ALL UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS OF BSNL (AUAB)

Dear Comrades,

All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB), for the last few years, pursuing the issues related to the growth of BSNL as well as the common HR issues of the BSNL employees. The DoT is putting all the hurdles in the revival of BSNL and settlement of the issues, inspite of the fact that, at the time of formation of BSNL, Govt declared that the financial viability of BSNL will be fully taken care of, better career prospects for the employees and guarantees Pensionary benefits to all. The Govt is so indifferent towards BSNL, even on growth related issues. Govt is creating innumerable hurdles, on each and every proposal of BSNL, practically interfering with the day to day affairs of the company. This lethargic attitude of the Govt compelled the employees to launch various Trade Union Programs, including strike.

In the meeting between AUAB and the Hon Minster of State for Communications held on 24.02.2018 and 03.12.2018, the Hon Minster was assured to settle the issues in a time bound manner. Especially on 3rd PRC, he assured to take it to Cabinet for relaxing the affordability clause and on 4G spectrum, he assured that will be allotted without any delay. Again, the abnormal delays on implementation of these assurances lead to the Indefinite Strike call from 03.12.2018. In this meeting also Hon Minister had given specific and categorically assures about the settlement of the issues and delinking of Pension Revision from Pay Revision. 

In the discussions with Additional Secretary (Telecom) [AS(T)], on 30.01.2019, DoT made an offer of 5% fitment for 3rd PRC and requested AUAB to accept it considering the present financial crisis. Further AS(T) said that in that case, pay revision also will be placed for the approval of the Digital Commission meeting, to be held on 05.02.2019 along with the 4G spectrum allotment, vacant land management policy and restructuring of BSNL and thereafter it would be taken for the approval of the Cabinet in February itself. On Pension Revision, DoT gone back from the assurance given by the Hon Minister to delink it from Pay revision and clearly taken a position that it can be done only after pay revision and with the same fitment offered for pay revision and 15% fitment is ruled out. The AUAB rejected the 5% fitment as it is very low and could not accept it. In the earlier meeting with AS(T), 0% fitment was offered by the DoT side. Thereafter, the AS(T) suggested that the AUAB representatives could discuss the issue with the CMD/BSNL and could come back to him within a day or two. In the very next day meeting, AS(T) told that even 5% fitment is difficult to consider and it is not able to consider in the DC meeting on 05.02.2019. AUAB is firm on our demand for 15% fitment, delinking of pension revision with 15% fitment and time bound approval by Digital Commission and the Cabinet.

Non-allotment of 4G spectrum, non approval of land monetization proposal submitted by BSNL in May, 2018, pension contribution on maximum of pay scales, denial of permission to avail bank loans for expansion of network, non filling of BSNL Director posts etc are deliberate attempt of the Govt to destabilize BSNL. The Niti Aayog and Finance Ministry is vehemently opposing any proposal for revival of BSNL like 4G spectrum allotment. The non settlement of HR issues like 3rd PRC is also part of the same game plan to create industrial unrest in the company and further weaken BSNL to facilitate other operators. Even Pension Revision is denied by the Govt. In this background AUAB decided to resume the agitational promgramms to settle the issues immediately prior to the notification of General Elections.

1. Implementation of 3^rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment.

At the time of formation of BSNL, as per the recommendations of Group of Ministers, Govt declared that it will ensure the financial viability of BSNL, better career prospects for the employees and payment of pension by the Govt. BSNL is a unique PSU where majority of the employees are recruited by Govt and absorbed in BSNL. BSNL could not make profit due to the wrong policies of the Govt. Last 3 years, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, BSNL performed in an outstanding manner and increased the operational profit, year after year till the entry of Reliance Jio. Govt and TRAI allowed policy violations and predatory pricing by Reliance Jio, which crippled the industry even though BSNL could withstand in comparison to private operators in an exceptional manner. All other operators, despite massive decline in their revenues, including R-Jio, are able to stay in the market only with the support of public financial institutions. BSNLs decline is due to the Govt, not by the employees. So there is no justification in denying the Pay Revision to BSNL employees. The Hon Minster was assured the AUAB on 24.02.2018 and 03.02.2018 that, for the relaxation of affordability clause for the 3rd Pay Revision of BSNL employees, relaxation of affordability clause will be sought from the Cabinet. However, the DoT, which is responsible for preparing the Cabinet Note, is dragging its feet and deliberately delaying the approval.

2. Allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by the BSNL Management.

In the meeting held on 24.02.2018, the Hon Minster was kind enough to state that, 4G spectrum would be allotted to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by BSNL in December, 2017. However, even after the lapse of one year, the assurances given by the Hon Minster are not implemented. Abnormal delay in the allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL is adversely affecting the financial revival of the Company. Niti Aayog and Finance Ministry, which dolled out huge concessions to bail out the private operators are opposing 4G spectrum allotment to BSNL.

