Meeting with Shri. B L Varshney, Director(EB) on 22.01.2020:

GS, President and AGS met DIR(EB) and held discussions on 1) merger of Maintenance and Project Circles, 2) norms for OFC route maintenance and 3) reduction of DGM posts for mtce purposes. The discussion was based on the guidelines issued by the Restg cell dated 14.01.2020 and 15.01.2020 regarding merger of Non Territorial Circles and the staffing norms for transmission mtce and our letter dated 21.01.2020.

First of all we explained the significance of transmission mtce than any other vertical. More money and manpower is to be invested in Transmission area for better uptime and additional revenue generation. We once again demanded complete merger for the effective utilization of the Executives for the mtce of Core network. DIR(EB) explained that for the timely implementation of Govt projects, Project wing continuation is required on a limited way but all the staff will be under the control of concerned GM or DGM(CN-Tx).

We further discussed the issue of reduction of DGM(Mtce) posts at Belgaum, Coimbatore, Dimapur, Hubli, Hyderabad, Madurai, Rajkot, Silchar, Tirupati & Visakhapatnam and DGM BM, DGM EB I, DGM EB II & DGM EB III posts at NTR/New Delhi. We demanded retention of the above DGM posts and additional DGM posts at Chennai, Imphal (Manipur), Kozhikode, Mangalore, Mysore, Surat and Trivandrum. After discussion, Director convinced about the demands and assured to work out based on our inputs given in our letter.  

Further no DGM posts shown under CGMs and GMs at the CGM HQs and GM (SAT)/GM (MPLS I & II). Director informed that these posts are not mentioned separately as it is available as per positional norms.

We shared our concern for increasing the route for the in-house mtce team from the present 250 RKM to 350 RKM for the mtce Regions as it will have serious impact on the MTTR. Similarly for the steep increase in SLA based outsourcing also. As of now, the MTTR is not upto expectations and further increase in the route length will have adverse impact on the services and revenue, we explained. Director appreciated our suggestions and assured to re-work on it. Further we demanded that AGM posts should be justified for 3 or 4 teams. We demanded separate team for indoor and route maintenance.

We drawn the attention of the Director about the CFA tender in which the primary cable is excluded. Almost all the Circles are demanding inclusion of primary cable also for better services. Otherwise the tender may fail to provide services to customers, we shared our apprehension. Director(EB) shared same concern and informed that DIR(CFA) is having some reluctance on the matter and he will once again discuss with him.

The discussion was very fruitful and we could focus on all the points as explained in our letter dated 21.01.2020 on the subject.

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL

Organizational Restg: Merger of Non-Territorial Circles — pending issues

View Corporate Office Orders:
Enhancement of Gratuity Ceiling Limit to Rs.20 lakhs instead of Rs. 10 lakhs reg.
Clarification regarding admissibility of benefit of one increment in case of promotion to the grade of Sr AO after 01-10-2004 to an executive after he availed the first time bound IDA scale up gradation under EPP before 01-10-2004- reg.
Revised Timelines for submission of e-APARs for year 2019-20 in lieu of VRS-2019- reg.
SDE Inter Circle transfer order reg.

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL:

Maintenance of Primary Cable by BSNL staff itself – Request for modifying the BSNLCO stand and giving flexibility to the Circles considering the practical difficulties explained by the Circles having large number of landline connections like Kerala:

On any subscriber complaint, the bidder will meet the SLA conditions, just by attending the line fault and declaring Primary Cable fault but the customer will not get the services and BSNL will be at the receiving end.

Re-examine the matter considering the ground realities and give flexibility to the field units, especially the CGM and SSA heads to decide on the matter, atleast in those locations where sufficient TTs are not available. A positive and early decision in this regard will smoothen the external plant maintenance activities, ensuring better service to the customers, in the future.

VRS-2019: Settlement of claims of the Employees Directly recruited by BSNL:

It is reported that few Circles are waiting for the guidelines from BSNLCO in this regard. Yesterday GS bring this to the notice of CMD and DIR(HR). Today GS met Sr GM(Estt) and held discussions on the settlement of their claims like Gratuity, Leave encashment and Pension fund and issuing necessary guidelines to the Circles in the case of such VRS optees. BSNL CO will issue necessary instructions in this regard at the earliest.

View Corporate Office Orders:
Transfer order in the cadre of JAOs under Rule 9 reg.
SDE Own cost transfer (VRS optees) reg.
AGM transfer order reg.

A Vital Breakthrough for Triple Play FTTH service through BSNL:

Open policy for provision of IPTV: The much awaited Policy for Provision of IPTV services through BSNL FTTH by content providers/partners have been issued by BSNL CO.

This venture is touted as BSNLs answer to major Private Players providing Triple Play Services--

By this project, BSNL is going to provide Real Triple Play Service to customers because here Watching TV is not going to consume Internet Data.

This is going to be one major Lifeline for BSNL revival.

This Venture has already been successfully developed and implemented privately by an LCO/TIP in Thrissur BA in Kerala Circle with the technical support of BSNL in house talents led by Com Anoop K J, JTO OMCR, Ernakulam.

They have devised an App to make/receive landphone calls using mobile phone using WiFi. 

This project was presented in the recently held CWC Meet of SNEA at Bangalore in Augusts, 2019. 

Various Proposals have been received from different Circles for the implementation of IPTV through BSNL Network.

The absence of IPTV (or TV service) has been identified as one of the major reasons for the lacklustre response to BSNL FTTH connections from multi operator LCOs across the country.

SNEA have been pursuing the project in all levels and we are happy to see light at the end of the tunnel.

We congratulate in the in-house talents in BSNL who showcased their real potential.

SNEA thank all officers who have been working for the implementation of the project in BSNL CO and all Circle Offices and particularly Com. P Padmanabha Rao, our AGS & DGM, BSNL CO.

Organizational Restructuring: Merger of Non-Territorial Circles.

Maintenance and Project Circles merged and renamed as Core Network-Transmission (East/West/North/South). Separate Circle for North East namely Core Network-Transmission NE Region covering AS, NE I and NE II Circles. Effective from 01.04.2020.

Telecom Factories merged with respective Territorial Circles as BA head w.e.f 01.02.2020.

NCNGN Circle merged with BBNW Circle.

Nodal Centre Chandigarh merged with Punjab Circle.

Only one Training Circle with HQ at ALTTC, Gaziabad. ALTTC, NATFM and BRBRAITT will function as BA Heads. Only zonal RTTCs in future.

GS writes to Shri P K Purwar, CMD/BSNL:

Kindly take immediate action for Regular promotion instead of Look after arrangement in different Grades from among the Executives already working in higher scales by mere designation change to fill up the huge vacuum created in the field units by VRS 2019 and for motivating the Executives to take extra work load:

As per the data available, on 01.02.2020,

i) Only 57 DGM(T) will be available against the sanctioned strength of 1481.

ii) Only 32 DGM(Fin) will be available against the sanctioned strength of 402.

iii) Only 1746 AGM(T) will be available in BSNL instead of 6500 AGMs working one year back. On DGM promotion, the number of AGMs will be about 1200, less than 20%. SDEs with 15 years of service are waiting for promotion.

iv) Only 70 CAOs will be available against the sanctioned strength of 1347. They will not be sufficient even to man the vacant DGM(Fin) posts.

v) Thousands of Executives in higher scales are working in JTO, SDE equivalent grades for 5 to 30 years and waiting for the promotion. JTOs recruited from 1988 are waiting for promotion in Arch wing. Thousands of JTOs from 1999, 2001 to 2008, 2010, 2013 etc batches are waiting for their first promotion. JTO(Civil/Elect/TF) wing status is equally bad.

We totally object to the prevalent look after arrangement being followed by the management instead of regular promotion. The Executives are already working in higher scales and they may be promoted to higher grades on regular basis just by designation change, instead of LA arrangement. 

Meeting with Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, DIR(HR) on 09.01.2020: GS, President and both AGSs met DIR(HR) in the presence of Sr GM(Pers & Estt), GM(SR), GM(Restg), GM(Admn) and GMs(Pers) and held discussions on the following issues:

Staffing norms and Restructuring of BSNL: We explained the temporary  staffing norm issued by Restg cell is not at all workable as the field realities are not considered by the management. By the temp norms, some SSAs headed by GMs today has to be headed by an SDE in the future. There will be large number of small SSAs with huge geographical areas where only one or two Executives will be justified. Practically it will be impossible to maintain the services in those areas. By outsourcing, the role and responsibility of Executives will not come down especially in CFA segment. In Rural areas, clubbing all the works of Transmission, BTS mtce, EB, Cable maintenance with SDE(Group) with vast areas will defeat the very purpose. Similarly urban areas norms also stringent. So the temporary norms are to be reworked immediately. Otherwise nobody will come forward to work in the external plant and Trans mtce and those who are working also will request for posting in Indoor, mobile etc. Similarly substitutes are not marked in many SSAs for a smooth takeover on 31.01.2020. Director and GM(Restg) explained that it is only temporary norms which can be reviewed. We requested to review immediately.

Maintenance of Primary Cables: We further explained the demand from the field units that maintenance of Primary Cable also should be included in the tender for outsourcing. Among the available TTs, very few have knowledge of cable jointing and they are not sufficient to maintain all the Primary Cables. Others are required for Indoor/MDF/Power Plant maintenance. This facts are explained in the meeting with DIR(CFA) but no favourable decisions come out so far. DIR(HR) assured to bring this important issue to the notice of DIR(CFA) again.

Promotions in the post VRS scenario and the need for Regular Promotion instead of Lookafter arrangement: We strongly protested against the move for giving Look after arrangement instead of Regular promotion. Almost DGM(T/Fin) positions and AGM/CAO/EE grades will become vacant after the VRS on 31.01.2020 and immediate action is to be taken for promotion, we demanded. Since large numbers of Executives with sufficient experiences are working in higher scales, they can be simply given promotion by designation change, we pointed out. Similarly thousands of JTOs in different wings are already in higher scales and can be given promotion by re-designation. Even DPC is not required. LA arrangement is against the interest of the Executives as they loses the service and future promotional avenues. Management is making LA years together and denying regular promotions. We demanded stopping of this mechanism and provide regular promotions for all the eligible Executives.

On DGM promotions, SNEA explained the meeting with Secretary, DoT on 01.01.2020 and his positive decision allowing DGM promotions. Even DoT given promotion to Sr DDG (CGM) level on 30.12.2019 for those retiring on 31.12.2019 but BSNL is not taking any action to give promotion to the vacant posts before their retirement. After discussion, DIR(HR) assured to discuss with Secretary/DoT and CMD/BSNL and do the needful for DGM promotions.

Reversion of 2001 Rect JTOs passed the LDCE -2007: Again discussion held on the matter and Assn explained their eligibility with reference to the SDE RR clause 12, note 5 and the clarifications issued in 2007 regarding their eligibility to appear in the LDCE-2007. Now some of them are reverted on the basis of the clarifications issued in 2012 for the LDCE 2010. The clarifications issued regarding eligibility for appearing in LDCE 2007 and LDCE 2010 are entirely different and that made the issue complicated. The eligibility has to be decided based on the clarifications issued for LDCE 2007, we demanded. Since they already become SDEs, they could not write the subsequent DCE held in 2012 and 2015. Among them also, some SDEs of TN Circle facing reversion while others are served only show cause notice. We demanded to stop the reversion process till the matter is decided based on the facts placed before the management. We suggested to form a Committee to examine the matter. Finally DIR(HR) directed the concerned Officers to bring all the related files the next day itself for taking appropriate decision. 

Meeting with Shri P. K. Purwar, CMD BSNL on 10.01.2020: General Secretaries and AGSs of AIBSNLEA and SNEA met CMD BSNL today and had the discussions on the following issues:

DGM (T) Promotions: Regarding promotions from DET to DGM (T), we explained about the meeting with Secretary (T) DoT on 01st Jan., and 03rd Jan., 2020 in which Secretary (T) agreed for the promotions for DGM (T) provided it is not creating any Additional Financial Implications. CMD BSNL informed that he had also discussed with Secretary (T) in this regard and trying to do the needful.

Clearing of pending dues of recoveries from the Salary of the employees: CMD informed that the payment of the GPF recoveries in respect of VRS optees, about Rs.710 Crore will be released on Monday. Other dues will also be cleared at the earliest.

Promotions to fill up vacant posts after VRS: Regarding Promotions, CMD is of the opinion that employees should forget promotions for at least one year and work hard for the Revival of BSNL. Also opined that more merit is to be introduced in promotions in future. We explained the ground realities. Almost all DGM posts in Telecom & Finance Wings as well as AGM & CAOs posts will become vacant after 31.01.2020 and it will become difficult to run BSNL thereafter without filling up these vacant posts on immediate basis. There is stagnation in the Cadres of JTO and SDE and their promotions cannot be delayed. At the time of recruitment of JTOs & JAOs as well as in promotions from JTO to SDE, the competitive examination is available and practically 50% Executives eligible at the time of promotion are from competitive quota only, we explained. CMD BSNL agreed about the shortage in AGM, CAO and DGM posts after post-VRS 2019. 

Farewell to the retiring employees: On recognition of the services of the retirees, we requested to restore the amount of Rs 3001/- as it is just a token of appreciation of their past services in BSNL and honour for them. CMD informed his inability due to the cash crunch in BSNL. In that case, we suggested some alternative arrangement like recharge coupons equal to that amount. CMD appreciated our suggestion and agreed to look into the alternative instead of Cash Award.

Allotment of USOF Projects to BSNL on Nomination Basis: We appraised CMD BSNL regarding the allotment of USOF Projects to BSNL on Nomination Basis. CMD BSNL mentioned that we have to do all the Govt. Projects/ USOF Projects and our performance during previous years was very good and we have completed the Govt. Projects within the time frame. However, we feel that if it is given on Nomination Basis, it will be good for BSNL otherwise if we compete through tender, it may not be beneficial for BSNL.  

Maintenance of Primary Cables: We further appraised CMD about the difficulties faced by the Executives and various Circles in Post-VRS Scenario in maintaining the Primary Cables since the orders for maintenance of Primary Cable for outsourcing has not been issued by the Corporate Office. CMD BSNL mentioned that due to the developmental works going on in various States, the Primary Cable has to be replaced/ maintained frequently by taking the permission from various Local State Govt. Bodies/ Highway Authorities for which the Tenderer may not come forward and our maintenance work will be suffered badly.

Maintenance of MDF: We pleaded with the CMD BSNL that the control of MDF should be within BSNL Staff. CMD BSNL mentioned that our young staff should come forward, grab the important works and take responsibility. CMD further mentioned that due to shortage of staff in post VRS scenario it may not be possible to maintain MDF round the clock by the BSNL Staff. After detail discussion, CMD assure to review the situation after three months. 

SNEA extends solidarity and moral support to the General Strike by the Central Trade Unions on 08.01.2020 against Privatization of Public Sector and other demands

View Corporate Office Orders:
SDE Transfer from Tenure station.
DE Transfer from Tenure station.
DE (VRS Optees) Own cost Transfer from Tenure station.
SDE ( VRS optees )Transfer from Tenure station.

Circle Executive Committee meeting of Assam Circle was held at Guwahati on 04.01.2020. GS and Jt Sec(East) addressed the extended CEC meeting. CHQ leaders recollected the contribution of the senior leaders and the activists taken the VRS. They lead the Association during various struggles for settlement of different demands and their contribution will be remembered for ever. All the dues will be settled by 31.01.2020 and their parting with BSNL will be smooth.

Ultimately our struggle for years together brought good results for BSNL. Management and Govt tried to suppress our struggle by many means, by pay cuts, charge sheets, show cause notices etc etc but we never compromised. Finally our struggle brought out 4G spectrum free of cost as we demanded, land monetization approved, entire expenditure of VRS borne by the Govt, 8500 Cr bond with sovereign guarantee approved to give financial support etc.

Our main focus is on revival of BSNL. 4G launching is planned for 01.03.2020. The tariff is increasing which is a good sign for the industry and BSNL. If management is able to implement a good mechanism taking the employees into confidence, Revival is very much possible. Everything depends on the management.

At Corporate level, BSNL restructuring is going on. In the changed scenario, guidelines are issued for outsourcing of CFA work. However we are afraid that due to the stringent conditions, it may fail in many places and BSNL will be in big trouble in maintaining the services after 01.02.2020, we informed the management. The experienced labours may not be able to participate in the tender. Similar work is going on in other verticals also.

As we afraid, in HR vertical, the number of posts is coming down drastically by restructuring. VRS thrown various challenges and post reduction and promotion is one among them. The threat of post reduction was there for many years and in anticipation of that, Association worked out a non-post based promotion policy well in advance. Now our entire focus is for its early implementation w.e.f the due date of 01.07.2018.

Unfortunately, some Executive Assn is still demanding post based promotion from a prospective date (for few vacancies) and helping the management to stop the implementation of the new promotion policy. Management is not giving post based promotion in the name of contempt and restructuring and at the same time not implementing the new policy. All are eligible for promotion from 01.07.18 itself but they are insisting for promotion from a prospective date! The opportunity we got last year for SDE promotion for all the SDE posts spoiled by them by the adamant attitude on contempt petition and the demand for personal appearance of CMD and GM(Pers) in the CAT/Ernakulam.

The new promotion will benefit all the Executives, ensuring a smooth career progression upto AGM Grade. All the JTOs upto 2014 can become SDEs and all the SDEs upto 2016 can become Sr SDE/Sr AO or AGM/CAO as of now. Past service weightage is provided in the new policy. By that, promotion from SDE/AO to Sr SDE/Sr AO Grade will be in 3 years and SDE/AO to AGM/CAO promotion in 8 years which cannot be dreamed in the changed scenario. After VRS, the number of posts in all the cadres will come down drastically.

By sustained struggle and continuous persuation, we could settle many issues in the past. In 2018 we could give record number of promotions, never heard in the history of BSNL or DoT. Specific issues of the BSNL direct rect employees like i) EPF contribution without the ceiling, ii) 5% Superannuation benefit etc could settle. We will continue our efforts to settlement of the remaining issues with the support of all. 

Circle Executive Committee meeting of Assam Circle was held at Guwahati on 04.01.2020. GS and Jt Sec(East) attended and addressed the meeting. The CEC unanimously co-opted the following Circle Office bearers:

Circle President            : Com Suresh Bora, AGM.

Circle Secretary     : Com Borun Baruah, JTO.

Treasurer             : Com Allauddin Ahmed, AO.

The cooption become necessary as the earlier OBs opted for VRS 2019. SNEA recognises their contribution for many years and wish them all the best.

SNEA CHQ wishes all the success for the newly elected young team.  

Interaction with the Consultant M/s Deloitte:

BSNL management arranged a meeting with the Consultant M/s Deloitte appointed for giving recommendations on continuity in BSNL services in the posts VRS scenario and the short term measures on 02.01.2020.

GS, President and both AGSs made a detailed discussion with the consultant for about two hours from 1600 Hrs to 1800 Hrs focussing on all the issues that may crop up in the post VRS scenario. The consultant identified acute shortage in DGM, AGM and TT(TM) cadres that will have impact after the VRS.

Discussions focussed on the ground realities in field units, how it is going to affect after VRS, immediate measures to be taken to reduce the impact, customer relation in the post VRS scenario, merger of SSA and Circle, drawback of present BA structure, manpower requirement, motivation of staff etc etc.

GS, President and AGSs met Secretary/DoT, Member(T)/DoT, Addl Secretary/DoT, CMD, DIR(HR), DIR(Fin), Jt Sec/DoT and other senior Officers of DoT on 01.01.2020, the new year and held brief discussions. Discussions with CMD and DIR(HR) on important issues like restructuring and promotion is fixed for next week due to their busy schedule.

During meeting with Secretary/DoT we raised the issue of DGM(T) promotion which is stopped due to the reply given by Secretary/DoT in the meeting with the Parliamentary Committee that DGM promotion can be issued only after completion of restructuring (ie. after VRS). We explained that all the eligible DEs are getting promotion and there is no reservation involved in DE to DGM promotion and all the 287 DEs belongs to SC/ST category also getting covered. Among the DEs, more than 500 DEs applied for VRS and will miss the promotion if it is issued after 31.01.2020. We further bring to his notice that on 30.12.2019, even the CGM rank officers retiring on 31.12.2019 are given promotion and allowed to avail the promotion. But in the case of BSNL Executives just reverse happening.

After discussion Secretary informed that he is agreeable for DGM promotion provided: 1) it is not making any financial implications just before VRS and 2) it does not create any issue in similar cadres. We explained that it does not have any financial implications and all are working in higher scales and will not create any issue in similar cadres as DGM promotion is held up after 2017 due to litigations.

Then Secretary assured us to discuss with CMD and if the information is correct, he will give permission for DGM promotion.

Editorial

2019: Turbulent period in the history of BSNL. We successfully overcome it with unprecedented Unity and Solidarity   

New Year unfolds new hopes with new challenges

In 2019, we had gone through turbulent times, never witnessed in the history of BSNL with agitations one after another demanding Revival of BSNL. It was really a do or die battle for the BSNL employees. Each and every committed member of SNEA dedicated the whole one year for the Revival of BSNL as each and every right thinking BSNL Executive was aware of the fact that his future is fully depending upon the future of BSNL. Unfortunately during this crucial period also some section of employees, especially some Executives kept away from the mainstream struggles as if collapse of BSNL is nothing to do with them. They have to realise the mistakes and join the mainstream, otherwise the Executives are to take a call to strengthen the mainstream, leaving those negative forces.

Yes, we had witnessed Repressive measures unleashed by the management and the Govt against the Associations and Unions to compel them to stop the agitations and struggles, allowing BSNL for its natural death by accepting defeat.  But we never relented as we were made out of different stuff, ready for any sacrifice and ready to fight to the end, till we achieve our goal. Yes, it was a do or die battle for all of us which we have to win at any cost.

Initially, the Government was not at all serious on Revival of BSNL. All the Ministries were opposing the Revival Plan. Govt was waiting for the natural death of BSNL. Finance Ministry was so hostile, opposing any type of Revival package and insisting for the closure of BSNL and MTNL. Struggle, side by side with the successful efforts of BSNL employees to create public and media opinion in favour of BSNL Revival really worked wonders. SNEA was in the forefront of all such activities. The compulsion created by us for political intervention finally worked. Sincere efforts of Hon MoC and his efforts to form the GoM with the Home Minister as its Chairman coupled with the sincere efforts of both Secretaries/DoT and both CMDs/BSNL made things happen. Our efforts for the intervention of Hon Prime Minister and the final call by the Hon Prime Minister himself to give a good Revival package that will really help revival of BSNL was the most decisive factor.

Finally the BSNL and MTNL revival package was approved by Union Cabinet on 23.10.2019, giving a new lease of life to BSNL and MTNL. The package is having the real potential for the Revival of BSNL. 4G spectrum charges of Rs 14,155 Crores plus 18% GST will be borne by the Govt as demanded by us. From the beginning, AUAB demanded that Govt should allot free 4G spectrums to BSNL. Land monetization for clearing the liabilities and meeting the CAPEX also got the Cabinet approval. Our demand for financial assistance also materialised in the form of long term bond of 10 years for 15,000 Cr for BSNL and MTNL with Government sovereign guarantee. Our concern for merger of MTNL with BSNL, i.e. the huge financial liability, its status as a listed company and complex HR issues, are getting addressed before the merger takes place. The entire liability of about 15,000 Crores for VRS is borne by the Government as we were opposing any additional financial burden on BSNL in the name of VRS. Allotment of 5G spectrum is another favourable decision in the offing.

Each and every employee of BSNL, especially the Comrades of SNEA can cherish on this marvellous achievement, creating another history in the Trade Union movement. Yes Comrades, we created history by struggling shoulder to shoulder with other employees, for the Revival of the company, setting an example for other sectors. I am very proud and fortunate to be part of such a struggle and lead an Association of committed members by spearheading the struggle in the banner of AUAB, in the most difficult period. These are the memorable moments in life.

Now, we are at the doorsteps of 2020 with lot of hopes and expectations. We are looking for positivity in BSNL. BSNL revival is the first among them.

4G launching on pan India basis on the allotted spectrum should not be delayed. The customers are eagerly waiting for that moment. Equally BSNL is answerable to the Govt also after the allotment of free 4G spectrum. Modernization of the network is to be expedited. Operational issues and clearing the outstanding dues to the labours, contractors, vendors, land owners etc are the immediate challenges to make any outsourcing model successful. BSNL has to regain the confidence among them by clearing their dues which will open the road for the future. Realizing the money through sovereign bond and land monetization are two important measures in that direction. Management has to come out of the VRS syndrome and start working on these issues to make it sure that BSNL is continue to provide uninterrupted services after 31.01.2020. Large number of loyal customers are really worried about the massive voluntary retirement and it is our responsibility to regain their confidence in the post VRS scenario. In this regard, management decisions will be very crucial.

In addition to the above issues, how management is going to motivate the remaining 47% employees to take the entire workload in the post VRS situation, how they are filling up the vacuum created in the field units which is generating revenue etc will have huge impact on the efforts for the revival of BSNL. The shortage of Executives in higher level can be easily met by promotion which can be done within couple of days by the new policy, simply by taking VC.

No more excuses can be made by DoT/Government and BSNL management in the name of employee cost as more than 50% employees took VRS, exceeding their target. We already warned management that unprofessional and drastic reduction in the Executives strength will have adverse impact on the BSNL revival and good workers are to be retained in BSNL. All depends on how management is utilizing the remaining employees gainfully in the post VRS scenario. A professional approach and quick policy decisions can once again bring BSNL back on track.

Let us hope that 2020 will bring good news for BSNL and the entire nation.