The MA filed by BSNL to vacate the stay on AGM to DGM(T) promotion based on catch up rule is listed for hearing today, 26.09.2018. Earlier Hon CAT vacated the stay of AO to CAO promotion based on catch up rule. Citing this order, BSNL filed the MA for vacation of stay on AGM to DGM promotions.

The legal opinion sought by BSNL from the Sr Lawyer on implementation of OWN MERIT in reservation for AO to CAO promotion based on th Hon SC interim order is yet to be received.

The Writ Petition filed by AUAB against Tower Subsidiary formation in the Hon Delhi High Court was listed for hearing on 25.09.201. Due to paucity of time, the case did not come up hearing and posted to 31.01.2019. GS was present in the Hon HC.

Meeting with GM(Pers) on 25.09.2018: GS, President and AGS met Shri Keshav Rao, Sr GM(Estt) on 25.09.2018 and held discussions on the following issues.

1) JTO to SDE DPC and court cases at EKM: The progress in collecting screening committee reports from the Circles reviewed and good progress is there. On preparation of AIEL, GM(P) informed that it can be done after the restoration of method of fixation of inter-se seniority as trg centre marks for which review petition is filed in the Hon Ernakulam HC. On excess promotions between 1995 to 1999, the data is collected from almost all the Circles and it is found that there is no excess promotion during this period as claimed by BSNLCO in the Hon Court. The details will be furnished before the court.

It is further informed that GM(P) and AGM(legal) is going to Ernakulam on 26.09.18, Wednesday to have meeting with the lawyers at Ernakulam for expediting the contempt cases as well as the review petition in the Hon HC.

Once a) the review petition is accepted and the trg centre marks is restored and b) the contempt is closed or the OA is withdrawn by the applicants, the process for JTO to SDE promotion will be expedited. The gradation list particulars for the remaining JTOs also will be called.

2) CPSU Hierarchy notification: Some of the Committee members are on leave/tour. The committee will meet on 27.09.2018 and thereafter the report will be submitted as assured in the meeting with DIR(HR) on 20.09.18, GM(P) informed.

3) Restoration of Circle break on Soft Tenure transfers: The file is pending with the OSD to the DIR(HR) for the last few months. GM(P) spoken to the OSD to expedite the clearance of the file by DIR(HR).

4) SDE to DE promotion for the missing cases and the unfilled vacancies: GM(P) informed that they are waiting for the outcome of the contempt case on 27.09.18 at Hon CAT, Chandigarh.

Meeting with Sr GM(Estt) on E2 and E3 scales and E1+5 increments for the post 2010 rect JTO/JAOs: GS, President, AGS, Jt Sec(E) Com Sankar Sanyal and CS/CTD Com Dilip Saha met Shri Sourabh Tyagi, Sr GM(Estt) on 24.09.2018 and held discussions on the above issues.

In continuation of the discussions with DIR(HR) and the HR team on 20.09.2018, we had further discussions on the above issue. On E2/E3 scales further action from management side to get the issue resolved from DPE/DoT discussed. BSNL is considering to take up the issues with both DPE and DoT to get it expedited. Meanwhile we are in touch with the office of the Hon Heavy Industries Minister regarding the DPE clarification on the subject.

On E1+5 increments, discussions held, how to extend it for the remaining batches also. Management is sympathetic to consider the demand. However they are trying to find some way out. The proposal for E1+5 for the JTO/JAOs recruited upto 2014 is pending before the Board since 2015. BSNL Board is not taking up the issue for consideration in the name of non-finalization of HR plan. E1+5 increments for the JTO/JAOs recruited after 2014 will not be covered by that proposal. For that separate action is required. We discussed various options in this regard. Sr GM opined that our actions should not jeopardize the approval of E2/E3 scales as it is a major issue to be resolved in the larger interest of the cadre and it is more beneficial than E1+5 increments. Partial implementation of the DoT PO for E1+5 increments may affect the settlement of E2/E3 scale at this point of time, so we have to find out some way out, Sr GM informed. As per the PO itself, all the JTO/JAOs recruited as on 28.03.2017 are eligible for Rs 18850 as initial pay.

It is decided to continue the deliberations on, how the benefits can be extended to the remaining batches of JTO/JAOs.

