Meeting with Director Finance

Meeting with Director Finance

All India President Shri Ravi shil Verma along with VP CHQ Shri Badri Mehta met Director Finance today and discussed the following issues:

Consideration of Request Transfer cases from Accounts and Finance wing:

We expressed our displeasure over the non issuance of transfer orders in accounts and finance wing since last 9 months and briefed about the increasing frustration amongst the accounts officers day by day. Despite integration of HR, while the cases are being considered in other streams, at the same time they are totally stalled in accounts cadre. We requested for her kind intervention and discussion with PGM Pers to issue the orders immediately. DIRECTOR Finance assured us that transfer order will be issued soon.

Payment of Salary for the months of February.

We requested for release of Februay month salary. She intimated that fund collection is not improving as expected. Hence fund is being arranged to pay the salary as soon as possible.

Restructuring

we requested for her kind intervention in the Restructuring exercise and manpower planing to ensure that sufficient number of posts are available at all levels in all the streams. She assured to take care of our aspirations.

Update on Restructuring

In all the meetings, AIGETOA Team has been pressing hard with management that the huge reduction in posts is simply uncalled for as none of the outsourcing activities has resulted into any reduction in roles and responsibilities of executives as the activities which are being outsourced pertain mostly to non executive work.

Finally we have succeeded in convincing management on this important aspect and it is learnt that the directions have been issued that restructuring exercise should consider this aspect also. Accordingly, it is further learnt that the number of posts in various cadres are being reworked. We sincerely hope that good sense will prevail and it will be ensured that the career prospects of various executives do not suffer. AIGETOA team will continue to monitor this exercise and is committed to ensure that promotional aspects of none of the executive are affected adversely.

Wishing all a very Happy New Year 2021.

Annual General Meet cum CWC Meeting of AIGETOA CHQ held on 12-13 December, 2020:

Annual General Meet cum CWC Meeting of AIGETOA CHQ held on 12-13 December, 2020:

Annual General Meeting cum Central Working Committee Meeting of AIGETOA CHQ held on 12-13 December, 2020 through online mode with open session of the two days conference held on 12th December, 2020. The open session was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri P K Purwar ji Hon’ble CMD, Guest of Honour Shri Arvind Vadnerkar ji Director (HR) BSNL Board and Shri A M Gupta ji Sr GM(SR) through online video conference. About 500 Members joined the online open session and about 1500 executives watched the program live through our website where the session was broadcast on our website www.aigetoachq.org. Theme of the Open Session was “BSNL 2.0 – The Road Map Ahead”.

Earlier the meeting started at 10:00 O’Clock in the morning with the welcome of Shri Ravi Shil Verma AIP, Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Yogendra Jharwal FS, Shri Laxman Bhanoth Chairman, All CHQ Members, Circle Secretaries, Circle Presidents and Collegiums’ Members by Shri Deepak Sahu Ji, Dy GS AIGETOA CHQ. The Meeting was presided over by the AIP and mandatory provisions of the association for the financial year 2019-20 were taken up for discussion and approval of the House. After detailed discussion, Annual Working Report, Collegiums Updating, Membership Updating and Financial Report of the financial year 2019-20 of the association was passed by the house unanimously.

The open session was started in the afternoon with welcome address by All India President, Shri Ravi Verma ji. In his opening remarks, he welcomed the dignitaries, CHQ and Circle office bearers of the association and all the executives. He extended his gratitude to all executives for making AIGETOA number one association in the Membership Verification Process. He assured everybody that AIGETOA will continue to serve the executive fraternity for the welfare and upliftment of the cadre and well being of our beloved organization BSNL. He also extended his gratitude to BSNL management for successful conduction of MV process. He emphasized that executives have a lot of positive expectation from the current board and hoped that all the pending HR issues and issues related to BSNL shall be dealt with complete proactively for resolution. He extended firm support of association for the decisions which are taken for the well being of BSNL. He also said that association has also the duty to oppose the moves which will harm BSNL. He expected that under the current management team, pending issues like JTO to SDE DPC, SDE to DE promotions, AO to CAO promotions, JAO to AO promotions. Promotions in other cadres, Standard Pay Scale issue, Pay loss issue (22820 and E1 plus 5 increments), 30% SAB shall be resolved soon. Shri Verma informed management that while each and every executive is committed for fulfilling his roles and responsibilities, at the same time management should also ensure the rightful dues of employees with respect to Pay, Pension and Promotion. He hoped that discussion on the topic – BSNL 2.0: The roadmap ahead will give enough insight to all the attendees for having a firsthand knowledge about the view of the management with respect to the roadmap ahead to carry forward BSNL in post VRS era. All India President also emphasized upon the need for holding the LDCE and LICE exams at the earliest.

