Meeting with Shri V. Ramesh, Director(EB) on 15.07.2020:

GS, President and AGSs Com P P Rao and Com Rajendra Kolapkar met DIR(EB) and held discussion on various issues.

1) Preferential treatment and special fund allotment for Maintenance Regions: Since maintenance regions are responsible for maintaining the long distance transmission systems, more importance should be given to it. Because of low priority, media failure, delay in fault clearance etc is frequent now, resulting slow speed and customer dissatisfaction. We demanded for Special treatment for Maintenance Regions. We suggested for allotment of special fund of atleast 4 to 5 Crores to each Mtce Regions, every month for urgent mtce work alone. Mgt is considering this proposal.

2) The frequent interruption in the Core network, seriously affecting the data speed: It was mainly due to the swapping of Core routers (Huwaei make) to Super Core Router (Nokia make). BSNL is procuring and installing 103 Super Core routers making the MPLS backbone more strong and stable. BSNL instructed to stop the swapping, temporarily, till addressing the issues already cropped up.

3) Acute shortage of Executives in Mtce Regions which is affecting the mtce activities. Shortage of stores, vehicles etc: We requested to post more Executives to the Mtce Regions. In many places, acute shortage is facing. The Executives are overloaded. Abnormal delay in labour payment also affecting the services. DIR(EB) assured to examine the matter and do the needful.

4) Status of OFC tender and joint closure tender: OFC tender for 24 & 48 Fibre opened yesterday but unfortunately no one participated in the tender. It is a serious development and setback for BSNL. In the tender for supply of Battery, the rates are almost 40% to 50% higher, comparing to the previous tender. 

Wearing Black Badge and Black flag demonstrations

Today  16.07.2020. 

DEMANDS

(i)  BSNL should immediately be allowed to roll out its 4G Services.

a)  BSNL should take immediate actions to upgrade the 4G compatible BTSs.

b)  Add on order for 4G equipments as per Phase VIII.4 tender should be issued immediately.

c)  In the matter of procuring new equipments and upgradation, there should not be any discrimination, between BSNL and other private telecom service providers.

(ii)The Government should immediately implement the decisions contained in BSNL Revival Package.  

(iii)     Urgent measures should be undertaken by the BSNL Management for immediately improving the quality of service.

(iv)     The Management should ensure that the salary payment of the employees is made on the last working of every month. Deductions made from employees salary, on account of society dues, should immediately be remitted.

(v) The Management should immediately take steps to ensure that the employees get cashless treatment from empanelled hospitals during Covid-19 pandemic. The Management should pay Rs.10 lakh to the family of the employees who die due to COVID-19, based on the instructions issued by the DoT in such cases.

(vi)     Make payment of the wage arrears of the contract workers, which is remaining pending for more than 1 year, without any further delay.

(vii)    Immediately clear the payment of pending electricity bills, rental, vehicle, temporary advance, housekeeping etc.

Wearing Black Badge and Black flag demonstrations on 16.07.2020. 

Demanding immediate rolling out of 4G network by BSNL (through upgradation, Add on and new tender), implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package and immediate measures for improving BSNL services.

View Corporate Office Order:
Final Seniority list in the grade of JTO Arch as on 01-02-20 reg.

GS writes to Shri Anshu Prakash, Secretary, DoT for approval of E2 and E3 pay scales:

DoT approval for the BSNL proposal for standard Pay Scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f. 01.01.2007 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A for the JTO/JAO and SDE/AO cadres of BSNL, as per 2nd PRC recommendations and DPE guidelines dated 26.11.2008 in view of Merger of BSNL and MTNL as per Revival Plan. BSNL & MTNL Pay Scales are to be made equal before merger with revised pay scales of E2 and E3.

BSNL proposal for standard pay scales of E2, E3 etc dated 06.06.2016, modified later, restricting the proposal to E2 and E3 alone

In order to avoid a contempt of court against Secretary, DoT filed by AIGETOA & Others regarding no-approval of the standard pay scales, DoT taken a hasty decision and approved lower pay scales of E1 and E2 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A, ignoring BSNL recommendations.

