circle matters

28-11-2021

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.

26-11-2021

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.

New Circle Office Bearers of SNEA Rajasthan Circle

10-11-2021

Circle Conference of Assam Circle:

The 7th Circle Conference of Assam Circle was held at Guwahati on 07th and 08th November, 2021. Delegates from nook and corner of Assam Circle attended the Conference. Most of the delegates were very young comrades.

Com Sebastin K/GS, Com A A Khan/ CHQ President and Com I H Mandal/ Jt Secretary(East) addressed the delegate session and open session explaining the activities at CHQ level.

1. Launching of 4G services: BSNL is struggling since 2015 for 4G. After the marathon agitations by the employees of BSNL, Govt agreed to allot 4G spectrum free of cost to BSNL and it become part of the Revival package approved on 23.10.2019. However, BSNL management failed to utilize the opportunity by upgrading 4G compatible network which is already deployed and launching 4G services before April, 2020. Now the upgradation route also stopped by the Govt. The indigenous Technology is in the POC stage and nobody is able to commit when BSNL 4G will be launched. The POC time also extended from 31.10.2021 to 31.12.2021. Minimum it will take one more year.

Real Revival of BSNL will start only after launching of 4G services.

In this scenario, we are exploring all other options in this regard.

2. Restructuring and Promotional avenues: As we feared, the Restructuring is almost completed, reducing the number of posts by more than 60%. Anticipating this, SNEA took the initiative and worked out the Time Bound promotion Policy. Due to the difference among the Executives and the Assns (as told by CMD and DIR (HR) in the last AUAB meeting) we missed the promotion opportunities so far. One and only one solution is available, implementation of the Time Bound Promotion Policy approved by the Board w.e.f. 01.07.2018.

It is really surprising that the policy which provides JTO/JAO to SDE/AO promotion in 5 years and AGM/CAO promotions in 15 years is opposed by some sections when SDE promotions are not happening even after 15 years and DE promotions after 25 years of service. Now management is coming out with JTO to SDE promotions on Time Bound basis after 12 years instead of 5 years!

We will oppose all those policies and will ensure that Time Bound Promotions after every 5 years will be implemented in BSNL from 01.07.2018. We are working in all angles to have a joint struggle by all the Assns and if it fails, it is already decided by SNEA to launch the agitation programs in the immediate future.

CHQ leaders appealed to all the delegates to gear for a big struggle in the near future for Time Bound Promotions and E2 & E3 pay scales.

3. Standard Pay scales of E2, E3 etc: SNEA got the Joint Committee formed in 2015 followed with a positive recommendation for replacing E1A with E2 and E2A with E3. Thereafter BSNL recommended E2, E3, --- E7 scale in June 2016 which was not agreed by DoT. Again after becoming the recognized Assn in 2016, we pursued with management and a separate recommendation limiting to E2 and E3 scales send to DoT. After lot of struggle, now CMD and DIR(HR) agreed to pursue the matter with DoT. Since E2 scale is the replacement scale for E1A, E2 scale will be applicable for JTO/JAO cadres, including those recruited as per JTO 2014 RR. The possibility of E1+5 increments for the remaining batches as an interim measure without adversely affecting our demand for E2 scale also under consideration.

4. 3^rd Pay Revision: As a result of our continuos struggle, BSNL Board recommended 3^rd PRC with 15% fitment by requesting Govt to relax the affordability clause for BSNL. However DoT is not in favour of this proposal. We are struggling to find some solution to get 3^rd Pay Revision benefits anyhow.

5. Land Monetiztion and clearing BSNL debts: This is one of the important proposal approved for BSNL Revival. Lunching of 4G services and clearing BSNL debts will really help Revival of BSNL.

6. Salary Payment: CMD and BSNL management given least priority for salary payment to the employees. After repeated requests AUAB forced to initiate organizational actions and during discussions, management agreed to regularize the salary payment.

7. SAB contribution: Due to our continuous efforts, SAB Fund created and initially contribution started with 3% and then enhanced to 5%. We are pursuing with management for further increase in SAB.

8. EPF contribution and EPF pension: Due to the sole efforts of SNEA, in 2005, the EPF contribution revised as 12% of Basic + IDA instead of 12% of Rs 6500 (Rs 15000 now), a big relief to the BSNL direct rect employees. We are pursuing through the EPF Full Pension case in the Hon SC along with NCOA for giving further benefits and social security.

9. Pension revision: Pension Revision for the BSNL Pensioners is another burning issue. After retirement, their pension revision not taking place, linking it with the pay revision of the serving employees. The Pensioners challenged this in the Hon CAT and the matter will be heard shortly.

10. GTI: SNEA took the initiative and Group Term Insurance launched in BSNL, a big relief to the families. So far 16 cases settled by LIC @ 50 lakhs per family.

An impressive open session was organized on 08.11.2021. Shri A K Pathi, CGMT/Assam and Shri A Sharma, CGM/Core NW(NER) addressed the open session and spell out the initiatives taken by Assam Circle and Core Network (NER). IGW at Agarthal will be opened very shortly. GM (Kamrup), GM(Admn), GM(EB) and GM(CFA) attended the Conference.

In the conference, Com Nazrul Islam/SDE, Com Barun Baruah/JTO, Com Sumantha Nandhi Purkayastha/SDE, Com H P Dutta/SDE and Com Dipak Deb/SDE elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC Members respectively. Circle Secretaries of BSNLEU, NFTE, AIGETOA and AIBSNLEA also graced the open session.

CHQ wishes all the success to the newly elected Circle Office Bearers.

New Assam Circle Office Bearers

05-11-2021

Start immediate Organizational preparations at Circle and SSA level:

By the approval of the Restructuring and HR plan, it is certain that we are entering into a state of NO PROMOTION in BSNL. It is high time to protest against this arbitrary move of the management and to stop the massacre of Executive cadres.

This will result into unending litigations which management may be welcoming. Otherwise, our timely warning would have take care.

One and only one solution is available, implementation of the Time Bound Promotion Policy approved by the Board w.e.f. 01.07.2018. and

Meet and interact with each and every Executive immediately to explain the deadly consequences of the Restructuring and HR plan.

All the Executive Associations (SNEA, AIGETOA, AIBSNLEA) jointly written to the Management on 15.09.2021 demanding implementation of the Time Bound Promotion policy w.e.f. 01.07.2018 onwards and to provide promotion to all the eligible Executives. All the Executive Associations (SNEA, AIGETOA, AIBSNLEA, SEWA BSNL) met Director (HR) and informed the united stand.

Forum of BSNL Executives Associations letter to CMD

31-10-2021

Punjab Circle Conference - 29.Oct.2021

The Circle Conference of Punjab Circle was held at Hoshiarpur on 29.10.2021 in a grand manner. Com A A Khan/CHQ President, Com K Sebastin/GS and Com Jagtar Singh/Jt Sec(N) addressed the Conference. Details will be updated ----.

In the Conference, Com Gurbinder Singh/JTO, Com Gurpreet Singh/SDE, Com Govil Bharti/JAO, Com Bandhan Preet Singh/JTO, Com Gautam Jha/JTO, Com Ramesh Chander/DE and Com Harjinder Singh/SDE are unanimously elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC members respectively.

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

04-10-2021

Circle Conference of Jammu and Kashmir Circle was held at Patnitop, near Udhampur on 02^nd October, 2021 in a grand manner. Circle office bearers, SSA Secretaries and delegates from all the SSAs attended the Conference.

Com. K. Sebastin/ GS, Com A.A. Khan/ President and Com Jagtar Singh/ Jt Sec(North) attended and addressed the Conference.

In the conference, Com. Anil Sharma, Com. Anil Kumar Koul, Com. Jugpreet Singh, Com. Abdul Rashid Zargar and Com. Jugal Kishor Nagar elected unanimously as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC Members respectively.

CHQ wishes them all the success. Details will be uploaded later.

26-09-2021

20^th Circle Conference of SNEA, Bihar Circle

The Bihar Circle Conference was held at Patna on 13.09.2021. Hon Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Tarkishore Prasad was the Chief Guest of the Open session. Hon Rural Development Minister of Bihar Shri Shrawan Kumar and CGMT Shri Debvendra Singh addressed the Open session.

GS Com Sebastin. K, CHQ President Com A A Khan, Jt Sec (C) Com Sumit Saxena, GS/NFTE Com Chandeswar Singh and GS/AIGETOA Com Wasi Ahmed addressed the Conference.

All the leaders mainly focused on BSNL Revival in their address. BSNL Revival package was possible only due to struggle by the AUAB and the unity of employees. Trade Unions are facing the toughest challenges for the last few years and our first and foremost priority is BSNL Revival.

It is really unfortunate that BSNL management is not working seriously for BSNL Revival. Delay in launching of 4G services after the Cabinet approval of Revival package is only due to the failure of management. The unscientific norms framed without conducting any work study in the field units is another one and it is going to be disastrous for the company. We are strongly opposing the proposed norms. Introduction of Cluster system, completely ignoring the concerns raised by AUAB, CGMs and other field units became another big failure. Transmission network is collapsing. Salary payment is least priority for the present management. Only FTTH provides life for BSNL and the LCO model is a big success.

Management is not at all interested in settling any HR issues, particularly, regular promotion in any cadre. For settling HR issues, the Unity of the Executives is the need of the hour. Management cleverly dividing us for meeting their agenda. We have to recognize it and raise above petty demands, CHQ leaders appealed. Implementation of Time Bound Promotion Policy is the best example for this. Anticipating Restructuring and post reduction SNEA worked for it tirelessly and got it approved in May, 2018. Even after its approval by the Board, management is not giving promotions. However SNEA did not give up and continuing the struggle for implementation of Time Bound Promotion Policy w.e.f 01.07.2018 itself. Once restructuring is completed, there is no other way for getting promotions. We are trying for unity among the Associations to join hands with SNEA for the fight against management for getting Time Bound Promotions as approved by the Board on 28.05.2018. The response from other Assns is also very encouraging.

Com Wasi Ahmed, GS/AIGETOA in his address acknowledged the urgent need for implementation of the Time Bound Promotion Policy approved by the Board. After restructuring, we cannot expect any career progression, he explained. He also focused the need for a joint struggle.

In the Conference, Com. Ratish Kumar/SDE, Com. Arvind Kumar DE(NIB & NOC), Com. Amit Kumar Srivastava AGM(EB) and Com. Satish Kumar(DE CNTx, Patna) are unanimously elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC Member respectively.

New Bihar Circle body

20-09-2021

The impressive District conference of SNEA/Rewari (Haryana):

SNEA District conference conducted on 27.08.2021 at Hotel Urban King, Rewari.

The Open Session was addressed by Com A A Khan/ CHQ President SNEA, Com Rajender S Kolapkar/ Asst General Secretary SNEA, Shri. Deepak Gupta/ GMTD Rewari, Com Surender Sandhu/ CS SNEA Haryana, Com Jaipal Chaudhary/ Ex CS SNEA and Com. M.S. Khanna, CWC Member.

New District body was elected unanimously with Com Nitya Nand/ SDE, Com Ms. Renu Yadav/ JTO, Com Sanjay Kumar/JTO as President, District Secretary and District Treasurer respectively. We specially congratulate Ms. Renu Yadav for getting elected as the Secretary.

Dist Conference Photos

11-08-2021

Circle Conference of Telangana Circle held on 07-08 August:

The Circle Conference of Telangana Circle was held at Hyderabad on 07th and 08th August, 2021 in a grand manner. Circle office bearers, SSA Secretaries and delegates from all the SSAs attended the Conference. GS, AGS Com P Padmanabha Rao, Veteran leader Com S L Reddy (Ex CHQ President), CGMT Shri. B P Rawat, PGM/HYD Shri. Ravi Chandra and GM(HR) Shri Sanjay Kumar addressed the open session.

GS and AGS in their address focused various issues related with BSNL Revival and major HR issues.

BSNL Revival fully depends on 1) 4G launching, 2) refund of dues by Govt/DoT and 3) Monetization of land and clearing debts. The upgradation of BTSs and 4G launching was well within BSNL Board purview but management miserably failed and we are the victims of it. The recent proposal for upgradation also not approved by the Board so far putting a big question mark on BSNL future. BSNL cluster system become a failure in many circles due to various reasons. Some of the practical solutions submitted by the Association ignored by the management which resulted in the failure of the system to a great extent. It is to be reviewed as early as possible.

All employees should be more and more united under AUAB platform to protect our beloved company.

Promotion to different Grades: As we afraid, management come out with the Restructuring plan with drastic cut on the number of posts. Now it is crystal clear that once the restructuring is implemented, promotion for the Executives become a nightmare. Only option is to implement the CPSU CH promotion on Time Bound basis. Foreseeing this situation, SNEA tirelessly worked for Time Bound Promotion and got it approved. SNEA demanding its implementation w.e.f 01.07.2018. With the tacit support of some Associations, management delaying it. For scuttling it, management is trying for post based promotion for few posts. The only way to get promotions in future is through Time Bound promotions, CHQ leaders categorically told the Conference. The JTO to SDE promotions should be effected from 2018 itself as they are eligible at that time itself, we demanded. Those got promotion lost 3 years and majority in 2008 batch still remain as JTOs, hence it cannot be termed as a success. SNEA is struggling to see that all those promotions are effected from 01.07.2018 itself and all other eligible JTOs and the Executives in all the streams are getting promotion from 01.07.2018 itself. The stand of some Assns delayed the promotion in all the cadres by 3 years but the sincere effort of SNEA is continuing. Definitely we will be successful in the near future.

The provisional norms are unscientific and framed without conducting any work study in the field units. Restructuring took the reverse process, first fixed the number of posts and then framed the norms to fit into that number. It is to be opposed. Post in filed units undergone drastic cut which will further affect the maintenance activities and revenue generation. We demanded that the number of SDE posts to be increased atleast by 5000, AGM posts from 3050 to 5000. Similarly, equivalent posts in all the cadres also. Time Bound Promotion Policy is to be implemented or all eligible Executives are to be promoted before the implementation of Restructuring, we demanded. The available vacancies in AGM, CAO, EE, SDE, AO and equivalent cadres also not filling up citing reservation case pending in Hon Supreme Court. It should not become an issue now as SDE promotion is already made, we told management. We are making all out efforts for early hearing of our CPSU CH case at Hon CAT.

Post based promotions having three major deficiencies: 1) availability of vacancies, 2) reservation issue pending in courts and 3) willingness of management for giving promotion. Promotions will happen only when all the three conditions are satisfied. Instead of demanding DPC for few vacancies and waiting for the outcome of unending court cases, it is time for all the Associations to demand Time Bound Promotions in light of the ongoing Restructuring plan and court cases. Management always welcome DPC as they can delay promotions citing many reasons unlike Time Bound promotions.

Management is not at all interested in regular promotions to AGM/CAO and DGM equivalent cadres on regular basis due to obvious reasons.

On E2 and E3 pay scales, we demanded its early approval by DoT and strong pursuation by BSNL management in this regard. After struggle for many years, we got the BSNL recommendation for E2 and E3 scales in 2016 replacing E1A and E2A but pending in DoT for approval. This will address many issues in JTO/JAO cadres like E1+5 increments, E2 pay scales for the JTOs recruited after 2010 onwards etc.

Pay loss issue: We made our submission to the Committee immediately after constitution on the pay loss issue of 22820 for 2007 to 2010 rect JTO and JAOs. However AIGETOA demanded one more month time and issue getting dragged. Simultaneously we are taken action for legal remedies also. The issue of pay loss for the LICE JTOs during their service in JE cadre is almost similar and serious and it will be pursued once the pay loss issue of 22820 is resolved.

