It is noticed that some disgruntled elements with malafide intentions, spreading fake news on VRS, just to create panic among the Executives.

It is noticed that even the Executives below 55 years also opted for VRS in large numbers, even beyond the expectation of the management eventhough the package is not good for them and may suffer financial losses in the long run. The package for 55+ is comparatively better.

The future increments, better prospects of pay revision, better career prospects, better terminal benefits and pension, family circumstances and the future challenges in the changed scenario are to be taken into account before taking a final decision.

It will be always better to take some challenges especially during challenging time. VRS is purely voluntary and individual has to take a final call. The negativity created by management and other vested interests should not come in the way of such crucial decision in your career.

Eventhough Union Cabinet approved the proposal for reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58, it is quite unlikely that the Govt will implement such unpopular measure now, in view of the good response for the VRS.

GS/SNEA

Today morning SNEA and AIBSNLEA tried to meet CMD on DE to DGM promotion. The proposal for according approval for the DPC is pending with the CMD for a week for the reasons best known to him. CMD and other Directors are busy with Board meeting and AGM. CMD spoken to us over phone and informed that he will take a decision in a day or two.

The full BSNL Board meeting is scheduled for today, 13.11.2019. In the evening Annual General Meeting (AGM) also scheduled. The Board and AGM will approve the half years performance and balance sheet which is required for floating the Bonds.

Tomorrow, 14.11.2019, selection for Director(CM), BSNL Board interview is scheduled. Director(EB) interview also scheduled in this month itself.

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL:

1. BSNL Management may seriously work out the Road map for the Revival of BSNL in the post VRS scenario and engage the Trade Unions for constructive discussions and feedback, instead of VRS Mela. Except the word, “outsourcing” nothing heard from the management about the future road map for the maintenance of huge OFC network and tens of thousands of Exchanges spread across BSNL with vast Cable network.

2. Excess GMs and PGMs posted in BSNL on deputation may be repatriated to DoT immediately so that atleast 5 Crores can be saved each month by BSNL

AUAB meeting with Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL on 07.11.2019: GSs of SNEA, BSNLEU, NFTE, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, BSNLMS, SNATTA, ATM and BSNLOA met CMD and held discussions on various issues. Director(HR) also present.

1) Early launching of 4G services:

We explained that after lot of efforts and struggles by the AUAB and the BSNL mgt, Govt allotted 4G spectrum to BSNL. According to media reports, Vodafone may close the services in near future and it will be a golden opportunity for BSNL to acquire good number of customers from Vodafone. Before that BSNL has to launch 4G services. According to our information, about 40,000 BTSs procured in Phase 7, Phase 7+ and Phase 8 and the core equipments are 4G compatible and can be easily upgraded to 4G with less expenditure with the support of the vendors. Another 10,000 BTSs are 4G BTSs. Further BSNL is having 20 MHz spectrum in 2600 band (BWA spectrum) except 6 LSAs where the spectrum was surrendered. In the new tender the equipments shall be procured to provide LTE services using 2600 band also so that entire 30 MHz (5 MHz 3G+5 MHz 4G +20 MHz BWA) can be effectively utilised where ever required, we suggested.

CMD explained the road map in detail. An expert Committee has been formed immediately to work out the 4G launching by upgradation and preparing the new tender. The Committee already submitted the report. By Add on order, we can go for 4G for about 24,000 BTS. If upgradation is possible with the support of the vendors especially, ZTE, 4G can be provided launched with better coverage with about 50,000 BTSs. Majority of the equipments which are to be upgraded are supplied by ZTE, about 38,000. However the rates of certain components are very high, almost 3 times, comparing to Nokia rates. This is the major challenge to make ZTE agreeable for lower rates. Upgradation to 4G is the easiest method with less cost and minimum time. Second challenge is the payment issue. No payment is made during the last one year and about 1,400 Cr each is due for Nokia and ZTE. Both are insisting for the payment first before any discussion. Efforts are going on for dialogue with both the vendors. As an alternative, new tender work is also started. In this tender 2600 band also will be added, CMD assured.

