Special General Body Meeting of SNEA Nagpur, MH: {Report by Shri. Samir Khare DS SNEA Nagpur}: A special General Body Meeting of SNEA, Nagpur Branch was organized on 23/04/2022 in the Auditorium of Regional Telecom Training Center, Nagpur to felicitate the newly elected Unanimous CHQ Body of Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association. Shri Manish Samadhiya, President SNEA CHQ and Shri M. S. Adasul, General Secretary SNEA CHQ attended the felicitation program on behalf of CHQ Body. Shri Mahadeo Kotambe, Circle Secretary, SNEA MH Circle, Shri P.D. Rangari, Circle Vice President, SNEA MH Circle and Shri H.N. Tipre, Circle Treasurer, SNEA MH Circle represented SNEA, MH Circle in the meeting. Shri D.P. Wasnik, District President, SNEA Nagpur presided over the function.

The members of SNEA Nagpur were very excited on the maiden appearance of CHQ President and General Secretary in the Special General Body Meeting of SNEA Nagpur. The dignitaries were welcomed at venue by playing Clarinet (Shehnai) and wearing Maharashtrian Feta.

Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Vikas Mahatme ji was the Chief Guest of the Program. At the very outset the dignitaries performed Saraswati Poojan by lighting the Lamp/ Samai. Shri Suneet Upadhyay, Shri Deepak Kulkarni and his team sung the Prayer “Itni Shakti Hume dena Daata”.

Shri Manish Samadhiya, President SNEA CHQ and Shri M. S. Adasul, General Secretary SNEA CHQ were specially felicitated by District Office Bearers of BSNLEU Nagpur, NFTE Nagpur, SEWA Nagpur, SNEA Bhandara, SNEA Chandrapur, SNEA Gadchiroli, SNEA Amravati, SNEA Yavatmal, SNEA Wardha and CS NFTE by offering Shawl, Bouquets and conveyed best wishes for grand success of new Body of SNEA CHQ.

In his opening remark Shri Samir Khare, District Secretary, SNEA Nagpur congratulated the new CHQ Body on being elected unanimously and put forth the brief history of SNEA in front of the Chief Guest, dignitaries and the members present.

In his speech, Shri M. S. Adasul, General Secretary put light on the present support from the current Central Government and assured that with the support of Government and the hard work of Executives BSNL will turn the tide and will become revenue positive in very few days to come. He appraised the Chief guest the BSNL is the only Telecom Operator who is shouldering the Social Responsibility of the Government and providing services in the Rural, Backward and Naxal/Terror Affected areas across India where it has to suffer maximum revenue loss for providing services. He also raised various issues faced by BSNL in general and the executives of BSNL in particular viz. 3^rd PRC, Standard Pay Scale, pay loss to executives post 2007 and Superannuation benefit.

The Chief Guest Hon’ble Shri Vikas Mahatmeji, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha who had patiently listened all the issues come before the packed house audience and assured in his speech that he will do all the needful to gather the attention of the Government towards the issues of BSNL and its executives. He also praised the dedication of the staff of BSNL and also apprehended that BSNL is providing excellent services and particularly catering the services in rural and underdeveloped area.

Shri Manish Samadhiya, President SNEA CHQ, Shri Mahadeo Kotambe, Circle Secretary, SNEA MH Circle, Com. Ranjan Dani CS NFTE MH, Shri P.D. Rangari, Circle Vice President, SNEA MH Circle and Shri H.N. Tipre, Circle Treasurer, SNEA MH Circle also addressed and guided the audience with their valuable and inspiring speeches.

At Last the Mementos were presented to Shri Manish Samadhiya President SNEA CHQ and Shri. M. S. Adasul General Secretary SNEA CHQ as a token of Love from Nagpur SNEA Branch.

Shri. Samir Khare, District Secretary, Nagpur presented the Vote of Thanks. He specially mentioned the efforts taken by the dedicated members of SNEA Nagpur to make the program a huge success in very short notice. The District Office Bearers from Amravati, Akola, Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Gadchiroli also attended the program along with CWC Members Shri Vasant Khiratkar, Shri Kishor Kapgate and Shri Sachin Sarode. Shri Narendra Gadre, DS Yavatmal, Shri Pravin Masram, DS Amravati, Shri Rajesh Bhurle, DS Chandrapur, Shri Satish Kalmegh Ex-President SNEA MH Circle and Com S.H. Gandhi Ext DT SNEA Amravati also graced the program with their presence and felicitated the Shri Manish Samadhiya President SNEA CHQ and Shri. M. S. Adasul, General Secretary on behalf of their District Branch.

Shri Yash Panhekar GM BA Nagpur, who was at Mumbai for BA Head Meeting, directly reached from Nagpur Airport to venue & congratulate GS & GP and gave best wishes for new assignment.

Mrs. Vaishali Karhade and Shri Vikrant Dudhalkar anchored the program with ease and very effectively.

The felicitation Programme started at 1800 Hrs concluded at 2200 with National Anthem and Dinner thereafter.