The notional pay scale of E1A and E2A from 01.10.2000 is under our active persuasion but due to the adamant stand of DoT, it could not take up in the BSNL Board meeting for long time.

E1+5 increment for the post 2010 retc JTO/JAOs: BSNL Management recommended E2 scale which is pending in DoT. Then there is no problem in extending E1+5 till E2 scale is approved, we demanded.

The pension for the 1999/2000 rect JEs where the rect initiated by DoT, the issue is pending in the court. Since DoT rejected the demand, the matter taken to court by the JEs from some Circles.

We could get the GTI scheme implemented and now BSNL health Insurance Scheme is under implementation. Formation of Benevolent Fund for extending financial assistance of Rs 10 lakhs to the Covid victims is a big relief to their family. More than 100 cases already cleared by BSNL CO.

The Unity of the Executives is the need of the hour. Management is cleverly dividing us and utilizing few among us according to their convenience, to meet their agenda. We have to recognize it and raise above petty demands, just for the welfare of all the Executives, CHQ leaders appealed.

In the Conference, Com S Sreenivas (SDE), Com K Suresh (JTO) and Com N. Maraiah (SDE), Com Srinivas Prasad (AGM) and Com Seeta Ram (JTO) elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and CWC members respectively.

CHQ extends all the success to the newly elected Circle Office bearers.

23-11-2020

UP (West) Circle Conference held at Agra on 21.11.2020

The Circle Conference of UP(West) Circle was held at Agra on 21.11.2020 maintaining social distancing and taking Covid 19 precautions. GS, CHQ President and AGS Com Sanjeev Sharma addressed the Conference. Delegates from various SSAs attended the Conference. An open session was held on the subject, Challenges before BSNL and Associations after the Revival package. Shri Sanjeev Aggarwal, CGMT/UP(W) was the Chief Guest. Shri Surya Kant, PGMTD/Agra and Shri Rajesh Kumar, GMTD/Noida also addressed the open session.

In the open session focus, was on BSNL revival and ways to increase the revenue. CGMT focussed on utilization of available resources to increase the business and revenue. 4G launching is getting delayed which is a real concern. Employees demanding that Govt should allow BSNL to upgrade the existing 49300 BTSs and launch 4G services. Discussion on ICR pact with Vodafone is also going on. Land monetization is a major proposal by which only BSNL can wipe out thousands of Crores bank loans and really possible for getting BSNL revived. Cluster for BSNL land line maintenance is having lot of issues and in many places, it is not able to take off. Similarly, OF mtce also. FTTH model is very successful and DIR(CFA) is fully focussing it. It is a very successful model and more than 80,000 FTTH connections are provided per month. It is to be increased to 1 lakh.

CHQ leaders congratulated the Circle Office bearers, all the SSA Secretaries and activists under the dynamic leadership of CS and CP for the very good performance in the last MV and securing number one position in UP(W) Circle. SNEA is the largest Executives Association of BSNL Executives and continue to take up all the issues concerning the BSNL and the Executives, CHQ leaders assured.

In the delegate session, GS and President explained the status of various HR issues. On promotion, delegates demanded the promotion of all the eligible Executives. CHQ leaders assured that we are working for that and we will overcome all the obstacles through our unity and united struggles. Parallally we are working for the possibility of DPC as much possible and complete it before December end. From January onwards, our entire focus will be implementation of non-post based promotion as followed in all CPSUs (which is approved by the Board) and we will be starting the agitation programs till we achieve the goal. Preparation will start from 02.12.2020 onwards through protest demonstrations.

Other HR issues like standard pay scales of E2/E3, Pay loss issue, SAB, E1+5 increment, first TBP, E1A/E2A for Civil/Elect etc have financial implications and management is not positive in its attitude citing the poor financial conditions. We are focussing on regular payment of salary, labour payment, temp advance, electricity payment, rentals, medical treatment etc so that revenue can be increased.

In the Circle Conference Com V.K.Yadav/AGM, Com R.P.Sharma/AGM, Com Deepak Muchhal/JTO and Com Abhishek Sharma/JTO are unanimously elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, Circle Treasurer and Asst Circle Secretary(HQ). Com Vivek Saxena/JTO and D.P. Singh/JTO are elected as the CWC members. Majority of the OBs are JTO/JAOs.

CHQ extends best wishes to all the newly elected Circle Office bearers.

Newly elected Circle Office bearers of UP(West) Circle

20-11-2020

UP (West) Circle Conference will be held at Agra on 21.11.2020 (tomorrow)

31-08-2020

Circle Executive Committee meeting of SNEA, MP Circle.

The CEC meeting of MP Circle was held on 30.08.2020. GS, President and Jt Secretary(C) Com Sumit Saxena addressed the CEC meeting. An impressive open session was held in which CGMT/MP Shri Mahesh Shukla was the Chief Guest. GM(HR), CSs of BSNLEU, AIGETOA, AIBSNLEA and SEWA BSNL addressed the open session.

In the CEC meeting, Com Manish Khare, Com R K Deepak, Com Narayan Prasad Sharma (Ex C/President of AIBSNLEA) and Com Mohamed Sheeraz Qureshi are co-opted as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Vice President I & II respectively.

New CS Com R K Deepak is a 2002 direct rect JTO and now working as SDE. He is instrumental in implementing the GTI in MP Circle, initially, along with the Ex CS Com Majumdar.

SNEA CHQ wish all the success for the newly elected OBs of MP Circle.

CS and CP of MP Circle were taken VRS. The contribution of Com Dutta Majumdar as Circle Secretary for many years is known to everyone. He brought up MP Circle over these years and made MP as one of the stronghold of SNEA. In the last two MVs, SNEA become number one Association in MP Circle under his leadership. He will continue to support us in the future also.

31-08-2020

Co-option to the vacant Circle OB posts and SSA OBs

The cooption to the vacant posts on account of VRS/Retirement may be completed immediately by convening CEC meeting or SSA Executive Committee meetings (online) during September itself.

31-07-2020

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of SNEA, J&K Circle held on 29.07.2020. Com P K Bali served the Association for many years as CS and CP and taken VRS. He helped all the Executives joined J&K on tenure transfer for their posting as well as timely relieving immediately after the orders, without waiting for the substitutes and clearing maximum Rule 8 cases. He set a good precedence for all.

The CEC meeting co-opted Com Anil Kumar Koul as the new Circle Secretary till the next Conference (mob: 09419120535). We wish him and J&K Circle all the success.

08-07-2020

Congratulations to the new young team of Chennai TD.

The CEC meeting of Chennai TD held on 06.07.2020 unanimously co-opted Com S. Boobalan (2016 JAO), Com A S Suresh (2002 JTO) and Com V Saravanan (2015-16 LICE JTO) as Circle President, Circle Secretary and Circle Treasurer respectively.

Chennai TD is the 13^th Circle elected an young BSNL recruit as Circle Secretary after A&N, AS, BSNLCO, BR, CTD, JKD, KRL, NE-I, OR, RAJ, UP(E) and UKD. Other Circles also on the way. Our young comrades took the responsibility as SSA Secretaries in more than 70% of SSAs.

11-06-2020

Circle Executive Committee meeting of UP(East) Circle:

The CEC meeting of UP(E) Circle was held on 07.06.2020, online. It was a new experience for all. GS, CHQ President, Com G L Jogi, GS/SNPWA and AGS joined the CEC, online.

The Circle Executive Committee unanimously co-opted Com Sushil Tripathi/JTO, Com Pavithra Singh/JTO and Com Gopal Krishna/JTO as Circle President, Circle Secretary and ACS respectively. All are very young comrades (CS and CP from 2007 batch and ACS from 2014). Earlier CP, CS and ACS took VRS and CEC made cooption against those posts.

CHQ leaders addressed the CEC and answered various queries from the CEC members.

Last two years was the most challenging period for the Association.

1. The company itself was under threat and struggling for its survival. Vested interests through the political class tried their level best to weaken BSNL which lead to its disintegration and closure. Govt also closed its eyes and waiting for the natural death. SNEA and AUAB taken it as a challenge. SNEA was in the forefront of all the struggles and mobilizing public opinion in favour of BSNL. We could get very good media support also in this regard.

Finally we come out in flying colours by the approval of the Revival plan by the Union Cabinet on 23.10.2019. The Revival plan had the real capacity to facilitate BSNL revival as it includes 4G spectrum allotment, financial assistance in the form of permission for land monetization and 8500 Cr bond for loan restructuring. Ex Gratia payment to VRS optees did not become a liability for BSNL due to our strong opposition. VRS package was also good. 4G spectrum allotment was made free of cost.

However the 4G tender and BSNL proposal for upgradation of about 49300 BTSs to 4G is under trouble. The Govt is not allowing BSNL to go ahead with the tender as well as upgradation. In the name of Make in India, Govt stopped the 9300 Cr global tender for 4G equipments where as Hon Finance Minister announced that tenders beyond 300 Cr cost can be global tender. The upgradation proposal is stopped in the name of Chinese vendor. About 60% of the BTSs are ZTE supplied. When all other operators are procuring equipments from global vendors including Chinese vendors, restraining BSNL 4G launching on flimsy grounds is another attempt to stop BSNL Revival.

Bringing BSNL out of the threat of closure, protecting the job and mobilising for that along with other Unions and Associations was the biggest contribution of SNEA during last two years.

2. Regarding promotions we could make historic contributions. For finding an everlasting solution to this core issue, we meticulously worked out a Non-post based Time Bound promotion policy Or CPSU Hierarchy which will ensure Time Bound Functional Promotion after every 5 years, upto AGM Grade in E4 scale. It is due from 01.07.2018. Some section is working with the management to sabotage this policy by demanding post based promotions instead of Time Bound Functional Promotion to all. We are vigilant on their activities and as a precaution, filed a petition in the Tribunal also to get the policy implemented from 01.07.2018. In the meantime we could promote about 13500 Executives during May, June 2018 against all the vacancies in different cadres in record time, creating history. This will facilitate smooth implementation of the new promotion policy w.e.f 01.07.2018. JTO cadre become the victim of court cases. Last 9 years, after 2011, the promotion could not take place for all the vacancies due to the court cases filed by AIGETOA activists in 2009 onwards (almost all become SDE through LDCE). Due to those cases, JTOs with 19 years of service are waiting for promotion when thousands of vacancies are available in SDE cadre in June 2018.

3. The demand for standard Pay scale of E2 and E3 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A is pending in DoT. The contempt case filed at CAT/Chandigarh by some overenthusiastic group given the opportunity to DoT to issue Presidential Order lowering the pay scales from E1A to E1 and E2A to E2 instead of approving BSNL recommended E2 and E3 pay scales. The strong opposition from the Recognised Association SNEA against lowering of pay scales and demotion of the cadres compelled BSNL not to notify the E1 and E2 pay scales approved by DoT and forced to take up with DoT again for the approval of BSNL proposed of E2 and E3 scales. Due to the financial crisis, this issue was sidelined by BSNL management and DoT for some time.

Now, in the aftermath of Revival Plan, the proposal for BSNL and MTNL given a strong ground for us to settle E2 and E3 scales before merger. BSNL pay scales are to be made equivalent to MTNL pay scales by upgrading from E1A to E2 and E2A to E3 before merger. SNEA and MTNL Executives Association together for this.

4. On Superannuation Benefits, after becoming Recognised Assn, we could achieve a hike @2% of the emoluments w.e.f. 01.04.2017 and the orders are issued on 08.01.2018. CMD offered another hike by March, 2019 but due to the financial crisis which delayed even the salary, it did not materialised so far. After the VRS, now establishment cost come down and we started further pursuing this matter.

5. Group Term Insurance(GTI) for the BSNL Executives is a major breakthrough especially for the young comrades. It was a commitment given by SNEA and we could get it operational by March, 2019.

6. On pay loss for post 2007 rects, management is not ready to consider our demand. So we started legal action on this demand. The demand for continuing in the pre revised scale of Rs 9850/ will be taken up with the management.

7. EPF full Pension: EPF contribution without the ceiling of 12% of Rs 6500 was a milestone for the BSNL employees and the biggest achievement of SNEA in 2005. Earlier BSNL was making the contribution limited to 12% of Rs 6500 only.

Now through NCOA, SNEA and its members becoming direct party in the Hon Supreme Court in the pending SLPs on EPF full Pension issue. We are collecting the data from the individuals and will be ready by this month end to file in Hon SC.

11-06-2020

Circle Executive Committee meeting of UP(East) Circle:

The CEC meeting of UP(E) Circle was held on 07.06.2020, online. It was a new experience for all. GS, CHQ President, Com G L Jogi, GS/SNPWA and AGS joined the CEC, online.

CHQ leaders addressed the CEC and answered various queries from the CEC members.

Last two years was the most challenging period for the Association. 1. The company itself was under threat and struggling for its survival. Vested interests through the political class tried their level best to weaken BSNL which lead to its disintegration and closure. Govt also closed its eyes and waiting for the natural death. SNEA and AUAB taken it as a challenge. SNEA was in the forefront of all the struggles and mobilizing public opinion in favour of BSNL. We could get very good media support also in this regard.

Bringing BSNL out of the threat of closure, protecting the job and mobilising for that along with other Unions and Associations was the biggest contribution of SNEA during last two years.

24-04-2020

SNEA Kerala done it again ....

SNEA Kerala donated Rs 8,28,000/- through individual collections for purchasing 1380 PPE Kits for the safety of Health Workers attending Covid-19 Patients.

Today SNEA Kerala Circle leaders Com Narendrakumar.S / Circle Vice President, Com.Suneer.S/Circle Treasurer, Com.J.V.Ramana/ ACS, Com Dr.V.G.Sabu District Secretary/ Trivandrum, Com.Aslesh S.S/ District Secretary/CO and Com.Vidya.A/ CEC Member handed over the Cheque to the Hon Health Minister Smt. K. K. Shylaja.

After contributing generously for two consecutive years to the Chief Ministers Disaster Management Fund to combat natural calamities that rattled Kerala, SNEA Kerala have shown its empathy towards the fellow human beings in a different way this time. Apart from personal contributions from individuals to CMDRF and PMCares, when the Health workers including Doctors and Nurses in Covid centres at Trivandrum expressed the requirement of additional Personal Protection Kits (PPE Kits) in addition to the Government supply, SNEA members responded proactively. Within 5 days, SNEA/KRL could collect a sum of Rupees 8,28,000 from the members, which will be sufficient to purchase 1,380 PPE kits.

As per the advice of the Government of Kerala, the money will be handed over to Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL), a Kerala PSU and a central procurement agency for all essential drugs and equipments to the public healthcare institutions in Kerala. KMSCL will supply the PPE Kits to the Medical Colleges at Trvivandrum, Ernakulam, Manjeri, Kasargod, Kozhikode and Kannur and District Hospital at Palakkad.

Comrades let us be proud of our comrades of Kerala, who always empathized with the fellow human beings. Once again congratulations to each and every member of this great movement for the timely help.

The health workers at different places require lot of assistance and protective measures for fighting Covid-19. Our Association at different level are taking lot of initiatives and making different contributions at different places, in addition to individual contributions. Different Circles and SSAs can take initiative in this regard.

24-04-2020

SNEA Kerala done it again ....

SNEA Kerala donated Rs 8,28,000/- through individual collections for purchasing 1380 PPE Kits for the safety of Health Workers attending Covid-19 Patients.

