Heartiest Congratulations to our base level Comrades, activists and office bearers at all the levels of the Organization throughout the country for their extraordinary response, extensive preparation and successful participation in the first phase of our struggle.

The response, committed participation and completely successful implementation of the programmes of organizational action on 25^th and 29^th June,07 throughout the country has been simply extraordinary, evoking tremendous enthusiasm and generating much needed organizational heat on such a critical issue, in addition to adequately focusing the issue. The near total success of the programmes of action clearly reflects the state of vibrancy that SNEA (I) is gradually acquiring in terms of creating mass awareness down the level on issues of such vital nature and bringing out the grave implications of the delay in procurement of GSM equipment. The awareness that we succeeded in creating at lower levels and the consequent thumping support that we received from them throughout the country is not only remarkable and unprecedented, but establishes the fact that telecom workers are ready to rise up in arms once the issues and the implications are explained to them and they are properly educated. Political, media and public opinion that we succeeded in building on this issue so far through this struggle has been quite perceptible, significant and productive in terms of focusing the issue and creating desired impact.

*On 29^th June, massive turnout was reported in West Bengal, with about seven to eight hundred Comrades staging dharna at Telephone Bhawan Kolkatta and another five hundred at W B/ CGM office. Comrades from other unions like BSNL EU, NFTE etc. participated in huge numbers to lend their solidarity and support to the struggle. The struggle was simply unparalleled in WB in all respects, right from the word in terms of intense mobilization of important MPs, media, Comrades down the level and making all other preparations towards complete success of the struggle. No words for our valiant and committed comrades of WB Circle and Kolkatta Telephones.

*In Delhi, at the Corporate office, nearly 400 Comrades participated in Dharna and it was addressed by Comrade Dipankar Mukherjee, Secretary/CITU and Com Ashok Rao, Secretary General/NCOA. Com Dipankar urged upon the employees and officers of BSNL to further intensify the struggle and assured continued support of CPM and the left front on issues of viability of BSNL in general of the GSM tender in particular. Com Ashok Rao, said he felt satisfied for the first time in his trade union career that struggle on an issue of such a critical importance is being launched and cautioned BSNL workers and officers against allowing BSNL to become bankrupt, painfully citing the example of ITI. Com Rao had all the praises for the initiative taken by SNEA (I) in organizing a country wide struggle on such an issue and appealed to everyone to further consolidate the forces of unity in BSNL so as to effectively and successfully face future challenges. Large numbers of Comrades from UP(W), Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, including their CSs and other activists, participated in the Dharna. The commitment of our Comrades from Haryana, Punjab, UP(W) and Rajasthan is so profound that they come from distances of five to six hundred Kms to participate in Organizational programmes on 25^th and 29^th June,07 at Corporate office, Delhi. CSs of Delhi and Corporate office, in addition to our AGS, Com Khan, were completely involved in making the programme of 29^th June, 07 a complete success.

* In entire Maharashtra Circle, except Pune TD, dharna was held at all the SSAs in a massive way and the programmes received unprecedented media coverage, both print and electronic. Two prominent MPs addressed our gathering at Nasik, assuring our comrades that the issue would be strongly taken up in the ensuing monsoon session of Parliament.

* Karnataka Circle, the scene on 29^th June was completely different from 25^th June, and the progamme was held at all the SSAs, except Raichur, in a splendid manner. A press conference was also held on 30^th morning at press club, Bangalore, and was addressed by our veteran Comrade W. Seshagiri Rao, President/NCOA.

*Kerala Circle maintained the very high momentum of 25^th June at all the SSAs, with Comrades turning out in huge numbers.

*In TN circle, including Chennai, the programmes were observed at all the SSAs, except Madurai SSA.

*AP Circle, despite heavy rains, the attendance was quite encouraging at all the SSAs.

*MP Circle, the programmes were complete success at all the SSAs, particularly Bhopal, indore, ujjain etc.

