31st May, 2007

Meeting with DDG(SR)/BSNL:

GS and AGS, Com Khan, met DDG(SR) and again strongly pleaded with him to make serious efforts to get the process of verification of membership of executives started. We once again conveyed in no uncertain terms to him that the issue of holding of Referendum to decide number one Association eligible to represent issues of executives should not be delayed any further. It was reiterated by us that this issue is extremely vital as far as deciding number of pending issues is concerned and that this Association is not going to accept any further delay on this issue. DDG (SR) informed that he is already seized of the matter and is going to discuss it with Director (HRD) to know his opinion. In any case, we are going to be very tough and unrelenting on this issue since deciding who is having legitimacy to represent the opinion of executives on key issues is quite significant.

Meeting with DDG (P):

The following issues were discussed. 

A) Expediting TES Gr B to Adhoc STS DPC: We were informed that appropriate expeditious action is being taken and best efforts are being made in this regard. In fact, there are some positive developments that could help in holding of DPC as early as possible and the officials of personnel section are in constant touch with BSNL lawyers and DOT officials to end the existing stalemate.  

  B) Immunity transfer and Compassionate ground cases: we were assured that orders to cancel the transfer orders on grounds of immunity and compassionate grounds would be issued shortly. We conveyed our strong resentment over delay in canceling the transfer orders.  

C) Cancellation of transfer orders issued on the basis of wrong stay particulars: DDG(P) assured that all such cases were orders have been issued on the basis of wrong stay particulars are being considered and action would be taken shortly.

 Meeting with Director (O)/BSNL:

We reminded Director (O)/BSNL about the assurance given by him a few days before to extend Roaming/STD on Service GSM. He assured us that very shortly the proposal to extend STD/ROAMING on Sertvice GSM would be put up for consideration of the Management Committee of BSNL and positive decision is expected to be taken on this issue very soon.  

29th May, 2007  It is learnt that in the meeting of board of directors on 21st May 2007, following decisions were also taken.

1. A total of 736 SBP posts which were abolished on 21.6.2006 are treated to be effective from 21.6.2006. These posts are already included in Man power plan of 2005-07.

2. Board has also approved to recruit additional 2400 JTOs, along with approval of 2382 number of posts of JTOs in MPP 2005-07.

3.Board has also approved to recruit additional 500 JAOs, along with approval of 836 number of posts of JAOs in MPP 2005-07. 

4. A fresh note is to be submitted to the board regarding creation posts which were utilized by DoT in creating posts for VTM purpose. Remember this issue was already taken by the Association with Secretary DoT.

29th May, 2007  Reply given by DDG (commercial), in response to the issue addressed by GS regarding local & STD/ISD PCOs.>>>>>>>

Comrades , Please go through all the salient points covered in the letter, any new suggestions after critical and thorough analysis may please be sent to GS on mail address sneachq@yahoo.co.in with in preferably one week.

25th May, 2007 

Meeting with Sr DDG(E)/BSNL:

We had a detailed discussion with Sr DDG(E) on the issue of expeditious completion of Adhoc DPC from TES Gr B to STS. This discussion was held in the context of the decision of DOT to restore back the seniority in TES Gr B of 553 SDEs belonging to years of recruitment 1970, 71, 72, 73, 74 etc., promoted in 1998 DPC. The seniority of these SDEs was shifted to list no 6 on account of reversion of 1966 TES Gr B officers. Our effort is to get the DPC from SDE to Adhoc STS against 2311 STS posts completed as early as possible and the decision of DOT to restore original seniority of 553 SDEs helps in restarting the process of DPC which is deadlocked for some time now because of one issue or the other related to TES Gr B seniority. However, in the context of this positive development, we are straining our nerves in every possible manner to get the deadlocked DPC completed as expeditiously as would be possible.

 Meeting with Director(HRD):

GS and AGS, Com khan, met Director(HRD) and discussed following issues.