PHOTOS <<<>>>

Consideration of Inter Circle OTP Request Transfers: SNEA CHQ getting frequent calls from its members calls about Pending OTP Request Transfers. Accordingly we have taken up matter of pending Inter Circle OTP Request Transfers of Executives with Shri. R.K. Goyal, PGM Pers BSNL CO and he is kind enough to assure that all the OTP Request except requests to Circles having Excess executives will be given consideration by end of June 2022. Accordingly work has been started and hopefully OTP Requests of all wings will be given consideration. OTP Requests for J&K Circle are more, these requests will be given consideration as per waiting list published. If any of the executive who has applied for OTP Request Transfer earlier, but do not want this transfer now, but could not withdraw his /her request from OTP, is requested to send his written representation to AGM Pers I BSNL CO in case of AGM Cadre and to AGM Pers II BSNL CO in case of SDE Cadre. We have taken up matter for provision of option for withdrawal of OTP Request and it is assured that suitable changes will be made in ERP, but it is possible only after next Quarter and not possible in present Quarter of OTP. As per modification in OTP transfer guidelines, once Transfer order is issued, it will not be cancelled. As such, Executives concerned who have applied under OTP for Inter Circle Transfers, are requested to be alert and submit his/her representation for withdrawal of OTP without any further delay or be ready for joining at the designated Circle as per OTP Request. 

Day Long Dharana as per call given by AUAB CHQ: AUAB CHQ has given Call for day long dharna on 21/06/2022 at District, Circle and CHQ level. The following are demands.

1.   Immediate replacement of E1A pay scale with E2 pay scale and E2A pay scale with E3 pay scale, w.e.f. 01.01.2007, without cascading effect on other pay scales.

2.   Extension of full 30% SAB contribution for BSNL Recruited Employees, as per the 2^nd PRC recommendations and immediate depositing of the balance contribution thereon and making the SAB Pension Fund up to date.

3.   In the JTO LICE to be held on 07-08-2022, there are no vacancies in 11 circles and only a few vacancies in 9 more circles. The same is going to be the fate of the other LICEs of the Non-Executives. Hence, it is demanded that the JTO LICE as well as all other LICEs of the Non-Executives, should be conducted with the posts that were available as on 31-01-2020.

4.   Immediate lifting of the ban imposed on Compassionate Ground Appointments, so as to provide jobs to the dependents of the Covid victims, as well as the employees who died in accidents while on duty.

5.   Fill up all the SC/ST backlog vacancies without delay.

6.   Implement the unfulfilled assurances that were given by the CMD BSNL in the meeting held with the AUAB, on 27-10-2021. Withdraw the show cause notices issued for the imposition of break-in- service and remove the stringent conditions imposed for transfers under para 9 of the BSNL Transfer Policy.

SNEA CHQ appeals all CS, DS and activists at all levels to co-ordinate with leaders of other Unions and Associations and make this day long Dharana a grand success.

Twitter Campaign to be Organized Between 1 PM To 3 PM Today: Twitter Campaign is to be organized today as per the call of the AUAB, demanding Pay Revision to the Executives and Wage Revision to the Non-Executives, w.e.f. 01/01/2017. SNEA CHQ requests all Circle Secretaries and CHQ Office Bearers and BSNL Executives/Employees in BSNL to tweet and retweet messages demanding settlement of 3rd Pay Revision and make today’s Twitter Campaign becomes a grand success.

Meeting with Shri. Arvind Vadnerkar Director HR BSNL Board:  SNEA delegation consisting of Shri. Brelin Isaac, AGS SNEA CHQ, Shri. Vimal Raghunath, AGS SNEA CHQ and Shri. M. S. Adasul, GS SNEA CHQ had meeting with Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director HR, BSNL Board in his   chamber on 07/06/2022at 1730 hrs. We had elaborate discussions on different pending HR issues including critical issues related to Rotational Transfers. The response from Director HR was very positive. The discussions were very fruitful and Director HR BSNL Board gave us a very patient hearing and also agreed to give a positive consideration on most of the points. Agenda Points <<<>>>

The details of discussions on pending issues related to Rotational Transfers is as follows.

At the very outset we conveyed thanks to Director HR and his team of personal Section headed by Shri. R.K. Goyal PGM Pers BSNL CO, for considering the individual request in a policy manner as per suggestions and feedback given by SNEA. We specially conveyed thanks to PGM Pers BSNL CO who has reviewed all cases personally by going to depth of each case and given justice too majority of executives who have represented their grievances.

We elaborated that majority of the issues are resolved by PGM Pers BSNL CO, till there are certain Policy decisions which needs intervention from HR Head of BSNL and Director HR agreed that there are certain policy decisions to be reviewed and he welcomes all such suggestions. The following points were discussed to depth

 Adherence to 10% limit to total transfers in a particular year from a particular circle: We have drawn attention of Director HR on the clause in BSNL Transfer policy of adhering to 10% limit of total executives in a particular cadre in one circle need to be considered and we reported that the same has not been implemented in the recent rotational transfer orders. We categorically mentioned that while considering transfers to and from the highest revenue earning Circle Like Kerala Circle, Mass Transfers of executives in Civil and Electrical wings, the criteria of 10% maximum transfers is not followed and transfers are issued at higher percentage. We have submitted a letter expressing concern by SNEA on the violation of this transfer policy clause. Copy <<<>>>. Director HR was kind enough to go through the content of the letter and has taken some additional feedback from us. After elaborate discussions, he has assured to look into it and take corrective action on it.

