As per the decision taken in CEC Meeting held on 22.06.2022, the Pay Scale Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Shri Sunil Gautam AGS, AIGETOA CHQ. This team will exclusively work in the direction towards resolution of Standard Pay Scale and Pay Loss issues. Team will work independently and explore all possible ways in addition to the ongoing efforts of the association for final solution of the issue. AIGETOA CHQ will extend all possible supports to the Team including academics and logistics. We were suggested many names, who could do wonder, but all couldn’t be accommodated considering the size of Committee. But still Chairman has the privilege to include 1 or 2 more names in the committee if required, in consultation with the General Secretary AIGETOA. Team is as follows:

Pay Scale Committee:

Above team is going to start working immediately and explore all possibilities towards the solution. It is important to settlement the standard pay scale E2-E3 before implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL else the loss will further multiply and it will become almost irreversible. So, we call upon all to hold the hand together to find the solution in a time bound manner by utilizing all resources. It’s a critical issue pending since 01.01.2007, more than 15 years of 2nd PRC date. It is on record that many serious efforts initiated for the settlement of the issue but no fruitful result could be achieved. One of the major bottlenecks towards the solution was Pensionary contribution associated with the issue for the DoT recruited employees, which has almost vanished after VRS. Hence this point has to be highlighted and any approval by the DoT for E2-E3 w.e.f. 01.01.2007 without cascading effect of other scales will be implemented across the board irrespective of the stream or batch of joining. It is a gross injustice that these two scales are still undecided causing variable initial basics for JTO/JAO equivalent grades joining at different point of time since 01.01.2007.

It is unfortunate that our predecessors in BSNL settled for non standard scale of E1A for JTO/JAO equivalent and E2 for SDE/AO equivalent grades after BSNL formation and couldn’t show enough vision to ensure E2-E3 as implemented in MTNL. But, we are determined to fight for this gross injustice through all means available to the association to snatch our legitimate right and so we need support of one and all for the cause. At this critical juncture, it is important that we should hold hand of each other and forward our struggle for the cause else it may cost us dearly as 3rd PRC will permanently seal the damage.

AIGETOA is religiously pursuing for issuance of AGM/CAO Promotion especially after the judgment of Apex Court on 28.01.2022 and executive instructions issued by the DOP&T on 12.04.2022 in the matter of Reservation in Promotion. Association is continuously trying and exercising all its endeavors to find the way forward for the promotion knowing fully that aspiration of executives is running high. The organization equally needs officers in these grades to man various positions got vacant after massive departure of employees from the organization through VRS in Jan-2020. Everyone understands need of these promotion except BSNL management, who is not finding way and keeping the issue under stalemate on the name of consensus between associations and management citing Judgment delivered by Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh in OA No.60/750/2018 {Ramesh Kumar Vs BSNL – Court puts all AGM Promotion of June-2018 as provisional and questioning methodology adopted in the said promotion}, which has been challenged by BSNL at Hon’ble Supreme Court, whose decision is awaited from the Apex Court.

Since the issuance of instructions by the DOP&T, AIGETOA has held several meetings both individually and jointly with all authorities in BSNL including CMD, Dir HR, PGM Pers, PGM SR, CLO on multiple occasions. Series of joint meetings have been conducted between three associations and management to break the deadlock. One such meeting was conducted after issuance of DOPT OM dated 12.04.2022 to deliberate the procedure to be followed for implementation of reservation, which were attended by three associations namely AIGETOA, SNEA, SEWA BSNL and PGM Pers, PGM SR, CLO and other officials from management under the chairmanship of Director (HR). A minute of the meeting was also issued signed by three associations declaring clearly to implement DOP&T Order dated 12.04.2022 and OM-1997, which was signed by PGM SR and CLO on behalf of the management.

Click here for the Minute

Despite issuance of minutes, management didn’t move ahead on the promotion and continued further deliberation. Even then AIGETOA extended its full support in the dialogue process considering that some way forward will be achieved. But BSNL management continued its insistence to either wait for judgment of BSNL’s SLP or signing of new declaration clearly outlining the methodology to be adopted for reservation in promotion, which couldn’t move ahead due to non-agreement by one of the association. The methodology suggested by the management is to fill 22.5% Reserve Roaster Points with Reserve Candidates first and then 77.5% Unreserved Roaster Points by the remaining candidates of the seniority list irrespective of their category.

In the meantime, AIGETOA CHQ conducted protest on 23rd June in BSNL Corporate Office to attract the attention of management on the crucial issue but management kept its rigid stand for written declaration by all three associations on the consensus methodology to be adopted in view of the Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh verdict and pending BSNL’s SLP at Hon’ble Supreme Court.