21-03-2020

The XXII Circle Conference of Andhra Pradesh Circle was held at Ambica Sea Green Hotel, Visakhapattanam on 13^th and 14^th March, 2020. Excellent ambience was provided in the beach resort. Com A. Viswanath, C/P hoisted the Association flag in the presence of GS, AGS/HQ, CS, CWC and Members, Circle Office Bearers, SSA Secs and delegates. Delegates from all the 13 SSAs attended the Conference. The CS report submitted by Com J. Umamaheswara Rao/CS and the Audited Accounts by Com S S T Sai, C/T were approved by the Conference.

Com K Sebastin/GS, Com G L Jogi, GS/SNPWA and Com P Padmanabha Rao/AGS addressed the Conference.

A grand open session was held on 13^th afternoon starting with small cultural program. Shri V V Raghav Kumar, CGMT/AP was the chief guest. Com G. Ramesh, CS/TS and Com E Jagan Mohan Reddy CP/TS, Shri P Paul William PGMTD/VM, Shri. A Srinivasa Rao GM(CELLONE)/VM and Shri G Adam, GM/VZM also participated. Key note address was presented by Com J Uma Maheswara Rao, CS/AP. CGMT in his address replied to all the issues mentioned in the Key Note address and assured to take necessary action to implement the suggestions. CGMT suggested giving promotions and authority to the Executives when pay scales are already given. It can be entrusted to Circles. CGMT also elaborated the tender process of all SSAs under CFA segment and tender for labour to maintain transmission network are under process. Temp advances to the tune of 4.5 Crore, Electrical bills to the tune of 24 Crore and medical bills are will be settled at the earliest.

Sister Association/ Unions leaders CVP/BSNLEU, CS/NFTE, CS/AIBSNLEA, CS/SEWA, CS/BTEU and DS/AIGETOA graced the occasion and addressed the Open Session.

CHQ leaders in their address explained the developments in the recent past with respect to career progression, HR issues and future of the company.

I. Promotions: The delegates in one voice demanded promotion and the implementation of the new promotion policy immediately. GS strongly demanded for regular promotions instead of temporary looking after or Officiating or Adhoc or provisional promotions.

DoT and BSNL management is reluctant to give timely promotion on regular basis to the Executives and did not allowed the Executives to move forward, especially in the core Telecom Engg side, since 1982. They made the strategy in such a way that no JTO /JAO will go beyond AGM or maximum upto DGM(Adhoc). To deny future career growth, in all possible manners, management introduced Adhoc or Officiating or LA promotion instead of regular promotion and getting the work done.

All the Associations should understand this game plan of BSNL management and unite for the overall welfare of the Executives.

Our efforts are for the smooth career progression of the Executives, especially the young generation who is having 20 to 30 years of service left. Their career should not end up as an SDE/AO or AGM/CAO/EE as happening today.

Our main focus is for:

a) Non-post based functional promotion after every 5 years along with the pay scale, minimum upto AGM equivalent, in 15 years.

b) All the JTOs completed qualifying service to get promotion as SDE, irrespective of availability of posts.

c) For those already having more service, Service weightage for the past service. After SDE promotion, those in E4 scale will become AGM in 8 years and those in E3 scale will become AGM in 9 years.

d) Our focus is not just one JTO to SDE promotion, our main thrust is uninterrupted promotion upto AGM Grade on completion of 15 years of service as JTO/JAO and thereafter the opportunity get promotion to DGM, GM, CGM also.

On the concern expressed by CS/SEWA about reservation and constitutional protection for SC/STs in the CPSU Cadre Hierarchy promotion policy, GS replied that SNEA is committed to protect the constitutional rights and will ensure reservation as per the Govt policies and guidelines issued from time to time. Board also approved the promotion policy on the same lines with specific direction. Today SC/ST comrades completed more than 17 to 18 years of service (eg. JTOs of 2001 batch for SC and 2002 batch for ST) also not got promotion wherein as per the new promotion policy they will get promotion after every 5 years. It is beneficial for all.

As the first outcome of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy, record number of promotions was given during May-June, 2018 (more than 13500), filling almost all the vacancies as on that date, for the smooth implementation of the new policy from 01.07.2018. JTO to SDE vacancies could not fill up due to court cases at Ernkulam but in that also, SCF and LDCE made at par and filled including 2010-11 vacancy year for smooth change over to the new policy.

All the post based promotions after 01.07.2018 will become null and void on the implementation of the promotion policy w.e.f 01.07.2018. Subsequent efforts to fill up the SDE vacancies could not materialise due to the court cases at Ernakulam, piloted mostly by SDEs. Still that continues. They are more interested in the contempt of case, insisting for contempt proceedings against the CMD and GM(Pers) and not in getting promotions for the remaining JTOs. They made Hon CAT to issue notice for framing charges against CMD and GM(P) in the contempt petition and management stopped the DPC process from that date. Later on, the contempt proceedings stayed by the Hon High Court.

All post based promotions are depends on the reservation issue as management is not in a position to take a stand on that matter, whether promotion is to be given with merit or without merit. This common issue is in addition to the seniority related issues. For any DPC, the hurdle of Reservation issue to be resolved.

The contempt case and the recent judgment in SDE to DE and JAO to AO promotion on reservation issue complicated the post based promotion further. As per the information gathered (judgment copy yet to be received), Hon CAT Chandigarh declared the SDE to DE and JAO to AO promotion PROVISIONAL and directed BSNL to form a Committee and review the promotions within 6 months by extending reservation as per Nagaraju judgment. Any post based promotion to DE cadre will be only after this review, endorsing the need for non-post based promotion.

Restg of BSNL is going on and in every possibility, drastic reduction in the sanctioned posts is going to happen. It appears that management stopped all the promotions to complete the restructuring. Management is giving hopes to different sections but in reality, purchasing time to complete the restructuring and post reduction.

Since management is not interested to give regular promotions and taking shelter of seniority issue, contempt case, reservation issue etc and befooling the Executives just by Look after arrangement for years together, SNEA filed a petition in the court for the implementation of the new non-post based, time bound functional promotion policy approved by the BSNL Board w.e.f. 01.07.2018. This is to ensure non-post based time bound functional promotion w.e.f. 01.07.2018 (from back date) for all the eligible Executives, parity with those promoted on 29.06.2018 and will end all the litigations and open a smooth career path for the Executives, whatever the time delay may be.

II. Greater Unity among the Executives: Post VRS, our Membership is about 12500, more than double of any other Assn. Unity of the Executives helps faster settlement of the HR issues and focus on the growth of BSNL, the need of the hour. The divergent opinion among the Executives Associations on various HR issues helps the management in denying the promotions and other HR issues. GS given a call to further strengthen the unity and SNEA will work for the unity of all the Executives.

III. 3^rd Pay revision: On 3rd PRC implementation, we could convince the BSNL management and the BSNL Board for exemption of Affordability clause for BSNL and Board recommended 3rd Pay revision with full 15% fitment. This was a major achievement as a Trade Union, to convince the BSNL management and make them to agree to our demands. However DoT did not agree to the proposal of BSNL Board, pointing the dwindling financial situation of BSNL. It is expected that BSNL will be in profits in the financial year 2021 and if things are moving positively, we can expect 3^rd PRC in 2022.

IV. EPF contribution and EPF Full Pension case: SNEA struggled 3 years for the EPF contribution without the ceiling of Rs 6500/- and finally management agreed for the same and orders issued in 2005. Now we are trying for Full Pension option to all the BSNL employees. NCOA and NCR filed Writ petition No: 1134/2018 in Hon Supreme Court for EPF full Pension case. Now Attorney General (AG) is appearing for EPFO which makes the case costly and very serious and we have to engage very Senior Advocates to the match the stature of AG for which we have to pay Rs 12 to 15 lakhs per appearance.

V. Separate Superannuation Fund: On our continuous persuasion with the management we could get a contribution of 5 % (3+2) towards Superannuation fund making total 25% contribution out of 30%. In our Jaipur All India Conference on 05th Sept, 2015, CMD assured 6%. But some Assn made an agreement for 3% in our absence, reducing the contribution by half, a big loss to our BSNL direct rects. Assn is pursuing for further increase.

VI. Group Term Insurance: We tirelessly worked with LIC, with the support of BSNL management for Group Term Insurance (GTI) and finally clinched the deal with LIC, got implemented from March, 2019 with very attractive premium, especially for those below 50 years. This was our commitment given to the Executives.

VII. Standard Pay scales of E2 and E3, replacing E1A and E2A scales is a serious issue to be resolved and pending with DoT. After lot of struggle, we could get a positive recommendation for E2 and E3 scales from BSNL in 2016. We stopped implementation of presidential order on E1 and E2 scales. The financial crisis in BSNL is having adverse effect on it. However we are pursuing and during merger of BSNL and MTNL, this issue has to be settled once for all.

VIII. On pay parity of Rs 22820/- for the 2007, 2008 etc rect JTOs, we decided to fight legally for rendering justice to thousands of Executives drawing less pay, had they continued in pre-revised scale.

IX. BSNL Revival and Revival package:

Our struggle BSNL revival, for more than 3 years, in the banner of AUAB for given a new life to BSNL. Our struggle got tremendous support from the public, political parties and the media. From the threat of closure of BSNL, our struggle compelled the Govt for a comprehensive Revival Package for BSNL. Few months back, the situation was totally different, Govt not supporting BSNL and compelling BSNL for its natural death.

Those taken VRS had made the sacrifice for the company as well as for the bright future of the remaining employees. They sacrificed many years of service for the youngsters, we should not forget. Before they are parting with BSNL, they made it sure that a good revival package is in place for the BSNL with free 4G spectrum, about Rs 30,000 Cr financial support in the form of Sovereign Guarantee Bond and land monetization and there will be no financial burden on BSNL for Ex-gratia payment. Whole SNEA family recognises their sacrifices and contribution for the company and the Association. During the Conference, all the VRS opted Circle OBs were felicitated by the Association.

We request all the VRS optees to contribute for BSNL Revival in whatever possible manner and join with us in all the future struggles. For that purpose and for focussing on pension Revision, delinking it from Pay revision, we are supporting the newly formed SNPWA under the leadership of veteran leader Com G L Jogi. All the VRS optees may take the lead to strengthen SNPWA. Pension revision and delinking Pension revision from Pay Revision and affordability clause is another major challenge. All the retirees and VRS optees may take the lead to strengthen SNPWA and join hands for achieving Pension revision.

Present financial crisis is mainly due to the unexpected delay in the financial support of Rs 8,500 Crores from the Govt in the form of Sovereign Guarantee Bonds. 4G services launching also delayed too much. BSNL is trying to engage the GSM vendors, M/s ZTE and M/s Nokia for converting 40,000 plus 3G BTSs into 4G with small software and hardware change. This is most cost effective and time saving one. The outstanding due of Rs 1100 Cr for M/s ZTE and Rs 800 Cr for M/s Nokia is one of the stumbling block. The exorbitant rates quoted by M/s ZTE for upgradation of BTSs is another challenge. Parallaly BSNL is floating a tender for 4G equipments for about 50,000 BTSs.

Out sourcing of CFA, CM and OFC mtce works are initiated but progress is as per our expectations. All the suggestions received from the field units, especially on the CFA tender was escalated to the concerned Director and CMD. But our major concern of including primary cable in the tender and eligibility of the vendors are not addressed so far. Naturally we are having apprehension about the outcome of CFA tender. Merger of non recruiting Circles, BAs etc underway.

Health insurance policy instead of BSNL MRS is under consideration of the management.

In the Conference Com Tata Prasada Rao/DE, Com J Umamaheswara Rao/DE and Com Jayanand/JTO elected unanimously as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Treasurer respectively. Com Satya Prasad/DE, Com Chalamaiah/SDE, Com CH Ravi/JTO and Com D Dilip Kumar/SDE are elected as CWC members.

Newly elected AP Circle Office Bearers

17-03-2020

The Circle Conference of Andhra Pradesh Circle was held at Visakhapattanam on 13^th and 14^th March, 2020. Com K Sebastin/GS, Com G L Jogi, GS/SNPWA and Com P Padmanabha Rao/AGS addressed the Conference. In the Conference Com Tata Prasada Rao/DE, Com J Umamaheswara Rao/DE and Com Jayanand/JTO elected unanimously as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Treasurer respectively. Com Satya Prasad/DE, Com Chalamaiah/SDE, Com CH Ravi/JTO and Com D Dilip Kumar/SDE are elected as CWC members.

Details will be updated.....

17-03-2020

Circle Conference of SNEA, Delhi Circle and Circle Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of SNEA, Rajasthan Circle:

The Circle Conference of SNEA, Delhi Circle was held at New Delhi on 06.03.2020. GS, President and GS/SNPWA Com G L Jogi addressed the Conference. Com Ram Bilas Verma, Com Satish Kumar and Com Pawan Kumar Sharma are elected as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Treasurer respectively.

The Circle Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of SNEA, Rajasthan Circle was held at Jaipur on 04.03.2020. GS, CHQ President and Jt Secretary (West) Com Shankar Lal Sharma addressed the CEC. An open session was held in which Shri O P Gupta/CGMT/RAJ was the Chief guest. CGM in his address explained the initiatives taken by the Circle on various accounts. RAJ Circle is at the top in North Zone in many fronts. After VRS, several SDCAs become vacant as not a single Executive is available in the SDCA. Redeployment is going on to distribute the employees, CGM told the CEC. Shri R N Mathur/PGMTD, Shri R D Meena/Sr GM(Fin), Shri Akhlesh Agarwal/GM(HR) and Shri S S Agarwal/GM(Admn) also addressed the CEC meeting. Com Mahajan/DE, Com Susheel Kumar/SDE and Com Yogesh Gupta/SDE are co-opted as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Treasurer respectively. Com Susheel Kumar and Com Yogesh Gupta are 2002 and 2005 rect JTOs.

CHQ leaders in their address explained the developments in the recent past with respect to future of the company, career progression etc. Our continuous struggle in the banner of AUAB for BSNL revival, supported by the public, political parties and the media given a new life to BSNL. From the threat of closure of BSNL, our continuous struggle lead to the Revival package for BSNL. We compelled the Govt for a comprehensive Revival Package for BSNL. Few months back, the situation was totally different, Govt not supporting BSNL and compelling BSNL for its natural death. Many who had taken VRS were in the forefront of all the struggles. All those struggles lead to the approval of the Revival package. Before they are parting with BSNL, they made it sure that a good revival package is in place for the BSNL with free 4G spectrum, about Rs 30,000 Cr financial support in the form of Sovereign Guarantee Bond and land monetization and there will be no financial burden on BSNL for Ex-gratia payment. They sacrificed many years of service for the company and for the future of youngsters. Whole SNEA family recognises their sacrifices and contribution for the company and the Association.

During the Conference and CEC meeting, VRS optees and retirees were felicitated by the Association. We requested all of them to contribute for BSNL Revival in whatever possible manner and join with us in all the future struggles.

Out sourcing of CFA, CM and OFC mtce works are initiated but not progressing much. All the suggestions received from the field units, especially on the CFA tender was escalated to the concerned Director and CMD. But our major concern of including primary cable in the tender and eligibility of the vendors are not addressed so far. Naturally we are afraid about the outcome of CFA tender.

