GS AIGETOA writes to Director HR addressing concerns with the recent amendments to the BSNL Transfer Policy, specifically clause 6(d) introduced in the BSNLCO-PERS/15(11)/6/2020-PERS1 order dated 19th September 2023. The clause impacts executives serving in the BSNLCO, CNTX-N, QA&I, BBNW, ALTTC, INMARSAT, UP(W), HR Circle and Delhi-NCR, including areas such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, by treating them as a composite unit with Delhi/BSNL CO for tenure counting purposes.

Click here for Letter

Key Concerns Raised by AIGETOA:

1] Geographical Disparity:

Combining vastly different areas under one tenure unit fails to account for the challenges posed by geographical differences. The combined area of 6979 sq. km includes diverse regions with varying commute times, infrastructure, and operational conditions.

2] Unfair Assumption of Advantage:

Executives working in NCR regions face significant travel and logistical difficulties, yet receive minimal transport allowances, insufficient to cover actual expenses.

3] Impact on Employee Welfare and Family Life:

The policy imposes undue pressure on employees to manage family and professional life while fulfilling their official duties, similar to employees in other parts of India.

4] Inconsistencies in Categorization:

Executives serving in Delhi-NCR are subject to both intra-circle and inter-circle transfers under BSNL’s longer-stay policies, causing confusion and inconsistent categorization.

5] Cost Savings and Employee Satisfaction:

Facilitating own-cost transfers and allowing employees more autonomy in managing work-life balance will not only increase satisfaction but also reduce BSNL’s expenses on TA/DA.

6] Preferential Postings for Lady Officers:

We highlighted the need to support women executives by granting preferential postings near their families, improving work-life balance and ensuring safety.

AIGETOA requests the removal of clause 6(d) and seeks amendments to the policy to ensure that the Delhi-NCR region is treated with fairness, aligning it with the policies applicable to similar areas across India. This revision would support BSNL’s objectives while safeguarding the welfare of its employees.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL citing strong objection on recent Launch of People’s Analytical App by Management and request for putting the orders on hold and instead replace the People’s Analytical App with बीएसएनएल कर्मचारी संवाद (BSNL Karmachari Samvad) App to capture the actual feedback from employees on the day to day problems which they face while executing their roles and responsibilities assigned.

Click here for Letter

AIGETOA expressed deep concern over the recent directives from BSNL HQ regarding the People Analytics Mobile App. We strongly believe that this initiative unfairly shifts the responsibility for unmet organizational objectives onto the workforce, instead of addressing critical planning and project management issues.

AIGETOA’s Suggestions for BSNL Improvement:

1] Focus on revenue growth, service improvement, and adoption of industry best practices.

2] Prioritize addressing manpower shortages, lack of basic resources, and safety concerns faced by field-level executives, especially in rural areas.

3] Implement the 3rd PRC, revise pay scales for JTOs and JAOs (E2, E3), and resolve longstanding issues like the 22820 Pay Loss and JE Period Pay Loss.

4] Ensure timely promotions, extend SAB benefits, and provide cashless indoor treatment for employees.

We urge BSNL management to reconsider the implementation of the People Analytics App, which is causing unrest, and instead, focus on fostering a positive and empowering work culture through dialogue and engagement with employee associations.

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 month’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.

GS AIGETOA writes to BSNL Management on Mass Exodus of Young and Dynamic Executives from BSNL, a concerning trend which BSNL must address with priority. GS AIGETOA emphasizes upon the fact that as many as 30 percent of the newly recruited JAOs and as many as 40 percent of the newly recruited JTOs have left the organization which is an alarming trend but never taken into cognizance by BSNL.

Click here for Letter

GS AIGETOA highlights that the mass exodus of these skilled professionals indicates a systemic issue within BSNL HR Policies that requires immediate attention. We believe the root causes of this situation are multifaceted, stemming from several longstanding grievances that have been repeatedly highlighted by AIGETOA but have largely remained unaddressed.

GS AIGETOA highlights the major reasons behind this attrition namely:

1. Working Conditions.

2. Stagnant Career Progression and Unjust HR Policies.

3. Non-Resolution of issues of Standard Pay Scales of E2 for JTOs/JAOs, non-settlement of issues related to pay loss and non-implementation of 3rd PRC.

