JTO to SDE DPC Case at Jabalpur

The case at Jabalpur was heard today and arguments were held. Detailed arguments took place and counsel from BSNL side as well as association side, both pleaded strongly for the vacation of Stay, however Honble tribunal posted the case for final hearing on 13th January 2021, stating that since we are placing it for a very short date and accordingly final hearing shall be held on 13th January 2021.

The opposite side also objected on the presence of AIGETOA and four individual applications as Intervenor and said that association side should not be made party. However, individual intervention applications have been accepted as party to the case and accordingly our senior counsel shall continue to argue in the case. Though the thought process and inclination of the whole arguments appeared tilted towards vacating the stay but since the case was posted for a very short date for Final orders on 13th January 2021, the interim relief remains continued.

However, the applicants who are representing mostly one particular association and are working duly under the supervision of one of their prime CHQ office bearers have submitted their rejoinder yesterday in the late evening which was received by us around 11:45 PM. However we managed to send the counter matter to our counsel well in time by 3:30 AM for arguments. Since the stay has not been vacated from Jabalpur yet and the case has been posted for final arguments on 13th January 2021, we need to wait a little more despite completion of all preparatory exercises and all preparedness for issuance of orders. Association shall be holding its emergency meeting tomorrow as decided earlier to discuss and decide on the next alternative course of action in view of the developments at Jabalpur.

We know and we can understand the anxiety on the part of suffering executives but sometimes destiny tests our patience and during these testing times, we need to be more composed, calm, focused and more perseverant.

Accordingly we request all to have faith and we will surely be overcoming this obstacle also very soon.

  1. Click here for rejoinder submitted by the applicants
  2. Click here for today’s listing of case

GS-AIGETOA writes once again for online conduction of training

GS AIGETOA once again writes to the GM(Training for conduction of all online trrainign including the upcoming JTO Ph-II training to conduct through ONLINE MODE till March-2021 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is not over yet. He requested for giving a direction to the CGM ALTTC Ghaziabad for conduction of all training through online till the fresh directive is not issued by BSNL CO New Delhi.

Click here for letter

Team AIGETOA Meeting with Director (HR), PGM(Pers), Sr GM(SR),GM(Training) and GM(Rstg) on 06.01.2021:

All India President Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Vice President Shri Badri Kumar Mehta, AGSs Shri Yogendra Kumar and Shri Sunil Gautam met GM-Restructuring and discussed once again on the restructuring exercise in view of the misleading update given by one corner.

It was once again re-emphasized that Restructuring Exercise is still not finalized. Even circle structure has not been finalized yet. Moreover, as per new decision, details have been sought from the CFA team on the number of clusters, their revenue etc so that placement of appropriate man power shall be calculated and finalized. Further, the operational norms have also not been finalized yet.

AIGETOA team expressed that the restructuring exercise is going too slow and it’s time that things should be finalized under discussion with the majority recognised representative association i.e. AIGETOA, which is the only association authorized to formally discuss with the management. We also conveyed firmly that any reduction beyond stipulated norms shall be opposed vehemently and there should not be any dent in promotional Avenues of executives.

AIGETOA Team met GM(Training) and raised our apprehension and requested for holding of JTO Phase-II and other trainings through ONLINE MODE till Covid-19 vaccination is not started or pandemic in not faded. The GM(Training) appreciated the concerns and informed that the department has taken cognizance of the concern raised by the association earlier and again it will take all necessary action in this regard.

AIGETOA Team also met PGM Pers and Sr GM SR and discussed upon the readiness of the JTO to SDE DPC exercise. We requested for immediate issuance of promotion orders after Friday. We also firmly conveyed that any further delay will result into strong organizational action as the executive cadre is already frustrated and the minds are in complete state of unrest due to continued negligence of the issues pertaining to executives. We also requested for issuance of LDCE Notification simultaneously. It was assured that work on that process has also been initiated and notification shall be issued.

Thereafter the team met Director HR and had discussion on the above two issues. Director HR firmly assured that there won’t be any delay in issuance of promotion orders and his team is dedicatedly working for the same.

With regard to the misleading update that number of posts being frozen in various grades, Director HR categorically told that nothing has been finalized yet and calculations are going on. Director HR further assured that without discussing with Majority Recognised Representative Association, restructuring shall not be finalized. We thanked Director HR and conveyed that while finalizing the restructuring exercise, the promotional Avenues should be taken care of and any reduction beyond the stipulated norms should not be done.

Dear Friends,

We once again request you all to not to get panicky due to misleading information given by few corners. They may know the reasons why they are doing this. As far as calculation circulated by them, we wish to clarify that this is the old calculation which was done during their tenure on which perhaps they may have given acceptance. They may be accepting this but we would like to assure you all that we will never ever accept any drastic reduction in promotional posts and all necessary actions shall be taken to ensure the interest of our fraternity and cadre.