Request for cancellation of transfers out of All India Hard tenure stations / Circles: We have drawn attention of Director HR on the critical conditions of the executives working at hard tenure stations and specifically executives in J&K Circle working at extremely critical conditions with constant threat on their life. We elaborated that BSNL management is transferring the executives working in All India hard tenure stations, who are taking extreme pains and risk of life to maintain the services of BSNL in very difficult, Hard and mainly terror prone areas and it is not good HR policy.  We have submitted detailed letter conveying grievances of the executives working at All India hard tenure stations. Copy of Govt Of India Guidelines <<<>>>. Director HR agreed to the concern expressed by SNEA and asked what we want in this case. We have brought to his notice the Govt of India Guidelines which clearly states that the executives who are willing to continue at All India Hard tenure stations should not be compelled to get transfer out to such circles. We elaborated that these transfers are creating huge difficulties for these executives and their families and when the Government has given certain privilege to executives working at such most difficult stations, BSNL has to follow it in same spirit and should not disturb these executives by Rotational transfers. We specially requested that these executives have already worked at hard tenure stations and it is counted as Break in length of service in that particular Circle. We categorically brought to kind attention of Director HR about the opinion of PGM pers BSNL CO that working at hard tenure cannot be break in length of service of that Circle as nowhere it is mentioned. We have cleared that it is also nowhere mentioned that the break in length of service is not to be given. Rather Govt of India guidelines promotes these executives to continue to work at all these Hard tenure stations. We categorically narrated that we have no issues if any executive working at prominent place in these Hard tenure Circle is transferred to further difficult station within that Hard tenure Circle. We also added that if it is so desired by Management, then these executives can be transferred from telecom Circles to CNTX Circles and vice versa, but we do not agree for rotational transfers from All India Hard Tenure Circles as Govt Of India Guidelines do not support any such rotational transfers out of all India hard Tenure stations. After elaborate discussions, Director HR BSNL Board conveyed that he will go through these guidelines in details and assured that these Govt Of India Guidelines will be respected by BSNL and transfer orders out of All Had tenure Circles will be cancelled or modified within the Circle accordingly.

Request for Cancellation/review of Rotational Transfers form All India Soft Tenure Stations: On all India Soft tenure stations, we have elaborated the provisions of the BSNLs own transfer policy guidelines and these rotational transfers are issued by unofficially modifying the Transfer policy guidelines issued by BSNL. We narrated that if these guidelines are modified, same will be modified with Prospective date and not from retrospective date. If it is so, then what is use of the granting facility as All India Soft Tenure stations. We have elaborated that the Soft Tenure Policy guidelines needs to be implemented in three forms depending upon the time-to-time guidelines issued by BSNL. We handed over the detail letter on our say to Director HR about grievances created by Rotational transfers of the executives working at all India Hard tenure stations Copy <<<>>>.  We have requested to adhere to the Transfer policy guidelines issued by his own office and asked for following remedies in the recently issued Rotational Transfers.

·       Consideration of Break in length of total length of Stay in that circle in respect of executives who have joined or working at All India Soft Tenure stations from the declaration of soft tenure stations since 23/06/2010 to its modification 09/12/2015.

·       Reduction of service period of executives rendered at All India Soft Tenure stations who have joined All India Hard tenure stations on or after 09/12/2015, the date on which the facility of break in length of service in Circle was withdrawn for executives in same Circle. 

·       Adhering to Govt Of India guidelines and allowing executives presently working at All India hard tenure stations and willing to continue to work at All India Soft tenure stations if he/she has submitted willingness for same at least up to completion of Tenure period of all India Hard tenure Stations.

After elaborate discussions, in conclusion, Director HR agreed to concern expressed by SNEA as assured to take corrective action for cancellation/modification of Rotational transfers from All India Soft tenure stations or by granting/restoring facility of break in length of service or reduction of length of service as the case may be as per the Transfer policy guidelines and guidelines issued by Govt Of India on this subject.

Counting of Age of executives as per transfer policy guidelines: Delegation pointed out that Personnel section has taken data for transfer posting in February 2022 and it was correctly applied to calculated age of the executive as on 31/03/2022. But practically, the transfer orders were issued in Month of May 2022. The Transfer policy guidelines states that age of the executive due for transfer is to be taken as on 31^st march of the financial Year in which this order is issued and not on proposal of transfer as being done now. We also elaborated that pers Section has added the names of the executives who completed service of 26 years as per modified date and names of many executives were added which were not in the list published in Feb 2022. But the names of the executives who have crossed age of 56 years as on 31/03/2022 are not given consideration. We have submitted detailed letter on this subject to Director HR. Copy <<<>>>. We elaborated that there are only few executives and are waiting for consideration of their representation on the basis of the provisions of transfer policy guidelines. After detailed discussions, Director HR assured to cancel the transfer orders of executives who are crossing age of 56 years as on 31/03/2023.

Counting in Break in Circle tenure if executive of NRU has served in territory of another Circle: We have brought to notice of Director HR about not giving break in length of Service to certain executives from non-recruiting units who were transferred by the CGMs of Non-Recruiting units and have practically worked for years together in the territory of another Circle. We have reported such cases are mainly reported from CNTX and BBNW Circles where CGMs are empowered to issue transfers of executives within Non-Recruiting Circle but out of Territory of Telecom Circle.  Director HR informed that if any of the executive has worked out of territory of Circle for more than two years by either orders of BSNL CO or by the orders of CGMs on Non-Recruiting Units and assured that all such orders will be cancelled.

Posting on grant of Immunity in same Circle/Station or change of Circles to NRUs may treated as break in length of service: We have shared our discussions with PGM personal about the retention of grounds of immunity wherein PGM pers has informed that executives retained on grant of immunity will be transferred from Telecom Circle to CNTX Circle and vice versa but his/her HQ will be maintained. We have conveyed Director HR; this proposal cannot be accepted by association as this is transfer and not retention by grant of immunity either as office Bearer or on critical medical illness grounds. If management issues such transfers from Telecom Circle to CNTX Circle and vice versa, then there should not be any further transfer on long stay as per rotational Transfer order issued by BSNL CO.  We further demanded that if he/she is to be relived after completion of Immunity period then, the facility of retention at same place and post may be continued and after period of immunity is over, he/she may be relived to designated transfers as issued by BSNL CO.  Director HR agreed to the say of the association and assured to give it consideration accordingly.

