Annual General Meeting of AIGETOA Punjab was held on 09th Dec 2022 at Engineers Bhawan, Institution of Engineers (India), Sector 19, Chandigarh

This AGM was special in the sense that after three years Physical meeting of delegates from all over Punjab took place in which more than 150 collegium members, delegates and volunteers of AIGETOA participated. Sh Sandeep Diwan, CGMT Punjab Circle, Dr Mandeep Prakash, PGM (Fin), Sh Ajay Kararha PGM(CMTS), Sh Deepak Garg PGM (Nodal Center) and Sh M C Singh, GMTD(Chandigarh SSA) from BSNL management, Sh Ravi Shil Verma, AIC, Sh Yogendra Kumar, AGS, Sh Sunil Gautam, AGS and Sh Amit Roy, JS (N)from AIGETOA CHQ , Sh Chander Singh Negi, CS Himachal and Sh Amit Malik, CS Haryana graced the occasion and shared their views on the open session topic ‘Role of Management & Employee in BSNL 2.0’. Sh Akhilesh Kumar Singh, GM(HR) was out of station due to some personal engagement, he wished the success of the AGM and congratulated the team.

The Session started with flag hoisting of AIGETOA and prayer ‘इतनी शक्ति हमें देना दाता..’ followed by ‘दिप प्रजवल्लन’ by Chief Guest Hon’ble CGMT Sh Sandeep Diwan, Special Guest Sh Ravi Shil Verma, All India Chairman, AIGETOA and the esteemed Guests. All the guests were facilitated with Shawl and Bouquet. It was followed by inauguration of the Diary of AIGETOA Punjab by Chief Guest and the invited dignitaries.

Click here for Images of Meeting

Brief of the Speech:

Sh Vikas Gupta, Circle President opened the session by greeting and welcoming all the dignitaries, CEC member and Collegium members. In his opening speech, he expressed his views on the role of employees in BSNL 2.0. He stressed upon management to provide all the resources as per day to day operational requirements so that employees can give their best. He focused that Human resource is most important resource and unfortunately it is deprived the most, so it need to be taken care of. All the employee’s issues related to Pay, Promotion and Pension should be resolved by management at earliest. He quoted the famous quote by Richard Branson “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” He also called upon all the executives to work up to best of their capability with whatever resources available to them.

Circle Secretary Himachal Sh Chander Singh Negi stressed the need to understand the long pending issues of promotion and upward pay scale revision as per 2nd PRC. Circle Secretary Sh Amit Malik spoke about the feelings of the executives in the field units and urged the management to consider the favorable outcome. AGS Sh Sunil Gautam highlighted the issue of pay loss, promotion of the left out JTOs and SDE to AGM promotion. JS (North) Sh Amit Roy vigorously opined that BSNL may be down right now but certainly it will not lose.

Sh MC Singh, GMT (Chandigarh BA) in his address asked BSNL employees to put all out efforts in every segment whether it is Enterprise Business, Mobile Services, Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Landline & Broadband. He stressed on importance of dedication, innovation & smart working to serve BSNL customers with whatever resources are available at present. He shared innovative way of motivating the employee like BNG router inauguration by the hardest working employee who is JE in Ropar SSA. He briefed about the Sales & Marketing activities in Chandigarh BA with new banner design. He reiterated the lines “मेरे सीने में नहीं तो तेरे सीने में सही, हो कहीं भी आग, लेकिन आग जलनी चाहिए।”

Dr Mandeep Prakash, PGM(Fin) in his speech lauded the efforts of the Associations and unions in carrying the voice of employees to the management and further stated that the Associations having the force of the employees behind them can do various positive things on macro level leaving aside the minor issues. The associations should also form Shadow Management and provide their suggestions to the management and follow up it with the full strength. The comparative data between different operators were presented and touched the points where the BSNL can improve the topline and bottom-line without compromising the quality of the services.

Sh Deepak Garg, PGM (Nodal Centre North) congratulated the AIGETOA Punjab for conducting the AGM. He told that government has given a very good package to BSNL and now our responsibility is to execute the upcoming projects like 4g and billing consolidation timely. He stressed for the better employees and management relations for the faster and better execution of any project. He also mentioned that employee benefits are equally important for the productivity and profitability of any Organisation.

Sh Ajay Kararha, PGM (CMTS), appreciated the conducting the Open Session in a professional manner. In his speech, he said that Punjab Circle will be the first circle to launch indigenous 4G in BSNL shortly. He also expressed that we all should shed off our ego, work together and motivate the staff for better results. A motivated employee can do wonder in field. He also said with full confidence that BSNL will not go anywhere.

