NOTICE FOR ALL INDIA CONFERENCE

The XXXI All India Conference of Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association will be held at ANDHRA UNIVERSITY CONVENTION CENTRE, RAMA KRISHNA BECH, VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH.

For two days during 2/3rd week of February, 2022 (exact date will be intimated in due course).

Forum of BSNL Executives Associations (SNEA, AIGETOA and AIBSNLEA) served Notice for Trade Union Actions

DEMANDS

1. All eligible BSNL Executives as on date should be promoted immediately without any further delay. The Time Bound Functional Promotion Policy up to AGM equivalent Grade as per the policy approved by BSNL Board on 28.05.2018, namely, “BSNL Executives Promotion Policy Amendment and Recruitment Rules, 2017” effective from 01.07.2018 should be implemented immediately and directions of the Board should be followed by incorporating Govt of India and DoP&T guidelines on Reservation and protecting the Constitutional Rights. The promotions should be extended w.e.f. 01.07.2018 onwards as and when the Executives fulfill their eligibility criteria.

2. The Restructuring order dated 17.11.2021, 23.11.2021 and subsequent orders should immediately be rolled back and immediate discussion should start with the stake holders for a HR plan which should be in line with the needs of the organization and takes care of career prospects of Executives in various grades and streams. The drastic reduction in number of Posts should immediately be done away with and inputs of Associations should be given firm consideration.

The stagnation criteria of 12 years in JTO/JAO Equivalent cadre for promotion to SDE/Equivalent cadre should be rolled back and revisited to make it in line with the earlier approved Time Bound Promotion Policy. Similarly, the stagnation criteria of 8 years should be introduced in SDE/AO/Equivalent Grade as Criteria for promotion to AGM/CAO/Equivalent Grades. 

3. Take necessary steps to approve the standard pay scales of E2 and E3 by DoT, replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A w.e.f. 01.01.2007 as recommended by BSNL Board for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO Equivalent Grades.

4. Management Trainee Recruitment and DR DGM Recruitment should be scrapped altogether and no lateral recruitment should be done in the organization at any level above JTO/JAO/Equivalent. Internal Fast-Track Promotion Policy should be introduced for the meritorious and talented Executives of the organization.

5. All Adhoc DGM (T/F) should be made regular DGM (T/F). Thereafter, all DGM(T/F) posts should be filled up on regular basis by onetime relaxation in qualifying service.

6. Suitable relaxation in the qualifying service to be extended for Time Bound Promotion to CAO Grade since eligible Executives are not available.

7. No Looking After/Adhoc/Entrustment Promotions, only Regular promotions should be provided to BSNL Executives. 

8. Immediate final settlement of long awaited SDE Reversal case as one time measure as agreed and directed by the Director HR on various occasions.

ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION PROGRAMS

1. Wearing Black Badges and Desk to Desk Awareness campaign among the      Executives from 01.12.2021 to 15.12.2021.

2. Submission of Memorandum to Hon Member of Parliaments highlighting the failure of BSNL Management in addressing the core issues of organization including HR practices – 07.12.2021 to 15.12.2021.   

3. Twitter campaign on 16.12.2021.

4. Mass Dharna at BA, Circle and BSNL HQs on 22.12.2021.

5. Relay Hunger Fast at BA, Circle, BSNL HQs on 28-30 December 2021.

6. Mass Casual Leave on 03.01.2022.

7. Leaving Official WhatsApp Group and non-cooperation from 03.01.2022 onwards.

8. Mass Indefinite Dharna at BSNLCO: 10.01.2022 onwards till settlement of the issues. 

An emergency Central Working Committee meeting of SNEA will be held ONLINE, tomorrow, 30.11.2021 at 20.30 to 22.00 Hrs. All the CWC members are to attend the meeting in time.

Editorial

Finally Restructuring and Manpower plan notified with massive reduction in posts, more than 60%. It will be opposed tooth and nail till Time Bound Promotion Policy is implemented. Forum of BSNL Executives’ Associations decided for immediate agitation.

We will not sleep until justice rendered to our Executives.

The much awaited BSNL Manpower plan is notified with massive cut in the number of posts in Executive cadres consisting of JTO to DGM equivalent cadres from 89,087 to mere 35,402, more than 60%. At the same, the demand of all the Executives and Forum of BSNL Executives Associations to notify the BSNL Executives Time Bound Promotion Policy along with the Manpower plan is not yet met. BSNL management is very adamant and determined that none of the BSNL Executive reaches DGM level and above before their retirement. After lot of struggle, DR DGM and Extl MT recruitment was stopped by earlier management. Again in the name of restructuring, DR DGM and Extl MT reintroduced challenging the capability and competence of BSNL Executives to lead the company by occupying the posts of DGM, GM etc. This is just to justify the ITS deputation.