In last two weeks, a series of meetings were held to break the stalemate by joint sitting of OBs of three associations individually as well as with management but no fruitful decision could be achieved. Even the discussion of three General Secretaries in last two days of last week individually as well as with management couldn’t bring the desired result. Despite of so many meetings, BSNL Management is still insisting for written joint declaration from three associations on the methodology to be adopted, citing the judgment of Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh and pendency of BSNL’s SLP at Hon’ble Supreme Court, which has not been agreed by SEWA BSNL. This has created a complete deadlock and much awaited promotion is hanging in balance despite of so many meetings and discussion held till last week.

This has created serious resentment across the BSNL and AIGETOA has conveyed the growing anger in clear terms on multiple occasions to the management and apprised that the derailment of promotional avenues can’t be accepted any more. A window for AGM/CAO Promotion has been opened after much awaited judgment delivered by the APEX Court on 28.01.2022 on the common issues in the matter of Reservation in Promotion in Jarnail Singh & Ors Versus V. Laxmi Narain Gupta Case & Ors (Civil Appeal No 629 of 2022 arising out of SLP(C) No 30621 of 2011). This opportunity can’t be allowed to derail and it’s the management responsibility to ensure promotion by either way. Association is exercising restrain and giving dialogue full chance to break the deadlock on the matter. It seems management is treating the restrain as our limitation and so we would like to apprise that injustice will not be tolerated any more.

Here, we assure one and all that association is committed to safeguard your interest and don’t fall prey to the rumors in the social media platform. Association has pledged to render justice to all SDEs completed their residency period especially in view of the seniority of the earlier vacancy years distorted for LDCE qualified SDEs of 2006-07 onwards. Similarly standard pay scale and pay loss issue are continuously neglected by the management. Despite of our best efforts management is neither putting adequate efforts in the DoT for approval of the Scale nor extending interim arrangement for pay loss issue. So, we call upon our all rank and file to be prepared to fight back for our legitimate rights, which is long due i.e. Pay, Promotion or Pension.

DOP&T Promotion Order. Click here

In the meantime, DOP&T has also issued Promotion Order on 30.06.2022 in the CSS and other Cadres and so the association will appraise it to the management and it will give last opportunity to the BSNL authority to move ahead on the issue in the light of the issuance of the promotion order by the DOPT. If management still doesn’t move ahead, association will take a call on the further strategy after mid July, as per the decision taken in the CHQ Meeting conducted on 03.07.2022.

Technical Details on AGM/CAO Promotion – Matter of Reservation in Promotion:

Promotion in the grade of AGM/CAO has not been carried out after 2018 despite organization needed it badly to man various positions, which got vacant after massive exodus of employees from BSNL through VRS in Jan-2020. Despite of the availability of about 4900 Eligible SDEs and sufficient Posts in the AGM/DGM Grades to cater the needs of these eligible officers, management took shelter of court case all these time citing pendency of judgment in the matter at Hon’ble Supreme Court. In this regard, following details needs to be enumerated:

• After the SDE to AGM Promotion issued in BSNL in June-2018, one case was filed at Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh through O.A. No.60/750/2018 challenging the reservation extended in the SDE to AGM Promotion by making CMD BSNL and Dir HR as respondents. Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh pronounced the verdict in the OA No.60/750/2018 on 25.02.2020 as below:

1. The respondents, in general shall take a policy decision indicating the parameters for introduction and implementation of the reservation in promotions, which shall include:

• The verification of the representation of the category of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribe employees in the post or cadre for promotion to which, reservation is sought to be effected and the resultant effect of any on the efficiency of the administration;
• The manner in which the concept of creamy layer shall be applied in enforcing such reservations in promotions; and
• The duration up to which the promotion shall be in force.

2. Unless and until a decision at the highest level is taken as regards the implementation of the reservation in promotions, the same shall not be affected.

3. If any promotions have taken place contrary to the law as it exists now, it shall be open to the respondents to take corrective steps. Pending such action, the promotions so made shall be treated as provisional, without giving rise to any right to seniority in the promoted post.

Click here for Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh Judgment

• BSNL challenged the judgment dated 25.02.2020 of CAT Chandigarh to the Hon’ble Supreme Court, which tag the case with ongoing Civil SLP on the Matter of Reservation in Promotion of Jarnail Singh & Ors Versus V. Laxmi Narain Gupta Case & Ors (Civil Appeal No 629 of 2022 arising out of SLP(C) No 30621 of 2011).

