Conduct of Benevolent Fund Meeting on 23.02.2026 – AIGETOA Registers Strong Objection and Seeks CMD’s Intervention

AIGETOA has taken strong objection to the manner in which the Benevolent Fund meeting was conducted on 23 February 2026 without informing the recognised association, despite a prior request for minor rescheduling of time.

Click here for the letter to CMD BSNL

It is worth mentioning that..

1] The meeting on Benevolent Fund with AIGETOA, SNEA and committee members was held without any confirmation or intimation to AIGETOA after a request to shift the timing from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM due to prior engagements.

2] In the past, Benevolent Fund meetings have been postponed multiple times keeping in view the availability of officers and other association representatives, but this time even a simple communication that the meeting would not be rescheduled was denied.

This creates a clear impression that the Admin Section tried to avoid AIGETOA’s presence, particularly because AIGETOA consistently raises issues in the interest of employees and BSNL.

We place our firm objection on record and request that strict action be taken against the concerned DGM and PGM, if this action is in any way related to AIGETOA’s recent communications regarding pending issues or the manner of interaction of certain officers in the HR group.

If AIGETOA’s presence was deliberately avoided in order to push through a “half-cooked policy” with the concurrence of the majority association, we also place our strong objection to any such proposal that places the entire burden on employees without any corresponding responsibility on the employer.

AIGETOA has also flagged the earlier discussions with LIC during GTI deliberations, where LIC was asked to quote for GTI cover of ₹10/20 lakh with at least 50 percent premium to be borne by BSNL, and has pointed out that no further progress has been communicated so far. The association has stated that the way forward on this crucial protection for employees should have figured as a key agenda item in the Benevolent Fund meeting.

Seeking CMD’s personal intervention, AIGETOA has further called for strict adherence to CVC guidelines on posting in sensitive positions. The DGM and PGM have overstayed in their present HR posts beyond the stipulated tenure, while executives of AGM and below level are being subjected to frequent transfers, even in cases involving medical and PWD immunity. AIGETOA has requested immediate corrective action and has expressed that such matters should not be allowed to escalate to quasi‑judicial forums like CVC if they can be resolved through proper administrative decisions.

Observing Nationwide “Protest Day” – 25th Feb 2026:

🙏 Dear Friends🙏

As per the decision taken in the 21st All India Conference organized at Puri, Odisha by our umbrella organization, the world’s largest trade union, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), a call has been given to observe 25th February 2026 as “Protest Day.” More than 20 unions from across India and abroad actively participated in this important 21st All India Triennial Conference at Puri.

Under this “Protest Day,” demonstrations and movements are being organized across the country at the state and district levels on 25th February.

The major demands related to employees of BSNL / MTNL included in the charter of demands for the Protest Day are as follows:

🔹 Implement 3rd PRC Recommendations and Standard Pay Scales for BSNL/MTNL Employees

🔹 Extend Full Pensionary Benefits as per Rule 37-A to BSNL/MTNL Recruits.

Both these demands are directly linked to employees’ financial security, standard pay structure and future stability. These long-pending issues require immediate resolution.

We appeal to all colleagues to participate in large numbers in this “Protest Day” and demonstrate unity so that our genuine demands can be effectively raised and resolved.

A memorandum on the letter head of Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch may also be signed by all the colleagues and sent by post to PMO by each District and Circle. The draft memorandum is attached herewith.

Click here for the Memorandum to be submitted (English Version)

Click here for the Memorandum to be submitted (Hindi Version)

Yours sincerely,

AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS BSNL

BSNL Issues Directions to All Circles on Mobile Network Optimization – AIGETOA’s Continuous Efforts Yield Results:

After sustained and consistent follow-up by AIGETOA regarding the deteriorating mobile network performance during the technology migration phase, BSNL Corporate Office has now issued clear directions to all Circles for immediate corrective action. Vide letter No. BSNLCO-CMQS/16(11)/2/2020/NWO CM II-Part(3) dated 23.02.2026, Corporate Office has acknowledged the concerns raised by AIGETOA on issues related to 3G shutdown, Phase IX.2 network stabilization, and the challenges being faced by field units.