The date of effect of the HR Plan approved is 01.02.2020. All the posts in excess of approved sanctioned strength in different Grades stand abolished w.e.f. 01.02.2020. The new vacancy year for the available vacancies is to be decided. Fresh reservation roaster is to be prepared based on the vacancy year. According to the revised sanctioned strength, excess SDE(T)s, JAOs and AOs are working and their fate is to be known. The JTO to SDE promotion made in May 2021 after 01.02.2020 is under question. There is no post to notify the 33% LDCE quota. All these issues will lead to multiple litigations in future if all the eligible Executives are not promoted. Precisely, Management working to create such a situation and then to blame the Executives for that. JTO and SDE equivalent cadres are treated as a single cluster and made inter changeable. JTO with 12 years of service as on 1st January shall be considered for promotion on personal upgradation basis. By this, management is trying to fix 12 years as the stagnation period instead of 5 years in CPSU CH. If Time Bound Promotion after 5 years is having Reservation issue, definitely Time Bound Promotion after 12 years also will have the same Reservation issue. It means there is no Reservation issue in the Promotion Policy approved in 2018 as told by the management. 

This made all the Associations to unite together and fight for the notification and implementation of the Time Bound Promotion Policy approved on 28.05.2018. Time Bound Functional Promotion between 4-6 years for BSNL Executives is a Policy decision announced at the time of BSNL formation. The modalities are just worked out in 2018. So, the date of effect, 01.07.2018 is not at all negotiable. By this our aim is to give promotion to all eligible Executives (SDE list 8/9/10---, JTO 2001 onwards, AO 2008/2009, JAO 2015/2016 etc, SDEs and JTOs in C/E/Arch/TF, CSS, PA, PS etc) from their due date, i.e. from 01.07.2018 onwards. Even AO 2015 batch will be eligible for CAO in 2023. Last AGM, CAO and AO promotions given 2018 become provisional, any future promotion through DPC route depends upon the court cases and the outcome of the SLP filed by BSNL in the Hon Supreme Court. Even the few missing cases in the 2018 DE and CAO promotion are not able to promote due to the court order!

There are some doubts from some corners about the feasibility of its implementation from 01.07.2018. There are precedence. Our EPP is approved and notified on 18.01.2007 but implemented from 01.10.2000. Similarly, SDE(T) RR amendments approved by the BSNL Board in 2015 but notification issued in 2018, effectively from the date of Board approval in 2015. Manpower plan is approved from the retrospective date of 01.02.2020 and notified from the retrospective date. From these 3 example, it is clear that there is no hurdle in notifying the Time Bound promotion policy also from the Board approved date of 01.07.2018 and providing promotions.

We appeal to all the Executives and the Associations to join hands in the coming struggle for the smooth career progression of BSNL Executives. Success of any struggle depends on the participation in the battleground and the level of commitment our Executives have. This struggle has to be lead by the Executives with greater conviction and commitment, with greater UNITY. We have to UNITE LIKE A ROCK against the management, against this grave injustice. The success of recent Farmers struggle motivated everyone and they shown us how to fight for your rights. 

XXth Circle Conference of SNEA, Gujarat Circle

Circle Conference of SNEA, Gujarat Circle was held at Ahmadabad on 13^th November, 2021. Delegates from all the SSAs of Gujarat Circle attended the Conference.

Com Sebastin K/GS, Com A A Khan/ CHQ President and Com Manoj Patil CHQ Vice president addressed the delegate session and open session.

An excellent Open Session was organized on 13.11.2021 with huge gathering, maintaining Covid protocol. Shri Sandeep Sawarkar/ CGMT(Gujarat), Shri Hemant Panday/PGM(CM) addressed the open session and elaborated the activities going on in Gujarat Circle to improve the market share and revenue. CS Com Chetan Chauhan presented a beautiful Key Note address and Circle President Com Mukesh Waghela presided over the meeting. Com Rakesh Mehta, Ex CHQ V/P and Com B G Patel, Ex CS graced the occasion. Smt Neelam Singhal/ Sr GM(HR), Shri Ashutosh Gupta/ GM(CFA), Shri Anil Bani/GM(HQ) and Shri Rajesh Kanoongo/ GM(EB) also present in the Open Session.

CHQ leaders in their address explained the activities at CHQ level.  Financial viability of BSNL and its Revival fully depends on the launching of 4G services and clearing of debts through Monetization. BSNL formed in 2000 for providing level playing field but from day one BSNL is struggling to get the level playing field. Pending due from DoT, Restructuring and Promotional avenues, urgent need for implementation of Time Bound Promotion policy approved by the Board, Standard Pay scales of E2, E3 etc, 3rd Pay Revision, pay loss issues, Salary Payment, SAB contribution, EPF contribution and EPF full pension, Pension revision, Medical Insurance, SNEA welfare scheme, Group Term Insurance etc.

