Finally the prolonged uncertainty on implementation of enhanced IDA is resolved: The prolonged uncertainty on implementation of enhanced IDA for the last four months is now cleared with DPE issuing new IDA OM for implementation of enhanced IDA w.e.f. 01/04/2026. Copy<<<>>

Implementation of IDA was regular matter in BSNL, but issues created with delay on part of DPE in issuing IDA enhancement order due from 01/01/2026 for want of PSE Survey Report which was missing from many CPSEs, but BSNL has uploaded it on given website of DPE.

The IDA enhancement OM was issued late by DPE and instead of January month it was issued by end of February 2026 Copy<<<>>

This order has following clauses which has held up the process of implementation of enhanced IDA in BSNL

·  The copy of this OM was not marked to any PSUs including BSNL and it was marked to the Administrative Ministry.

·  Para 5 added by DPE asking for approval of the administrative ministry for implementation of IDA by confirming financial viability.

We have also taken up this issue of para 5 and difficulties faced by PSUs in implementation of this conditional order and we were assured to issue IDA OM of April 2026 by removing para 5 and with DPE and last two months, we were pursuing for issuing corrigendum to OM dated 27/02/2026.

In DoT, no unit was dealing with IDA issue as it was matter of different PSUs but due to para 5 conditions, DoT was forcefully involved and as expected with all deliberations, DoT has not conveyed approval for implementation of enhanced IDA w.e.f. 01/01/2026.

For implementation of the OM dated 27/02/2026 for enhanced IDA in BSNL and other PSUs under DoT, the OM was marked by DPE to DoT and further DoT also has sent this order to BSNL for necessary action.

But, instead of implementing OM for enhanced IDA w.e.f 01/01/2026, BSNL has referred the same back to DoT asking clarification about para 5.  Then DoT was of the opinion, when the letter is sent to BSNL for necessary action and it was supposed that BSNL has to implement it, then why BSNL has not acted and why clarification is asked form DoT.

BSNL has responded for confirmation and report about the fulfillment of conditions as mentioned under para 5 in the fastest speed, but thereafter the issue was shunting in file in DoT.

Then DoT has asked for confirmation and report about the fulfillment of conditions as mentioned under para 5 of this IDA OM dated 27/02/2026 and the same was confirmed by BSNL.  

As similar queries were raised by DoT with other PSUs viz. MTNL, BBNL, ITI, TCIL and CCA offices and this process took time. Finally, in the last week, the proposal was processed for approval of competent authority and the same is still awaited.

Meantime, taking note of undue delay for approval of DoT, All Unions and Associations of BSNL has given agitational call for LHD on 10/04/2026, Wearing black badges on 15/04/2026, Twitter campaign on 26/04/2026 and till issue is not resolved by DoT as till approval for payment of enhanced IDA w.e.f. 01/01/2026 is not conveyed by DoT.  

When the approval was not conveyed by DoT for a long time, Shri. V. K. Tomar, GS MEA/ Chairman NCOA and Shri. M. S. Adasul, GS SNEA/ President NCOA visited DPE and had meeting with Joint Director DPE & Economic Advisor DPE and brought to their notice the hardship faced by BSNL, MTNL and other PSUs under DoT in implementation of enhanced IDA w. e. f. 01/01/2026.

We once again requested for clearing issues faced due to para 5 of IDA OM dated 27/02/2026 and removal of para 5 and marking  the copies of IDA OM to the CMDs of all PSUs.

Removal of para 5 and marking of copies to all PSUs, was agreed for the new OM to be issued for April 2026, but the corrigendum for OM dated 27/02/2026 was not agreed stating that this has been implemented in all PSUs other than PSUs under DoT. But we were informed that concerned officers in DoT are updated on this issue and further any specific issue reported from DoT, will be clarified as and when asked.  

Finally, our request has been given consideration and this order for IDA enhancement w.e.f. 01/04/2026  is issued by removal of para 5 which has been major hurdle in implementation of IDA enhanced from 01/01/2026 and important point is that this IDA OM is marked to all PSUs and its copy has been directly received by BSNL.

