Clarification on the body at Circle offices (Recruiting and Non recruiting), Metro Dists etc: GS, President, AGS and Jt Sec discussed the matter with GM(SR) and DGM(SR). The elected body at recruiting Circle offices will be recognized as SSA level body. A general clarification in this regard will be issued tomorrow, 17.10.2018. Other points, clarification will be issued afterwards after examining the issue, in consultation with the Metro Dists and Non rect Circles.

Group Term Insurance (GTI): The Committee submitted its report to the competent authority. 

DE to DGM promotion: The MA filed by BSNL for vacation of stay on DGM promotion was listed for hearing on 15.10.2018 at Hon CAT, Chandigarh. Due to paucity of time, MA postponed to 29.10.2018. On 29.10.2018, it will be heard along with the main OA, Hon Court told.

Appeal in the Hon Delhi High court on additional increment on post based promotion as per EPP: The appeal filed by DoT in the Hon Delhi HC against the Hon PCAT judgment quashing the DoT order dated 05.07.2017, rescinding the EPP provision for additional increment on post based promotion in the same pay scale was listed for hearing on 16.10.2018. Due to paucity of time, it is listed to Feb, 2019. 

GS writes to Hon Minister Shri Manoj Sinhna on E2/E3 pay scales: Approval of BSNL proposal for revision of intermediary pay scales of 9850-250-14600 (E1A) and 11875-300-17275 (E2A) with the next higher standard pay scales of E2 and E3 for the JTO and SDE equivalent cadres in BSNL w.e.f. 01.01.2007 based on the clarification given by DPE on 29.08.2018. DPE directed DoT to decide the pay scales based on 1) affordability clause in the DPE OM dated 26.11.2008, ie. PBT for the year 2007-08, 2) intermediary pay scales are not allowed and 3) the pay scales are to be implemented by the CPSE in consultation with the Administrative Ministry

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.

Group Term Insurance(GTI): The final premium quote received from LIC is Rs 1.6 per thousand rupees for a coverage of 50 lakhs for the age group upto 50 years. The rate will be reviewed after 3 years. The same slab will continue till they attain 60 years. The Committee will be submitting its report to DIR(HR) in this regard shortly. GS met GM(Trg) who coordinates the GTI scheme and held discussions today and requested to expedite the proposal. GS asked simultaneously to work out for an option if any Executive wants to opt out of the scheme.

Fund collection for the All India Conference: The Bhubaneswar CWC meeting decided to collect an amount of Rs 200/ per member for meeting the huge expenditure towards AIC. In that Rs 100/- will be for the CHQ expenditure and Rs 50/- each will be for the SSA and Circle for meeting their huge expenditure towards AIC.

Circles/SSAs/Branches not having held their respective Conferences within time frame stipulated in the constitution must hold their conferences immediately to be eligible to attend AIC. 

All India Conference at Ludhiana, Punjab, from 28^th to 30^th November, 2018.

The delegate election should be done by the remaining Branches/Divisions/Districts/SSAs immediately by convening the General Body meetings, after notifying it. The number of delegates should be elected as per the provisions of the constitution. [One(01) delegate for every 30 members or part thereof being not less than 20, subject to a minimum of one per Branch/Division/District/SSA]. CHQ Office Bearers, CSs and CWC members shall be ex-officio delegates, in addition to the eligible delegates.

Considering the huge expenditure, the delegate fee is retained as Rs 1,250 per delegate, as in the last AIC. Host Circle made all the arrangements for the delegates. Observers are not allowed. Due to constraints, the host Circle made accommodation arrangements only to the eligible delegates. Host Circle requested that the observers if any reaching the AIC venue should make their own arrangements for the Accommodation. 

GS writes to DIR(HR): Fixation of pay under FR22(1)(a)(1) and its  consequential  benefit on pay revision to the officiating JTOs.

GS writes to DIR(HR): Retention of Sr. Architect office at Patna, Bihar Circle at Patna.

Meeting with Smt Sujata T Ray, DIR(HR&Fin) on 09.10.2018:

GS, President and AGS met DIR(HR) and reviewed the progress on the various issues in our charter of demands of the agitation programs. GM(SR) also present.

Initially we discussed the financial problems in the field units. All the payments are getting delayed and maintenance is severely affected. DIR(Fin) informed that the situation will improve shortly as the formalities for taking loan for CAPEX is getting cleared at various levels.

1) On CPSU Hierarchy notification, the committee is finalizing the report and it will be submitted to the competent authority. Some delay occurred due to unavoidable reasons.

On promotions, the recent SC judgment on reservation in promotion is to be examined thouroughly. The legal opinion received is to wait for the DoPT guidelines in this regard. At the same time, due to the election year, whether DoPT will take a quick decision in this regard is also doubtful. Management will work out some alternative mechanism also parallaly, DIR(HR) informed.

On JTO to SDE promotion, we requested to issue the promotion orders to the extent possible from the remaining JTOs, pending finalization of AIEL and the seniority can be finalized later on. DIR(HR) informed that now Pers section is pre-occuppied with the contempt case at Ernakulam and immediately after that we will try to find some way out. Management is waiting for the outcome of the contempt petition. We requested to reconsider it as more than 5000 vacancies are lying vacant and innocent JTOs are punished for none of their fault. Finally DIR(HR) told us to have further discussion with GM(Pers).

On AO to CAO promotion, legal opinion is to wait for the DoPT guidelines on reservation issue. We shared our apprehension that the decision on creamy layer may take much time as it is a political decision and it has to be worked out by the Govt before notification, with the approval of Union Cabinet. This means, on promotion, we are back to the same situation we had, few months back. Entire promotion should not be held up again we requested. DIR(HR) assured to find some way out.  

Similarly AGM promotion also, management is waiting for the outcome of the contempt petition, DIR(HR) informed. Thereafter only it can be decided how to proceed further. After the recent judgment, it become more complicated.

2. Approval of E2 and E3 pay scales w.e.f. 01.01.2007: A DO letter from CMD to Secretary, DoT requesting to approve E2 and E3 scales as recommend by BSNL will be sent in a day or two as discussed with the Assn and thereafter it will be pursued.

3. First Time Bound Financial Upgradation as per EPP-2007, uniformly after 4 years, instead of 4 to 6 years: After lot of pursuation at different level, the proposal now moved from Pers section.

4. E1+5 increments for the post 2010 rect JTO/JAOs and equivalent cadres: Estt section examining the possibility to do it within the powers of MC. Since proposal is already in the Board for the rect upto 2014, matter is to be examined.

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

6. Increase the DGM(T) posts, atleast by another 800 for maintaining a ratio 1:4 and filling up all the DGM(T) vacancies on regular basis. The matter is under examination. The need for increase in the DGM posts is accepted. But a mechanism is to be worked out through HR Plan. Meanwhile work on finalization of HR  plan is picking momentum. Meanwhile DIR(HR) assured to expedite the DPC work for DGM(T) posts pending vacation of stay on promotions.  

On issuing orders for soft tenure break, it was informed that the file is resubmitted for the approval of DIR(HR) with positive recommendation to restore the Circle break on soft tenure posting. 

GS writes to CMD/BSNL: Urgent need to increase the DGM(T) posts, atleast by another 800 and filling up all the DGM(T) vacancies on regular basis. The number of DGMs working is hardly 650 against the sanctioned strength of 1331. Recently the AGM(T) posts increased from 5303 to 8,713. The DGM(T) posts also to be increased proportionately. The number of DGM(T) posts are very less in Telecom Engineering side, resulting huge stagnation.