Thereafter, CMD BSNL Shri P K Purwar ji in his address apprised all the listeners and attendees about the current status of the company, the challenges ahead, the financial crunch which company is facing, the roadblocks which are being felt in roll out of 4G services and also about the need for working together and keep the heads high to ensure that BSNL sails through this tough situation. He said, though position of the company has improved vis-à-vis the situation in which it was placed in previous year. He stressed upon the need for increasing the revenue. He said that he is aware about the day to day problems being faced by the employees and assured that whatever best that can be done in the current situation is being done and shall be done. He requested all to lay special emphasis to customer service and maintaining the services in up and running condition. With respect to pending HR issues, he said that he has told his team to work on the HR issues specially the issues related to promotions. He assured that management is committed to protect the interest of employees and will not do anything which will hamper their career prospects. He acknowledged that the management got engaged towards BSNL Revival Measures as initiated by the government considering its vital importance, which is still continuing. But he assured the gathering that now onwards management will equally focus on all pending promotions and other HR issues of the employees. He wished everybody best of luck and requested all to work with full dedication, commitment and zeal to turn for sustainability of our beloved organisation.

The Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar Ji congratulated AIGETOA for becoming the Majority Recognised Representative Association. Director HR in his address said that as the head of the HR group, he is aware of the complexities involved in various issues and reiterated his commitment to resolve all the issues. He said that due to legacy structure, many HR issues have cropped up but he said that all the difficulties shall be removed and all HR issues will be settled as per commitment. He said that HR team is working dedicatedly on all the HR issues and hoped that results will be visible soon. He said that though he understands the fact that unless orders are in hand, no issue can be stated to be resolved. He said that he will ensure that the orders are in hands soon specially with respect to JTO to SDE DPC. He once again assured the management commitment for ensuring promotions in all grades, which is the due aspiration of an executive on joining as a CPSE Employee. He requested all to not to get de-motivated and hoped that together we will sail out of this tough situation.

GS, Shri Wasi Ahmad in his key note address first extended thanks to the CMD BSNL to grace the occasion and Director (HR) for accepting and gracing function as Guest of Honour and reaffirming his commitment for issuance of pending promotions in all grades starting from JTO to SDE and settlement of HR issues. He also thanked Sr GM(SR) for successfully conducting the 2nd Membership Verification and his apt role. GS extended his heartfelt thanks to all the OBs of AIGETOA for working day and night for the 2nd MV. He also thanked one and all executives for showing faith in us and electing AIGETOA as Majority Recognised Representative Association. He assured from the platform that the association is committed to resolve all outstanding issues of all executives and it will not leave any stone unturned to fulfill the faith and aspirations shown in us.

On the topic of the day, BSNL 2.0 and Roadmap Ahead, he spoke in length about the immediate roll out of 4G services and challenges being faced. He appraised the gathering that the government insistence to use only make in India Core for complete 4G roll out through PoC concept will suffocate the growth of wireless business of BSNL. He apprised that the association has demanded from the government to either allow the roll out the service by up-gradation of existing 2G/3G network or permit BSNL to procure 4G proven technology equipments through MNC route with 10% reserving for Make in India Project. He demanded that the BSNL Board should be given a free hand to take decision in larger interest of the company. He also took up the issue of renewal of 2G spectrum and replacement of faulty hardware of exiting 2G/3G network. He also taken up the matter of shortage of fund for maintenance in field units, maintenance region issues, optimum tapping of recent guidelines of government for mandatory use of BSNL services, objection on sharing of revenue through VAS vendors for default music etc, Sales & Marketing Activities, FTTH speed issues, network augmentation etc. He also spoke in detail about BTCL and business activities to be carried out by the BTCL and employees apprehension about BTCL, which were cleared by the CMD in his address.

