Formation of Tower Company and the developments

24.5.2018: AUAB defers the call for walk-out and conducting rallies on 28.05.2018, against formation of Subsidiary Tower Company- Based on the notice served by All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) for organising walk-out and rallies on 28-05-2018,  Dir HR and CMD BSNL invited the leaders of the AUAB for discussions. The discussions held for more than two hrs. Initially the discussions were held with Dir HR and subsequently the AUAB leaders met CMD BSNL.

In the meeting, the CMD BSNL informed that the item of Subsidiary Tower Company is not there in the agenda for the BSNL Board meeting to be held at Hyderabad on 28-05-2018. He also made an appeal to withdraw the struggle. Thereafter, a meeting of the AUAB was held. In view of the information given by the CMD BSNL, the meeting unanimously decided to defer the call for organising walk-out and rallies on 28-05-2018.  We are thankful to all the executives and non executives who supported the cause and got prepared for participation in the agitation programme within short notice.

Lunch Hour demonstration held at BSNL Corporate Office against creation of the Tower Subsidiary Company of BSNL:  All Unions and Associations of BSNL organised a lunch hour demonstration today at the BSNL Corporate Office, after serving the notice for the walk-out, rallies, etc. to be organised on 28-05-2018. The demonstration was addressed by GS,BSNLEU, Secretary, NFTE, Chairman, SNEA, GS, AIBSNLEA, Vice-President(CHQ), FNTO and GS SEWA BSNL.

All Unions and Associations of BSNL served notice on the Secretary, DoT and the CMD BSNL, for organising the Walk-Out, Rallies, etc., on 28-05-2018, demanding the rolling back of the Subsidiary Tower Company. Com. P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, BSNLEU, Com. Mahabir Singh, Secretary, NFTE, Com. Rajmouli, Treasurer, NFTE, Com. GL. Jogi, Chairman, SNEA, Com. A.A. Khan, President, SNEA, Com Padmanabha Rao AGS SNEA, Com. Prahalad Rai, GS,AIBSNLEA, Com. Sivakumar, President, AIBSNLEA, Com. N.D.Ram, GS, SEWA BSNL, Com.Madhu Trivedi, Vice-President (CHQ), FNTO, and Com. Mohinder,CS, FNTO, NTR were present in the team of the leaders of the AUAB, who delivered the Notice for the agitation.

CHQ President and AGS met PGM EW and discussed on our issues.

CHQ President and AGS met GM TF and requested for taking up with Pers for speeding up the process of DPCs for executives of TF. GMTF assured to do the needful

CHQ President,AGS and JS met GM Pers and discussed on our issues. 

As decided in the agenda meeting, the Committee on Group Term Insurance (GTI) held negotiations with LIC and SBI Life on Group Term Insurance (GTI) for all the BSNL Executives. GM(Restg), GM(SR), GM(CA) and GM(Estt) are the committee members. GS/SNEA also specially invited for the meeting. After the negotiations, Committee directed both LIC and SBI Life to rework on the rates and submit fresh quotes with all the attached conditions within 2 weeks.

The formal agenda meeting with DIR(HR) held today, 17.05.2018 from 11.30 AM on the following agenda. GS, President, AGS, CS/BSNLCO and senior comrade Shri V K Yadav represented SNEA. GM(SR), GM(Pers), GM(Restg) and OSD to DIR(HR) were the other participants  in the discussion from official side:

1. Implementation of Group Term Insurance (GTI) for all the BSNL Executives:

Decision: Negotiation with LIC and SBI Life on Group Term Insurance (GTI) for all the BSNL Executives will be held today itself.

2. Restoration of break in Circle Tenure on posting to soft tenure stations as provided in the Transfer policy Dated 09.05.2012:

Decision: Break in Circle Tenure will be restored.

3. Uniform First Time Bound promotion:

An anomaly created after the implementation of 2^nd PRC where all the Executives are getting 1^st TBP after 4-5 years after 01.01.2007 where as the seniors got it in 5 or 6 years in 2005 or 2006. All the 1993 to 2001 rect JTOs joined before 2003 are affected by this. The matter has been referred to Khan Committee and Khan Committee recommended 4-5 years instead of 4-6 years. However in order to remove the anomaly, we demanded the 1^st TBP uniformly after 4 years.

Management was very much reluctant on this demand as EPP-2007 has to be amended with retrospective effect, after so many years for meeting the demand.

Decision: It will be examined and processed once CPSU Hierarchy is approved and the residency period is finalized by Board for future promotions. Further discussions will be held after the Board approval.

