8^th Membership verification among Non Executives:

The membership verification held on 16.09.2019. BSNLEU secured the number one position with 43.44% (48,127 votes) and NFTE(BSNL) got number two position with 35.32% (39,132 votes). Both will continue as recognised unions of BSNL. Congratulations to the leaders and activists of BSNLEU and NFTE(BSNL).

BTEU(BSNL) secured 4.36% (4,829 votes) and NUBSNLW(FNTO) secured 3.86 (4,275 votes).

Total votes polled is 1,02,968 (92.95%) and total number of voters is 1,10,782.

Meeting with Shri S P Tripathi, DIR(CM) on 18.09.2019:

GS and AGSs Com Padmanabha Rao and Com Sanjeev Kumar Sharma met DIR(CM) and held discussions on i) DE to DGM Promotions, ii) notification of BSNL Executives Promotion Policy 2017 and issuing promotion for bringing parity and iii) pending request Transfers in the cadre of DE and DGM. The discussions on DGM promotions and request transfer were fruitful but it seems that management is not inclined for any promotion in other cadres till restructuring of BSNL and post reduction, in the name of revival plan. We are pursuing with management in all possible manners and if they are not changing the stand and compelling us to withdraw the cooperation we extended to them, then we will not hesitate to go for organizational actions.

We are closely observing the developments on promotion for few more days before taking a final call on organizational actions as directed by the CWC meeting. 

GS writes to Shri P. K. Purwar, CMD/BSNL: Request transfers in the cadre of DE(T) and DGM(T) for the quarter ending June, 2019 is not issued, even after two months. Commitments given at the time of their promotion/transfer should be honoured by the management and transfers should be issued as per the Transfer Policy without further delay

Circle Conference of North East I Circle:

Circle Conference of NE I Circle was held at Shillong on 14.09.2019. GS Com Sebastin K and Jt Secretary (East) Com I H Mondal attended the Conference. Comrades from far off places, Aizwal and Agarthala attended the conference by travelling almost two days by road. Com Sawkmie, C/President presided over the conference. Com Ashit Kumar Ghosh, CS submitted the CS report.

The open session was addressed by GS, Com Swapan Chakraborty, Dy GS /BSNLEU, GM(HR) Shri A K Aggarwal, GM(CM) Shri Suhas Mankar and Chief Engineer Shri Rajendra Prasad. The key note address was presented by the CS.

GS in his address congratulated NE I Circle for giving the highest percentage of votes in the last MV for SNEA. Further SNEA NE I Circle could settle all the Rule 8 cases, giving much relief to the young JTOs.

BSNL is passing through the toughest time. The strength of BSNL is that even after 8-9 months, we could maintain the services with the strong support of the vendors, contract workers etc. We got tremendous support from the customers and the public in general. This shows the strength of BSNL and its connectivity with the public. There was a perception that BSNL will collapse in few months time. But the employees, especially our Executives maintained the network by spending huge amount from their pockets. Some of the Executives maintaining transmission network spent more than Rs 1 lakh to 2 lakhs.

The Political leadership and the Govt at the highest level were made up their mind to close down BSNL and waiting for its natural death. This was visible for the last few years when BSNL denied 4G spectrum, predatory pricing of Reliance-Jio is allowed by the Regulator and the Govt, not issuing letter of comfort to facilitate BSNL for availing bank loans, no capital infusion from the owner of the company (Govt), non payment of outstanding dues from DoT, non filling of BSNL Director Board posts, sidelining HR issues to demoralise and create unrest among the employees etc. The continuous struggle by the employees, the political support and the media outcry compelled the Union Govt to have a relook on their approach towards BSNL. The agitations during the highly sensitive general election period compelled the Govt to announce the BSNL Revival plan during election time itself. It was a great victory for the BSNL employees and their leadership, the AUAB.

Now again, it is clearly established by the top Govt authorities that BSNL revival is not their agenda through the denial of SPV for taking over the loans, financial assistance from the Govt for maintaining the loss making Rural exchanges and putting the entire burden of Ex-Gratia on BSNL shoulders by the PMO. Finance Ministry, still opposing the Revival package and advocating for the closure of BSNL. So the entire responsibility of BSNL revival is on the shoulders of the BSNL employees, especially the Executives (as top management does not belong to BSNL).

On retirement age reduction from 60 to 58 years, Govt is going back from its commitments one by one, given at the time of BSNL formation. As per the terms and condition for absorption in BSNL, the retirement age of BSNL employees will be governed by the Govt rules in force. Further all the BSNL employees will lose two years of service in the future. The 3rd PRC benefits also not extended to the BSNL employees. The CWC meeting of SNEA decided to oppose the arbitrary move for reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58 years for the BSNL employees. Govt did not agree to the BSNL proposal for the payment of Ex-Gratia by the Govt. It will be a big liability on BSNL after the bond period of 10 years. It is natural that drastic post reduction, ban on recruitment etc will take place as part of VRS. This will have serious adverse impact on the promotional avenues of the Executives. Large scale VRS will have serious impact in the field units and it will be difficult to fill up the vaccum as majority of the Executives working in the field units may opt for VRS. The entire burden of additional work load after VRS implementation will be on the shoulders of the remaining employees, especially Executives.

As part of Revival package, Govt propose to allot 4G spectrum to BSNL, after 3 years. 4G market is already saturated. Initially Govt did not allowed BSNL to participate in the 4G auction and later on, not allotting 4G spectrum to BSNL on the strange plea that BSNL did not participated in the auction! The investment on 4G should be barest minimum depending upon the returns, rather focus on the future 5G Technology.