DoT issued the PO on wrong footing without fully understanding the issues:

1. DoT taken the stand that E1 and E2 are the pay scales approved by DoT at the time of formation of BSNL. The order dated 28.07.2003 establish that the stand taken by DoT is not correct.

2. Lowering of pay scales to E1 and E2 is a unilateral decision of DoT, without any recommendation from BSNL and so against DPE order.

3. Lowering of pay scales to E1 and E2 citing poor financial condition of BSNL in 2017 is not tenable as BSNL was making huge profits during 2007-08, the reference year. 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25.02.2010 between BSNL and AIGETOA regarding pay anomaly for 2005 batch with 30% fitment (Rs 22820) speaks volumes what was the stand of AIGETOA on pay loss (Rs 22820) issue for post 2007 rects.

According to them, pay loss of Rs 22820 is only for 2005 batch, not for subsequent batches.

The same stand they taken in E2 scale also by demanding E2 from 01.10.2000 onwards.

Abstract of the minutes:

---------. The Association representatives requested CMD to resolve this issue as a onetime measure since their demand for 30% fitment is not for JTOs of subsequent recruitment years. CMD agreed to discuss this in the BSNL Board.

Your support will make us strong, from 12000 plus membership to 15000 plus, crossing 51%:

The 2^nd Assn is below 6000.

SNEA stands for the UNITY OF EXECUTIVES.

A strong and vibrant SNEA only can resolve YOUR issues.

Join SNEA, strengthen SNEA to cross 51% in 2^nd MV.

For protecting BSNL and for protecting YOUR JOB. Where the other Association in the past, when BSNL was under threat? Had you seen them in many struggles for BSNL Revival? Where are they now, in this crisis period? Can they protect BSNL and YOUR JOB?

For Standard Pay scale of E2 and E3 replacing E1A and E2A for all post 2007 rects and the future rects.

For assured promotion to all the eligible Executives, in 3 months.

For 3rd Pay Revision.

For addressing Pay loss (Rs 22820) issue.

For Enhancement of Superannuation benefits.

For EPF Full Pension for more social security after retirement.

For uniform 1st TB Promotion.

For E1+5 for post 2010 rects as an interim measure till E2 & E3 approves.

For E1A & E2A from 01.10.2000 for Civil/Elect etc.

For Fast Track promotions for meritorious candidates.

For Rule 8 transfer.

For resolving all other outstanding issues.

For UNITING Executives instead of DIVIDING Executives.

Submission of subscription deduction forms by 15.07.2020:

Considering the Covid 19 pandemic situation, BSNL allowed the SSA/Dist Secretaries to send the forms through email/FAX to the concerned DDOs with copy to the unit Head by tomorrow itself and thereafter submission of the original form.

This can be effectively utilised for the Executives posted in non-recruiting units, BAs etc. The email id/FAX number can be collected from the concerned CS.

2nd Membership Verification:

List of (09) eligible Executives Associations circulated. BBOA and TSOA are not participating.

Wearing Black Badge and Black flag demonstrations on 16.07.2020. 

Demanding immediate rolling out of 4G network by BSNL (through upgradation, Add on and new tender), implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package and immediate measures for improving BSNL services.

Some of the queries raised by some quarters on JTO RR 2014:

Q1: Why SNEA supported JTO RR 2014:

In 2014, JTO RR amended mainly to address 3 important issues.

1) For reducing the qualifying service of TTA from 7 years to 5 years. AIGETOA was vehemently opposing the reduction from 7 to 5 years. They were also opposing the Diploma holders promotion as usual.

2) For defining the inter-se seniority of JTOs. It is defined in the JTO RR 2014 itself that JTO seniority will be fixed as per Training Centre marks. Court case was there on this issue at Chennai and Ernakulam, filed by AIGETOA activists, blocking promotions.

3) For the regularization of Officiating JTOs as a onetime measure.