We are totally committed for our cadre and nothing shall be left untouched and or unguarded. All these four months of our recognition, we have been doing the firm ground work in the best interest of the cadre and also to undo the wrongs which has been done in last 20 years. Yes results are not visible now but very soon you will start witnessing the results also and not only results, you will also feel that future path has also been smoothened. Remember, Rome was not built in a day and especially when you have to start afresh. Many will come to demoralize, demean and demotivate you but don’t lose your faith and perseverance. We request you all to have patience and faith. Association shall be taking all actions necessary to ensure the benefits of PPP and to undo all the injustices which have been meted to us in all these twenty years.

Together We Have, Together We will.

Renewal of GTI – Direction to call for option

BSNL CO issued direction to call for the option for renewal of GTI:

BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi issued direction to call for the option for renewal of GTI from BSNL Executives. For a sum assured of Rs 50 Lakh, the renewal EMI will be Rs 9440/- for those executives who born on and after 15.09.1970 and the renewal EMI will be Rs 45430/- for those executives who born before 15.09.1970. The annual premium will be deducted from the salary of the month of the February-2020. Although association has always advocated that the GTI amount should be paid by employer but till it is not achieved, association appeals all executives to go through the details minutely and take a conscious decision.

Click here for the GTI letter

AIGETOA Calendar 2021 – Inauguration by CMD BSNL on 1st Jan 2021:

AIGETOA Calendar-2021 formally inaugurated on 1st Jan-2021 by CMD BSNL:

AIGETOA CHQ Calendar-2021 was inaugurated at Corporate Office New Delhi by the Hon’ble CMD BSNL and Board of Directors in a small function attended by Shri Ravi Shil Verma AIP, Shri Badri Kumar Mehta VP, Shri Sunil Gautam AGS, Shri Rajeev Kumar Meena CS/Delhi, Shri Subrat Kumar Mohakud CFS/Delhi and Shri Vishal Gautam ACS/NTR on 1st January, 2021. The AIGETOA Team met CMD BSNL, Board of Directors and other senior functionaries at Corporate Office and exchanged pleasantry and extended greetings on the occasion of New Year and shared the views for well being of the BSNL and its Executives and employees.

Click here for the Snaps

In another function at Patna CGM BSNL Bihar Shri G. C. Shrivastava and Shri Wasi Ahmad General Secretary AIGETOA jointly inaugurated the AIGETOA Calender-2021 in the presence of Shri Mukesh Kumar CP, Shri Kumar Amit CS, Shri Prashant Gaurav CFS, CEC Members and large gathering of our OBs and Members. The General Secretary exchanged pleasantry and new year greetings and discussed about BSNL performance in the outgoing year and new challenges ahead with CGM/Bihar and thereafter met other senior officers and all our OBs and Members on the occasion. In another event, Shri Surinder Razak CS SEWA and his Bihar Team welcomed the General Secretary, Shri Wasi Ahmad GS AIGETOA with a flower bouquet and greeted him on the New Year.

Click here for the snaps

On the occasion of New Year, all Circle Teams of AIGETOA met to their respective CGMs and other senior functionaries in their Circle and exchanged pleasantry and discuss the issues of BSNL and Executives. Many of the Circles also got the Calendar and diaries inaugurated on the occasion to distribute among the members. 

Click here for the Snaps

GS AIGETOA writes to the Hon’ble MoC for inclusion of BSNL fraternity as prioritized vaccine beneficiaries in initial phase:

GS AIGETOA writes to the Hon’ble Minister of Communication Govt of India, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad Ji for inclusion of BSNL fraternity in prioritized vaccine beneficiaries in initial phase, like other health or defense warriors, considering the contribution made by the BSNL warriors in the fight against Covid-19 and their sacrifice during course of their standing with the Nation and its People in one of the most difficult time.

He recalled that in the course of discharging responsibilities of a Telecom Warrior, high percentage of BSNL staffs and officers got infected with Covid-19 and many of them succumbed to the disease and attained supreme sacrifice. Now it is being reported that that the Covid-19 vaccine is getting ready and the government is in the process of prioritizing targeted vaccine beneficiaries. It has come to our knowledge from various media reports that recently NEGVAC (National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration) panel has recommended to the government that population groups comprising of healthcare providers & workers, personnel from state & central police, armed forces, home guards, civil defense & disaster management volunteers, municipal workers and persons above 50 yrs etc be identified as prioritized vaccine beneficiaries in initial phase. However, there is no clarity that BSNL workforce will also be identified as front line workers and made priority target population for the upcoming vaccination in first phase. It is being felt that the risks and sacrifices made by BSNL fraternity during the testing times of Covid-19 are getting unnoticed by the panel suggesting for prioritized target as initial vaccine beneficiaries. So, the General Secretary taken up the matter with the Hon’ble Minister and Department of telecom as well as Health & Family Welfare for inclusion of the BSNL Officials also in the first phase for the vaccination.