• Hon’ble Supreme Court delivered judgment on the matter of Reservation in Promotion on dated 28th Jan’2022 in Jarnail Singh & Ors Versus V. Laxmi Narain Gupta Case & Ors (Civil Appeal No 629 of 2022 arising out of SLP(C) No 30621 of 2011) giving direction to operate the Reservation in Promotion. Hon’ble Supreme Court also states in the order that “It is made clear that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of any individual case as we have only answered the common issues that were formulated after hearing the parties”. It is on record that still bunch of Cases totaling Eleven SLPs, which are part of the individual cases are still to be heard and decided by the Hon’ble Court. BSNL’s SLP at Hon’ble Supreme Court, challenging the decision of OA No.60/750/2018 of Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh dated 25.02.2020, is also pending with these bunches of cases.

Click here for the Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgment

• In the light of decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 28.01.2022, DOP&T has issued instructions to operate the matter of Reservation in Promotion vides OM number 6012/16/2019-Estt. (Res.) dated 12.04.2022.

Click here for DOPT OM dated 12.04.2022

• Similarly, the Hon’ble CAT Chandigarh has given direction to maintain Status Quo in the AO to CAO Promotion issued by the BSNL in Nov-2018, causing no movement in the case. BSNL is also trying to vacate the stay in the Hon’ble Court.

• Earlier DOP&T has issued instruction on the matter of Own Merit in Reservation in Promotion in 2010, 2016 and 2018 as below:

Click here for the DOP&T OM 2010

Click here for the DOP&T OM 2016

Click here for the DOP&T OM 2018

Today, Team AIGETOA comprising Shri Wasi Ahmad GS, Shri Veerbhadra Rao AIP, Shri Badri Kumar Mehta FS, Shri Vivek Kumar Sing AGS and Shri Sunil Gautam AGS met senior officers in the DoT on E2 E3.

Team first met Shri Raite Madhav Rao, Dy Secretary (PSU-I) and discuss in detail about the ongoing stalemate on approval of the Standard Scale E2-E3 for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO Equivalent grades as replacement of non standard scale E1A-E2A in line with BSNL Board Proposal submitted to the DoT. We submitted our resentment that the the letter issued by the DoT for not agreeing to the E2-E3 scale on the ground of cascading has not been withdrawn despite bringing it to the knowledge that reasons is misleading and contradictory of BSNL Board decision. We apprised about the prevailing resentment in BSNL due to wrong letter issued by the DoT. He apprised that the letter was issued just in response of the Dy CLC conciliation meeting and doesn’t replicate complete picture of the issue. He further assured that issue of E2-E3 has not been closed and still alive.

GS explained that how DoT can deny the approval of two non standard scales, when all other scales have been replaced in the 2nd PRC Presidential Order. DoT can’t degrade the scale against the BSNL Board decision and cited various examples of other CPSEs, where non standard scales have been upgraded to next higher scale. Further no department can lowered the scale of any officer without punishment or penalty and hence only solution lies in approval of E2-E3 Scales.

We apprised that our standard pay scale case is also in advance stage and instead of facing adverse decision, the issue should be reopened to assess once again for approval of Standard Scale E2-E3 by the DoT, Govt of India without cascading of other Scales. It was also apprised that only minor changes will be required in EPP to intact the five financial upgradations.

He got convinced with arguments of the team and assured to give a relook on the issue. All relevant documents were submitted to him once again. He has also sought one new letter from BSNL on the matter.

The arguments were also put forward by Shri Veerabhadra Rao, Shri Badri Mehta, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh and Shri Sunil Gautam on the issue. Finally it was agreed that the matter will be discussed with JS(Admin) for re-examination of the issue.

AIGETOA writes to Dir (HR) for extending DoP&T guidelines for reservation in promotion for the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs).

Click here for letter

Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order, dated 28.9.2021 directed the Government to issue instructions on ‘Reservation in Promotion’, as provided in Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Accordingly, Executives instruction issued by the DOP&T vide referred OM No 36012/1/2020-Estt. (Res.-II) North Block, New Delhi dated 17.05.2022 (enclosed), which states about quantum and provisions for reservation in promotion to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) and also directs the Central PSEs to comply with the orders within specified period. BSNL is one of the CPSE under Ministry of Telecom, Govt of India and hence it comes under the ambit to implement the issued instructions on the matter.

In view of the above, AIGETOA request for implementation of the referred instructions of the DOP&T with immediate effect in all streams as per the laid down provisions.