Retention on Educational Grounds at least for Ward appearing Board Examination: We requested Director HR to give consideration to requests for retention on transfers on educational grounds at least in respect of wards appearing for 10^th and 12^th Board Examinations. We added that this is very crucial year for all wards and about all parents are worried about it. Director HR informed that it is not possible to give consideration to all such requests but being very important stage of carrier of any child ins 12^th Board examination and the request of grounds of ward appearing for 12^th Board examination will be given consideration but retention will not be given on basis of the ward studying in 10^th or any other Standard.

Acceptance of VR submitted by some individuals in present/working Circle: We have brought to notice that some of executives are not in position to accept the transfers due to different genuine reasons and hence under compulsions, they have submitted or will be submitted the resignation from BSNL services and only request in their part is their VRS should be given consideration from present place of posting. Director HR responded that some executives apply for VR and withdraw same once transfer order is cancelled. We agreed that it is possible to some extent as seen in the past, but in this cases, final decision is to be taken by BSNL CO and if required undertaking may be taken from concerned executive but neither he/she should be troubled by transfer nor money of BSNL should be spent on such avoidable transfers. Director HR agreed to views expressed by association and firmly assured that all request for Voluntary Retirement will be considered from present place of posting if executives are applying for same well within the time. 

Assurance for the executives to join back to or opt to choose Circle on completion of two years period: We have narrated that many of the executives have willingly or unwillingly followed or will be following these avoidable Rotational Transfer Orders issued by BSNL CO, and now they are asking form firm assurance from BSNL management that they will be brought back on completion of two years. Association requested to give firm assurance to the executives who are following rotational transfer orders for bringing them back to their present working place or any other place of their choice after completion of two years at transferred place. Director HR informed that it is not possible to give assurance for their transfers within two years but same can be assured on completion of three years. We requested him to issue such written orders so that it will help executives in taking decision and final call on transfers. Director HR assured that such written order for bringing back or for consideration of request for transfer to choose station after completion of three years will be issued.

Apart from these specific issues related to recent Rotational Transfers, we have elaborate discussions of other HR issues and details of the same will be uploaded by tomorrow. 

SNEA Telangana Circle Cordially Invites all executives to the OPEN SESSION on the occasion of Circle Executive Committee Meeting on 4^th June 2022 at 11:00 Hrs at Asman Mahal Auditorium,Lakdikapool,Hyderabad-500004.

                                                AGENDA

1.       Organization & Development issues of BSNL.
2.       3^RD PRC Implementation and agitation programs.
3.       Pay loss Issues (22820, E2/E3 Standard Pay Scale etc.).
4.       Promotions to all eligible executives in all cadres.
5.       SAB and PRMB Schemes.
6.       BSNL MRS and Group Health Insurance.

Clarification for removal of mandatory signature of the controlling officers for Executives. 

After  SNEA CHQ had meeting with Mrs. Anita Johari, PGM SR on this point of mandatory signature of controlling Officer on Change of membership form for executives a partial modification letter Issued and clarified that in case of Associations option in Membership form will be accepted both with or without signature of the controlling officer.

Copy <<<>>>

AGM SR BSNL CO issued notification for opening window for change or opt out the membership of any association or Union by respectively executives or Executives as and non-Executives and accordingly window will be open from 15/06/2022 to 15/07/2022. Copy <<<>>>

It has been seen that this time again the counter sign of controlling Officer is again included in these options. Many of SNEA leaders and activists from different Circles have expressed serious concern on adding the mandatory signature of the Controlling Officer before submission of this declaration for Change over or withdrawal or stop membership of any of the Union/Association,

Accordingly, Com Jagtar Singh, JSN, Com Isaack Brelin AGS and GS SNEA had meeting with Mrs. Anita Johari, PGM SR on this point of mandatory signature of controlling Officer on Change of membership form for executives and shared issues raised by the executives in field units. We shared that this is policy decision and making such changes abruptly is not correct. We expressed that if such changes are felt necessary by administration for any reason, these issues should have discussed with this association, then if required it can be modified. We categorically narrated that in today’s scenario, there is no need to re-introduce such avoidable compulsions.

PGM SR responded that there is no change in procedure or policy and as letter and format is issued both for executives and non-executives, hence this issue has been arisen and clarified that the signature of controlling Officer is required/mandatory for non-Executives and not mandatory for Executives.   

After elaborate discussions on this issue, it has been decided to issue corrigendum for removal of mandatory signature of the controlling officers for Executives but same will be continued to be required for non-Executives. In conclusion PGM SR assured to issue required clarification immediately. 

AGM Pers issued waiting list of pending Request transfers to All India Hard Tenure Stations. Copy SDEs <<<>> AGMs <<<>>

Many of the executives have applied for transfer to All India Tenure stations and their request is not given consideration for the last 2-3 Quarters and there was confusion about status of the OTP request. Though individuals were able to know about the pendency/status of their transfers through ESS Portal, they were not able to understand when his/her request will be given consideration and what is his position in the waiting list of any in to any station he/she has requested.  Further, others who needed to understand where they can get posting to All India Hard Tenure stations or not if they apply, also was not clear and many were applying these stations, under uncertainty.

