NCOA (National Confederation of Officers Association) writes to Honourable Prime Minister of India Respected Shri. Narendra Modi ji, requesting the Kind intervention for urgent Compliance with order of Honourable Supreme Court of India regarding EPS-95 Implementation for Post-2014 Retirees and Serving Employees.  Copy<<<>>

TWO DAYS MARATHON ONLINE CWC MEETING SUCCESFULLY CONCLUDED: Two Days online CWC Meeting was successfully held with active participation of all 31 Circle Secretaries accompanied by 70 CWC members all over India. The Central Working Committee (CWC), is think tank of SNEA CHQ which directs SNEA CHQ for pursuing different HR issues and overall working of the association.

The proceedings of the meeting started at 0930 Hrs of 11/01/2025 with self-introduction and concluded for the day at 2230 Hrs with completion of reports by all Circle Secretaries and some CWC Members. SCHEDULE <<<>>

On Second, i.e. 12/01/2025, since 0930 Hrs the remaining CWC members presented their views and the entire discussions were focused on the methodologies to be adopted by Association on resolution of different HR issues, Development Issues and issues related to day to day activities and reducing hardship of the executives.

The issues were thoroughly discussed, with all CWC members and Circle Secretaries contributing their perspectives on different HR matters. Many participants supported their viewpoints with relevant documents and provided clear directives to the CHQ regarding the next course of action on various HR-related matters.

Several CWC members and Circle Secretaries, attending their first CWC meeting, expressed their satisfaction with the in-depth discussions. They appreciated the focused and insightful deliberations on HR issues, which highlighted the vision of SNEA in addressing pending concerns.

In conclusion, after more than Twenty Six hours of productive discussions over two days, the house passed several resolutions on different HR and development issues for early resolution of issues. The details of these resolutions will be uploaded shortly.

Jt. GM CA BSNL CO writes to all Circle Heads for ensuring that all Higher Pension Cases submitted by eligible BSNL Recruited Executives/Employees and pending at BSNL end shall be uploaded on EPFO Portal by 31/01/2025 without fail. Copy<<<>>

As per EPFO, this will be final opportunity for Employers to process and upload the pending wage details and submission of replies for any additional information/ clarification sought by EPFO pertaining to higher pension cases.  

Hopefully action will be taken by all Circle/BA EPF Nodal officers, but till all CS/DS and activists of SNEA keep track on the activities so that Higher Pension Options submitted by any Executive is not continued to be pending for approval.

Issues if any may be please brought to notice of Shri. Sumit Saxena, JSC SNEA CHQ so that same can be taken further for timely solution.  

DGM Arch BSNL CO issued Provisional Seniority list in the grade of regular SDE/AE of Architectural wing as on 01/11/2024 calling for corrections/omissions in respect of the entries through proper channel within period of one month.  Copy<<<>>

Sr. GM Tech ALTTC Ghaziabad writes to Concern Circle Heads regarding schedule of Pre-Basic-I and Pre-Basic-II JTO Induction Training for JEs successful in JTO LICE held on 08/09/2024. Copy<<<> 

Online CWC Meeting of SNEA is scheduled from 0930 Hrs of 11/01/2025 to 2000 Hrs of 12/01/2025. It is mandatory to all CWC Members, CS and CHQ OBs to attend this meeting. All are requested to join the Meeting sharply at 0930 hrs. Notice <<<>>     Spl CL<<<>>

BSNL started Live TV Services in prominent Nine Circles with Brand name BSNL IFTV: In a special initiative aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and establishing a competitive advantage in the telecom sector. BSNL has introduced this service as a complimentary add-on for customers with BSNL FTTH connections, marking it as the first of its kind in India.

This innovative offering enables real-time streaming of over 500 TV channels directly through BSNL's robust intranet network, delivering an unparalleled television experience.

While other Telecom Operators are charging for this Live TV services, BSNL is providing it free of cost to its esteemed FTTH customers. It is important that for using this Live TV services, the customer data will not be utilised as these services are provided on BSNL Internal Network.  BSNL FTTH Customers can access 500+ HD & SD Channels with crystal clear streaming over BSNL FTTH network.

Till now BSNL has started these services in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Telangana Chennai and Gujarat Circle and is likely to be started in all other Circles making it PAN India Services.   

In a special function arranged at Boardroom BSNL on 07/01/2025 in online mode in presence of all Board of Directors, CMD BSNL Shri. A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD BSNL officially inaugurated IFTV/Live TV services of BSNL for Gujarat Circle.

With the launch of BSNL Live TV and Wi-Fi Roaming services, BSNL has taken significant strides toward redefining digital engagement and digital entertainment in India.

By providing a seamless and cost-free streaming experience, BSNL reinforces its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. These services not only achieve the twin objectives of data-everywhere experience, and the high quality TV experience, but also positions BSNL as a leader in the competitive Telecom landscape.

This launch marks a significant step towards digital empowerment and enhancing entertainment for BSNL's valued FTTH customers.

BSNL FTTH customers can register for IFTV Service by visiting https://fms.bsnl.in/iptvreg.

After Registration, Customer has to install the Android APP in the TV and Sign-in using Mobile Number registered with BSNL FTTH Number. This innovative service reaffirms BSNL's commitment to delivering world-class digital services to its customers.

Key Features of BSNL Live TV:

·   Real-Time Streaming: Customers can enjoy immediate and uninterrupted access to their favourite TV channels, eliminating delays and buffering.

· Network Independence: The service operates entirely within BSNL’s network, ensuring minimal bandwidth consumption and no interference with existing internet services or data plans.

· Superior TV Experience: With access to over 500 channels, BSNL’s IFTV surpasses traditional DTH and cable services, providing higher quality and a broader selection.

BSNL's commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital entertainment solutions is evident in this new service.

As of December 2024, over 30,000 customers have already been onboarded in this service, with expectations for exponential growth in user adoption in coming days.

SNEA appeals to all the executives in BSNL to give wide publicity to the BSNL IFTV services and see that more and more customers are encouraged to join BSNL FTTH services and use these excellent IFTV services free of cost.

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Jt. GM BW HR BSNL CO writes to all PCEs/CEs Civil regarding calling for VCs and SCR of JTOs in Civil wing for SDE Promotions under SCF quota to fill up the vacancies for the VY 2023 and last date for submission of this information is 15/01/2025. Copy<<<>>

Earlier  the SCR and VC Status was called only for limited 22  JTOs for filling vacancies of Year 2022 and it has created unrest among other JTOs in Civil wing as they are waiting for their first Promotion for last 25 to 26 years and their names were till not included in the zone of consideration for SDE Promotions.

SNEA has taken up this issue with Director HR BSNL Board and CGM BW BSNL CO and now with such high level intervention SCR and VCs are called for 86 JTOs out of total 103 working JTOs in Civil wing.

SNEA CHQ conveys thanks to Director HR BSNL Board, CGM EW, PGM Pers, GM BW and his team for giving consideration to our request to conduct CPC for filling all vacant post of SDEs in Civil wing. 

SNEA is further pursuing for filling vacant post of SDEs of Year 2024 and the work of preparation of updated reservation roster as on 31/12/2024 is also completed and we are hopeful for further addition of vacancies and calling for  DPC for SDE vacancies as on 01/01/2025.

Thus all JTOs in Civil wing, who are waiting for their first Promotion as SDE for last 25 to 26 years will be considered for SDE Promotions and SNEA will continue its pursuation for promotions of all JTOs in Civil wing this ongoing DPC process.

Further, proposal by EW section BSNL CO for SDE Promotion of  JTOs in Electrical wing has been approved by Pers section and now EW section is also working for holding DPC for filling vacancies of SDEs against Years 2022, 2023 and 2024.

As per our discussions with CGM EW BSNL CO, the required SCR and VCs for JTO to SDE Promotions in Electrical wing also will be  called shortly.

Further the proposal for SDE Promotions of JTOs in Architecture wing is initiated and is being studied by Pers DPC section and similar action is expected by Architecture wing also.

We are hopeful for SDE promotion order for both JTOs in both Civil as well as Electrical wing in first month of New Year 2025 and hence all CS/DS and activists of SNEA are  requested to look into this issue and see that SCR and VCs of all JTOs in Civil & Electrical wing are ready and sent at the earliest to BSNL CO.   

AGM SEA BSNL CO writes to all Circle Heads regarding Entry/Verification of PwBD data in respect of Finance Personnel in SAP-ERP and last date for its submission is 15/01/2025. Copy<<<>>

These updated data entry is urgently required for consideration of promotions of PwBD category executives in Account wing with retrospective date and we are hopeful for implementation of PwBD Promotions with retrospective date for Executives in account wing also in this month.

All DS/CS and activists of SNEA are requested to look into this work and see that details are updated in ESS so that early action is taken by SEA section for implementation of PwBD Reservations in Account wing also.

AGM DPC-JM BSNL CO issued OM for constitution of CPC for promotion of JTOs as SDE in all wings for Time Bound as well as functional promotions and this CPC will be valid from 01/01/2025 to 31/12/2025 or until further orders. Copy<<<>>  

AGM DPC-JM BSNL CO writes to all Circle Heads calling for  Screening Committee Report consisting of APAR gradings in the prescribed format and Vigilance Clearance of JTOs in Telecom wing for SDE promotions under SCF quota to fill up vacancies under PwBD quota from retrospective date 30/06/2016.  Copy<<<>>

This is one more initiative for filling vacant posts under PwBD Category. As per directions, all the CPCs conducted for SDE Promotions for vacancy year 2016-17 and onwards are to be reviewed for implementation of reservation in promotion of PwBDs with retrospective date effect as per DoPT OM.

This issue of retrospective promotions for Executives to fill up vacant posts with retrospective date 30/06/2016 is being pursued by SNEA and GS DEWAB and one by one vacancies under PwBD Category of all wings and Cadres are thus given consideration.

In this case, all JTOs recruited under Recruitment Year 2011 will be covered and the review of JTOs recruited thereafter will be done after outcome of ongoing court case on challenged part of JTO AIEL 3 at CAT Chandigarh.

SNEA CHQ is pursuing for early clearance/decision in this pending court case and we are hopeful for JTO to SDE Promotions for filling up all the vacancies as on 01/01/2025 and accordingly promotions of JTOs under PwBD Category till today.    

Jt GM BW HR BSNL CO writes revised letter to PCE/CEs Civil Zones regarding calling for Screening Committee Report (SCR) and VC status for regular promotion from JTOs in Civil wing for SDE Promotions under SCF quota and now data is to be sent as per this revised format.  Copy<<<>>  

SNEA UPDATE ON NEWS OF PROPOSED SECOND VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME (VRS) IN BSNL

Initiation OF VRS Proposal: Since last two weeks, the news of Second Voluntary Retirement Scheme for BSNL Executives and Employees is viral in social media and now it has been published in Print and TV media also but officially nothing has been shared on part of BSNL.

Earlier, this news was initiated in Oct 2024, wherein it was informed that DoT has called for data for assessment of second VRS proposal for BSNL Employees and BSNL has supplied data. But then the proposal was kept aside and officially it was never accepted that there is/was any proposal accessed by BSNL/DoT for Second VRS.

When we have taken up this matter with the CMD BSNL at that time, he clearly denied any such proposal for second VRS in BSNL and has categorically mentioned that there is no chance of a second VRS in BSNL. Same was reproduced by CMD BSNL in queries in meetings with leaders of Unions /Associations while he was on tour to different Circles.

But all of sudden, on 19/12/2024, after certain discussions held it DoT at the highest level and the directions were issued to BSNL to send an official proposal for a second VRS in BSNL.  Accordingly, in prompt action, within two working days BSNL Management has acted on these directions and on 23/12/2024, the meeting of Management Committee (MC) was called and this proposal of VRS 2.0 has been approved by MC.