AIGETOA continuous persuasion on the matter to yielded positive result today. A letter has been issued for compiling details for one time final settlement of all pending cases of EPF Training Period. All Circles are requested to pursue in their Circle and ensure inclusion of name of all pending cases as it is the last opportunity to include all cases for deposit of training period EPF with interest. The required details must be revert back within the period.

Click here for the letter

Extension of date for calling of volunteers/Executives (Telecom/Finance) for the posting at BRBRAITT, Jabalpur.

Click here for letter

Team AIGETOA Gujarat along with AGS CHQ Ajay Parmar, CS Gujarat C M Tamboliya, CP Gujarat Mayur Parmar, CFS Gujarat Anurag Parmar and other Office bearers AIGETOA Gujarat met Hon’ble MP & Chairman, SC-ST Parliamentary Committee, Dr. Kiritbhai Solanki at Circuit House, Ahmedabad for long pending Promotions & Standard Payscale issue in BSNL.

The team appraised the Hon’ble Chairman on various long pending HR related issues including Standard Payscale, shortfall in SAB contributions and expected promotions in the cadre of AGM and CAO which are pending since long due to court case.

Team also appraised that implementation of Standard Payscale in BSNL is also pending since long and due to which pay parity is created in same cadre executives and they are facing huge financial loss and matter is pending at DoT. Hon’ble Chairman was very apprehensive on shortfall in SAB contribution and agreed for post retirement social security guarantee should be among top priority of organization. He assured to take up the matter with Hon’ble Communication Minister.

Hon’ble Chairman listened patiently and has agreed that BSNL is facing acute shortage in middle level management due to huge VRS. He assured to take up the matter with BSNL Management so that long due promotions can be executed. He categorically assured that BSNL cannot skip it’s responsibility to issue promotions as things are crystal clear post issuance of verdict on reservation by Hon’ble Supreme Court.

Team thanked Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. Kiritbhai Solanki ji for sparing sufficient time and patiently listening to our issues. We requested to do needful for early issuance of promotions to which he responded positively and to direct DoT for implementation of standard E2 pay scales for JTO and E3 scales for SDE grade.

Click here for glimpses of meeting

The continued stalemate of the SDE to AGM and AO to CAO Promotion despite the pronouncement of judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and Executive Instruction by DOP&T on the matter of Reservation in Promotion has fuelled the anger to its peak. The matter was deliberated in the recently concluded CEC of the AIGEOTA CHQ on 22.06.2022 at New Delhi. The management is not trying to understand the woes of executives, who are waiting for promotions since years together in absence of any Promotion in the grades of AGM/CAO since 2018. These grades are in acute shortage after VRS in January ‘2020 but still management is not ready to break the deadlock and depriving the much awaited promotion, which is not only the need of the Executives but for the organization equally. A unique protest was organized by AIGETOA to highlight the cause of the SDEs/AOs waiting for the AGM/CAO Promotions. We call upon all Executives to lend your support to AIGETOA to raise and fight for each and every issue of executive genuinely.

Team AIGETOA comprising of CHQ Body and some OBs/Members of BSNL Corporate Office displayed play card and offered rose to Hon’ble CMD and other functional Directors of BSNL Board on 23.06.2022 before the Management Committee Meet to convey the severe resentment and anguish prevailing in the field on the continued impasse on AGM/ CAO Promotion. After conveying the anger and sufferings of people to the CMD BSNL, the gathering went to the chamber of the Director HR and handed over the rose to him also and appraised continued standoff on the matter. This is causing serious demotivation, despair and pain in the minds of the executives, who is not leaving any stone unturned for the welfare of the organization and whose best example is that no degradation of service felt despite the curtailment of more than 50% on roll employees through VRS and stiff financial embargo in 2020 and 2021, where even the fund for maintenance were not available and salary was delayed by 1 to 1.5 months. It was also highlighted that how the seniority of SDEs have been lowered by changing its own decision by the BSNL management putting the meritorious LDCE qualified Executives most disadvantageous position and this must be addressed by executing promotions to all SDEs completed their residency period by readjusting the vacancies.

Director HR gave a patient hearing to the gathering and agreed with the concerns raised by association and assured to expedite the efforts to break the deadlock on the AGM/CAO Promotion. Association clearly appraised that the patience is running out and the management should take necessary action to issue Promotions else the continued neglect may result in serious breach of peace of the organization.