All the ten (10) welfare claims, received by CHQ settled on 05.09.2018, in favour of the nominees @ Rs 1 lakh per member.

So far 94 welfare claims for 94 lakhs is settled in favour of the nominees @ Rs 1 lakh per member.

If any welfare claim is pending with Circle/SSA secretaries, it should be send to CHQ urgently for settlement before the AIC.

Details of the discussion with BSNL management on 20.09.2018 on the charter of demands of the agitation programs from 24.09.2018 onwards:

BSNL management invited SNEA for discussions on various issues raised in the charter of demands. GS, CHQ President, AGS and Jt Sec(C) attended the meeting. DIR(HR), GM(SR), GM(Pers) and DGM(Estt) was present from management side.  The discussions continued for more than one and half hours on various issues.

At the outset DIR(HR) informed that BSNL management is taking very serious efforts to implement CPSU Cadre Hierarchy which is already approved by the BSNL Board, to settle E2 & E3 pay scales and other issues and discussion is going on at different level to resolve the issues, the proposed agitation programs from 24.09.2018 is to be avoided. All the genuine demands are getting attention and management is sincerely trying to resolve them. Thereafter discussion started on the various demands:

1. Notify and implement BSNL Executive promotion Policy Amendment & Recruitment Rules, 2017 (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy) w.e.f. 01.07.2018 which is approved by the BSNL Board and solve the huge stagnation in different cadres. Bring Parity and Uniformity in promotions among equivalent cadres of different wings. All the existing vacancies in different cadres like SDE(T), CAO etc shall be filled notionally w.e.f. 29.06.2018 as per the earlier rules.

DIR(HR) informed that management is very seriously working on it. BSNL Board already approved it and management spent more than 2 years to finalise the policy, which is going to benefit all the executives. While approving the new promotion policy, BSNL Board directed to ensure that Govt policies on reservation is followed in the new policy also. This matter is under examination.

Meanwhile the matter come up before the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the welfare of SCs and STs also, along with several other issues. The Committee called the management on 19.09.2018. Initially CMD and DIR(HR) sought exemption from personal appearance due to the Board meeting scheduled for 19.09.18 but later on decided to attend the meeting. The Full BSNL Board meeting scheduled for 19.09.2018 was cancelled for this purpose which reflects the seriousness shown by CMD and DIR(HR) on this issue.

The Committee formed will complete the formalities and submit its final report by next week and thereafter it will be submitted to the competent authority. Management is trying its level best to implement it at the earliest by taking everyone into confidence, DIR(HR) assured.

Comrades, now the issue is moving in the right direction and results are expected without much delay. We are working with the management for the early notification and its implementation.

On promotions, DIR(HR) informed that whatever promotions and upgradations done, it lead to litigations and contempt of court. Court cases increased only. CMD is not at all in favour of any more upgradation. JTO to SDE promotions also will be considered once contempt is withdrawn. On AO to CAO promotion, it was informed that the stay is vacated, the DPC is on and promotion orders can be issued as soon as the legal opinion is received from the Sr lawyer from whom the opinion sought. On our specific request to consider JTO to SDE promotion under SCF, where the seniority can be decided later on, finally DIR(HR) agreed to have further discussion with GM(P) on this matter. However mgt expressed its doubt how promotion can be effected without publishing AIEL? As per HC order, only provisional promotion (same as Adhoc/Offtg/LA promotion which does not give seniority or counting of service) can be given in the ratio 1:1, before publishing AIEL. The contempt case at Ernakulam filed by AIGETOA activists is the major hurdle for JTO to SDE promotion where more than 5,500 vacancies are available.

2. Approval of E2 and E3 pay scales w.e.f. 01.01.2007 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A for all the post 2007 recruited JTO/JAOs, SDE/AOs and equivalent cadres.

DIR(HR) explained the efforts taken by the mgt by deputing BSNL Officers to DPE for explaining the matter to DPE officials. Mgt is committed to E2 and E3 scales and all possible measures will be taken to settle it. CMD will write a DO letter to Secretary in this regard to expedite the approval of E2 and E3.

Assn also informed DIR(HR) and others the continuous efforts taken by it. Assn met the Hon Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Shri Anat Geete and requested his intervention to modify the DPE reply. As per the intervention of the Hon Minister, we are trying to meet the Secretary/DPE in this regard.