Click here for Letter Issued by BSNL in Reference to AIGETOA Letter

Click here for AIGETOA Letter on 4G Network & 3G BTS Shutdown

Key Directions Issued by Corporate Office:

1] Priority to Network Optimization & Stabilization

Circles have been instructed to ensure that the newly deployed Phase IX.2 network meets prescribed benchmarks and quality standards, with focused efforts on optimization before proceeding with further 3G shutdown.

2] Detailed Site-Level Assessment Before 3G Shutdown

Revenue impact, coverage, data utilization, and service quality parameters must be thoroughly analysed before switching off 3G sites.

3] Immediate Escalation of RRH Radiation Power Issues

Reduced radiation power output in RRHs must be escalated to vendors for time-bound replacement.

4] Strict Vendor Accountability

Vendor non-responsiveness in fault restoration and optimization is to be taken up at the highest level. All supplied equipment must strictly comply with tender specifications.

5] Focus Areas for Stabilization

Priority corrective actions to be ensured for:

• IMS stabilization

• Interzone VoLTE roaming

• LBS/CBC/NB-IoT related issues

Action Taken Report

Circles have been asked to take necessary action and submit reports to Corporate Office at the earliest.

AIGETOA had repeatedly written to the CMD, BSNL highlighting Network instability due to 3G shutdown, Inadequate optimization before migration, Customer dissatisfaction and churn risk, Stress on field officers working without adequate resources and Need for vendor accountability and structured stabilization plan. The present direction from Corporate Office clearly reflects the impact of our persistent efforts and structured representation on mobile network issues.

While issuance of directions is a positive step, strict monitoring of implementation at Circle and BA level is equally important. We urge all Circle and District teams to Closely monitor compliance, Document ground-level challenges and Share feedback with CHQ for further escalation wherever required.

AIGETOA remains committed to protecting the professional dignity of field executives and ensuring that BSNL’s network quality improves in a structured and accountable manner.

Together, we will continue to pursue systemic correction and long-term stabilization of BSNL’s mobile network.

Further, It has come to our notice that instead of focusing on strengthening the collective effort for network improvement, one Association has been repeatedly reaching to management with objections on why AIGETOA’s concerns are being acknowledged and acted upon by the Management.

We believe that the real objective of any association should be resolution of issues, not comparison of recognition on who does it. When genuine concerns are raised with clarity, supporting facts, and sustained follow-up, Management naturally takes cognizance. The recent directions issued by Corporate Office regarding mobile network optimization reflect the seriousness of the matter and the need for corrective action across Circles.

AIGETOA has always maintained that strengthening BSNL’s network, protecting its revenue, and supporting field executives must be a collective responsibility. This is not a matter of credit or visibility. It is about ensuring that the organization responds in time to operational challenges.

We remain focused on constructive engagement, professional advocacy, and tangible outcomes. Our priority will continue to be policy correction, accountability, and improvement in service quality for the larger interest of BSNL and its executives.

Let us all work towards solutions rather than narratives.

AIGETOA Writes to CMD BSNL for Streamlining Deputation Process and Timely Relieving Mechanism :

AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding the problems faced by executives while applying for deputation. The issues include delay in forwarding applications, delay in relieving after selection, and long pendency in finalizing terms with borrowing organizations.

It has been brought to the notice of this Association that many applications are rejected due to ambiguity regarding the mapping of IDA and CDA scales. Further, due to delays in time-bound upgradations than their substantive posts. AIGETOA requests that clear guidelines be issued to ensure that all deputation applications are forwarded promptly to the borrowing organizations, provided the executives meet the basic eligibility criteria, without unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.