Click here for Glimpses

The Central Executive Committee meet of All India Graduate Engineers & Telecom Officers Association (AIGETOA) was held on 22th June-2022 at Conference Hall, Western Court New Delhi. Shri Ravi Shil Verma Chairman, Shri Veer Bhadhra Rao AIP and Shri Wasi Ahmad General Secretary attended the meeting along with other Central Governing Body Members attended the meeting, which was held first time in physical mode after the recently concluded All India Conference. The meeting was held in the backdrop of the burning issue of the Standard Pay Scale E2-E3 and recent communication of DoT on the matter of scale and association efforts in the direction, Pay Loss Issue, Promotions in view of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court/DOP&T Order on the matter of Reservation in Promotion, Long awaited SDE Reversal Issue, SDE Seniority Issue, Superannuation Benefits pendency, Rule-8/Rule-9, Organizational matters, OTP Cases etc.

In the CEC meeting, a dedicated Pay Loss committee was formed under the leadership of Shri Sunil Gautam Ji to specifically take up the matter in parallel to the association efforts for the permanent solution of the decade long problem. The Committee will be dedicatedly working for the solution of the Standard Pay Scale of E2-E3 issue by exploring all possible means with the support of resources from AIGETOA CHQ including travelling/lodging/boarding of the Team for the purpose. Some leaders have been finalized and further will be inducted by inviting persons from suffering batches/streams from across the BSNL to be part of the Team and it will be finalized in consultation of General Secretary and Shri Sunil Gautam Ji.

HR Issues, BSNL development Issues and Organization matters discussed in detailed and various decisions were taken in the meeting. Other Committees were also formed under leadership of various CHQ OBs for larger outreach and raising wider range of subjects, whose details will be shared subsequently.

The matter of AGM & CAO Promotion was also discussed in detail and the participants expressed serious anguish over the approach of the BSNL Management in delaying the AGM and CAO Promotion. It is very unfortunate that despite of the judgment by Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Reservation in Promotion and subsequent Executive Instructions by the DOP&T on the subject, BSNL management is looking for excuses every next day and delaying the AGM/CAO Promotion. The executives are at extreme unrest and the approach of the matter is only adding fuel to fire. The Central Governing Body observed that the further delay may result in serious breach of peace in the organization. It was unanimously decided to convey the management that if promotions were not issued by 30th June, the association will force to seek organizational recourse. BSNL has already done extreme injustice by lowering the seniority of the LDCE Qualified Executives by placing earlier Vacancy Years LDCE Promoted SDEs below to the later Vacancy Years DPC Promoted SDEs. As the SDE Seniority list 9 to13 is already challenged in the Hon’ble Court, the only way forward to set right the injustice is to promote all SDEs to address the discrepancy in the seniority as done in 2018 by the same BSNL Management. It was categorically decided that keeping the promotion on hold due to one reason or other can’t be accepted and management must move ahead on the issue of Promotion else ready to face the resentment of the employees.

Further details of the meeting will follow….

Click here for glimpses of the meeting

Team AIGETOA comprising of Shri Ravi Shil Verma Chairman, Shri Veer Bhadhra Rao AIP and Shri Wasi Ahmad General Secretary, Shri Pavan Akhand Dy GS, Shri D K Sahoo VP, Shri Suresh Kumar S JS(South) and Shri R N Mishra JS(Central) met  CMD BSNL at 10.30 Hrs on 22.06.2022 before the start of the CEC Meeting.

The issue of SDE to AGM Promotion and CAO Promotion was discussed prominently to gauge the stand of the management on the issue to take further decision. The association apprised that management has hold various meeting jointly with AIGETOA, SEWA and SNEA. All the three associations has concurred methodology put forward by the management and no reluctances was shown by either one. One MoM has already been signed by all three Associations along with PGM SR and CLO (on behalf of BSNL Management) for joint meeting held on dated 12.05.2022 under the chairmanship of Director HR, BSNL Board, New Delhi.

It was apprised that standoff on the issue of Promotion due to insistence of the management for signature on new declaration is creating a new trend, which never happened in BSNL. We told that the association is least bother about the signature of any particular person or organisation but only concerned with the Promotion in the AGM and CAO Grade. Even if it is required by the management, it should made efforts in the direction but ensure the promotion at the earliest to address the serious unrest in the field. It was once again raised in the meeting, how BSNL Management reverted its own decision and lowered the seniority of the SDEs resulting senior vacancy  years LDCE Qualified SDEs going down than the later vacancy years DPS promoted SDEs. The only way forward to extend the justice is to promote all SDEs and let the subjudice seniority decide by the Hon’ble Court later.