About the pending IDA enhancement implementation w.e.f. 01/01/2026, SNEA raised concern about undue delay by DoT in approval of IDA implementation and unrest among the BSNL workforce in the welcome meeting on 27/04/2026 with Shri. K. Balaji, who has recently taken over the charge of Joint Secretary Admn DoT. He informed that implementation of IDA in BSNL is a priority issue for DoT and it is being taken care of and some left out issues will be resolved and formal approval of DoT will be conveyed shortly.  

Then in the evening hours of 27/04/2026, we met Shri. A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD BSNL and conveyed thanks for his intervention for clearing the issue related to implementation of enhanced IDA and requested for implementation of enhanced IDA payment with arrears from January 2026 to April 2026 in the salary of April 2026. CMD BSNL informed that he is in touch with DoT and was optimistic for receipt of approval from DoT and assured for the enhanced IDA payments with arrears in salary of May 2026.  

As such, now enhanced IDA w.e.f. 01/01/2026 with four months arrears with enhanced IDA w.e.f. 01/04/2026 with arrears of April 2026 will be implemented in the Salary/ Pension of May 2026.

SNEA conveys sincere thanks and gratitude to all the Officers in DPE/DOT and BSNL including officers in Estt and Pay section of BSNL for their support is resolution of this man made issue.

SNEA conveys sincere thanks and gratitude to all CS, CHQ OBs, DSs COBs/DOBs and activists of AUAB in general and SNEA in particular for their active involvement in the agitational call. This was the trailer of our activities & preparations on Social Media in general and Twitter in particular. Unity is our strength and such united efforts from the platform of All Unions and Associations will be helpful for resolution of our major issues like Upgraded Standard Pay Scales, Third PRC implementation and constitution of 4th PRC.  

Once again thanks to one and all for such a united effort regardless of his/her Union and Association membership. 

Update on consideration of OTP Requests: On 22/04/2026, in the evening hours, SNEA requested CMD BSNL for early consideration of OTP Request transfers wherein Director HR and PGM Pers was present. We were informed that the work of OTP consideration is also going on and with completion of remaining formalities, the OTP Request Transfer will be issued very shortly may be this week or by next week. 

Update on JTO to SDE Civil wing Promotions: After completion of DPC and other related formalities in JTO to SDE Civil wing Promotions, the Promotions have been finalized and the posting orders are being decided.  The posting of JTOs of Civil wing being promoted is also likely to be part of the Transfer Orders or as separate posting order and the same is also expected in parallel to OTP request transfers.

Update on JTO to SDE Electrical wing Promotions: The initial work for holding DPC for JTO to SDE Electrical wing are completed including constitution of the fresh DPCs, but as some members of the committee on leave the DPC is not till conducted. We are pursuing for early DPC and Promotion orders, but it will take some time more. With this continued uncertainty over this long awaited JTO to SDE Electrical wing is over and very shortly this Promotion orders will be surely issued.

Update on hearing in Court case on DGM Promotions at CAT Chandigarh: The hearing in court case filed in CAT Chandigarh, staying DGM Telecom Regular Promotions was held on 23/04/2026. The advocate for applicants has not yet submitted reply/say on recent submission of BSNL and has requested time. Accordingly, the next hearing in this case is scheduled on 28/05/2026.

Further, the hearing in the another court case staying DGM T Regular as well as Adhoc Promotions in CAT Chandigarh  is also scheduled on 27/05/2026. As BSNL Management is pursuing these cases with due seriousness and deep involvement, we are hopeful for clearing these hurdles in coming days as these are old issues already cleared by DoPT and the promotions in the other cadres are being issued by BSNL on these guidelines. Let us hope both the cases.

Update on Court case at CAT Chandigarh on JTO to SDE T SCF Promotions: The hearing in Court case challenging JTO AIEL for JTO to SDE SCF Promotions was held on 22/04/2026. A senior advocate from BSNL was present in the court. But the advocate for the applicant asked time stating that he is not able to plead the case today. Hon. Court accepted the plea and adjourned matter for next hearing on 01/07/2026.