*Gujarat Circle, massive dharna was held at Ahmedabad and wide media coverage, in both electronic and print media, was received. The progranmme was held at some other major SSAs also in Gujarat.

*UP (E), the programme was held in a grand manner at Lucknow, Benaras, Allahabad, Kanpur etc.

*Bihar Circle, Dharna was held at Patna and other major SSAs and the attendance was quite encouraging. The dharna at Patna was well covered in the media.

*Comrades, in good numbers, including their CSs, from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP(W) participated in dharna at Corporate office Delhi. In addition, in these Circles, dharna was also held at other major SSAs.

*Dharna was held at Srinagar and Jammu in J&K Circle in a highly successful manner.

*In HP, high attendance dharna was held at Shimla.

*Uttaranchal Circle quite successfully staged full day dharna at Dehradun, with Comrades from nearby SSAs attending the dharna and making it a complete success.               

* We have to remain in a state of extraordinary preparedness to respond to any eventuality at the shortest possible notice so as to be able to resort to most effective form of industrial actions. Let us understand in very clear terms that there is still real danger of cancellation of GSM tender and if this is allowed and not defeated, we shall be paralyzed and, as we all know, after paralysis, one becomes permanently invalid and a liability.

29th June, 2007 Association addresses Sh. D.S.Mathur, Secy/DOT for discussing the pending issues immediately.

A) Unsettled issues of promotion policy. 

 1) Service weightage 

 2) First financial upgradation after five years for those not reaching the minimum of scale in five years.

3) No outside recruitment at STS as MTs 

4) Regularization of existing Adhoc STS officers and finalization of Gr A RRs     

 B) Issue of exercise of option to continue in CDA scale up to the date of promotion/retirement.

C) Extending the benefit of five years for Gr B officers of BSNL seeking VRS and having completed 20 years of qualifying service.                      

D) Withdrawal of the order of DOT stating that the payment of pension by the Govt. to absorbed personnel in BSNL would be restricted to 60% of the payment that Govt. receives on account of licence fees, cess tax, dividends etc. from BSNL.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

*  Draft for extending STD/roaming on service mobile is ready for consideration and approval of Management Committee, we were informed by Director (O)/BSNL. 

28th June, 2007Power point presentation of our views to be submitted to 2^nd pay panel:

Association made an informal power point presentation to the members of the committee constituted by BSNL Management to interact with 2^nd pay panel and present the views of BSNL Management on various aspects being dealt with and examined by 2^nd pay panel. The presentation lasted for about two hours, including very interesting and absorbing discussion on a number of issues. Important feedback and counsel was given by all the members of the committee and it has been well received by this Association. Sr DDG (E), DDG(SR), DDG(FF) and Jt DDG(EF), members of the committee were quite forthright in expressing their viewpoint, analyzing issues in a critical and meticulous manner. We are extremely thankful to all of them for sparing their valuable time and candidly expressing their opinion, albeit informally. GS and AGS, Com Khan, made the presentation from Association side. The views expressed by members of the committee shall be given due and serious consideration while giving final shape to the memorandum before its submission before 2^nd pay panel.         

1. From Kolkatta  >>>>>>>>>>>

2. From Ahmedabad   >>>>>>>>>>>

1. Maran versus Raja "Business standard">>>>>>>>>

2. Delay in purchase of equipment hits BSNL " The Hindu" >>>>>>>>>

3. Yechury asks PM to stop BSNL slide " Hindustan times" >>>>>>>>>

4.Govt ignoring BSNL to promote private cos:CPM "Economic times".>>>>>>>>>

Govt ignoring PSUs to encourage pvt cos: Yechury

Charging the government with "deliberately ignoring" PSUs like BSNL to encourage private companies, the CPI (M) today sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to ensure that the state-run telecom firm was not destroyed.

