AIGETOA & BTEU BSNL Meeting with Newly appointed National SC Commission Member Sh Vaddepalli Ramachander at New Delhi on 11.03.2024 :

AIGETOA & BTEU BSNL Meeting with Newly appointed National SC Commission Member Sh Vaddepalli Ramachander at New Delhi on 11.03.2024 :

Yesterday on dated 11th March 2024, All India President AIGETOA Shri Veerabhadra Rao and General Secretary BTEU, Shri R C Pandey, met the newly appointed member of National SC commission Shri Vaddepalli Ramachander to extend our warm welcome and convey our best wishes.

This meeting served as a courtesy gesture to extend the wishes on behalf of BMS affiliated Associations and Unions. Shri V Ramachander has been an active karyakarta of BMS before taking over as Member of the National SC commission.

Today, we eagerly look forward to attending the charge takeover function at his new office. We were privileged to receive the invitation from his good self for the brief ceremony.

Heartiest Congratulations to Shri Ramachander Ji on becoming a National SC Committee member. AIGETOA & BTEU of BMS extends warm wishes for your remarkable achievement.

This recognition symbolizes his dedication and contribution, fostering a collaborative spirit within the organization. His role as a committee member is pivotal in shaping policies and promoting inclusivity. May this journey bring growth, success, and meaningful experiences.

Click here for the Glimpses of Meeting

GS AIGETOA writes to Hon’ble Minister of Communication Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji to address neglect of BSNL Executives’ Career Progression, Calls for Scrapping Lateral Recruitment Policy :

GS AIGETOA writes to Hon’ble Minister of Communication Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji on the Consistent neglect of inner talent pool of BSNL executives and management’s undue focus on making lateral recruitment on higher posts persons with the same qualifications and no experience, creating two level of intake with similar qualifications, conduct of theoretical examinations at each level instead of providing a comprehensive promotion policy to the executives of BSNL and totally closing the promotional avenues of executives of BSNL by one or another reasons – Urgent SOS call to protect the career progression aspects of BSNL Executives and directing BSNL management to ensure the promotions for all eligible executives at least up to AGM level in a time bound manner. In the letter, GS AIGETOA seeks the benign attention of MoC on the discussions held in various meetings and the assurance to scrap the lateral recruitment policy of BSNL.

Click here for the letter

GS AIGETOA submits the inputs of AIGETOA to DoT & BSNL on Extending the standard pay scales of E2 to JTO/JAO/equivalent grades and E3 to SDE/AO/Equivalent grades in reference to tripartite meeting :

As per discussions held in Agenda Meeting dated 9th February 2024 and in the tripartite meeting held subsequently on 16th February 2024, GS AIGETOA submits the inputs of AIGETOA on Extending the standard pay scales of E2 to JTO/JAO/equivalent grades and E3 to SDE/AO/Equivalent grades. The objection raised by DoT on the five time bound up-gradations can be easily overcome by ending the discrimination in grant of JAG Selection Grade Pay Scale as E7 to absorbed Group ‘B’ Executives in accordance with DOT letter dated 26.08.2008 and DPE OM dated 24.12.2012 and inclusion of the same in EPP – It will impart great motivation to the Young Executives necessary in view of recent revival package and vast business by the Govt to resurrect the BSNL. In the Tripartite meeting held on 16th February 2024, GS AIGETOA was asked to submit the reasoned representation against the contentions raised by DoT for negating the replacement of E1A and E2 A pay Scales by E2 and E3. In the representation, AIGETOA has submitted the counter reply to the contentions raised by DoT and how the Scales can be replaced without cascading and not disturbing the five Time bound upgradations as per EPP.

Click here for the Letter to Member Services

Click here for the Letter to Director HR

GS AIGETOA raises concerns over unfair cancellation of Punjab Circle LICE, Urges Director HR to address disparity and initiate training for JE to JTO Promotions – Letter to Dir HR:

GS AIGETOA writes to Director HR BSNL Board regarding unfair cancellation of Punjab Circle Limited Internal Competitive Examination (LICE) for VY’s 2015-16, 2016-17 & 2017-18 in JTO (T) Cadre. GS AIGETOA submits its strong objection to the differential treatment given to different groups under similarly placed circumstances and requests to initiate the training for JE to JTO promotions.

Click here for the letter

Happy International Women’s Day from AIGETOA!

“Empowered Women Empower others.”