Later, GS took HR issues and explain the current status and the roadmap for its resolution. He also appraised the gathering about the meeting of the association with CMD on 9th Dec, 2020 He touched briefly to all issues as detailed below:

JTO to SDE DPC: He apprised the management that waiting time is stretching beyond the patience and any further delay in JTO to SDE Promotion will be a serious setback to the waiting executives. He agreed with the views of the management that it is essential and works are going in right direction but reminded that we can’t wait endlessly and so it must be issued without further delay. The CWC is of the opinion that the association can’t tolerate further delay in SDE Promotion considering the fact that stagnation has reached up to 19 Yrs.

SDE 2007 Reversal Issue: Association thanks for the interim relief by reinstating the reverted executives to the post of SDEs but reminded the management that it is another breach of trust and not resolved as agreed in the agenda meeting to settle it permanently as one time measure. Although the Director(HR) has assured to resolve this issue in same line as agreed in the agenda meeting.

Publication of SDE Seniority List of 2007-8 onwards: The GS demanded for immediate publishing of provisional SDE seniority list of remaining vacancy year’s i.e. 2007-08 onwards on vacancy year basis as discussed in the agenda meeting and he also demanded for the finalization of the seniority list of 2006-07, which has been provisionally circulated. It was agreed by the management to look into and they will try to resolve the legal aspects in this regard.

Notification of LDCE: GS requested for notification of LDCE for SDE(T) with a scheduled of calendar for examinations of pending vacancy years at a gap of 2-3 weeks to make up the lost time. He also apprised the house that the recruitment section has competed resource exercise and decision by the CMD in this regard can be implemented at a short notice.

SDE to AGM and AO to CAO Promotion: AIGETOA apprised management about shortage of Executives in the cadre of AGM/CAO & DGM(T)/DGM(F) and requested management for immediate action in this regards. Management has also agreed to start the process in the direction of remaining promotions after completion of JTO to SDE Promotion. GS explained that already executives are working in higher grade and the said promotion is just designation change as most of the eligible executives already discharging the higher responsibilities and drawing the scale. He categorically told that look after arrangement should be stopped and executives should be allowed to work on regular basis always.

Rule 9 Cases Settlement: He apprised gathering that on request of the association, management has agreed to revisit the issue which has been temporarily put on hold. The management has agreed to consider special cases like spouse cases, lady officer’s cases and critical medical cases for those pending with corporate office.

Rule 8 Cases and Reduction of bond period: The GS has requested Director(HR) for consideration of Rule 8 cases and reduction of Bond period in line with the discussion held in agenda meeting along with bringing of transparency in the system by invoking online mechanism. He appraised that these issues can be settled in minimum time without involvement of any financial issues for which Dir(HR) has agreed to look into it for solution.

Other issues raised by GS are standard pay scale of E2/E3 for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent grade, Pay loss issues, SAB issues and other issues linked with finance, he shown his helplessness for immediate resolution but agreed to consider them on merit with improved financial condition of the organisation. Details are as under:

Timely Payment of Salary: GS took up the issue of timely payment of salary with the CMD BSNL and appraised the management about serious resentment in the field units due to non-regularization of salary even after ten months of the VRS implementation. It is the opinion of employees in general that when the wage bill has reduced and earning has improved, why this delay is not eradicated. Although CMD BSNL has addressed this issue in his speech but the employees are more interested to get it resolved at the earliest considering the fact that they are putting their best. The GS also raised the matter of clearance of backlog temporary advance amount, which have been spent by executives in maintenance of services. These are already on record and he demanded immediate clearance of these amounts. The management has agreed to look into it for clearance of dues in phased manner despite of the fact that fund has been given to the Circles for maintaining the services.

Standard Pay Scale issue of E2/E3: GS AIGETOA updated CMD BSNL detail about the standard pay scale issue for which he agreed to consider the same after going through the details about the standard pay scale issue. On our request to take up the matter of standard scale once again with the DoT, he consented but told that he will do it after revisiting the files in this regard. The Team will follow up with CMD in this regard.

Pay Loss Issue of 22820/-, E1+5 increment and TTA to DR JTO: GS appraised the gathering about the progress in this regard and stand of the management to wait till improvement of financial position. He apprised the management about all three pay loss issue in details and submission of documents for the formation of committee. CMD BSNL has agreed to consider them but with financial improvement only. But GS told that the issues are pending from the time BSNL was in positive and further it’s a recurring loss of affected individuals which can’t be ignored endlessly.