Massive investment, not curtailment of expenditure towards Expansion is required for the revival of company. BSNL is to increase the market share and the revenue and for that purpose expansion of the network and massive investment is required. Other private operators also facing similar financial crisis but they are trying to overcome the crisis by massive investment to the tune of Rs 20,000 Crores, this financial year alone and thereby increasing the revenue. FTTH equipments should be purchased immediately and allotted to the Circles as per their requirement with firm commitment of connections so that the demands for FTTH connections can be met immediately and additional revenue can be generated.

Non appointment of BSNL Board members: SNEA is of the considered opinion that a professional management at Corporate level is absolutely required to steer the company from the present crisis. The Board of Directors positions also to be filled on Regular basis for facilitating the Board to take holistic view on the long term strategies and priorities of the company. Even after 19 years of the formation of BSNL, BSNL is managed by deputation and yet to have its own Managers.

Land monetization for meeting the expenses: The land monetization proposal will take few years to get the desired result as the process will take time.

Proposal for SPV and Support for loss making 17,000 to 18,000 Exchanges rejected: CWC observed that the proposed BSNL Revival Plan is simply an eyewash as two important proposals, i) formation of SPV to take over the Bank loan and ii) Financial support for thousands of lose making Telephone Exchanges in the Rural and Remote part of the country are rejected by the PMO. Practically these two proposals had the potential to Revive BSNL. Since Govt decided not to provide any financial assistance for maintaining the Rural exchanges, BSNL management should take immediate steps to close down all such loss making Exchanges and reduce the financial burden and divert the man power and money to other areas so that better services can be provided from the remaining areas.

GS summed up the discussion stating that Govt is not going to support BSNL for its revival. The present revival package is not going to help BSNL much as no solution for financial crisis is there in the proposal. Our Minister told that this is the first and last revival attempt by the Govt. Then what left for us? The management also not showing the right direction, shirking their responsibility on revival of BSNL and simply looking towards Govt. There is no initiative from the management to motivate the employees rather they are threatening them in the crisis period. We are supporting the management in all possible ways for all the good initiatives. Ultimately the responsibility of revival of BSNL is on the shoulders of the BSNL employees.

Due to the severe financial crisis for the last one year, majority of the HR issues having financial implications could not make much head way. Issues like 3rd Pay Revision, standard pay scales, 3% hike in superannuation benefits etc got a good momentum but when the entire focus was diverted to BSNL survival and payment of salary, naturally the priorities got changed, for the time being.

3rd Pay Revision: As per DPE guidelines, BSNL is not entitled for 3rd pay revision due to the affordability clause. However Association demanded that affordability clause should not be made applicable for the Pay revision of BSNL employees as it is meeting the social obligations of the Govt by incurring thousands of Crores of losses. As the Recognised Assn, we could convince the BSNL management along with AUAB. Finally BSNL Board agreed for 3rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment and recommended the same to the Govt. BSNL is the only one CPSU where the Board agreed for 3rd Pay Revision ignoring the affordability clause and created history. But DoT is opposing the Pay Revision. Our struggle will continue for 3rd PRC. SNEA demands that 1) 3rd PRC should be implemented immediately to motivate the employees and 2) the VRS package should be implemented with 3rd Pay Revision as recommended by IIM(A) to make it more attractive so that more employees will opt for the same, voluntarily.

Implementation of Standard pay scales of E2, E3 etc: SNEA vigorously pursuing this issue, a pending issue of 2nd PRC. SNEA could get the recommendation of BSNL management for replacing the intermediary Pay Scales of E1A and E2A with E2 and E3 scales. Because of the financial crisis going on for the last one year, this issue did not get much headway. We could get the matter clubbed with other pending issues of 2nd PRC during the discussions with DoT and pursuing.

Promotions in different cadres: Since last Circle conference, more than 15,000 Executives got promotion in different cadres. To address the huge disparity in promotion among equivalent cadres in different wings, never ending litigations on seniority and reservation and the imminent threat of massive reduction of posts due to VRS and restructuring of BSNL, SNEA very seriously working for non post based Time Bound functional promotion as per the terms and conditions for absorption. The new non post based Time Bound functional promotion policy is approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018 and promotion is due from 01.07.2018. By implementing the new promotion policy, the major demand of the Executives, Parity and Uniformity in promotions will be achieved, once for all. However management deliberately delaying its implementation. SNEA demanded that all the eligible Executives should be given promotion before restructuring of BSNL taking place, resulting post reduction.

Pension Revision: The pension and pension revision is covered by CCS Pension Rules, 1972. Pension Revision is having no link with the Pay Revision of the serving employees and the affordability of BSNL as pension is paid by the Govt of India. SNEA demanded that the Pension Revision for the pre-2017 BSNL Pensioners should be done immediately, delinking Pension Revision from the Pay Revision of the serving BSNL employees. CWC decided to take appropriate legal action through the retirees for the Pension Revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017, without further delay.

30% Superannuation benefits is the only retirement benefits and social security available for BSNL directly recruited employees. Assn and AUAB pursuing for the 3% additional contribution assured by the BSNL management in addition to the existing 25% contribution. However this commitment of BSNL management is not implemented so far. This is an outstanding issue of 2nd PRC recommendations.

Pay Parity of Rs 22820/- and Pay loss for post 2007 recruits: CWC decided to explore the possibility of legal options to get the issue settled. Initially the matter will be taken up for those JTO/JAOs joined between 2007 and 2010 as similar benefit is extended to some cadres, joined upto 2010. Subsequently the case for the remaining batches will be taken for generalization.