2) We also demanded that prompt steps should be taken to provide FTTH connections. Further we demanded for fruitful discussion on post VRS scenario and the road map for maintaining the connections after the VRS implementation.

3) AUAB strongly demanded for the salary payment in time. On salary payment, CMD said he could not give any assurance or specific date as of now.

4) We further demanded the remittance of recoveries to LIC, GPF, Banks, societies etc and payment of pension contribution to DoT as the employees are suffering a lot. In the case of those taking VRS, special care will be taken to clear all the outstanding due, CMD assured.

After the approval of Revival package, banks are showing positive approach and BSNL trying to get some loan for CAPEX immediately, CMD informed.

After the discussion, along with GS/AIBSNLEA we requested CMD to clear the proposal for DE to DGM promotion.

Meeting with Shri S P Tripati, DIR(CM) on 07.11.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao, Com Dilip Saha, Com R S Kolapkar, Jt Sec(E) Com I H Mandal and CP/CTD Com Sankar Sanyal met DIR(CM) and held discussion on 4G launching and related issues. Detailed discussions held on the subject. 

Meeting with Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL on 07.11.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao, Com Dilip Saha, Com Sanjeev Sharma, Com R S Kolapkar, Jt Sec(N) Com I H Mandal and CP/CTD Com Sankar Sanyal met CMD and held discussion on the following issues:

1) DE to DGM promotions: We once again requested for clearing the proposal for conduction of DPC. CMD informed that the file is not with him. CMD is of the opinion is that all the eligible DEs are getting promotion without any dropping and merit is getting compromised. We told CMD that the attendant conditions are very stringent for DGM promotion which is equivalent to GM/CGM promotion and promotion is for the Executives completed 30 to 35 years of service. If the promotion is at the right time say after 20 years of service or so, merit is having meaning but delaying the promotion after putting 35 years of service is not justified. Further SNEA is not against the merit on promotion but it is to be discussed and decided later. BSNL is extracting work from them as DGM on LA basis for years together and delaying the promotion on flimsy grounds is simply harassment. It is come to know that the proposal returned with certain queries.

Immediately after the meeting, DIR(HR) resubmitted the file to CMD replying the queries.

2) Promotion in the remaining cadres and implementation of the new promotion policy (amendment to the EPP-2007) approved by the Board: Today the CHQ OBs taken it as an opportunity to explain the issue to CMD. In earlier occasions, CMD was evading the matter, may be due to his pre-appointment on BSNL Revival related issues. We reminded CMD that promotion is also equally important for the Revival as the Executives are demoralised now. Thousands of young Executives having 10 to 18 years of service are waiting but management is not taking any action for their promotion? Further another 4000 Executives are retiring through VRS who had put 10 to 30 years of service and waiting for the promotions for years together.

When Govt has given an attractive VRS package, management has to respect them and give them the deserving promotion before their retirement for their service. Instead of implementing the new promotion policy as decided by the Board, management is sitting over the proposal which is agitating the Executives.

Today also CMD is telling us that no one told him about the policy approved by the Board, even after our notice, several letters, several meetings etc!

CMD was non committal on both the issues further strengthening our doubts that management is not interested in promotions and trying to complete the restructuring and VRS before any promotion. However we are making all efforts for getting the promotion orders issued through discussion and looking forward for the developments for another couple of days.

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL regarding Voluntary Retirement Scheme – 2019: Urgent clarification required on the following points – 2nd letter. 

Meeting with Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director(HR): GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao, Com Dilip Saha, Com Sanjeev Sharma, Com Pandurang Nayak, Com R S Kolapkar, Jt Sec(N) Com I H Mandal, CS/KTK Com Jagdale and CP/CTD Com Sankar Sanyal met DIR(HR) and held discussion on the following issues:

Some of the CHQ OBs and CSs reached New Delhi as per the original schedule for participating in the Hunger Fast from 04.11.19:

1) Implementation of the non-post based promotion policy approved by the BSNL Board w.e.f. 01.07.2018.