So called Restg of BSNL is going on and in every possibility, drastic reduction in the sanctioned posts is going to happen. It appears that management stopped all the promotions to complete the restructuring. Management is giving hopes to different sections but in reality, purchasing time to complete the restructuring and post reduction. This fact is not known to the ordinary Executives. Further management is clueless how to overcome the reservation issue on post based promotions, as per Nagarju judgment.

Record number of promotions was given during May-June, 2018, more than 13500, filling almost all the vacancies as on that date, for the smooth implementation of the new policy from 01.07.2018. This is the first positive outcome of the approval of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy. JTO to SDE vacancies remaining after the upgradation of SDE posts to DE posts could not fill up due to court cases but in that also, SCF and LDCE made at par for change over to the new policy. Subsequent efforts to fill up the SDE vacancies could not materialise due to the court cases at Ernakulam. Still that continues. All post based promotions are depends on the reservation issue as management is not in a position to take a stand on that matter, whether promotion is to be given with merit or without merit. This common issue is in addition to the seniority related issues.

In this uncertainty on promotions, we are tirelessly working for the implementation of the new non-post based time bound functional promotion policy approved by the BSNL Board w.e.f 01.07.2018 and filed a petition in this regard. This will ensure promotions w.e.f 01.07.2018, not from a prospective date. Thereafter future promotions also will be smooth. This will ensure us promotion from 01.07.2018 for all the eligible Executives with parity and will end all the litigations and open a smooth career path for the Executives.

On 3^rd PRC implementation, we could convince the BSNL management and the BSNL Board comprising members from DoT and 4 External Directors that Affordability clause is not applicable for BSNL. They agreed to our demand and recommended 3^rd Pay revision with full 15% fitment. This was a major achievement as a Trade Union, to convince the BSNL management and make them to agree to our demands. However considering the dwindling financial condition of BSNL, DoT did not agree to the proposal.

BSNL is loss making for many years but we could convince the management get a contribution of 5 % (3+2) towards Superannuation fund making total 25% contribution out of 30%. Assn is pursuing for further increase.

Standard Pay scales of E2 and E3, replacing E1A and E2A scales is a serious issue to be resolved and pending with DoT. We are pursuing and during merger of BSNL and MTNL, this issue has to be settled once for all.

We tirelessly worked with LIC, with the support of BSNL management for Group Term Insurance(GTI) and finally clinched the deal with LIC, got implemented from March, 2019 with very attractive premium, especially for those below 50 years.

On pay parity of 22820 for the 2007, 2008 etc rect JTOs, we decided to fight legally for rendering justice to thousands of Executives drawing less pay, had they continued in pre-revised scale.

Pension revision and delinking Pension revision from Pay Revision and affordability clause is another major challenge. For that purpose and for focussing on pension Revision, we are supporting the newly formed SNPWA under the leadership of Com G L Jogi. All the retirees and VRS optees may take the lead to strengthen SNPWA and join hands for achieving Pension revision.

17-03-2020

Details will be updated.....

10-03-2020

The Circle Conference of SNEA, Delhi Circle was held at New Delhi on 06.03.2020. GS, President and GS/SNPWA Com G L Jogi addressed the Conference. Com Ram Bilas Verma, Com Satish Kumar and Com Pawan Kumar Sharma are elected as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Treasurer respectively. SNEA, CHQ wishes all the success for the newly elected Circle Office bearers.

Details will be updated.....

10-03-2020

The Circle Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of SNEA, Rajasthan Circle was held at Jaipur on 04.03.2020. GS, CHQ President and Jt Secretary (West) Com Shankar Lal Sharma addressed the CEC. Com Mahajan/DE, Com Susheel Kumar/SDE and Com Yogesh Gupta/SDE are co-opted as C/President, C/Secretary and C/Treasurer respectively. Com Susheel Kumar and Com Yogesh Gupta are 2002 and 2005 rect JTOs.

SNEA, CHQ wishes all the success for the new Circle Office bearers.

Details will be updated....

The Circle meeting of SNPWA also held in the same venue and Com Sita Ram Sharma elected as the CS of SNPWA, RAJ Circle.

26-02-2020

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of Kolkata TD (CTD) was held at Kolkata on 25.02.2020. In the CEC meeting, Com Amit Sarkar/SDE, Com Kaushik Bhowmick/JTO and Com Tushar Kanti Adak/SDE are co-opted to the post of Circle Secretary, C/VP, C/Treasurer respectively. New CS is a 2001 rect JTO promoted as SDE in 2013.

Best wishes to the newly elected Circle OBs and the SNEA, CTD team.

19-02-2020

Circle Conference of Odisha Circle at Bhubaneswar on 16.02.2020.

The Circle Conference of Odisha Circle was held at Bhubaneswar on 16.02.2020. GS, President, Com I H Mondal/Jt Sec(East), Com Jagdish Rout/AGS addressed the Conference in detail.

From the threat of closure of BSNL, our continuous struggle lead to the Revival of BSNL. Few months back, the situation was totally different, Govt at the highest level decided for the closure of BSNL or to allow BSNL for its natural death without extending any Govt support. Niti Ayog in December, 2017 itself recommended the closure of BSNL. From that situation, our continuous struggle in the banner of AUAB, supported by the public, political parties and the media given a new life to BSNL by the approval of a comprehensive Revival Package for BSNL.

Those taken VRS had made the sacrifice for the company as well as for the bright future of the remaining employees. Large number of employees taken VRS in order to help the revival of BSNL by reducing the expenditure as per the message spread by the management and the Govt. They sacrificed many years of service for the youngsters, we should not forget. Before they are parting with BSNL, they made it sure that a good revival package is in place for the BSNL with free 4G spectrum, about Rs 30,000 Cr financial support in the form of Sovereign Guarantee Bond and land monetization and there will be no financial burden on BSNL for Ex-gratia payment.

They contributed much during the organizational struggle for the revival of BSNL. All of them were in the forefront of all the recent struggles in the form of demonstration, Dharna, Hunger Fast, Raj Bhavan March, Parliament March, Sanchar Bhavan March, PM office March, strike etc facing wage cut etc. All those struggles lead to the Revival package. So it is the responsibility of the remaining employees to reciprocate, rise to the expectations of them and make it sure that BSNL is revived.

Whole SNEA family recognises their sacrifices and contribution for the company and the Association. During the Conference, all the VRS optees and retirees were felicitated by the Association. We requested all of them to contribute for BSNL Revival in whatever possible manner and join with us in all the future struggles. For that purpose and for focussing on pension Revision, delinking it from Pay revision, we are supporting the newly formed SNPWA under the leadership of Com G L Jogi. All the VRS optees may take the lead to strengthen SNPWA.

An open session was held in which Dr U S Panda/CGM was the Chief Guest. PGM (EB &CM), GM(HR), other GMs, CS/AIGETOA and CS/SEWA addressed the open session.

The following issues elaborated during open session and delegate session:

Present financial crisis is mainly happened because the expected financial support of Rs 8,500 Crores from the Govt in the form of Sovereign Guarantee Bonds is not received so far. BSNL was expecting this money by December–January. According to our information, Govt could not do this as it exceeded the ceiling limit of 0.5% of the GDP for the financial year 2019-20. The necessary permission will be given in the first week of April, in the next financial year. Because of this development, the present financial crisis may continue for few more months. Meanwhile management is trying for the letter of comfort from Finance Ministry which may help BSNL to get Bank loan that can be repaid once the money is received from the Bonds.

BSNL is getting ready for launching 4G services by 1^st April. Management is trying to engage the GSM vendors M/s Nokia and M/s ZTE for converting about 40,000 3G BTSs into 4G by small software and hardware modification. This is most cost effective one. Parallaly BSNL is floating a tender for 4G equipments with about 50,000 BTSs. Making efforts for

Restg process is going on. As we afraid, on every possibility, drastic reduction in the sanctioned posts are anticipated making prospect for post based promotion further dim. Almost all the promotions stopped to complete the restructuring. Merger of non recruiting Circles, BAs etc underway.

Out sourcing of CFA, CM and OFC mtce works are initiated. All the suggestions received from the field units, especially on the CFA tender was escalated to the concerned Director and CMD. Some of the concerns are addressed by mgt. But our major concern of including primary cable in the tender and eligibility of the vendors are not addressed so far. We are afraid about the outcome of CFA tender.

On cadre issues, record number of promotions was given during May-June, 2018, filling all the vacancies as on that date. This is for the smooth implementation of the new policy from 01.07.2018. More than 13,500 Executives promoted in less than two months time. This is the first positive outcome of the approval of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as mgt decided to implement new policy from 01.07.2018. Only JTO to SDE vacancy could not fill up due to court cases but in that also, SCF and LDCE made at par for change over to the new policy. Subsequent efforts to fill up the SDE vacancies could not materialise due to the court cases at Ernakulam. After lot of persuasions by the Association, management agreed for SDE promotion for all the available vacancies and filed an affidavit in that respect in the Hon CAT. During arguments on 07.01.2019, the applicants in the contempt petition insisted for contempt proceedings against the CMD and GM(Pers) and Hon CAT issued notice for framing charges against CMD and GM(P) in the contempt petition, management stopped the DPC process from that date. Later on, the contempt proceedings stayed by the Hon High Court. CMD retired and GM(P) got promotion as Director(HR) in another CPSU but we lost the golden opportunity for SDE promotion. Management is waiting for the outcome of the contempt petition in CAT and the Review Petition filed in the Hon High Court. Again for DPC, the hurdle of Reservation issue also to be resolved. Similarly SDE to DE promotion also depends on the contempt case and reservation issue. All other post based promotions are depends on the reservation issue as management is not in a position to take a stand on that matter, whether promotion is to be given with merit or without merit. This common issue is in addition to the seniority related issues. But efforts are going on for issuing DGM(T) and DGM(F) promotions shortly.

In this uncertainty on promotions, we demanded the implementation of the new non-post based time bound functional promotion policy approved by the BSNL Board w.e.f 01.07.2018 and filed a petition in this regard. Management can purchase time but there is no alternative other than giving non-post based time bound functional promotion w.e.f 01.07.2018 (from back date). This will give us promotion from 01.07.2018 for all the eligible Executives with parity and will end all the litigations and open a smooth career path for the Executives.

3^rd Pay revision: Affordability clause is not applicable for the Pay revision, this was the stand of SNEA and NCOA from the beginning. We pleaded in the same manner before 3^rd Pay revision Committee also. On 3^rd PRC implementation, we could convince the BSNL management and the BSNL Board comprising members from DoT and 4 External Directors that Affordability clause is not applicable for BSNL. They agreed to our demand and recommended 3^rd Pay revision with full 15% fitment. This was a major achievement as a Trade Union, to convince the BSNL management and make them to agree to our demands. However DoT did not agree to the proposal of BSNL Board, pointing the dwindling financial situation of BSNL.

Eventhough BSNL is loss making for many years, we could convince the management, the need for separate superannuation pension fund, giving a major relief to the BSNL directly recruited employees. CMD/BSNL made the commitment to us in our Jaipur All India Conference on 05^th Sept, 2015. So far, we could get a contribution of 5 % (3+2) towards the fund making total 25% contribution towards 30% Superannuation fund and pursuing for increase in it.

Standard Pay scales of E2 and E3, replacing E1A and E2A scales is a serious issue to be resolved and pending with DoT. We could get a positive recommendation from BSNL in 2016 in our favour after lot of struggle. The financial crisis in BSNL is having adverse effect on it. However we are pursuing and during merger of BSNL and MTNL, this issue has to be settled once for all.

As a major welfare measure, Group Term Insurance(GTI) got implemented from March, 2019 with very attractive premium, especially for those below 50 years. We tirelessly worked with LIC, with the support of BSNL management and finally clinched the deal with LIC. This was a commitment given during the last MV.

On pay parity of 22820 for the 2007, 2008 etc rect JTOs, we decided to fight legally for rendering justice to thousands of Executives drawing less pay, had they continued in pre-revised scale.

On a query from the delegates, it is informed that the exam for MT(Intl) quota is already held and results are expected shortly. The court case against the MT exam will be decided shortly. We welcome young meritorious comrades to take the higher responsibility as a substitute to the deputationists.

06-01-2020

Circle Executive Committee meeting of Assam Circle was held at Guwahati on 04.01.2020. GS and Jt Sec(East) attended and addressed the meeting. The CEC unanimously co-opted the following Circle Office bearers:

Circle President : Com Suresh Bora, AGM.

Circle Secretary : Com Borun Baruah, JTO.

Treasurer : Com Allauddin Ahmed, AO.

The cooption become necessary as the earlier OBs opted for VRS 2019. SNEA recognises their contribution for many years and wish them all the best.

SNEA CHQ wishes all the success for the newly elected young team.

31-12-2019

Circle Executive Committee meeting of Kerala Circle held at SNEA Bhavan, Trivandrum on 30.12.2019. The CEC unanimously co-opted the following Circle Office bearers for the remaining term:

Circle Secretary : Com K. P. Jithesh Kumar, SDE (2002 rect JTO).

Vice President : Com S. Narandrakumar, DE.

Org Secretary : Com Muhammed Niyas. K, SDE (2002 rect JTO).

Area Secretary(C) : Com K P Manish, JTO (2015 rect JTO).

The cooption become necessary as the earlier OBs opted for VRS 2019. SNEA recognises their contribution for many years and wish them all the best.

SNEA CHQ wishes all the success to the newly elected young team.

17-09-2019

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.

10-09-2019

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

08-08-2019

CEC Meeting of UP(East) Circle at Lucknow on 27^th & 28^th July, 2019:

The Circle Executive Committee (CEC) meeting of UP(East) Circle was held at Lucknow on 27th & 28th July, 2019. This meeting was attended by all the branches of UP (East) Circle.

Flag Hoisting was done by Com US Saroj, Circle President. Com A A Khan/CHQ President and Com Sanjeev Kumar Sharma/AGS were also present. All the PHQ Office bearers/DSs presented their report. Lot of healthy discussions were held on the present crisis in BSNL created by various reasons & whole discussion was focused on reducing expenditure & increasing demand for BSNL products in the market for the survival. It was decided that a detailed agenda will be served to the management after compilation of issues raised by the CEC members.

In this meeting, a seminar was organized on the topic When the going gets tough, the tough one gets going - Duties of Management & Workers towards BSNL at present. This seminar was addressed by the Chief Guest Shri R C Rai/ CGMT, Com A A Khan/ CHQ President, Com Sanjeev Kumar Sharma/ AGS, Shri Sarsij Saurabh/ GM(NC), Shri A K Srivastava/ GM(HR/Admin). Key note address was delivered by the Circle Secretary Com A K Trivedi. The venue was fully packed with CEC Members/Executives from all over UP(East) Circle.

Government is systematically killing BSNL. The important decisions of the Government in the recent past makes it clear that the Government is favouring Reliance –Jio, at the cost of BSNL, its own PSU. Non allotment of 4G spectrum, non-filling of Director (Finance) and other Director posts of BSNL for years together, non-granting of permission for Bank loan etc are few examples which establishes that the hidden agenda of Government is to finish off BSNL. Publicly they makes postures that Government wants to revive BSNL and practically doing just reverse.

Since the Government support had not came, the employees struggled and gathered public support which compelled the Government to support BSNL and to take correct policy decisions in time. This was done only due to the employees struggle. Our struggle was for that purpose with the sole agenda of revival of BSNL. Our three days strike had made tremendous impact in the political circles and the establishment had produced some positive results. DoT started acting fast on some of our demands, decisively, after the strike. Permission given for Bank loan for OPEX, a positive reply sent to Ministry of Finance on Pension contribution on actual basic pay which was pending for years together etc are some positive actions. DoT is acting very fast of revival package and draft Cabinet memo is already prepared and under circulation to various nodal ministries.