E2 and E3 pay scales is the most important HR issue for the BSNL Executives, like the new promotion policy, which is to be resolved at the earliest, we demanded. DIR(HR) assured that CMD and DIR(HR) will work together with the Assn for the settlement of E2 and E3 scales.

3. First Time Bound Financial Upgradation as per EPP-2007, uniformly after 4 years, instead of 4 to 6 years.

We explained the matter to DIR(HR). The JTO/JAOs recruited from 1993 to 2001 got their first TB promotion in 5 or 6 years where as the juniors are getting it after 4 years. This is the anomaly created after the implementation of 2^nd PRC with 30% fitment and 78.2% IDA merger. This anomaly referred to the Khan Committee. Khan Committee recommended CPSU Hierarchy after 5 years by reducing it from 6 years as in EPP. On the same line, recommended the first TB promotion for the earlier rects also after 5 years. But this anomaly can be settled only if the first TB promotion is extended uniformly after 4 years, Assn told. The informations regarding the number of Executives affected are already collected from the Circles. After discussion, GM(Pers) informed that the details will be processed in a couple of weeks and will be submitted to the competent authority.

It is a very positive development as mgt so far reluctant to process the case on the plea that BSNL Board and DoT will not agree for the amendment of EPP with retrospective effect, from 01.10.2004.

4. E1+5 increments for the post 2010 rect JTO/JAOs and equivalent cadres.

The benefit of E1+5 increments is not extended to the thousands of JTO/JAOs rected after 2010. The new rects are getting the pay of Rs 16400 only where as earlier batches are getting minimum E1+5 increments. The pay loss of these JTO/JAOs recruited in 2010(SRD), 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 etc are huge. Thousands of LICE JTO/JAOs also affected and they are also drawing less than E1+5 increments. Even the PO issued by DoT on 28.03.2017 extended Rs 18850. Taking the benefit out of that, E1+5 increments may be extended to the remaining JTO/JAOs recruited after 2010.

Management is very sympathetic to this demand. It was informed that the proposal for E1+5 increments for the JTO/JAOs recruited upto 2014 is pending in the BSNL Board since, 2015. BSNL Board took a stand that it will be approved only after the approval of HR plan. For remaining JTO/JAOs, Board is not ready to consider E1+5 as they are recruited in E1 scale. We strongly objected this as the E1 pay scale is a provisional pay scale and even the pay scales in the RR for JAO, JTO(C/E) etc are still E1A.   

We demanded that as per the PO issued by DoT, E1+5 can be extended. We have to find a way to extend it without notifying the PO issued by DoT, we demanded. Management assured to discuss it further to find some way out, keeping the demand for E2 and E3 scales intact.

5. E1A and E2A scales notionally w.e.f. 01.10.2000 for the JTOs and SDEs in Civil, Electrical, TF, Arch, PA, PS etc and equivalent cadres.

This proposal is already approved by the MC of the BSNL Board and placed before the full BSNL Board for its approval. However DoT objected it stating that E1A and E2A scales can be extended only to those working in the corresponding CDA scales before 01.10.2000. The JEs and AEs were not in that sale on 01.10.2000, so it cannot be considered. The presidential order issued at the time of absorption cannot be altered now, according to DoT. We explained the background and the need to bring parity in the pay scales as on 01.10.2000 for all the equivalent cadres. Moreover the JTOs and SDEs of these streams are working in the same pay scales for a few months which is a serious anomaly. Recently AD(OL) case also settled like that. Finally it was agreed to examine it, whether it can be implemented without altering the PO issued on 01.10.2000, to overcome the DoT objection.

6. Increase the DGM(T) posts, atleast by another 800 for maintaining a ratio 1:4 and filling up all the DGM(T) vacancies on regular basis.

Increase in DGM(T) posts is a demand we raised 1 year back. The number of DGM(T) posts was less, comparing to any other streams. 1331 DGM(T) posts are available against the 5303 AGM posts. Even the available DGM(T) posts, maximum were occupied by the ITS officers on deputation which further affected our limited promotional avenues.

The creation of another 3410 AGM posts recently through upgradation strengthened our demand for increasing the DGM(T) posts atleast by another 800. Now the total number of AGM post is 8713. Moreover, the number of AGMs after implementation of CPSU Hierarchy will be between 8500 to 9500, so naturally the DGM posts is to be increased, we argued the case with full justification.

