The standard pay scale case hearing took place today, September 19, 2025, at the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Chandigarh. Team AIGETOA was represented by All India President (AIP), Sh Vivek Kumar Singh AGS-2, Sh Sunil Kumar Gautam AGS-5, Sh Vikas Gupta Legal advisor, Sh Yogesh Chhabra, and Sh Umesh Saini, VP Punjab.
The case, pertaining to the implementation of standard pay scales E2 & E3 in BSNL, is one of the longest pending matters at CAT Chandigarh. The hearing saw our senior advocate shri R K Sharma presenting substantial arguments advocating for the implementation of standard pay scales for JTOs / JAOs on the E2 scale and SDEs / AOs on the E3 scale in BSNL. He categorically established that DOT is at fault by lowering the scale without following the due procedure and citing the affordability clause when BSNL was in absolute profit at the time of implementation of 2nd PRC having implanted revised scales for all other grades than JTO/JAO and SDE/AO which mostly pertained to BSNL Recruits.
The Hon’ble Judge has directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to submit the rationale behind downgrading the scales including the details of financial concurrence taken before deciding on the matter, emphasizing the non-adherence to DPE guidelines and considering BSNL’s financial position as mentioned under the affordability clause at the time of implementation of 2nd PRC benefits. Court also issued notice to DPE for reply on the matter.
Team AIGETOA is firm on getting justice on this issue and are closely monitoring the developments of this case. AIGETOA is the only association which has opposed this move of DOT and have been fighting for this since 2016. AIGETOA is the only association pursuing the residual benefits of 2nd PRC in both organizational as well as legal way. We are very sure that our efforts will succeed in not only getting the due scales of E2 pay scales for JTO/JAO equivalent scales but also we will ensure that arrears are also being paid by BSNL/DoT.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 17, 2025.
Team AIGETOA remains committed to bring justice and ensure the rights & benefit of BSNL employees.