Highly successful demonstration at BSNL Corporate office, Barakhamba Road:    

About four to five hundred Comrades of SNEA(I) from circles of UP(W), Haryana, Delhi and Corporate office etc participated in Lunch hour demonstration at BSNL Corporate office, New Delhi. Sh Sitaram Yechury, MP and politburo member of CPM, addressed the gathering and assured complete support of CPM and left front on issues of financial viability of BSNL. He also reiterated total support of CPM, both outside and inside the Parliament, and categorically mentioned that CPM would fight out the issue of procurement of GSM equipment, tooth and nail, and appealed to Comrades of SNEA(I) in particular and employees and officers of BSNL in general to continue their struggle in a relentless manner till the purchase order for procurement of GSM equipment is placed and the equipment is actually procured. GS/SNEA(I) reaffirmed unwavering and total commitment of members of SNEA(I) to continue to struggle till GSM equipment is procured and BSNL is in a position to grow very fast. Com V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS/BSNL EU, Com Rakesh Pandey, Convener coordination committee of CPSUs, Com V K Tomar, GS/MTNL EA, Com V.K.Yadav, CS/UP(W) and Com A. Dahiya, CS/Haryana also addressed the gathering. Com Sukhvir Singh, AGS, Com. A.Khan, AGS, Com A.Kaul, CS/Delhi and Com G.Das, CS/Corporate office were actively involved in organizing the demonstration in a highly successful manner. 

 We have information that demonstrations were held in a massive way in Circles of Kerala, UP(E), AP, WB, Punjab, Maharashtra. We are yet to receive feed back from other circles. In AP and Kerala, our activists met some MPs, explaining the issues in detail. These MPs have assured that they would take up the issue with Hon’ble PM. 

 Our present struggle for immediate procurement of GSM equipment has received wide coverage in both electronic and print media. Leading papers like Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Business standard, Hindu have covered the issue, bringing out the implications of delay on future growth of BSNL and the letter of Sh Sitaram Yechurry, MP and politburo member CPM, addressed to PM in which he has focused how BSNL is made to slide down and private operators are encouraged to grow and prosper by the government in every way.     

After the demonstration, GS had a detailed interaction with leading media personnel, explaining the issues and the resolve of members of SNEA(I) to fight till the GSM equipment is procured.  

Meeting with Director(O)/BSNL: GS and AGS, Com Khan, met Director(O) and discussed in detail with him the issue of procurement of GSM equipment. Director(O) informed that BSNL Management is trying its best for early procurement of the equipment. We requested Director(O) to issue the orders for extending roaming/STD on Service mobiles as assured by him. Director(O) fully assured that the proposal would be got cleared in the next Management Committee meeting of BSNL and after that orders would be issued as quickly as possible.             

24th June, 2007GS writes to DDG (SR) replying to his letter no. BSNL/31-3/SR/2007 Dated 21^st  June, 07 on Demonstrations / Day long Dharna on 25^th and 29^th June,07. >>>>>>>>>>>>

24th June, 2007From India News Network 

New Delhi, June 24: Sitaram Yechury, MP and Polit Bureau member of the CPI (M) sent the following letter to Prime Minister regarding country wide protest actions from June 25 to 29, 2007 by BSNL executives and workers.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>  

23rd June, 2007GS, Com A. Kaul, Com G.Das and Com D.C.Sharma met some prominent MPs and apprised them of grave consequences arising out of continuing delay in placing purchase orders for procurement of 45.5 million GSM lines. The MPs were highly appreciative of the stand of the Association and assured us of their total and continued support on this issue as well as other issues of significance from point of viability of BSNL. Later in the evening, we met almost all the correspondents of leading newspapers and personally explained to them in detail the implications of the delay in ordering final purchase order and the compulsions forcing this Association to launch protest actions.

23rd June, 2007Our West Bengal Comrades held a very successful and thickly attended press conference at Press club of Kolkatta on the evening of 23^rd June, 07 which was attended by all leading news papers. The media attending the press conference was quite convinced on the stand taken by this Association on the vital issue of growth of BSNL. Our activists of WB State organization also met a good number of prominent MPs of the state and thoroughly briefed them on the issue and our stand. These MPs assured them of their unqualified and complete support on this issue and assured raising the issue in the ensuing session of parliament.   