Increase of SAB Fund to increase it from existing 21.8% to 30%: The GS highlighted this aspect which is a social security part of the employees and the management is only extending 21.8% (EPF-12, SAB Pension Fund-5%, Gratuity-4.8%) defined contribution against recommended 30% SAB contribution of 2nd PRC. The GS requested CMD BSNL to at least increase SAB Pension Fund by 3% to bridge the shortfall in first go as it is a social security component. The CMD BSNL has agreed to consider in coming days with improved situation.

The remaining HR and other issues also discussed in length in the meeting and appraised to the CMD and Director(HR) and it was apprised that the HR should be treated as Real Resources and invested to garner the full benefits for the organisation else other no revival package will be complete.

Shri A.M. Gupta, Sr GM (SR) also congratulated AIGETOA for becoming the Majority Recognised Representative Association. He also assured for his full cooperation in bridging the gaps between association and management. He assured that HR team is working on all the issues. He looked forward to BSNL taking new strides under the current leadership. He also appreciated the role of AIGETOA leaders in precipitating the issues before management.

Shri B. Laxman, Chairman AIGETOA in his address highlighted the maintenance related problems and requested management to provide support to the executives for keeping services up and running by providing required funds and equipment. Shri Laxman also stressed upon the need for ensuring the 4G rollout at the earliest.

At the end, Shri Deepak Shahu, Dy GS extended the vote of thanks on behalf of AIGETOA. The meeting was conducted on zoom platform and managed by Shri Pavan Akhand Ji AGS and Shri Sridhar Ji Joint Secretary (South) in a professional way, which was appreciated by all participants.

Meeting of Team AIGETOA with CMD BSNL on 09.12.2020:

A detailed meeting lasting for around 3 hours has been held at 5pm on 9th December 2020 with CMD BSNL on all agenda points which included HR as well as technical and maintenance issues. The details of the meeting will be updated subsequently. The discussion has been held in positive and amicable environment and positive assurance is there with respect to various HR issues. At this moment, all we can say that our consistent efforts and persuasions are slowly and steadily reaching its destination and hopefully we will be seeing the results very soon. We once again reiterate that our patience and perseverance should not be considered as our submission but it’s an effort to bring the desired results. We are very much sure that things will achieve finality soon. There should not be any fear or panic in any group, batch, stream or grade. We reiterate, AIGETOA will take care of all executives without any bias and discrimination. We seek every body’s cooperation in achieving the desired results.

In the meanwhile, Honble CMD BSNL Shri P K Purwar ji has consented to be the chief guest of the open session to be held through online mode @ 2:00 Pm on 12-December, 2020. Director HR Shri Arvind Vadnerkar ji has also consented to be the Guest of Honour. The open session shall also be attended and addressed by other dignitaries also.

Click here for Glimpses of Meeting

The details of the online credentials for the meeting shall be shared with respective circle secretaries to attend by all collegium members and delegates on 12.12.2020.

The open session shall be webcasted live on AIGETOA CHQ website.

The invitation card of the open session.

Team AIGETOA meeting with Director HR and PGM (Pers) on 02.12.2020:

AIP Ravi Shil Verma and AGS Yogendra Kumar today met PGM Pers and discussed the status of the DPC progress. PGM Pers told that work on AIEL I and II is almost complete and some minor data corrections are there which will be done very soon. Now the decision is to be taken at higher level with respect to the convening the DPC and issuance of promotion orders. Accordingly we met Director HR and requested for issuance of necessary instructions. We apprised Director HR about the prevailing unrest in all cadres as the final outcome of HR issues settlement are not coming and wait is getting endless. We once again requested him for consideration of all HR issues in an amicable environment in the best interest of employees as well as the organisation. Director HR assured us that work is in progress and results will be visible soon. There are certain teething problems and the same is being looked onto. We Sincerely hope that at least now results be visible as assured by Director HR.

However, as informed earlier association has decided to move ahead with organisation action program, though initially we will start with symbolic activities. In the mean while AGM is already notified to be held on 12th and 13th December 2020 and further course of action shall be decided in the AGM.

Team AIGETOA meeting with CMD BSNL 20.11.2020:

Team AIGETOA comprising of AIP, Shri Ravi Shil Verma and GS, Shri Wasi Ahmad met CMD BSNL on 20.11.2020 in his chamber and held detailed deliberation on various issues including 4G roll out and pending promotions.

