NEWS - FEBRUARY 2019
28.02.2019:
Non-receipt of APAR of finance executives:
BSNL CO has circulated the list of 23 Finance Executives in respect of whom APARs upto 2016-17 have not yet been received despite several reminders. View letter27.02.2019:
CHQ submits its suggestions in respect of review of medical policy:
'BSNL may negotiate with Public Sector Insurance companies and Banks for providing the best insurance cover to BSNL employees for indoor and outdoor treatments. In this regard BSNL may call bids from all Public Sector Insurance companies and Banks and negotiation may be held with the L1 bidder. The best Group Medical Insurance Policy, which assures maximum possible insurance cover for both, indoor as well as outdoor treatments, with a special provision for increased cover in respect of critical illnesses, should be finalized. The policy should be available to BSNL retirees too.' Read More27.02.2019:
Appeal & advisory to all officers/executives of BSNL:
PGM (Pers) has appealed to all the officers/executives of BSNL to avoid approaching the Hon'ble Tribunals/Courts as far as possible with regard to matters of transfer and posting, promotion, seniority, other service matters etc. View letter27.02.2019:
Deduction of TDS on payment of encashment of half pay leave against shortfall of earned leave of 300 days on retirement:
BSNL CO has clarified that out of the total Half Pay leave credit at the time of retirement which are to be utilised for meeting the shortfall in Earned Leave for encashment at the time of retirement, the number of HPL credit as on 30.09.2000 may be utilised first and if there still remains some shortfall, the HPL of BSNL period may be utilised. View letter26.02.2019:
Promotion to AE (Arch) grade under seniority cum fitness quota - calling of VC:
BSNL CO has called for vigilance clearance in respect of 5 Executives under consideration for promotion to AE (Arch). View letter26.02.2019:
JTO LICE rescheduling of registration period:
BSNL CO has issued orders rescheduling the registration period for JTO LICE under 50% quota for VY 2017-18. View orders25.02.2019:
Transfer and postings in DGM (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in DGM (T) grade. View orders25.02.2019:
Transfer and postings in DE/AGM grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in DE/AGM grade. View orders22.02.2019:
CHQ writes to Secretary DoE on Pension contribution by BSNL to the Government of India in respect of its employees permanently absorbed in BSNL:
We understand that the DoPT order dated 19.11.2009 limiting pension contribution to actual basic pay drawn, is a considered decision, based on the above principle and the fact that the VII CPC introduced Pay Matrix instead of the then existing Running Pay Band and Grade Pay system. For example, Grade Pay 1 to 5 comes under Pay Band 1 with Rs.5200-20200. As there is no possibility of any Government Servant on transfer to Foreign service to reach the maximum of the pay band, DoPT restricted the pension contribution to the actual pay drawn w.e.f. 1.1.2006, the date of implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of VII CPC. In BSNL too, due to availability of time bound financial upgradations every 4 to 5 years, no one will reach the maximum of his present pay scale. Therefore, following the DoPT OM dated 19.11.2009 in respect of BSNL absorbed employees drawing IDA pay scales, is justified legally as well as rationally. Read More22.02.2019:
Tenure transfers in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of tenure transfers in SDE (T) grade. View orders22.02.2019:
Transfer and postings in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in SDE (T) grade. View orders21.02.2019:
DoT commission seeks revenue assurance from BSNL, MTNL for revival support:
'The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) on Thursday asked loss-making telecom PSUs BSNL and MTNL to explain their turnaround strategy and give an assurance to achieve higher revenue for getting financial support, an official said.Both state-run telecom firms have asked for permissions to monetise their land assets as well as the voluntary retirement scheme for employees on the Gujarat model. Under the Gujarat model, an amount equivalent to 35 days of salary for each completed year of service, and 25 days of salary for each year of service left till retirement is offered. The VRS scheme for BSNL and MTNL will have a revenue impact of Rs 6,365 crore and Rs 2,120 crore respectively. Both the companies have also sought spectrum for 4G services through equity infusion from the government.' Read More
21.02.2019:
Provisional sequence list/provisional seniority list of eligible AGM for considering them for promotion to DGM (T) on adhoc basis:
BSNL CO has circulated the Provisional sequence list/provisional seniority list submitted to CAT, Chandigarh. In a parallel action in order to save time, it has called for objections, if any from all the stakeholders. View list21.02.2019:
BSNL improves network and subscribers give thumbs-up:
BSNL has emerged as best performing opertor by meeting all 5 KPIs benchmark in as many as 25 cities out of 49, where drive tests were conducted by TRAI, which is best among all other operators. View Press Release21.02.2019:
EPF rate of interest to be 8.65% for the year 2018-19:
Central Board of Trustees, EPF has recommended crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member’s Account for the year 2018-19.(PIB)20.02.2019:
5G training for BSNL staff:
BSNL CO has decided that being a leading Telecom company, BSNL has to be ready with future technologies. As 5G is the technology which will completely transform the communication field in coming days, it was felt that these courses may be offered to BSNL teams in all Circles. Therefore, it has requested Circles to start utilising online certification programs for 5G technology for their selected officers. View letter20.02.2019:
Clarification on counting of past services of Ex-servicemen for reckoning 5 years of reglar service towards eligibility conditions of JTO LICE 2016-17:
BSNL CO has clarified that as per Schedule 11 of JTO (T) RR 2014, 7 years regular service in Group 'C' has already been reduced to 5 years residency period in the pay scale of 13600-25420. Therefore requests for counting of services of Ex-servicemen for counting their past services as eligibility towards appearing in LICE for JTO cannot be considered. View letter19.02.2019:
Rearrangement of reporting of Vigilance Officers of Circle/Units in BSNL:
BSNL CO has issued orders on re-arrangement of reporting of Vigilance Officers oof Circles/Units in BSNL, with immediate effect. View letter19.02.2019:
Applicability of GST while enforcement of bond agreement in respect of DR JAO:
BSNL CO has requested field units to ensure that GST is charged at the time of enforcement of Bond Agreement in respect of DR JAO at the rate prevalent at that time. View letter16.02.2019:
General Manager (SR) requests our response to the appeal letter issued by BSNL:
We were completely in dark about what is happening in respect of 3rd pay revision for BSNL employees, except that BSNL has reiterated its earlier proposal for pay revision with 15% fitment and left it to DoT take a call. We could not rely on the information provided by the recognised unions and associations now and then. One day they said that DoT agreed for 5%, but the next day they said they have rejected even 5%. Then they said that DoT offered 0% immediately and 5% later but they wanted 10%. Now they say 0% & 5% are agreeable if given in writing. Yesterday GM (SR) gave a ring to our GS and wanted to discuss the developments. He handed over the appeal letter published here and wanted to know whether we can give a letter that AIBSNLOA is not participating in the strike. We told him that although we are not a signatory to any of the strike notices, we will not give such a letter. Then he wanted our response to the information in the appeal that DoT is in favour of DA neutralisation on the basis of 3rd PRC scales as an immediate measure and further action for 5% fitment will be initiated thereafter. Immediately afterwards, the OBUA leaders available in the Head Quarters met and discussed the matter. We have doubts about whether DoT can on its own decide about DA neutralisation on the basis of 3rd PRC scales without concurrence from DPE/Cabinet, what are the modalities proposed and what will be its effect on pension revision. We also wanted to know if it will be possible for the present Government to approve 5% in the few days ramaining before notification of elections and the election code kicking in. Therefore we have requested a meeting with CMD and Secretary DoT, before conveying our response and a letter has been handed over on these lines yesterday itself. View BSNL appeal Read letter from OBUA14.02.2019:
DoT finalising revival proposal, no shutdown - BSNL:
State-run BSNL on Thursday said government is in the final stage of drafting a revival proposal for the PSU and it would shortly be sent for the inter-ministerial panel for approval."Department of Telecom is in the process of finalising a proposal for revival of BSNL to be considered by the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) very soon. DoT would like to see a robust BSNL, duly strengthened and financially viable, dedicated to servicing the nation and playing an important role in the telecom sector", the PSU said in a statement.
The state carrier was responding to a media report on its closure pressurised by the mounting losses.