 1. Posting of JTOs on promotion to SDEs in T&D Circle:

We once again requested Director(HRD) to direct new CGM/T&D to review posting of JTOs on promotion to SDEs. Director(HRD) spoke to CGM/T&D and asked him to review the posting of JTOs on promotion to SDEs. Subsequently, GS spoke to CGM/T&D and he assured that he would review the posting orders already issued.

 2.  Expediting SDE to Adhoc STS DPC:

We reminded Director(HRD) about the commitment made by him at Aligarh, while addressing open session organized by UP(W) Circle on 19^th may,07, that he shall try his level best to complete the DPC as early as possible and also apprised him of the decision of DOT to restore the seniority of 553 TES Gr B officers whose seniority was altered in 2005 and are in the zone of consideration of this Adhoc DPC. Immediately, Director(HRD) directed DDG(P)/BSNL to take all possible steps that would help in early completion of DPC and fully assured us that he would hereafter personally and closely monitor the progress of DPC and try his best to get it completed.   

 3. Rotational transfers in PB, Haryana and MH circles:

We once again reiterated our firm opposition towards implementation of rotational transfers as they are unwarranted and not relevant in the present context. Director(HRD) assured us that he would speak to CGMs of these Circles and ask them to reduce the number as much as possible. However, we maintained the stand that rotational transfers are obsolete and we are committed to oppose this obsolete concept.

4. Cancellation of transfers on promotion of JTOs to TES Gr B on compassionate grounds:

We informed Director(HRD) that a number of representations requesting for cancellation of transfers on promotion to TES Gr B on compassionate grounds have been received and some of them are very genuine, requiring sympathetic consideration. Director(HRD) asked us to submit list of such cases and assured us that he would consider genuine cases.

 News about our Comrades from Electrical/Civil Wings;

A) DPC for about 54 SDE to EEs in Electrical wing is already over and the orders of promotion are expected very shortly. In the meantime the deadlock in SC/ST Commission over grant of any financial benefit to JTOs on their officiating/regular promotion to SDEs is almost resolved, we were informed by concerned officers of Electrical wing. Association was fully involved in clearing the stalemate which was adversely affecting JTOs of Electrical wing. Even Association made appropriate submissions before the Hon’ble commission to end the stalemate.

 B) Competitive examination for 63 SDE vacancies of Civil:

Examination cell of BSNL has sought certain information regarding year wise vacancies of Civil Wing. We are trying to see that this information is conveyed as quickly as possible to enable examination cell to notify holding of the competitive examination.

 23rd May, 2007Meeting with CMD:

 GS and AGS, Com Khan, met CMD and discussed following issues: 

1). Rotational transfers in Punjab and MH Circle: Association strongly protested over implementation of rotational transfer policy in Punjab and MH Circles and reiterated its stand of opposing implementation of rotational transfers on the grounds that they are unwarranted. However, CMD assured that he would direct both CGMs not to implement policy of rotational transfers.

2).Clarifications regarding promotion policy: certain clarifications sought by various Circles regarding implementation of promotion policy have been considered and finalized. CMD assured that he would immediately clear the file.         

3).Holding of referendum: Association firmly reiterated its stand that referendum to ascertain majority Association should be held as early as possible. CMD assured that he would discuss the matter with concerned officers.

Meeting with DDG(E)/DOT:

GS and AGS met DDG(E)/DOT on the issue of giving clarifications to BSNL on the issue of fixation of pay in IDA when one opts to continue in CDA scale till the date of promotion/retirement. We understand that DPE has not given a positive opinion and has suggested change over from IDA to IDA. We had a detailed discussion with DDG(E) and requested him to move a fresh note for consideration of Telecom Commission. DDG(E) also broadly agreed that there is no necessity of seeking the opinion of any other department when the order of DOP &PW is already included in the terms and conditions of absorption. He asked us to submit a fresh note and assured that he would strongly plead for settlement of the issue in DOT itself. We have submitted the note.

