Meeting with Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL:

GS, President and both AGSs had meeting with CMD/BSNL on 03.03.2021 and had discussions on the Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021 demanding Non-post based promotions from 01.07.2018 onwards and other important issues:

I. Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021 demanding Non-post based promotions from 01.07.2018.

Today, on 03.03.2021, we had a very fruitful discussion with CMD on the most important issue. We tried to clear the apprehensions of CMD on various aspects on implementation of the new promotion policy. We explained the status of implementation of the policy with reference to the main Telecom and Finance cadres.

1). On implementation of the new promotion policy w.e.f. 01.07.2018, status will be:

i) Today, the number of AGM/DEs will be about 2300 (promoted as SDE between 2004 & 2008), much less than the number of AGM/DE working today on Regular and LA basis. Similarly the number of CAOs will be less than 250 (even with 2009 batch AOs). In July 2021, number of AGM/DE will be about 4000 plus (all promoted as SDE in 2009 and corresponding LDCE). Next eligibility is in July, 2023 and then in 2027. All of them have put minimum 20 to 30 years of service (SCF: 25-30 yrs and LDCE: 20 yrs) by the time of AGM promotion.

Upto 2026, the number AGMs will be less than 4500, we explained.

ii) BSNL already utilising JTO and SDE equivalent Grades as interchangeable which is a provision in the new promotion policy. A new JTO will work in JTO, SDE and Sr SDE Grades, interchangeably for 15 years before their DE promotion. JTO plus SDE number will be around 19,500 now.

iii) A fair ratio will be maintained between JTO/SDE/Sr SDE --à AGM --à DGM.

2). Only new Executives can become AGM/CAO equivalent Grade in 15 years at the age of 40 to 45. Thereafter they are having another 15-20 years of service left and will get stagnated, which is the concern of management:

It will happen only from the year 2032 onwards, after 11 years from now, we explained. BSNL should be lead by its own Officers. This is possible only when the Executives entering at the age of 25-30 years as a Direct Recruit gets promotion to AGM/CAO Grades in 15 years, at the age of 40-45 years. Then only they are having further promotion avenues to DGM (E5) Grade at the age of 50 to 55 years, SG JAG Grade/ Jt GM  Grade at the age of 50-55 years, Addl GM/GM Grade and CGM Grade as per merit.

In other PSUs, Executives are reaching DGM Grade in 12 to 15 years, at the age of about 35 - 40 years through 3 to 4 Non-post based Time Bound Functional promotions and then moved upwards as Jt GM, Addl GM, GM and CGM etc and leading the company.

The chart explains the status:

Those entering as Executive from Non-Executive cadres through promotion quota (LICE), they will reach AGM/CAO Grade much later, we explained.

The question of continuing in the same AGM Grade for 15 to 20 years does not arise at all, we explained.

3). There is no financial implication involved on implementation of this policy as Executives are already reaching the scale as per the existing EPP itself. Rather there is saving for BSNL, we explained.

4). DPCs on post based promotions may take minimum 5 to 6 years due to Reservation issue:

i) Promotions made in 2018 in AO, CAO and DE cadres become provisional. Now Appeal is filed in High Court. It will take 5 to 6 years to complete the litigations in High Court and then in Hon SC. If the SC judgment is in favour of BSNL, it can proceed further but it will take minimum 5 to 6 years. If Hon SC dismisses the BSNL petition and agreeing to CAT orders, then no one can say when further promotion will take place as it is linked with Nagaraj Judgment and its implementation, we explained.

ii) For other cadres, including SDE(T), there is no stay on promotion. But promotion with reservation is stopped by the clarification issued by DoT and Law Ministry in October 2020.

iii) Since Govt policies on Reservation will be followed in the new Promotion Policy also as decided by the BSNL Board, Reservation will automatically taken care in the new Policy.

In the light of the discussions, it seems that the apprehension of CMD on implementation of the new promotion policy is slowly getting cleared. CMD assured to examine the facts submitted by us at the earliest. Further in view of the discussions, CMD made an impassionate appeal to withdraw the Indefinite Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021.