22nd June, 2007Unprecedented, extraordinary and commendable Organizational preparation of WB, AP, TN Circles to make forthcoming actions of 25^th and 29^th June a complete success:

 Our WB Circle Organization is making all out efforts on a war footing basis to create desired impact of the programmes of actions on 25^th and 29^th June, 07. They entire organization is involved at the grass root level in intense mobilization of opinion by contacting most of the prominent MPs of the state personally and explaining them at length the dangerous implications of the delay in procuring the GSM equipment. Hectic activity is going on for the last couple of days and the entire Organization in WB is involved in this great and vital battle for our survival in the most challenging and befitting manner. Press conference at Press club of Kolkatta is scheduled on 23^rd June,07 and all the leading channels of print and electronic media are expected to attend the press conference where the grave consequences of the delay in placing the purchase order are expected to be focused comprehensively and objectively. Our AP/TN Circle Organizations are also making identical Organizational preparation by holding press conferences within a couple of days and mobilizing opinion in support of our just struggle.  

Let us all clearly recognize and understand that this battle for survival is going to be very tough, challenging and protracted in real terms for reasons that we all should be able to understand. Thus, the extent and magnitude of our Organizational activity and preparation has to be extraordinary and truly matching. Delay in procurement of the equipment even in terms of days is going to cost us heavily and ultimately may cost us our bread and butter. That is where the situation today stands and we can no longer be silent spectators towards such threatening developments.

22nd June, 2007Meeting with Director(F)/BSNL:

CHQ President, Com. S.L.Reddy, and GS met Director (F) and discussed with him the grave consequences arising out of continuing delay in placement of orders for procurement of 2G/3G GSM equipment. Director (F) fully endorsed our concern on account of the delay and the adverse impact that such delay already has had on financial health of BSNL. We urged him to use his best offices to break the deadly stalemate and pleaded with him that BSNL Management must act in tandem and in a decisive manner by creating sustained pressure on powers that be for placement of purchase orders as quickly as possible. Director (F) said that he is already on his toes to see that purchase order is placed as quickly as possible and assured us that he would continue to play a proactive role on this issue.

We also seized this opportunity to request Director (F) to hear our considered viewpoint on vital issues under consideration of 2^nd pay panel of CPSUs before firming up and submitting the official view point of BSNL before the panel. Director (F) assured that he would hear our opinion on issues of significance relating to 2^nd pay panel.

22nd June, 2007Meeting with Director (planning): GS met Director (P&NS) and apprised him of continuing deterioration of health of BSNL in terms of its continual decline in both market share and subscriber base, urging upon him to intervene in the most pragmatic manner to end the fatal deadlock that could cost us our bread and butter. Director (P&NS) informed us that he was already very actively and vigorously pursuing the entire issue and assured that he shall continue to try his best to see that the GSM equipment is received by the field units at the earliest and there is no further delay in its purchase.

22nd June, 2007Meeting with DDG (SR)/BSNL: GS met DDG (SR) and discussed with him the issues of parity of pay scales of Telecom Accountants with Assistants of Central Secretariat and pay scale of ASTTs at par with JTOs w. e. f 1.1.1996, reminding him of the commitments made by the BSNL Management to settle these issues in the light of the orders of the Govt. in the meeting that Association has had with the Secy/DOT on 10^th January,07. DDG (SR) assured that he would examine these issues and asked GS to give him relevant orders on these two issues in the coming week.