GS addresses DDG (E) DOT on Clarification regarding para 4 of G.O.I, Deptt. Of pension and pension welfare order no: 4/18/87-P&PW(D), dated 5^th July, 1989. >>>>>>>>>

The Association protests the declaration protests the declaration of a new Accounts Exam for the Civil/Electrical/ Architectural  wing. The Sr.DDG (E) promised that the exam (Aug 2007)  notified by the DE section will be cancelled and promotions carried out after an in-service training programme.

GS writes to Director (HRD) to direct new CGM/T&D to review posting of JTOs posted out of their existing circles on promotion to TES Gr B. >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Association addresses Director (O) to extend STD/Roaming facility on Service GSM. >>>>>>>>>>>

21th May, 2007 CEC meetig of UP(W) was held at Aligarh on 18th & 19th of May '2007 at Aligarh, UP. District Secretaries from various districts of UP(W) participated in the meeting. GS, and AGS com. Khan addressed the CEC on 18th may 2007. GS extensively elaborated on the developments at CHQ level and answered the queries raised by CEC members.

On 19th May 2007, an open session was also organized in a grand manner at Hotel Royal Residency, Aligarh on the topic 'Role of HR   in the development of BSNL.' Director (HRD) BSNL Shri Niranjan Singh, CGMT UP(W)  Shri Bhardwaj, GM Aligarh Shri Tyagi, TDM ETAH Shri Rajesh Kumar, GS, AGS Com. Khan, AGS Com. Sukhbir Singh, Jt. Secy (C) Shri D.D.Bansal, CS UP(W) Com. V.K. Yadav, Circle Secretary BSNEU-UP(W) Shri Faujdar participated in the deliberations. Issues relevant to the topic like promotions to the vacant 2311 STS posts, use of training centres for the 3,20,000 employees of BSNL, wasteful expenditure involved in AMCs etc. and thereby limiting the expenditure by proper utilisation of manpower were discussed in detail.

Dir (HRD), BSNL appreciated the efforts of SNEA(I) for having organised the seminar in such grand fashion.

16th May, 2007Meeting with Director (HRD):  

GS and AGS, Com Khan, met Director (HRD) and discussed following issues; 

A) Issue of rotational transfers in Punjab: Association maintained its stand that rotational transfers are not only unjustified but unwarranted also and requested Director (HRD) to direct CGM/Punjab to take a reasonable and flexible stand on the issue. Association reiterated already 27 JTOs on their regular promotion to SDEs have been shifted from their existing SSAs and that there is no justification in transferring people just for the sake of transfer. Director (HRD) assured that he would get in touch with CGM on this issue and direct him to hold further discussions with Circle body of our Punjab organization.

 B) Posting of SDEs in T&D Circle: While we thanked Director (HRD) for his intervention by directing CGM/T&D to review the posting of JTOs on their promotion to SDEs, we informed him that nothing has so far been done because of the posting of new CGM/T&D and requested him to instruct the new CGM/T&D to review the posting orders already issued by previous CGM. Director (HRD) assured that he would be speaking to new CGM/T&D on the same lines on which he spoke to previous CGM and ask him to review the orders of posting.

C) Immediate holding of referendum:

We apprised Director (HRD) how delay in holding of referendum in the executives is contributing towards formation of splinter groups and deteriorating working atmosphere, besides leading to multiplicity of Associations which is highly undesirable. Association strongly pleaded for initiating the process of referendum to immediately decide as to which is the largest Association representing executives. We also impressed upon Director (HRD) that time has come when the process of verification should start immediately and that this Association shall strongly oppose any further delay in initiating steps towards holding of referendum. Director (HRD) assured that he would discuss the issue with CMD and try to start the process of verification. We are going to be very tough on this issue and have conveyed the same to the BSNL Management in very clear terms. We do not want continuance of a situation where everyone claims that he is in majority and tries to exploit the situation. We are determined to end continuing uncertainty. It is not that we claim to be number one, but whosoever emerges as frontrunner in the race shall have the legitimacy as well as authority to negotiate and decide issues of policy with the Management and the Management shall not have any scope to exploit the situation by continuing with divide and rule policy.

