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31st May 2008   Reports appearing in the print media about Disinvestment, VRS etc:  

The reports appearing in some newspapers that representatives of the United forum in their meeting with Hon'ble MOC&IT on 29th May,08 have agreed to 10% disinvestment of Govt's equity in BSNL, introduction of VRS scheme etc., are completely untrue and baseless. The reports attributed to DOT are mainly intended to discredit the joint forum of BSNL and create disunity. We strongly condemn this mischievous action and call upon our Comrades to defeat such sinister games of the bureaucracy in DOT by exposing the bigger game plan of reactionary forces and vested interests in collusion with bureaucracy. Joint forum at central level is meeting today to finalize its response to defeat such mischievous propaganda aimed at destabilizing Joint forum.

30th May 2008 Report of 2^nd Pay Revision Committee For Executives of CPSEs.

Congratulations comrades of SNEA. Comprehensive and strong plea made by SNEA before the 2nd pay panel committee in its submission in August 07 to club and classify BSNL as a company among top ranking and strategic CPSUs has finally been acceded to and accepted by the pay panel in its recommendation to the govt. Our impassioned appeal to our comrades is that we not only have to uphold the trust and confidence that the pay panel has reposed in us by classifying BSNL in A+ category but have to take BSNL to further heights of glory. Thus comrades let us act and act in the most committed manner to acknowledge the critical recommendations of 2nd pay panel in placing BSNL in highly privileged class of A+. The salient features are,

1. The Committee recommends that CPSEs be grouped into 5 Categories namely A+, A, B, C and D, based on the Total Income, (BSNL has been placed in category 1 or A +). The scales are from E0 to E10 and then for director and CMD i.e in all 13 scales. 

2. The Committee recommends ‘Fixed Pay’ with two sub-components, i.e. Basic Pay and Risk Pay. All CPSEs that are making cash profits and will not incur cash  loss by implementing these recommendations should pay the Basic Pay, HRA and linked statutory contributions to its executives. Risk Pay, other allowances, and PRP(performance related payment) will be paid based on the financial position of the CPSEs. 

3.  The Companies that may not afford to pay entire package at one go, will implement it in the following stages;

i) Stage 1 Basic Pay + HRA + Statutory contributions

ii) Stage 2 Basic Pay + Risk Pay + HRA + Statutory contributions

iii)Stage3 Basic Pay + Risk Pay + HRA + Statutory contributions +Part

allowances + Part PRP

iv)Stage 4 Full package

Before implementing the next stage, the dip in the profit should be fully recouped to the original level. Some examples as to how this has to be implemented are given at the end of these recommendations. 

4. The executives, who are brought into holding companies from subsidiary companies or vice-versa on deputation/transfer, will continue to draw their fixed pay drawn in the original company. They will, however, be entitled to draw the Allowances and Variable pay as applicable to the borrowing company.

5. Government Officers on deputation to the CPSEs, will continue to draw the salary as per their entitlement in the parent department. Only those who come on permanent absorption basis will get the benefit of CPSE scales, perks & benefits. 

6. Increment: The Committee recommends that annual increments may range from 2% to 4% of the Basic pay depending on the performance of the individual as determined by Performance Appraisal System and the capacity of the CPSE to pay. Since there is no fixed increment, management can use its discretion in fixing the pay when an executive is promoted from a lower grade to a higher grade. The individuals who have reached the maximum of the Scale may be allowed to draw maximum three stagnation increments every two years at 2% of Basic Pay provided they get a performance rating ‘Good’ or above.

7. Dearness Allowance: The Committee is not recommending any change in the system of paying the Dearness Allowance. DA as on 01.01.2007 will become Zero. Link point will be All India Consumer Point Index (AICPI) 2001= 100, which is 126.33 as on 01.01.2007.

8.  House Rent Allowance: The Committee recommends the following rates of HRA.

Cities with population Rates of HRA

50 lakhs and above- 30% of Basic Pay

5 to 50 lakhs -20% of Basic Pay

Less than 5 lakhs -10% of Basic Pay

10. City Compensatory Allowance: For the reasons elaborated in the Chapter on Paradigm Shift, the Committee recommends that the CCA may be dispensed with. 

11. Other Allowances / Perks: The Committee recommends that the Board of  Directors may decide on the allowances and perks admissible to the different categories of executives subject to a maximum ceiling of 50% of the Basic Pay (i.e. without Risk Pay). Instead of having a fixed set of allowances, the CPSEs may follow ‘cafeteria approach’ allowing the executives to choose from a set of perks and allowances.

In places where CPSEs have created infrastructure such as hospitals, colleges, schools, clubs etc. these facilities should be monetized at replacement cost for the purpose of computing the perks and allowances. The following allowances will be outside the purview of 50% limit.

• North East Allowance limited to 12.5% of Basic Pay.

• Allowance for Underground Mines limited to 15% of Basic Pay.

• Special Allowance for serving in the difficult and far flung areas as

approved by concerned Ministries in consultation with DPE from time

to time up to 10% of Basic Pay.

• Non-practicing Allowance for Medical Officers limited to 25% of

Basic Pay.

 12. Conveyance: The Company Car should be provided to the Directors and CMD only. All other Executives should use their own transport to commute to the office. For purposes of CTC, the expenditure on Car provided to Directors & CMD, should be excluded.

13. Superannuation Benefits: The Committee recommends that CPSEs should allow 30% of the Basic Pay as superannuation benefit which should include CPF, gratuity, pension and post-superannuation medical benefits. The Enterprises should make their own schemes to manage these funds or operate through insurance companies on fixed contribution basis. The amount of Pension, gratuity and post retirement benefits will be decided based on the returns from the schemes to be operated. For purpose of paying the gratuity or post-superannuation benefits, the Committee recommends that there should not be any upper ceiling limit. Pension and Medical Benefits, as Superannuation benefits, are aimed at ensuring the loyality of the Executives to the CPSEs and extended tenure of services. The Committee recommends that these two benefits can be extended to those executives who superannuate from the CPSE and who have put in a minimum of 15 years of service in the CPSE prior to superannuate.

14. Long term incentives: The Committee recommends that all Enterprises should formulate Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) and 10% to 25% of the PRP should be paid as ESOPs. In order to see that Enterprises are able to operate ESOP schemes, the Government should encourage companies to get listed on the stock exchange.

 15. Retirement Age: The Committee is not recommending any increase in the retirement age for the reasons stated in the Chapter on Paradigm shift.

16. The Committee recommends that CPSEs may create a corpus by contributing 1% to 1.5 % of PBT to create a fund in order to take care of medical and any other emergency needs of retired executives and also those who are not adequately covered by the Pension scheme. 

17. Non-unionized Supervisory Staff :Since Non-Unionised Supervisory staff are not uniformly present in all CPSEs, the Committee recommends that appropriate compensation packages for this segment may be decided by the respective Board of Directors of the CPSE where this category of employees are functioning.

22nd State Conference of west Bengal was held at Institute of telecom engineers(IETE), kolkatta, on 27th/28th and 29th May,08. All the SSAs from WB Circle participated, in addition to delegates from all the divisions Kolkatta telephones. GS and Joint Secy/East, Com Madhusudan, in addition to CHQ Vice President, Com Sudip De Choudhry and AGS, Com Rupak Sen, addressed the delegate session on 28th May,08. GS in a detailed manner explained all the developments having taken place in the intervening period from holding last State Conference till date. GS exhorted upon the delegates to forge complete unity, and urged upon them to curb indiscipline in the organization so as to built up a very strong and united organization in West Bengal. GS reminded the delegates that the whole country is proud of our West Bengal State organization and look upon it as a true model of unity and continuous struggle. Comrades of West Bengal have a fundamental responsibility to strengthen the discipline in the organization to make it truly a model of extraordinary unity and strength to be emulated by Comrades in other Circles,  GS emphasised. Interactive session with the delegates, covering diverse subjects, was quite absorbing and comprehensive.

Later in the evening, open session, attended by more than 400 Comrades was held. The open session was addressed by fraternal trade union representatives from BSNL EU, NFTE BSNL, FNTO etc. Com Amit Gupta, Circle Secy/AIBSNL EA, also addressed the open session. GS in his address in the open session dwelt upon issues of viability of BSNL, appealing to the Comrades of the Joint forum of West Bengal to play an important role to strengthen the activities of the joint forum at the Central level to meet future challenges. GS also urged upon the Comrades of Kolkatta telephones to put in their best efforts to improve the quality of service in Kolkatta. Similar appeal was made to the Comrades of West Bengal to turn their circle into a highly productive and profitable unit. Kolkatta telephones and West Bengal circle, despite the fact that they were having GSM equipment in abundance, were not growing, GS remarked and felt that SNEA(I) /West Bengal unit has to play a decisive and crucial role in fostering the growth of West Bengal telecom circle. CGM/Kolkatta telephones and CGM/West Bengal telecom Circle also addressed the open session, in addition to a number of GMs and DGMs from WB telecom circle and kolkatta telephones.

Com. Dilip Saha, Com. Tapas Ghosh & Com. Bhattacharya were elected as Circle President , Circle Secretary & Circle Treasurer respectively.

GS, AGS, Com Khan and Com A. Kaul addressed delegate as well as open session of the 3rd circle conference of our UP(W) organization at Agra. GS apprised  in detail about the developments relating to various issues, urging upon the Comrades of UP(W) to fight deep rooted corruption in which the entire UP(W) organization is deeply submerged. GS also highlighted the massive corruption in which the  management of UP(W) and SSA heads of some potential circles are fully involved, including SDEs, DEs, AOs and CAOs. GS made an impassioned plea to the entire representative council to launch a well planned and sustained attack on the massive corruption existing in the forum of threatening nexus between contractors and some of the potential SSA heads and called upon the entire representative council to expose and isolate highly corrupt officials, including SDEs and DEs, and top level officers of UP(W) involved in such practices. GS reminded Comrades of UP(W) that the Circle has already registered negative growth rate by way of its profits having declined from about 120 crores in 2006-07 to about 30 crores in 2007-08, despite having have had  GSM equipment in plenty. GS attributed this mainly to menacing levels of corruption and unprofessional, lethargic and bureaucratic style of functioning of potential SSA heads like NOIDA, Ghaziabad, Meerut etc. The open session on 26th May,08 was also attended to and addressed by CGM/UP(W), Sh. Suresh Bhargava and GM/Agra SSA, Sh. Ravi Kant. Later on Com. B.C. Mishra, Com Sanjeev Sharma & Com. Vivek Agrawal were elected as President, Circle Secretary and Circle Treasurer respectively. 

28th May 2008Two Days Dharana In continuation of Dharana on 28/05/2008 on the demand of merger of 50% IDA.
In view of above Joint Forum of Union and Association of Non Executive and Executive has decided to continue Massive Dharana for Two Days dtd  29-may-08 & 30-may-08.

28th May 2008Joint Forum talk with CMD BSNL failed. Massive Dharna on 28-05-2008 continues- The leaders of the Joint Forum met the CMD, Director (Finance) and Director (HRD) and demanded early issuing of order on 50% IDA merger with basic pay.  The management, citing the financial condition of BSNL, demanded that all demands of Executives and Non-executives including Five Promotions, Wage Revision etc should be shelved.  They also demanded that Joint Forum should accept VRS and issuing of IPO. When Joint Forum leaders rejected all these demands then management side said, that they cannot issue order on 50% IDA merger.  Thereafter, the Joint Forum leaders met and unanimously decided to go ahead with tomorrow's (28.05.2008) Dharna programme in a massive way. Joint Forum Calls upon all to organize Massive Dharna on 28-05-2008 at all SSA/Circle/ CO level. All the Circle/ Branch office bearers are requested to make the agitation programme complete success. Intimation for Day Long Dharna on 28.05.08 demanding Orders on 50% merger of IDA with pay.>>>>>>>

29thd May 2008Furnishing of ACRs for promotion of SDEs to STS. List of missing ACRs and untraceable officers. All Circle secretaries are requested to take immediate and necessary action.  Order >>>>>                         Annexure A >>>>>>                               Annexure B>>>>>>>>

23rd May 2008 National Confederation of officer's Associations (NCOA) and Co-ordination Committee of Officer's Associations ( CCOA) writes to Hon. Prime Minister Of India....... Click For Copy

22nd May 2008 An appeal to the Comrades of SNEA(I) throughout the Country:

Make full day dharna on 28th May,08 at SSA/CGM/Corporate office from the platform of Joint forum to register our strongest protest over the delay in issuing orders for merger of 50% IDA with basic from 1.1.2007 a complete and astounding success. Defeat the sinister game plan of BSNL Management to deprive us of fully justified merger of 50% IDA on the so called poor health of the Company for which BSNL Management is largely responsible. Unite, mobilize, struggle and defeat the conspiracy of BSNL Management. Come out on the streets in massive numbers to expose the designs of the BSNL Management. 

An urgent appeal to Comrades of SNEA(I)/KTK - awake to expose the nexus between BSNL officers of KTK circle and private service providers:

 Comrades of SNEA(I)/KTK must immediately activate joint forum of Karnataka Circle to fully expose the nexus between the BSNL Management of Karnataka Circle and the private service providers, notably Reliance and Bharti Airtel. Continuing reluctance on the part of KTK BSNL Management to take appropriate action to realize more than 200 crores that Private operators owe to BSNL on account of IUC and other charges clearly suggests a deep rooted nexus between the Management and the private operators. Despite repeated and persistent directives from the Corporate office to the KTK BSNL Management to take immediate necessary action, on the lines of other Circles who have realized entire money, to realize the amount of more than Rs 200 crores, virtually no action is being taken by KTK Circle Management. Reliance is to pay Rs 47 crores and Bharti is to pay Rs 60 crores. Out of Rs 107 crores, mere Rs 10 crores have been paid by both together, Rs 5 crores each. We understand that deliberately enough scope and time is being given by the officers of BSNL/KTK to let both these Companies knock the doors of the Court and get the issue stalled through legal process. We are unable to understand as to why action is not being taken for a long time now in the direction of compelling these service providers to make the legitimate payments which are overdue.                       

Comrades of SNEA(I)/KTK circle have a fundamental responsibility to discharge and role to play to safeguard and protect the legitimate interests of the company. We are confident that they will take the lead in activating JF to immediately launch sustained programmes of action to expose the alleged nexus. Involvement of officers of BSNL Management from the corporate office in the alleged nexus cannot be ruled out.                    

22nd May 2008 Meeting of the Joint forum with Secy/DOT:

 Joint Forum  met Secy/DOT and discussed following issues; 

A) Abolition of ADC: Secy/DOT mentioned that it has been decided to compensate BSNL for sustaining rural landline services to the tune of Rs 2000 crores per year for a period of three years from the USO fund in lieu of ADC. For this, necessary and appropriate changes in the business rules of USO fund are being effected to make the fund available. DOT is in touch with MOF to make USO fund available to BSNL. 

B) Exempting BSNL from payment of licence fees for landlines: Secy/DOT informed that this issue is under serious consideration and a positive decision is being taken very shortly on this issue also.

C) Absorption of ITS Gr A: We were informed by Secy/DOT that the note that was sent to the Union Cabinet for its approval has been received back from the Cabinet and certain issues contained in the note need to be sorted out. However, DOT was waiting for the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet to decide on future course of action to sort out the issues raised by the Union Cabinet. Secy/DOT assured of a speedy action to sort out the issues and send the note back to the Cabinet for approval.

D) Issue of payment of pension by DOT under rule 37 A to BSNL to the extent of 60% of revenue that the Govt receives from BSNL on account of licence fees, cess fees, dividends etc: There is a significant breakthrough on this issue. Finally, after more than two years of persuasion, Hon'ble MOC&IT has approved a note for the consideration of the Union Cabinet envisaging that the payment of the Pension by the Govt. under the  provisions of rule 37 A to the absorbed officials in BSNL from DOT shall be the entire responsibility of the Govt. and shall not be restricted merely to 60% of the earnings that the govt receives from BSNL from payment of licence fees, cess tax, dividends etc. The note has been circulated to the concerned ministries of the government for their views before finally it goes to the Union Cabinet for final decision. 

Meeting with Joint Secy/DOT: GS and GS/AI BSNLEA met JS/DOT to apprise him of the issue of deferred option to continue in CDA scale, as directed by Secy/DOT. JS assured that he would try to find out what could be done to resolve the issue. The issue of absorption of ITS Gr A in the context of various queries raised by the Union Cabinet was also discussed. JS said that he was already on the job of trying to sort out the issues as quickly as possible.

21st May 2008 Meeting with Secy/DOT:  GS met Secy/DOT and personally handed over note on the issue of deferred option to continue in CDA scale, explaining the important aspects of the issue and soliciting his kind immediate intervention. Secy/DOT got apprised of the issue and assured his positive intervention in the matter.

 Meeting with CMD/BSNL: GS, AGS, Com A. Khan, GS/Treasurer AI BSNLEA met CMD/BSNL and discussed number of issues with him, particularly those relating to growth of BSNL and recently finalized report of the joint committee on promotion policy.

The issue of deciding 50% merger of IDA with basic w.e.f 1.1.07 was specifically focussed for discussion. CMD mentioned that because of very poor and continuously failing health of the Company, it was becoming difficult for the Management to decide on the issue. However, while fully sharing the concern and anxiety of CMD with regard to fast deterioration of the health of the Company and reassuring him of our best and committed efforts in tiding over the financial crisis gripping the Company. Finally, CMD assured that the issue would be discussed in the board meeting of BSNL and that he will try his best to resolve the issue.

17th May 2008 GS attended 3rd Circle conference of Chattisgarh Circle at Raigarh on 16th May.,08 and apprised all the delegates in detail about latest developments on various issues. GS also addressed open session on the evening of 16th May which was also addressed by CGM/Chattisgarh and TDM Raigarh. Com Sanjay Aggarwal CS/Chattisgarh also addressed the open session,highlighting the impediments coming in the growth of services in Chattisgarh. CGM/Chattisgarh mentioned that Chattisgarh circle during the last three to four years had registered negative growth, and for the first time a net profit of about 120 crores has been registered for the year 2007-08.

21st May 2008 Report of the Joint Committee of BSNL Officers & the representatives of Executive Associations of BSNL >>>>>>>>>.

20th May 2008CHQ office bearers , Circe Secretaries and CWC members attending CWC meeting at Chandigarh on 5th/6th june 08 are requested to intimate their date and time of arrival at Chandigarh to Com. Amarjit Singh so that necessary boarding /lodging arrangement are done by the host circle. We are to once again re-iterate that boarding/lodging arrangements at the venue of the CWC meeting on 5th/6th June 08 are strictly restricted to eligible participants since no extra accommodation is available at the venue.

20th May 2008GS writes to Chairman Telecom Commission requesting  for immediate kind personal intervention to correctly  interpret and decide Para 4 of G.O.I, DOP&PW(D) order no 4/18/87-P&PW(D), dated 5th July 1989. >>>>>>>>>>

GS writes to CMD BSNL about the  distinction based on direct/promotee JTOs irrational and unjustified.>>>>>>>>>>>

GS writes to CMD BSNL about the deployment of blend of direct recruit/promotee JTOs in the fields units and high tech centres to enhance customer interface, build customer confidence and harmonize working of the organization to lend strength to it. >>>>>>>>>>  

16th May 2008 JTOs E/L List received from MP, KTK & WTR.

Pending :

ALTTC, Assam, CTD, ETR, HP, J& K , NE-I, NTP, NTR ,Punjab , T & D , TS Kolkata, UP(E), Uttarakhand, WB, WTP.

16th May 2008BSNL EMPLOYEES GRATUITY TRUST RULES. In order to comply with the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, BSNL has framed BSNL Employees Gratuity Rules for its ‘directly recruited employees’.  The Board of Directors of BSNL in its 108th Meeting has approved BSNL Employees Gratuity Rules.   Circular >>>>>>>   BSNL Gratuity Trust Rules >>>>>>>> Gratuity Forms >>>>>>>>

16th May 2008Refund of Savings Fund amount under CGEIS’1977 to the DOT employees who absorbed in BSNL w.e.f. 01.10.2000  letter >>>>>>>         Annexure >>>>>>

15th May 2008 First meeting of Committee to prepare syllabus for accounts examination in the cadre of Civil/Electrical has been convened. We are constantly following the developments with regard to change in the procedure i.e exam should be an integral part of training.

15th May 2008 Soft Copy of Eligibility list particulars for promotion from JTO to SDE has been received from

AP, Bihar , DNW, ETP,Chattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, QA,STR and UP(W).

E/L Pending:

ALTTC, Assam, CTD, ETR, HP, J& K , KTK, MP, NE-I, NTP, NTR ,Punjab , T & D , TS Kolkata, UP(E), Uttarakhand, WB, WTP & WTR.

14th May 2008 Heartiest congratulations Comrades - Neck of the bottle (JTS bottleneck) finally smashed after more than three decades - greatest and radical  breakthrough in functional path of executives - new and radically improved functional promotion policy for executives. 

In a rather historic development, significant ground was covered in the direction of achieving real and everlasting breakthrough in the functional career growth of executives when the committee, constituted to examine the impact of outside recruitment at STS on career growth of executives and suggest appropriate ways to get rid of deadly decades old stalemate prevailing in DOT/BSNL in the functional promotion path of executives, particularly JTOs, SDEs and adhoc STS and equivalent in other streams made sweeping, fundamental and radical recommendations with regard to functional growth of executives. The salient feature of the recommendations is: 

A) Change of pay scale on non functional basis will be accompanied by change of designation i.e on each financial upgradation, there will be change of designation, as is prevailing in other CPSUs. Change of designation will take place on functional promotion also. Thus, the designation of an executive shall indicate his functional as well as non functional status. This is a step aimed at introducing CPSU cadre hierarchy. 

B) Fifty percent of total STS posts will be filled up by TES Gr B & equivalent on regular basis through seniority cum fitness, and the remaining STS posts will be filled up on adhoc basis by eligible TES Gr B & equivalent. Existing adhoc STS officers will be, immediately after promulgation of new RRs, regularized in STS to become eligible for regular promotion to JAG. Necessary relaxation of requisite qualifying service to regular STS to enable them to become eligible for promotion to regular JAG will be duly considered. The posts of JAG remaining unfilled, after filling up JAG vacancies on a year to year basis in accordance to the provisions of about to be promulgated RRs, shall be filled up by regular/adhoc STS, as the case may be. 

C) Integration between regular STS (seniority cum fitness quota) and MTs ( through internal competitive examination and outside recruitment in equal proportion) shall take place in JAG in the ratio of 1:1 i.e fixation of inter se seniority between regular STS (seniority cum fitness) and MTs (50% through internal competitive examination and 50% through outside recruitment) shall take place in JAG in the ratio of 1:1 i.e 50% regular STS from seniority cum fitness quota, 25% MTs from internal competitive examination and 25% MTs from outside recruitment. This means that JTOs/TES Gr B and equivalent shall henceforth occupy 75% JAG vacancies on a year to year basis, in sharp contrast to not a single vacancy of JAG being occupied by promotees on regular basis as of now. In addition, about 2500 STS posts( i.e 50 % of 5000 STS posts) shall be occupied by TES Gr B on regular basis, not a single STS post is being presently occupied by TES Gr B on regular basis. 

C) The issues of service weightage, one time upgradation of JTOs/SDEs and granting of first financial upgradation after four years to those not reaching the minimum of next scale etc. shall be considered separately in future as an when additional/fresh inputs on these issues are given to the management.

D) Two affiliates of the united forum i.e NTEA and AIGETOA recorded their disagreement over the recommendations.

We convey our sincere thanks and profound gratitude to he chairman of the committee Shri S.R.Kapoor-Sr. DDG(FP), and all other members of the committee from the official side i.e Shri A.K. Purwar-DDG(P), Shri D.P.De-DDG(Est.) and Shri Shakeel Ahmed-DDG(SR), for their persistent and painstaking efforts to resolve the serious situation having arisen because of the decision of the Management committee of BSNL to recruit MTs from outside at STS and fix inter-se-seniority between TES GR. B/ equivalent and MTs at STS.

13th May 2008 Sustained and relentless struggle by Comrades of our Punjab Circle to secure justice- it was a splendid fight against arbitrary actions- congratulations Com Inderjeet Singh, our CHQ vice president, Com Amarjit Singh, our Punjab/CS and great fighters of SNEA(I) punjab for such a magnificent effort:

Our valiant heroes of Punjab circle, led by brave and committed Comrade Amarjit Singh, our CS/Punjab, relentlessly struggled to secure justice and end discrimination. The issue was denial of local officiating promotion to adhoc STS to JAG and giving the same to ITS Gr A with less than two years of regular service in STS. Comrades of SNEA(I) throughout Punjab Circle were involved in tireless and continuous struggle for more than fifteen days. Finally, they succeeded in securing justice when CGM/Punjab finally agreed to give local officiating promotion to adhoc STS also. This is an important breakthrough in the context of the fact that it was achieved through sustained struggle. We are extremely thankful to CGM/Punjab for being extremely positive in accommodating the opinion of GS who was in continuous touch with him during this turbulence. GS also sought the intervention of Director(HRD) in resolving the stalemate and reaching a negotiated settlement. We wholeheartedly congratulate our courageous CS of Punjab, Com Amarjit Singh, our veteran Comrade of Punjab, CHQ vice president, Com Inderjeet Singh and all hero Comrades of Punjab circle for this great struggle. We also express our sincere thanks and profound gratitude to CGM/Punjab for his positive and unbiased response.

13th May 2008 New Date for Competitive Exam from JTO to SDE(Civil/Electrical) is 10th August 2008.>>>>>>>>>.

New Date for simple accounts exam in the cadre of JTO (Civil/Electrical) is 31st August 2008.>>>>>>>>>.

New Date for Departmental Qualifying exam is 21st-24th July 2008.>>>>>>>>>.

13th May 2008  Training Cell under the leadership of Shri Neeraj Verma, DDG(Trg.), BSNL Corporate office has developed an interactive website which can be easily accessed by any body working in BSNL and the feedback can  submitted  online. The mechanism is such that the training cell will in turn give immediately respond to the positive suggestions put forth by the individual. Click here for link to the website.( Additional link has been put up on our website below the links for Circles).

We appreciate and support the endeavors undertaken by the training cell of BSNL Corporate Office in reaching to its employees and hope that the same amount of professionalism and transparency is seen in other areas also.

13th May 2008 Following Circles are yet to send the soft copy of Eligibility List for promotion from JTO to SDE to DDG(P), BSNL Corporate office.

AP, ALTTC, Assam, Bihar, CTD, DNW, ETR,HR, HP, J& K , KTK, Kerala ,MP, NE-I, NTP, NTR ,Punjab , QA ,STR, T & D , TS Kolkata, UP(E), UP(W), Uttarakhand, WB, WTP & WTR.

Circle Secretaries are once again asked to take up the issue very seriously and not allow the DPC fom JTO to SDE be further delayed by their continuing failure to send soft copy of the E/L of their respective Circles despite repeated reminders. Concerned Circle Secretaries should initiate action to arrange to send the E/List.

9th May 2008 CWC meet at Chandigarh on 5th/6th June,08.  

Central working committee meeting of our Association shall be held at Chandigarh , Punjab , on 5th/6th June 2008. The venue of the meeting is " Hotel Parkview', Sector 24, Chandigarh . Hotel Parkview is owned by tourism department of Government of punjab and is  about 14 kms from Airport, 10 kms from Rly. Station and 2 kms from ISBT. The hotel is fully air conditioned, it's restaurant, conference hall, and rooms with attached bath rooms, are all air conditioned having all the modern facilities.     

Since June is going to be the peak tourist season, and Chandigarh is virtually base camp for tourists to Shimla, we request Circle Secretaries to strictly restrict participation to eligible CWC members only. We regret to inform that due to limitations of availability of accommodation, we shall not be in a position to entertain any request for participation of anyone, other than eligible participants, as observers etc. Circle Secy's may kindly observe this strictly.  

Since June is holiday time and peak of summer, reservations, to and fro, should be made right now. That is why we are giving sufficient time, to avoid inconvenience. There is excellent connectivity between Delhi and Chandigarh . It takes three to four hours by both Road Transport from ISBT and Rlys from New Delhi Rly Station, With Shatabdi taking about three hours time, starting New Delhi Rly station daily in the morning at 0700 hrs and evening at 1715 hrs.    

For further details, or any other information, please contact ;  

Comrade Amarjit Singh, CS/Punjab. 09417021010(M) and 0172- 2600606(O)/2651010(R).    

8th May 2008 The matter regarding 50 % IDA merger was sent today to the Management Committee for approval. The issue of very less operating profit of BSNL for the year 2007-08 vis-a-vis the financial implication on the Company by implementing this 50 % IDA merger and DoT letter no. 1-45/2003-B dated 15th June 2006 w.r.t enhanced pension contribution was the main concern in the MC. The issue is likely to get settled very soon.

8th May 2008 DDG(Broadband) addresses to our GS on issues raised regarding Broadband >>>>>>>>>>>>

6th May 2008 Meeting with Director(HRD):

GS, AGS, Com Khan, GS/AIBSNLEA and treasurer/AIBSNL EA met Director(HRD) to resolve contentious issue relating to transfer policy. After discussion, we reached some understanding. The proposal has gone to CMD for his concurrence, after which, hopefully, the new guidelines on transfer policy are expected to be issued.

Meeting with CMD:

GS, AGS, Com Khan, GS/AIBSNL EA and treasurer/AIBSNL EA met CMD and sought his intervention in cancelling the stay based transfers of about 119 SDEs issued on 28.03.08. We apprised CMD in detail about the understanding arrived at with Director(HRD) on the issue a few weeks before and also explained the entire background of the issue. CMD assured us that he would direct Director(HRD) to take appropriate action. We understand that CMD has already conveyed to Director(HRD) to put the entire order on hold.

Latest development on merger of 50% IDA with basic:

 If all goes well, BSNL management, in all probability, is to issue the order of merger of 50% IDA with basic w.e.f  1.01.07 tomorrow i.e on 7th may, 08.     

5th May 2008In a significant development, BSNL already realized Rs 650 crores from RCOM and Tata Tele Services as ADC charges for their false projection of using unlimited cordless services as fixed line to evade payment of ADC charges. Cordless service has been held as limited mobile service by Hon'ble SC, ordering RCOm and Tata Teleservices to pay Rs 700 crores as ADC charges.

5th May 2008News Flash:   ITS Gr A absorption

Meeting with Secy/DOT:

ITS absorption: GS and AGS, Com khan, met Secy/DOT and were informed by him that he has already cleared the Cabinet memo regarding absorption of ITS Gr A in BSNL/MTNL and sent it to Hon'ble MOC&IT for his approval. Subsequent enquiries from the concerned officers of DOT revealed that Hon'ble MOC &IT has accorded his approval and the note has already been sent to the Union Cabinet for approval. We understand that the Cabinet note is quite elucidative, containing comprehensive comments from all the concerned ministries relating to almost all the issues contained in the MOU reached between ITSA and the DOT establishment. This is a very positive development. The process of absorption is to be completed by 31st July,08.

GS also discussed the issue of deciding the proposal of BSNL regarding mode of fixation of pay consequent upon exercising of option to continue in CDA scale till the date of promotion/retirement. The proposal has yet again been negatived by DPE. We urged upon Secy/DOT that the proposal of BSNL regarding pay fixation be examined and decided by Telecom Commission independently. Secy/DOT was apprised in detail about the background of the issue and how it's non resolution is resulting in distress to thousands of officers whose pension is not settled because of exercise of this option. Secy/DOT asked us to give a detailed note on the issue and assured us that he will try his best to settle the issue. We were directed by Secy/DOT to brief both Jt secy/DoT as well as M(F)/DOT on the issue.

Meeting with Jt Secy/DOT: Later on, we met Jt Secy/ot and apprised him in detail about the whole issue. Jt Secy/Dot also asked us to submit a note on the issue, assuring us of examining and deciding the issue.

Meeting with DDG(E)/DOT:

GS and AGS, Com khan, then apprised DDG(E)/DOT about the assurance given by Secy/DOT, urging upon him to prepare a positive note for consideration of telecom commission. DDG(E) said that he stands committed to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.             

5th May 2008 Abolition of ADC by the regulator:
In an arbitrary move, TRAI, has, ignoring all the critical facts related to and fully justifying continued payment of ADC to BSNL by other service providers, decided to completely do away with ADC regime by sept.,08, thus dealing a severe blow to the health of BSNL which has been consistently and continues to discharge the exclusive responsibility of providing basic services in remote and rural areas of the Country. Unmindful of the crucial role that BSNL has been playing in terms of ensuring uninterrupted growth of services in non remunerative and unprofitable inaccessible areas in the Country, TRAI virtually succumbed to the pressures of the private Sector and decided to abolish ADC. Regulator's public stand that BSNL would be compensated from USO fund to the tune of Rs 2000 crores annually for three years consecutively is completely misleading since there is no provision in USO fund by which either DOT or TRAI can allocate  Rs 2000 crores annually to BSNL to support services in the rural sector. This decision is to be taken by the Finance Minister since neither TRAI not DOT has any jurisdiction over the manner in which USO fund is to be utilized. Utilization of USO fund falls under the exclusive domain of Finance Ministry. 

Moreover, in case TRAI is genuinely convinced about compensating BSNL for providing services in far flung and highly unprofitable areas, then the very basis of their recommending to abolish ADC and alternatively suggest compensating BSNL through USO fund, on which it has virtually on control, is under question, rather the recommendation itself is based on extraneous considerations.

 ** PMO office, Finance ministry, CVC and other ministries now understand the real motive behind allowing every tom, dick and harry to obtain 2g licence at throwaway prices:

 DOT stands fully exposed in virtually allowing realty estate and retail companies to make huge money by selling their recently acquired licences bundled with 4.4 mhz of spectrum per circle at throwaway prices to international telecom giants at huge premiumh. The basic question that arises here is that, despite all the warnings from CVC, MOF, PMO office to refrain from allocating precious 2g spectrum in an arbitrary manner, DOT went ahead with such allocation, and thus deliberately deprived national exchequer of thousands and thousands of crores of revenue. These thousands and thousands of crores of revenue is to go to the kitty of realty estate and retail companies by way of trading of 2g with neither any background of telecom operations nor any telecom infrastructure.

Now, the DOT is, under new merger norms, allowing new telecom players to privately sell up to 74% of their holdings to foreign companies - to facilitate realty estate and retail companies to sell recently acquired 2g spectrum at exorbitant prices to help them earn huge premium. The huge and huge money that realty estate and retail companies will make through sale of spectrum would have gone to the exchequer had DOT gone in for auctioning in a transparent manner which they were advised to do by MOF, CVC and PMO. The new norms, which do not allow the new entrants to sell their recently acquired spectrum to the existing operators for a period of three years, however, do not impose any restriction when it comes to selling the spectrum to foreign players.

An internal note of the government, which has been circulated to different central ministries, has argued that at a time when the market cap of Indian telecom industry is pegged at a stratospheric 300 billion dollars, the freedom to divest up to 74% holdings would induce these new players who just acquired pan-India mobile licences bundled with 4.4 mhz of spectrum per circle for a modest 1651 crores to make a fast buck and deprive the central exchequer of potential revenue running into billions of dollars.          

In the meantime, CVC, whose repeated warnings to DOT to auction 2g spectrum went unheeded, is issuing fresh notice to DOT over new merger norms, and is asking Dot to furnish the details of the steps that the government has taken to ensure there is a minimum holding period based on roll out requirements.

News highlights:               

A)  RCOM and Tata tele have to pay total Rs 700 crore as DC after Hon'ble Supreme Court upheld the order of Sept 2005 of TDSAT that held Unlimited cordless services of RCOM and Walky services of TTS as limited mobile services rather than fixed line telephones. RCOM and TTS had challenged the decision of TDSAT in Hon'ble SC, and directed both the Companies to pay ADC to the tune of Rs 700  crores to BSNL. Association also playing a vital supporting role in terms of building adequate opinion to justify that these services cannot be treated as fixed line and that ADC has to be paid on these services.    

B) BSNL has challenged sector regulator TRAI's decision to phase out ADC levy from April, 1, 08. before TDSAT. BSNL has in its submission before TDSAT called the move of phasing out of ADC by TRAI as arbitrary and said that TRAI was being indifferent to the rural telephony initiatives of state owned PSU.

C) DOT has set up a high powered committee under the Chairmanship of Member(F)/DOT to identify the areas and suggest the manner in which the government continues to support BSNL in its thrust to expand rural operations. Jt Secy/DOT is the convenor of the Committee. Association is to give inputs to the committee.

D) Promotion orders for about 1200 TES Gr B officers to adhoc SS expected to be issued very shortly.

E) Results of TES Gr B competitive examination expected to be declared shortly. The delay is basically because of some genuinely unavoidable reasons.    

F) Training cell of BSNL launches a commendable broadside initiative of imparting specialized trainings to executives in highly specialized areas that help both the growth of the company as well as personal growth. Let us make development of knowledge support pool a complete success by fully associating with it.

G) BSNL sends yet another reminder to CGMs to expedite sending  soft copies of eligibility list to JTOs to speed up DPC from JTO to TES Gr B. CS must necessarily ensure compliance to this reminder.

H) Amendments to the transfer policy guidelines finalized, to be issued just within a couple of days.   

2nd May 2008  GS met Sr DDG(E)/DOT :
To know the latest status of deferred option to continue in CDA scale till promotion/retirement after absorption in BSNL. GS was informed that DPE has not agreed to the proposal of DOT to allow exercise of such an option. Sr DDG(E), however, assured that a proposal to approve the orders of pay fixation issued by BNL is being finalized for consideration and approval of the Telecom Commission. GS is to meet Secy/DOT and Member(F)/TC on 5th May,08 to plead with them to approve the orders already issued by BSNL on the issue of fixation of pay consequent upon exercising of the said option. 

GS also discussed in detail the issue of fixation of seniority in TES Gr B in the light of the judgments of Ernakulam and recent Chennai High Court. GS impressed upon Sr DDG(E) to take a final legal call on the matter, after taking into account all the important and relevant facts related to the issue. Sr DDG(E), while assuring GS of maintaining an impartial and unprejudiced stand, said that the entire issue is being sent to the legal advisor/DOT for his expert legal opinion which would be binding on the DOT/Establishment.  Association, without any prejudice to any section, is trying its best to ensure that injustice is not done to anyone, and that issue is resolved on merits. 

Meeting with DDG(Rest)/BSNL: GS had a detailed discussion with DDG(Rest) on the issue of transfer policy for executives. 

Meeting with Sr DDG(P)/BSNL: GS and CHQ President/AI BSNLEA, Com Satynarayana, had a detailed discussion with Sr DDG(P) to break the stalemate on the contentious issue of transfer policy. Some kind of an  understanding to clear the deadlock was arrived at after exhaustive discussions. Sr DDG(P) is expected to apprise Director(HRD) about the positive outcome of discussions, and, thereafter, depending upon the stand of Director(HRD), final guidelines on transfer policy are expected to be issued.

Meeting with DDG(Trg)/BSNL: GS apprised in detail DDG(TRG) the severe difficulties faced by ladies of kerala Circle in reaching TTC/Jabalpur for undergoing E2 to E3 training due to trains reaching Nagpur from kerala during Midnight, and urged upon DDG(Trg) to make alternative arrangements for ladies of kerala Circle. DDG(Trg) assured that he would take appropriate action immediately after discussion with his officers.

Meeting with DDG(A): GS expressed serious concern over the delay in finalizing a mechanism to deal with unlisted diseases. Already number of such cases sent by various circles are pending for approval of BSNL Hqs. DDG(A) informed that CGHS has not agreed to examine the specific cases which require expert medical opinion. However, an alternative mechanism of  office appointing a medical specialist  at the Corporate office to deal with cases of unlisted diseases is being worked out.     

We are quite elated to know from DDG(Trg) and feel great pride to apprise our comrades at all the levels of our organization that, based on consistent pleadings and strong focus by our Association to create an environment of learning and constant updating of knowledge in the organization in which most of the jobs related to areas of high technology could be negotiated by people within the organization, instead of outsourcing these jobs, Trg section has visualized, formulated and circulated a comprehensive innovative plan of action to impart specialized trainings to executives - development of knowledge support pool. This highly innovative initiative of the training cell which is really commendable and for which this association has had been pressing for a long time is basically aimed at giving much needed face lift to the entire organization in terms of effectively meeting the emerging competitive challenges in the telecom sector through process of learning and up gradation of knowledge. This initiative has to be driven to its logical end by our CSs, activists and DSs in close consultation and coordination with CGMs and SSA heads, It's implementation has to be closely monitored for it provides real thrust and exposure to accomplish badly needed breakthrough in acquiring specialized trainings to meet the business requirements of the organization as well as usher in great transformation in human resource growth. Total and successful implementation of this highly innovative and business oriented programme of trainings is entirely our responsibility and we should not in any manner be found wanting in pushing it through to its ultimate end. Let us all together realize the great significance of this critical training programme and ensure its complete success to uplift ourselves in terms of knowledge and meet the emerging competitive needs of the organization in diverse fields.
Specialized Trainings to Executives; development of ‘Knowledge Support Pool’ >>>>>>>>>>>

1st May 2008   Meeting with DDG(P): 
GS and AGS, Com Khan, had a detailed discussion with Sr DDG(P) on the issue of expediting holding of DPC from JTO to TES Gr B. Sr DDG(P) informed that he has again sent a reminder to CGMs asking them to send soft copy of the eligibility list. It is a matter of serious concern that 80% of the Circles are yet to send soft copies of their respective circles even after four months they were asked to send the same. It is even more alarming that our CSs remain unmoved despite our repeated requests. Once again we appeal to our CSs to treat this as an issue of utmost priority and not to take it lightly the way it is being taken.

Meeting of the Committee on issues of Promotion policy:

A detailed meeting of the committee on promotion policy took place. The management came out with a specific proposal on the modalities relating to outside recruitment of MTs. Conclusive meeting of the committee is to take place on 6th May, 08 provided some contentious issues are resolved.

Meeting with Director (HRD):

GS, AGS, Com Khan and GS/AIBSNL EA met Director (HRD) and discussed following issues in detailed manner.

A) Expediting adhoc DPC from SDE to STS: We expressed our concern on account of continuing delay in completing adhoc DPC from TES Gr B to STS and urged upon Director(HRD) to complete the process at the earliest. Director(HRD) informed that DPC work was stuck up due to some inevitable reasons and has been restarted a couple of days before.

B) Taking appropriate action to expedite DPC from JTO to TES Gr B: We informed Director(HRD) that most of the CGMs are yet to send soft copies of eligibility lists of JTOs despite being asked to send the same more than four months before. Director(HRD) assured that he would write another DO letter to CGMs urging upon them to send the eligibility list of JTOs at the earliest.

C) Results of TES Gr B competitive examination: Director(HRD) mentioned that he was monitoring the progress of declaration of results of TES Gr B competitive examination on a day to day basis and was in close touch with Sr DDG(IR). Director(HRD) further informed that the results would be declared very shortly and appreciated our anxiety in this regard.

D) Transfer policy of executives: The orders on transfer policy could not be issued because of a contentious issue that has suddenly cropped up. We had detailed discussion to resolve this issue and the discussions are expected to continue tomorrow with Sr DDG(P). Most likely the contentious issue is expected to be resolved after which the orders on promotion policy are expected to be issued. We are trying our best to break the deadlock.