This concern was expressed by SNEA with PGM Pers and he is kind enough to take immediate action and publish the waiting list of pending Request transfers which was never published earlier. It was also assured during discussions that all OTP requests will be given consideration, before implementation of OTP requests of third OTP quarterly cycle.

SNEA CHQ conveys sincere thanks to Shri. R.K. Goyal, PGM Pers BSNL CO, for taking one more step towards transparent working on transfer posting. We have already discussed about the issues faced by executives in applying request through OTP including restoration of option for withdrawal of request, before transfer order is issued and will be submitting detail note on it and we are hopeful that in similar manner, the issues reported in OTP transfer portal will be resolved before opening of next OTP window. 

AGM Pers issued modified orders of some of executives under 26 years long stay transfers thereby giving consideration of request transfers for change of Circle, retention of medical ground, correction of stay particulars and also giving administrative reasons. Orders SDEs <<<>> AGMs <<<>>

SNEA CHQ convey sincere thanks to Shri. R.K. Goyal, PGM Pers BSNL CO for giving consideration to the request of individual in policy manner as discussed and perused by SNEA CHQ and giving relief to the executives who were facing extreme hardship due to these long stay transfers 

In similar policy manner remaining requests including request for grant of immunity will also be given consideration and the individuals whose request is not till given consideration are requested to confirm that their request is forwarded by Circle Administration with required recommendations if any. SNEA CHQ will further pursue for consideration of all such genuine requests as per feedback given by DS/CS concerned. 

Lunch Hour Demonstrations by AUAB on 27/05/2022 for settlement of 3^rd Pay Revision: The AUAB has given call to organise a series of agitational programmes demanding settlement of 3rd Pay Revision to the Executives and 3rd Wage Revision to the Non-Executives. The first phase of this agitation is starting with Lunch Hour Demonstrations on the 27/05/2022 at all District/Circle HQ. All are requested to participate in this Lunch Hour Demonstrations in mass and make it grand success. Circular <<<>>>

Report on Special meeting By Director HR with SNEA CHQ Team on different HR issues:

Continued…… VIII

Scrapping of MT and DR DGM RRs: In continuation of proposal of fast track promotions, the issue of need of fresh talent in BSNL at higher level management was discussed. Director HR categorically questioned why associations are not in favour of MT and why some particular association has approached court of law for stopping even Internal MT recruitment for which BSNL has conducted examination and only result is to be declared. He stressed that for the growth of BSNL, the flow of fresh talent is essential in BSNL. He added that in days to come there will be no inflow at DGM/GM level on deputation in BSNL and hence BSNL should have its own management.

Director HR expressed that it is not understood why some associations do not want this internal exams to happen in BSNL and opposing to the extreme extent of declaration of results of examination conducted. We informed that we do not know about others, but  SNEA has decided in all its CWCs and AICs to support Internal MTs and oppose External MTs. Accordingly we have always supported for internal MT and we continue to oppose External MTs because BSNL is having excellent and capable inhouse talent which can be part of higher management of BSNL and only required is to give them the opportunity to move upward with free and fair competitio n.In external MTs, this inhouse talent of BSNL is not allowed and hence we oppose External MTs. 

We made it clear that SNEA has and will always promote for Internal MTs and we have been at forefront to promote internal talent of BSNL in BSNL higher level management. With same spirit and tempo, SNEA has earlier supported recruitment of executives in BSNL at DGMs level, but management has done everything for recruitment of only External DGMs and they are promoted as GMs and are now waiting for their promotions as PGM/ CGMs. But even after a decade, same BSNL management has done nothing for recruitment of DGMs from Internal quota and till vacancies are unfilled. It is unfortunate that the excellent and experienced talent available within the BSNL is denied opportunity to be part of BSNL management even though they were possessing required educational qualification but restricted by applying eligibility pay scale which was well within hands of BSNL. We expressed that the executives in BSNL who were capable and aspirant of becoming part of Management and who were ready to face competition, were not allowed for appearing examination and outcome of these actions is that BSNL could not get the experienced talent as DGMs in BSNL. BSNL.

Director HR informed that there were issues in DGM recruitment but it cannot be the reason for stopping Recruitment at Higher level at least to certain fixed percentage. He added that BSNL is expecting fresh talent from the Market who can lead this organization and take it to new heights. He expressed that If association which has stalled this process, would have allowed Management to complete this process then these internal MTs in BSNL may have completed their training by now and would have been part of higher management.

Director HR further informed that he is serious to complete this process of MTs and will not divert these vacancies as being asked for. We have opposed for conduction of External MTs stating that already available talent at DGM level is not utilized and also the executives in JTO/SDE Cadre are not allowed to compete in External MT by putting certain conditions.

We also added that there may be the case that if person appeared for JTO but failed to qualify as JTO but in the mean time they may have acquired /completed MBA/ M Tech and hence he may be eligible. But one who is successful in JTO examination and has joined BSNL and serving as JTO may not be eligible due to clause of higher educational qualification prescribed by BSNL and it is injustice to BSNL Executives.

Director HR informed that will not be the case and BSNL has no issue in promoting internal talent and assured that SDEs and equivalent executives also can appear the MT Exams. We insisted that there is need to allow all executives including JTOs to compete in the External MTs and in that case SNEA will support such recruitment of External MTs also.