D) Issues relating to 2^nd pay panel:

 We once again impressed upon Director (HRD) the need of pleading before the 2^nd pay panel for getting complete parity with MTNL with regard to IDA pay scales so that existing anomalous situation created as a result of lower IDA pay scales for JTOs/SDEs/DEs/DGMs etc. in BSNL is corrected and JTOs/SDEs/DEs/DGMs etc. get appropriate equivalent IDA scales of E2/E3/E4 etc. Director (HRD) assured us that he is in agreement with our stand and have further discussions with us.

E) Transfer of ADGs from corporate office;

 We thanked Director (HRD) for directing DDG(P) to issue the transfer orders of ADGs in the Corporate office having completed their tenure of two years.

16th May, 2007Meeting with DDG (SR)/BSNL:  The issue of holding of verification was discussed with DDG(SR), bringing out in detail all the adverse effects of not holding the referendum to decide who is number one to legitimately represent the issues of executives. We categorically informed DDG (SR) that this Association is not going to be a silent spectator in case the verification process continues to be delayed and requested him to convey the stand of this Association in clear terms to the BSNL Management. DDG (SR) informed us that he has already discussed this issue with Director (HRD) and assured us that he shall again discuss it with him and also convey the decision of our Association on this issue to him.

16th May, 2007

General Secretary’s tour of West Bengal (11^th to 15^th May.07) :

CEC of WB State at Jaigaon on 12^th & 13^th May, 07

 WB State Unit held its CEC on 12^th and 13^th May,07. The CEC, held at Jaigon, in Silliguri District, on the border of Bhutan, was attended by all the districts of West Bengal State Organization, comprising West Bengal Telecom Circle and Kolkatta Telepones, deliberated in the most objective and extensive manner on issues relating to growth of BSNL and also decided on the plan of action and the strategies to be adopted to achieve the ultimate goal of ensuring continued and exponential growth of BSNL. Major time of the deliberations was consumed by threadbare and objective discussion on the issues of growth of BSNL in West Bengal telecom Circle and Kolkatta Telephones. The deliberations were quite mind boggling and analytical. GS also gave a detailed and comprehensive account of the latest developments in BSNL, relating to both its growth as well as our own career growth and broadly outlined the future agenda and the strategies to be adopted at the grass root level towards realizing the future agenda of the Organization. The question-answer session was not only quite absorbing but thought provoking too. CHQ vice president, Com Sudip Choudhry, AGS, Com Rupak Sen and Jt Secy/Central, Com. Madhusudan Mahato also addressed the CEC which was highly successful.

General body meeting of Darjeeling zone at Silliguri on 14^th May,07: 

A thickly attended GB meeting attended by Comrades of Silliguri, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Jaipalguri etc and Circle office bearers/CWC members of WB state branch was addressed by GS, CHQ Vice President, Com, Sudip Choudhry, AGS, Com Rupak Sen, Com Tapas Ghosh, CS/WB, and district office bearers of BSNL EU, NETE, BTU, BTEF and FNTO. The meeting was presided over by Com. Dilip Saha, President of WB State body and was addressed by GM/Silliguri SSA also. GS elaborately dealt at issues relating to growth of BSNL and appealed to the joint forum constituents present in the meeting to forge total unity in the days to come so as to effectively and successfully meet the formidable challenges of future. An interactive session, in which GS extensively spelt out the future agenda and plan of action of SNEA (I) at the Central level, was later on held between GS and Comrades attending the GB meeting. The meeting was quite interesting and the interactive session really absorbing and productive.   

Request transfers: Because of our continuous persuasion inter circle request transfers for 42 SDEs has been issued. Nearly 90% of the requests that this Association had received have been considered in this and previous order. A few are still remaining and we are trying to get another order issued as early as possible to cover left out cases. 