3. Implement assurance of the Hon Minister for delinking pension revision from pay revision. Revise pension of BSNL retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017.

The BSNL retirees, who are absorbed from the DoT, are eligible for pension revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017. Both the BSNL retirees, as well as the Central Government retirees, are covered by the same rules, viz., the CCS Pension Rules 1972. Rule 37A has inserted for providing Government pension on IDA scales from the consolidated fund of India for the CPSU employees absorbed from Govt service by counting the combined service. While the Central Government pensioners have already got their pension revision, the BSNL pensioners are left high and dry. The DoT, which is responsible for the settlement of the pension revision of the BSNL retirees, has not taken any action in that direction. Pension revision is no way linked with the pay revision as the entire pension contribution was paid by BSNL. Even for BSNL Pensioners, DoT suggested less fitment than 15%, equivalent to Pay revision, citing the affordability of BSNL where as Pension is to be paid by the Govt.

4. Payment of pension contribution by BSNL as per the Government rule.

The Pension Contribution is to be calculated based on the actual basic pay, instead of maximum of the pay scales as per DoPT order dated 19.11.2009, under the provisions of FR 116. However, the DoT is collecting Pension Contribution from BSNL, based on the maximum of the pay scale of each BSNL employee, since 01.01.2007. In the meeting held on 24.02.2018, the Hon Minster was kind enough to direct the Secretary (T), that only the Government of India Rule should be made applicable to BSNL, in the matter of pension contribution. The DoT has so far not implemented the direction given by the Hon Minster. Settlement of this issue is having huge impact on the 3rd Pay Revision.

5. Settlement of the left out issues of the 2nd Pay Revision Committee.

CMD, BSNL given an assurance of 3% hike in the Superannuation benefits by March, 2019. 

However on the E2 and E3 Pay scale, no progress is there irrespective of clear direction by the Hon Minister in the meeting held on 03.12.2018.

6.    a) Approval for BSNLs Land Management Policy without any delay.

b) Expeditiously complete the mutation and the process of transferring of all assets to BSNL.

BSNL is having huge vacant land at prime locations scattered in 15,000 land parcels. The fair value itself is more than 1 lakh Crore. For the effective monetization of the vacant land by proposing to lease out to PSUs, Banks etc, BSNL submitted the Land Management Policy in May, 2018 for the approval of DoT. Huge amount, 1000 Cr to 5000 Cr is expected from this business itself. However, DoT is not taking any action on this proposal having huge potential.

7.    (a) Ensure financial viability of BSNL, as per the decision taken by the Group of

       Ministers, at the time of formation of BSNL.

(b) Issue letter of comfort for BSNLs proposals for taking bank loans.

(c) Expeditiously fill up all vacant post of BSNL Board of Directors.

At the time of formation of BSNL, Govt declared that the financial viability of BSNL will be fully taken care of. On the other hand, DoT is involved in paralyzing the growth of BSNL, policy makers in other crucial wings of the Government like Niti Aayog are colluding and conspiring to destabilize BSNL. All other private operators were adequately compensated to the tune of thousands of crores through unbelievable policy concessions, BSNL is even denied Letter of Comfort for availing Bank Loans, that also continuously for two years, 2017-18 and 2018-19. DoT, intentionally not allowing BSNL to avail Bank loans for expanding the network or to meet the urgent operational requirements. As per the data shared by the Govt in the Parliament recently, Reliance –Jio which entered into Telecom market just in Sept, 2016, Bharati Airtel, Vodafone Idea, RCom etc having a market liability of 6 lakhs Crores, even crossing the ceiling set by RBI for Telecom sector where as BSNL is having just 11,500 Crores. This whole amount from private operators is going to become NPAs. The details are shown below:

Private operators are indiscriminately extended financial assistance by the financial institutions, whereas BSNL is being deliberately forced to starve and eventually die by the policy makers at the highest levels of the Government. Non filling of key Director Board positions like Director (Finance) for the last 5 years etc are to be read together, clearly establishing the Govt role in weakening BSNL.

8. Scrap BSNLs outsourcing for the operation and maintenance of its mobile towers.

The BSNL Management has planned to outsource the maintenance of BSNLs towers for exorbitant rates, for which huge amount have to be paid annually. At the beginning itself, the AUAB has opposed this. But, the BSNL Management is going ahead with the agenda. Absolutely there is no need for the Company to spend such a huge amount, more importantly at a time when it is facing a serious financial crisis.

Comrades, the strike from 18.02.2019 onwards has to send loud and clear message to the Government as well as the Telecom Policy makers at the highest level, that the employees are fully determined to expose and defeat sinister policies of the Government to weaken, destabilize and finally privatize BSNL and that we are ready to fearlessly tread miles and miles to safeguard our beloved company from disintegration.

First thing first ...

Let all know that BSNL is not closing down ...

Do press conferences, meet customers, meet retail chain and most importantly vendors and business partners, distribute pamphlets ... Whatever you do this should be most important job today .....

Anupam Shrivastava CMD BSNL.

MAKE EXTENSIVE PREPARATIONS FOR 3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019 BY AUAB

AUAB rejects the appeal of the Management to withdraw the strike from 18.02.2019:

MAKE EXTENSIVE PREPARATIONS FOR 3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019 BY AUAB

The GTI option window will be opened depends on the ERP black out. Some clarifications sought by the ERP regarding the implementation which will be replied today. Option for both schemes for Rs 50 lakhs and 20 lakhs are available for those above 50 years 5 months and 29 days as on 01.03.2019 and change of option will be available.

GS discussed with GM(SR) regarding the cancellation of transfer of Com Anil Dubey, DS/Circle office Maharashtra to a far off place, Bhandara SSA. GS demanded that his earlier transfer to Kalyan SSA to be implemented instead of transfer to Bhandara SSA. GM(SR) assured to discuss with Maharashtra Circle.

3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019 BY AUAB

For further mobilization for the strike, AUAB decided to conduct a march on 15.02.2019, Friday by all the family members of BSNL employees.

A combined meeting of AUAB will be held at Gaziabad, UP(West) on 12.02.2019 at 11 am and Rohtak, Haryana on 13.02.2019 at 11 am. A lunch hour meeting will be held at BSNLCO for BSNLCO and Delhi Circle on 14.02.2019 at 01.30 pm. All Circle Office bearers, SSA Secretaries and activists to participate and motivate the employees for the 3 days strike from 18.02.2019. AUAB CHQ leaders will be addressing the meetings.

Conduct combined meetings at Circle/SSA/Branch level. 

Meeting with Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD, BSNL on 08.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met CMD and held discussions on the acute financial crisis in the organization. We appraised CMD about the situation in the field units which is affecting the services and gradually affect the revenue also. Since DoT is not given the letter of comfort, taking bank loan also delayed, CMD informed us.

Notification of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as assured by the management: All the promotions are held up due to non-availability of posts, court cases and reservation issue. The reservation policy and the seniority related dispute created deadlock in JTO to SDE promotion. In other streams non-availability of vacancies is the main problem. BSNL is following the post based promotions followed in Govt Depts which is the main reason for creating such situation. This created huge disparity in promotions which resulted in resentment among the Executives especially the major wing, Engg wing. As a solution to all the issues, the new promotion policy is approved by the BSNL Board in line with the promotion policy followed in all CPSUs. It is to be implemented immediately, w.e.f 01.07.2018, we demanded.

Assn is not able to contain the resentment among the Executives waiting for promotion and will be compelled to start agitations in short notice, we informed. CMD reassured to notify the policy at the earliest. 

Meeting with Shri Arun Kumar, PGM(Pers) on 08.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met PGM(Pers) and held discussions on i) DE to DGM promotions: We strongly objected to the abnormal delay in issuing promotions. The DPC work abruptly stopped without any reason. The list is already approved by the competent authority and utilised twice in 2016 and 2017 for DGM promotions. 1966 seniority etc do not have any relevance now as matter is subjudice. Similar delay on review DPC for SDE to DE promotion based on Hon SC judgment on Rule 206 is hampering the regular promotion to DGM grade. PGM(Pers) assured to expedite the process and some line of action is worked out for DGM promotion. In the HOCC meeting also, CGMs severely complained about the acute shortage of DGMs in the field units. 

ii) JTO to SDE promotion: The opinion on reservation policy is sought from the SG. The legal opinions from two BSNL counsels were contradictory which prompted management to get the opinion of ASG but ASG declined to give the opinion, which shows the confusion in the legal circles on this important issue.

The court cases against promotions made management very cautious for future promotions, and management want to make it sure that no fresh litigations are arisen after giving promotions, PGM(Pers) informed.

iii) Notification of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as assured by the management. Since the reservation policy and the seniority related disputes again started creating deadlocks and the non-availability of vacancies, the new promotion policy is to be implemented immediately, w.e.f 01.07.2018.  

iv) Restoration of Circle break in Soft tenure policy also discussed.

Meeting with Shri A M Gupta, GM(SR) on 08.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met GM(SR) and held discussions on i) notification of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as assured by the management and ii) office accommodation at Circle and SSA level. Assn is not able to contain the resentment among the Executives waiting for promotion and will be compelled to start agitations in short notice, we informed.