EPF Full Pension option: SNEA is pursuing the issue through NCOA and the applicants in the court case at Hon SC as most probably the benefits in the cases pursued by NCOA will be extended to all. SNEA supporting them financially also. Out of 4 Review Petitions filed by EPFO and the Labour Ministry, two are already dismissed by the Hon SC in favour of the applicants/NCOA. The remaining two RPs will be taken up by the Hon CJI bench immediately after the Ayodhya case hearing is completed. All BSNL employees are advised to wait for the outcome of the RPs and Govt notification thereafter.

Group Term Insurance: It is a major issue settled by SNEA which will give big relief to the family of the young Executives on untimely death. It is a demand raised by SNEA and pursued by SNEA till the end.

Next Membership verification: Association should make preparations for the next Membership verification in case management notifies the same. Management gone back from the REA Rules it had framed, making MV irrelevant. Management utilising small Assns and groups to scuttle major HR issues of the Executives like standard pay scales, new promotion policy, parity in promotions etc by making them also a party, contrary to the provisions of the REA Rules.

In the Circle Conference Com Ashit Kumar Ghosh/AGM, Com Rakesh Kumar Sharma/SDE, Com Ajoy K Dutta/SDE and Com Shyamal Ghosh/AGM were elected as C/President, C/Secretary, C/Treasurer and CWC member respectively.

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD, BSNL: Delay in payment of salary for the month of August, 2019. Clarification required from the management about the fund availability by 13.09.2019. Lot of queries are receiving from the field units since morning that the fund for salary payment was available by 13.09.2019 but BSNL management deliberately not disbursed the salary on 13.09.2019 or 14.09.2019

BSNL Revival --- it will be purely a Political decision:

As we reported several times, from the day one, Finance Ministry is opposing all the proposals in the BSNL Revival plan. Finance Ministry is of the view that BSNL cannot be revived and no revival package is required. Earlier PMO and Niti Ayog also had the same opinion but after our struggle and public opinion, they changed their stand and supporting the Revival plan for 4G allotment, land monetization and VRS. The proposal for formation of SPV to take over the loans to make BSNL a debt free company and the support for the Rural Telephone exchanges was rejected by the PMO.

DoT is waiting for the response from the Finance Ministry on the draft Cabinet Memo. Till Friday (13.09.19) evening, it is not received by DoT. As we reported last week, Finance Ministry response on the BSNL Revival proposal is not positive, they maintain their earlier stand and submitted the response for the approval of the Finance Minister. If Minister making any changes in the draft reply, it is a different matter.

Last two weeks, Finance Minister announced several concessions to various sectors but silent about the strategic Telecom sector. In other sectors lobbying may be effective but unfortunately in Telecom sector, all the operators are fighting each other for their survival.

According to sources, once the response from the Finance Ministry is received, DoT will make its views on those points and submit the proposal to the Cabinet for its consideration.

Ultimately, we can say BSNL Revival will be a political decision at highest level.

CWC meeting of SNEA at Bangalore from 29th to 31st August, 2019 ---- Important decisions:

The Central Working Committee meeting of SNEA was held at Bangalore from 29th to 31st August, 2019. All the Circles except North East II and NTR/Delhi attended the CWC meeting. On 29th morning, Shri S. K.Mishra CGM / KTK Circle addressed the CWC meeting. Karnataka Circle and BGTD comrades under the leadership of CS Com S P Jagdale made excellent arrangements for the CWC meeting at GOKUL VEG, Airport Road, Bangalore. Veteran leader Com S B Nagavi guided them.

The CWC meeting started at 10 am on 29.08.2019 with flag hoisting by CHQ President  Com A A Khan. A brief report was presented by the General Secretary Com K Sebastin and thereafter CWC entered into serious discussions on various agenda items. Veteran leaders Com G L Jogi and Com S L Reddy addressed the CWC on 30.09.2019 and informed that a BSNL Pensioners Welfare Association will be formed shortly to take up the welfare issues of the Pensioners like Pension Revision and support the struggle for BSNL Revival.

In the CWC meeting, detailed discussions held on the issues related to the viability of BSNL and the proposed BSNL Revival Plan. Out of two days, CWC dedicated one and half day purely for discussing the issues related to BSNL Revival. The discussions continued till late night on both days and CWC extended to the 3rd day, 31.08.2019.

Due to the severe financial crisis for the last one year, majority of the HR issues having financial implications could not make much head way. Issues like 3rd Pay Revision, standard pay scales, 3% hike in superannuation benefits etc got a good momentum but when the entire focus was diverted to BSNL survival and payment of salary, naturally the priorities got changed, for the time being.

The brief of the discussions held in the CWC and the important decisions taken by the CWC is given below:

1. Discussion on BSNL Revival Plan:

It is a known fact that the Political leadership and the Govt at the highest level were made up their mind to close down BSNL and let it go for its natural death. This was visible for the last few years when BSNL denied 4G spectrum, predatory pricing of Reliance-Jio is allowed by the Regulator and the Govt, not issuing letter of comfort to facilitate BSNL for availing bank loans, no capital infusion from the owner of the company(Govt), non sanctioning of outstanding dues from DoT, non filling of BSNL Director Board posts, sidelining HR issues to demoralise and create unrest among the employees etc. The continuous struggle by the employees, the political support through continuous interaction with the Hon MPs and political leaders across party line and the media outcry compelled the Union Govt to have a relook on their approach towards BSNL. The agitations during the highly sensitive general election period compelled the Govt to announce the BSNL Revival plan during election time itself. It was a great victory for the BSNL employees and their leadership, the AUAB.

Now also it is clearly established by the top Govt authorities that BSNL revival is not their agenda through the denial of formation of SPV for taking over the loans and financial assistance from the Govt for maintaining the loss making Rural exchanges and putting the entire burden of Ex-Gratia on BSNL shoulders by the PMO. Finance Ministry still opposing any Revival package and advocating for closure of BSNL. So the entire responsibility of BSNL revival is on the shoulders of the BSNL employees, especially the Executives (as top management does not belong to BSNL).

