NEWS - FEBRUARY 2018
27.02.2018:
BSNL introduces STV 448 with unlimited voice and data with 100 SMS per day:
BSNL CO has issued a Press Release on introduction of STV 448 with unlimited voice & Data with fair usage of 1 GB per day with 100 SMS per day for 84 days. View Press Release27.02.2018:
Inter-circle transfer in SDE (T) grade - retention:
BSNL CO has issued orders retaining one Executive upto 31.3.2019. View orders27.02.2018:
Transfer and postings in DGM (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and posting in DGM (T) grade. View orders
THE DAWN OF WISDOM
Finally, wisdom appears to have dawned on the recognised Unions and Associations of BSNL. They have at last jointly met the Minister of State for Communications on 24th February 2018, which ought to have been done earlier to their two days strike. They have reported that in the meeting the Minister had agreed that “the issue of 3rd Pay Revision of BSNL employees would be processed and would be taken for the approval of the DPE and the Cabinet”. AIBSNLOA alone has been highlighting the fact that there is a precedence to this issue, when MTNL employees were granted pay revision with the highest fitment of 30% in the Second Pay revision, though an ‘affordability’ clause was very much in existence on that occasion also and MTNL was making loss consecutively for several years. Therefore, BSNL executives cannot be denied third pay revision on the plea of existence of similar ‘affordability’ clause now. [View AIBSNLOA CHQ letters on the issue in the link given above for ‘First time visitors to the site’]
The recognised unions and associations further claim that this is a great achievement. Maybe they want their members to believe that this has been possible only because of the strike. But the fact is that Minister has always been in favour of extending benefit of third pay revision to the BSNL employees, as reported not by us alone, but also by the CMD, the Director (HR) and some of the recognised unions and associations themselves. [View the postings in different websites]
This vindicates our stand that the decision on strike should have been kept in reserve as the ultimate option and efforts to jointly meet the Minister should have been made before deciding the strike. We have been taught that strike is enforced only when all negotiations fail. But in this case, due to their own compulsions the majority union chose not to meet the Minister. This Union had also been reporting that the Minister has been raising the question ‘where from the money will come’, perhaps to build up support for their strike. The majority association which met the Minister on an earlier occasion chose not to discuss the 3rd PRC issue.
Anyway, pressure needs to be kept on DoT/Government, which AIBSNLOA and the Organisation of BSNL Unions and associations have been already doing by meeting the MPs and requesting them to impress upon the Minister. We will continue with our efforts. Getting Cabinet nod is a long-drawn process and obstacles are likely to erupt in the course.
We are re-publishing below our posting on the eve of the two days strike to refresh your memories.
WHY AIBSNLOA IS NOT A SIGNATORY TO THE STRIKE NOTICE:
AIBSNLOA has already made it clear that any strike on the issue of Pay revision with 15% fitment for BSNL employees at this point of time is pre-mature, since BSNL Board has sent its favourable proposals to DoT, which has to take a decision on BSNL proposals. Except for a stock reply to one association by lower level officers of DoT that BSNL does not meet the affordability condition laid down by the 3rd PRC, the general perception is that Secretary DoT and the MOSC are favourably inclined towards pay revision for BSNL employees despite the affordability clause. Atleast one of the signatory associations for the strike notice, has reported similar view after meeting the Minister. Putting pressure on DoT through other forms of struggles like the Human chain, meeting Members of Parliaments is understandable and required too. But a strike now will have a negative impact on the services and also on the demand itself. GS AIBSNLOA had conveyed these views in clear terms in the meeting of all unions and associations held on 14.11.2017. May be his was a lone voice.No Effort was made to jointly meet the Minister and atleast the Secretary DoT before deciding on the strike.
Strike cannot be for strike sake.As far as the demand regarding Subsdiary Tower company, there has been no follow up by the unions and associations after the one day strike on 15.12.2016 in which AIBSNLOA was a signatory and took active participation. Keeping silent for months together afterwards and raising the issue now after cabinet has taken a decision will be only seen as an eye-wash.