Since management is denying all the demands of the Executives including promotion which is having no financial implication, it is very clear that the issues can be settled only through a sustained struggle with great commitment and determination. 3^rd PRC, E2/E3 scales, SAB, salary etc are denied in the name of financial crunch whereas the executives are working overnight to maintain the services. All Executives are called up on to get ready for such a struggle in the immediate future.

In the Conference Com Mukesh K Vaghela, Com Chetan Chauhan, Com Manish Dyma, Com Manoj Modi and Com Vismay Oza are elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC members respectively.

SNEA CHQ wishes all the success to the newly elected Circle Office bearers.

Circle Conference of SNEA, Kolkata TD

Circle Conference of Kolkata TD was held at Kolkata on 16 and 17 November, 2021. Com Sebastin K/GS and Com Dilip Saha/AGS addressed the delegate session and open session. CHQ leaders in their address explained the activities at CHQ level.  

A grand Open Session was organized on 16.11.2021. Shri Debasis Sarkar/CGM(CTD), Shri K C Ghosh/CGM(CNTx-East), Shri Biswajit Paul, DDG/DoT and Com Subhojyothi Chatterjee, SG(SBIOA) addressed the open session. CS Com Amit Sarka presented Key Note address and Circle President Com Sankar Sanyal presided over the meeting.

In the Conference Com Uttam Kumar Pal/DE(LA), Com Amit Sarkar/SDE and Com Tushar Kanti Adak/AGM(LA) are elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary and Circle Treasurer respectively.

SNEA CHQ wishes all the success to the newly elected Circle Office bearers.

7th Circle Conference of SNEA, Rajasthan Circle

Circle Conference of SNEA, Rajasthan Circle was held at Bikaner on 11th and 12th November, 2021. Delegates from all the SSAs of Rajasthan Circle attended the Conference. Comrades of Bikaner under the leadership of Com Mahesh Vyas made excellent arrangements.

Com Sebastin K/GS, Com A A Khan/ CHQ President and Com Shankar Lal Sharma/ Jt Secretary(West) addressed the delegate session and open session explaining the activities at CHQ level on various burning issues like financial viability of BSNL, delay in Launching of 4G services, pending due from DoT, Restructuring and Promotional avenues, urgent need for implementation of Time Bound Promotion policy approved by the Board, Standard Pay scales of E2, E3 etc, 3rd Pay Revision, pay loss issues, Salary Payment, SAB contribution, EPF contribution and EPF full pension, Pension revision, Medical Insurance, SNEA welfare scheme, Group Term Insurance etc.

A grand Open Session was organized on 11.11.2021. Shri Sandeep Govil, CGMT/Rajasthan, Smt Sushila Kanwar Rajpurohit, Hon Major/Bikaner and Shri N Ram, GM/Bikaner addressed the open session and spoken over the initiatives of Rajasthan Circle to improve the market share and revenue. CS Com Sushil kumar presented the Key Note address and Circle president Com D P Mahajan presided over the meeting.

As a big initiative, SNEA Bikaner SSA donated an OLT to start FTTH connections in rural and remote part of the SSA to a TIP franchisee. CGMT inaugurated the FTTH services through online during the open session itself.

In the Conference, Com Mahesh Vyas/AGM, Com Sushil Kumar/SDE, Com Jitendra Kumar Nagru/SDE, Com Anada Ram/JTO, Com Pawan Kumar Meena/JTO and Com Ajay Kumar Baloni/JTO are elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC members respectively.

SNEA CHQ wishes all the success to the newly elected Circle Office bearers.

AUAB leaders had a meeting with Joint Secretary (Admn)/DoT on various BSNL related issues pending in DoT. GS attended the meeting.

The following issues discussed.

1. Early launching of 4G and testing of 5G. Financial support to BSNL for compensating the loss due to delay in launching 4G services.

DoT officers tried to explain the latest developments. The upgradation of existing equipments to 4G and launching 4G services is ruled out as per Govt policy. It could have done by BSNL before Govt taking the policy decision of Make in India in the month of April-May, 2020.

The POC route is progressing and TCS committed that the RAN with 40W power will be installed by middle of December and POC can be completed as per the revised target date of 31.12.2021. The manufacturing may start by middle of 2022 and 4G launching by end of 2022, progressively, DoT expecting. By this, it is almost clear that pan India launching of 4G with good coverage will happen only in 2023 provided the Technology is tested and proved as per schedule.

On our concern of losing market share due to non availability of 4G services, there was no convincing reply from DoT Officers.

To compensate the losses, financial assistance in the form of CAPEX for 4G launching is under the active consideration of the Govt, it is informed.

Parallelly, extension of 2G licence with the same 900 spectrum as liberalized spectrum is also under the active consideration of the Govt. This also will be free of cost just like 4G spectrum.