CWC held threadbare discussions on the issues related to BSNL revival and decided to submit a detailed note to BSNL management summarising the discussions in the CWC on the following issues related to viability of BSNL and the proposed BSNL Revival Plan: 1) Predatory pricing by one TSP without any regulation by TRAI, 2) Non upgradation of BSNL CM and CFA sectors, 3) Complete violation of all the commitments made by the Govt Of India at the time of formation of BSNL on Financial viability, 4) Future road map for revival of BSNL is completely missing, 5) Impact of VRS and age reduction to 58 in the field units, 6) Less investment for 4G and more focus shall be on 5G, 7) Bringing confidence among the employees, 8) Immediate closure of loss making exchanges, 9) Massive investment, not curtailment of expenditure towards Expansion is required, 10) Non-procurement of FTTH equipments, 11) Modernization of External Plant by replacing the UG Cable with Optical Fibre, 12) Unwanted procurement, 13) Deployment of Executives from non technical wings to CSCs, sales and marketing etc, 14) Professional management at the Corporate level and Regular Directors for BSNL Board, 15) Pension Contribution on actual basic Pay instead of maximum of the Pay Scale, 16) OLA/Uber for OF Mtce, BTS mtce and other mtce related activities to be reviewed, 17) BSNL MRS and Medi-claim policy and 18) Transfer Policy/ postings to tenure Circles, soft tenure break.

2. 3rd Pay Revision for the BSNL Employees:

As per DPE guidelines, BSNL was not entitled for 3^rd pay revision due to the affordability clause. However Association took a different stand, affordability clause should not be made applicable for the Pay revision of BSNL employees as it is meeting the social obligations of the Govt by incurring thousands of Crores of losses. As the Recognised Assn, we could convince the BSNL management also along with AUAB. Finally BSNL Board agreed for 3^rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment and recommended the same to the Govt. BSNL is the only one CPSU where the Board agreed for 3^rd Pay Revision ignoring the affordability clause and created history.

The CWC meeting had detailed discussion regarding the non-implementation of 3^rd Pay Revision for the BSNL Employees and the VRS proposal. The CWC unanimously resolved that 3^rd Pay Revision shall be implemented as recommended by the BSNL Board for motivating the remaining employees for better performance in a very adverse condition after the restructuring of BSNL/VRS and for the VRS optees.

3. Promotions in different wings to all the eligible Executives before implementation of VRS and 58. Scope for post based promotions in the future in view of restructuring of BSNL. Switching over to Time Bound Functional promotion before restructuring of BSNL taking place:

The CWC meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29th to 31st August, 2019 had detailed discussion regarding the present post based promotions in different cadres, huge disparity in promotion among equivalent cadres in different wings, never ending litigations on seniority and reservation, the imminent threat of massive reduction of posts due to VRS and restructuring of BSNL. CWC observed that post based promotion may give temporary relief to some Executives in few cadres where vacancy is available. Other cadres continue to suffer. The restructuring proposal will finish off all the vacancies and in the future, post based promotions will become a dream. Management is dragging us into that situation.

As per the new promotion policy approved by the BSNL Board, promotion is due from 01.07.2018. In post based promotion, the promotion will be on a prospective date, not from 01.07.2018. By implementing the new promotion policy, the major demand of the Executives, Parity and Uniformity in promotions will be achieved, once for all. Finally CWC decided to put the entire resources to force the management to notify and implement the new promotion policy w.e.f 01.07.2018. After detailed discussion, the CWC unanimously resolved that the BEPPARR or CPSU Cadre Hierarchy should be implemented immediately w.e.f. 29.06.2018 or the immediate review date, 01.07.2018 and all the eligible Executives should be given promotion before their retirement through VRS and restructuring of BSNL taking place. As approved by the BSNL Board, the new policy is to be implemented following the reservation policies of the Govt. CWC further resolved that if management fails to implement the new promotion policy before VRS and proceeding with post reduction by restructuring of BSNL, it will be opposed organizationally.

CWC also authorised CHQ to take appropriate legal action also, if required, to get the new promotion policy implemented.

CWC expressed serious concern over non-issuing of Adhoc DGM(T) promotions as there is no stay on promotions. 1150 DGM(T) vacancies are available now but the AGMs eligible for DGM promotion are only 1126. CWC urges BSNL management to take immediate steps to promote all the eligible AGMs to DGMs against the vacancies.

CWC also authorised CHQ to take appropriate legal or organizational actions as required to get the promotion orders issued before October, 2019.

4. Voluntary Retirement Scheme:

As long as VRS is voluntary, CWC decided to take a neutral stand on the issue and to get the best package. CWC demanded that VRS should be implemented along with 3rd PRC as a package as recommended by the Consultant, M/s IIM(Ahmadabad) to make it more attractive so that more employees can opt for the same, voluntarily.

5. Proposal for reduction of retirement from 60 to 58:

The CWC meeting had detailed discussion regarding the Govt move for reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58 years for the BSNL employees, arbitrarily. CWC noted with great concern that Govt is going back from its commitments one by one, given at the time of BSNL formation. As per the terms and condition for absorption in BSNL, the retirement age of BSNL employees will be governed by the Govt rules in force. For the counterpart Central Govt employees, the retirement age is still continuing as 60 years. By abruptly reducing the retirement age, the employees are losing increments, which is having far reaching implications in Pension, Commutation of Pension, Leave encashment, Gratuity etc in addition to the salary for the remaining period. The 3rd PRC benefits also not extended to the BSNL employees. Further all the remaining BSNL employees also will lose two years of service in the future. After detailed discussion CWC unanimously resolved that the Govt should desist from this arbitrary move for reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58 years for the BSNL employees which is in complete violation of the Terms and condition for absorption in BSNL.