22nd June, 2007Meeting with Sr DDG(E)/BSNL:

GS met Sr DDG(E) to find out from him the actual reasons that are holding up issuing of orders for creation of posts of JTOs/SDES/STS/JAG etc. as approved by BSNL Board more than three weeks before as part of Man power plan 2005-06. Sr.DDG (E), while fully appreciating our anxiety on account of unjustified delay in issuing sanction orders for creation of posts, informed us that the proposals relating to engineering wing are complete and the delay was mainly on account of non finalization of proposals of finance wing. Sr DDG (E), however, mentioned that he has reviewed the whole issue itself and is trying to sort out the problems of finance wing. He assured us that by next week he expects the final orders for creation of posts to be issued. GS also discussed the issue of pay scale of ASTTs at par with JTOs wef 1.1.1996 and reminded Sr DDG (E) about the commitment made by BSNL Management on this issue in the meeting with Secy/DOT on 10^th Jan.,07. Sr DDG (E) assured to review the issue and advised GS to give him all the relevant orders issued by DOT from time to time on this issue.              

13th June, 2007GS addresses Secretary DOT to extend the benefit of additional five years of qualifying service to absorbed Gr B officers of BSNL seeking voluntary retirement after putting in at least 20 years of combined service. >>>>>>>>>>>> 

12th June, 2007CHQ office bearers/CSs/ SSA&BSs and other activists- Get fully ready for struggle for survival-

Wide spread Organizational preparation and intense mobilization at the grass root level for success of the struggle should commence immediately. Make Lunch hour demonstration on 25^th June,07 and day long dharna on 29^th June,07 at SSA/CGM Hqs a complete success. Time to launch struggle for survival of BSNL has come. Let us rise to the occasion in the most befitting and valiant manner, take the lead and lead others to create awareness among them to join the struggle. Let us pledge our selves to the struggle for this unending and continuous struggle is going to secure our future by way of defeating the policies which are making BSNL hollow. BSNL is displaced to 3^rd position in GSM Sector and 4^th position in Cellular (CDMA+GSM) Services. Let us create tremendous compulsion on the authorities in DOT/BSNL to act and act decisively to place the purchase order for immediate procurement of 45.5 million GSM equipment. Any further delay in placing the purchase order will mean death for us. Let us not allow BSNL to reach point of bankruptcy. Let us fight it out in the most committed manner and thus protect BSNL as well as our bread and butter under all circumstances. Our solidarity and resolution shall surely defeat the diabolical designs of all those who are deliberately trying to push our beloved Company to a point of no return.    

Circle/SSA/Branch Units to observe Savingram Campaign on 15^th June, 07

SANCHAR  NIGAM EXECUTIVES' ASSOCIATION (INDIA)

..................../CIRCLE/SSA/BRANCH  

To

 Sh. A. Raja,

Hon’ble MOC &IT,

  6 CGO Complex, Electronic Niketan,

  Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.

Members of ---------------- Circle/SSA/Branch of SANCHAR  NIGAM EXECUTIVES' ASSOCIATION (INDIA) greatly agitated over continuing, unjustified and unacceptable inordinate delay in procurement of GSM equipment. Growth of BSNL almost paralyzed. Private operators overtaking fast. Further delay going to be suicidal. Action on war footing requested. Immediate kind personal intervention requested.  

Secretary

...............Circle/SSA/Branch of SNEA (I)

Copy to:

1. Sh. D.S.Mathur, Secy/DOT. 2^nd floor, Sanchar Bhawan, 20 Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001.

2. Sh. A.K.Sinha, CMD/BSNL, 9^th floor, Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 110001.

3. Sh.J.R.Gupta, Director (O)/BSNL, 9^th floor, Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, ND 110001.

4. Sh.Niranjan Singh, Director (HRD)/BSNL, 10^th floor, Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, ND 110001.

5. Sh. S.D.Saxena, Director (F)/BSNL, 10^th floor, Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, ND 110001.

6. Sh. Kuldeep Goyal, Director(Plg)/BSNL, 9^th floor, Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, ND 110001.

11th June, 2007Deadly Alarm bells have started ringing – Let us all together get on our toes to save BSNL from likely disaster.