After the seminar, Com AA Khan President CHQ & Com Sanjeev Kumar Sharma AGS also addressed the house on Company/HR/Organisational issues. Com CHQ President explained in detail about the status of HR issues like Promotions in various cadres, E2/E3 pay scales, 30% superannuation benefit to BSNL directly recruited employees, CPSU Cadre hierarchy implementation, 3^rd Pay Revision, Pension Revision, pay loss for post 2007 rects, 1st TBP in 4 years, E1A/E2A for Civil/Elect/Arch etc. Due to the severe financial crisis and salary issue, the HR issues having financial implications are not getting the attention of BSNL Management and DoT.

Com Sanjeev Sharma/ AGS explained in detail the Role of Association for a company like BSNL. He clearly told that unless and until HR issues of Executives are resolved (e.g. Standard pay scales, 30% superannuation benefits, CPSU hierarchy, etc), it is difficult for a company like BSNL to defeat its competitors. He explained in detail how some negative forces in BSNL are working to derail the whole HR process by dragging every HR issue into the court. Their sole agenda is to see that no HR issue is getting settled in favour of the Executives so that SNEA can be blamed. Those negative forces are not bothered about the welfare of the Executives or the career progress, other than personal agenda.

Com President and Com AGS replied all the queries related to CHQ raised by our CEC members.

View Glimpse of Photos.

03-08-2019

The General body meeting of SNEA, Krishna and City division Vijayawada was held at Vijayawada on 14th July 2019. The meeting was conducted under presidentship of Com Ch Venkata Rao CVP/SNEA. Our beloved GS Com K. Sebastin, Com A. Chandrasekhar Jt Sec(S), Com J UmaMaheswara Rao, CS SNEA AP etc addressed the occasion. Comrades from neighbouring SSAs also attended the meeting.

GS Com K Sebastin addressed the meeting mainly covering the issues related to Revival of BSNL and important HR issues:

1. Financial position of BSNL: The loss is estimated to be around Rs 14,000 Crores and the revenue declined from Rs 25,000 Cr in 2017-18 to Rs 19,000 Crores during 2018-19 financial year. The pending liabilities of BSNL is around 13,000 Crores (4,000 OPEX + 4,000 CAPEX + Advance received from NOFN, LWE etc). At present monthly revenue is just 1,300 to 1,400 Crores whereas the expenditure is around 2,300 cores and the deficit is around 1,000 Crores per month.

2. Allotment of 4G spectrum: Govt never interested to provide 4G spectrum to BSNL. In both 2G/3G and 4G spectrum issue, Govt actions delayed BSNL services. In 2G/3G, Govt interfered in the tenders & procurements and in the case of 4G, spectrum not allotted. When the employees started agitation throughout country, Govt come under pressure and had some rethinking at the level of Secretary and MOC. But officers down the level is not at all interested and they are against providing spectrum to BSNL, citing the Hon Supreme court order on 2G spectrum case in which SC ordered that all the Natural resources should be sold on auction only. After new Minister is taken over, some positive developments are taking place on 4G spectrum and Govt trying to get a positive Legal advice on the matter. DOT is planning to allot 4G spectrum at the cost of around 14155Cr+12%GST by way of 100% Govt equity infusion which meets our demand for free 4G spectrum.

3. Monetizing of Lands: Proposal is for taking over of all bank loans of BSNL and MTNL by an SPV with land parcels for equal amount. With this both the companies will become zero debt as SPV will take care of debt. Further BSNL will be allowed to monetize the remaining land, Optical fibre and Towers for meeting the expenditure for CAPEX and it will be monitored by a Committee of officers from DoT, BSNL/MTNL and DIPAM. Previously SPV was proposed for Land, optical fibre network and tower monetization but now it is only for land monetization (about 29 land parcels with value around 20,000 cores only).

4. Merger of BSNL and MTNL: The proposal is to make MTNL a debt free company and then a subsidiary of BSNL. The main hurdles of merger of BSNL and MTNL are:

a) MTNL having huge loan and 60% revenue is being used for paying interest and loan repayments.

b) MTNL is listed company.

c) HR issues like difference in pay scales, pay, promotions, seniority, liability of transfer etc.

SPV will take care of MTNL loans and MTNL will become debt free. A committee being formed with BSNL, MTNL and DOT officers for addressing other issues like delisting the MTNL and resolve all HR issues within 18 months of time and thereafter full merger with BSNL.

5. Proposal for VRS for the employees above 55 years of age (now 50 yrs) and then retirement age reduction to 58:

Govt linked establishment cost reduction as part of the revival plan. Further Govt is not ready to consider any revival plan without staff reduction as it will not help revival of BSNL, according to the Govt. The ex-gratia is worked out in such a manner that ex-gratia plus pension amount will be 25% higher than the present pay (i.e salary +full pension). The Employees who will opt for VRS will get almost 25% higher amount as ex gratia +pension. Ex- gratia amount, Leave Encashment & full Pension (without Commutation) will be paid immediately after VRS. But the Gratuity with 8% interest and Commutation Payment will be made on attaining the age of 60 years. VRS options may be asked from 01.10.2019 onwards. Govt is expecting nearly 70000 employees will be opted this VRS and around 6000 cores will be saved per annum.

After completion of VRS, retirement age reduction to 58 will be thought of w.e.from 01.01.2020. Reduction of retirement age to 58 may be a temporary measure for few years as in the case of ITI. In ITI, few years back retirement age reduced to 58 but two months back restored it to 60. SNEA is continuing its efforts to incorporate the 3rd PRC also part of the Revival Plan as recommended by IIM, Ahmadabad.

If VRS is implemented, it will have huge impacts on the cadre like massive redeployment, sharing of the additional work load by the remaining employees, absence of support staff etc in addition to the fact that the remaining employees also will lose two years of service and salary due to retirement age reduction. Since the excess staff is send on VRS, all the posts they are holding and the existing vacancies will cease to exist.

In the given situation, there is not much choice left for us and we are continuing our best efforts to get the revival plan approved. Assn will be taking a final call on these issues once final picture is known to us.

6. Restructuring proposal in BSNL: BSNL Board already put on hold all the direct recruitments. New norms are being worked out and the fresh justification of posts will be worked out.

7. Superannuation benefits and EPF full Pension: As per assurance given by CMD, 3% enhancement of superannuation fund is to be processed by March, 2019. Unfortunately due to the salary crisis, BSNL Board is not taking up any proposal having additional financial implications. Hence enhancement of 3% SAB proposal is not materialised so far eventhough SNEA and AUAB continuing its persuation.

After Kerala High court and Supreme Court verdict on higher pension the EPF office filled two review petitions on it. One review petition was dismissed and other one is still pending. NCOA is party in the Hon Supreme Court on the cases filed for Full Pension. SNEA and NCOA is associated with the court cases at Hon SC. SNEA is closely monitoring and pursuing the issue.

GS also explained the developments on 3^rd PRC, Promotions i.e. JTO to SDE, SDE to DE, DE to DGM (T), AO to CAO, CAO to DGM (F) etc, CPSU hierarchy notification, E2 & E3 standard pay scales, Pension revision, pay loss of Executives of 2007 batch onwards, first TBP and E1A/E2A for Civil/Elect etc. All the issues are still live and SNEA is continuously pursuing. On DGM promotions, M.A is proposed to be filed shortly for early hearing of the matter. Now vacancies available to accommodate all the eligible AGM/DEs on DGM promotion as large number of AGMs and Adhoc DGMs are retired. GS also cleared all the doubts raised by members during interaction session.

Felicitation was conducted to retired senior comrades Com V K Prasad Reddy and Com CH Vijay Kumar.

02-08-2019

CEC meeting of SNEA Madhya Pradesh Circle was held at Dewas, MP on 07^th and 08^th July, 2019. Circle Secretary Com S Dutta Majumdar presented the CS report. GS explained the current status of BSNL and the financial position/crisis of company and its impact on future. Loss is about Rs 14,000 Crores with decline in revenue from Rs 25,000 crores in 2017-18 to Rs 19,000 Crores during 2018-19. The monthly revenue is about 1,300 Crores whereas the expenditure is around 2,300 Crores and the deficit is 1,000 Crores per month. The pending liabilities of BSNL is about 13,000 Crores. Govt never interested to provide 4G spectrum to BSNL. In both 2G/3G and 4G, Govt actions delayed BSNL services. In 2G/3G, Govt, interfered in tenders and in the case of 4G, spectrum not allotted. When the employees started agitation throughout country, Govt had some rethinking due to public pressure. After new Minister is taken over, some positive developments are taking place on 4G spectrum.
As part of Revival Plan, proposal is for taking over the bank loan of BSNL and MTNL by an SPV with land parcels for equal amount. Further BSNL will be allowed to monetize the remaining land, Optical fibre and Towers for meeting the expenditure for CAPEX and it will be monitored by a Committee of officers from DoT, BSNL/MTNL and DIPAM. Another proposal is to make MTNL a debt free company and then a subsidiary of BSNL. The main hurdles of merger of BSNL and MTNL are a) MTNL having huge loan b) MTNL is listed company and c) contentious HR issues.
A committee being formed with officers from BSNL, MTNL and DOT for addressing b) and c) within 18 months of time and thereafter full merger with BSNL is planned.

Proposal for VRS for the employees above 50 years of age and then retirement age reduction to 58. Govt is not willing to consider any revival plan without staff reduction as it will not help revival of BSNL, according to the Govt. The ex-gratia is worked out in such a manner that ex-gratia plus pension amount will be 25% higher than the present pay (i.e salary +full pension). The Employees who will opt for VRS will get almost 25% higher amount as ex gratia + pension. Ex- gratia amount, Leave Encashment & full Pension (without Commutation) will be paid immediately after VRS. But the Gratuity with 8% interest and Commutation Payment will be made on attaining the age of 60 years. After completion of VRS, retirement age reduction to 58 will be considered w.e.from 01.01.2020. SNEA is continuing its efforts to incorporate the 3rd PRC also part of the Revival Plan as recommended by IIM, Ahmadabad.
If VRS is implemented, it will have huge impacts on the cadre like massive redeployment, sharing of the additional work load by the remaining employees, absence of support staff etc in addition to the fact that the remaining employees also will lose two years of service and salary due to retirement age reduction. Since the excess staff is being sent on VRS, all the posts they are holding and the existing vacancies will cease to exist.

BSNL Board already put on hold all the direct recruitments. New norms are being worked out and the fresh justification of posts will be worked out.

Revival Plan of BSNL is to be finalized and approved by the Cabinet as soon as possible, to steer the company out of this crisis. GS appealed to all the employees have to work cohesively like a rock, to face the upcoming challenges.

GS apprised the house regarding HR issues, current status of various DPCs i.e. JTO to SDE, SDE to DE, DE to DGM (T), AO to CAO, CAO to DGM (F) etc, E2 & E3 pay scales, first TBP, E1A/ E2A or Civil/ Elect/ Arch/ PA/ PS etc. Another 3% increase of SAB, issue of 22820/-, Implementation of CPSU hierarchy is pursued by the Assn.

Unfortunately due to the salary crisis, BSNL Board is not taking up any proposal having additional financial implications. Hence enhancement of 3% SAB proposal is not materialised so far even though SNEA and AUAB continuing its persuasion.

After Kerala High court and Supreme Court verdict on higher pension the EPF office filled two review petitions on it. One review petition was dismissed and other one is still pending. NCOA is party in the Hon Supreme Court on the cases filed for Full Pension. SNEA and NCOA are associated with the court cases at Hon SC. SNEA is closely monitoring and pursuing the issue.

Delegates raised the issues of misuse of funds by floating tenders for fancy pole, stopping of all waste full expenditure, rollback of BA concept, land monetization should be on present value, forwarding of Deputation applications etc etc.

An open session was also arranged which was addressed by Com K Sebastin GS, Com Sumit Saxena JS (C), Circle Secretary MP Com. S.D. Majumdar, Shri Suresh Babu PGMTD Indore, Shri M.R.Rawat PGM Zonal Indore, Shri Pankaj Upadhayay GMTD Ujjain, Dr. Mahesh Shukla, CGMT MP Circle made a motivating address and told that this is a temporary or crisis phase for one or two years for BSNL. He also told that, he is of full belief that, BSNL will be able to face this challenges and BSNL will survive and again rise to its previous position in the coming years.

27-07-2019

7^th Circle Conference of SNEA Chennai TD Circle was held at Chennai on 30th and 31st May, 2019. Veteran leader Com G.L.Jogi inaugurated the Conference. Circle President Com M. K. Veerapandian presided over the delegate session.
An impressive Open session with more than 300 members was held on 30th May, 19 evening. Com A. Shunmuga Sundara Rajan, CS presented the Key Note address. Com K.Sebastin/GS, Com G.L.Jogi, Com R.Rajan/ CHQ Treasurer, Com A. Chandrasekar/ JS(South), Shri. P. Santhosam/CGM ChTD, Shri. Shashikant/ GM(HR&A) addressed the open session. Veteran leaders Com S. Sundar, Com M. Munusamy, Com S. Venkatraman, Com N. Chitti Babu, Com S. Sundara Rajan, and Com M. Kanniappan CS/BSNLEU and Com J. Badrinarayanan CS/AIBSNLEA attended the open session. CHQ leaders in their address strongly pointed out the policy violations by the Government, favouring the private operators. Entry of Reliance Jio with the support of Govt and TRAI played havoc in the Telecom Industry and all the operators are facing financial crisis. BSNL not getting level playing field, even 4G spectrum not allotted to BSNL. In the case of 2G and 3G, Govt did not allowed BSNL to procure the equipments in time and BSNL lost the market. In the case of 4G, BSNL procured the equipments in time but Govt did not allot the spectrum. In both cases BSNL become the victim. Govt is not allowing monetization of land which is a very good revenue earning source for BSNL. The pension contribution is still collected on the maximum of the pay scales in contravention of the Govt orders. On the tremendous pressure created by the employees through protracted struggle, now Govt is seriously considering a Revival Package for BSNL. Even during the election, PMO forced to intervene and called a meeting to finalize the Revival plan immediately. This is the success of our united struggle. The revival package include 4G spectrum allotment, land monetization, taking over the bank loan of BSNL in lieu of some land parcels, merger of BSNL and MTNL, subsidy for rural Exchanges, restructuring of BSNL through VRS etc. We should be prepared for valiant struggles and requested not to lose confidence.

GS explained in detail about the status of HR issues like Promotions in various cadres, E2/E3 pay scales, 30% superannuation benefit to BSNL recruited employees, CPSU Cadre hierarchy, 3rd Pay Revision, Pension Revision, pay loss for post 2007 rects, 1st TBP, E1A/E2A for Civil/Eect/Arch etc. Due to the severe financial crisis and salary issue, the HR issues having financial implications are not getting the attention of BSNL mgt and DoT.

In the Conference Com S. Radhakrishnan, Com P. Charles and Com A. Vasantha Kumar were unanimously elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary and Circle Treasurer respectively for the next term. Com A.Shunmuga Sundara Rajan and Com K.K. Joshi elected as CWC Members.