CWC decided to oppose this arbitrary move of the Govt organizationally and legally and authorised CHQ for appropriate action.

6. Impact of VRS and age reduction to58 in the field units:

CWC noted that the burden of Ex- Gratia payment to the VRS optees will be on BSNL. Govt did not agree to the BSNL proposal for the payment of Ex-Gratia by the Govt. It will be a big liability on BSNL after the bond period of 10 years.

It is natural that drastic post reduction, ban on recruitment etc will take place as part of VRS implementation. This will have serious adverse impact on the promotional avenues of the Executives.

The large scale VRS will have serious impact in the field units and it will be difficult to fill up the vacum as majority of the Executives working in the field units may opt for VRS. This may result in large scale redeployment and transfers, much to the inconvenience of the employees.

The entire burden of additional work load after VRS implementation will be on the shoulders of the remaining employees, especially Executives.

7. Pension Revision and Joint platform with BSNL pensioners for pension revision:

The CWC meeting of SNEA had detailed discussion regarding the Pension Revision for the pre-2017 BSNL Pensioners (Govt Pensioners retired from BSNL). The pension and pension revision is covered by CCS Pension Rules, 1972. Pension Revision is having no link with the Pay Revision of the serving employees and the affordability of BSNL as pension is paid by the Govt of India. The CWC noted with great concern that DoT is not even replying to the queries raised by DoP&PW regarding the Pension Revision for the pre-2017 BSNL Pensioners. Anomaly is already occurred as their counter parts, the Central Govt Pensioners already got pension revision from 2016 onwards. Both BSNL Pensioners and Central Govt Pensioners are governed by the same Pension Rules, CCS Pension Rules, 1972 but Pension Revision is not implemented for the BSNL Pensioners. During 2nd Pay Revision, the Pension Revision was done with 30% fitment as recommended by the 2nd PRC.

CWC welcomed the initiative of Com G L Jogi and Com S L Reddy to form a Pensioners Welfare Association to focus on the Pension Revision and to support the struggles for the Revival of BSNL. SNEA members on retirement can Associate with this platform.

After detailed discussion, the CWC unanimously resolved that the Pension Revision for the pre-2017 BSNL Pensioners should be done immediately, delinking Pension Revision from the Pay Revision of the serving BSNL employees. It should not be delayed further. Govt is not ready to delink the Pension Revision from the Pay Revision.

CWC decided to take appropriate legal action through the retirees for the Pension Revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017, without further delay. Efforts will be made to coordinate with Pensioners welfare Associations also in this regard.

8. Implementation of Standard pay scales of E2, E3 etc:

Because of the financial crisis going on for the last one year, this issue did not get much headway. We could get the matter clubbed with other pending issues of 2nd PRC during the discussions with DoT.

The CWC unanimously resolved that the BSNL recommendation for the standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f. 01.01.2007, replacing the intermediary Pay Scales of E1A and E2A shall be approved by DoT at the earliest, settling one of the long pending issues of 2nd Pay Revision.

9. Superannuation Benefits to BSNL recruited employees:

The CWC meeting had detailed discussion regarding the retirement benefits and Social Security for BSNL directly recruited employees. 30% Superannuation benefits is the only social security available for them. We got a big breakthrough when CMD promised an additional 3% contribution by March, 2019 in addition to the existing 25%. However this commitment of BSNL management is not implemented so far. This is an outstanding issue of 2nd PRC recommendations.

After detailed discussion, the CWC unanimously resolved that the 3% additional contribution assured by the BSNL management is to be implemented at the earliest. BSNL shall accord highest priority for the contribution towards 30% Superannuation benefits as per DPE guidelines.

10. Pay Parity of Rs 22820/- and Pay loss for post 2007 recruits:

CWC observed that in the present financial condition, getting a solution to this issue through discussion with management alone may not be feasible and may take long time.

After discussion, CWC decided to explore the possibility of legal options and authorised CHQ to take appropriate legal actions. Initially the matter will be taken up for those JTO/JAOs joined between 2007 and 2010 as similar benefit is extended to some cadres, joined upto 2010. Subsequently the case for the remaining batches will be taken for generalization.

11. EPF Full Pension option:

As per the CWC, Bhubaneswar decision, SNEA is in touch with NCOA for becoming a party in the proceedings going on in the Hon Supreme Court on EPF Full Pension issue. The applicants in the court case at Hon SC and NCOA advised us to pursue the matter through NCOA as most probably the benefits in the cases pursued by NCOA will be extended to all. Thereafter we are pursuing it through the applicants as well as NCOA by supporting them financially also. Out of 4 Review Petitions filed by EPFO and the Labour Ministry, two are already dismissed by the Hon SC in favour of the applicants/NCOA. The remaining two RPs will be taken up by the Hon CJI bench immediately after the Ayodhya case hearing is completed. We are waiting for the outcome of the Review Petitions. The RPs are listed for hearing on 05.09.2019 and now the case is tentatively fixed for 19.09.2019.

CWC reiterated its earlier decisions to legally fight for EPF full pension option.

All BSNL employees are advised not to make any contribution to any group on this issue as the matter is pending before the Hon SC for final disposal in the form of Review Petitions.

12. Group Term Insurance:

CWC recorded its appreciation for settling a major issue by SNEA which will give big relief to the family of the young Executives on untimely death. It is a demand raised by SNEA and pursued by SNEA till the end.