Hutchison Essar group, in which recently Vodafone has acquired majority stake, has displaced BSNL to 3^rd position in GSM Sector and 4^th position in Celluar Services(GSM+CDMA). BSNL having reached a point of saturation in mobile services continues to get displaced day by day in terms of both the user base as well as market share. We struggled very hard to end the deadlock that continued for more than six months in Delhi high Court because of case filed by Motorola against awarding of contract for supply of 45.5 million GSM lines by BSNL to Ericsson and Nokia. Even though the grounds on which Motorola challenged awarding of contract were frivolous and legally non sustainable, yet, because of completely inept handling of the case by Counsels representing Union of India and BSNL, the stalemate continued for more than eight months during which Private Operators garnered their customer base and capture telecom market like anything.

This Association obtained legal advice and suggested BSNL Management on the course of action and the strategy to be adopted by BSNL and DOT in Delhi High Court. This helped considerably in terms of creating sufficient pressure on BSNL and DOT to act correctly and expeditiously in Delhi High Court and finally breaking the stalemate by way of unconditional withdrawal of the case by Motorola. In fact, we secured legal opinion even on the possibility of claiming damages from Motorola by BSNL and pleaded very hard with BSNL Management to go ahead with filing of petition for blacklisting of Motorola because the grounds on which Motorola was disqualified from participating in the tender process are formidable and the tendering process was quite transparent.

Now about two months have passed (Motorola withdrew its case on 16^th April,07 from Delhi high court) since the case has been withdrawn by Motorola, but the purchase order for procurement of first phase of 45.5 million lines is yet to be placed with the approved vendors. The net result of all lack of concern is that BSNL is pushed down to 3^rd position from the existing 2^nd in the GSM Sector and to 4^th from the existing 3^rd in the combined GSM+CDMA sector. Hutch Essar has added 1.5 million GSM lines compared to 0.24 million by BSNL in the month of May,07, thus displacing BSNL to 3^rd position from the present 2^nd in the GSM sector. With growth rate of 5.4% in May,07, the user base of hutch has risen to 29.2 million and 22.36%, whereas, in shocking contrast, that of BSNL has declined to 27.9 million and 21.43%, respectively. In the cellular Sector i.e CDMA + GSM together, BSNL is pushed down to 4^th position, with Airtel (40.7 million), Reliance(30.5 million) and Hutch occupying 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd position respectively.

These threatening developments which are definitely going to snatch away our bread and butter very shortly have to be stopped and the process of continuous and deadly loss of strategic position of BSNL in India’s Telecom Sector has to be reversed immediately and the time has come Comrades when we have to step in actively and launch a sustained struggle to reverse the trend that has set in.

Massive mobilization in terms of opinion building and support for the struggle must immediately start at the grass root level with greatest the greatest commitment and extraordinary determination. Issues have to be explained in detail to the media and Public, focusing the strategic and extraordinary role that BSNL has and continues to play in growth of Telecom in rural India and protecting users of Telecom from exploitation by private Operators. Public, political and media support for the struggle also should be mobilized. This is going to be the beginning of prolonged struggle to save our Company from bankruptcy and disaster and thus the great significance of this struggle has to be understood and propagated.   

Notice for Organizational actions issued to Hon.Minister for Communication & IT for  Country wide demonstrations and day long Dharna at SSA/CGM/Corporate office Hqs on 25^th/29^th June, 07 – Protest actions against threatening, unwarranted, continuing and completely unacceptable delay in procurement of 2G/3G GSM equipment >>>>>>>>>> 

7th June, 2007Meeting with Member (Finance)/DOT, MS Manju Madhavan:

GS met M(F)/DOT, Smt. Manju Madhavan, as per advice of Secy/DOT, and apprised her in detail the background of the clarification being Sought the Pension Cell of DOT in the field units of BSNL regarding mode of fixation while exercising option to continue in the CDA scale up to the date of Promotion/retirement. It was explained to her that the option to continue in CDA scale is contained in the Presidential Order of absorption of Gr B officers in BSNL and as a consequence of exercising this option, large number of Gr B officers have surrendered their huge arrears of IDA scales from the date of their actual absorption till the date of their promotion/retirement. M(F) informed GS that she is already seized of the matter and already discussed the same with Secy/DOT. In fact, note which we personally handed over on this issue to Secy/DOT on 6^th June,07 has been received by M(F) for examination and discussion and further action is being taken on this. M(F)/DOT informed GS that the matter is being examined afresh.       