Finally management in principle agreed to our demand for increasing the DGM(T) posts to maintain a reasonable ratio. It is to be further discussed and worked out whether it can be done through HR plan or through cadre review. It will be a major breakthrough for the cadre after the CPSU Cadre Hierarchy approval. Similarly for other streams also, same ratio will be worked out.

On DGM(T) promotions, BSNL is filed a MA in the Hon CAT to vacate the stay citing the vacation of stay in a similar case, AO to CAO promotion. It is expected to hear on next Monday. The original case is listed for 27.10.2018 only. Once stay is vacated, DPC will be held including the DRDGM vacant posts and promotion orders will be issued.

Comrades, the extensive preparations for the agitation programs by the CHQ and the Circles compelled the management to invite SNEA for negotiation. We had made extensive arrangements for the agitation programs. The response from our activists was so positive, they were solidly with CHQ supporting from all the corners. In addition to CS and CP, large number of activists planned to reach New Delhi from far off places to participate in the agitation. It shows the commitment and conviction of our comrades on the issues. It is a great break thorough, now management assured us to work together to settle the issues in a time bound manner. Congratulations to one and all.

We are extremely grateful to CMD/BSNL, DIR(HR) and other senior officers for the timely intervention to resolve the issues through discussion. Further we are very happy to note that we could do it without going into agitation, through negotiations especially when we are fully involved in the field units for the revival of BSNL. Once again, congratulations to one and all.

AO to CAO promotion: The issue regarding implementation of reservation and own merit in CAO promotion is referred to the legal section and then to a Sr Advocate for the expert legal opinion. All other DPC work is completed. As soon as the legal opinion is received, promotion orders can be issued.

LICE for JE to JTO promotion: The proposal to conduct the LICE from JE to JTO promotion for the vacancy years 2016-17 and 2017-18 sent to Rect Section by the Estt Section. Last week DIR(HR) approved the proposal. 

What compelled SNEA to launch agitations from 24.09.18:

The developments which compelled SNEA to launch the agitations from 24.09.2018 on various issues will be discussed one by one. When negotiations and discussions does not yield the result and resolution of the issues, we don’t have any other option other than trade union actions. Normally in such situations, management will get involve in serious discussions to settle the issues in the best possible manner but unfortunately nowadays, the entire energy is diverted in doing research, how to discipline the Associations/ Unions, instead of addressing the serious HR issues comprehensively. In this situation, as a responsible Recognised Executive Association, we are duty bound to protect the interest of our members as well as all the BSNL Executives.

1. Notify and implement BSNL Executive promotion Policy Amendment & Recruitment Rules, 2017 (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy) w.e.f. 01.07.2018 which is approved by the BSNL Board and solve the huge stagnation in different cadres. Bring Parity and Uniformity in promotions among equivalent cadres of different wings. All the existing vacancies in different cadres like SDE(T), CAO etc shall be filled notionally w.e.f. 29.06.2018 as per the earlier rules.

The urge for a Uniform Time Bound Functional Promotion policy, delinking from availability of posts and seniority related issues, as prevailing in other CPSUs, was the demand of our beloved Association from the day of formation of BSNL. This is because of our bitter experience in the past, directly recruited JTOs retired as JTOs, without a single promotion or waiting for 20 to 25 years for one promotion etc due to want of vacancies. SNEA alone fought for the Time Bound Functional Promotion policy in 2002 and laid the strong foundation in the form of Terms and condition for absorption. In 2005, we sincerely tried to erect the structure in the form of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy by demanding Time Bound Promotion upto SG JAG level (E6 scale) but we could not fully succeed in the agitation. Finally EPP-2007 implemented and post based promotions continued as part of it as in a Govt department.

As a result of our agitation in 2015, the demand again picked momentum by the formation of Khan Committee. The Committee made a positive recommendation in October, 2015, recommending Time Bound Functional promotion upto AGM grade, after every 5 years. After the MV, management and SNEA further negotiated for the implementation as assured at the time of absorption in BSNL.  Finally, after considering the views of other stake holders also, the new promotion policy was approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018.