II. Launching of 4G services:

We informed CMD about the discussions with the senior Officers of DOT (Secretary, Addl Secretary, Member(T), Member(F), Member(S)) on the 4G issue. Without 4G services, BSNL Revival is not at all possible and the revenue cannot be increased. The employees can contribute only after the launching of 4G services.

CMD informed that there is no headway on the matter. Discussions are going on at the highest level of PMO, how the deadlock can be broken. BSNL is trying to impress upon all that the new process will take long period to take off. Now DoT almost convinced on the matter. CMD also agreed to our view point that the new tender process through POC route will take atleast 2 years for roll out.

On the specific issue of upgradation and launching of services, there is no further progress, CMD informed.

The various letters written by us to various authorities on the issue, including Hon Minister is getting good response, mounting pressure on the Govt as it is getting the support of public and media attention. Discussions are going on at highest level, at PMO to find solution to BSNL 4G issue.

III. OF connectivity from RailTel:

We appreciated the initiative of management which will give stability to the media connectivity to Eastern Region especially NE Region. The connectivity doubled from Guwahati and Kolkatta towards Chennai.

PGCIL hiked the Tariff and abruptly disconnected BSNL connectivity. Thereafter management acted swiftly and got MOU signed with RailTel on almost 1/3^rd rate.

Once local connectivity is established, BSNL can go for tender in the future for such connectivity, CMD informed.

IV. Transfer of Accounts Personal:

We explained that transfer of Accounts Personal are pending for the last two quarters and it should be cleared at the earliest as in other wings. The matter we discussed with Director (Fin) also on 02.03.2021. CMD assured to give necessary instructions.

V. Rule 9 Temporary Transfer:

We requested to clear the deadlock on Temporary Transfer. Many genuine cases including medical cases are pending for approval. CMD informed that once Executives are going on Temp transfer, they are not going back which creates operational issues and unwanted interference from various quarters.

Indefinite Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021:

Excellent preparations are going on in many Circles by conducting Branch, SSA and Circle level meetings. As per the initial report itself, much more members (from the allotted number) are coming forward to participate in the Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021 from Circles like CHTD, UKD, UPE, KRL, AP etc. Other Circles are also gearing up.

List of participants are not received from Circles like Jharkhand, CTD, A&N etc. Elected CSs has to lead the agitation from the front and reach New Delhi as decided in the meeting and this is the time we have to show the real leadership qualities. 

Final hearing on the court case for CPSU Cadre Hierarchy promotion (Non-post based Time Bound Functional promotion) through BEPPARR 2017 approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018.

The case filed by SNEA & Others at Hon CAT, Chandigarh for Non-post based Time Bound Functional promotion through BEPPARR 2017 for all the eligible Executives on Regular basis came up for final hearing yesterday, 01.03.2021. The case was listed for final hearing. However, before arguments starts, BSNL counsel informed the Hon Court that BSNL filed an MA along with counter to the rejoinder filed by SNEA. BSNL filed the counter in the last minute to the rejoinder filed by us on 26.10.2020. Since the documents are submitted late by BSNL Counsel, it could not reach the bench by the time of hearing. These documents are to be accepted by the Hon Court before final hearing.

After preliminary pleadings on the urgency of the matter, Hon Court gave the earliest available date, 30.03.2021 for final hearing of the case.

Editorial

Indefinite Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021.

Do or Die battle for the smooth career progression for BSNL Executives.

Promotion is the best tool to boost the morale of BSNL Executives and increase the productivity without spending a single penny. Unfortunately, BSNL management repeatedly failing to recognize this fact. BSNL may be the only PSU where JTOs are working in different pay scales E1, E2, E3, E4 and E5 scales! Still BSNL Management unmoved.

Last two and half years, from June 2018, thousands of Executives in BSNL are waiting for their promotion to the next higher Grade. That also, after the approval of the BSNL Executives Promotion Policy by the BSNL Board. BSNL took 18 years to frame its own Promotion Policy for the Executives. It is not a small period. Executives completed 20 to 30 years in the same cadre are waiting for a promotion. Many youngsters with 05 to 15 years of service also waiting for promotion to shape their career.

