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.

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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.

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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.

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GS AIGETOA Writes to Director HR with urgent request for Cancellation of Transfer Orders and to Address Harassment Issues of Sh Sanjib Borthakur, SDE (Vigilance) in Assam Circle on promotion from SDE to AGM Cadre – Appeal for Impartial Investigation into Allegations of Harassment of the Vigilance Officer by Jorhat BA Administration.

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GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL, requesting the implementation of reservation in promotions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) in the cadres of SDE to AGM and the issuance of promotion orders for all the eligible candidates.

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Despite previous reminders and references to relevant orders and guidelines, BSNL has not initiated the promotion process for eligible PwBDs. AIGETOA again highlighted that there are 85 eligible PwBD executives in the cadre of SDE who have been awaiting promotion since 2013.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates reservation in promotions for PwBDs, and the BSNL MSRR, which outline the eligibility criteria for promotion to the AGM cadre. Also in a recent Hon’ble Supreme Court order in a contempt petition, where the Court directed the respondents to consider giving notional promotions to eligible candidates from an earlier date.

Additionally, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued guidelines for providing reservation in promotions to PwBD employees, including the creation of supernumerary posts. The Hon’ble PCAT has also directed BSNL to implement reservation in promotions for PwBDs and promote eligible SDEs to AGMs within a specified timeframe.

The Association has expressed concern over BSNL’s delay in implementing these directions, stating that it will only lead to more legal complexities. AIGETOA requested the CMD to intervene and ensure that reservation in promotions for PwBDs is implemented as per the DoPT guidelines, promoting all 85 eligible PwBDs from SDE to AGM.

We highlighted a recent order by the Department of Posts, which clarifies the procedure for computing the number of vacancies reserved for PwBDs. The Association has urged BSNL to consider all eligible PwBD employees for promotion on a notional basis, as per the DoPT OM dated 28th December 2023.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding the case of felling of 400+ trees in BSNL Exchange Campuses including Teak wood & Sandal wood. Victimization of the District Secretary of Dharmapuri OA, Tamilnadu Circle for Exposing Conspiracy and Revenue Loss.

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AIGETOA has brought to light a significant issue pertaining to a revenue loss of approximately 25 lakhs for BSNL due to the illegal felling of over 400 trees, including valuable teak and sandalwood, within BSNL exchange campuses in the Dharmapuri OA region of Tamil Nadu Circle.

The District Secretary of AIGETOA, Dharmapuri OA, courageously exposed this incident and brought it to the attention of the higher authorities. However, instead of appreciating his efforts, the BA Administration has initiated departmental proceedings against him, in an apparent attempt to suppress the voice of the Association.

Representations and requests for a thorough inquiry were made by the Circle Secretary of AIGETOA Tamil Nadu to CGM on April 26 and May 15, 2024, unfortunately, the grave issue of revenue loss and potential corruption has not been addressed, and instead, a whistleblower is being targeted.

AIGETOA has requested urgent intervention in the matter and emphasizes the need for a fair and transparent administration within BSNL and seeks prompt action to safeguard the interests of BSNL and its employees. The letter also highlights the importance of ensuring a level playing field for the recognized association to foster a corruption-free environment.

AIGETOA stands firm in its commitment to uphold transparency and integrity within BSNL and seeks justice for its members who courageously expose corruption and revenue loss. The association urges the BSNL administration to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take stringent action against any corrupt officials involved.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding prevailing demotivation and resentment over non-consideration of meritorious candidates in LDCE-2012 for Promotions to AGM(T) cadre and request prompt resolution.

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AIGETOA highlighted the prevailing demotivation and resentment amongst these SDEs because of the continuous delay in addressing the legitimate rights of the LDCE qualified executives. Despite multiple discussions, reassurances and commitments, tangible output to resolve this pressing issue could not be found out, leading to unavoidable frustration and demoralization among the affected individuals.

We have proposed the following solutions to promote these executives to the AGM(T) cadre:

Promotions of DGMs to create vacancies : Promotions of DGMs to create approximately 1116 vacancies and utilizing the consequential vacancies for promotions from SDE to AGMs. It will be pertinent to mention that court has permitted executing ad-hoc promotions but still BSNL has preferred not to promote the eligible AGMs to DGM grade for the reasons best known to them.

