Yesterday & Today, detailed and intense discussions of the Forum were held with the Management represented by PGM (SR) regarding the notice served by Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) – a platform comprising AIGETOA, BTEU BSNL, BDPS, AIBSNLOBCEWA, STEWA, FNTOBEA, and BTU.
PGM (SR) conveyed that BSNL Management is taking the concerns raised by the forum seriously and is committed to resolving both HR and operational issues through a participative and time-bound approach. It was informed that a formal study group consisting of members from Management and representatives from recognized and support associations, including SEWA, will be constituted. This group will engage in structured, agenda-based discussions to resolve long-standing issues in a time bound manner.
The discussions were started with Management highlighted the significant and positive role being played by management under the leadership of CMD BSNL Shri A Robert J Ravi in achieving new milestones for BSNL along with getting support for the company from various stakeholders and the same was appreciated during discussions. The ‘BSNL First’ approach of current CMD BSNL was also emphasised by management in the discussions. It was conveyed by GS AIGETOA that BSNL First approach is very much valued by all the employees of BSNL also which was the prime reason for BSNL sailing through its toughest times. The very compassionate and sincere role played by Director HR, Shri Kalyan Sagar Nippani was also appreciated from both sides during discussions. BDM leaders said that its sad to note that despite this strong employee-employer bonding, the issues remain pending to be resolved.
PGM (SR) reaffirmed the commitment of management in initiating constructive dialogues and addressing concerns in a time bound manner. She assured that BSNL will sincerely work towards resolving issues within its scope and will escalate matters like 3rd PRC, standard pay scales, and pension revision – those falling outside BSNL’s purview – to the appropriate authorities. Management side also assured that the operational issues highlighted in the agitation notice are being taken care of and management is fully focussed in ensuring a smooth rollout of 4G/5G services and a rugged backhaul network and a good FTTH Ecosystem.
GS AIGETOA and Chairman BDM, during the discussion, emphasized that the issues pending before the management (Both HR as well as operational) has led to this widespread unrest. We also highlighted the point that many such studies have been done in past and based on the same only a combined letter from three recognised associations was given before the start of HR Month as per the discussions held earlier with management. We also emphasised that the HR Group should have acted more proactively, particularly during the month of April 2025 to avoid the current situation. The consistent problems faced by executives in maintaining the network and arresting the churn of the subscribers from BSNL is another major area of concern. Nevertheless, the forum is open to resolution through dialogue – but underlined that achieving the outcomes expected is all the more important.
GS also expressed concern over the transfer orders issued recently impacting the personal and professional issues of the affected executives. The GS highlighted cases of executives being transferred repeatedly within short spans and on promotions, such actions appear to be not in line to achieve the progress. The deviation from transfer policy in circle allocation, and use of the regular AGMs who are seniors in SDCA roles while the Junior officers (MTs) as OA Head were flagged as serious violations. In fact, the new transfer policy was already under discussion with AIGETOA/SNEA and the same has still not taken the final shape. The discussions on new transfer policy were still on with associations waiting for response of the management on the suggestions given by them. The discussions on the concerns raised by Circle OBs with management shall also be held on Monday. The association assures all affected executives that AIGETOA CHQ will pursue their concerns to ensure resolution. The Joint Secretaries have been asked to collate the issues received from CSs for further pursuance and all are requested to submit their grievances to the concerned JSs through the CS.
Following the discussions yesterday, an appeal from Management was issued to the Chairman and Convener of the Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch (referencing Para 6 of the letter), proposing the formation of a joint study group to work collaboratively on the issues raised. GS AIGETOA informed PGM (SR) that the appeal would be reviewed in consultation with the constituents of BDM and BMS. Subsequent discussions shall take place on Monday.
As a responsible association, AIGETOA acknowledges the management’s timely outreach and openness to dialogue. We also appreciate BSNL gaining positive milestones and the forum is equally concerned for the health and growth of BSNL. But at the same time BDM cannot ignore the welfare of its fraternity which is of paramount interest for any Association. If good steps are taken, BDM will never hesitate in appreciating the good things but at the same time we will never back out in highlighting the lacunae also. The BDM forum maintains that resolutions must be tangible, time-bound, and documented – particularly on critical issues such as 4G deployment, network challenges, FTTH provisioning, 3rd PRC, 30 % SAB, pay loss, and overdue promotions.
No doubt, the continuity in the leadership of any head of the organisation is vital for its resurgence and long-term success and the same holds true for BSNL also. The Current CMD after taking over the charge told us about his vision to transform the company into a technologically advanced, customer-first telecom leader, 4G/5G rollout, digital services etc and accordingly we all supported him wholeheartedly to strengthen the hands. We always stand united to reinforce the efforts for a stronger and profitable BSNL with a roadmap for sustainable growth and employee welfare. But, despite our best efforts and unqualified support, the resolution of the Operational and HR issues as mentioned in the demands are a big area of concern and the same is one of the major reasons for this prevailing unrest in BSNL. BDM Leaders also stated that keeping the company up and running are in the hands of policymakers and employees have only role to execute the decisions. Further the welfare of the employees needs to be ensured with the policy makers in line with the GoI/DPE/BSNL guidelines.
However, we do welcome the positive approach of continued discussion from management and CMD BSNL and with an intent for actual outcome both for BSNL growth issues as well as long pending HR issues, we always recognise the need for continuity of the dialogues and accordingly the discussions shall continue tomorrow also between Management and BDM.
The outcome of the discussions till today have been informed to all the leaders of Bhartiya Door Sanchar Manch and the Apex Leadership of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh. Further dialogue with BMS, our umbrella organization, is ongoing as they actively monitor and escalate the issues at the appropriate forums. We urge all executives to remain patient and stand united. The Central Headquarters of AIGETOA in consultation with Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is closely monitoring the developments and will continue to lead the way forward.