The post based promotions for limited posts also under doubt, atleast for few more years till Hon Supreme Court take a final call on Reservation issue in the pending SLPs and Govt take a final call on Reservation issue. Since the AO, CAO and DE promotions become provisional, any further promotion to these cadres and promotion from these cadres to higher Grades also possible only after the appeal in the Hon High Court is decided in favour of BSNL.

In the new Promotion Policy, three functional promotions are assured in 15 years, after every five years, still some are confused. Today not a single functional promotion is assured in 15 years. In that case, can they say that post based promotion is better than the new Promotion Policy which assures three functional promotions in 15 years? The discussions on framing the new Promotion Policy started in 2012 as a result of the joint agitation by SNEA, AIBSNLEA and AIGETOA. Thereafter it took long 6 years to shape the present Promotion Policy in 2018. When someone welcome post based promotion and calls for further improvement, can they assure that it can be done in a time bound manner? In any case, it cannot be done from 01.07.2018! When management is having serious reservations in the present proposal itself, especially on promotion after every 5 years, we cannot assure improvement in the policy. The best option is to get the Promotion Policy implemented from 01.07.2018 and address the promotion issue first, shift from post based promotion to Time Bound promotion and then work on improvement in the policy.

Promotion is the only one demand which is having no financial implications. Executives are highly demoralised, still management is unmoved. Management made its intensions very clear that they are not in favour of promotion, especially Time Bound promotions. They want to continue with limited post based promotions as in Govt Departments, after Restructuring. Without switching over to Time Bound promotions, delinking from availability of posts, BSNL Executives cannot expect any promotion in the near future. They don’t have any future. We are in 2021, almost twenty years passed after formation of BSNL. The time has come to go for the Do or Die battle. The solution may not be possible in a day or two. So the agitation will continue for days together, weeks together till management listen to our demands. We are gearing up for that. We are getting ready to shed our blood to see that the promotion issue is resolved once for all. Let us join hands.

FUTURE  LEADERSHIP OF SNEA AND BSNL EXECUTIVES WILL EMERGE DURING THIS STRUGGLE

Indefinite Hunger Fast from 08.03.2021:

REGULAR Promotion to all eligible Executives w.e.f. 01.07.2018

Our Demands:

1. Regular Promotions through the Non-post based Time Bound Functional Promotion Policy, BSNL Executives Promotion Policy Amendment and Recruitment Rules (BEPPARR) 2017, approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018, effectively from 01.07.2018.

2. Regular Promotion upto DGM Grade instead of LA promotion and open the path for promotion to higher posts.

a) SSA/local meeting may be held and explain the compelling reasons for going for Indefinite Hunger Fast:

b) Meet all CGMS and BA/SSA Heads and submit the copy of the Notice issued on 05.11.2020 and explain the compulsions to go for agitations and seek their intervention.

c) Promotion is for all the Executives. Support of all the Executives may be sought for the agitation by meeting them individually.

Make all out preparations by meeting every Executives to make the Indefinite Hunger Fast a big success till management listening to our demands.

BSNL would take atleast 2-3 years to roll out 4G: Association

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL on 16.02.2021

1. Urgent need for review of Temporary Staffing Norms for maintenance circulated vide order dated 27.12.2019. It appears that the temporary staffing norm is framed just by dividing the number of DELs with the remaining Executives in the External plant, merging two or three sections together without conducting any work study.

2. Promotion from DGM(Adhoc) to DGM (Telecom & Fin) on Regular basis. 100% DGM posts in this strategic cadres are vacant today. 

The last date for submission of GTI option is today, 15.02.2021 (new entry and withdrawal if desired)

It is clarified that there is no change in the premium for those opted in 2019 for Rs 50 lakhs with the premium of Rs 9440/- but crossed 50 years of age now. Premium amount will not change, it will remain as Rs 9440/ 

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL

Non-launching of 4G Services by BSNL even after 1 year 3 months really shaking BSNL. BSNL missed precious 5 months after the Cabinet approval on 23.10.2019. BSNL Revival is fully depends on 4G services and then only Revival will pick up momentum. BSNL should avail the allotted 4G spectrum and provide 4G or 3G services as per the availability of equipments for better speed and coverage and earn revenue. Thousands of Crores spend in Phase VIII tender for 4G equipments should not become waste.