13. Next Membership verification:

CWC decided to make preparations for the next Membership verification in case management notifies the same. Keeping the MV in mind, some groups already started mal propaganda through the social media to confuse the Executives as done during the last MV. Ultimately they got defeated but management got an opportunity to divide the Executives further, thereby not resolving any issues. It is also decided that Association need not take any initiative for the MV as management is treating all the Assns at par as far as issues are concerned. Management gone back from the REA Rules it had framed, making MV irrelevant. The only one dispute before the MV, who is the majority Association is clearly established by SNEA and beyond that MV has not given much breakthrough in resolving any issue.

Management utilised small Assns and groups to scuttle major HR issues of the Executives like standard pay scales, new promotion policy, parity in promotions etc by making them also a party, contrary to the provisions of the REA Rules.

14. Co-option of CS in MH Circle and holding Circle Conferences of HP, GUJ, NE I and A&N Circles:

Upholding the SNEA constitution which is sacrosanct, CWC did not approve the co-option of CS, MH Circle by the CEC of MH Circle held at Pune on 09.02.2019. CWC directed MH Circle to hold the Circle conference before 01st December, 2019.

Further CWC took a serious note of undue delay in conduction of Circle Conferences by few Circles namely HP, NE I, GUJ and A&N Circles and directed them to hold the Circle conferences before 01st December, 2019.

15. Notional pay of E1A and E2A for Civil/Elect wings w.e.f. 01.10.2000:

This long pending issue from absorption time is before the BSNL Board. However DoT made objections in considering the matter in the Board. DoT stand is that the employees drawing the pay scale less than Rs 6500-10500 as on 01.10.2000 cannot be given Executives pay scales. It is decided by the CWC to pursue the matter further.

16. First TB promotion Uniformly after 4 years:

This demand has become more relevant and anomalies created after the second Pay Revision implementation. CWC decided to pursue the matter further.

17. Nomination of Internal Auditors:

CWC nominated Com Shanmuga Sundararajan, CWC member from Chennai and Com S P Jagdale, CS/KTK Circle as the Internal Auditors for this term.

18. Activities under AUAB:

Common issues of BSNL employees, mainly the issues pertain to the BSNL are taken up under the banner of AUAB. If such issues are taken up by individual Associations or Unions alone, it will not have much effect on the Govt. Only those issues having unanimity among the AUAB constituents are taken up by the AUAB.

The biggest achievement of the AUAB struggles is the BSNL Revival package. The Govt which was preparing the ground for the natural death of BSNL has given a shock treatment by the AUAB agitations during the last one year and the public support it got. This compelled the Govt to reverse its stand, atleast publically and declare a revival package for BSNL. By our struggle, BSNL will be getting 4G spectrum and the permission to monetize the land through the Revival package.

CWC concluded that strike call should be avoided and in future strike call shall be given only during extreme situations.

19. BSNL MRS and Medi-claim policy:

CWC is of the opinion that it is high time to review the BSNL MRS and explore the possibility for Medi-claim policies.

20. Transfer Policy/ postings to tenure Circles, soft tenure break:

CWC demands that the soft tenure break is to be restored back as promised earlier and transfer to the tenure Circle shall be purely on need basis only.

EPF Full Pension option:

As per the CWC decision, the Review Petitions (RP) filed in the Hon Supreme Court by EPFO and the Labour Ministry were listed for hearing on 05.09.2019. Out of 4 Review Petitions filed by EPFO and the Labour Ministry, two are already dismissed by the Hon SC in favour of the applicants/NCOA. The remaining two RPs will be taken up by the Hon CJI bench immediately after the Ayodhya case hearing is completed. Now the case is tentatively fixed for hearing on 19.09.2019.

SNEA was in touch with NCOA and other applicants for becoming a party in the proceedings going on in the Hon Supreme Court on EPF Full Pension issue. The applicants in the court case at Hon SC and NCOA advised us to pursue the matter through NCOA as most probably the benefits in the cases pursued by NCOA will be extended to all. Thereafter we are pursuing it through the applicants as well as NCOA by supporting them financially also. We are waiting for the outcome of the Review Petitions.

Bhubaneswar and Bangalore CWC meetings decided to legally fight for EPF full pension option if the final decision of Hon SC did not give us desired result. The first two RPs decided in our favour.

All BSNL employees are advised not to make any contribution to any group on this issue as the matter is pending before the Hon SC for final disposal in the form of Review Petitions. 

GS writes to Shri P. K. Purwar, CMD, BSNL regarding steep reduction in number of rented vehicle allotted to different Circles. Transmission Maintenance, CMTS work and other maintenance work like BB services, EB circuits shall stand badly hampered and will have adverse impact on the revenue: 

Circle Conference of North East I Circle will be held at Shillong on 14.09.2019

Meeting with Shri S P Tripathi, DIR(CM) on 09.09.19:

GS and both AGSs met DIR(CM) and held discussions on various issues. On salary payment, Director informed that management is seriously working on it.

It is expected that salary payment will be taking place in this week, according to various sources.

On promotions, we informed the deliberations in the CWC meeting at Bangalore. CWC expressed its resentment over BSNL management for not taking any initiative in issuing promotions to the Executives where practically no financial implication is there. We expressed our serious apprehension that mgt nowadays put the entire HR related issues of the Executives in the backburner in the pretext of financial crisis and revival package. This will further demoralize the Executives, we warned management.

On DGM promotions, there is no stay or court direction restraining BSNL from issuing promotions. In the name of an MA filed in the CAT/Chandigarh which is getting postponed every time, now posted to December, 2019 as CAT is not finding any urgency in the MA, BSNL is dragging the DGM promotions which is not acceptable to us. The promotions are to be issued this month itself so that few Executives will get one increment (others are stagnating). Director finally agreed to examine other alternatives.