The approval of the minutes of the Board meeting taken some time and according to the approval, two points required to be examined before its implementation, 1) Whether financial implication is there or not for prior concurrence of DoT and 2) Reservation policies of the Govt is followed in the new policy? In the intervening period, before the next due date of promotion, ie. 01.07.2018 we conducted all the DPCs which are feasible in a record time and issued the promotion orders on 29.06.2018 which made the implementation of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy w.e.f 01.07.2018 very smooth.

Meanwhile both the issues referred to two separate Committees:

1) Whether financial implication is there or not for which prior DoT concurrence required: The Committee after careful examination recommended that there is no additional financial implication on implementation of the new promotion policy, rather saving is there and as such it need not require the prior approval of DoT.

2) Reservation policies of the Govt is followed in the new policy? This matter was referred to a Committee of senior officers comprising Sr GM(Estt), GM(Per), GM(EF&FP) and GM(CLO). This Committee after exhaustive deliberations on the subject come to a conclusion that the Govt policies of Reservation is followed in the new promotion policy and submitted a unanimous report in this regard.

With the very positive recommendations from both the Committees, naturally we expected its notification and implementation atleast from 01.07.2018. By approving the proposal with a prospective date, instead of the proposed date of 01.01.2017, the Executives already lost one and half years of service. This already have a big impact on the future promotions. After implementation of the policy this issue to be deliberated further by seeking amendment for more relaxation.

Now management is dilly dallying on the notification and implementation w.e.f 01.07.2018. According to our rough calculation, about 18,500 Executives are expected to get promotion to one or the other grades w.e.f 01.07.2018. The HR plan and drastic reduction on the number of posts (about 40%) is hanging over our heads. So far we could stop it, till the approval of the new non-post based promotion policy, by delinking the promotions from the availability of posts and seniority. On approval of HR plan, it may become even difficult to justify the recent promotions as the number of posts will be less than the promotions. So many HR issues like E1+5 increments etc is pending in the BSNL Board, since 2014 for the approval, in the name of HR plan finalization.

All the vacancies in almost all the cadres filled up on 29.06.2018. Even after that, Executives recruited in the year 1988 as JTO(Arch) still remain as a JTO as there is no vacancy. JTO(E/C) form 1997/1998 are waiting for promotion, even SC/ST comrades. Is they does not deserve even a single promotion?  SDE(C/E/T) from 1998/2004 are waiting for AGM promotion. Every time can we look towards the Hon courts, vacation of stay and vacancies for our promotions? Can upgradation of posts as and when required is a feasible solution when the posts itself is going to be cut drastically? Even the SC/ST Executives are waiting for 10 to 15 years for their promotion in different cadres. As a solution we could get three assured Time Bound Functional promotions after 5 years in the new policy.

Comrades, CHQ could negotiate an excellent non-post based, Uniform Time Bound Functional Promotion Policy upto AGM Equivalent Grade, delinking from the seniority, as per the terms and conditions of absorption in BSNL. We could get it approved by the BSNL Board also. Finally our efforts since 2002 for the implementation of a non-post based, Uniform Time Bound Functional Promotion Policy got Board approval, upto AGM Equivalent Grade. Now CHQ is facing difficulty in getting it notified and implemented. It is not possible without your active support. Our sincere efforts for the last 15 years should yield the desired results, ie. Un-interrupted promotions as in EPP. We seek your active support and participation in the coming agitational programs from 24.09.2018 with full spirit and commitment.

The PARITY IN PROMOTIONS among equivalent cadres in different wings is not a simple demand, we meant business. At the same time we once again want to make it clear that it is not against any particular cadre, rather it is for the welfare and uniform treatment of all the equivalent cadres. In upgradations or CPSU Hierarchy, parity is to be maintained atleast in the future. Discrimination in promotions will lead to demoralization and ultimately affects the performance.

There are huge number of vacancies available prior to 30.06.2018 in SDE(T) cadre and good number of vacancies in CAO cadre. This vacancies are to be filled as on 29.06.2018 as their juniors in equivalent cadres in other wings already promoted on 29.06.2018. This will bring parity in those cadres also. This demand already we placed before the management to protect the interest of our comrades.