Pending Request Transfers - Another list will be issued shortly.

8th May, 2007Rotational transfers: Meeting with CMD/ Director (HRD):

 CHQ Vice President, Com Inderjit Singh, GS, AGS, Com. Khan, Jt Secy (N), Com Kehar Singh and Com. Amarjit Singh, CS/Punjab, had a detailed discussion  with CMD in the presence of Director (HRD) on the issue of implementation of rotational transfers. Association explained at length the irrelevance of instructions of DOP &Trg of 1981 and why they were never considered for implementation in DOT and in BSNL also. Association also clearly impressed upon both CMD and Director(HRD) that it is committed to oppose tooth and nail the implementation of the so called policy of rotational transfers on the grounds that it is not obsolete and irrelevant but is unwarranted and counter productive for a service organization as massive as BSNL. Association also pleaded with both CMD and BSNL that such a move would be not appropriate when we are gearing up to execute highly ambitious and life line project of BSNL i.e 45.5 million GSM lines as well as 6 million broad band orders for which have already been placed. Besides, transfers for the sake of transfers, without being related to need basis or operational requirements, have just no meaning, Association strongly pleaded. Association was quite forthright and frank in impressing upon both CMD and Director(HRD) that in the event of imposition of rotational transfers it shall have no other alternative but to resort to sustained organizational actions and pleaded with the Management not to create conditions of turbulence at this crucial hour. After a thorough discussion on the issue, both CMD and Director(HRD) informed us that our view point has been well taken and assured they would further discuss the issue in the light of facts submitted by us in a comprehensive manner.

 In the meantime, our field units throughout the Country must maintain a very high level of Organizational preparedness so as to respond to any kind of eventuality at a short notice. We reiterate and believe that our activists and base level members fully understand and recognize the need of defeating the implementation of rotational transfers through sustained and committed struggle. Let us thus remain organizationally just alert to defeat the move, if imposed on us.               

  We also seized the opportunity to request Director(HRD) to issue the request transfer of all the ADGs in Corporate office having completed their tenure and requested for transfer. Director(HRD) assured us that he would 

 Man power plan for 2005-06: Final draft for sanction of about 3500 post of JTOs/SDEs/DEs/DGMs for the year 2005-06 is under preparation for approval by full board of BSNL. This is an important breakthrough given the fact that this Association strained its nerves in every possible manner in 2005 & early 2006 to get man power plan for the year 2005-06 approved by BSNL board.     

Counting of residency period from 1.10.2000: A proposal on the issue of counting of residency period from 1.10.2000 for the purpose of first financial upgradation is getting ready for the approval of the Management Committee of BSNL. We are monitoring the progress of the issue.

Latest development with regard to reversion of 1966TES Gr B: DOT has sent a list of about revised 1966 list of SDEs belonging to years of recruitment from 1982 to 84 and promoted in 1998 to BSNL and directed that out of the earlier 1966 list of SDEs , the seniority of 553 SDEs has not been changed(their names have been removed from the list) and  instead another 553 junior officers have been added keeping the figure to 1966. We also have had been pleading with DOT for the last about two years that seniority list of JTOs promoted in 1998 DPC should be drawn properly in accordance to the provisions of RRs regulating fixation of seniority and then only re fixation of seniority, if at all required, be done.  We are continuing our efforts to ensure that no one loses seniority by getting shifted to list no 6. This move of DOT shall help us in overcoming the stalemate created in SDE to Adhoc STS DPC. We are making best efforts to get the DPC completed at the earliest. We make a fervent and impassioned appeal to our Comrades throughout the Country not to create further legal hurdles in respect of expeditious completion of DPC from SDE to Adhoc STS against about 2300 STS vacancies. After great struggle, we could succeed in obtaining approval of Secy/DOT in 2006 for filling up all the available STS vacancies. Legal hurdles, let us understand clearly, are not going to benefit any of us in any manner.