OTP System Destroyed, Policies Bypassed, Executives Harassed : Still GS MA (Majority Association) Says “Thank You”

The annual transfer orders issued vide orders dated 09th May 2026 have once again established that the transfer and posting system in BSNL has become increasingly opaque, with discretion overtaking the laid down norms and policies. The pain becomes even more severe when genuine cases related to Medical Grounds, PWD, OTP, Education, Spouse Grounds etc. continue to remain unaddressed for many executives. To add further disappointment, the GS MA (Majority Association) has projected these orders as an achievement and extended thanks to all those involved in issuance of these highly discretionary orders.

It is not that the cases submitted by AIGETOA have not been considered or that we are reacting emotionally merely because some cases remained unsettled. The real concern and pain is the excessive use of discretion in place of the earlier transparent and automatic OTP mechanism which had become the hallmark of the transfer process in BSNL over the years. AIGETOA cannot celebrate such orders merely because some of our members may have got relief. AIGETOA considers it its duty to protect the rights of every executive irrespective of association affiliation. The real victory will only be when transparency, fairness and the hassle-free OTP system are fully restored.

With sustained efforts during its tenure as the Representative Association, AIGETOA had ensured the introduction and strengthening of the OTP Transfer System which streamlined the entire transfer and posting mechanism in BSNL. The process had become transparent and predictable wherein every executive was aware of his/her position, knew the circles available for placement, and long stay transfers were executed only after calling for options. Waiting lists were maintained and immunity provisions were extended transparently without bias or discretion.

However, after the current GS MA (Majority Association) took over, the significance of the transparent OTP process has steadily eroded. Transfers are increasingly being executed on discretion without transparency. Long stay transfers are being implemented without seeking options. OTP has virtually become redundant with executives being posted even to stations which they never opted for. Executives are being thrown to faraway locations, hard tenure postings are being done on own cost basis, promotions are being linked with transfers, and immunity provisions are being bypassed. Even PWD candidates and serious medical cases are not being spared.

The OTP Transfer system has practically been converted into ATP (Annual Transfer Process), forcing executives to remain stranded at their stations for almost a year. The cut-off date has been considered as 31.03.2026 instead of extending it to 31.03.2027 despite annual OTP being in place. It is pertinent to state that the prevailing transfer policy itself provides only a two-year break in tenure period in normal stations. Accordingly, those executives who had sought transfer back to their earlier circles after completion of the prescribed break period could very well have been considered. Alternatively, the cut-off date could have been extended up to 31.03.2027 in the larger interest of fairness and transparency.

The situation has become so rigid and opaque that even the sections dealing with the issue are often unable to provide clarity regarding the criteria being followed.

Those executives who obeyed earlier transfer orders, joined their transferred places in the interest of organisational discipline and complied with the policy in true spirit are today feeling cheated while witnessing selective and discretionary implementation. In fact, this selective execution has become one of the biggest issues prevailing in BSNL today. Whenever there is any change, instead of following the laid down policies uniformly, arbitrary methods are increasingly being adopted in implementation of promotions and transfers.

The GS MA (Majority Association) was duty bound to object and raise its voice to restore the system or improve it further. Unfortunately, all that is visible from them is endless thanks and gratitude for actions which deserved objection from the very first reading of the orders. During the entire tenure of the present GS MA regime, there has hardly been any substantial resistance or meaningful objection on issues adversely affecting executives. Even the current orders have been welcomed by them without any concern for the hardships faced by executives.

Neither do they raise issues effectively, nor do they allow others to function freely. While AIGETOA has remained consistently vocal on HR issues, day-to-day executive concerns and larger BSNL viability matters, the GS MA (Majority Association) has largely remained reluctant to raise issues. As AIGETOA started receiving wider acceptance and appreciation for its sincere efforts, even that became difficult for them to digest. Efforts were made to use the GS MA (Majority Association) tag to impress upon management that only they should be consulted and management need not discuss issues with Service Associations. If all such activities are happening with the concurrence of GS MA (Majority Association), then nothing can be more unfortunate for the executive fraternity.