GS writes to DIR(HR): JTO to SDE promotions under SCF quota for about 5,500 vacancies for the years 2011-12 to 2017-18. Since the High Court decision on the review petition is pending, it is requested to explore the possibility of conduction of DPC covering all the JTOs of a particular year, without publishing the AIEL. As there is no stay on promotion, promotion orders can be issued to the maximum possible extent, recruitment year wise and the seniority can be decided later on, based on the final outcome of the court cases. Since the vacancies are existing prior to 30.06.2018, the promotion orders may be issued notionally w.e.f 29.06.2018, at par with the juniors promoted from other cadres on 29.06.2018. As per the available vacancies, the JTOs recruited for the years 2010 & 2013 also may be covered and hence the eligibility list particulars of the JTOs recruited in 2010 (SRD) and 2013 also may be called from Circles: 

GS writes to CMD/BSNL regarding promotion to AGM Grade: Large number of AGM vacancies were reserved for untraceable cases at the time of DPC and it is reported that excess promotions happened against SC/ST quota in the promotion to AGM cadre. The matter may be reviewed and the eligible SDEs in list 8 waiting for promotion may be given promotion w.e.f. 29.06.2018 as their juniors are promoted on 29.06.2018.

Circle Conferences of SNEA, WB Circle and Kolkata TD were held on 31^st August & 1^st September, 2018 at Kolkata. 

On 31^st August afternoon, the open session held at Yuva Kendra Auditorium which was jointly convened by SNEA West Bengal Circle and Calcutta Telephones. The Auditorium with balcony was packed with the audience and the stage with galaxy of very senior officers from Circles and Regions. The session started by paying homage to our great leader Late Com Seshagiri Rao who served at various levels in SNEA and was the doyen of SNEA. Joint open session was attended and addressed by Com K Sebastin/GS, Com A A Khan/President, Com Padmanabha Rao/AGS & Com Sankar Sanyal/Joint Secretary(East), Sri Sitala Prasad Tripathy/CGM CTD, Sri S K Garg/CGM WBTC, Sri G Guha/CGM ETR, Sri A Maji/CGM ETP, Sri A K Kundu/CGM TF, Mr S Kujur/ GM(F) CTD, Shri P K Mahapatra/GM(HR &Admin) CTD, Shri K C Ghosh, PGM(NOW) CFA, Shri Pradip Gupta/GM/Tx, Shri Achintya Biswas GM(BA)/East, Smt A Das, GM(HR)/WBTC, Shri Hari GM(HR)/ETR, Shri A N Thakur GM(HR)/CTD. Shri Srikant Pal GM/Tx/CTD, Shri S K Deb GM/Cal SSA and Shri P K Sahana GM/ETR graced the occasion. The meeting was further illuminated with the presence of Shri Soumya Dutta, Secretary General, All India Banking Officers Confederation (AIBOC).

Both the Circle Secretaries of WB Circle and Calcutta Telephones Circle have placed the keynote address which included recent issues e.g. Implementation of CPSU Cadre hierarchy w.e.f. 01/7/2018, Implementation of 3^rd PRC w.e.f. 01/01/2017, Earliest allocation of 4G spectrum, Extending 30% superannuation benefit, Approval of standard pay scales E2-E3, pay parity in the starting pay for  post-2007 JTOs/JAOs etc. and the problems prevailing in the respective Circles in respect of maintenance & development in different fields viz CFA, CM, Transmission, EB, Sales & Marketing, FTTH etc. Both the CSs, suggested the measures to be taken by the management of both the Circles to resolve the said issues.

All the CGMs and senior officers addressed the house. In their speech they assured to take necessary actions as pointed out by both CSs. They also openheartedly praised the initiative taken by CSs to mobilize their members for development of BSNL.

GS and President/CHQ highlighted all national issues and assured to take proper measures at appropriate level. Govts apathetic attitude towards BSNL, abnormal delay on allotting 4G spectrum and not complying to tender agreements in respect to supply of equipments etc are highlighted. Appreciated the performance of Calcutta Telephones and highlighted the progress with respect to other Circles in Eastern region. Over the last few years, CTD made a mark. The house emphasized to take special drive on FTTH connections and EB and called upon to build optical fibre network backbone.