6th June, 2007Meeting with SECY/DOT: GS and AGS, Com Khan, met Secy/DOT and discussed following issues:

A) Clarification of DOP & PW(D) order regarding exercise of option to continue in CDA scale upto the date of Promotion/retirement: We once again explained in detail the real objective and essence of the relevant order and also briefed Secy/DOT as to how one stands to lose adversely, even after surrendering huge IDA arrears from the date of actual absorption till date of Promotion/retirement, if fixation is done from IDA to IDA and how the very objective of the order gets defeated in that case. Secy/DOT fully agreed with our viewpoint and directed us to meet Member(F)/DOT, MS Manju Madhavan and also assured us that he would discuss the issue with Member (F)/DOT. We submitted our fresh note on this issue personally to Secy/DOT and he marked it to Member(F)/DOT for discussing the issue with him. We are trying to meet M(F)/DOT within a day or two.

B) Issue of pension under rule 37(A): We reminded Secy/DOT about the commitment given by him sometime before that the orders of M.O.F stating that the contribution of the government for payment of pension to the BSNL employees under rule 37(A) would be restricted to 60% of its earnings from license fees, cess tax, dividends etc, would be sent to the Union Cabinet for reconsideration. Secy/DOT assured us that a Cabinet note on this is already under finalization and shall be sent very shortly to the M.O.F. for getting concurrence of the union Cabinet.   

C) Extending the benefit of 5 years of qualifying Service to Gr B officers absorbed in BSNL and seeking VRS after putting in 20 years of combined service in Govt. and BSNL: We apprised Secy/DOT about gross discrimination being met out to Gr B officers vis-à-vis ITS Gr A officers in terms of extending the benefit to ITS Gr A and denying the same to Gr B. Pensionary provisions cannot be different for different set of employees in the same Organization and if they are different, then it is naked  discrimination. Secy/DOT asked us to submit a fresh note on this issue and assured us that the matter would be taken up with D.O.P & PW. We are submitting a fresh note very shortly to the Secy/DOT on this issue.

Meeting with DDG(E)/DOT: Following issues were discussed.

2) DPC from TES Gr B to Adhoc STS: We informed DDG(E) that, as per advice of DOT, BSNL has sought legal opinion from their Counsel regarding 553 TES Gr B officers who have been brought back to their original seniority position and that opinion is being sent by BSNL to DOT for further action. We requested DDG(E) to take expeditious action on the note of BSNL containing legal opinion since DPC from TES Gr B to Adhoc STS against 2311 STS vacancies is put  on hold by BSNL because of seniority revision and BSNL would be restarting the DPC the moment final seniority list is issued by DOT. DDG(E) assured us that he would discuss the whole issue with Director (staff)/DOT and asked us to get in touch with him next week.     

6. Rotational transfers of Executives must be stopped in the interest of BSNL.

6th June, 2007GS addresses Sh. A. Raja, Hon’ble M.O.C.& IT- Inordinate and unacceptable delay in placing orders for procurement of badly needed 2G/3G 45.5 million GSM equipment. >>>>>>>>>>

6th June, 2007Association  addresses Sh. D.S Mathur,Secy/DOT for correct and actual interpretation of Para 4 of G.O.I, DOP&PW(D) order no 4/18/87-P&PW(D), dated 5^th July 1989 by DOT.  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