Director HR informed that it is good proposal and all JTOs and equivalent Executive cadres can be allowed in External MT examination. We requested that BSNL is not in need of total number of the Executives under MT quota in one stroke to the extent the vacancies are kept reserved for years together under External MT Quota. We stressed that there is need to review these vacancies under External MT Quota and to make recruitment depending on year wise vacancies or actual and urgent requirement.  Director HR and appreciated our concern and asked association to come forward for these discussions.

Director HR appealed associations may come forward to negotiate the total number of vacancies of external MT from present 50% to actual requirement which cannot be nil as demanded by SNEA and same can be decided by discussions but we should not stop the process of Internal or External MTs. Director HR in conclusion appreciated our concern and asked association to come forward for further discussions and to decide the overall process and method of fast track promotions in BSNL.

Review of Restructuring Norms and justified/sanctioned post of executives as per practical requirement: Association pointed out the discrepancies in calculation of the Executive strength by BSNL and how even the norms issued by BSNL are not followed and how the total number of posts in all wings and for all cadres are shown less that actually justified.

We elaborated that this wrong calculation has badly affected total justified strength of executives and many executives are shown less than that of practical and minimum required executives in filed units to run the show. We added that this is reason why the executives in filed units have multiple charges and are unable to give total justice to the works assigned. We elaborated that after mass VRS, there is multifold increase in the workload and with further reduction of number of justified posts due to non-realistic calculations of justified post and created 3 to 4 times burden to majority of executives.

We requested for review of the justified strength of executives in all wings and all cadres. It was responded by PGM Estt that the justification has been done as per the norms and there is no deviation as stated by association. We responded that BSNL has defined guidelines for justifying any post of executives on certain norms i.e. one post of number of total RKM of OFC, Number of BTS, Mtce of Indoor systems and external plants and many rather all Circle have sent the justification on basis of these guidelines but while approving these proposals, BSNL CO has reduced the number of posts by giving limit to total number of posts any Circle have after revised justification. This has been done in total contradiction and has started creating affecting working in Filed units.

As classic example we have quoted the justification approved for CNTX Circle and on prima facie it is seen that CNTXW Circle is having lowest justified strength of executives as compared to other CNTXW Circles even though the Total Length of OFC maintained by CNTXW is more than that of other CNTXW Circle. On this PGM Estt informed that these issues can be taken care in coming days but correction in present justified posts is not possible. We replied that as per Restructuring Norms, the review of the posts is to be done every two years and first review is due.

PGM Estt informed that these guidelines are issued recently and two years period is not competed. We responded that as per the guidelines issued by BSNL itself it is stated that these guidelines are operational from Feb 2020 and hence two years period is over by Feb 2022 and hence review of justified posts needs to be taken care. PGM Estt informed that he will check for the reference made by association about review of the norms, but as these norms of justified are not yet implemented fully, it cannot be decided on its review. We elaborated that review can be done by taking into consideration the practical requirement as per guidelines issued by BSNL and we are not demanding anything out of pretext of the guidelines. This issue of reduced number of justified posts is equally seen in justification of posts in all wings including Civil and Electrical wings and it has become reason for blocking promotions to certain extent. In conclusion of discussions,

Director HR assured to look into concern expressed by association and check for possibilities for corrective action to revised posts. He also directed PGM Estt to look into the concern raised by association about a smaller number of justified posts in CNTXW Circle as compared to other CNTXW Circle. He also directed association to give detailed feedback on these issues and we have assured to submit details along with supporting documents.

Keeping on hold the procedure for review of RRs and review the matter as fresh: During discussions on promotions and justification of posts on restructuring norms, SNEA has narrated that BSNL is having already approved RRs for all cadres and there is no reason for review of the RRs. We also pointed out that when BSNL executives are being given promotion in higher functional grade in Time Bound manner 4 to 5 years, the proposal of review of RRs which does not guarantee Regular promotion in time Bound manner cannot be acted by the executives. The review of RRs is attempted to deprive BSNL executives from five Time Bound Promotions in carrier progressions of Executives in BSNL as assured by DoT in writing to this association which was part of the negotiation of terms and conditions of absorption in BSNL. WE narrated that BSNL has approved Time Bound promotion policy which given guarantee of five promotions and by proposing review of RRs, it is seen that this policy is being indirectly scrapped and new policy is being introduced which is not correct.

We added that in the new RRs again BSNL is starting with Adhoc promotions starting form JTO/SDE cadres, where no Adhoc Promotions were issued in BSNL at any time. The Adhoc promotions were and are issued at level of DGMs and above, but is no case, Adhoc SDE Promotions were issued. But these RRs are proposing Adhoc promotions from SDE cadre even after delay of 12 years. Further, we added that BSNL has officially declared that there is no difference in workload of JTO/SDE and hence these posts are interchangeable and hence equal status.

That means any JTO getting Adhoc promotion after 12 years, will continue to work on this Adhoc and temporary posts till the post is created either by retirement or death of executive already working in Regular and functional post. Hence such Temporary promotions will not serve any purpose and hence there is no need of any revisions of RRs and BSNL should go ahead with existing RRs for filling all vacant posts of executives in all wings and all cadres as being proposed by BSNL management and then further course of action, the promotions may be issued as per the Time Bound promotion Policy already approved by BSNL.

We added that we will not have no issue if concern observed and faced by the management in present Time Bound promotion Policy is discussed and revised but totally scrapping of Time Bound Promotions is Policy and introduction of new Promotion policy is not accepted to any of the association.  Director HR informed that the concern expressed by Association will be taken by revised RRs for which work is under process and most probably in June 22, same will be shared with associations and discussed before its implementation. He added that SNEA may give the views on this amended and modified RRs and assured to incorporate the concern expressed by associations to maximum possible extent.  