It is only because of the persistent efforts and timely interventions of AIGETOA that some level of system and accountability still survives today.

AIGETOA never intended to enter into criticism or allegation-based discourse. However, the appreciation and thanks extended by the MA on such a sensitive and painful issue has deeply hurt the sentiments of executives when several discrepancies remain unresolved, serious medical cases are still waiting for justice, spouses are forced to live separately, women executives are being transferred to places more than 1500 kilometres away, promotions are turning into punishment postings and there remains no transparency regarding the criteria adopted.

Can these transfer orders dated 09.05.2026 genuinely be termed as appreciable?

Can such actions be claimed as creditworthy achievements?

Should thanks really be extended for such orders?

WE LEAVE IT TO THE WISDOM OF EXECUTIVES TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES.

BSNL Corporate Office has issued the circle-wise list of Surplus, Deficit and Just-Sufficient strength for executives in Telecom & Account streams, in connection with the opening of the Online Transfer Portal (OTP) window for the year 2026 .

Click here for List in Telecom (AGMs & SDEs)

Click here for List in Finance (AOs)

Pers Section, BSNL Co has cancelled all Old OTPs. we have strongly vouched for maintaining the OTP seniority on which it was told that the same can be discussed during implementation phase. Hence it is strongly suggested to all that while applying for fresh OTP, old OTP number must be mentioned in the remarks column. We will ensure that OTP seniority is maintained while executing the orders.

With respect to Hard Tenure pending cases, old requests upto Dec 2025 are being considered and all request beyond Dec 2025 (Premature Hard Tenure transfer requested) are cancelled.

Further, till new Transfer policy is notified, Old Policy stands.

AIGETOA writes to PGM (Personnel), BSNL CO New Delhi for implementation of clauses 3(a) of the Transfer Policy for Jammu & Kashmir Circle executives and reconsideration of long stay inter-circle transfers. The recent transfer orders are not in line with the Transfer Policy, particularly clauses 3(a) and 3(b), and overlook the unique and high-risk service conditions prevailing in the Jammu & Kashmir Circle.

Click here for the letter

The J&K remains a disturbed and sensitive region where executives serve under extremely difficult terrain, harsh climate, and security challenges, often facing serious risks while ensuring telecom services in hard and unpopular stations. AIGETOA recalled that based on recommendations made as early as 2008, specific tenure norms for hard and hardest stations were approved by the Corporate Office in 2009, and J&K executives were accordingly kept out of All-India long stay lists for several years.

AIGETOA has emphasized that hard tenure service, particularly in J&K, cannot be treated as less onerous than semi-hard tenure, especially when policy benefits are already extended to semi-hard stations. In the interest of fairness and natural justice, such service should be treated as a break in circle stay under clause 3(a) of the Transfer Policy.

AIGETOA writes the Director (HR), expressing serious concern regarding opening of OTP window from 01.01.2026 to 15.01.2026 without necessary preparedness with request for inclusion of all shortcomings before opening of Jan OTP window.

Click here for the Letter

AIGETOA has clearly conveyed that opening the OTP window in the present state will lead to confusion, dissatisfaction, and large-scale grievances among executives, defeating the very purpose of a transparent and fair transfer mechanism.

In this regard, the following critical issues need immediate attention:

1] Non-display of pending OTP waiting list:

The OTP portal does not display the waiting list of executives whose OTP requests are pending from previous cycles. In the absence of this information, executives are unable to assess their realistic chances and plan their options in an informed manner.

2] Non-display of Longest stay list in the circle :

The OTP portal does not display the Seniority list of executives who are having longest stay in the circle and probable to get the transfers. In the absence of this information, executives are unable to decide on applying the transfer in the coming OTP and accordingly arrangement to their family needs.