As the Board for BSNL & MTNL is the same, the similar decision for MTNL has been approved and MTNL being listed in the stock market, the public announcement was made on its website about approval of the proposal of VRS in MTNL. Copy<<<>>

This issue was secretly taken up by officers in the Establishment Section to Management Committee meeting and with approval of MC, the same has been sent to DoT.

These directions from DoT for second VRS may be issued as the issue of taking over of MTNL services was  to be decided and the proposal for certain more financial support to BSNL was received by DoT and BSNL Board which is same for MTNL also has approved it and sent to DoT. 

Details of Second VRS Proposal: As per this proposal approved by MC it is proposed to offer VRS   to about 35000 BSNL Executives and Non-Executives who are of age 45 years and above with expectation that about 5000 Executives and 14000 Non-Executives will opt for VRS. Thus out of about 55000 serving workforce of BSNL, 19000 i.e. 35% workforce was expected to opt for VRS. It is also informed that terms and conditions and financial benefits of this second VRS will be the same as that of VRS 2019. 

Immediate impact of VRS proposal:  This action of BSNL Management against its own stand of No VRS has created panic situation and BSNL management was seen to be so casual or under pressure on this serious proposal of sending about 19000 Executives and Non-Executives on VRS by putting blame on them as inefficient.

Though it will be second VRS for BSNL, for MTNL it will be fourth VRS as MTNL workforce has been curtailed by giving VRS for three times earlier. 

It is fact that certain officers in DoT are continuously misguiding Government and Honorable MoC that there are excess staff in BSNL as well as MTNL and this time also these officers have been successful in misleading authorities that there is no need of existing manpower in BSNL and offer them VRS and send home by putting stamp as inefficient.

VRS issue in Formal agenda Meeting of SNEA: By sensing this attitude, SNEA has raised this issue in advance in Formal agenda meeting with CMD BSNL in presence of Director HR and brought it to notice of management that some misleading information is being spread by certain officers in BSNL as well as DoT that there is excess staff in BSNL and elaborated how this is false propaganda and how the executives in BSNL are working with multifold workload after VRS 2019 and same was well accepted by CMD BSNL and he advised us not to worry about it and keep focus on growth and development of BSNL.

But, this all of sudden approval of proposal for second VRS has washed away all such assurances of No VRS and credibility of everyone including BSNL Management and leaders of Associations is at stake and the astonished executives in BSNL are unable to understand whom should they believe for authentic news/information on such critical issues related to their life and services in BSNL.  

Information of VRS to Leaders of Associations and Unions: As the decision of VRS by MC BSNL/MTNL was taken in overnight period and secretly,   naturally, no discussions were held with Recognized Association, Support Association and Recognized Unions of BSNL and MTNL also. But after the decision of approval of VRS by MC of BSNL and MTNL, the news was leaked and has gone viral on social media.

Everybody was surprised to see double stand of BSNL Management i.e. One side it was clearly told that there will be no VRS in BSNL and other side the same management is preparing proposal within no time and approving it in single day stating that due to improved technologies and digital working, the requirement of manpower in BSNL has reduced drastically and BSNL services can be managed with reduced staff strength.

Adverse effect on VRS Proposal: The news of MC approval of this VRS 2.0 proposal on 23/12/2024, the attention of the entire workforce of BSNL has been diverted from works to single point discussions on VRS. As nothing has been shared by BSNL on this VRS proposal, the fake messages on this subject viz. implementation of VRS from 31/12/2024, or 01/10/2025, formula for benefits, increase /reduction in benefits as compared to VRS 2019, consequences in accepting and not accepting VRS 2.0, approval of proposal by DoT, rejection of proposal by Finance Ministry, future of left out executives, workload after VRS and so on. It is seen that everybody was eager to forward such messages attempting to establish that they only have authentic and latest news on this subject.  Such false messages have once again damaged the image of BSNL and entire attention of the workforce has been diverted to discussions about VRS. 