Instead of focusing to upgrade existing network to 4G by spending hardly 2500 Crores, BSNL focused on new tender worth 9000 Crores for purchasing and deploying new equipments! Net result is that BSNL Revival taken back seat and poor employees not getting even their salary in time.

It is a known fact that evenif the POC is successful, the new tender may take atleast 2 to 3 years to fully roll out and launch 4G services by completing the formality. In another 2 to 3 years, other operators will launch 5G services. The fresh expenditure on 4G will become a waste, in addition to the expenditure incurred in Phase VIII tender.

It is high time for BSNL management to look for all other alternatives to utilize the available network and the Govt allotted 4G spectrum to provide data services with maximum speed and better coverage. Parallel to the POC, earnest efforts required for procuring the equipment from M/s Nokia through Add on order. Eventhough the time frame for placing Add on order is over, management should adopt some unorthodox methods to negotiate with the vendor and place Add on order. Otherwise, as everyone knows, BSNL revival will become a nightmare, if management is waiting for the POC route and the new tender for 4G roll out.

INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST from 15.02.2021 postponed to 08.03.2021

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL

Postponement of “INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST at BSNLCO and Circle HQs” from 15.02.2021 onwards to 08.03.2021 onwards demanding promotions upto AGM equivalent Grades in all the streams w.e.f. 01.07.2018 through the new promotion policy, BSNL Executive Promotion Policy Amendment & Recruitment Rules, 2017 (BEPPARR - 2017) approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018, having NO financial burden on BSNL.

Dear comrades,

During the intervening period, all efforts should be made to meet each and every Executive (irrespective of Assn) and explain the developments going on regarding promotions: i) promotions are due from 01.07.2018 onwards and DPC promotion will be possible only from a prospective date, ii) hurdles on conduction of DPC due to Reservation issue, iii) Restg and consequent post reduction, iv) hurdles on conduction of DPC for promotion to AO, CAO and DE cadres as the promotion made in June 2018 become provisional, v) there is no financial implications in giving the promotions etc. Conduct SSA/Branch meetings as much possible and involve all.

A common write up to all the Executives prepared and circulated in the group. Make sufficient copies and distribute to all the Executives.

Write to all the CSs and SSA Secretaries of AIGETOA and AIBSNLEA requesting to support and join the agitation.

Meet all CGMS and SSA Heads and submit the copy of the Notice/memorandum and explain the compulsions to go for agitations.

Initially it will be Relay Hunger Fast and it will be converted into Indefinite Hunger Fast from 15.03.2021 onwards.

During the 1st week from 08.03.2021 to 12.03.2021, we will make an appeal to all the Executives to perform duty by skipping the Lunch in support of the agitation.

Lunch Hour demonstration will be held on 08.03.2021, 10.03.2021 and 12.03.2021 at Circle and SSA HQs in support of the agitation.

From 15.03.2021 onwards, agitation will be intensified. INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST will be started from 15.03.2021.

Accommodation will be arranged by CHQ/Delhi Comrades at New Delhi.

Change of name of merged Non-Territorial NCNGN & BBNW circles Reg ....View Corporate Office instruction.

BSNL Association accuses management of lack of professionalism in reviving company....View Media Report.

Indefinite Hunger Fast from 15.02.2021:

REGULAR Promotion to all eligible Executives w.e.f. 01.07.2018

Our Demands:

1. Regular Promotions through the Non-post based Time Bound Functional Promotion Policy, BSNL Executives Promotion Policy Amendment and Recruitment Rules (BEPPARR) 2017, approved by the BSNL Board on 28.05.2018, effectively from 01.07.2018.

2. Regular Promotion upto DGM Grade instead of LA promotion and open the path for promotion to higher posts.

Another meeting of the CSs and CHQ OBs will be held on 07.02.2021, Sunday at 4 PM to take stock of the preparations at Circle and SSA level for the Indefinite Fast from 15.02.2021 at BSNLCO and Circle HQs. Remaining Circles to complete the CEC before 07^thas decided.

Those who are coming to New Delhi for participating in the Hunger Fast at BSNLCO, details are to be given to the concerned CSs. CSs may give the details to CHQ for making their accommodation at New Delhi.