3] Non-availability of circle-wise deficit details:

At present, the portal does not reflect circles having category of “Deficit”, “Just Sufficient” and “Surplus Strength”. The absence of a clear display of circles strength, the very purpose of OTP is getting defeat, executives are required to exercise options without knowing where genuine vacancies exist. This makes the choice process arbitrary and unrealistic.

4] Non-finalisation of the Proposed Revised Transfer Policy:

The new transfer policy is yet to be finalised. Without clarity on crucial aspects such as Long stay provisions, Hard tenure stations, Choice posting norms and other related provisions, executives are left guessing while exercising OTP options. This undermines confidence in the process and exposes executives to unintended consequences.

5] Improper handling of Hard Tenure transfer cases

Hard Tenure transfer requests submitted through the Online Transfer Portal are presently being clubbed with routine modification and retention requests. This practice defeats the very purpose of Hard Tenure classification, which is meant to provide time-bound relief to executives serving in difficult and remote areas.

Executives have unanimously demanded that Hard Tenure cases be processed separately and orders issued on priority, in-line with Government of India guidelines. Despite repeated communications, there appears to be inadequate seriousness at the Corporate Office toward the hardship faced by executives posted in Hard Tenure stations.

The situation has further worsened after enhancement of tenure from two years to two and a half years, yet transfer orders for eligible executives continue to remain pending. While an earlier list purportedly covered executives completing tenure up to 31st March 2025, it selectively included names of officers completing tenure as late as July 2025, leaving many earlier eligible executives unattended.

Moreover, although the July–September OTP window was never opened, Hard Tenure applications forwarded through proper channel by the Circle Office have also remained unaddressed. These delays are causing mental stress, demotivation, and growing dissatisfaction among officers serving in such difficult locations.

6] Need for transparency and adherence to standard HR practices:

The transfer and posting process must be aligned with established HR principles of fairness, equity, and transparency. This includes ensuring that all executives have equal access to information, that decisions are based on objective criteria, and that the system is free from ambiguity or discretionary interpretation. A transparent and policy-driven approach will not only strengthen trust among executives but also enhance organisational credibility.

7] Addressing the issues related to Transfer of executives between territorial and non-territorial circles within the geographical boundaries of a circle particularly for circle based cadres.

Further, proceeding with the OTP exercise without addressing the above deficiencies will inevitably result in post-OTP chaos, multiple representations, grievances, litigation risks, and operational disruptions, creating avoidable administrative burden for both executives and management.

Demand Before Opening OTP Window:

AIGETOA, therefore, strongly urges the management to include the shortcomings raised above before the opening of the OTP window in Jan 2026, ensuring:

AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL with strong exception to the shocking incident where BSNL Corporate Office issued modification orders mentioning an already deceased employee, seeking verification of his medical condition four months after his demise. This grave and insensitive act reflects serious lapses in the HR functioning of BSNL.

Click here for Letter

The growing irregularities and arbitrariness in the transfer, retention, modification, and cancellation orders being issued by the Section concerned, AIGETOA urged for an immediate enquiry into all such orders issued since 2nd May 2025, and to fix accountability for deliberate or negligent lapses.

Points of Concern :

1] The name of Late Shri Atul Singhal, who passed away in June 2025, was included in the list for medical verification in the order dated 30.09.2025.

2] Several genuine medical and tenure cases continue to be ignored, while arbitrary modifications are being made without transparency.

3] Many officers have been retained in the same HR sections for over 15-16 years without rotation, raising concerns about fairness and impartiality.

4] Employees continue to face hardship due to delayed and inconsistent transfer orders, despite repeated representations.

Such insensitive and unilateral actions erode employee morale and undermine the positive initiatives being taken by the Government for BSNL’s revival.

AIGETOA writes to Director (HR), BSNL Board, requesting immediate consideration of OTP requests from executives who were transferred to other circles under the long stay criteria during 2022–2024 and have now completed the requisite tenure in their new postings.