Action by SNEA on this second VRS Proposal: SNEA CHQ also was receiving many calls, SMS and queries on this proposal of VRS 2.0 for BSNL Executives and Non-Executives and we have informed on all such queries that Proposal has been approved by BSNL Board.

SNEA has discussed all responsible Officers in BSNL and initially it was confirmed that the proposal has been approved by BSNL MC and sent to DoT and it is under consideration in DoT, but no one was ready to share actual proposal and factual information.

Once it was confirmed that there is proposal for VRS, SNEA has taken up matter with responsible officers including higher officers and elaborated how this VRS is unwanted, how it will have adverse impact on remaining workforce of BSNL, how there is mass unrest among BSNL workforce, how this second VRS will get poor response, how implementation of third PRC before any proposal of VRS is required, how all Associations/Unions in BSNL will oppose the Proposal by tooth and nail and so on. When we were asked our stand, we have made it clear that till now SNEA CHQ has taken stand for settlement of issues with discussions and dialogue and not to go for agitational programme, this time SNEA will change it stand and we will start massive agitational programme and will register strong protest against implementing any VRS before implementation of Third PRC.

Willingness of Certain Executives for VRS: Yes, it is a fact that some Executives are waiting for VRS proposal as they do not want to continue to serve in such a difficult situation without any support of required tools and stores and under the vendor driven policies. But it does not mean that the officers in DoT continue to blame only the workforce of BSNL for any failures and it is required that officers in DoT also need to take responsibility for its decision.

Entire Management of BSNL is under total control of DoT, all the policy decisions are taken by DoT and as Owner of BSNL, DoT/GoI is investing money for infrastructure development and the Executives and Non-Executives in BSNL do not have any role in any decision making policy. Even the powers of OA/BA and Circle heads are centralized at BSNL Corporate office, even CGMs do not have powers to lay Cable of even one KM, how can the workforce of BSNL can be held responsible is big question, but this has been done by officers in DoT since many years and so on.

Present Status of VRS Proposal in BSNL: With all such timely feedback by SNEA with all responsible officers in DoT, the proposal of second VRS in BSNL has been kept on hold by DoT and it has been now referred to BCG for giving its recommendations on second VRS for BSNL workforce. Actually, HR issues are not part of the MoU by BSNL with BCG, but as a special case, the same has been handed over to M/S BCG and it is expected that BCG will submit its report within a month or two. As such, there is no chance of immediate VRS in BSNL and SNEA will continue with its stand to oppose any VRS before implementation of third Pay Revision for BSNL workforce. The issues will be further discussed in the CWC Meeting of SNEA scheduled on 11^th & 12^th January 2025 and further course of action will be decided.

Response and Appeal from CMD BSNL: Earlier nobody was taking responsibility, but when yesterday, SNEA delegation had meeting with CMD BSNL greetings of New Year, CMD BSNL officially informed that there will be No VRS for BSNL work force and all should focus on the growth and development of BSNL for remaining three months of this FY 2024-25. CMD BSNL firmly assured to look into each and every pending HR issue including 3^rd PRC Implementation after March 2025.

CMD BSNL categorically mentioned that there will be NO VRS in BSNL and stressed that BSNL has shown good performance in last two years and this year’s performance will decide many issues including third PRC Implementation and appealed all the executives and Non-Executives to give their best for BSNL so that BSNL shows positive growth with enhanced revenue.     

Action for VRS in MTNL: Proposal of one More VRS, was not surprise to MTNL workforce, rather VRS was demand of MTNL Forum of Associations/Unions as Cabinet has already decided that for closure of MTNL services in Delhi and Mumbai area and are to be taken over by BSNL. Earlier last year BSNL/MTNL Management sent a proposal to DoT for giving three options for the entire MTNL workforce viz. VRS from MTNL services, Deputation to DoT/other Govt Units or continuation in MTNL services and absorption in BSNL as per terms and conditions of BSNL.

But all of sudden these proposals of three options was kept aside by DoT/BSNL and it was proposed to depute just 150 plus executives of MTNL to BSNL along with services and nothing has been decided for the remaining workforce of MTNL. Hence Forum of MTNL Unions and Associations have taken up matter with DoT and demanded for deciding their future before taking over MTNL services of MTNL by BSNL. Copy<<<>>

Present Status of VRS Proposal in MTNL: Though VRS proposal for BSNL is kept aside as of today, its future depends on recommendations of BCG and CMD BSNL has again confirmed  that there will be no VRS for BSNL, the proposal for VRS for MTNL workforce as per the demand of Forum of Unions and Associations is under active consideration. It is understood that MTNL workforce will be given two options i.e. VRS and absorption in/deputation to BSNL and once this proposal is approved by Cabinet, the window for options will be opened for MTNL Executives and Non-Executives.    

Jt GM BW HR BSNL CO writes all PCEs/CEs Civil calling for VCs and SCR of JTOs in Civil wing for SDE Promotions and last date for its submission is 10/01/2025. Copy<<<>>

This is result of continuous persuasion by SNEA to overcome different hurdles since last one year and finally the process for JTO to SDE Promotions initiated.

SNEA CHQ conveys thanks to Director HR BSNL Board, CGM EW, PGM Pers, GM BW and his team for giving consideration to our long pending request and starting process of JTO SDE Promotions in Civil as well as Electrical wing.

This is most awaited promotions for most deprived executives waiting for their first Promotion as SDE even after 25 to 26 years of services as JTO and now all these JTOs will be promoted as SDE.  

This VCs and SCRs are called for filling up vacant posts of Year 2020, 2021 and 2022 and hence SCR/VC Status are called only for limited JTOs.

In year 2023 and 2024, good number of SDEs are promoted as EEs and about there are certain vacancies created due to VRS or retirement on superannuation and hence there are about 85 to 90 SDE posts vacant in Civil wing under SCF as well as LICE quota.

But as roster work is to be completed the vacancies of current year and the vacancies are not given consideration while calling for SCR & VC Status. This Roster work also will be completed within day or two and hence SCR and VC Status needs be called for remaining eligible JTOs thereby covering all 103 JTOs in Civil wing.

SNEA has taken up this issue with Director HR, CGM BW and concerned officers in Pers and BW units and it has been agreed to fill up all vacancies SDE vacancies from Year 2020 to 2024. Accordingly, SCR and VC status of all JTOs in Civil wing who are eligible for promotions will be called shortly.

Similarly, the file for JTO to SDE promotions in Electrical wing is also under consideration and SCR/VC Status for filling vacant posts up to VY 2024 will also be called for shortly.

All CS/DS and activists of SNEA are required to take note of it and see that SCRs/VCs of all eligible JTO in Civil and Electrical wing may be kept ready to send it to BW & EW units as and when called. 

Consideration OTP Request Transfers of July 2024: SNEA is continuously pursuing for consideration of OTP Request transfer submitted in OTP window July 2024 and with continuous persuasion now the OTP Requests of July 2024 are given consideration and Transfer Orders are also ready but as policy decision taken by CMD BSNL these Transfer Orders are not published

It is informed that all OTP Requests of all executives submitted in OTP window July 2024 are given consideration except requests to Circles having excess executives and it has been assured that genuine requests to these excess Circles will be given consideration on case by case basis.         

Further, it is informed that Requests of Executives transferred under Long stay Transfers of 2022 and who have completed two years, requests of executives on completion of 58 years of age, requests on genuine medical grounds etc. are given consideration, but it is decided that the order will be published in April 2025 and implemented in time bound manner of 15 days.

There are certain issues, if the orders are not displayed as OTP window of Jan 2025, as executives will not be aware where his/her request is given consideration or not and hence we are pursuing for publishing these OTP transfer order/s and not to reject non-considered OTP Requests and to give consideration to all such pending OTP requests of July 2024 in next window of Jan 2025 by maintaining waiting list of these pending OTP requests. 

We are hopeful for publication of these considered OTP Transfer orders before Opening of OTP Window of January 2025.