4G Rollout by BSNL: We apprised CMD BSNL about our discussions in the DoT with various officers including that of the brief meeting with Hon’ble Secretary (Telecom). We told CMD BSNL that it seems that Government is sticking to its decision for involving only domestic players in the 4G core technology through BSNL rout to promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme. But it’s also a fact that no domestic vendors have the proven 4G Technology to meet out the customer’s requirement of the service. The proposed methodology of DoT Committee for rollout of 4G Services in BSNL through introduction of SI, PoC testing, tender bidding by local vendors, commercial production and supply of equipment and rollout of the project by successful local bidder has lots of uncertainty. This will not only consume time but also a question mark about sustainability duration of the service. If the whole exercise got failed then BSNL will again back to square for loosing such precious time, which is crucial in the industry. So, the dependency of BSNL on such new local entrants to roll out its 4G service will posed a serious question on the viability of BSNL for which whole exercise of BSNL Revival Program was approved by the Union Cabinet last year. It seems government is forcing its decisions on BSNL without considering its technical and financial viability in its extreme desire for Atma Nirbhar Bahart Scheme and thereafter the employees will be held responsible if the decision will backfire. Although our BSNL Board under the esteemed leadership of CMD is putting all facts and figure in front of decision making authorities to protect the interest of BSNL but our responsibility as association gets multiplied to ensure that any adverse decision on BSNL should not be forced and AIGETOA is committed for it.

We also lodged our strong apprehension to the CMD on this non proven technology implementation in BSNL and its consequence on the viability of the organisation. We have seen how the employees were targeted for the downfall in the revenue of the BSNL, whereas it is a proven fact that wrong policy decisions were the main culprit behind the present state of BSNL. We requested CMD BSNL for seeking compensation for the losses of BSNL which is occurring because of the delay in rollout of 4G services as well as demand full project cost to implement non proven technology to carry forward the Atma Nirbhar Bharat theme of the government else otherwise BSNL should be allowed to procure the industry standard equipment for the 4G roll out in BSNL with open tender, where state of art equipment can be procured to roll out the service and maintained for long duration to recover the investment as well as earn profits by allowing all vendors including MNCs in the process. We also apprised CMD BSNL that AIGETOA has also taken up the issue of not allowing BSNL to upgrade the network with add on orders and requested him raise the issue once again.

Further, if government is so determined for local 4G Core deployment in BSNL then it should also come forward to bear the cost of employees related remuneration from government exchequer and immediately implement all benefits irrespective of profit/loss theory including 3rd PRC, Standard Pay Scale, Full Superannuation Benefits, LTC restoration, Medical and Insurance Care, Perk and allowances to all the employees. AIGETOA has decided to take up this issue of delay in rollout of 4G services to highest echelons and is prepared to start organisational action against such detrimental activities for stopping BSNL growth. We also requested CMD BSNL for ensuring the proper maintenance funds to ensure smooth functioning of the services.

HR Related Issues: We also discussed the Promotions issue with CMD BSNL. We apprised him that almost all the preparatory activities for the JTO to SDE DPC is complete and now decision needs to be taken with respect to treatment of vacancies. We told CMD BSNL that now the go ahead is urgently required for the DPC Process. We apprised that the process is going on smoothly under direction of the Director (HR) and the association is cooperating to maximum possible extent to get the order issued in current month. We further apprised CMD BSNL about the problems associated with promotions in other cadres like SDE to DE, AO to CAO, CAO to DGM and DE to DGM Promotions. We requested for an immediate intervention and action from his side to settle this impasse and ensure resolution of these issues. The CMD BSNL assured that he will be having detailed discussions next week. CMD BSNL told that he is currently totally involved in the 4G related and other viability related issues of BSNL and is having some very important meetings scheduled next week with various government agencies including PMO and Neeti Aayog. He shall be convening the discussion on HR issues after next week. He assured once again that management will not do anything which will stop the career prospects of executives and there is no adamancy as such with respect to number of vacancies and the same shall be decided taking into account the career aspects of Executives.

However, despite this discussion, we once again reaffirm our deadline for the JTO to SDE DPC within current month and firm positive movement on the promotional aspects of others cadre and the pay loss related issues. If management fails to execute the promotions within this committed period, we will move forward with our organisational action programs. Similarly, if we don’t see firm positive action on promotions in other cadre and the Pay Loss related issues, we shall be going ahead with the organisational actions program. Management has to fulfil the commitments it has made with association in agenda meeting and accordingly association is committed to go to any extent to achieve these rightful dues.