Click here for letter

Update on Restructuring

In all the meetings, AIGETOA Team has been pressing hard with management that the huge reduction in posts is simply uncalled for as none of the outsourcing activities has resulted into any reduction in roles and responsibilities of executives as the activities which are being outsourced pertain mostly to non executive work.

Finally we have succeeded in convincing management on this important aspect and it is learnt that the directions have been issued that restructuring exercise should consider this aspect also. Accordingly, it is further learnt that the number of posts in various cadres are being reworked. We sincerely hope that good sense will prevail and it will be ensured that the career prospects of various executives do not suffer. AIGETOA team will continue to monitor this exercise and is committed to ensure that promotional aspects of none of the executive are affected adversely.

Wishing all a very Happy New Year 2021.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021

Dear colleagues,

First of all, we would like to wish you and your family a very warm, happy, healthy prosperous and safe new year 2021. We have just completed one of the toughest calendar year 2020 with a completely different aspect of life in last nine months. The challenges were not only about changed living conditions and new normal but safety of human being across the world due to pandemic of covid-19 but it was also about growth and viability of our beloved organisation, BSNL. AIGETOA pursued, struggled and reached out to every platform for a government backed revival package for BSNL to safeguard it from its dwindling future, which is at its lowest due to policy decision and predatory pricing in Telecom Sector.  Fortunately, Government introduced BSNL Revival Package to get it implemented in 2020 and it became a hope to all employees that the organisation will again be a safe, secure and flourished company in future through various arms of the program. But unfortunately, except VRS and Sovereign Guaranteed Bond of Rs 8500 Cr, no other arms could get much headway and specially much hyped 4G couldn’t be roll out in 2020 in spite of all efforts by the CMD and BSNL Board of Directors, which seriously inflicted damage to the financial health of BSNL. The tender for procurement of equipment for 50K 4G sites was canceled on the direction of the DoT and altogether a new concept of home grown core taken the centre stage in 2020, giving serious blow to early and industry standard roll out of the premium wireless data service by BSNL in near future. After a series of meetings between the BSNL management and various functionaries of the government, the PoC roll of 4G is being contemplated with indigenous equipment, raising serious question mark about the future growth in revenue and expansion in one of the core business of wireless segment by BSNL. But we will have to fight in this situation for early rollout of the 4G Service or Government should suitably compensate the company and its employees by extending the related benefits including implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL, full 30% SAB for BSNL Recruited Employees and standard pay scale of E2 and E3 for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent grade irrespective of the financial health of the organisation.

As far as the association is concerned, it was a year of growth and accomplishment for the platform of AIGETOA (All India Gradate Engineers & Telecom Officers Association), which rises to its tremendous glory with the blessing of all executives by securing first position in recently concluded 2nd Membership Verification of Executives Association leaving behind legacy associations SNEA and AIBSNLEA.  The AIGETOA became Majority Recognised Representative Association of Executives of BSNL in its first ever election contested in BSNL and we will use this opportunity for the welfare of the executives honestly. We once again extend our deep gratitude to all executives for showing faith and believe in the platform, which we will nurture forever and use for the betterment and inclusive growth of executive fraternity always.

On the other side, Year 2020 was another year of setback, frustration and depression to executive’s fraternity due to non-settlement of their long pending issues of Pay, Promotion, Pension and Prosperity. BSNL Management has completely failed to rise to the occasion to address the issues of executive with same zeal as these employees taken the additional responsibility in field after VRS and didn’t allowed the things to slipped away from the hand even after reduction of 78K employees from the organisation through VRS, Severe financial & resource constraints and spread of pandemic of Covid-19. These warriors fought with full dedication and motivation without caring for their life and family and in the process many of them attained supreme sacrifice. AIGETOA salute our warriors and assure that their sacrifice will not go waste and we will ensure justice to each and every executives and employees of BSNL.

We look forward for a hard battle ahead in 2021 both for the cadre as well as the organisation. The promotions were missed in preceding year have to be attained in all grades and streams in a time frame manner, starting with issuance of the JTO to SDE Promotion without further delay. The pay losses faced by executives have to be compensated and the superannuation benefits have to attain 30% as recommended in 2nd PRC. The association will have to fight for implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL, Health Insurance for all executives in BSNL and other issues of the executives in the year 2021. These are tight targets but very significant for our cadre survival and motivation of the executives to give their best for our beloved organisation BSNL. We are behaving responsibly and extending all cooperation to the management in the larger interest of BSNL but now our patience is also running out due to failure of every timeline. If the management didn’t come up with decisions and orders, the association will not shy away to stretch its other arms for accomplishment of vital issues of the executives. Hence we have to gear up for challenges ahead and so we call our members and executive fraternities to start gearing up for the larger battle ahead. We also request one and all that let us take pledge on this New Year to extend hands of cooperation instead of digging the path of others. We can sail through even in this tough time with togetherness and so have faith and support in each other.

At the end we once again wish a wonderful, happy, healthy, prosperous and safe New Year 2021 to all of you with your loved ones. Happy New Year 2021.

Team AIGETOA !