✅ Click here for Letter to Director HR

AIGETOA highlighted the deep anguish and mental distress being faced by these executives, many of whom have spent the last 2-3 years away from their families under difficult conditions.

It may also be noted that there are several employees who have crossed the age of 58 years, whose requests may be considered in-line with the prevailing transfer policy guidelines. Additionally, there are many cases where employees have already completed two to three years tenure breaks and are seeking consideration on genuine grounds such as medical issues, caregiver responsibilities, spouse employment ground, etc., as per the existing policies in force in BSNL and in accordance with the DPE guidelines.

GS AIGETOA has submitted letter to the CMD BSNL regarding serious discrepancies and arbitrary actions in the recently issued transfer orders dated 30.06.2025, following the original transfer orders dated 02.05.2025.

Click here for letter

Despite earlier concerns raised by AIGETOA about violations of BSNL’s OTP and Transfer Policies, the Personnel section has issued subsequent modifications without addressing core issues. The revised orders appear random, lacking transparency, and have led to widespread resentment among executives, further resulting in over 15 court cases filed across various CATs.

Issues Highlighted :

1] Immunity grounds: Many immunity cases of AIGETOA has been left for no reasons while the orders have been issued for other associations. On one of the retention on immunity grounds, the date has been arbitrarily mentioned which do not have any basis.

2] Age above 56 grounds: The policy states that a person who has acquired age above 56 years on 31st March of the Financial Year in which orders are issued cannot be transferred on long stay basis. While few cases have been considered, few have been left arbitrarily without assigning any reasons.

3] Medical immunity cases: Few cases considered while many genuine cases not considered including even self-critical illness and family care giver cases.

4] PWD Self and Dependent Care Giver cases not considered.

5] Few orders issued on Own Cost while Few on Company Cost.

6] OTP requested for a particular circle and transfer carried out to other than requested circle. As per policy either OTP is to be considered or rejected but it cannot be modified to other circle as per choice of management being a voluntary transfer.

7] Non Implemented Transfer cases modified arbitrarily to other circles which is completely in contravention to the transfer policy.

8] OTP orders of persons not completing tenure issued while orders for those who have completed or about to complete the tenure have not been issued. As per policy, tenure orders used to be issued in advance but now this has been delayed for almost six months now and still no visibility about those who are going to complete their tenure next month.

9] 12th class immunity not extended despite provisions in the prevailing norms.

10] OTP cases of those transferred under long stay in the year 2022-23 are not considered while for select few the same has been considered.

11] Many officers having higher stay at station has not been transferred while those with lesser stay at station have been transferred out.

AIGETOA demands the following:

1] Direct the concerned authorities to review the orders issued on 30th June, 2025 and address the omissions related genuine grounds as per policy precedence and norms.

2] Institute an inquiry into the whole state of affairs pertaining to issuance of the orders under reference to rule out the involvement of the vested interests and fixing up the responsibility.

3] Reiterate and ensure strict adherence to the Government of India guidelines and BSNL’s Active Transfer Policy for all future transfer processes, emphasizing the distinct nature and priority of hard tenure postings.

4] Further officers must be asked to work according to the delegated power instead of dragging the higher office for even routine works like transfer postings. Since most of the time, orders are issued in contravention of the guidelines, a general perception goes that the orders have been issued under instruction from higher authority.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding Non-Issuance of Transfer Orders for Executives Completing Hard Tenure and Discrepancies in Order No: BSNLCO-PETS/12(11)/1/2025-PERS1/1 dated 02.05.2025.

Click here for Letter

BSNL CO issued the tenure transfer of AGMs/DEs in telecom operation stream.

Click here for Order

BSNL Corporate Office, issued order for the retention/modification/cancellation of AGMs/DEs who are under long stay transfer to other circles and have represented for retention on medical grounds and ward studying in 12th standard and appearing for Board Examination.

Click here for Order