Today, Team AIGETOA met with the BSNL Management to discuss the implications of the recent judgment pronounced by the Hon’ble High Court of Chandigarh concerning LICE promotions, in the case filed by MTs.
During the meeting, Team AIGETOA conveyed its deep concerns regarding the stay order and its impact on the ongoing and upcoming LICE promotions. We emphasized the uncertainty it has created among executives and demanded clarity on the future course of action. We sought clear answers from BSNL on how the management plans to move forward in light of the judgment and the nature of the stay granted by the High Court.
AIGETOA expressed its anguish on the way the whole matter was handled by the Management. AIGETOA demanded an enquiry into the whole episode and fixing of responsibility for the persons responsible for the lapses. It was pointed out that when a caveat was filed, why the issue was not handled appropriately; when the appeal was filed, why the nodal circle as well as the nodal section of BSNL CO could not hire a senior advocate to defend the case. We have demanded an enquiry and fixing of responsibility for the lapses. Director HR has assured that the issue will be given due consideration and the matter shall be enquired into, and responsibility shall be fixed if anyone is found guilty of any lapses.
It was also demanded that when MTs have challenged their own recruitment process against the MSRR, their process should also be put on hold and all of them must be reverted to their substantive cadres before the exam. The additional protections given to them must immediately be withdrawn. It was told that the issues raised by AIGETOA shall be examined.
On Court orders, PGM (Pers) informed that there are currently two interpretations being considered internally by BSNL:
First Opinion: There is no explicit stay on the LICE promotions, and BSNL may proceed with the promotion exercise along with necessary modifications as earlier discussed. Only the CAT decision dismissing the plea of the MTs has been dismissed.
Second Opinion: The High Court judgment implies a complete stay on the CAT Chandigarh order, thereby restricting any further promotional activity.
It was further informed that BSNL is in the process of obtaining a definitive legal opinion on the matter. Based on this legal advice, the management will finalize its official stance. A clear position from BSNL is expected by tomorrow.
The timing of the listing of the case after so long, when the appeal was filed in the first week itself, raises many questions:
The caveator did not follow up the appeal. Only after AIGETOA got this information and alerted management, the on-panel advocate attended the hearing. This smells of conspiracy within the system of BSNL.
The listing of the case only after the conclusion of an important event of one association also raises a question. Why was the case filed in the first week listed only after the conclusion of their big event?
Why has the some corners of BSNL gone out of the way to help them? Whether some vested interests are involved?
Questions are many, and answers need to be found out.
With respect to the discrepancies on the transfer posting and modification of LICE posting, it was informed that cases highlighted and submitted by association side and the policy issues raised are being examined and same decision shall be taken maximum by next week. The new transfer policy shall also be issued by next week.
AIGETOA will continue to follow up proactively and ensure that the interests of executives are safeguarded at every step. We reaffirm our commitment to protect the promotional avenues of all eligible executives and will not allow any injustice to prevail.
We appeal to all members to stay united and be assured that AIGETOA is leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice and timely resolution.
United We Stand, Together We Will Succeed.