27-07-2019

7^th Circle Conference of SNEA Chennai TD Circle was held at Chennai on 30th and 31st May, 2019. Veteran leader Com G.L.Jogi inaugurated the Conference. Circle President Com M. K. Veerapandian presided over the delegate session.
An impressive Open session with more than 300 members was held on 30th May, 19 evening. Com A. Shunmuga Sundara Rajan, CS presented the Key Note address. Com K.Sebastin/GS, Com G.L.Jogi, Com R.Rajan/ CHQ Treasurer, Com A. Chandrasekar/ JS(South), Shri. P. Santhosam/CGM ChTD, Shri. Shashikant/ GM(HR&A) addressed the open session. Veteran leaders Com S. Sundar, Com M. Munusamy, Com S. Venkatraman, Com N. Chitti Babu, Com S. Sundara Rajan, and Com M. Kanniappan CS/BSNLEU and Com J. Badrinarayanan CS/AIBSNLEA attended the open session. CHQ leaders in their address strongly pointed out the policy violations by the Government, favouring the private operators. Entry of Reliance Jio with the support of Govt and TRAI played havoc in the Telecom Industry and all the operators are facing financial crisis. BSNL not getting level playing field, even 4G spectrum not allotted to BSNL. In the case of 2G and 3G, Govt did not allowed BSNL to procure the equipments in time and BSNL lost the market. In the case of 4G, BSNL procured the equipments in time but Govt did not allot the spectrum. In both cases BSNL become the victim. Govt is not allowing monetization of land which is a very good revenue earning source for BSNL. The pension contribution is still collected on the maximum of the pay scales in contravention of the Govt orders. We should be prepared for valiant struggles and requested not to lose confidence. Explained in detail about the status of HR issues like Promotions in various cadres, E2/E3 pay scales, 30% superannuation benefit to BSNL recruited employees, CPSU Cadre hierarchy, 3rd Pay Revision, Pension Revision, pay loss for post 2007 rects, 1st TBP, E1A/E2A for Civil/Eect/Arch etc. Due to the severe financial crisis and salary issue, the HR issues having financial implications are not getting the attention of BSNL mgt and DoT.

27-07-2019

7th Circle Conference of SNEA Chennai TD Circle was held at Chennai on 30th and 31st May, 2019. Veteran leader Com G.L.Jogi inaugurated the Conference. Circle President Com M. K. Veerapandian presided over the delegate session.
An impressive Open session with more than 300 members was held on 30th May, 19 evening. Com A. Shunmuga Sundara Rajan, CS presented the Key Note address. Com K.Sebastin/GS, Com G.L.Jogi, Com R.Rajan/ CHQ Treasurer, Com A. Chandrasekar/ JS(South), Shri. P. Santhosam/CGM ChTD, Shri. Shashikant/ GM(HR&A) addressed the open session. Veteran leaders Com S. Sundar, Com M. Munusamy, Com S. Venkatraman, Com N. Chitti Babu, Com S. Sundara Rajan, and Com M. Kanniappan CS/BSNLEU and Com J. Badrinarayanan CS/AIBSNLEA attended the open session. CHQ leaders in their address strongly pointed out the policy violations by the Government, favouring the private operators. Entry of Reliance Jio with the support of Govt and TRAI played havoc in the Telecom Industry and all the operators are facing financial crisis. BSNL not getting level playing field, even 4G spectrum not allotted to BSNL. In the case of 2G and 3G, Govt did not allowed BSNL to procure the equipments in time and BSNL lost the market. In the case of 4G, BSNL procured the equipments in time but Govt did not allot the spectrum. In both cases BSNL become the victim. We should be prepared for valiant struggles and requested not to lose confidence. Explained in detail about the status of HR issues like Promotions in various cadres, E2/E3 pay scales, 30% superannuation benefit to BSNL recruited employees, CPSU Cadre hierarchy, 3rd Pay Revision, Pension Revision, pay loss for post 2007 rects, 1st TBP, E1A/E2A for Civil/Eect/Arch etc.

28-05-2019

First CEC meeting of Rajasthan Circle was held at Ajmer on 19th May 2019. Circle Secretary Com S R Sharma presented his report. GS elaborately discussed the current status of services being rendered by BSNL and the financial crisis of BSNL and its impact on future. The Revival Plan of BSNL is to be finalised by the new Govt as soon as possible to steer the company out of crisis. The employees are to be united like a rock to face the challenges, boldly. GS apprised the house regarding HR issues, current status of various DPCs i.e. JTO to SDE, SDE to DE, DE to DGM (T), AO to CAO, CAO to DGM (F) etc, E2 & E3 pay scales, first TBP, E1A/E2A or Civil/Elect/Arch/PA/PS etc. Another 3% increase of SAB is pursued by the Assn and AUAB. Implementation of CPSU hierarchy is the need of the hour to overcome all litigation for promotions. Delegates raised the issues of misuse of marketing funds, stopping of waste full expenditure in the name of zonal meeting, rollback of BA concept, stopping of MT recruitment etc. On MT rect, GS replied that External MT recruitment is stopped and a fast track promotion policy will be worked out replacing the MT after implementation of CPSU Hierarchy.

An open session was also arranged which was addressed by Com K Sebastin/GS, Com S L Sharma/JS (W), Shri R K Chauhan/ PGMTD Ajmer, Com S R Sharma Circle Secretary, Com R R Sharam/CP and senior Com S S Rajput. Shri R K Chauhan PGMTD Ajmer made a motivating address told that this is a temporary phase for one or two years. If BSNL is able to face this challenges with hardships for one year, then it will survive and again rise to its previous position.

29-03-2019

Recognition to newly elected Circle Body of Haryana Circle in the Circle Conference held at Sirsa on 23.03.2019.

Recognition by CHQ

25-03-2019

Circle Conference of Haryana Circle:

The 6th Circle Conference of Haryana Circle was held at Sirsa on 23.03.2019. GS, CHQ President, Jt Sec(N) Com Jagtar Singh and AGS Com Sanjee Sharma addressed the Conference. CS/PB Com Gurpreet Singh, SSA Sec Ludhiana and ACS/PB also attended the Conference. Com Arvind Pal Dahiya, Dy Secretary General, NCOA also addressed the Conference.

An open session was held in the forenoon session in which Shri Dushyant Chautala, the young Hisar MP was the Chief Guest. He had spoken widely about the role of BSNL and its strategic importance in the Telecom sector. The employees created huge infrastructure and assets for BSNL and it has to be maintained. In the changed scenario, BSNL and the employees has to adopt new strategies to make it profitable.

CHQ leaders spoken about the issues related to the viability of BSNL and the role of the employees for the revival of BSNL. The present Govt is not at all keen on the revival BSNL. This is evident from the stand of Niti Aayog, Finance Ministry and DoT on 4G spectrum allotment even after repeated assurances by the Hon Minister in the Parliament and to the AUAB. Govt systematically killing BSNL. The important decisions of the Govt in the recent past makes it clear that the Govt is favouring Reliance –Jio, at the cost of BSNL, its own PSU. The appointment of R S Sharma as TRAI Chairman and his policies favouring R-Jio, shifting of Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad just before the launch of R-Jio as Telecom Minister who openly supported BSNL, sacking of Shri J S Deepak from Secretary DoT who opposed predatory pricing of R-Jio and the stand of TRAI on predatory pricing, non allotment of 4G spectrum, non-filling of Director(Fin) and other Director posts of BSNL for years together, non-granting of permission for Bank loan etc are few examples which establishes that the hidden agenda of Govt is to finish off BSNL. Publicly they makes postures that Govt wants to revive BSNL and practically doing just reverse.

28th February was the black day for BSNL. For the first time, BSNL could not pay the salary on the last working day. According to the indications it may continue for atleast one year. Since the Govt support may not come easily, it is for the employees to struggle and gather public support which compel the Govt to support BSNL and to take correct policy decisions in time. This can be done only by the employees. Our struggle is for that purpose with the sole agenda of revival of BSNL. Last three days strike was highly successful. It had huge impact in the political circles and the establishment and it will produce positive results in the future. DoT started acting fast on some of our demands, decisively, after the strike. Permission given for Bank loan for OPEX, a positive reply sent to Ministry of Finance on Pension Contribution on actual basic pay which was pending for years together etc are some positive actions. DoT is acting very fast of revival package and draft Cabinet memo is already prepared even during code of conduct.

The Sanchar Bhavan March on 05.04.2019 should give further boost and momentum to the resolution of our demands. Success of the March will definitely accelerate the settlement of issues. This election period is the time to garner support from all the corners, irrespective of political parties and your participation will make the difference.

AUAB leaders representing NFTE and BSNLEU also spoke on the occasion. AUAB Chairman and GS/NFTE Com Chandeswar Singh spoken in details about the recent strike and Sanchar Bhavan March scheduled for 05.04.2019.

In the Conference Com Jarnail Singh, Com Surender Singh, Com Dinesh Kumar, Com Pradeep Kumar and Com M S Khanna are unanimously elected as C/President, C/Secretary, C/Treasurer and CWC members respectively. CHQ wishes all the success to the newly elected Circle body.

11-12-2018

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11-12-2018

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11-12-2018

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12-11-2018

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12-11-2018

Circle Conference - Jharkhand

The Circle Conference of JKD Circle was held at Training Centre, Ranchi on 28.10.2018. GS attended and addressed the Conference. An open session was held in the afternoon in which CGM/JKD Circle, Shri K. K. Thakur, Shri A. K. Samanta, GM(Admn) and Shri R. Prasad, GM(Mkg) addressed. Com Paknaj Das, CS/JKD and Com Rajan Ram, CP/JKD, Com M S Adasul/CS MH, Com Ratish Kumar, CS/BR and Com Jagdish Rout, ACS/OR also addressed the session.

GS in his address explained the proactive steps taken by the management, the trade Unions/Assns and the employees together in particular to revive BSNL. BSNL took very important steps to strengthen the transmission network and its reliability. Phase VII plus and Phase VIII.4 GSM expansion really improved the quality of mobile network. AUAB is struggling to get the 4G spectrum allotted. TDM switches are replaced by IP switches through NGN. Very competitive tariff plans are introduced to retain the customers. Now our main focus is to increase the customer base and concentrated efforts on FTTH connections and EB business. FTTH equipments are procured through Add on order in NGN tender and by a new tender. It is time for us to think positive and utilize the strength within BSNL and convert it into business. Management and the employees together have to work out the future strategy. Utilizing all the available resources, we have to provide maximum connections. Our efforts should be to improve the customer base and retain the existing customers at any cost.

GS explained the important breakthrough SNEA could make on the HR issues through various struggles:

1. Promotions in various wings: Many in the cadre of JTO/JAO, SDE/AO and equivalent cadres were languishing for long in their respective stream, virtually with no hope of promotion in sight. The protracted court cases regarding seniority and reservation spelt doom to many to go without promotion before superannuation. The irresponsible and reckless act of filing OAs on frivolous ground and obtaining stay on all promotions, who are unbothered about its implications, has cast indescribable disaster on the prospect of thousands of Executives.

During May, 2018, as a big relief, Hon SC allowed reservation in promotions through an interim order which opened the window for promotions. During the month of May and June, 2018, BSNL witnessed more than 12,800 promotions in different cadres. All the vacancies in all the cadres, except SDE(T) and CAO as on 30.06.2018 are filled up. The approval of CPSU Hierarchy on 28.05.2018 and our strong demand for its implementation w.e.f 01.07.2018 compelled the management to complete all the promotions before 01.07.2018, the due date of CPSU Hierarchy. The management and the Assn at all level exhibited tremendous coordination to complete the work in the stipulated time, something which was unimaginable or impossible. The efforts of SNEA to promote the JTOs, both LDCE and SCF together upto 2010-11 was misinterpreted by some sections and tried to create misunderstanding among the innocent JTOs.

Parallel to CPSU Hierarchy implementation, all out efforts are continuing for the DPC from JTO to SDE and AO to CAO for the vacancies prior to 30.06.2018. For SDE promotion, Assement sheet and VC received from almost all the Circle. The contempt case filed at CAT/EKM against the CMD and others casting shadow on our efforts. Side by side BSNL filed a review petition in the Hon HC to restore 1) rect year and 2) Trg centre marks as the criteria to decide the inter-se seniority of JTOs in a particular rect year. The court case at EKM is the main hurdle. Another issue is the recent SC order on reservations in promotions in Nagaraj case which again put fresh hurdles in SDE and CAO promotions. The legal opinion received by BSNL is to wait for the DoPT instructions in this regard. However we are continuing our efforts.

When management discriminated different cadres repeatedly in promotions and proposed upgradation of posts for a particular cadre, humiliating others, SNEA protested against this naked discrimination and demanded parity in promotions. Finally we could succeed when management taken a decision that hereafter any upgradation is done and promotions are given, it will maintain parity. It was a big moral victory for SNEA where we could stand with the sentiments of thousands.

2. Uniform TB promotion policy (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy) w.e.f 01.07.2018: After the MV in December, 2016, Assn made continuous efforts for framing the policy. Management discussed this policy matter with the Recognised Association only. Broad agreement reached between Management and the Recognised Executive Assn, SNEA by October, 2017 and the policy got approved by the MC on 02.11.2017. BSNL Board approved the proposal on 28.05.2018, with the prospective date, 28.05.18. We are making all out efforts to get it notified w.e.f 01.07.2018. It will be the biggest career breakthrough for the Executives, after the terms and conditions for absorption.

3. E2, E3 pay scales w.e.f 01.01.2007 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A: After lot of struggle, BSNL management recommended the upgraded pay scales of E2 and E3 to DoT on 06.06.2016, which is a major breakthrough. However DoT is very negative on this issue and even gone to the extent of declaring that E1 and E2 are the pay scales approved by DoT for the BSNL directly recruited Executives at the time of formation of BSNL and not E1A and E2A. Still we are continuing our struggle to get E2 and E3 scales approved. For this purpose, we met Hon Union Ministers for Finance, Heavy Industries and Telecom and the senior officers of DoT, DPE and Dept of Expenditure and pursued the matter. After the DPE reply, now our all out efforts are concentrated in DoT to get E2 and E3 scales approved and the PO modified in this regard. So far BSNL did not endorsed the PO issue by DoT on 28.03.2017 lowering the pay scales from E1A to E1 and E2A to E2, due to our strong protest.

4. 3^rd PRC implementation with full 15% fitment: The 3rd PRC constituted as a result of the struggle by NCOA. We interacted with 3rd PRC through NCOA and finally Govt approved 3rd PRC with affordability clause which denies pay revision for majority of the CPSUs including BSNL. After that, SNEA being the Recognised Assn, negotiated with BSNL management for full 15% fitment. The issue we are pursuing under the banner of AUAB and various agitations taken place for the settlement of this most important HR issue. The settlement of 3rd PRC is vital for the revival of BSNL as the employees will be highly motivated by the implementation of 3rd Pay revision with 15% fitment. 3^rd Pay revision with 15% fitment will be the biggest challenge before us in the present financial condition of the company.

5. 30% Superannuation Fund: SNEA struggled for the EPF contribution without the ceiling and got it implemented in 2005. After 2nd PRC, we are demanding contribution beyond the existing 20% and pursued along with other Unions and Assns also. Finally in a very significant breakthrough, it started with 3% on 05.05.2016, and thereafter it increased by another 2%, taking the total contribution to 25% out of 30%. We are struggling for another 2% more as assured by the CMD. The entire pension fund of 5% is handled by LIC.

6. Group Term Insurance (GTI): This is another issue, SNEA taken up immediately after the membership verification. SNEA pursued it with management, LIC and SBI Life for all the Executives. Now the proposal is in the final stage with the LIC and the options will be called for shortly.