4. Unfulfilled 30% Superannuation Benefits.

5. Lack of Revised TA/DA, non-availability of sufficient medical cover and non-extension of perks and allowances.

In light of these issues, GS AIGETOA urges CMD BSNL to take immediate actions to address these concerns comprehensively. This includes implementing a fair and timely promotion policy, revising pay and allowances, fulfilling all promised benefits, and fostering a conducive working environment that supports the professional growth of BSNL employees.

As per the provision of constitution of AIGETOA and discussion held in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, AIGETOA CHQ notify the date for constitution of new Central Collegium of AIGETOA and holding of Annual General Meeting (AGM) of AIGETOA on 27th & 28th Sept 2024 at New Delhi or NCR region.

Click here for Notification

Click here for Format for Collegium Nomination

Agenda of the Meeting:

1. Constitution of the New Central Collegiums for the next three years tenure.

2. Deliberation and discussion on various HR, organizational issues and importance of the BSNL.

3. Discussion on the preparatory exercise of the all India Conference.

4. Discussion on any issue or agenda items as opinioned by the house under permission of Chair.

5. Adoption of the resolutions by the house.

Schedule of AGM and Constitution of New Central Collegiums of AIGETOA:

Date and Time of the meeting: 27th Sept, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 20:00 PM.

Venue of Meeting & Constitution of Central Collegium: Exact venue will be notified later through the CHQ website www.aigetoachq.org.

Returning officer & Asst Returning officer for conducting of election:

Returning Officer: Shri Sailash Kumar

Asst Returning Officer: Shri Gaurav Garg

Schedule of constitution of New Central Collegiums: 28th Sept, 2024 at 10:00 Hours.

Declaration of the New Central Collegiums: 28th Sept, 2024, at 17:00 Hours.

Schedule and Instructions for Constitution of New Central Collegiums of AIGETOA:

1. Circle will send their nominations strictly in the enclosed format for Central Collegiums after following due process as defined in AIGETOA Constitution to the returning officer on mail ID: ro.aigetoa@gmail.com by 18th September, 2024. (CSs are requested to share copy of CEC Minutes in which Circle Collegiums’ members are elected as per their defined strength, without valid signed minutes copy collegiums list will not be considered).

2. Verification of the nomination received will be done by the returning officer in consultation with the concerned Circle Secretary from 19th Sept to 20th Sept, 2024.

3. Provisional list of the nomination received will be displayed on CHQ website on 21st Sept, 2024.

4. The nomination can be withdrawn between 22nd to 23rd Sept, 2024 on written request to the returning officer by submitting written request in paper or through electronic media like email at ro.aigetoa@gmail.com.

5. Final list of nomination received will be displayed on 24th Sept, 2024 on CHQ website.

6. Any objections on the final list shall be decided by the returning officer in consultation with the officer bearer of the society. However, the decision of the returning officer shall be final in the event of any difference of opinion.

7. Final elected list of the Central Collegium of AIGETOA will be displayed on the AIGETOA CHQ website www.aigetoachq.org by 28th Sept, 2024 for public information.

GS AIGETOA submitted the agenda to CGM (SR) BSNL CO Smt. Anita Johri with request for granting an agenda based meeting to AIGETOA for discussion on crucial issues being faced by the BSNL Executives under the chairmanship of CMD BSNL/Director (HR).

Click here for letter submitted

GS AIGETOA writes to Director HR urgently requesting the implementation of the Hon’ble CAT Chennai Order (OA Nos. 1401 & 1343/2017 & 1178/2018). The order pertains to the re-fixation of pay for TTAs who were promoted to JTOs as Departmental Outsiders, ensuring their pay is fixed from the date of appointment/promotion without further delay and without any appeal.

AIGETOA has persistently raised concerns over the pay fixation issue, emphasizing the need for a uniform application of the option clause exercised by internal NE officials during the Non-Executive pay revision process. This should be applied under FR 22-B and FR 22 1(a)(1). However, BSNL CO has yet to issue comprehensive guidelines for pay fixation and revision for TTAs who were promoted to JTOs as Departmental Outsiders directly under pay protection. This lack of guidance has led to inconsistent pay fixation across various units/Circles, creating anomalies and inequities.