All the CHQ office bearers addressed the house touching upon the burning issues pertaining to E2/E3 IDA pay scales for JTO/JAO and SDE/AO and other equivalent cadres, pending promotion, the status on CPSE Hierarchy notification, 3^rd PRC, Group Term Insurance, 1^st TB promotion, pay loss to post 2007 JTO/JAO recruitees, E1A/E2A w.e.f 01/10/2000 for Civil/elect/Arch/TF etc and latest status in respect of each item was conveyed to the delegates.

The history of E2/E3 IDA pay scales was brought forth and explained on how some forces are putting weird demand of cascading and retrospective  effect (from 01/10/2000) to derail the issue. The Executives may be miffed at SNEA for the delay but there is no reason to shift allegiance when others stands for impracticable demand framed on popularity plank. GS conveyed how at the intervention of SNEA, BSNL took initiative to take up the issue with DPE and how the same is gaining momentum in positive direction. On promotions, by the continuous and visionary efforts of SNEA, a new promotion policy worked out delinking promotions from availability of posts and seniority and approved by the BSNL Board. The new promotion policy, once it is notified, assures 3 functional promotion upto AGM equivalent grades, in 15 years, on completion of 5 years each. It will be the ultimate solution with regards to promotion. DOT reportedly held discussion on 3^rd PRC and conveyed instructions to prepare for its note for further processing. But the process to overcome cabinet approval will not be that easy. On Group Term Insurance, discussion with SBI Life and LIC is in its final stage to confirm on quotes and the matter is in its final stage. All employees upto 50 years are to get coverage of Rs 50 lakhs. GS explained the demand for 3^rd PRC and that for E2/E3 pay scales need not be equated. 3^rd PRC will benefit all as BR recruitees equally will be credited with contribution on enhanced pay scale towards EPF and Pension Fund. The demand is a common one among both Executives and non Executives whereas E2/E3 is an exclusive demand for the Executives. The withdrawal of pay protection on officiating promotion by the clarification dated 19.02.2010, which affected thousands of Executives facing recovery of lakhs of rupees resolved once for all. The orders to that effect were issued on 27.02.2017. The 1^st TBP uniformly after 4 years which is part of Khan Committee was kept pending for the approval of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy and now it will be pursued. The pay loss for post 2007 JTO/JAOs is a big heartburn for the young generation. Our demand for 22820 in comparison with other batches is not agreed by the management citing the reason that post 2007 rects are not eligible for 2^nd PRC fitment. Now our efforts are to compensate it by giving additional increments which is possible only after the approval of E2 and E3 scales. Meanwhile to give much relief to the post 2010 JTOs, who not even got E1+5, we are pursuing with management for the same. This issue we highlighted recently. By this we are trying to bring all post 2007 rects to minimum E1+5 increments stage. Com GS intimated on Apex courts rejection of SLP filed by BSNL for pay fixation of JTOs officiating under FR 22(1)(a)(1) with FR-35 restriction. This paved the way for generalisation of the order. The E1A and E2A scales notionally from 01/10/2000 is approved by the MC and to be taken up in the Board. Com President made an inspiriting deliberation and urged upon new generation to take up the reins. He categorically told that if SNEA fails, then there cannot remain any other Association to achieve it. It is SNEA that holds credibility of such struggles and is confident to achieve it. He believes, the young Executives in SNEA have the prowess to bring the confused and directionless Executives into our fold.

The delegates unanimously called for immediate settlement of E2/E3 IDA pay scales, notification for CPSE Hierarchy, implementation of 3^rd PRC, full 30% superannuation benefit, resolving pay disparity for post 2007 JTO  recruitees with special focus on E1+5 increments for 2010 onwards JTO/JAOs, Group Term Insurance, etc. The house held serious views on the above issues and delegates belonging to new generation held the issue of E2/E3 IDA pay scales as one of the main cause for discontent among new recruits.

The following Office Bearers were elected unanimously for the next term for Kolkata TD.

President: Com Sankar Sanyal, Circle Secretary: Com Dilip Saha, Treasurer: Asoke Kundu. CWC members: 1) Com Sankar Sanyal and 2) Com Saumendra Nath Ghosh.

The following Office Bearers were elected unanimously for the next term for West Bengal Circle.

President: Com Pradip Kumar Roy, Circle Secretary: Com Tapas Ghosh, Treasurer: Com Jayanta Mitra. CWC members: 1) Com Srikanta Awon, 2) Com Sandhipan Bhattacharya, 3) Com Siba Prasad Das.