Celebrate Women’s Day with AIGETOA ! We’re proud to have championed improved Child Care Leave (CCL) provisions for women employees in BSNL. This Women’s Day, let’s recognize the importance of policies that support working mothers and foster work-life balance for all employees.

Thanks to AIGETOA’s efforts, key achievements include:

  • Extension of CCL to single male parents, promoting gender equality and acknowledging diverse family structures.
  • Enhanced CCL duration, increased from 135 to 180 days, with a maximum extension to 730 days throughout an employee’s service period.
  • AIGETOA’s fight for Exemption of Women employees in long stay transfer and posting, ensuring fair treatment and support for career growth.

AIGETOA remains steadfast in advocating for a progressive and inclusive workplace within BSNL.

#HappyWomensDay #AIGETOA #BSNL #CCL #GenderEquality #WorkLifeBalance

Inter Circle Transfer of long stay regular AGMs(T)/DEs(T) stay more than 22 years and age less than 56 years as on 31.03.2024

Pers Section BSNL CO issued the Inter Circle Transfers list of (354 AGMs) and (336 SDEs) having stay more than 22 years Circle and age less than 56 years as on 31st March 2024.

All the executives (SDEs/AGMs) in long stay will have to give three options under special Long stay Inter Circle OTP window which is opened w.e.f. 02.03.2024 to 07.03.2024.

Click here for long stay list of SDEs(T)

Click here for long stay list of AGMs(T)/DEs(T)

The circles are categorized broadly in 3 categories as detailed below for the purpose of transfer/posting.

For SDEs(T) :

For AGMs(T)/DEs(T) :

The tripartite Meeting with DoT, BSNL and BMS Affiliated Associations and Unions (AIGETOA, BTEU BSNL and BDPS) was held on dated 16th February 2024 at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi as per the pre-decided schedule:

The meeting was chaired by Shri A K Sahu, Member (Services), Digital Commission, DoT. The meeting was attended by Shri Sunil Kumar Verma – Jt Secretary (Admin), Smt Roshni Sohni – DDG (Estt) DoT, Shri Virendra Prasad – DDG (SR) DoT and other officers from DoT Side. BSNL was represented by Shri Kalyan Sagar Nippani – Director (HR), BSNL Board, Shri Adhir Singhal – PGM (Pers), Smt. Anita Johri – PGM (SR), Shri S P Singh – PGM (Estt) and other officers from BSNL HR unit. BMS Affiliated Association and Unions (AIGETOA, BTEU-BSNL, BDPS) were represented by Shri Veerabhadra Rao, Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Shri R C Pandey, Shri Aftab Ahmad Khan, Shri Badri Kumar Mehta, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Shri Sunil Kumar Gautam and Shri Veerendra Yadav.

The holding of Tripartite discussions between DoT, BSNL and BMS Affiliated Associations and Unions is one of the landmark occurrences and the need for same was felt because every time, with respect to our issues, the ball kept rolling between DoT and BSNL leading to the delay in resolution and a big communication gap. That was the reason, Hon’ble MoC desired that a tripartite meeting be convened so as a well deliberated and informed discussion can take place.

The meeting started with a welcome note by Hon’ble Member (Services) who assured that DoT is open to all suggestions and committed to resolve the long pending issues. JS (Admin) also welcomed all the participants and assured that DoT and BSNL will work as team for addressing the issues pertaining to employees. GSs of AIGETOA and BTEU thanked Hon’ble MoC, Secretary DoT and Member (Services) for convening this tripartite meeting which was the need of the hour. The General Secretaries also extended the gratitude on behalf of employees to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and Hon’ble MoC for ensuring the series of revival packages to BSNL which was almost on ventilator few years ago. We expressed that but for the support received from government, the National Telecom career was almost in a state of Peril. We expressed our thankfulness to Government of India for providing the much-needed support for BSNL and assured that each and every employee of BSNL is committed to the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat in Telecom and will stand firmly in support of all the endeavours taken by Government of India for the benefit of organisation in general and for the benefit of Nation in Particular. The employees of BSNL have also performed to perfection in realising this dream of nation and now its high time that the employees must be rewarded with resolution of their long pending dues.

Discussions on all the agenda points submitted to Hon’ble MoC was held in a positive and cordial manner.