Update on the court case at PCAT Delhi on up gradation of E6 Pay scales: Hearing in Court case filed by SNEA at PCAT Delhi for up-gradation of E6 Pay Scales to E7 Pay scales of BSNL Executives was scheduled on 16/04/2025 in post lunch session. But as Hon Bench did not assemble in post lunch session, hearing could not take place. The case is posted for next hearing on 30/07/2026. 

Update on the court case on ITS Repatriation at Hon. High Court New Delhi: The hearing in the ITS repatriation court case filed at High Court Delhi by SNEA, BSNLEU and AIBSNLEA in Year 2013, was held on 20/04/2026. After long time hearing took place in this case and this time detailed hearing took place.

Advocate for petitioners Ms. Gauri Puri apprised the Hon’ble Bench of the nature of the dispute and the chequered history of the case. Advocate for respondents BSNL, apprised the Hon’ble Court that BSNL is in compliance with the orders and referred to the Cabinet decision dated 13/02/2013.

The Hon’ble Bench inquired whether any affidavit had been filed by BSNL evidencing such compliance. In response, advocate for petitioners apprised the Hon’ble Court that a similar stand had been taken in the counter affidavit filed by BSNL on 23/07/2013, wherein it was stated that there was an exigent requirement of ITS officers in BSNL and MTNL on a purely temporary and year-to-year diminishing basis so that their operations are not affected.

Upon hearing the submissions, the Hon’ble Bench again queried the counsels appearing for BSNL as to whether there was any justification for non-compliance of the orders till date, to which no satisfactory response was provided.

The Hon’ble Bench further inquired about the present status, to which Ms. Puri submitted that the Petitioners are still continuing as ITS officers and have not been repatriated despite the lapse of more than 10 years.

Thereafter, counsel for the Respondents sought time to file a status report/affidavit. Ms. Puri requested that a shorter date be granted; however, owing to the heavy board, the matter has been adjourned to 15/09/2026. Copy<<<>>

GS SNEA writes to CMD BSNL conveying resolutions passed in CWC Meeting Ahmedabad. Copy<<<>>

GS SNEA writes to Director HR BSNL for issuing directions to Circle Heads for stopping force relieving of Executives under pending or fresh Intra Circle transfers till the OTP requests are given consideration by Pers Cell BSNLCO. Copy<<<>>

AUAB CHQ issued notice to Secretary DoT for revised Agitational Programme protesting  against undue delay by DoT in endorsing DPE OM dated 27.02.2026 for implementation of IDA revision w.e.f. 01/01/2026 for Executive and Non-Executive employees working in BSNL. Copy<<<>>

The meeting of AUAB CHQ was held at 1500 Hrs on 20/04/2026 at SNEA CHQ office at Eastern Court, Jan path New Delhi to review the response to the Lunch Hour demonstration programme and to decide further course of action on different issues. Minutes of the Meeting <<<>>

SNEA Meeting with CMD BSNL for consideration of important HR Issues (Continued….) : In continuation of the detailed report on SNEA Meeting with CMD BSNL as on 07/04/2026 on non-financial and general HR issues, the details of discussions on other HR issues with financial implication and response from Management is as follows.

Restoration of LTC Facility for BSNL recruited and absorbed Officers: SNEA drawn attention of CMD BSNL on the disparity created by withdrawal of All India LTC facility for BSNL Absorbed/Recruited Executives and it discontinuation for years together and how it is demotivating Executives as others are enjoying this facility. We explained that Home Town LTC is allowed but All India LTC is stopped and if All India LTC is restored it will not have much financial impact as is being projected. CMD BSNL confirmed the factual positions from Director HR and issues if any in restoration of All India LTC facility. Director HR confirmed that except financial implication there is no issue and added that it will not have much impact if Home town LTC is extended as All India LTC. CMD BSNL agreed to it and assured the restoration of the all India LTC facility and directed Director HR to complete the required formalities.        