According to DoT, decision in these points are expected by the end of this year 2021 itself.

2. Payment of pending dues to BSNL by DoT amounting to Rs 39000 Cr:

This dues under various heads is under examination in DoT but no decision taken so far.

We pressed for the release of the pending dues which will really help BSNL to meet the urgent requirements.

3. No handing over of BSNL Towers and Optic Fibre to private … :

We explained our concern and strong opposition in privatization of Towers and OFC. The National Monetization pipe line is in that direction, we raised our concern. Jt Sec explained that there is nothing to worry about monetization as the proceeds will come directly to BSNL as per the Union Cabinet decision of 2019. But the Finance Minster statement is that money will be utilized for bridging gap in the Budgetary provision, we explained. DoT agreed to examine it and to ensure that the money received is coming directly to BSNL and the Towers and OFC ownership remain with BSNL.  

4. Payment of Pension Contribution on actual basic pay instead of maximum of the pay scale:

We explained the background and the stand of DoPT that pension contribution should be on actual basic instead of maximum of the pay scales from 01.01.2006 onwards. DoT Officers informed that the matter is taken up with Finance Ministry three times but so far the reply is negative. They are not disputing our claim but at the same time not accepting our demand.

5. Speeding up land monetization process to offset BSNL debt.

Four land parcels are put for auction by DIPAM. Good progress in this cases will accelerate the remaining cases. The money will be deposited directly into BSNL account.

6. Immediate settlement of 3^rd PRC for the Executives and Wage revision for the Non-Executives:

We demanded that affordability clause should not be made applicable to BSNL as BSNL is not able to launch 4G services and increase the revenue due to Govt policies. Further Govt did not allow BSNL to avail loan like other operators and expand the network.

However, there is no commitment from DoT in this regard. According to them, it is to be decided at higher level, minimum by the Minister.

7. Revised PO for E2 and E3 standard pay scales for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent Grades in line with BSNL recommendation.

We explained the BSNL recommendation for E2 and E3 pay scales. After brief discussion they asked us to give more details on the matter. It is also informed that the issue can be re-examined only when higher level intervention is done and directions are received.

After the official meeting, GS met the Officer and explained the BSNL proposal dated 06.06.2016, the PO issued by DoT on 27.03.2017 and the revised proposal of BSNL dated 01.05.2017 restricting the demand to E2 and E3. DoT raised the queries: i) whether the PO issued on 27.03.2017 is implemented in BSNL or not, ii) If E2A is replaced by E3, then SDE and Sr SDE Grades will be in the same scale, is it acceptable etc. GS/AIGETOA also participated in the discussion.

Further they told to give a note in this regard.

SNEA OUTRIGHTLY REJECTS THE POST REDUCTION AND REVISED SANCTION STRENGTH WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE TIME BOUND PROMOTIONS ALREADY APPROVED BY THE BSNL BOARD.

THIS WILL THE LAST NAIL ON THE COFFIN OF BSNL HR POLICIES

Day by day, Management harassing the Executives, demoralizing them and making the company further sick.

NO SALARY, NO PROMOTION, NO PRC, NO PAY SCALES, NO SAB, PAY ANOMALIES – These are the fate of BSNL Executives.

We are determined to fight against this injustice. Make door to door campaign and prepare our members for a long drawn struggle from 1st week of December and to fight against the injustice. 

Revised sanction strength and Man Power plan:

Revised sanction strength and Man Power plan -- Finance stream:

Revised sanction strength and Man Power plan:

AUAB meeting in DoT on 24.11.2021

Meeting will be held today at 4 PM in DoT on the charter of demands.

We could include one of the major issue of the Executives, revised PO for E2 and E3 pay scales as an agenda in the meeting at DoT with the support of all AUAB constituents.   

It has been decided to lodge our immediate and strong protest tomorrow itself (24.11.2021) against Restructuring and Manpower plan by BURNING THE COPY of the Restructuring Order and staging lunch hour demonstration.

All CHQ, Circle and SSA leaders are requested to make arrangements for the protest in co-ordination with other Associations. 

Revised sanction strength and Man Power plan:

Salient Features:

JTO with 12 years of service as on 1st January shall be considered for promotion on personal upgradation basis (as per CPSU CH approved, it is 5 years).

Revised sanction strength will be applicable from 01.02.2020 onwards. All the posts in excess of approved sanctioned strength in different Grades and Streams stand abolished w.e.f.01.02.2020.

Direct Rect in Non Executive Cadre will be done only in TT and JE cadres and for Executives in JTO, MT and DRDGM Grades. Direct Rect in any Grade will be made only with the prior approval of BSNL Board (evenif vacancy is available).

External MT(450) will continue. Internal MT(450 posts) has been converted as Internal LICE for promotion from SDE to AGM.

JTO/JAO and SDE/AO are treated as a single cluster and interchangeable.