On promotions, Director is critical about the court cases and the contempt. The promotion is delayed only due to court cases according to Director. We informed that this is the case for few cadres and in majority of the cadres, there is no vacancy. Parity and uniformity is to be brought in promotions in different cadres which is approved by the Board. The court cases are mounting due to various reasons as management is creating more and more disparity in promotions and not able to provide promotions in time. Further management is going to reduce the posts in a big way in the name of revised sanction/restructuring. Management is not implementing the new promotion policy intentionally, it is the conclusion of CWC, we informed DIR(CM).

On the new promotion policy, BSNL asked the guidance of DoT and DoT in turn asked certain queries from BSNL Management. Surprisingly it has come to our notice that BSNL even not provided the copy of the new promotion policy to DoT for examining it while seeking guidance on the proposal. This proves the lethargic attitude of BSNL management with respect to promotions to the Executives. On one side BSNL is not filling the existing vacancies in the name of court cases and revival plan and on the other side not implementing the new promotion policy which ensures smooth career progression to all as it is not linked with availability of posts.

As directed by the CWC, CHQ is watching the initiatives by the management for few days and if the attitude of the management is not changing, we will not hesitate to launch organizational actions as decided by the CWC.

On request transfers of DEs and DGMs, Director assured to take a positive decision shortly.

GS writes to Shri Sheetla Prasad Tripathi, DIR(CM), BSNL Board regarding AMC for Phase VIII.4 GSM project: Signing AMC agreement only for those equipments which requires actual vendor support. All Circles should be directed to exclude line items like Installation materials, Antennae, Fixtures, Feeder Cable, Tower materials etc from the scope of AMC. By this, Crores of rupees can be saved as AMC cost. Circles like Kerala already implemented it successfully in the earlier tenders and saved Crores of rupees.

All CSs and activists are requested to monitor regularly the status of signing AMC agreement in their Circles to ensure that unnecessary items are not added in the AMC agreement under pressure from the vendor. 

GS writes to Shri P. K. Purwar, CMD, BSNL regarding the discussion held in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association (SNEA) held at Bangalore from 29th to 31st August, 2019 regarding the issues related to viability of BSNL and the proposed BSNL Revival Plan.

1. Predatory pricing of the services provided by one TSP without any regulation by TRAI which has disrupted the entire Telecom industry in the country.

2. Non upgradation of BSNL CM and CFA sectors due to non allocation of 4G spectrum and non replacement of copper cable by Optical Fibre.

3. All the commitment made by the Govt Of India at the time of formation of BSNL on Financial viability, making good of loss due to operation in loss making rural and remote areas and job security to the employees are completely violated which resulted in the present crisis, CWC observed.

4. Future road map for revival of BSNL is completely missing in the Proposed BSNL revival Plan:

5. Impact of VRS and age reduction to 58 in the field units:

6. Less investment for 4G and more focus shall be on 5G:

7. Bringing confidence among the employees:

8. Immediate closure of loss making exchanges and relocating the GSM BTSs:

9. Massive investment, not curtailment of expenditure towards Expansion is required for the revival of company:

10. Non-procurement of FTTH equipments:

11. Modernization of External Plant by replacing the UG Cable network with Optical Fibre:

12. Unwanted procurement, non-diversion of equipments lying idle in field units:

13. Deployment of Executives from non technical wings to CSCs, sales and marketing etc:

14. A professional management at the Corporate level and Regular Directors of BSNL Board is the need of the hour to steer the company out of the present crisis:

15. Pension Contribution on actual basic Pay instead of maximum of the Pay Scale.

16. OLA/Uber for OF Mtce, BTS mtce and other mtce related activities:

17. BSNL MRS and Medi-claim policy.

18. Transfer Policy/ postings to tenure Circles, soft tenure break.

The Executives retired from BSNL decided to form a Pensioners Welfare Association. Com G L Jogi and Com S L Reddy, former GS and President of SNEA taking the lead in this regard. The CWC discussed the matter and decided to extend solidarity and support to the new initiative. 

The new Pensioners Welfare Association leaders declared that their focus will be on i) Pension Revision for the Govt pensioners retired from BSNL and ii) support all the struggles for the revival of BSNL.

Meeting with Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL:

GS, President and AGSs met CMD/BSNL and held discussions on the following issues:

1) Salary payment for the month of August, 2019: CMD informed that statutory payments like TDS (about Rs 150 Cr) and EPF (about Rs 55 Cr) is to be paid immediately. So the salary payment may be likely to be delayed. However CMD is making all out efforts to get money from DoT which is pending in different heads. Once money is received from DoT, it will be utilised for salary disbursement. Next month, about 735 Crores is to be paid to banks. The daily collection is about 35 to 40 Crores. Banks are very much reluctant to give loans and the latest development of merger of Banks will have further adverse impact on getting loans.

CMD requested to give more focus on outstanding dues collection as it will give much relief to BSNL in this crisis period.

2) On BSNL Revival Plan, CMD shared the latest position. As we reported earlier, two important proposals of SPV formation and financial assistance for the Rural services are rejected by the PMO. The present proposal will not give BSNL much relief as expected, CMD opined. CMD is hopeful that Cabinet decision will be taken by the 3^rd week of September. Thereafter it may take about 3 to 6 months time to complete the formalities and the much anticipated relief to BSNL.

3) AGM to DGM promotions: CMD informed that there is no hurdle in giving promotions as per the RR. In DGM promotion, it was told that legal hurdles are there. We clarified to CMD that now there is no legal hurdle and there are more than sufficient vacancies for giving promotions to all the eligible AGMs. Concerned officers may be briefed wrongly on legal hurdles, we informed CMD. Finally CMD assured to discuss it with the Officers and do the needful.