Q2: Why SNEA did not oppose the E1 scale in JTO RR 2014:

SNEA opposed this move. It was explained by the management that as and when revised pay scale for E1A is notified by BSNL (say E2), automatically the pay scale of the JTOs recruited through the new RR also gets changed to that scale (say E2).

RRs mainly defines the method of recruitment like age, qualification, experience, promotion or LDCE or Direct rect, percentage of quota, seniority fixation etc. As and when pay scale change takes place through pay revision or upgradation, that change automatically takes place in the RR also without any amendment. This is the standard procedure followed in Rect Rules.

For example, today also the pay scale in SDE RR is pre-revised E2A.

Q3: Whether it will have impact on the pay scales for the JTO/JAOs recruited after 2014.

Not at all. We had taken care of the cadres. The revised pay scale of E1A and E2A, i.e. E2 and E3 will be applicable for all post 2007 rects including GATE JTOs, LICE JTOs, 2015/2016/2017 JAOs and even the future rects.

For more clarity, in the CPSU CH approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018, the pay scale of JTO/JAO is E1 (provisional) and SDE/AO is E2 (provisional). E1 and E2 pay scale is not mentioned in CPSU CH. So, nothing to worry about the E1 scale shown in JTO RR 2014. 

View Corporate Office Order:
Preparation of seniority list in grade of SDE(C) as on 01-02-20 reg.

GS writes to Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon MOC.

Denial of Leave Encashment and Ex-gratia to BSNL VRS-2019 optees having Personal Court Case (other than Departmental) pending in the Court. DOT letter dated 05.06.2020 has denied the payment of Leave Encashment and Ex-gratia to such VRS-2019 optees which is against the provision in the VRS Scheme. Sought the intervention of Hon MOC in the matter to release the entitled and eligible Leave encashment and Ex-gratia payment to VRS -2019 optees.

AUAB served Notice on 10.07.2020

DEMANDS

(i)  BSNL should immediately be allowed to roll out its 4G Services.

a)  BSNL should take immediate actions to upgrade the 4G compatible BTSs.

b)  Add on order for 4G equipments as per Phase VIII.4 tender should be issued immediately.

c)  In the matter of procuring new equipments and upgradation, there should not be any discrimination, between BSNL and other private telecom service providers.

(ii)The Government should immediately implement the decisions contained in BSNL Revival Package.  

(iii)     Urgent measures should be undertaken by the BSNL Management for immediately improving the quality of service.

(iv)     The Management should ensure that the salary payment of the employees is made on the last working of every month. Deductions made from employees salary, on account of society dues, should immediately be remitted.

(v) The Management should immediately take steps to ensure that the employees get cashless treatment from empanelled hospitals during Covid-19 pandemic. The Management should pay Rs.10 lakh to the family of the employees who die due to COVID-19, based on the instructions issued by the DoT in such cases.

(vi)     Make payment of the wage arrears of the contract workers, which is remaining pending for more than 1 year, without any further delay.

(vii)    Immediately clear the payment of pending electricity bills, rental, vehicle, temporary advance, housekeeping etc.

AGITATION PROGRAMS

All the employees to wear black badge on 16.07.2020. Black flag demonstrations will be organised with social distancing, during lunch hour on 16.07.2020.

Twitter campaign on 05.08.2020, demanding immediate rolling out of 4G network by BSNL and implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package for improving BSNL’s service. 

In one message spread by AIGETOA activists, they quoted even DIR(HR) and telling that JTO to SDE promotion is coming shortly, if SNEA is not opposing. We had enquired about authenticity of this message from DIR(HR) itself, yesterday.

DIR(HR) informed GS that all these are false and used by someone for election gains.

From this word of DIR(HR), it is clear how they are cheating the Executive by telling lies, just for election gains.

SNEA responded very positively to the various points raised by SEWA BSNL in their letter dated 08.07.2020. SNEA is committed to safeguard the Constitutional Rights of SC/ST.