Creating additional Vacancies : Creating 1000-1500 additional vacancies for prestigious government projects like 4G saturation, Bharatnet, strengthening the Enterprise business, Marketing, Sales activities of BSNL. It will be pertinent to mention that the current sanctioned strength of BSNL provides ample scope to management for creating additional vacancies on the promotional posts within the overall sanctioned strength of organization.

Diversion of SET Quota : Diverting the SET quota envisaged in MSRR-2023 to the DPC quota, resulting in approximately 300 additional vacancies.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding review of the structure of Upgradation Training and Exam.

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AIGETOA highlighted issues faced by BSNL executives regarding the Upgradation Training and Exam process. As per the Executive Promotion Policy (EPP), BSNL executives are required to pass an online examination within two years of receiving a pay scale upgrade. However, a large number of executives are currently awaiting their turn to appear for the exam due to limited seats and training slots at ALTTC and other training centers. The time slots fill up quickly, causing delays and frustration for many executives.

To address this concern, AIGETOA proposed the following suggestions:

Revert to a single-day exam without mandatory classroom training: Previously, executives took the exam without classroom training, expediting the process. Online training can be offered as an option, accommodating more executives.

Make classroom training optional: With course content available online, executives can study independently and appear for a single-day exam, reducing the backlog within 2 months and saving BSNL lakhs of rupees in TA/DA expenses.

Address hostel accommodation issues: Recently, hostel allotment refusals by NITPRIT authorities have caused accommodation problems for executives. A single-day exam pattern can mitigate this challenge to a large extent.

Accommodate administrative delays: In some cases, upgradation orders are issued 8-12 months late, leaving executives with less time to clear the exam. A single-day exam pattern allows them to appear for the exam sooner.

Revamp the training vertical: BSNL’s training centers can be reorganized to offer market-oriented courses to the general public, generating revenue and making it a profitable initiative.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL Shri P K Purwar Ji regarding need for increasing the limit for reimbursement of cost of Mobile handsets further to enable all executives to buy atleast optimum configuration handsets supporting Band-28 i.e. in the 700 MHz band which is being used majorly by BSNL for its Swadeshi 4G network.

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The proposed cost is insufficient for handsets compatible with BSNL’s 4G services, which will primarily utilize the 700 MHz spectrum band. The available handsets with this configuration are priced higher than the current reimbursement amounts.

AIGETOA highlighted the following intrinsic benefits of having a revised handset policy with Band-28 support handsets:

1] As part of the government supported projects BSNL is launching the 4G services in Band-28 in rural, far flung and difficult areas in the country. It will be timely and prudent that BSNL executives are equipped with proper mobile handset which will help them not only to complete their day to day office work but also enable them to assist customers, measure QoS, coverage.

2] BSNL having 4G rollout in Band 28 will be a long term advantage as the band is having excellent penetration and coverage. At this stage appropriate feedback will be required for improvements in the indigenous 4G stack.

3] The executives associated with Mobile related work will also require a day to interface with vendors and service providers and various government agencies also. Therefore, providing handset equipped with 700 MHz band support will be good investment which will be fruitful for the executives as well as the company.

4] By increasing the reimbursement limit at least by Rs 8000 at each level of existing policy rates should be accepted for immediate implementation. By this way BSNL management can make it mandatory for all executives to purchase the handsets supporting B28 operations.

5] The clause 4 of the letter dated 07.05.2024 seems to be discriminatory. It mentions that the officers on look after basis or local officiating basis shall be allowed reimbursement of the cost of Mobile Handset at their substantive post. There are many officers who been promoted and working on LA basis for the last 4 to 5 years and have been vested with all administrative and financial powers of the post. They are eligible to get promoted on regular basis but still not being promoted for the reasons best known to department. Surprisingly, these officers are giving their best even on LA basis but being deprived of the reimbursement benefits on the post at LA basis is gross injustice. We feel that the officers on LA basis should also be entitled/allowed to reimburse the cost of Mobile handsets at par with officers working on regular/adhoc basis.

GS AIGETOA writes to CMD BSNL regarding urgent action required to address undue delay in promotion and uncaring attitude towards Employee Welfare.

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