AIGETOA urge the BSNL Management to take immediate action to implement the Hon’ble CAT order by re-fixing the pay from the date of promotion/appointment to the JTO grade in accordance with FR 22(I)(a)(1) & FR 22-B(1). This will ensure justice is served and rectify discrepancies in the previous pay fixation orders.

It is important to note that the National Litigation Policy clearly states that in service matters, appeals should not be filed unnecessarily, as tribunalization aims to reduce the burden on courts. Orders from Tribunals should only be challenged with valid reasons, not as a routine matter.

In light of this, AIGETOA strongly urges to implement the order without pursuing any appeal or further delays.

Click here to view the letter

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL Shri Ravi A Robert Jerad with full support and strategic suggestions to improve the network for achieving BSNL’s 25% market share goal.

Click here for the letter

AIGETOA Suggestions for Various Initiatives to Achieve Revenue Growth:

1. Issues in Phase IX.2 Indigenous 4G Project:

Addressing challenges in integrating existing multi-vendor CM networks with indigenous TCS/CDOT technology. Increasing technical training and optimizing all new 4G sites immediately. Strengthening the transmission team and exploring low-cost 4G handsets and dongles. Addressing congestion at GGSN level and ensuring cooperation with infrastructure providers.

2. Addressing Technical Issues with BSNL International Roaming Services:

Establishing direct 4G roaming agreements with global partners and implementing international roaming on Wi-Fi (VoWiFi).

3. Urgent Need for BSNL to Implement eSIM Services:

Preventing the loss of high-ARPU customers by establishing an eSIM environment immediately.

4. BSNL and Starlink Partnership:

Collaborating with M/s Starlink to deliver satellite internet coverage across India, especially in rural and remote regions.

5. Strategic Revaluation of FTTH Operations:

Reducing dependency on FTTH partners and enhancing marketing activities to increase connections.

6. Expanding BSNL Air Fiber Service with 5G Spectrum:

Offering a wireless alternative to FTTH using advanced wireless technologies such as LTE or 5G.

7. Addressing Network Issues for BSNL Customers Roaming on MTNL Network:

Using Vodafone roaming as an alternative and extending the BSNL-Vodafone roaming agreement to include Mumbai.

8. Ensuring Low Latency & High Download Speed for International Websites & Servers:

Ensuring proper download speed and latency for international websites and video conferences.

9. Network Related Issues and Quick Rehabilitation of Transmission & Core Network Cables:

Strengthening core fiber links and ensuring quick rehabilitation of damaged transmission and core network cables.

10. Issues Related to Bharat Net Project:

Addressing substandard material usage, temporary joints, and inexperienced manpower deployment.

11. Provisioning of Sufficient Vehicles and Resources to Maintain Network:

Reinstating hired vehicles and allocating Radio Cabs for sales staff to ensure quick response to emergencies.

12. Revising TA/DA Rates for Staff Performing Day-to-Day Works of Operation & Maintenance:

Revising the TA/DA rates for staff below the rank of DGM to ensure efficient outstation and route maintenance works.

13. Commercialization of High Commercial Value Buildings/Premises:

Focusing on commercializing premises at prime locations to generate handsome revenue.

14. Hiring OPGW Cables from Govt PSU – AEGCL:

Hiring OPGW dark fiber from AEGCL to ensure stable media for BSNL 4G and FTTH services in Assam.

These suggestions, compiled from our members stationed across the country, reflect their high hopes and commitment towards achieving BSNL’s goals.

GS AIGETOA writes to Director (CM) with a request to take measures to to capitalize the market condition and continue the measures for regaining the momentum of Increase in BSNL SIM Sales happening due to measures of 4G deployment and private operators tariff hike.

GS AIGETOA further highlighted that BSNL must not hike the rates under any conditions to maintain the current momentum of Port In and New Connections for BSNL.

GS reiterated that each and every employee of BSNL is committed to the growth and development of our beloved organization and we are ready to extend all support and cooperation in achieving the dream of regaining BSNL market share once again and provide the best services to the nation at affordable rates.

Click here for the Letter

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL seeking an Urgent Call to Address Career Progression issues for BSNL Executives, Consistent neglect of the inner talent pool of BSNL executives and management’s undue focus on lateral recruitment at higher posts – AIGETOA Request for doing away with SET RRs and DR DGM RRs.

Click here for Letter