7. Pension revision for the Govt pensioners retired from BSNL: SNEA is tying its level best to delink the pension revision from the Pay revision. According to us, the pension revision with 15% fitment has no relation with pay revision for the serving employees as the pension is paid by the Govt and having no link with the financial condition of BSNL. This issue we are pursuing under AUAB banner also.

8. Pension contribution on actual basic pay, instead of maximum of the pay scale: BSNL is compelled to pay the pension contribution for the absorbed employees on the maximum of the pay scales where as the Govt orders stipulates pension contribution on the actual basic pay, w.e.f 01.01.2006. Since then BSNL made almost 2500 crores excess payment to DoT in this regard. SNEA taken up this issue with DoPT, DoE etc. DoPT supported our demand. Dept of Expenditure is positive in this regard but DoT(Finance) is not in a mood to recommend from their side. SNEA and AUAB is pursuing with DoT and Hon Minister in this regard for a positive decision.

Settlement of Pension contribution on actual basic pay is very important as 3^rd PRC implementation is very much depends on this factor.

9. First TB promotion uniformly after 4 years: This is an anomaly for the JTO/JAOs recruited between 1993 to 2001. All of them got the first TBP in 5 or 6 years where as their juniors got it in 4 years, after 01.01.2007. After the approval of CPSU Hierarchy by the Board, now SNEA pursuing this issue. It will be thoroughly examined and thereafter it has to get the approval of MC, BSNL Board and DoT as it involves amendment of EPP w.e.f. 01.10.2004, with retrospective effect.

10. Offtg pay protection: More than 10000 JTO/JAO, SDE/AO equivalent cadres faced reduction of one or two increments and recovery of lakhs of rupees on the basis of the wrong clarification issued by BSNL on 19.02.2010 that pay protection is not available on Offtg promotion to SDE/AO and DE/CAO/EE equivalent cadres. After continuous pursuation and struggle for more than 7 years the issue finally settled and orders issued on 28.02.2017, protecting the increments drawn during Offtg promotion. The increments restored and arreas paid wherever reduction in pay and recovery taken place, thereby settling one of the burning issue.

11. Pay loss issue for post 2007 rect JTO/JAOs: Our demand for fitment of 30% and fix the initial pay as Rs 22820/- for the post 2007 batches treating it as an anomaly is not accepted by the management. Since the pay loss is huge and cannot be simply ignored, we are not leaving this issue but trying to find some alternative ways to address the pay loss. Now SNEA is trying to resolve this issue by giving additional increments from E2 scale which is possible only after the approval of E2 and E3 scales.

12. JTO 2014 RR notification, Regularization of Offtg JTOs and JTO LICE for the years, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16: The JTO RR amended and notified in 2015 thereby, i) reducing the qualifying service from 7 years to 5 years, ii) Rect year concept done away and vacancy year concept introduced in the JTO rect/seniority, iii) Method of fixation of seniority is defined as Trg centre marks in the RR itself and iv) Offtg JTOs made eligible to become JTOs as a onetime measure and absorbed in 2013-14, 50% vacancies. Remaining vacancies of 2013-14 under 50% quota and the 50% quota for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 filled in a sequence through LICE, thereby making LICE current. Side by side DR rect also taken place against 2016-17 vacancy year.

13. FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35: The fixation of the pay of Offtg JTOs under FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35 was our demand and through legal fight in Hon PCAT, New Delhi, we got it implemented for our SNEA members. The appeal filed by BSNL in the High Court and Supreme Court are dismissed recently, paving the way for its generalization. Finally after the SC order, BSNLCO issued the orders generalising the pay fixation.

14. Additional increment on post based promotion: EPP- 2007 provides one additional increment on post based promotion in the same pay scale. By an arbitrary decision, DoT rescinded this provision on 05.07.2017. We challenged the order in the Hon PCAT, New Delhi and Hon CAT quashed the DoT order dated 05.07.2017, restoring the additional increment.

15. E1A, E2A scales w.e.f. 01.10.2000 for the JTO/SDE equivalent in Civil/Elect/Arch/TF wings, PA/PS etc: After lot of pursuation, we got it approved by MC of BSNL Board. Thereafter it was placed before the Board for approval. However DoT is not allowing this to discuss in the BSNL Board.

16. Increasing the number of DGM(T) posts by 800: The approval of CPSU Hierarchy and the resultant promotion to AGM grade where the number of AGMs will be between 9,000 to 10,000 naturally lead to the requirement of increase in DGM(T) posts. The present DGM posts is just 1331 proportionate to the earlier 5303 AGM posts with a ratio of 1:4. In the changed scenario, to maintain the same ratio, the DGM post is to be increased to another 800. This demand is strongly pursued by SNEA. Meanwhile efforts are going on for DGM promotion for about 800 DGM vacancies available as of now.

Circle office Bearers list

31-10-2018

Circle Executive Committee meeting of AP Circle

The CEC meeting of AP Circle was held at Vijayawada on 24.10.2018. GS, AGS Com A Chandrasekhar, CS/TL Com Ramesh and CP/TL Com Jaganmohan Reddy attended the CEC. An open session was held in the afternoon in which CGM/AP Circle, Shri A P Rao and GMTD/Krishna SSA, Shri Ravindranath addressed. CS/AP Com Umamaheswar Rao presented the keynote address. CGM explained the various achievements of AP Circle in FTTH connections, revenue collection etc. The dip in the revenue due to the competitive tariff is really a concern. GS in his address congratulated the AP comrades for taking lot of initiatives in marketing front and setting examples for others. The initiative to maintain the network even by contributing from the employee side shows the commitment and dedication of the employees towards the company.

Instead of finding the negative aspects within BSNL, it is time for us to think positive and utilize the strength within BSNL and convert it into business. Management and the employees together have to work out the future strategy. The transmission network expanded with 232 Edge routers, CPAN and OTN and now BSNL is going for super core in the MPLS network. All these efforts strengthened the transmission network and its reliability. TDM switches are replaced by IP switches through NGN. Phase VII plus and Phase VIII.4 GSM expansion really improved the quality of mobile network. OLTs, low count cables and ONTs are procuring for FTTH connections. To meet the immediate requirement, OLTs and ONTs are procured through add on order in the NGN Tender. Very competitive plans are introduced for FTTH and BB. Utilizing all the available resources, we have to provide maximum connections. Our efforts should be to improve the customer base and retain the existing customers at any cost.

GS explained the activities at CHQ and the important breakthrough SNEA could make on the following issues and settle the issues through various struggles:

1. Promotions in various wings and Parity in promotions: All very much appreciated the role played by SNEA in releasing the promotion orders in record time, which nobody expected. By 30.06.2018, more than 12,800 promotions issued in different cadres a record in the history of BSNL and doT. All the vacancies in all the cadres, except SDE(T) and CAO as on 30.06.2018 are filled up. The approval of CPSU Hierarchy on 28.05.2018 and our strong demand for its implementation w.e.f 01.07.2018 compelled the management to complete all the promotions before 01.07.2018, the due date of CPSU Hierarchy. The management and the Assn worked together to achieve this milestone. Efforts are continuing for the JTO to SDE and AO to CAO promotions where vacancies are available. Management is not at all positive in further promotions which may lead to fresh litigations and contempt cases, according to them. Withdrawal of the case at Ernakulam will bring confidence in the management and the promotion orders can be issued within no time for maximum number of posts. Unnecessary litigations delaying the promotions and jeopardizing the future of thousands of young JTOs.

When management discriminated different cadres repeatedly in promotions and proposed upgradation of posts for a particular cadre, humiliating others, SNEA protested agaist this naked discrimination and demanded parity in promotions. Our immediate protest taken by surprise by the management and many others and even they tried to propogate that SNEA is against Accounts personal. In fact SNEA echoed the sentiments of thousands of discriminated and deprived Executives, suppressed for years together. Finally we could succeed when management taken a decision that hereafter any upgradation is done and promotions are given, it will maintain parity.

2. Uniform TB promotion policy (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy) w.e.f 01.07.2018: It is part of the terms and conditions for absorption. In May, 2015, the Joint Committee reconstituted as a result of our agitation with Shri M. A. Khan, ED as the Chairman. In October, 2015, Khan Committee given a positive recommendation. After the MV in December, 2016, Assn made continuous efforts for framing the policy. Management discussed this policy matter with the Recognised Association only. Our demand was its implementation w.e.f 01.01.2017. However BSNL Board approved the proposal on 28.05.2018, with the prospective date, 28.05.18.

The main features of the new promotion policy are:

Three assured Time Bound functional promotions in 15 years upto AGM grade delinking from availability of posts and seniority, There will not be any separate post for JTO or SDE or DE equivalent grades in any streams, First TB functional promotion residency period reduced from 6 years to 5 years, No fresh DPC required for those who are already working in the higher pay scale, Promotion is effective from the due date irrespective of date of issue of promotion orders, The AGMs will be more than double of the present strength, Uniform promotion avenues for all the equivalent cadres in different streams. No discrimination among equivalent cadres in different streams.

We are making all out efforts to get it notified w.e.f 01.07.2018. It will be the biggest career breakthrough for the Executives, after the terms and conditions for absorption.

3. E2, E3 pay scales w.e.f 01.01.2007 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A: After various struggles since 2010, we could get the Khan Committee formed in May, 2015 and the Joint Committee submitted a positive recommendation in October, 2015. But two Jt Committee members given the dissent note. There after our efforts are to get the approval of E2 and E3 scales from the BSNL Management. Finally after lot of struggle, BSNL management accepted the recommendations and recommended the upgraded pay scales of E2 and E3 to DoT on 06.06.2016, which is a major breakthrough. However DoT is very negative on this issue and even gone to the extent of declaring that E1 and E2 are the pay scales approved by DoT for the BSNL recruited Executives at the time of formation of BSNL and not E1A and E2A. Still we are continuing our struggle to get E2 and E3 scales approved. For this purpose, we met Hon Union Ministers for Finance, Heavy Industries and Telecom and the senior officers of DoT, DPE and Dept of Expenditure and pursued the matter. After the DPE reply, now our all out efforts are concentrated in DoT to get E2 and E3 scales approved and the PO modified in this regard. So far BSNL did not endorsed the PO issue by DoT on 28.03.2017 lowering the pay scales from E1A to E1 and E2A to E2, due to our strong protest.

4. 3^rd PRC implementation with full 15% fitment: The 3^rd PRC constituted as a result of the struggle by NCOA. We interacted with 3^rd PRC through NCOA and finally Govt approved 3^rd PRC with affordability clause which denies pay revision for majority of the CPSUs including BSNL. After that, SNEA being the Recognised Assn, negotiated with BSNL management for full 15% fitment. Finally management agreed to our demand and recommended 3^rd pay revision with full 15% fitment. This issue we are pursuing under the banner of AUAB & NCOA and various agitations taken place for the settlement of this most important HR issue. 3^rd Pay revision with 15% fitment will be the biggest challenge before us in the present financial condition of the company.

5. 30% Superannuation Fund: After our struggle to get EPF contribution without the ceiling of Rs 6500 which got it settled in 2005, this is another major issue we are resolving stage by stage. The social security for the BSNL directly recruited employees who are not covered by CCS Pension rules, 1972 was a real concern for SNEA. After 2^nd PRC, we are demanding contribution beyond the existing 20% and finally in a very significant breakthrough, it started with 3% on 05.05.2016, by which the total contribution reached 23% out of 30%. Thereafter it increased by another 2%, taking the total contribution to 25% out of 30%. We are struggling for another 2% more as assured by the CMD. The entire pension fund of 5% is handled by LIC.

6. Pension revision for the Govt pensioners retired from BSNL: SNEA is tying its level best to delink the pension revision from the Pay revision. The pension revision with 15% fitment has no relation with pay revision for the serving employees as the pension is paid by the Govt and having no link with the financial condition of BSNL. Moreover, the pension contribution for the period they worked in BSNL is already paid to the Govt. This issue we are pursuing under AUAB banner also.

7. Group Term Insurance (GTI): This is another issue, SNEA taken up immediately after the membership verification. Since the BSNL directly recruited Executives don’t have the defined pension as a social security, immediately after membership verification SNEA pursued it with management, LIC and SBI Life for all the Executives. Now the proposal is in the final stage with the LIC. The options will be called for shortly.

Settlement of Pension contribution on actual basic pay is very important as 3^rd PRC implementation is very much depends on this factor.

9. First TB promotion uniformly after 4 years: This is an anomaly for the JTO/JAOs recruited between 1993 to 2001. All of them got the first TBP in 5 or 6 years where as their juniors got it in 4 years, after 01.01.2007. Khan Committee recommend for 4 to 5 years instead of 4 to 6 years. However as per Hyderabad CWC decision, we are pursuing for 4 years. After the approval of CPSU Hierarchy by the Board, now SNEA pursuing this issue and the proposal recently moved to higher authorities will the details. It requires approval of MC, BSNL Board and DoT as it involves amendment of EPP w.e.f. 01.10.2004, with retrospective effect.

10. JTO 2014 RR notification, Regularization of Offtg JTOs JTO LICE for the years, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16: The JTO RR amended and notified in 2015 thereby, i) reducing the qualifying service from 7 years to 5 years even though there was opposition from some Assns, ii) Rect year concept done away and vacancy year concept introduced in the JTO rect/seniority, iii) Method of fixation of seniority is defined as Trg centre marks in the RR itself and iv) Screening test passed Offtg JTOs made eligible to become JTOs as a onetime measure and absorbed in 2013-14, 50% vacancies. Vacancies of 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 filled in a sequence through LICE making LICE current. Side by side DR rect also taken place against 2015-16 vacancy year. Now same efforts are continuing for the notification of the LICE for 2016-17 and 2017-18 to make the LICE, again current.

11. Offtg pay protection: More than 10000 JTO/JAO, SDE/AO equivalent cadres faced reduction of one or two increments and recovery of lakhs of rupees on the basis of the wrong clarification issued by BSNL on 19.02.2010 that pay protection is not available on Offtg promotion to SDE/AO and DE/CAO/EE equivalent cadres. After continuous pursuation and struggle for more than 7 years the issue finally settled and orders issued on 28.02.2017, protecting the increments drawn during Offtg promotion. The increments restored and the arrears paid wherever reduction in pay and recovery taken place, thereby settling one of the burning issue.

12. Pay loss issue for post 2007 rect JTO/JAOs: Our demand for fitment of 30% and fix the initial pay as Rs 22820/- for the post 2007 batches treating it as an anomaly is not accepted by the management. The high level committee constituted during our agitation in this regard also not given a positive recommendation. Now SNEA is trying to resolve this issue by giving additional increments which is possible only after the approval of E2 and E3 scales. Additional increment is possible from E2 scale only. Approval of E2 and E3 scale is having more relevance now.

13. E1A, E2A scales w.e.f. 01.10.2000 for the JTO/SDE equivalent in Civil/Elect/Arch/TF wings, PA/PS etc: After lot of pursuation SNEA, it approved by MC of BSNL Board. Thereafter it was placed before the Board for approval. However DoT is not allowing this to discuss in the BSNL Board. DoT has taken a stand that those who absorbed as Non Executives as on 01.10.2000 cannot have 9850 (E1A) scale. We are discussing this matter within BSNL to overcome the DoT objection without altering the status as on 01.10.2000 and keeping the PO issued during absorption intact.

14. FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35: The fixation of the pay of Offtg JTOs under FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35 was our demand and through legal fight in Hon PCAT, New Delhi, we got it implemented for our SNEA members. The appeal filed by BSNL in the High Court and Supreme Court are dismissed recently, paving the way for its generalization. Finally after the SC order, BSNLCO issued orders generalising the pay fixation for the Offtg JTOs under FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35. Now we are pursuing the pay fixation for them in the officiating pay scale as on 01.01.2007, instead of the substantive pay scale.

15. Additional increment on post based promotion: EPP- 2007 provides one additional increment on post based promotion in the same pay scale. By an arbitrary decision, DoT rescinded this provision on 05.07.2017. When our protest fallen into deaf ears, we challenged the order in the Hon PCAT, New Delhi. Hon CAT quashed the DoT order dated 05.07.2017, restoring the additional increment. The appeal in the HC also is likely to be dismissed in few weeks time.

16. Increasing the number of DGM(T) posts by 800: After CPSU Hierarchy the number of AGMs will be between 9,000 to 10,000 and that naturally lead to the increase in DGM(T) posts. The present DGM posts is just 1331 proportionate to the earlier 5303 AGM posts with a ratio of 1:4. In the changed scenario, to maintain the same ratio, the DGM post is to be increased to another 800. This demand is strongly pursued by SNEA. Meanwhile efforts are going on for DGM promotion for about 800 DGM vacancies available as of now.

15-10-2018

Circle Executive Committee meeting of MH Circle

The CEC meeting of MH Circle was held at Jalgoan on 13-14, October, 2018. GS and President attended and addressed the CEC. GS and President in their address explained the activities at CHQ and the important breakthrough SNEA could make on the following issues and settle the issues through various struggles:

1. Uniform TB promotion policy (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy) w.e.f 01.07.2018: It is part of the terms and conditions for absorption. In 2005, SNEA and AIBSNLEA together gone for agitation for its implementation but could not succeed fully. As a result of the struggle, EPP with time bound financial upgradation notified. But SNEA continued its efforts for getting TB functional promotion. After the MV in December, 2016, Assn made continuous efforts for framing the policy. Management discussed this policy matter with the Recognised Association only. In May, 2015, the Joint Committee reconstituted as a result of our agitation with Shri M. A. Khan, ED as the Chairman. In October, 2015, Khan Committee given a positive recommendation. Broad agreement reached between Management and the Recognised Executive Assn, SNEA by October, 2017 and the policy got approved by the MC on 02.11.2017 and thereafter it circulated among other Assns for their comments. Our demand was its implementation w.e.f 01.01.2017. However BSNL Board approved the proposal on 28.05.2018, with the prospective date, 28.05.18.

The main features of the new promotion policy are:

i) Three assured functional promotions in 15 years, after every 5 years (now one promotion is not getting in 15 years).

ii) Promotion upto AGM grade is delinked from availability of posts, now the promotion is Time Bound, on completion of 5 years.

iii) Promotion upto AGM grade is delinked from seniority as it is Time Bound.

iv) There will not be any separate post for JTO or SDE or DE equivalent grades in any streams.

v) First TB functional promotion residency period reduced from 6 years to 5 years.

vi) No fresh DPC required for those who are already working in the pay scale of the grade to which promotion is considered.

vii) Promotion is effective from the due date irrespective of date of issue of promotion orders.

viii) The number of AGMs will be more than double of the present strength.

ix) Uniform promotion avenues for all the equivalent cadres in different streams. No discrimination among equivalent cadres in different streams.

We are making all out efforts to get it notified w.e.f 01.07.2018. It will be the biggest career breakthrough for the Executives, after the terms and conditions for absorption.

2. Promotions in various wings: During the month of May and June, 2018, BSNL witnessed more than 12,800 promotions in different cadres. All the vacancies in all the cadres, except SDE(T) and CAO as on 30.06.2018 are filled up. The promotions in all the cadres were held up due to litigations, mainly on seniority and reservation, for years together.

The approval of CPSU Hierarchy on 28.05.2018 and our strong demand for its implementation w.e.f 01.07.2018 compelled the management to complete all the promotions before 01.07.2018, the due date of CPSU Hierarchy. During discussion on 18.06.2018, management sought time upto 30.09.18 for completing all the DPCs. However we were very firm on our demand for completion of the DPCs by 30.06.2018 and finally CMD agreed to our demand. Remaining is history. The management and the Assn at all level exhibited tremendous coordination to complete the work in the stipulated time, something which was unimaginable or impossible. Through CPSU Hierarchy, around 9000 to 10000 AGMs promotions expected which given the management the confidence to create additional DE posts in few days and give almost double number of AGM promotions. The litigations which stopped the AGM and AO promotions resulted in upgradation of posts, to overcome the court cases. Once CPSU implemented, the posts will vanish automatically, this also helped management to take this unprecedented step of upgradation of posts.

Only due to the compulsion created by us to notify the CPSU Hierarchy by 01.07.2018, management taken all the measures to complete the DPC by 30.06.2018.

3. 30% Superannuation Fund: The social security for the BSNL directly recruited employees who are not covered by CCS Pension rules, 1972 was a real concern for SNEA. We struggled for the EPF contribution without the ceiling in 2005 and got it implemented. After 2^nd PRC, we are demanding contribution beyond the existing 20% and pursued along with other Unions and Assns also. Finally in a very significant breakthrough, it started with 3% on 05.05.2016, by which the total contribution reached 23% out of 30%. Thereafter it increased by another 2%, taking the total contribution to 25% out of 30%. We are struggling for another 2% more as assured by the CMD. The entire pension fund of 5% is handled by LIC.

4. Parity in promotions: When management discriminated different cadres repeatedly in promotions and proposed upgradation of posts for a particular cadre, humiliating others, SNEA protested agaist this naked discrimination and demanded parity in promotions. Our immediate protest taken by surprise by the management and many others and even they tried to propogate that SNEA is against Accounts personal. In fact SNEA echoed the sentiments of thousands of discriminated and deprived Executives, suppressed for years together. Finally we could succeed when management taken a decision that hereafter any upgradation is done and promotions are given, it will maintain parity. It was a big moral victory for SNEA where we could stand with the sentiments of thousands. SNEA never stops the promotion to any cadre but demands equal treatment for all, without discrimination.

5. JTO 2014 RR notification, Regularization of Offtg JTOs JTO LICE for the years, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16: The JTO RR amended and notified in 2015 thereby, i) reducing the qualifying service from 7 years to 5 years even though there was opposition from some Assns, ii) Rect year concept done away and vacancy year concept introduced in the JTO rect/seniority, iii) Method of fixation of seniority is defined as Trg centre marks in the RR itself and iv) Screening test passed Offtg JTOs made eligible to become JTOs as a onetime measure and absorbed in 2013-14, 50% vacancies. Remaining vacancies of 2013-14 under 50% quota and the 50% quota for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 filled in a sequence through LICE. Eventhough large number of litigations were there, we could conduct the LICE and declare the results in most of the Circles, thereby making LICE current. Side by side DR rect also taken place against 2016-17 vacancy year. Now same efforts are continuing for the notification of the LICE for 2016-17 and 2017-18 to make the LICE, again current. The administrative approval already given and vacancy position is called from the Circles for issuing the LICE notification.

6. Offtg pay protection: More than 10000 JTO/JAO, SDE/AO equivalent cadres faced reduction of one or two increments and recovery of lakhs of rupees on the basis of the wrong clarification issued by BSNL on 19.02.2010 that pay protection is not available on Offtg promotion to SDE/AO and DE/CAO/EE equivalent cadres. After continuous pursuation and struggle for more than 7 years the issue finally settled and orders issued on 28.02.2017, protecting the increments drawn during Offtg promotion. The increments restored and arreas paid wherever reduction in pay and recovery taken place, thereby settling one of the burning issue.

7. FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35: The fixation of the pay of Offtg JTOs under FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35 was our demand and through legal fight in Hon PCAT, New Delhi, we got it implemented for our SNEA members. The appeal filed by BSNL in the High Court and Supreme Court are dismissed recently, paving the way for its generalization. Finally after the SC order, BSNLCO issued orders generalising the pay fixation for the Offtg JTOs under FR22(1)(a)(1) without the restriction of FR35. Now we are pursuing the pay fixation for them in the officiating pay scale as on 01.01.2007, instead of the substantive pay scale.

8. Additional increment on post based promotion: EPP- 2007 provides one additional increment on post based promotion in the same pay scale. By an arbitrary decision, DoT rescinded this provision on 05.07.2017. When our protest fallen into deaf ears, we challenged the order in the Hon PCAT, New Delhi. Hon CAT quashed the DoT order dated 05.07.2017, restoring the additional increment. The appeal in the HC also is likely to be dismissed in few weeks time.

Further, SNEA is vigorously pursuing the following issues at various forums:

1. E2, E3 pay scales w.e.f 01.01.2007 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A: After various struggles since 2010, we could get the Khan Committee formed in May, 2015 and the Joint Committee submitted a positive recommendation in October, 2015. There after our efforts are to get the approval of E2 and E3 scales by BSNL Management. Finally after lot of struggle, BSNL management accepted the recommendations and recommended the upgraded pay scales of E2 and E3 to DoT on 06.06.2016, which is a major breakthrough. However DoT is very negative on this issue and even gone to the extent of declaring that E1 and E2 are the pay scales approved by DoT for the BSNL recruited Executives at the time of formation of BSNL and not E1A and E2A. Still we are continuing our struggle to get E2 and E3 scales approved. For this purpose, we met Hon Union Ministers for Finance, Heavy Industries and Telecom and the senior officers of DoT, DPE and Dept of Expenditure and pursued the matter. After the DPE reply, now our all out efforts are concentrated in DoT to get E2 and E3 scales approved and the PO modified in this regard. So far BSNL did not endorsed the PO issue by DoT on 28.03.2017 lowering the pay scales from E1A to E1 and E2A to E2, due to our strong protest.

2. 3^rd PRC implementation with full 15% fitment: The 3^rd PRC constituted as a result of the struggle by NCOA. We interacted with 3^rd PRC through NCOA and finally Govt approved 3^rd PRC with affordability clause which denies pay revision for majority of the CPSUs including BSNL. After that, SNEA being the Recognised Assn, negotiated with BSNL management for full 15% fitment. Finally management agreed to our demand and recommended 3^rd pay revision with full 15% fitment. The issue we are pursuing under the banner of AUAB and various agitations taken place for the settlement of this most important HR issue. The settlement of 3^rd PRC is vital for the revival of BSNL as the employees will be highly motivated by the implementation of 3^rd Pay revision with 15% fitment. 3^rd Pay revision with 15% fitment will be the biggest challenge before us in the present financial condition of the company.

3. Group Term Insurance (GTI): This is another issue, SNEA taken up immediately after the membership verification. Since the BSNL directly recruited Executives don’t have the defined pension as a social security, SNEA pursued it with management, LIC and SBI Life for all the Executives. Now the proposal is in the final stage with the LIC premium quote of Rs 1.6 per thousand for the coverage for 50 lakhs for the age group upto 50 years. The options will be called for shortly.

4. Pension revision for the Govt pensioners retired from BSNL: SNEA is tying its level best to delink the pension revision from the Pay revision. According to us, the pension revision with 15% fitment has no relation with pay revision for the serving employees as the pension is paid by the Govt and having no link with the financial condition of BSNL. Moreover, the pension contribution for the period they worked in BSNL is already paid to the Govt. Now DoT sought the opinion of DoPT to process the pension revision separately. This issue we are pursuing under AUAB banner also.

5. Pension contribution on actual basic pay, instead of maximum of the pay scale: BSNL is compelled to pay the pension contribution for the absorbed employees on the maximum of the pay scales where as the Govt orders stipulates pension contribution on the actual basic pay, w.e.f 01.01.2006. Since then BSNL made almost 3500 crores excess payment to DoT in this regard. SNEA taken up this issue with DoPT, DoE etc. DoPT supported our demand. Dept of Expenditure is positive in this regard but DoT(Finance) is not in a mood to recommend from their side. SNEA and AUAB is pursuing with DoT and Hon Minister in this regard for a positive decision.

Settlement of Pension contribution on actual basic pay is very important as 3^rd PRC implementation is very much depends on this factor.

6. Promotions for the vacancies available as on 30.06.2018: Efforts are continuing for the JTO to SDE and AO to CAO promotions where vacancies are available. Chances for further upgradation of post are almost ruled out. Some AGM posts reserved for untraceable cases also available. The contempt cases at Ernakulam and Chandigarh is the major hurdle for new promotions. Management is not at all positive in further promotions which may lead to fresh litigations and contempt cases, according to them. We are trying to convince the management and trying to issue the promotion orders as much possible keeping the fixation of seniority pending. Withdrawal of the case at Ernakulam will bring confidence in the management and the promotion orders can be issued within no time for maximum number of posts. Unnecessary litigations delaying the promotions and jeopardizing the future of thousands of young JTOs. Nobody is able to understand for what purpose they are fighting in the CAT when High Court rejected all their demands. Now BSNL filed review petition in the Hon HC to get the judgment modified with respect to excess promotion prior to 2000 and restoring the method of fixation of seniority as trg centre marks.

7. First TB promotion uniformly after 4 years: This is an anomaly for the JTO/JAOs recruited between 1993 to 2001. All of them got the first TBP in 5 or 6 years where as their juniors got it in 4 years, after 01.01.2007. Khan Committee recommend for 4 to 5 years instead of 4 to 6 years. However as per Hyderabad CWC decision, we are pursuing for 4 years. After the approval of CPSU Hierarchy by the Board, now SNEA pursuing this issue and the proposal recently moved to higher authorities will the details. It will be thoroughly examined and thereafter it has to get the approval of MC, BSNL Board and DoT as it involves amendment of EPP w.e.f. 01.10.2004, with retrospective effect.

8. Pay loss issue for post 2007 rect JTO/JAOs: Our demand for fitment of 30% and fix the initial pay as Rs 22820/- for the post 2007 batches treating it as an anomaly is not accepted by the management. The high level committee constituted during our agitation in this regard also not given a positive recommendation. BSNL management informed this to DoT and Hon Ministers office also. Since the pay loss is huge and cannot be simply ignored, we are not leaving this issue but trying to find some alternative ways to address the pay loss. Now SNEA is trying to resolve this issue by giving additional increments which is possible only after the approval of E2 and E3 scales. Additional increment is possible from E2 scale only. Approval of E2 and E3 scale is having more relevance now.

9. E1A, E2A scales w.e.f. 01.10.2000 for the JTO/SDE equivalent in Civil/Elect/Arch/TF wings, PA/PS etc: After lot of pursuation, we got it approved by MC of BSNL Board. Thereafter it was placed before the Board for approval. However DoT is not allowing this to discuss in the BSNL Board. DoT has taken a stand that those who absorbed as Non Executives as on 01.10.2000 cannot have 9850 (E1A) scale. We are discussing this matter within BSNL to overcome the DoT objection without altering the status as on 01.10.2000 and keeping the PO issued during absorption intact.

10. Increasing the number of DGM(T) posts by 800: The approval of CPSU Hierarchy and the resultant promotion to AGM grade where the number of AGMs will be between 9,000 to 10,000 naturally lead to the requirement of increase in DGM(T) posts. The present DGM posts is just 1331 proportionate to the earlier 5303 AGM posts with a ratio of 1:4. In the changed scenario, to maintain the same ratio, the DGM post is to be increased to another 800. This demand is strongly pursued by SNEA. Meanwhile efforts are going on for DGM promotion for about 800 DGM vacancies available as of now.