Action for Promotion for Executives recruited under PWD Quota: We have drawn attention of the Management that though there are guidelines on reservation in promotions for Executives recruited under PWD Category, but is same is not followed in BSNL and these executives are deprived from their promotions. PGM Pers informed that this matter is pending in court at the highest level and hence BSNL has not taken any action.

Further, any decision given by court cannot be implemented by BSNL till it is endorsed by DoPT and DoT. PGM Pers added that BSNL is waiting for clearance of pending cases and endorsement of these guidelines. PGM Pers informed that as per prevailing guidelines the reservation in promotions under PWD Categories is limited for non-Executive posts and not available in Executive post after first recruitment. He firmly assured that as the matter is decided at highest level, the decision will be taken in the favour of these executives by granting reservation in all promotions and assured that BSNL will follow these instructions as and when issued and endorsed by DoPT and DoT.  

Updates on discussions held on other agenda points is being updated shortly.

Updates on the burning issue of  Inter Circle Rotational Transfers: On burning issue of Rotational Transfers of SNEA Members, Shri. Rajdeep, AGS SNEA and Shri. M. S. Adasul, GS SNEA again met Shri. R.K. Goyal, PGM Pers BSNL CO yesterday on 23/05/2022 and discussed the hardship faced by the SNEA and affected executives and SNEA Members to due to avoidable long stay transfers. We have elaborate discussions on this issue and details are as follows.   

PGM Pers informed that the proposal of cancellation of all Rotational Transfers was not agreed earlier and cannot be agreed at this stage as many of the executives under transfer have joined at the transferred place and some more are on the way to join. He appealed association that when Executives are willing to join on transferred place then association should not stop them joining. We informed that there are executives who are waiting for consideration of grievances and few may not have serious issues may be joining under compulsions they are facing in present situation.

PGM Pers informed that his office is taking note of the genuine grievances and all the representations received by Pers section are scrutinized and given consideration to maximum possible extent. The proposal for consideration of request for change of Circle, request for retention of genuine grounds like Critical illness of self and dependents, Request for correction in stay, Request for grant of immunity is under process and hopefully these modification orders will be issued by coming Thursday or maximum Friday.

PGM Pers informed that Medical cases recommended by Circle and for which entry has been made in ERP by Circles are given consideration. All the Request received by Pers Section for change of Circle are given consideration. He added that request for correction in stay particulars, counting of age correctly as that of financial year, single parent cases are also reviewed and given consideration. He added that in earlier order, names of some executives who have completed stay of 26 years in working Circle were missing and same are added now and their transfers order will be issued along with revision of earlier transfer orders.

For the grant of immunity, the request given through proper channel and which are forwarded through Proper channel with details of immunity availed earlier and with similar undertaking by individuals are given consideration.

The individual requests for medical ground for retention without entry of the same in ERP and requests for grant of Immunity not received through proper channel with details of immunity availed are not given consideration and all such cases corrective action needs to be taken by Circles. We requested for details of such cases and PGM Pers informed that orders for requests submitted by individuals which are given consideration will be issued within day or two and till any such request is remaining same can be given consideration and association may bring it to notice of his office.

PGM Pers informed that for grant of immunity and retention on medical grounds, the retention will be granted but not in same Circle. If request is from Telecom Circle, then the retention will be given in Non-Recruiting Circle and vice versa but he assured that the retention will be at same location where concerned executive is working. He further added that individuals asking for immunity should not ask for cancellation of Transfer order once immunity period is over on other grounds like age criteria and they will be relived to transferred place after immunity period is over.

On our request for cancellation of all Rotational Transfers from All India Hard and Soft Tenure stations, PGM Pers informed that the policy decision is taken by CMD BSNL for issuing long stay transfers from all Circle and All India hard tenure Circles are part of it. He added that no one can be given guaranty that he will be in same Circle and one has to undergo at least one two years break in length of service. 

On the reducing period of executives for which he/she worked at All India Soft Tenure stations, he assured that same will be reduced for the period when concerned executives has worked at that station after declaration of Soft tenure station. In all such cases, the total Circle stay of Executives will be reduced by three years but  request of association for break in total length of stay in Circle cannot be given consideration as per policy decided by the higher Management.     

On our request for giving consideration for excluding names of all female comrades from Inter Circle Long stay list, he informed that it is not allowed for Non-Tenure Circles and hence cannot be given consideration. If we start giving such consideration, then there will be court cases.

On the court cases done by individuals, PGM Pers informed that these cases will be given considerations as per the directions of court and well within the decided policy of BSNL. 

In conclusion of meeting PGM Pers assured that the rotational transfers are issued as per the decided policy and well within frame of transfer policy and it is not against any association or any executive in BSNL. He added that there may be issues in some cases and assured to take corrective action for giving consideration to all such corrections and association may give such cases if left out after the modification order is issued.

We added that some of Circles are creating pressure for relieving of executives and the executives who are in need of consideration of genuine ground request are in trouble. He informed that as per order all executives are to be relived by 25/05/2022, but there will be no ERP relieving till from date of transfer Order i. e. 02/06/2022 and meantime all the representations will be decided and given consideration on merit of each case.

We tried to meet Shri. Arvind Vadnerkar, Director HR BSNL for consideration of issues of cancellation of Transfer Orders from All India Hard/Soft Tenure station and all other issues /grievances created due to these rotational transfers of 26 years but are not given consideration till today, but he was busy with some urgent work to be reported to DoT and hence could not meet.