In CPSU CH also SNEA stand is that the Reservation Polices of the Govt is to be followed and the Board also approved the same. The guidance received from DoT/DoPT/DPE on this matter will be applicable for BSNL w.e.f. 01.07.2018.

SNEA sought the valued support of SEWA in the 2^nd MV and working together for the welfare of the Executives belongs to SC/ST category by protecting their constitutional rights. 

Last few days we observed that AIGETOA activists are spreading mal-propaganda against SNEA through the social media that SNEA is stopping promotion. Otherwise everything is ready and all promotions will come before MV, according to them.

Stopping promotions, staying promotions, staying LDCE etc are not the culture of SNEA. It is the culture and agenda of AIGETOA for the last 13 years, from LDCE 2007 onwards. They stopped the DPC half way in 2018, stopping the JTO to SDE promotion for 1999, 2001 to 2008 batches. Earlier they stayed the DPC after 2011, upto 2018.

This is the false propaganda by them just to stop the backlash from the JTOs on their sinister efforts to stop the JTO to SDE promotion by filing contempt petition in the Hon CAT/EKM against the CMD and the judgment obtained from HC to prepare the JTO eligibility list based on Date of Joining instead of Training Centre marks. They lost the case for 1:1 seniority and quashed the present JTO eligibility list based on Training Centre marks, stopping all SDE promotions. DoJ is against BSNL policy and so BSNL filed Review petition.

They know very well that no DPC will take place due to their case and propagating that management is ready and SNEA is stopping. This is the election propaganda. The whole world knows that it is the sinister designs of AIGETOA to STOP the 2001 to 2008 batches promotion from 2018 and that made them to file the contempt petition against CMD and opposing the Review petition filed by BSNL.

Even today SNEA welcome and work for even a single promotion in any cadre as done in May-June, 2018 and earlier. Yes, CPSU Cadre Hierarchy w.e.f.01.07.2018 is our ultimate objective and we are working overtime for its implementation. But in between if we are getting any opportunity for any post based promotion, we will work for that from JTO to SDE or SDE to DE or AO to CAO or in any cadre, for the available vacancies, in parallel. That is the declared stand of SNEA. Mgt is not ready for any DPC/promotion for the available vacancies due to reservation issue and the seniority /contempt case filed by AIGETOA. As informed earlier, Mgt is taking legal opinion on preparation of the eligibility list of JTOs. Eligibility list preparation and reservation are two issues blocking JTO to SDE promotion.

JTO to SDE promotion is held up from 2018 due to seniority and contempt case filed by AIGETOA. SDE to DE promotion is held up from 2018 due to reservation issue and contempt case filed at Chandigarh. AO to CAO promotion is held up from 2018 due to reservation issue and case filed at Chandigarh. Even the promotion order for the missing cases of 2018 DPC in JTO to SDE, SDE to DE and AO to CAO promotion could not issue so far due to reservation issue and contempt case.

After restructuring, the number of posts will come down by about 50%. So future promotion will be possible only through CPSU CH and we do not want to drift our focus from CPSU CH implementation w.e.f. 01.07.2018 itself.

Your support will make us strong, from 12000 plus membership to 15000 plus, crossing 51%:

SNEA stands for the UNITY OF EXECUTIVES.

A strong and vibrant Association, SNEA only can take the Govt and the Management head on.

SNEA only can resolve YOUR issues.

SNEA is for BSNL Revival.

SNEA is for protecting YOUR JOB.

Where the other Association in the past, when BSNL was under threat?

In how many agitations they participated to protect BSNL?

Had you seen that Association in many struggles for BSNL Revival?

Where are they now, in this crisis period?

GS writes to Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, DIR(HR):

Need for working out a permanent solution to the Rule 8/Rule 9 transfer of JTO/JAOs working in various Circles for years together which requires sympathetic consideration. Temporary solution can be redeployment to shortage Circles on request on the backdrop of Restructuring. Promotion through CPSU Cadre Hierarchy, after 5 years is a permanent solution: