA and careful consideration of the feedback received from our members across the nation, AIGETOA has decided to stand against the implementation of the People Analytics App, particularly the diary-writing feature.

While we appreciate that management has partially addressed our concerns by delinking the diary-writing requirement from attendance marking, we believe this is not enough. We urge the management to completely put this initiative on hold. The app, contrary to what was initially communicated, does not serve as a simple feedback mechanism. Rather, it appears to be more focused on tracking daily tasks and linking them to APAR (Annual Performance Appraisal Report) achievements. If the management is genuinely interested in understanding employee concerns, we believe the right approach would be to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue with Associations.

The complete segment of employee workforce do not perceive this app as industry’s best practice as conveyed by management in circulated instructions , but instead they feel that such apps will become a tool of oppressive and suffocating work culture in the organization which reflects in employee actions like mass exodus in recent past . And as an association we truly endorse the perception of the employee workforce. The Immediate priority for BSNL should be to focus on increasing the revenue and growth of BSNL and improving the quality of services by adopting the best practices from industry. The employee of BSNL has always remained committed to the well being of BSNL and to assess this commitment, such type of apps are not needed instead the need is to recognise and endorse the work of employees which has never been done by management anywhere. It was the same BSNL employee work force which kept the company moving in its toughest time by even spending money from their own pockets

If analytical apps are to be deployed, they should be aimed at assessing the performance and output of the critical projects, particularly the ones being executed by external vendors. This would provide more actionable insights than focusing on the daily routines of BSNL employees. Moreover, we believe it is far more essential for BSNL to implement best HR practices that motivate and empower its workforce, rather than burdening employees with yet another task of documenting their daily work.

In light of these concerns, AIGETOA CHQ has resolved that it will not participate in filling out the daily diary. We intend to formally register our protest in due course. Our stance is clear: we would have welcomed this, provided management had first fulfilled its responsibilities toward the workforce. These include, but are not limited to:

1] Proper support in the form of improved resources for day-to-day work.

2] The establishment of a robust mobile and FTTH network.

3] Implementation of the 3rd PRC.

4] Standard pay scales of E2 and E3 for JTOs and JAOs.

5] Resolution of 22820 Pay Loss Issues (22820, E1+5 increments, JE Period)

6] Resolution of JE Period Pay Loss Issues

7] Extension of E1 plus five increments to all the executives recruited/Promoted Post 1.1.2007 as an interim measure

8] 30% Superannuation Benefit (SAB) to all the BSNL recruited and Formation of PRMB trust for BSNL Recruits immediately.

9] Promotions for all eligible employees.

10] Resolution of SDE Reversal Issue

11] Revision of old TA/DA rates immediately.

12] Resolution of 147 Reversal issue.

13] Providing cashless Indoor Treatment to all employees across all circles.

14] Addressing all other long-pending HR concerns.

Until these demands are met, AIGETOA will not endorse or support the use of the People Analytics App.

As an initial step, AIGETOA CHQ has decided not to fill up the daily diary requirement, and we request all employees to stand united and support us in this cause.

Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Greetings from AIGETOA to all BSNL Employees

๐ŸŒ™ “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought light to the world, and his teachings continue to inspire millions. May his message of peace, love, and kindness guide us always.” ๐ŸŒ™

On the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, we extend our heartfelt greetings to you and your families. As we celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), let us reflect on the values of compassion, unity, and service to humanity.

๐ŸŒŸ “May the light of Prophet Muhammadโ€™s (PBUH) teachings illuminate your path always.” ๐ŸŒŸ

Let this occasion inspire us to continue serving our society with sincerity and dedication, as we work together to build a stronger, more connected nation.

Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Eid Milad-Un-Nabi! ๐ŸŒ™

Happy Engineers Day, Celebrating the birthday of Sir M Visvesvaraya :

On the occasion of Engineers Day, AIGETOA CHQ extends its warmest greetings to all the engineers and technical staff of BSNL who have been working tirelessly to keep the wheels of our organization running smoothly.

Today, 15th Sept 2024 we celebrate the birthday of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a legendary engineer and statesman who has inspired generations of engineers with his remarkable contributions to the field of engineering.

As we mark this special day, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our engineers who have been instrumental in shaping the growth and development of BSNL. Your commitment to excellence, your passion for innovation, and your relentless pursuit of quality have been the driving force behind our organization’s success.

At AIGETOA, we are proud to represent the interests of our engineer members and work towards creating a conducive work environment that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration. We are committed to supporting our engineers in their professional endeavors and providing them with opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

On this Engineers Day, we honor the contributions of all engineers who have made a difference in our organization and in the lives of our customers. We also reaffirm our commitment to working together to build a stronger, more resilient, and more innovative BSNL that is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

Wishing all engineers a Happy Engineers Day!

May your work be filled with creativity, innovation, and joy!

May your contributions continue to make a positive impact on our organization and on society!

Update on discussions on SDE 2007 Reversal Issue:

Team AIGETOA had detailed discussion with Management on the issues at all levels since yesterday including CMD BSNL, Director HR and PGM Pers.

With respect to the reversal issue, We presented the complete chronology, complete details of the various court cases, their orders and our point of view. We requested management to take a holistic view by immediately reinstating the Seniority of the affected executives and extending them their long due promotions. All the other things including legal proceedings and discussions can be dealt later on. We explained that there is no complexity in issuing the orders subject to outcome of pending court cases.

Management appears to be convinced but till the positive decision is taken, we need to keep pursuing till the final outcome.

Formal Meeting with Management on People Analytical Mobile (PAM) App:

After the issuance of letter on People Analytical Mobile App, the issue was taken up with management today by AIGETOA.

Thereafter, both the associations AIGETOA and SNEA were called for formal discussions with PGM Restg.

It was informed that there is no negative intent behind this app and the same has been developed to capture the employee feedback on the works as well as any special initiative.by the employee or any special accomplishments by the employee.

We categorically told that this is an unilateral decision taken by management without consulting with associations on the merit and demerits associated. One side management is projecting that it has got no negative intents and on the other side, it is being made mandatory for marking the attendance. We said this practice itself is against the basic principles of REA and against the spirit of good employee employer relationship.

We informed PGM Restg that we don’t agree to the proposal and we shall be submitting our formal objections on the proposal in black and white.

Later GS AIGETOA and GS SNEA sat together and decided to give a joint letter to management on the proposed app.

Update on Team AIGETOA Meeting with Management on 6th September 2024:

Team AIGETOA earlier took up the matters related to Promotions with Director HR who then guided us to meet PGM Pers for a detailed discussion:

Reversal Issue:

The issue was discussed at length. All the individual representations received from the sufferer executives were submitted in person along with AIGETOA letter. We strongly highlighted that the matter is unduly delayed and it’s high time that BSNL should take a decisive step instead of dragging the matter further in courts. We highlighted when BSNL issued show cause notices, BSNL did it for all and not for individual applicants. Now when the reinstatements are being done, instead of executing the court orders for individual applicants, BSNL should uniformly implement the Court orders and issue promotion orders for all the SDE 2007 reversal affected executives. It was assured to examine the matter in the backdrop of uniformity, national litigation policy and inputs submitted by AIGETOA. The discussion was positive and we sincerely hope that management will extend justice to all the SDE 2007 affected executives. AIGETOA is following up the matter and will not let any further injustice happen.

Issue Related to 147 :

We discussed the matter at length and once again explained the whole matter and requested management to look into the matter in totality instead of reading the judgement in bits and pieces. Management assured to look into the matter and examine the submissions given by AIGETOA.

SDE to AGM LICE Court Cases:

AIGETOA team explained the current situation and gave its suggestions for resolving the issue expeditiously. Management assured for its actions to end the stalemate soon.

JTO to SDE LICE and DPC Court Cases:

Current status was discussed and association requested for pushing the cases aggressively in court so that promotions can be extended in an expeditious manner.

SDE to AGM (T) Promotions:

Fresh Discussion on the issue started. Hopefully we will succeed.

AGM to DGM (CSS) Promotions:

We expressed our resentment on the undue delay and requested to issue the promotion orders. We said the promotions are unnecessarily being dragged and the same should be avoided.

Due to urgency, the meeting was concluded halfway and discussion on the same and promotions related to Finance and others cadres will continue.