Meantime, we have requested time from Shri. R.K. Purwar ji, CMD BSNL specially for the left out issues of rotational transfer and though he was busy with some urgent work related to Revival Package of BSNL, he spared time an gave us meeting. CMD BSNL informed that he is really busy with urgent work related to revival of BSNL and, he will discuss all these issues any issues including the left out issues of Rotational transfers after 30/05/2022.  In short discussions, CMD BSNL informed that let us focus on growth of BSNL getting maximum support from DoT and Government and with growth of BSNL we can meet all the demands of executives. We assured that we are also much impressed and eagerly waiting for revival of BSNL and we have no issue holding discussions even after 30/05/2022 but there is need of giving consideration of the issues which are in tune of the guidelines issued by BSNL and CMD BSNL assured for positive action on same.

Accordingly, it is clear that the Rotational Transfers as whole will not be cancelled but all the requests with genuine grounds and in need of corrective actions due to wrong counting of stay will be given consideration and the left out issues will be finally decided either by Director HR or by CMD BSNL latest by first week of June 2022.

SNEA CHQ appeals all the affected executives due to these Rotational Transfers on criteria of 26 years to have review of their grievances and if are willing as do not have any serious issues to join at transferred place, he/she may join. Others who are having genuine issues and difficulties to join at place of posting, he/she should wait for consideration of his /her representation for modification/revision as agreed by PGM Pers BSNL CO for which orders will be issued within 2-3 days. Once these representations are decided then he/she can have review of his/her representation and if required submit revised request with required documents and corrective actions accordingly.

It is to further inform that DS/CS SNEA concerned have consolidated and submitted all the representations received by them and are rightly received by SNEA CHQ and we are pursuing for consideration of all such representations and we are hopeful that all will be given consideration as assured by PGM Pers BSNL CO. If any of the representation is not given consideration and left out for any reason, SNEA will continue to pursue all such requests and try to give relief to executives to best possible extent from the difficulties they are facing due to Rotational transfers.

Report on Special meeting By Director HR with SNEA CHQ Team on different HR issues:

Continued……VII

Uniformity in TBP by granting First Time Bound Promotions in Four years: Association requested for giving justice to the executives who are deprived of first time Bound promotion in four years. We narrated that there is much unrest among the deprived executives joined BSNL during 1992 to 1995 as about all these executives have got first Time Bound Promotion in six years. 

We added that same scenario has been aroused for BSNL recruited executives and many of them are also deprived of First Time Bound Promotion in four years due to condition of touching scale. One side, they are denied Standard Pay scales, their salary is reduced and other side they are informed that you are not touching higher scale and hence will not be given first Time Bound Upgradation in four years and these executives are at loss in all fronts. If BSNL implements Standard Pay scales or/and implement 3^rd PRC from due date, then some of them BSNL recruited Executives will get first TBP in four years. 

We also added that Court also has given directions for uniformity in first Time Bound Promotion. The DoT recruited executives who are deprived of first Time Bound in four years will get this benefit only when it is implanted uniformly in four years. As this disparity is not cleared, the number of executives affected due not touching higher scale is increasing and this is reason for mass unrest. We insisted for giving first time Bound Promotions to all executives uniformly in Four years by removal of condition of touching higher scale. 

PGM personal informed that first time promotions for all executives was proposed in six years and to give weightage to the service rendered by DoT recruited executives the condition was added that who have higher length of service will touch the higher pay scale early and will get benefits of higher services he/she has rendered in DoT. PGM Pers further added that Court has issued directions for brining uniformity and already it is uniform for all on completion of six years and others with higher length of services are getting benefits weightage of service as proposed by DoT. He added that the financial condition of BSNL is also not good so as to consider any such demand from retrospective date. 

Association added that financial burden is very less as compared other demands and hence there should not be any issue in its implementation. We further requested for making it uniformly four years, then it may be please implemented uniformly as four years and executives with higher length of service may get it in four years and all other executives will at least get it in five years. 

In conclusion, it was responded by Director HR that this is old issue implemented for Absorbed officers and cannot be given consideration at this stage as the financial condition is not good and conveyed that this demand cannot be accepted in present circumstances.  

Regular Promotions instead of LA/Adhoc Promotions: We have elaborated difficulties faced by BSNL and its executives due to looking after arrangement being used as regular arrangement for filing vacant posts. 

We added that looking after arrangement was introduced as Temporary arrangements about ten years back and BSNL has made these temporary arrangements as regular arrangements. We also drawn attention towards the fact that through there are more post vacant in AGM/DGM Cadre, BSNL CO has put restrictions on number of posts and hence there is no uniformity in implementation of Looking After Arrangements guidelines uniformly among all Circles. 

During discussions, we elaborated how this looking after arrangement has badly affected development of BSNL and how it has demoralized executives in field units and requested for stopping looking after arrangements and issuing Regular promotions for filling all vacant posts. 

PGM Pers responded that the regular promotions are not being issued due to court cases and his office is working out for regular promotions for all wings. He added that management also do not want to continue the looking After arrangements and it has been stopped in many cadres and wings as about all vacant posts are filled in by regular promotions. Similar action is being taken for filling vacant post in AGM/DGM cadre or wherever post are vacant. PGM Pers concluded this issue stating that once these regular arrangements are made by issuing regular promotions, then there will not be any need of Looking After arrangements.

Updates on discussions held on other agenda points is being updated shortly. 

>> Reservation in promotion to persons with Benchmark Disabilities(PwBDs)

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