Clearing disparity in TA/DA rates of AGM and below level officers with DGM and above level officers: We reminded that SNEA has been requesting management for clearing disparity in TA/DA Rates below and above DGM level since last three years and it has been principally agreed for the same including in formal meetings but the final decision is not taken. We also shared difficulties faced by AGM and below level officers who are having such responsibilities of tours for office works as at present rates of DA even one time food cannot be afforded forget about other expenses. We categorically narrated that AGM and below are paid TA/TA rates at the rates of 2002 and DGM and above are paid TA/DA Rates of 2023 and this day light discrimination is directly affecting the overall working of BSNL. Director HR also supported our stand and added that there is a notable difference in TA/DA Rates and the demand raised is genuine. CMD BSNL agreed for the submission and assured that the disparity in TA/DA rates will be cleared and instructed Director HR to complete the formalities required for the same.  

Enhancement of Transport allowance for BSNL Executives: We brought to the notice that the Transport Allowance being paid to BSNL Executives is very old and there is a huge increase in the Transportation charges and requested for the enhancement of Transport allowance for all executives. But CMD BSNL said that Transport allowance is related to the Pay revision and hence it is paid at the rates of second PRC and will be enhanced at the time of implementation of third PRC and not at this time.   

Restoration of days and DA limit for Medical O/D claims: We narrated our persuasion for last two years and assurance by Management in restoration of Basic and DA limit frozen at 2019 to current year and restoration of days of month calculated for the same. CMD BSNL asked the details from Director HR who informed that as per discussions this issue is under consideration for restoration of Basic plus DA limit to current year basic plus DA, but there are issues in restoration of limit of days. At present the existing limit is used only by 2% executives and 98% executives are not using this given limit also. These 2% are exceeding the given limit in critical illness cases and for such cases no limit is applied. CMD BSNL directed him to look into issues and to settle whatever is possible and was of the opinion that the medical benefits may be restored to possible extent.  

Enhancement of SAB Contribution of BSNL Recruited executives: We  narrated this long pending HR issue which is affecting each and every BSNL Recruited Executive and requested enhancement of SAB contribution by BSNL. We elaborated how it is affecting retirement benefits of BSNL recruited Executives and how the same has not been settled after repeated assurances. We reminded that in the formal agenda meeting also, it was principally agreed and it was assured that the proposal will be discussed with the Finance wing and decided, but not yet decided.  CMD BSNL informed that he is aware of the issue and recently some presentation was made at DoT on this subject and categorically informed that as per discussions held thereof it is decided for no immediate enhancement in SAB contribution. When we elaborated about unrest among BSNL Recruited executives and stressed the need for security of their future, CMD BSNL responded positively and asked us to have some more patience for a few months and assured that this issue will be again discussed and decided in the coming days.  

Upgraded Standard Pay Scales for BSNL Recruited Executives: We requested for settlement of the important and prime issue of majority of BSNL recruited Executives for grant of upgraded standard Pay scales. CMD BSNL informed that BSNL has already recommended the upgraded E2 pay scales for JTOs/JAOs. The matter is to be decided by DoT as per proposal by BSNL and shared that whatever information is called by DoT on this subject matter is being given by BSNL.

Implementation of third PRC: We conveyed thanks for sending proposals of Wage Negotiation and PRC as asked by DoT and requested for intervention and persuasion at DoT for its implementation. CMD BSNL added that though he personally support implementation of third PRC in BSNL, he is finding certain difficulties in immediate implementation of PRC and assured that he along with his Board and DoT are working on different proposal adding profit to BSNL and was optimistic that the revenue can be increased by providing improved service quality. He added that certain steps like BINCC and other measures should be supported by the associations so that we will be in a better position for implementation of the third PRC. We narrated certain issues and hurdles related to implementation of third PRC and not only to focus on profit of BSNL, he added that management is aware about it, but till some time is required for implementation of Pay revision in BSNL and was optimistic on its implementation.

In conclusion, CMD BSNL appealed to all the executives to give their best and assured to look into this important financial issue for all Executives and Non-Executives in the coming days. We reciprocated this appeal and conveyed thanks for positive and firm assurances for resolution of certain HR issues and giving some hopes to executives in BSNL.