Circle Secretary, Sh. Yogesh Chhabra greeted all the dignitaries from management as well as CHQ and thanked them for sparing their invaluable time. He explained that BSNL 2.0 is imaginary till the execution of all components mentioned in first revival package like launching of 4G services by BSNL, Land Monetization etc. Role of Real employees and real management is to convert this imaginary BSNL2.0 into Real BSNL 2.0. Since the revival package announcement, employees are spending thousands of rupees from their pocket to run the show. Employees are running the show with bare minimum resources. There are lots of things which can be managed at circle level like Transfer policy. It should be done on need basis only. Assignment of target in IPMS is to be done by considering the field conditions. Even top performer in one quarter is getting lesser marks in subsequent quarters as target for achievers is enhanced. Online Attendance for field units should be taken care. Compensatory off should be given to field staff against 2nd Saturday. Special attention is to be given by BA Heads on Hospital Empanelment. Staff issues resolution should be made a point in SSA Management Meeting. These things will definitely motivate employees working in field. He asked CHQ to find out the way for resolution of our core issues like Pay (22820, Standard Pay Scale, E1+5), Promotion (In all Cadre JTO to SDE, SDE to AGM, JAO to AO, AO to CAO etc.) and Pension (SAB).

All India Chairman, Sh Ravi Shil Verma Ji congratulated Punjab Chapter of AIGETOA for holding Annual General Meeting of Punjab Circle in such a commendable manner. He started his speech by briefing the house about various issues of BSNL employee’s w.r.t. Pay, Promotion and Pension. He emphasized that SAB contribution (Pension) issue is the most important issue at hand when seeing all three mentioned above considering the tragic demise of our fellow colleagues and painful & pathetic condition their families are facing aftermath. He explained that New MSRR’ have been shared by management with the association and AIGETOA firmly stands to ensure for proper Career Progression and to fulfill aspirations of all batches and unless the MSRR takes care of all stakeholders and it is streamlined to the satisfaction of all, AIGETOA will never accept this. He further emphasized that new RR cannot be rolled out till existing eligible executives get their promotions. In respect of left out JTO to SDE Promotions, he assured that association is taking all efforts to materialise the Orders before this year end. On the issue of STD Pay Scale and Pay loss, He added association is fully committed to ensure the resolution. As the file in DOT is moving in positive direction and AIGETOA CHQ is promptly monitoring the issue, a positive outcome can definitely be expected . He also stated that STD Pay scale and pay loss issue are also being taken up by AIGETOA in the court of Law. Sh Ravi Shil Ji thanked the CGMT Punjab for judiciously handling issues pertaining to members. He further emphasized that it’s good that all are emphasising on performance but unless there is reward associated with the performance, there is no meaning of expecting performance from anyone. He said executives are doing and performing the roles and responsibilities assigned and in return they expect pay, pension and promotions. He further emphasized that circles should send their feedback with respect to the IPMS and attendance management system vis-à-vis the practical difficulties faced by the field units. He assured one and all on behalf of AIGETOA that association will take all efforts to realize the long pending issues.

The Chief Guest Sh Sandeep Diwanji, CGMT (Punjab) addressed the house in last and emphasised the things point wise as suggested by CS Sh Yogesh Chhabra.

On transfer & posting, he categorically told that in line with discussion with AIGETOA during our Agenda meeting, he already communicated down the line to avoid any random transfers in academic mid-session without any proper justification and further re-iterated his stand to execute transfers strictly as per stay criteria. On online IPMS, he was of the view that it is an evolving process and many points are still under discussion. In due course all the necessary changes will be incorporated in online IPMS to make it more robust and linking of IPMS with APAR will also be reviewed. On second Saturday off to few selected offices only and extra working beyond office hours, CGMT Punjab told that some special powers has been given to controlling officer to allow compensatory off as deemed fit. CGMT Punjab told that he has issued clear instructions to all BA heads regarding empanelment of at least 2 hospitals per SSA in line with discussion with AIGETOA. He assured for hospital empanelment on cash basis provided all documentation is complete in case hospitals are reluctant towards empanelment due to any reason.

Finally CGMT Punjab has appreciated the efforts and dedication of all employees as well as the role of AIGETOA with which Punjab is heading towards a progressive path and achieving new milestones day by day. He also assured that he will discuss our core issues with management whenever he get the opportunity. He further emphasised that we, the younger generation, are the most important stakeholders and future pillars of BSNL who will lead the BSNL from the front, so keep the spirit high and let us work together to bring back the pristine glory of BSNL.

The Open Session came to close after presentation of the memento to invited guests and Vote of thanks presented by ACS Sh Narinder Kumar, followed by the Lunch.

Post Lunch, Finance secretary Sh. Vineet Bhandari presented the finance report in front of the house. He expressed that district teams should focus on conducting associational activities in an economical manner and within their defined quota. All queries answered by the finance secretary. The house approved the financial report. The District secretaries of the SSAs presented their reports. The burning issues of the cadre was deliberated, CHQ team apprised the members about the current situation and the steps being taken by the AIGETOA for settling the long pending issues and the proposed MSRR, IPMS and attendance system. CHQ team answered all the queries related to them and CEC assured to raise all the issues at the proper platform. Some issues raised by district teams was salary deductions of strike period in Punjab circle, Pay related issues, SDE To AGM promotion, AO to CAO promotion, left out JTO to SDE promotion, LICE JTO promotion, retention promoted SDEs in Punjab circle, compassionate ground appointment, EPF higher pension, Poor performance of Fastway in Punjab, 2nd Saturday compensatory off for field units etc. Circle Secretary, Sh Yogesh Chhabra explained the house about modification in collegium due to transfers as provided by district teams which is also published on the AIGETOA Punjab website. House approved the modified collegium.

The AGM concluded with Vote of thanks presented by ACS Sh Ramanand Srivastava.

AIGETOA Pay Tributes to Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar

All India Chairman Shri Ravi Shil Verma along with AGSs Shri Yogendra Kumar, Shri Sunil Gautam and CS NTR Shri Rakesh Meena went to office of SEWA BSNL and offered floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Thereafter, the team AIGETOA had a brief discussion on issues and future roadmap with regard to settlement of cadre related issues. Leaders expressed need for constant discussion and deliberations amongst associations and an united approach over issues. Herein, after we decided to meet regularly and deliberate over various pending issues.

Click here for the glimpses

Updates of Meeting with Members of MS RR Committee headed by Sh R K Goyal CGM CN-TX on 05.12.2022

Meeting of Team AIGETOA comprising of GS (I/C) Shri Pavan Akhand, AIC Shri Ravi Shil Verma, Convenor Shri P N Sharma, FS Shri B K Mehta and AGS Shri Yogendra Kumar was held with Members of the MS RR committee headed by Sh R K Goyal CGM CN-TX held on 05-12-2022 for informal discussion on various clauses of draft MS RR .Team AIGETOA put all the concerns of members as suggested by Internal MS RR committee of AIGETOA according to findings given by internal committee members vide online meeting held on 04-12-2022 . The Team categorically emphasized that AIGETOA first wants to know the vision of management behind drafting these RRs and what level they are envisaging for a fresh entry level executives to reach to while framing this draft. We categorically told that without knowing Managements version, We are not in a position to submit any draft. Thereafter management side explained their vision after which the discussion and deliberations started.

Following Major points were highlighted by Team AIGETOA to MS RR draft committee :

  • We clearly emphasized that there is Lack of overall career progression path and HR vision is missing in the draft RR . While it’s a good thing that management is moving towards meritocracy but at the same time it can be seen that the residency period at higher levels have been raised too high which will stop the career progression at higher levels.
  • Minimum assured career progression for all executives as well as opportunity to reach at apex position by meritorious candidate is totally missing in the draft RR. There should be selection by merit at all levels and mere APAR scores should not be the only criteria to judge the suitability of executives at level beyond DGM. Merit has to be the criteria for selection at all levels.
  • Stagnation clause must be there at AGM/CAO level in the MS RR . Without stagnation clause and sufficient provision to the promotional avenues of existing executives, no MSRR is acceptable to AIGETOA.
  • External Recruitment mentioned in MS RR ( MT & DR DGM) should be abolished and AIGETOA will never accept any lateral recruitment at levels beyond JTO/JAO.
  • Existing Executives who have cleared the residency period should be promoted before execution of new RR .
  • Eligibility criteria for the AGM LICE to be extended for JTO + SDE total service length completed in line with DGM LICE and the minimum residency criteria may be made more liberal for fast track mode.
  • Fast track path vacancies should be Separately created. Already worked out vacancies should be used only for DPC channel.
  • MSRR must ensure with 5 EPP promotions ( E2-E7) intact with increment on same scale working too as in old MS RR.
  • Stringent APAR benchmarks proposed in draft has been pointed out as well as clubbing IPMS to APAR should be avoided incase APAR getting linked with EPP.
  • Weightage of number of completed service year’s to be given in fast track.
  • Foot note 2 must be implemented in right spirit.
  • 3 months relaxation can be given for minimum years service completion on cut-off date.
  • Diploma + 10 years service to be taken equivalent to engineering degree.
  • All mode of recruitment to be completed in a single calendar year to avoid seniority clashes due to administrative reasons.
  • Total seats must be increased on one time basis in all cadres to give sufficient career hierarchy to the executives at all levels and to prevent them from stagnating in the cadre for long.
  • Weightage for higher qualification must be given.

MS RR Committee Chairman Sh. R K Goyal noted all points and told us to submit the inputs as soon as possible and he assured to discuss the inputs thereafter in the committee and to be incorporated up to best possible extent . We told that since this is the first deliberation with the committee, we shall be conveying the management view points to the various stake holders, take their feedback and thereafter we will submit our feedback and for that we need some more time. Committee requested us to expedite the formal inputs. AIGETOA shall be discussing the points of the deliberations with the internal committee formed for the purpose and after detailed deliberations, the draft by AIGETOA shall be submitted probably by next week

Apart from the above points, following points were also raised to resolve before new MS RR :

1] SDE Reversal Case.

2] Promotion for all eligible SDEs to AGM & AO to CAO.

3] Promotion of left out JTOs to SDEs.

4] Promotion to PWD candidates in line with the recently issues DoP&T guidelines.