The details of the amendments made in the EPP-2007 by the Board explained to Director by the CHQ OBs. Director also sought certain doubts and clarified on the reservation issue where we explained that the reservation policies of the Govt should be strictly followed as prevailing in the CPSUs and it can be incorporated in the policy as approved by the Board. We demanded that it should be implemented before the restructuring and VRS so that the remaining Executives can be motivated to take the challenges and those taking VRS can retire in a dignified manner.

We expressed our serious concern on the delay on the abnormal delay in giving promotions to all the eligible Executives and the DGM promotion which is creating unrest among the Executives.

2) DE to DGM promotion: Director assured early action and approval of the CMD at the earliest.

3) Various doubts on the VRS scheme: Director was very positive and asked us to submit the queries immediately so that it can be replied at the earliest.

GS writes to CMD/BSNL: Voluntary Retirement Scheme – 2019: Urgent clarification required on the following points

Response on the points raised by AIBSNNLEA and AIGETOA

Meeting with Hon MoC, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad on 04.11.2019:

THIS IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR BSNL REVIVAL. BSNL is to utilise it. Govt is having huge expectation on BSNL and its employees on Revival. Accountability will be fixed starting from the top. BSNL is a strategic CPSU. BSNL will not be closed down, disinvested or handed over to a third party ----- Hon Minister.

BSNL management arranged a meeting between the Union & Association leaders and the Hon Minister. GS and President attended, representing SNEA. Secretary, DoT, Director(HR)/ BSNL, Jt Secretary (A), DDG(PM), GM(SR) etc attended the meeting.

Hon Minister informed that during his earlier tenure, he fully supported BSNL and made it operational profit. He explained the BSNL Revival package and informed AUAB that it has approved with the specific intervention of Hon PM and the Hon Home Minister when stiff opposition was there from many quarters. BSNL is a strategic CPSU. A strong PSU is required for fair competition in the sector. Govt is have full faith on BSNL employees and BSNL can be turn around and regain its pristine glory. Land monetization will be done through DIPAM but the proceeds will directly come to BSNL instead of going to the Consolidated Fund of India. Govt will fully support BSNL. Management and the employees are to utilise this opportunity, the last opportunity, Minister reiterated. Accountability will be fixed from top to bottom. The quality of service is to be improved drastically. Various Depts, Banks etc will be asked to use BSNL services.

AUAB mentioned about the various initiative taken by the employees in the past like “Customer Delight Year”, “Service With a Smile”, “BSNL at Your Doorstep” etc focussing on marketing and improving the quality of service. Employees will continue their efforts and assured full involvement.

Leaders demanded 3^rd PRC along with VRS for making it more attractive but Minister was not at all positive. Discussed Pension Revision, Pension contribution, 4G launching, Restructuring and transformation as a CPSU, exemption of Ex-gratia from IT etc. On 4G launching, customers are started approaching BSNL for 4G services. In Phase VII and VIII tender, the equipments procured are 4G compatible, about 50,000 such BTSs are there. By small software and hardware change, 4G can be launched in all the cities/towns/locations etc. We demanded early launching.

On the specific issue of Retirement age reduction, Minister informed that it is part of the Cabinet decision. Govt want to see that the VRS become a big success and for that purpose very attractive package, best in the history of any CPSU, is approved for BSNL employees. Revival of BSNL depends on its success, Minister told. If VRS is not successful, the second option is there.

Hon Minister appealed all the Union & Assn leaders to make the BSNL Revival package and the VRS successful.

VRS: Guidelines on VRS under Gujarat model issued by DPE.

(DPE O.M. No. 2(32)/97-DPE(WC)/GL-XXII dated 5th May, 2000)

(i) The compensation will consist of salary of 35 days for every completed year of service and 25 days for the balance of service left until Superannuation. The compensation will be subject to a minimum of Rs. 25,000/- or 250 days salary whichever is higher. However, this compensation shall not exceed the sum of the salary that the employee would draw at the prevailing level for the balance of the period left before superannuation.

(ii) Salary for purpose of VRS will consist of basic pay and DA only.

(iii) Arrears of wages due to revision etc. will not be included in computing the eligible amount.

6. The compensation under VRS/VSS will be in addition to terminal benefits.

(DPE O.M. No. 2(32)/97-DPE(WC)GL-XXXV dated 8^th December, 2000)

1. Whether allowances like Personal Pay, HRA, NPA, Family Planning increment are to be included for computation of ex-gratia?

Basic pay plus DA only is to be taken into account for computation of ex-gratia under VRS.

2. Whether the post of the employee who has taken VRS is to be abolished?

There shall be no recruitment against vacancies arising out of VRS.

3. Whether any arrears of ex-gratia are to be paid in the event of pay revision being sanctioned subsequent to voluntary separation?

Ex-gratia will be re-calculated on the basis of revised pay scale and the difference be paid.

4. Can notice pay in lieu of notice and TA for settling in the Home Town or elsewhere be paid to the employees who are to opt or have opted for VRS?

One month/three months notice pay (as per service conditions applicable to the employees) may be paid. TA for the employees and family would also be admissible to the place where he intends to settle down after taking VRS. For this purpose, the entitlement will include transportation cost of personal effects and travelling cost of self and family members, as admissible under the entitled classes.

5. Under the Gujarat pattern, will the compensation for the balance service be calculated @ 25 days for every year of service left?

Compensation under VRS modelled on the Gujarat pattern will consist of salary of 35 days for every year of service completed and 25 days for every year of service left until superannuation.

8. Whether PF, leave encashment, gratuity, notice pay, LTC are payable to employees in case of voluntary retirement?

These are to be paid to the employees opting for VRS as per the provisions of the relevant statutes and the service conditions. These are outside the computation of ex-gratia on voluntary retirement.

(DPE O.M. No.2(32)/97-DPE(WC)/GL-LVI dated 6th November, 2001)

c) Under the Gujarat pattern, the salary for VRS/VSS shall be calculated on the basis of 30 days in a month and not 26 days. Consequently, the method of calculation of ex-gratia for VRS and VSS shall be similar.

VRS: Various Groups formed by BSNL to monitor VRS activities.

2^nd Membership verification: Suggestions regarding postponement till VRS implementation.

Relay Hunger Fast from 04.11.2019 deferred to 18.11.2019

Director(HR) Shri Arvind Vadnerkar invited SNEA for discussion on the notice for Trade Union actions dated 14.10.2019, Relay Hunger Fast at BSNLCO from 04.11.2019 to 08.11.2019 and Indefinite Hunger Fast from 11.11.2019 onwards demanding immediate implementation of the amendments to the EPP-2007 (BEPPAR-2017) w.e.f. 01.07.2018 which is approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018. PGM(Pers) and GM(SR) also present.

At the outset Director (HR) explained the hectic activities going on regarding the Revival of BSNL and requested for the cooperation of the Association. Revival package is approved by the Govt after lot of difficulty and we have to implement it successfully, Director(HR) told.

SNEA leaders explained the compelling reasons for giving notice like restructuring of BSNL, proposed post reduction and the VRS proposal by which career growth of thousands of Executives are getting affected. Further explained the details of the proposal and expressed anguish over the abnormal delay in implementing the amendments to the EPP, facilitating Time Bound functional Promotions even after 16 months, on one pretext or other.

Director (HR) assured to study the matter in detail in another 10 days time as he was busy with BSNL Revival issues immediately after joining and have further discussions after that. Director (HR) appealed to withdraw the agitation program till that time. Director (HR) appeared very serious and sincere in resolving the issue. After consulting all the CSs and CHQ Office Bearers, SNEA decided to defer the Hunger Fast till 17.11.2019 and start the Hunger Fast from 18.11.2019 onwards if the issue does not resolve by that time.