In the meeting lasted about 40 minutes, we had fruitful discussions with positive assurances and this time we are hopeful that at least issues agreed by CMD BSNL will be given consideration at the earliest. Let us think positively and hope for the best.    

Happy Akshay Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya symbolizes prosperity, new beginnings, and lasting good fortune. It is a day that reflects hope, generosity, and the belief that every positive action brings enduring blessings and growth.

AUAB CHQ issued notice to Secretary DoT for holding Lunch Hour Demonstrations  on 20/04/2026 all over India protesting against of undue delay by DoT in endorsement of IDA enhancement Order dated 27/02/2026. Copy<<<>>

DGM Estt BSNL CO writes to all Circle Heads regarding Post Restructuring Circle-wise Sanctioned Strength of JTOs, JEs, TTs and ATTs. Copy<<<>>  

Good and Great News for Own Executives of BSNL: The continuous persuasion and follow up by SNEA at different levels for having own Management of BSNL at least in Silver Jubilee Year of BSNL with due weightage to internal talent is yielding positive results as DoT has conveyed the decision for the same in letter addressed to CMD BSNL. Copy<<<>>

This is decided in the meeting held on 09/01/2026 headed by Honourable MoC and this letter conveys the following decisions taken in the Meeting.  

·  Accordingly, it has been decided to follow the Cabinet decision to decline ITS deployment in BSNL from this year onwards and reduce it to zero.

· There will be a succession plan for   giving responsibility at Higher Positions to internal talent of BSNL by gathering relevant experience at responsible positions. Accordingly, senior executives in BSNL will be posted at GM and above levels at various key positions.

·    Appointment of Circle Heads will be preferably from Internal Cadres except in any exceptional case.

·  Promotions should be conducted at all levels on an annual basis and in the time bound calendar latest by April every year.

It is good that the scope to Internal Talent will be given time bound and phase manner so that works of BSNL do not suffer  and there is no unrest among the officers on deputation due to untimely and unwanted transfers in masses and the rift as seen in the past will be avoided.

This is the most important step for career growth of Internal Talent of BSNL Executives for which SNEA has been its raising voice at different levels.

This letter is in contradiction of earlier letter issued for constitution of Committee on name of HR management of BSNL with total focus on continuation of Deployment of ITS officers from DoT to BSNL with award/reward system, { Copy<<<>>} whereas this letter issued by the same office direct CMD BSNL to decline ITS deployment in BSNL from this year onwards and reduce it to zero.

Whatever may be the case, it is good that Honourable MoC has taken a stand to go ahead with the Cabinet decision and to give responsibility of higher positions to own officers of BSNL and to stop further deputation as decided by the Honourable Prime Minister of India. {Copy<<<>>}

Further, the case filed at High Court Delhi against continued ITS deputation in BSNL affecting career progression of Own Executives of BSNL and pursued by SNEA is listed for next hearing on coming Monday, 20/04/2026.

With all these actions and initiatives by PMO, Honourable MoC and DoT, we are quite hopeful for a great breakthrough for career progression of Own Executives/ Internal Talent of BSNL during this financial year and continued thereafter. Let us hope for the Best. 

Update on implementation of enhanced IDA: The issue of implementation of enhanced IDA  is pending with DoT for the final stage of approval. This issue is related to many PSUs under DoT and information as directed under para 5 of DPE order was required from all PSUs under DoT. The said information has been received by DoT and accordingly final approval from DoT is expected shortly by early next week. SNEA is pursuing for early order so that the enhanced IDA OM is implemented and IDA payment with arrears from Jan 2026 to Mar 2026 is added the Salary  of April 2026. 

DGM Rstg BSNL CO writes to all Circle Heads conveying extension of date for entry of Q4 Achievement 2025-26 in SAP/ERP. Copy<<<>>

The EES/ERP window for entering the achievements for Q4 for the Financial Year 2025 26 will be available up to 25/04/2026.

All executives, please take note of it and enter achievements in given time as this window will not be extended further as the new IPMS KPI has been launched from Q1 (2026-27) onwards.