Click here for letter

Facilitation of sports activities and participation of BSNL employees in State/National tournaments & Leagues – AIGETOA Writes to CMD BSNL :

AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL for urgent intervention for facilitating sports activities and ensuring participation of BSNL employees in recognized State and National level tournaments and leagues.

The denial of participation, non-approval of Special Casual Leave/On Duty facility, and refusal to provide administrative support such as affiliation fees, despite clear provisions in the BSNL Sports Compendium has been highlighted. Also even after Circles forward recommendations in the prescribed format, sportspersons are not being permitted to participate as Coach/Technical Delegate, leading to demotivation and dissatisfaction.

Click here for the Letter

Update on Approval Sabbatical leave policy:

It is understood that Management Commitee of BSNL has approved the Sabbatical Leave Policy for BSNL executives. The proposal shall be placed before BSNL Board for final approval and issuance thereof.

This was a long pending demand of AIGETOA and was pending to be processed by Estt cell since long. Finally the proposal was placed yesterday for approval before Management Committee.

We extend thanks to Management for taking this issue one step forward.

AIGETOA Demands Implementation of “One Company – One Policy” and Removal of Pay Disparity in BSNL – Writes to CMD BSNL :

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL highlighting the continuing disparity in pay, perks and service conditions between officers on deputation and regular BSNL executives. The immediate intervention to ensure fairness, organisational balance and long-term industrial harmony in BSNL.

Despite BSNL functioning as a single corporate entity, two parallel standards of compensation continue to exist. Officers on deputation draw CDA pay and allowances at par with Central Government employees, while regular BSNL executives remain on IDA scales without timely pay revision and adequate allowances. Both categories discharge responsibilities for the same organisation and from the same corporate resources, yet the service conditions remain unequal.

Click here for Letter Submitted

Issues:

1] Non-Implementation of 3rd PRC

The 3rd PRC period (2017–2026) is nearing completion, but BSNL employees are still drawing pay under 2nd PRC scales notified in 2007, while deputationists continue to receive 7th CPC benefits and are now poised for 8th CPC benefits .

2] Pending Residual Issues of 2nd PRC

Long-pending residual issues since 01.01.2007 remain unresolved, causing financial loss to BSNL-recruited employees .

3] Outdated Allowances and Welfare Measures

  • Transport Allowance still at 1996 levels
  • TA/DA rates outdated, especially for AGM equivalent and below levels
  • No All India LTC facility
  • Limited medical and social security provisions compared to other Central PSUs.

4] Stagnation in Promotions

Even after 25 years of BSNL’s formation, no structured internal management hierarchy has been effectively implemented. Regular executives continue to face stagnation, while officers on deputation receive regular promotions against BSNL posts.

Demands :

AIGETOA has urged the BSNL Management for:

1] Strict implementation of the principle of One Company – One Policy in pay, perks and service conditions.

2] Elimination of disparity between office on deputation and regular BSNL executives in compensation and career progression.

3] Immediate settlement of residual issues of 2nd PRC and firm action for approval of 3rd PRC at par with other Central PSUs.

4] Revision of outdated allowances and restoration of welfare measures like All India LTC and improved medical facilities.

5] Time-bound promotions of eligible executives to ensure a proper succession plan in BSNL.

The affordability cannot be selectively applied when two sets of employees within the same organisation are treated differently. More than 52,000 employees and their families are looking towards the management for a fair and transparent policy framework.

Update on AO to CAO promotions:

After the receipt of Hon’ble PHHC court orders, Team AIGETOA has immediately followed up with the concerned sections and officers of Pers and SEA. We have requested to process the orders expeditiously. We requested that this is a long awaited promotion which was pending since long and now that the court has given go ahead and the orders have also been received, any more delay must be avoided.

Click here for the Order

We are really thankful to the Pers and SEA team who are working round the clock for completing the works despite such a short period of time.

The pending VCs were also being followed up with concerned circles by our team and all the VCs have now reached to BSNL CO.

Further , we are requesting for posting on “As is Where is Basis” and if that is not possible, minimum disturbance should be there and candidates may be allowed to join at current places of posting. Lets see , how far management accommodates our request.

Team AIGETOA is consistently following the developments.

Lets hope for the good news soon.

Once these orders are issued, AIGETOA has already requested for immediate processing of the JAO to AO promotions. It will be our endeavour to ensure the immediate needful thereafter for JAO to AO promotions also.

AIGETOA Writes to CMD BSNL for Immediate Implementation of Sabbatical Leave Policy in BSNL at Par with Other Central PSUs and Government Organisations :

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL for Immediate Implementation of Sabbatical Leave Policy in BSNL at Par with Other Central PSUs and Government Organizations.

Click here for GS Letter

BSNL executives have been working under sustained operational pressure, financial constraints, and limited career progression opportunities. Many officers are keen to pursue higher technical qualifications, management education, specialized certifications in emerging telecom technologies, or research in areas aligned with BSNL’s future roadmap or to take other assignments to hone their current skillset. In the absence of a formal Sabbatical Leave policy, such aspirations either remain unfulfilled or result in resignation and loss of experienced manpower.

Implementation of Sabbatical Leave in BSNL would:

1] Enable skill enhancement in areas such as 4G/5G technologies, IT systems, cybersecurity, and emerging telecom domains.

2] Improve retention by providing structured flexibility instead of forcing employees to choose between career development and job continuity.

3] Align BSNL’s HR Policy structure with other Central PSUs and Government departments.

4] Enhance morale by demonstrating that BSNL values professional growth and work-life balance.

5] Preserve institutional knowledge by allowing employees to return after skill upgradation rather than exit permanently.

5th Circle Conference of AIGETOA Odisha held on 8th Feb 2026 at Bhubaneswar :

The 5th Circle Conference of AIGETOA Odisha was conducted in a grand and dignified manner at OTDC Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar on 8th February 2026. The event witnessed massive participation from the Odisha collegium, Circle and District office bearers, and members representing various Business Areas of BSNL Odisha Circle, reflecting the unity and strength of the association.

The Chief General Manager Odisha Circle Shri D K Behera graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. All India President Shri Veerbhadra Rao attended the conference along with senior office bearers from AIGETOA Central Headquarters, including: CHQ CO Convenor Shri Deepak Sahoo, Joint Secretary (East) Shri Prabhash Kumar Mishra, OS, AIGETOA CHQ, Shri Harjinder Singh, UP East Circle Secretary Shri S S Choudhary & UP East Circle Finance Secretary Shri R K Verma.

The session was attended by senior officers and leaders of various unions and associations, including: PGM CNTX Core, Shri Sidharth Sahoo, GM (NWO-CM, TX), Shri Gurudas Mehar, Shri J Rout, Circle Secretary, SNEA, Shri P K Rout, Circle Secretary, AIBSNLEA, Shri D K Behera, Circle Secretary, SEWA, Shri Sarat Mohanty, Circle President, BSNLEU & Shri P K Palai, Circle President, NFTE.

The dignitaries addressed the gathering and shared their views on the theme of the Open Session, “Resilient BSNL – Strengthening Digital India.”

Election process was started by the Returning Officer Shri Dhurba Charan Samal and Asst. Returning Officer Shri S K Majhi in the presence of CHQ observer JS (East) AIGETOA CHQ Shri Prabhash Kumar Mishra. The entire election process was carried out as per the rules. Shri Susanta Kumar Nayak, Shri Prabhat Kumar Sahu & Md. Salauddin Ali Ahemad were elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary & Circle Finance Secretary respectively.

The newly elected Circle Body of AIGETOA Odisha for next three year tenure (2026-29) is as follows:

Click here for the newly elected circle body of Odisha Telecom Circle

Click here for the Details of the Circle Conference

Click here for the Glimpses of the Circle Conference