Updates of Meeting of Team AIGETOA with Director HR on 18.11.2020:

AIP AIGETOA Shri Ravi Shil Verma, GS AIGETOA Shri Wasi Ahmad and VP AIGETOA Shri Badri Kumar Mehta met Director HR again on 18.11.2020 and discussed upon the pending issues. A review of all the pending issues and commitment as extended in the agenda meeting on the important points was done.

JTO to SDE DPC: It was informed to Director HR that data from almost all the Circles have been received and minor pending data shall be reaching corporate office by this weekend. We requested Director HR to ensure that DPC is done and promotions orders are issued by next week as committed by him. Director HR assured that his team is on job and shall try to get this completed as early as possible. We categorically informed Director HR that we have exercised enough patience and accordingly we will be constrained to adopt the path of organization actions if orders are not issued by next week end.

Pay loss Issue: (22820, E1 plus five advance increments and TTA to JTO DR pay fixation): We told Director HR that we have submitted our inputs in October itself and despite passing of one month, the matter has not been referred to any committee for examination. We requested for an early action on the issue. Director HR assured to look into the matter and will decide to get it examined by forming a committee, however he was still non committal. We shall be pressing it further and told that in absence of any positive action, we shall be adopting the path of organization action. We also apprised Director HR that association has raised the pay scale issue before DoT also in its brief meeting last week and we are expecting and agenda based meeting very soon.

SDE to DE and AO to CAO promotions: We requested for exploring an acceptable solution to all groups. Director HR told that PGM Pers is working on the issue and a solution is being tried to be found out. We said that how BSNL does it is not the matter. We told that how fast BSNL does it is the matter and hence BSNL should try to expedite the solution as early as possible by taking all groups into confidence.

Finalisation of SDE Seniority List for VY 2006-7 and publications of SDE Provisional Seniority List for 2007-8 VY onwards: It was informed that personal wing is examining the matter and decision on the same shall be taken very soon.

Settlement of SDE 2007 Reversal issue: Director HR once again assured to look into the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest as decided earlier.

Rule 8 and Rule 9 cases in JTO/JAO cadre: We apprised Director HR about the pending cases of various circles for request transfer under Rule-9 and Rule-8. We requested Director HR to consider genuine Rule-9 cases and start issuing the order. Director HR told us that he will discuss with Sr GM Estt and very soon will take decision in this regard.

Lifting of ban on forwarding of deputation cases to other organisations: The matter will be examined by HR team.

Friends, though outcome of today’s meeting is also assurances only, however keeping in view the volatile situation in which our organization is placed in, we have decided to wait till this month. If there are no postive solution to the issues as committed in the agenda meeting, association will not hesitate in starting the organisational action programs. By the end of this month, if issues so not move towards settlement, then we will be left with no options but to start intensive struggle for ensuring our basic rights. Accordingly, all CSs and CHQ OBs are requested to remain in ready state and start mobilising their Members. AIGETOA is firm on its decision to go to any extent for this.

Further with regard to the nasty updates on the lie machine of one of the proclaimed corners, we request all to not to pay any heed to their gimmics. They themselves are exposing themselves in their writeup. They say that they have opposed post reduction and in the same update they are trying to justify the stand of management which shows their double speak.

They say that they have removed those responsible for the court cases but at the same time they have rewarded the master minds with plum posts in CHQ.

However, we will not waste our time on replying to their nasty updates. Our reply will be in the form of results not words.

THOSE WHO RULED IN BSNL IN LAST TWENTY (20) YEARS ARE TEACHING LESSON TO THE ONE WHO GOT ELECTED JUST THREE (3) MONTHS BACK.

If they have shown true intent and not ditched us, then those recruited by BSNL in JTO would have been working in DGM grade instead of struggling for first promotion of SDE. But their ideology kept us denied all our rights and when we are trying to set the things right, they are out to detail it but we assure that they will not succeed.

We however still suggest and request this negative minded person to come to the terms of reality and try to strengthen the hands of unity and extend their support to AIGETOA in ensuring the resolution of long pending issues. However, we know that they will not mend their ways and hence the best thing which we can tell all is to ignore their gimmics and concentrate on the right path.

Team AIGETOA meeting with Senior Officers of DoT at Sanchar Bhawan New Delhi on 12.11.2020:

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri BadriKumar Mehta VP and Shri Vivek Kumar Singh OS met with senior officers of Dept of Telecom at Sanchar Bahawan, New Delhi on 12.11.2020. The details are as follows:

Meeting at with DDG (PM), Dept of Telecom: Team AIGETOA met with DDG (PM), Shri Sanjeev Gupta ji on a prescheduled appointment regarding 4G deployment in BSNL and raised our serious concerns over inordinate delay in its roll out and its after affect on BSNL. The DDG apprised about the development in details and the DoT strategy for rollout of the 4G deployment in the BSNL keeping in mind the government ambition to achieve Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme. We appraised the need to procure equipments of standard specification with single core which can support all technology i.e. 2G/3G/4G simultaneously instead of having separate core for 4G and 2G/3G as well as Release 15 specifications to meet the latest requirement. But it was apprised that the Committee formed by the DoT for the purpose has given its recommendations, which has been shared with BSNL managementand as per the recommendations the core of 4G has to be Indian only. Accordingly, BSNL has to work in that framework only for the roll out of the 4G services. He intimated that to implement the recommendations, PoC concept has to be explored as early as possible to save time. Although, we appraised that no Indianmanufacturer has developed the 4G core so far and by doing so, we are making BSNL a Test Bed which will have an adverse affect on the prospect of the organization. We further requested to reply on queries raised and clarification sought by BSNL vis-à-vis the Committee Report on which he assured to revert back very soon on all points raised by the BSNL. On a specific query of procurement of hardware/software for up-gradation of existing 2G/3G sites to 4G sites as a propriety items, he replied that it was not in the scope of the committee and BSNL is free to take its decision barring Chinese vendors. It is important to note here that more than 45K sites of Nokia/ZTE can be up-graded through this route also. Friends, it is very much clear that BSNL is being asked to work as the Government Atma Nirbhar Bharat Showcase Model for the Nation. If it is so, then the government should exempt it from profitability clause and the company and its employees should be compensated irrespective of Profit/Loss theory. The pending 3rd PRC should be implemented without further dely and BSNL should also be compensated for the loss, it is incurring due to some binding decisions of the government.

Meeting with Secretary(DoT), Member(Fin), Member(Services), OSD to Secretary(T), DDG(IT), Dept of Telecom : Thereafter, the Team AIGETOA met the with Secretary(DoT), Member(Fin), Member(S), OSD to Secretary(T) and DDG(IT) in the Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi and extended Deepwali Greetings to all the dignitaries. The brief meeting happened with Shri Anshu Prakash Ji, Secretary (T) in which we apprised our new status of RecognizedRepresentative Association of Executives of BSNL and raised our concern for BSNL and requested for a scheduled meeting. He carefully listened our points and assured to meet us very soon.  The Team held detailed discussion with Member(F), Member(S), OSD to Secretary(T) and DDG(IT) on various matters of BSNL including 4G deployment, Standard Pay Scale of E2 for JTO/JAO equivalent grade and E3 for SDE/AO equivalent grade, complete 30% SAB for BSNL Recruits, 3rd PRC implementation in BSNL and other issues. We also apprised about the detail structure of Superannuation Benefits implemented as on date in BSNL.

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Update on Meeting of AIGETOA Team with CMD BSNL and Director HR on JTO to SDE DPC issue

It was understood that a meeting of whole HR Team was held on Friday, 6th November 2020 under the chairmanship of CMD BSNL which included discussions on the ongoing DPC Process also and how to move forward on the JTO to SDE Promotions. Accordingly Team led by AIGETOA President Shri Ravi Shil Verma along with VP Shri Badri Kumar Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar met PGM Pers and Director HR on 9th November 2020 to follow up on the promotion issue. It was noticed that AIEL II data received from almost all the circles except few was incomplete as it failed to include promoted, retired, resigned etc JTOs of 2002 to 2005 batch. Accordingly Team requested for issuance of another reminder with clarity on the subject. The letter was promptly issued by Personnel Section.