Another demand, which was not at all discussed in the meeting held on 14.11.2017, has now been added - settlement of left out issues of Second Pay Revision - as if to make a mockery of the employees. As far we know, arrears of 78.2% fitment for the period from 1.1.2007 to 9.6.2013 and replacement of E1A and E2A pay scales are the two pending issues. 78.2% could have been easily clinched when the then recognised union signed wage agreement with the Management in the year 2010, when BSNL was still earning profit. But the recognised union chose to agree that they will get it when it is given to the executives. Later, the unions and associations which signed an agreement in 2012 for 'defering the arrears' went voiceless when DoT in its order dated 10.6.2013 said "No arrears will be paid". Keeping silent for four years and raising the issue now smacks of deception. Also, it appears that the recognised executive association has silently accepted E1 and E2 scales in place of E1A and E2A, if one goes through its claim of settlement of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy. Then why raise this issue now?
AIBSNLOA has participated in many strikes called by others in the past and will do so in the future too, if it is convinced that the strike, the last weapon in the workers' armoury, is absolutely necessary.
24.02.2018:
Dr. Udit Raj, MP writes to MOSC on our representation for pay revision:
Hon'ble MP Dr.Udit Raj has written to Hon'ble Minister of State for Communications requesting consideration of proposal for pay revision for BSNL employees. View letter24.02.2018:
Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh writes to MOSC on our representation for pay revision:
Hon'ble MPs Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh has written to Hon'ble Minister of State for Communications requesting relaxation of affordability clause for BSNL employees. View letter23.02.2018:
Representatives of Organisation of BSNL Unions and Associations meet Member of Parliament, North West Delhi:
On behalf of Organisation of BSNL Unions and Associations, GS AIBSNLOA, GS BSNLWRU, GS BEA, President TOA BSNL and GS BTU BSNL met Dr.Udit Raj, MP, Delhi North West today, submitted a similar letter that was published yesterday, explaining the justification and rights of the BSNL employees in getting pay revision at par with other PSUs. They laid emphasis on the fact that when pay revision was allowed w.e.f. 1.1.2007 for MTNL employees when the 'affordability' clause was very much there in the Government decision on Second Pay Revision Committee and when MTNL was incurring losses consecutively for several years then, BSNL employees cannot be denied pay revision now citing non-affordability. They explained that BSNL was implementing the social obligation of the Government by providing financially unviable services in rural and remote areas and hence the loss. They conveyed him that BSNL Board has sent its proposal for pay revision for approval by DoT with jutification and narrating how BSNL intends to meet the additional expenditure. They requested the MP to use his good offices to impress upon MOSC/DoT for early settlement of the issue. Dr. Udit Raj, MP assured that he will strongly take up the matter with the DoT as well as the MOSC. Dr. Udit Raj had servered as Dy. Commissioner, Joint Commissioner and Addl. Commissioner of Income Tax Department and now is an influential leader in BJP and social activist fighting for marginalised communities. View photo23.02.2018:
No proposal to merge BSNL, MTNL - Manoj Sinha:
'"There is no thinking in government on merging the two. But we are taking steps to ensure that collaboration between MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd) and BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) strengthens and benefits both the organisations," Sinha said.' View orders23.02.2018:
DoT unveils strategic plan for operational synergy of telecom PSUs:
'The strategic plan - the work on which began in January 2016 - entails amongst other things, an effective utilisation of Human Resources including deriving synergies in training of manpower, and creation of a common platform for web based online training by BSNL, in a time bound manner.' Read More23.02.2018:
DoT withdraws its letter reg status on issues:
DoT has since withdrawn its letter dated 21.2.2018 conveying the status on various issues, wherein it had been stated that as per the PRC Report, BSNL is not covered for fitment benefits due to its losses. View letter23.02.2018:
Transfer and postings in JAO grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in JAO grade. View orders23.02.2018:
Transfer and postings in AO/Sr.AO grade - cancellation:
BSNL CO has issued orders cancelling transfer and postings in AO/Sr.AO grade. View orders22.02.2018:
Representatives of Organisation of BSNL Unions and Associations meet Member of Parliament, West Delhi:
On behalf of Organisation of BSNL Unions and Associations, GS AIBSNLOA, GS BSNLWRU and GS BEA met Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh, MP, Delhi West today, submitted a letter explaining the justification and rights of the BSNL employees in getting pay revision at par with other PSUs. They elaborated on all the points mentioned in the letter and questioned DoT's stand that BSNL is not eligible for pay revision as per the 'affordability' clause, since the same DoT approved pay revision w.e.f. 1.1.2007 for MTNL employees when the 'affordability' clause was very much there in the Government decision on Second Pay Revision Committee and when MTNL was incurring losses consecutively for several years then. They explained the role of BSNL in all important government projects including Digital India, the fact that BSNL was incurring losses only because of it implementing the social obligation of the Government by providing financially unviable services in rural and remote areas. They mentioned that the MOSC expressed his desire to get the pay revision implemented for BSNL employees whenever BSNL employees met him during his tour across the country, but a section fo DoT officers were reluctant to pursue BSNL proposals on the matter. They requested the MP to use his good offices to impress upon MOSC/DoT for early settlement of the issue. Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh, MP has agreed to take up the matter with the DoT as well as the MOSC. View letter View photo22.02.2018:
Transfer and postings in AO/Sr.AO grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in AO/Sr.AO grade. View orders22.02.2018:
Tenure transfers in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of tenure transfers in SDE (T) grade. View orders21.02.2018:
CHQ writes to Secretary, DoT requesting early decision in respect of pension contribution by BSNL on the basis of actual pay:
'We feel that making BSNL pay pension contribution on the maximum of the pay scales w.e.f 1.10.2000 under completely irrelevant FR 116 itself is wrong and erraneous. Continuing with the same wrong methodology even after DOP&T OM dated 19.11.2009 is totally unjustified.' Read More21.02.2018:
DoT provides status on various issues:
DoT says as per the PRC Report, BSNL is not covered for fitment benefits due to its losses. View letter21.02.2018:
Reservation for the Persons with Benchmark disabilities:
BSNL CO has circulated DoP&T OM on the subject for latest guidelines. View orders21.02.2018:
Appointment of JAO on probation under 40% departmental quota for SC/ST Review Batch and other left out candidates:
BSNL CO has issued orders appointing 26 JAOs on successful completion of Phase I induction training. View orders20.02.2018:
Additional internet facility to BSNL employees in BSNL Corporate Office:
BSNL CO has issued orders specifying daily limits and procedures for additional internet facility through CAPEX based BSNL Wifi Hotspot for BSNL employees in BSNL Corporate Office. View orders20.02.2018:
Inter-circle transfer in DE/AGM grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of inter-circle transfer in DE/AGM grade. View orders20.02.2018:
Inter-circle transfer in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of inter-circle transfer in SDE (T) grade. View orders16.02.2018:
Organisation of BSNL Unions and Associatons has meeting with CMD:
Organisation of BSNL Unions and Associations, comprising of ten BSNL unions and associations had a scheduled meeting with CMD today. View the Meeting Notice by SR Section Com.Rakesh Sethi GS AIBSNLOA, Com. Rana Pratap GS, BEA, Com. D. K. Agarwal, President, TOA, Com. S.P.Sharma GS BSNLWRU, Com.B.D.Sharma GS FNTO BEA, Com. Zile Singh GS, BSNLSU, Com. Biswanath Dutta, GS, TEU (BSNL), Com. Ram Prakash GS BTU of BSNL and Com. V.K.Sharma AGS AIBSNLOA were present on behalf of OUA. General Secretaries of two constituent unions were out of Delhi and could not participate in the meeting.The meeting lasted nearly an hour, was cordial and facilitated exchange of views on 3rd Pay Revision for BSNL employees and formation of Tower Company. On behalf of OUA two Memoranda were submitted to CMD and discussions revolved mainly around the two issues highlighted in the Memoranda. View Memorandum on Pay Revision View Memorandum on Tower company CMD said he was very much hopeful that pay revision will be implemented for BSNL employees this year itself. He mentioned that BSNL proposals for pay revision was approved by all the four independent Directors in BSNL Board as well as the DoT representative. He said that Hon'ble MOSC was in favour of pay revision to be implemented for BSNL employees. While admitting that there were two views among DoT officers, with one section insisting to demonstrate as to how BSNL will meet the extra financial burden, he said that though BSNL revenue has gone down during the last three quarters, all efforts are being made to increase the revenue in the present quarter. He pointed out that compared to other private operators, BSNL has been doing well financially. He believed that even Jio effect will not be long lasting. He therefore appealed to all of us to work together to concentrate on revenue growth by acting as Sales & Marketing Personnel in office and PR personnel outside office.
On Tower company, he said that apprehensions about formation of separate tower company are unfounded and affirmed that the BSNL Tower Company Limited is a subsdiary of BSNL formed with the sole aim of increasing revenue. Any deviation from the stated goal in the Cabinet decision will require concurrence of the Cabinet itself. The role of strategic partner, if any in future, will be limited to only monetisation of the tower assets and there is no threat of privatisation, he said.
To another query from us, he categorically stated that neither VRS nor reduction in retirement age is under consideration. BSNL, MTNL merger is also not being considered, he said. View Photos
16.02.2018:
BSNL introduces unlimited voice calls STV @ Rs.99:
BSNL has introduced STV 99 with unlimited voice calls (local/STD) on any net in home LSA and national roaming + PRBT with validity of 26 days on PAN India basis, for its prepaid mobile customers. View Press Release16.02.2018:
Tenure transfer in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of tenure transfers/cancellation in SDE (T) grade. View orders15.02.2018:
Grant of transport allowance to orthopaedically handicapped employees:
BSNL CO has issued orders endorsing DoE OM dated 5th August 2013, making BSNL employees with disability of upper extremities eligible for transport allowance at the rate admissible to other handicapped employees. View orders15.02.2018:
Tenure transfer in SDE (T) grade - retention:
BSNL CO has issued orders retaining one executive upto 31.3.2018. View orders13.02.2018:
CHQ writes to Director (HR) on Granting upgradation to E6 pay scale for executives working as DGM on adhoc basis under BSNL Executive Promotion Policy 2007
'As there is no provision for DGM (Adhoc) in BSNL MS RR, therefore the term ‘DGM’ in the above clarification is to be taken as Regular DGM. The substantive grade of Adhoc DGM is to be treated as Regular STS and these executives should be given the benefit of upgradation upto E6 scale as provided in the BSNL EPP 2007.' Read More13.02.2018:
CHQ writes to Director (HR) requesting re-opening of eAPAR window for 2016-17:
'It has been brought to our notice that a number of Executives could not complete their eAPAR for the year 2016-17 due to various reasons including non-availability of internet access, being on long leave etc.' Read More09.02.2018:
Upto 50% cashback for BSNL prepaid subscribers on Phonepe mobile app:
BSNL has introduced special "BSNL - PhonePe cash back offer" on recharge for prepaid mobile customers through PhonePe mobile app. View Press Release09.02.2018:
Tenure transfers in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of tenure transfer/cancellation in SDE (T) grade. View orders09.02.2018:
Regular promotion to SDE (Civil) grade - calling for VC and APAR:
BSNL CO has called for VC and APAR for 92 JTOs (C) to hold DPC for promotion to SDE (C) grade. View orders08.02.2018:
BSNL presents truly unlimited KooL offer - for Rs.1099 @ Rs.l3 per day only:
This offer cost only Rs.1099/ which is giving Unlimited data without speed restriction, unlmited voice (Home/National Roaming), free 100 SMS/day and free PRBT with validity of 84 days @ Rs.13 per day only. View Press Release08.02.2018:
BSNL Awards 2017:
BSNL CO has announced the Bharat Sanchar Seva Padak, Best maintained Telephone System Award and Best Customer Service Centre Award for the year 2017 View letter07.02.2018:
IIMs asked to indicate interest to prepare BSNL's revival plan:
'Three Indian Institutes of Management have been asked to indicae their interest for undertaking a study and preparing a revial plan for the state-owned BSNL, Parliament was informed today.' Read More06.02.2018:
Change of option for contribution to Employees' Pension Scheme:
BSNL CO has circulated the advisory from Legal Cell, the facts to be made in the preliminary submission in the response before various High Courts relating to non-acceptance of higher contribution towards Employees' Pension Scheme by the DPFO authorities. View letter05.02.2018:
Preparation for e-dpc - requirement of list of AGM (Regular) working as on 1.2.2018 & Screening Committee report:
BSNL CO has requested all circles/units to mail the list of AGMs (Regular) urgently by 9.2.2018 without waiting for completion of screening committee, if not done earlier. View orders02.02.2018:
Meeting with GM (Estt):
GS today met the new GM (Estt) and requested him to pursue the issue of third pay revision and pension contribution @ actual basic pay actively since both the issues are pending with DoT. GM (Estt) agreed that resolving pension contribution is very much important for the pay revision and agreed to pursue both the issues. We explained about the case of TTAs promoted as JTO through DR quota as departmental outsiders being denied the benefit of option for pay fixation in revised IDA pay scale on the date of their promotion as JTO. He agreed to get the issue considered at the earliest.02.02.2018:
CHQ again writes to Director (HR) regarding Extension of benefits to departmental officials selected against Direct Recruit JTO Quota who had applied through proper channel – option for fixation of pay in revised scale on date of promotion:
'We are herewith providing the copy of the said Department of Expenditure clarification referred to in CSIR circular mentioned in the previous para.' Read More02.02.2018:
Transfer and posting in JAO grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and posting in JAO grade. View orders01.02.2018:
Highlights of Budget 2018:
The Budget proposals seek to provide relief to salaried tax payers by allowing a Standard Deduction of Rs. 40,000 in place of the present exemption allowed for transport allowance and reimbursement of miscellaneous medical expenses. However, transport allowance at enhanced rate is proposed to be continued for differently abled persons. Further, it is also proposed to continue medical reimbursement benefits in case of hospitalization etc. for all employees. It will also significantly benefit pensioners, who normally do not enjoy any allowance for transport and medical expenses.Exemption of interest income on deposits with banks and post offices are proposed to be increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000. TDS shall not be required to be deducted under section 194A. Benefit will also be available for interest from all fixed deposit schemes and recurring deposit schemes. Hike in deduction limit for health insurance premium and/ or medical expenditure from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 under section 80D. Increase in deduction limit for medical expenditure for certain critical illness from Rs. 60,000 (in case of senior citizens) and from Rs. 80,000 (in case of very senior citizens) to Rs. 1 lakh for all senior citizens, under section 80DDB. It is also proposed to extend the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana up to March, 2020. The current investment limit is also proposed to be increased to Rs. 15 lakh from the existing limit of Rs. 7.5 lakh per senior citizen.
The Budget proposes to increase the cess on personal income tax to 4 percent from the present 3 percent. The new cess will be called the “Health and Education Cess”.
01.02.2018:
Transfer and posting in DE/AGM grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and posting in DE/AGM grade. View orders