4. HR Integration:

There is no uniformity in deciding the policy matters like promotions, transfers etc at BSNCO/Circle/SSA level, among different wings. For promotions, vacancy year is not followed in certain wings, creating anomaly. All the request transfers after 3 years are at the company cost, as per the transfer policy. However some wings/circles are giving transfer after 2 years at company cost whereas some other wing/unit, transfer is not given on company cost even after three years. The differential treatment between different wings created large scale resentment among the Executives in different wings. For the purpose of uniform policy in the company, HR integration is to be implemented. Huge man power deployed for the same work among different wings can be spared and can be redeployed effectively.

Decision: It is agreed to follow uniform policy and best HR practices by all the wings. For its smooth implementation, a Committee will be formed to examine the various issues raised by the Assn to bring uniformity in the HR practices followed in BSNL.

5. Finalization of HR Plan.

Since CPSU Hierarchy proposal is finalised delinking the promotions from availability of posts, HR plan finalization is to be expedited. Due to non finalization of HR plan, some HR issues like E1+5 for the JTO/JAOs recruited after 2010 are not approving by the BSNL Board. Rect and Transfers can be made judiciously based on the actual assets. This will help deployment of staff in the potential areas.

Decision: The additional posts as pointed out by the Assn for trans mtce, FTTH, Leased ctts, Govt projects etc are reworked and soon it will be send to the MC for approval. Thereafter it has to be cleared by the HR Committee and then by the Board. HR Plan finalization will be expedited.

6. Increasing the number of Office bearers of the Executive Associations from 7/11 to 15 at SSA /Circle level and recognition to the body at Circle offices and Metro Dists at par with SSA level:

The number of office bearers at Circle/SSA level was 15 each before finalization of the Recognition Rules. In the new Recognition Rules, it reduced to 11 and 07 respectively which is to be reviewed. This is badly affecting the functioning of the Association at Circle/SSA level as it has to represent and accommodate all the Executives in different streams, wings including non recruiting Circles in the Circle/SSA body. The office bearer number is to be increased to 15.

The elected body at various Circle offices, Metro Dists, ITPC, BBNW, TF etc are to be treated at par with the SSA level body and necessary clarifications are to be issued.

Lot of resistance was there from the part of GM(SR) to increase the number of office bearers citing the recognition Rule provisions, cost to the company, these issues are already examined by a Committee etc. Finally DIR(HR) assured to revisit the issue with a positive mind.

Decision: The demand for increasing the number of office bearers to 15 will be re-examined and necessary amendments will be done in the Recognition Rules.

Recognition to the elected body at various Circle offices, Metro Dists, ITPC, BBNW, TF etc will be considered and necessary clarifications will be issued.

7. Office accommodation at Circle/SSA level:

Some of the Circle/SSAs are insisting for instructions from BSNLCO citing the instructions issued for accommodation to Recognised Unions and SEWA BSNL. SNEA is the Recognised Executives Assn and it should be given accommodation at Circle/SSAs. Instructions may be issued to all the Circles.

DIR(HR) was kind enough to consider the matter and of the firm opinion that Recognised Assn also should be given accommodation as others are already enjoying.

Decision: The matter will be decided shortly with a positive approach.

After the discussion on the agenda points the following issues also discussed:

Board approval for CPSU approval: DIR(HR) assured that the reply will be submitted to the Board as assured to the Assn without any change in date of effect or bench marks. The original proposal along with the reply will be send to company secretary today itself for making it as an agenda for the Board meeting on 28.05.2018. DIR(HR) is very much hopeful that this time the Board will approve the proposal.

Rule -8 cases of KTK Circle: We explained the stand taken by the new CGM where he is not ready to consider fresh Rule 8 cases against 211 new JTOs joined. Earlier 173 JTOs transferred when JTO posting through LICE/Offtg regularization taken place. This also done after lot of struggle by SNEA and by the intervention of DIR(HR). DIR(HR) assured to examine the matter.

After the formal agenda meeting, GS and AGS met GM(SR) and held further discussions on the matter. We explained the developments during last three years and how the JTOs are relieved after lot of struggle. The Rule 8 cases settled since 2016 is taken now and fresh cases are not considering when new direct rect JTOs are joining in the field. Against new JTOs fresh Rule 8 is to be considered and 191 Rule 8 cases are still pending.

JF writes to Secretary, DoT of E2 and E3 pay scales:

Review of the PO issued by DoT on 28.03.2017, lowering the pay scales from E1A to E1 and E2A to E2 and approval of BSNL proposal for standard pay scales of E2 and E3, replacing E1A and E2A w.e.f 01.01.2007.

GS writes to DIR(HR) regarding the Rule 8 transfers in the cadre of JTOs in KTK Circle.

The formal agenda meeting with DIR(HR) held today. The important decisions are:

1. Negotiation with LIC and SBI Life on Group Term Insurance (GTI) for all the BSNL Executives will be held today itself.

2. Break in Circle Tenure will be restored on posting to soft tenure stations.

Further details will be uploaded -----.

The formal meeting with DIR(HR) on the following agenda today at 11.30 AM:

1. Implementation of Group Term Insurance (GTI) for all the BSNL Executives.

2. Restoration of break in Circle Tenure on posting to soft tenure stations as provided in the Transfer policy Dated 09.05.2012.

3. Uniform First Time Bound promotion.

4. HR Integration:

5. Finalization of HR Plan.

6. Increasing the number of Office bearers of the Executive Associations from 7/11 to 15 at SSA /Circle level and recognition to the body at Circle offices and Metro Dists at par with SSA level.

7. Office accommodation at Circle/SSA level. 

GS writes to CMD, BSNL: Promotion orders issued prior to the implementation of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy should be with effective date as 01.01.2017. Promotion with prospective date will create anomaly as promotion order for the seniors will be on a prospective date and that of the Junior will be w.e.f. 01.01.2017, through CPSU Cadre Hierarchy. This will lead to anomaly and fresh litigations in the future.

View Corporate Office Orders:
Transfer and Posting in the grade of SDE ( Electrical) - Modification order.

CHQ office bearers and Circle Secretaries meeting will be held at New Delhi on 18.06.2018.

The AIPCOC rally to the PM office will be on 19.06.2018.

The meeting will decide future course of action in case of delay in implementation of CPSU Hierarchy and standard pay scales of E2 and E3.

Make reservations accordingly.

Meeting with Shri Anupam Shrivatava, CMD, BSNL on 14.05.2018:

GS, President and AGS met CMD, BSNL and held discussions on various issues. On the follow up of HOCC meeting, Circle and SSA level meeting will be held shortly, CMD informed. The hiring of dark fibre from Assam to Siliguri also brought to his notice. The agreement with OIL will be over in June 2018 and it has to be renewed. It is learned that some private agencies, Mukund, is approaching BSNL offering lesser rates. But their fibre is laid along the NH just like BSNL cables and it also will be damaged just like BSNL OF cable. The existing hired cable is tapped at various places and if new cable is hired from other agencies, the same work has to be repeated once gain. For the reliability of the media, we have to continue with OIL and PGCIL cables, Assn told.

On Board approval for CPSU Hierarchy, CMD told that BSNL will stick on to the original proposal with date of effect as 01.01.2017. BSNL Board meeting is scheduled for 28.05.2018. Since JS has made some suggestions, the suggestions will be discussed in the Board meeting instead of circulation of file and various points will be explained in the Board meeting so that proposal will get cleared, CMD informed.

Meanwhile the promotions if any given during the intervening period should be w.e.f 01.01.2017, in line with CPSU proposal in order to avoid future anomalies and litigations, Assn told CMD. Seniors given promotion prospectively and juniors getting promotion w.e.f 01.01.2017 through CPSU Hierarchy will create anomalies. The promotions for limited numbers should not create hurdles for the smooth implementation of CPSU Hierarchy as thousands of Executives are waiting for promotion through CPSU Hierarchy, Assn told.

As per the instruction of DIR(HR), GS, President and AGS met GM(Pers) and Jt GM(Pers) and held discussions on the various suggestions/objections of JS.

Dharna conducted in various State Capitals on 14th May, 2018 by AIPCOC on various demands. At New Delhi, the Dharna addressed by Veteran leaders Com Ashok Rao, Com G. L. Jogi, Com V. K. Tomar (President/AIPCOC), Com K. Sebastin(SNEA), Com A. A. Khan (SNEA), Com Bansal(AIBOC), Com Gupta (SBI OA) and Com B P Rao (NHPC). A memorandum submitted to the Hon Prime Minister.

Charter of Demands:

1.Remove affordability clause for Wage Revision in CPSUs.

2.Expedite wage revision for the Bankers without restriction on scale and without affordability clause.

3.Ensure Assured Pension for all.

4.Stop all moves towards Privatization.

5.Amend Tax laws at Par with Government employees.

March to Prime Ministers Office postponed from 18.06.2018 to 19.06.2018.

All the Circles should participate with large numbers and make reservations accordingly.

All India Public Sector and Central Government Officers’ Confederation   (AIPCOC)

AIPCOC consists of the officers/ Executives from NCOA, Bank, Telecom, Oil, Power and Insurance sectors.

AIPCOC decided to launch the following nationwide agitations programs on the charter of demands. Make all the preparations in coordination with other Assns of various sectors, AIBOC (Banks) etc.

Dharna in all State Capitals on 14^th May, 2018.

Charter of Demands:

1.Remove affordability clause for Wage Revision in CPSUs.

2.Expedite wage revision for the Bankers without restriction on scale and without affordability clause.

3.Ensure Assured Pension for all.

4.Stop all moves towards Privatization.

5.Amend Tax laws at Par with Government employees.

At New Delhi, the Dharna will be conducted at Parliament Street, near SBI.

All India Public Sector and Central Government Officers’ Confederation   (AIPCOC)

AIPCOC consists of the officers/ Executives from NCOA, Bank, Telecom, Oil, Power and Insurance sectors.

AIPCOC decided to launch the following nationwide agitations programs on the charter of demands. Make all the preparations in coordination with other Assns of various sectors, AIBOC (Banks) etc.

Dharna in all State Capitals on 14^th May, 2018.

March to Prime Ministers Office on 18.06.2018.

Charter of Demands:

1.Remove affordability clause for Wage Revision in CPSUs.

2.Expedite wage revision for the Bankers without restriction on scale and without affordability clause.

3.Ensure Assured Pension for all.

4.Stop all moves towards Privatization.

5.Amend Tax laws at Par with Government employees.

Today we met Jt Sec, DoT and BSNL Board member regarding clearance on CPSU Hierarchy proposal. He informed that the response will be send to BSNL today itself. He further informed that yesterday CMD BSNL spoken to him for expediting the clearance of the proposal.

Today Management Committee of BSNL Board taken a decision to facilitate promotions wherever it is feasible.

The All Union and Association meeting held at New Delhi on 08.05.2018 reviewed the public campaign throughout the country demanding Roll Back of Tower Subsidiary formation: The meeting called up on for more vigorous campaign among the public to garner the public support. Maximum locations are to be covered by each and every SSA. CS/SSA Secretaries to regularly monitor the progress. 

GS writes to Shri Manoj Sinhaji, Hon Minister of State for Communications: Urgent need to fill up all the three functional Director posts, DIR(Finance), DIR(CFA) and DIR(CM) in BSNL. BSNL will have just two functional Directors (out of five) from July, 2018 onwards. Decision making in BSNL is getting badly delayed and seriously affected due to the prolonged vacancy of these crucial Director level posts.

GS writes to DIR(CFA): Tardy progress in implementation of NGN tender --- About 1.6 Million (out of total 2.1 M) capacity in the Phase II of first NGN Tender awarded to M/s Huwaei in 2015 is not supplied for 10 Circles where as the second Tender for 5 Million is under progress. The second tender cost is almost 30% lesser than the first tender. The last date for Add on order is 05.06.2018 by shortclosure of the first tender and if this deadline is not met, BSNL has to go for fresh tender for completing the prestigious project.

Massive campaign among the public against the anti-BSNL policies of the Government like Tower Subsidiary formation, delay in allotment of 4G spectrum etc from 07-05-18 to 11-05-18:

All the Central Trade Unions and the CPSU employees are making massive campaign from 07-05-18 to 11-05-18 against disinvestment / privatization of CPSUs. The All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) meeting held on 24.04.2018 decided to conduct week long campaign, street corner meetings etc from 07th  to 11th May, 2018, against the anti-BSNL policies of the government and demanding the rolling back of the Subsidiary Tower Company. All employees are requested to make the campaign very successful to get public support. Coordinate with the office bearers of other Unions and Assns at different levels.

Public support is very crucial for the success of our struggle demanding roll back of Subsidiary Tower Company.

3^rd Pay Revision for BSNL employees: Based on the DPE suggestion to approach Union Cabinet for the relaxation of affordability clause, DoT is seeking the permission from the Hon MoSC for preparing the Cabinet Note. The proposal will be moved next week, concerned officers in DoT informed us. 

Meeting with Smt Sujata T Ray, DIR(HR) on 04.05.2018: GS and President met DIR(HR) and held discussions on the following issues.

a) Implementation of Uniform Time Bound promotion (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy): Assn expressed its strong resentment in the delay on approval of the proposal. Hundreds of Executives due for promotion are retiring every month and the youngsters are losing their service for the future promotions. DIR(HR) informed that the response from the Jt Sec and BSNL Board member is expected by Tuesday. JS is on official tour and will be back on Monday. Based on the response further actions will be initiated.

We are waiting for the response from the JS and the further initiatives from the BSNL management. If there is any more delay tactics from DoT or BSNL, we will not hesitate to go for trade union actions in the near future. It is suspected that the strong stand taken by the Assns and Unions against Tower subsidiary formation is delaying the clearance from the JS, which cannot be accepted.

b) Uniform policy for considering request transfers, maintaining waiting list: Assn mentioned that the request transfers are not considered on uniform policy, some are considered on OWN cost and some on company cost which is arbitrary. As per policy all transfer after 3 years will be in the company cost evenif it is a request transfer. Due to financial condition it is not followed especially in Telecom Engg side whereas some cases are considered on company cost. Further waiting list is not maintained. DIR(HR) assured to maintain transparency and uniform procedure for considering request transfers. Further discussions will be held in the formal meetings.  

c) Early implementation of Hon SC judgments on Rule 206 seniority and 147 seniority: We requested to expedite both as finalization of seniority will pave the way for the promotion of the eligible candidates to DE/DGM grades. DIR(HR) informed that the committee formed for 147 seniority will examine the implementation part next week and a decision will be taken shortly on 147 seniority. Subsequently 206 seniority revision will be implemented.

d) Arbitrary Transfers in Civil wing of AP Circle and SDE(Electrical) transfers by PGM(EW): We explained the arbitrary transfer made by CE(Civil), AP Zone and the discussion with PGM(BW) in this regard. Similarly in Electrical wing also transfers are issued without any justification. DIR(HR) is very unhappy about the arbitrary transfers and assured to intervene.

The formal agenda meeting with DIR(HR) to discuss various HR issues is fixed for 16.05.2018.

GS writes CMD, BSNL for Board approval for BSNL Executives promotion policy Amendment & Recruitment Rules, 2017 (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy) with effective date as 01.01.2017, may be expedited by circulation among the Board members as per the last Board decision. More than 100 Executives due for promotion are retiring every month.

Joint Forum writes to CMD, BSNL: Arbitrary Instructions to use “Sanchar Aadhar” APP (Developed by M/s Intense Tech) in place of BSNL’s Own App (BSNL Swift) for provisioning of Mobile connections through e-CAF. Award of work to M/s Intense Technologies Limited for deployment of Customer Acquisition and Communication Management System (CACMS) by unnecessarily paying huge amount to the vendor. BSNL has to fully explore its potential in IT sector before outsourcing the works.

GS writes to DIR(HR) demanding uniform policy for consideration of request transfers and maintaining waiting list at BSNLCO.

View Corporate Office Orders:

Missing APAR for regular promotion to the grade of JAG of Telecom Finance (14 nos.) reg.

SDE Inter Circle Transfer order reg.

DE Transfer order reg.

Developments on Board approval for the Uniform Time Bound Functional Promotion Policy (CPSU Cadre Hierarchy):

GM(Pers) and Jt GM(Pers) met Jt Sec(DoT) and BSNL Board member yesterday regarding clearance for the CPSU Cadre Hierarchy proposal. Jt Sec informed them that the reply on various points are examined and the response are ready and it will be given to the Company Secretary. 

Based on the response, the proposal will be circulated among the BSNL Board members for approval as decided in the last Board meeting. We are pursuing the matter at every stage.

Last week, on 26.04.2018, GS, AGS and CS/Telangana Circle met Smt Sujatha Rao, Ex Union Health Secretary and BSNL Board member at Hyderabad regarding approval for CPSU Cadre Hierarchy proposal. We explained the queries from JS/DoT and the reply given by BSNL. She is very much convinced on the BSNL proposal and assured that she will clear the proposal with date of effect as 01.01.2017 as and when it reaches her. In the last Board meeting she had some reservations regarding the dated of implementation as 01.01.2017, from a retrospective effect. 

Developments on replacement of the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A with standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 for all the post 2007 recruits:

Dept of Expenditure (DoE), Ministry of Finance replied to DoT on the queries in the expected lines. In its reply, DoE replied that pay Revision in CPSUs are under the domain of DPE and DoE is not dealing with the pay revision of CPSU Executives. Accordingly DoT may take appropriate action, DoE advised DoT.  

Earlier DoP&T also taken the same stand and replied to DoT accordingly.

In this regard we met Hon Minster of State for Finance Shri Pon Radhakrishnan on 07.03.2018 and requested his intervention. Subsequently we pursued the matter with the concerned officers in DoE several times.

Now DoT has to take a decision in this regard based on DoE and DoP&T reply.