6th June, 2007GS addresses Sh. Niranjan Singh, Director(HRD)/BSNL -  Fix responsibility and accountability and take stern action against concerned officers for their negligence – regarding TES Gr B competitive examination deferment. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

5th June, 2007GS addresses CMD BSNL regarding Gr A RRs and counting of residency period/notional fixation from 1.10.2000 for Civil/Electrical/Architecure/TFs/PAs/PPs etc.  >>>>>>>>>>>

5th June, 2007 1. Following continuous persual by SNEA the BSNL Management Committee on 1st June 2007cleared the case of residency period for Time Bound Promotion w.e.f 1-10-2000 for Civil/ Electrical/ Architecture/CSS/Finance/TF etc. This will now come before the BSNL Board in its next meeting for final approval. We are extremely happy that a hard-fought battle finally comes to a fruitful conclusion.

              2. The issue relating to Gr.A RRs and finalisation of recruitment of Management Trainees didn't come up for discussion in Management Committee

1stJune, 2007

Meeting with CMD/BSNL:

GS and AGS, Com Khan, met CMD and apprised him in detail that restrictions being imposed for appearing in LDCE against 25% STS vacancies in terms of age, educational qualifications while finalizing Gr A RRS on the basis of recommendations of IIM are unjust and unfair and not really relevant from the point of  view of such a gigantic service organization like BSNL. We also made a strong plea to regularize existing Adhoc STS officers. However, CMD asked us to submit a comprehensive note on the issues connected to Gr A RRs and assured us that due consideration would be given to our views. We have since submitted our note containing our opinion on various aspects of Gr A RRs. We also requested CMD to get the proposal regarding counting of residency period w.e.f 1.10.2000 cleared in today’s Management Committee meeting and he categorically assured that a positive decision would definitely be taken on this issue. We also conveyed our anxiety on account of continuing delay in placing purchase orders for procurement of first phase of 45.5 million GSM lines and requested him not to further delay the procurement process. However, CMD informed us that BSNL has already taken a very prompt action to place the orders for procurement, but the procurement was getting delayed because of some other reasons.

 We also requested CMD to post a dynamic and positive decision making PGM to Ernakulam in view of the fact that Ernakulam is a potential business centre . CMD assured that he would keep it in mind while posting of PGM Ernakulam. However he mentioned that we are immediately going to post CGMs to Kerala and Maharastra Circles and after that only he will consider posting of PGMs. 

1stJune, 2007Meeting with Director (HRD);

AGS, Com Khan, met Director(HRD) and had a detailed discussion with him on various aspects of RRs of Gr A already under consideration and finalization of the BSNL Management. The action to finalize Gr A/RRs is being taken on the basis of report received from IIM Lucknow to whom the issue was referred to for expert advice and opinion. We have registered our protest over restrictions being imposed for appearing in the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination to fill up 25% vacancies in STS in terms of age, educational qualifications etc. We also requested Director(HRD) to take a positive decision on the issue of counting of residency period from 1.10.2000. Director(HRD) fully assured that a positive decision would be taken on this issue in today’s Management committee meeting in which it is listed as an agenda. Director(HRD) also asked us to submit a detailed note listing our opinion on different aspects of RRs of Gr A. Director(HRD) also called DDG (P) and directed him to get in close touch with SNEA (I) and make all efforts to restart DPC from TES Gr B to STS as quickly as possible. DDG (P) informed Director(HRD) that the issue is being dealt with on top most priority as directed by him and that efforts to restart the deadlocked DPC are continuing on highest priority.

 1stJune, 2007

Positive developments on merger of 50% IDA with basic:

 We have very reliably learnt that the 2^nd pay panel of CPSUs has taken a positive decision on the issue of merger of 50% IDA with basic in their meeting at Hyderabad on 22^nd /23^rd May,07. A formal recommendation is expected to be sent to the government by the wage committee for its consideration and approval when it meets at Bhubaneswar on 11^th/12^th June,07. We are very closely following and monitoring the issue.