4) Promotion in other cadres and implementation of new promotion policy before restructuring of BSNL and VRS: CMD made his stand very clear that any post based promotion can be made only after reassessment of posts in different cadre for which already work is going on. The review of establishment is not done for years together and with 12 year old sanction, we cannot justify the posts now. We demanded that in that case BSNL has to switch over to the new Promotion Policy delinking it with the availability of posts as decided by the BSNL Board, before the post reduction and VRS. All the eligible Officers should be given promotion at par with the officers in other streams who got promotion through upgradation as promised in June, 2018. We sought time for detailed discussion on the subject.

5) Request Transfers in DE and DGM cadres: The routine request transfers after 2 years of service is not issued for the quarter ending June, 2019. It is a routine activity and so far, all the request transfers are considered after 2 years. CMD assured to re-examine the case.

It is learned that Solicitor General Of India given a positive legal opinion regarding allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL through administrative decision (without auction), clearing one of the major hurdle. In 2G case, Hon SC ordered that, in future, all the natural resources should be sold through auction only.

DoT is trying to convince the Finance Ministry on its strong opposition towards BSNL Revival plan and VRS. It still feels that BSNL cannot be revived and there is no need for investing in BSNL, better to close down. On VRS funding also, they are having reservations. Response from Home Ministry is expected this week. In all probability, the Cabinet will consider the proposal in the 3^rd week (16-20) of September. The stand of GoM and PMO will be crucial in the Cabinet decision.

Resolutions passed in the CWC meeting held at Bangalore from 29th to 31st August, 2019 on BSNL Revival will be submitted tomorrow:

Resolutions passed in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29^th to 31^st August, 2019.

Resolutions passed in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29^th to 31^st August, 2019.

Resolutions passed in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29^th to 31^st August, 2019.

Resolutions passed in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29^th to 31^st August, 2019.

Resolutions passed in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29^th to 31^st August, 2019.

Resolutions passed in the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA held at Bangalore from 29^th to 31^st August, 2019.

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

Central Working Committee meeting of Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association (SNEA) held at Bangalore from 29th to 31st August, 2019 expressed serious concern over non-issuing of Adhoc DGM(T) promotions as there is no stay on promotions. 1150 DGM(T) vacancies are available now but the AGMs eligible for DGM promotion are only 1126. CWC urges BSNL management to take immediate steps to promote all the eligible AGMs to DGMs against the vacancies.

Editorial

In the name of Revival Plan, Govt strategically implementing it’s agenda, massive reduction of staff and make it attractive for sale. That also without extending the benefits of 3^rd Pay Revision to the employees. Two important proposals, SPV formation and compensation to Rural Services which would have helped speedy revival of BSNL is rejected at the highest level of PMO:

Our hope on the revival of BSNL shattered when PMO rejected the BSNL proposal for formation of SPV and transferring all the bank loans (about 23000 Cr) to the SPV along with some land parcels. PMO taken this decision even overruling the recommendations of the Group of Ministers, headed by the Home Minister. This proposal would have made BSNL a debt free company on the first day of SPV formation itself and the most important step towards the revival of BSNL. We salute the few officers in DoT and BSNL who worked honestly and sincerely for the revival of BSNL with a comprehensive revival package. With a liability of more than 33,000 Cr, how BSNL can generate money to fund its expansion? How BSNL will maintain the services? The proposed land/Tower/OFC monetization will take its own time and that money may not be sufficient to repay the loans, expenditure towards OPEX and future investment. For servicing the bank loans alone, Rs 5,600 Cr is required per year. Even after 4G spectrum allotment, it will be difficult to procure equipments to provide quality 4G services. The burden of ex-gratia payment towards VRS is also on BSNL, the Govt not taken the responsibility. After 10 years when the repayment is due, it will be a huge burden for BSNL and the remaining employees. In long run, VRS and 58 will become a burden for BSNL and its remaining employees. 

Another important proposal rejected by the PMO is suitable financial support and compensation for the loss making Rural services. More than 17,000 Rural Exchanges are maintained by BSNL, just to provide connectivity to the rural areas. These Exchanges are really part of the Digital India concept and provides services to the remotest areas. For this, BSNL is incurring thousands of Crores of losses per year. There is no support from the Govt or from the USO fund. The USO fund is meant for developing telecommunication in Rural areas. But now the fund is getting diverted and utilizing to meet the financial deficit of the Govt. This proposal, just to compensate the losses incurred in maintaining the services in the Rural and Remote areas also not accepted!

Comrades, two important decisions that could have really helped speedy revival of BSNL is rejected by the PMO itself which indicates how serious the Govt at the higher level on Revival of BSNL? Govt has created a public impression that it is for the Revival of BSNL but practically nothing doing. 4G spectrum is allotted (without the money for procuring equipment) when 4G market is almost saturated, just to silence the public who are critical about the non allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL. VRS is proposed but smartly put the entire financial burden on BSNL shoulders. Ultimately the much publicised BSNL Revival Plan is really not going to Revive BSNL.

Govt is going back from its commitments one by one, given to BSNL and its employees at the time of formation of BSNL. Govt promised financial viability of BSNL and for that Access Deficit Charges was paid to BSNL and License fee refunded. Both stopped gradually. Subsidy given from USO Fund also stopped by 2012. The Govt gone back from the commitments on pay and pension revision. Turbulent days are ahead. Rock like unity among the employees with determination, commitment, hard work and sacrifice only can save the ship from sinking.

The Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of SNEA was held at Bangalore on 29-31, August, 2019. All the Circles, except NE II Circle attended the CEC. Details will be updated ....