There after, from the discussions as well as the information learnt from various corners, it was understood that while preparatory exercise of DPC is almost complete, there is some hitch on the part of higher management with respect to promotions and notification of LDCE as they were being linked to the ongoing restructuring exercise and calculation of vacancies. Accordingly CHQ Team lodged it’s strong objection with Director HR and explained him the entire position that while we have been exercising patience as we could see the seriousness on the part of management with respect to actions taken on promotion aspects, but the same should not be taken for granted and any further delay will be strongly protested. Now that the work is almost over, opening a new chapter and linking the same to a never ending exercise of restructuring will not be accepted by the rank and file of Executives waiting for their first Promotions since long. Accordingly, management should immediately act for ensuring a happy Diwali for these executives. We also explained the legal position and complexities which can arise out of this new exercise by management. We firmly told, if management is planning to reduce the vacancies beyond the stipulated guidelines of VRS in the guise of Restructuring, the same is not acceptable to us. Director HR assured that management will not do anything which will be against the career aspects of Executives and there should not be any cause for worry. We said that unnecessary delay is the only cause for worry.

Thereafter, on Tuesday, 10th November 2020, the team led by GS Shri Wasi Ahmad and AIP Shri Ravi Shil Verma along with VP Shri B K Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar met CMD BSNL and had an elaborate discussion on the promotion issue. We explained the whole issue, the complexities associated with linking the JTO to SDE DPC and other promotions to Restructuring exercise and non conduction of LDCE exams in time to CMD BSNL. We explained to CMD BSNL that organization should not start something which is going to result into an endless mess and will marr the future as well as career of executives for infinite time. Accordingly, management should immediately move ahead with DPC process without linking anything to Restructuring. CMD BSNL was receptive to our Submissions and told that it’s good that the complexities associated with the view of the management has been explained by the association and he will discuss and finalize with his HR team shortly, on the next course of action. He assured us that management has not taken any decision and anything which goes against the career prospects of executives will not be done. We apprised CMD BSNL about the restlessness and the resentment of the Executives because of non happening of promotions in any cadre and requested him to direct his team to ensure DPC immediately. CMD BSNL asked us to meet next week and in the meanwhile he will discuss with his team with respect to the inputs Submitted by AIGETOA.

Thereafter, the team again met Director HR and PGM Pers and apprised them about the discussions with CMD BSNL. Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, OS CHQ was also present in the discussions. We categorically told that we are not willing to wait beyond Diwali and ultimately association will have to resort to organisational actions to ensure justice to Executives. Director HR committed for an early action on the issue.

It was also surprising to learn that those claiming to report from close proximity of BSNL CO has forgotten to tell the executives that this decision of restructuring and DPC was conveyed by management to them during their tenure and they never chose to reject or protest against this, in fact in their recently held central meeting, no resolution with respect to the reduction in vacancies was undertaken. This shows their seriousness on promotional aspects. However, AIGETOA will take care of this. We would also like to suggest to them that instead of trying to raise unnecessary issues and confusions in the mind of management, they should do something constructive for the cadre. We will not hesitate in giving them their due credit, if they are worried about that. We would like to advise them that their recent reward to those responsible for trying to stop the Promotions has exposed their intents and double speak. On one side, they are exercising caution to their Members and on the other side, they are rewarding the masterminds with plum posts.

Friends, as you are aware, that we have set for ourselves a maximum target for Diwali for ensuring DPC for JTO to SDE Promotions, but that does not appear possible as of now as even the Complete AIEL Data has not been sent by Circles yet and VCs/APARs from many circles are still pending. In view of this, CHQ AIGETOA has decided to wait up to the last week of this month to ensure DPC for JTO to SDE Promotions and if management do not come forward with promotions orders by last week, the association will be compelled to serve notice for organisational actions. All CS/CPs/CHQ OBs should immediately start preparing for the same. All CHQ members/CS/CPs should also ensure that missing AIEL data be sent by all circles within two days.

With regard to legal issues created by the members and OBs of SNEA for staying the DPC Process, we would like to reaffirm that AIGETOA CHQ is on job and will clear all these hurdles. We would also like to request all those who are working to stop this DPC that instead of trying to stop the promotion process, they should lend a cooperative and helping hand. They should be aware that we have got the preparatory work started for further batches also and AIGETOA is committed to protect their interests also but still if they prefer to move ahead with the obstruction process, then it’s entirely their wish. We, however reaffirm all, that we will not let anybody either management or executives or any other association to play with the careers of Executives anymore and all such persons shall be dealt accordingly.

So, let’s be prepared for the cause and struggle for ensuring your rightful dues in BSNL. The last week of November is the final time line decided by us. After that there will be only one path and that is the path of struggle and organisational actions.

Come together, let’s Join Hands Together to Ensure the Bright Future for all.