1] Residual issues of 2nd PRC related to implementation of standard pay scales of E2 and E3 for the initial two levels of executive grade to BSNL Recruited Executives and issue related to various pay losses:

Association side informed the chair that issue has been pending since long and it is a residual issue of 2nd PRC. It was highlighted that two issues of 2nd PRC (Pay Scales for initial two grades and 30 % SAB) was left out to be implemented by BSNL and the irony is that the issue was affecting mostly the new recruits and a huge pay loss is being faced by executives due to this negation of the Pay Scales. We further said that the contentions raised by DoT while negating the Standard Pay Scales of E2 and E3 for initial two grades do not hold true and the issue can very well be settled without cascading effect. We also told that while DoT has mentioned that DPE has given concurrence to the Presidential orders of 2017, in an RTI reply filed by AIGETOA, DPE has replied that no such endorsement or concurrence has been given. We presented the documents in support of our submissions. We also told that DoT’s contention of giving the E1A scale to BSNL recruits erroneously also do not hold any substance as there is no mention of E1 scales for BSNL recruits in the PO issued for notification of E1A and E2A Pay scales by DoT in 2004 and it is categorically mentioned that all the BSNL Recruits at the level of JTO/JAO shall be placed in the E1A Payscale of 9850/- as the initial basic. All the details were explained to the chair and notably the DoT side was convinced on the submissions from association/union side.

JS (Admin) queried that how cascading effect can be avoided. The same was very well explained and demonstrated by our team that issue can be resolved without cascading effect and also the 5 Time Bound Upgradations shall be kept intact. Inputs were sought from BSNL side also which was given in a positive manner. A consensus view emerged that the issue needs to be re-examined in light of the submissions put forward by the Association.

It was agreed that issue shall be jointly examined by the team of BSNL officers and officers from DoT and inputs shall be taken from AIGETOA on the methodology suggested.

We also raised the issue of pending proposals of BSNL Board for extending E1 plus five increments and Notional Pay Fixation from 01.10.2000 for the Civil/Electrical/PA/PS/PPS etc. streams which were agreed to be examined. It was also informed that BSNL has currently three set of initial basics and due to this many executives are a subject of Pay Loss. The committee constituted for resolving the pay loss issues by BSNL must submit its report and resolve the issues.

2] Implementation of 30% Superannuation benefit to the Direct Recruits of BSNL as per the recommendation of 2nd PRC including creation of PRMB fund:

The issue was briefed to the chair and it was highlighted that despite provisions made by DPE, BSNL while implementing the 2nd PRC benefits in totality for all other groups, didn’t implement the 30% Superannuation Benefit for BSNL Recruits. We informed that even DoT, while issuing the Presidential Orders has directed BSNL to recommend on the 30% Superannuation Benefit but still the same was completely negated by BSNL. The necessary documents were presented in the meeting.

BSNL side updated the current status. Further details were sought by DoT team. Director HR said that management is considerate on the issue and discussions with AIGETOA and BTEU has been held in this regard. BSNL side affirmed that they shall be taking all necessary action to extend due justice. JS (Admin) directed BSNL team to discuss with AIGETOA and BTEU and share the final conclusion in this regard.

3] Implementation of 3rd PRC:

AIGETOA/BTEU team strongly demanded to extend 3rd PRC benefits to BSNL employees and expressed that given the role of BSNL in nation building and realizing the dream of Swadeshi 4G, affordability clause for implementing 3rd PRC must be waived off in respect of BSNL. DoT team asked about the inputs in respect of moving the case for waiver of affordability clause. It was explained by our team and supporting reasons were also submitted. The inputs provided by AIGETOA/BTEU side regarding exemption from affordability clause were appreciated and it is decided that it needs further deliberations between DOT and Association with more inputs to move in correct path to achieve the goal.

4] Extending the Promotional Avenues for BSNL Executives:

The issue of pending promotions was explained in detail to the chair. The treatment given to the executives of BSNL wrt the career progression, extending only one promotion to the professionally qualified executives in a span of 23 years, the competitive qualified candidates being made junior despite qualifying for the earlier vacancy years, not extending sufficient promotional posts to the executives/non-executives was explained in detail along with supporting documents. We also highlighted that 1200 vacancies are available in DGM grade which can very well be utilized to extend promotions in the grade of AGM to DGM, SDE to AGM and JTO to SDE. We also highlighted the fact that despite the issue of Rota-Quota remaining pending before BSNL Board, BSNL has gone ahead with revising the seniority, ignoring its own approval of the proposal by Management Committee of BSNL and also the directions of DoT to not to make “the Dewan Chand Case a precedence in future cases”. We strongly demanded promotions for the all eligible SDEs to AGM grade which is the only way to ensure justice. We also highlighted the need for increasing the promotional posts so that career aspirations can be met especially in view of the new Projects of BharatNet, 4G Saturation etc. being handled by BSNL. We said that there is huge need to extend the pending promotions across all grades and stream viz Telecom, Finance, Civil, Electrical, Architecture, CSS, PA-PS-PPS etc. grades.

BSNL side was asked to inform the status vis-à-vis the promotions across various grades and streams and was directed to take suitable actions to ensure justice. BSNL side assured that the issue raised with respect to promotions shall be considered and deliberations have been held with AIGETOA in this regard. BSNL team assured that all necessary action shall be taken to extend relief to the executives with respect to their career progressions aspects. AIGETOA and BTEU was asked to submit their inputs with respect to increase in promotional posts and it was assured that suggestions shall be considered holistically during the restructuring review exercise.

5] Revision in Transport, TA/DA and other allowances at par with current market conditions:

Our Team explained to the chair that employees of BSNL are being forced to work on 1996 rates of TA/DA/Transport etc. and there is a need to review the same at par with current rates else there will be huge reluctance in the employees to perform the outstation duties and also route duties. BSNL Team assured to revisit the rates and informed that management remains firm on the commitments made in the recently held agenda meeting with AIGETOA.

6] Pension Revision of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners at par with Central Government Pensioners and implementation of Hon’ble PB CAT Judgement Dated 20/09/2023:

The issue was deliberated by the team in detail. It was informed by DoT side that their team is working on the issue with close co-ordination with Ministry of Expenditure. It was also informed that possible options are being worked upon and all necessary efforts shall be taken in line with the earlier assurances given to the forum. DoT expressed their support on the issue and assured that needful will be done to ensure the settlement of this long pending due.

7] Exercising option for Old Pension Scheme and most humble request to grant one time option to be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 for the executives/non-executives whose recruitment process was initiated by DoT before formation of BSNL:

Team AIGETOA/BTEU explained the issue to the chair and requested for giving due consideration to the employees of BSNL whose recruitment was notified during DoT period.

DDG (Estt) informed that the issue was referred to DoP&T who have negated the same for employees of BSNL. We said that the issue has not been dealt properly and same needs re-consideration especially in view of the recent judgments by Hon’ble Supreme Court. It was agreed to consider the fresh inputs given by AIGETOA/BTEU.

It was decided that DDG (Estt) shall be holding a separate meeting with AIGETOA/BTEU to discuss on the fresh inputs. It was categorically assured that issue shall be given its due consideration and every possible attempt shall be taken by DoT to ensure the option for these BSNL recruits provided the inputs and documents are sufficient to prove the same before DoP&T.

8] Extending the facilities for person with disabilities (PwBDs) which is defined under RPwD Act 2016 or instructions given by DOPT time to time by BSNL in its true spirit:

Association side explained that the guidelines with respect to extending the facilities for PwBDs have not been implemented in totality. Further we also requested for directing BSNL to implement the recently notified DoP&T guidelines with respect to reservation in promotions. BSNL was directed to ensure the applicable guidelines expeditiously.

9] Restoration of Outdoor Medical Limits to its initial constitution of BSNL MRS scheme:

BSNL side was asked to examine the request.

10] Revision in NEPP (Non-Executives Promotional Policy):

The issue was very well explained by the BTEU team and they requested for its revisit. BSNL side was directed to examine the possibility of revision for ensuring a smooth career progression.

11] Lifting the ban on compassionate ground appointments:

The need for lifting the ban on Compassionate Ground Appointments was explained to the chair by the team. We emphasized upon the hardships faced by the dependents in the case of untimely demise of the earning member of the family. We requested for immediate lifting of the ban.

DoT/BSNL team was not very committal on the same. However, the need for creation of death relief fund was acknowledged and suitable action in this regard was assured.

12] Restoration of LTC:

The issue was discussed however no commitment was received in this regard.

The meeting concluded with vote of thanks. It was assured that another review shall be done through a tripartite meeting with respect to the progress and development made on the decisions taken in today’s meeting. It was also assured by the DoT side that an officer from DoT shall be deputed for participating in the deliberations with BSNL on need basis so that time bound action on the issues raised can be ensured and any communication gap can be avoided.

We also wish to inform that the meeting was held in the backdrop of the assurances made by Hon’ble MoC to the team of AIGETOA, BTEU and BDPS and all the progress is being directly monitored by the Hon’ble MoC office. We have also apprised the office of Hon’ble MoC and our Umbrella organization BMS about the discussions and deliberations held and decision taken. We expect that with such an active involvement of all concerned parties, that day is not very far when all such issues shall be resolved in totality.

Friend’s, today’s development proves the fact that for resolution of issues, you need to have Perseverance, Pursuance and Patience. Issues are resolved with amicable discussions across table and firmness in the approach and we firmly affirm that we will not be lagging in any of these aspects. We will consider today’s discussions as fruitful only when each issue sees the light of the day and reaches to every member in the form of resolution. We also take this opportunity to request all to support the endeavours of the AIGETOA, BTEU-BSNL and BDPS under the umbrella of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh and make us stronger to ensure the resolution of all the long pending HR issues of BSNL employees.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble MoC and his office for personally monitoring the developments, Secretary DoT, Member (Services), JS (Admin), DDG (Estt), DDG (SR) and their team for initiating the discussions at DoT Level. We also extend our thanks to Hon’ble CMD BSNL, Director HR, PGM (Pers), PGM (Estt), PGM (SR) and HR team for the meeting.

Above all, we are thankful to our umbrella organisation BMS for their consistent patronage and pursuance of HR issues of BSNL employees at the highest level.

Click Here for the Glimpses of Meeting at DoT

Click Here for details in PDF

Invitation to Tripartite Meeting from DoT – “A Meeting of DoT, BSNL & Association side AIGETOA & BTEU on 16th Feb 2024 for addressing the HR concerns in BSNL” :

Dear Esteemed Executives,

We are pleased to inform you of the forthcoming tripartite meeting aimed at addressing longstanding HR concerns. Through a series of constructive discussions with Hon’ble MoC Shri Ashwini Vaishnav Ji, Team AIGETOA and BTEU BSNL, operating under the aegis of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, have made significant strides towards resolution of the long pending HR issues.

In our latest engagement, Hon’ble MoC underscored the necessity of convening a tripartite dialogue comprising representatives from the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL Management, and the BMS-affiliated Associations and Unions of BSNL. This pivotal meeting aims to meticulously deliberate on the issues raised by AIGETOA and BTEU BSNL, with an earnest commitment towards resolution.

In accordance with the assurance provided by Hon’ble MoC, the tripartite meeting has been scheduled for February 16, 2024. During this session, the concerns delineated in the memorandum submitted by AIGETOA and BTEU BSNL will be thoroughly examined to chart a well-informed course of action. Subsequently, the outcomes of our deliberations will be communicated to Hon’ble MoC and Hon’ble Secretary DoT, facilitating prompt action on pending matters and conclusive resolutions.

We are heartened by the empathetic stance adopted by Hon’ble MoC towards the issues confronting the BMS-affiliated Associations and Unions of BSNL. With a positive outlook, we anticipate constructive discussions, particularly regarding resolution of Standard Pay Scales, Pay Loss issues, 30 Percent SAB, Government Pension for BSNL recruited whose recruitment process was initiated by DoT before the formation of BSNL, Promotions for all eligible executives, NEPP Review, 3rd PRC relaxing the affordability clause, Perks and Allowances Revision, Pension Revision, among others. The meeting will also focus on the issues pertaining to Pan India Roll out of 4G/5G services and other viability related issues of BSNL. Rest assured, our collective efforts thus far are poised to culminate in success, buoyed by the unwavering support and well wishes of the entire BSNL family.

Tripartite Meeting (DoT, BSNL & AIGETOA-BTEU) on 16th Feb 2024. Click here for Notice

Flash News: Convening of CPCs for promotions from PA to PS Grade

In the agenda meeting held on 9th February 2024 between AIGETOA and management, one of the issues raised was convening of pending CPCs in PA/PS/PPS cadre. Today management issues reminder circles for completing the process and furnishing the CPC report to BSNL CO for further necessary action.

Friends, slowly and steadily, progress is visible and AIGETOA remains duty bound to fulfill the commitments made at the time of MV. One by one, progress on all issues as per the discussions held in agenda meeting and the commitments made shall be visible to all.

We seek your support in ensuring the resolution of all the issues pertaining to executives.

Click here for the letter