At present there is no proposal under consideration with the government for closure of BSNL. DoT recognises and values the inherent strengths of BSNL as a telecom services provider with huge infrastructure and reach, especially in rural areas, the PSU said.--IANS View News report in Business Standard
13.02.2019:
CHQ writes to Prime Minister regarding BSNL being made victim of inaction and indifferent attitude of Department of Telecommunications – denial of pay revision to BSNL employees in the name of non-affordability :
'BSNL has been paying pension contribution in respect of employees absorbed from erstwhile DoT on the maximum of the pay scales, citing an irrelevant Fundamental Rule 116, which is meant for only those who are on deputation. DoT did not implement the DoP&T O.M. dated 19.11.2009, which allows payment of pension contribution on actual pay w.e.f. 1.1.2006. According to the Annual Report of BSNL for the year 2016-17 (Page 172 of the Report), the difference between these two methods of pension contribution payment up to 31 March 2017 is Rs. 595 crores, Rs. 644 crores up to 31 March 2016 and Rs. 776 crores up to 1 April 2015. These figures show that had BSNL been allowed to pay pension contribution on actual pay w.e.f.1.1.2007 (the effective date of second pay revision) in accordance with DoP&T OM dated 19.11.2009, and the excess payment made by BSNL from 1.1.2007 to 30.11.2011 and from 1.10.2014 to this date is refunded, BSNL will be able to implement its proposal for pay revision of its employees and executives with 15% fitment benefit without any financial constraints.' Read More12.02.2019:
Meeting with General Manager (SR):
GS met GM (SR) today and enquired above present status on various important issues. On pay revision, he said that BSNL has already replied to DoT reiterating its earlier proposal for pay revision with 15% fitment. It is now for the DoT to take a call on this. On pension contribution on actual pay, BSNL has clarified the points raised. Addressing our concern about the financial crisis wherein even GPF, Insurance and bank loan instalments deducted in salary have not been deposited with the concerned authorities, he said that arrangements are being made to get the amounts deposited soon. He added that the salary of February may be delayed by a few days. We have cautioned against such a situation being allowed, which will result in unwarranted backlash from the employees.12.02.2019:
Meeting with General Manager (Pers):
GS met GM (Pers) today and requested early processing for JTO to SDE and DE to DGM seniority cum fitness promotions. GM (Pers) informed us that JTO to SDE promotion can be taken up only after getting direction from CAT Ernakulam. On DE to DGM promotion, he said that DE seniority list will be circulated shortly, in order to sort out disputes raised regarding seniority.12.02.2019:
Seniority list of TES Group B circulated vide letter dated 7.8.2018 & 8.8.2018 AS PER Rule 206 - calling for objections / errors / omissions:
BSNL CO has issued a final call for raising objection/errors/omissions within 15 days. View letter12.02.2019:
Transfer and postings in DGM (F) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in DGM (F) grade. View orders11.02.2019:
AIBSNLOA Chennai Telephones holds its Circle Conference:
AIBSNLOA Chennai Telephones held its 4th Cicle Conference on 6.2.2019 in the same venue where the AIC was conducted. All the members were already delegates to the AIC and participated in the Circle Conference. Com.K.Rajasekaran, CHQ President Com.Rakesh Sethi, General Secretary, Com.P.Manoharan, AGS and Com.R.Stanislaus Mary, CHQ Organising Secretary addressed the meeting. After deliberations, new office bearers with Com.K.Mythili, CAO, Com.M.Vijayakumar, DE and Com.Karanam Suneetha, AO as President, Circle Secretary and Finance Secretary respectively were elected unanimously. CHQ congratulates the members and office bearers of Chennai Telephones Circle. View list of new office bearers09.02.2019:
BSNL Corporate Office addresses General Secretary AIBSNLOA regarding review of existing medical policy:
BSNL CO has constituted a committee to review the existing medical policy so as to make it sustainable irrespective of financial condition of the organisation and has called for suggestions for alternatives such as group mediclaim policy. All are requested to submit their views/suggestions to gsaibsnloa@gmail.com latest by 15th February 2019, to enable AIBSNLOA to finalise its response. View letter07.02.2019:
3rd ALL India Conference of AIBSNLOA ends with renewed enthusiasm and a clear message:
The 3rd All India Conference of AIBSNLOA commenced with flag hoisting event, Com.Rakesh Sethi, General Secretary hoisting the National Flag and Com.K.Rajasekaran, CHQ President hoisting the AIBSNLOA flag. After the morning delegates session on 5th February, which saw the CHQ office bearers on the dais, welcome address by Com.P.Duraisamy, Circle Secretary, Tamilnadu & Secretary, Reception Committee, introduction of delegates, a brief address by the President, address by the Circle Secretaries and a sum-up speech by the General Secretary and discussions on the General Secretaries Report.A colourful open session was held in the evening, with sernior BSNL officers and leaders of sister associations occupying the dais. Com.M.Vijayakumar, Circle Secretary, Chennai Telephones & Convenor, Reception Committee welcomed the gathering. Com.K.Rajasekaran, President delivered the Presidential address. Com.Rakesh Sethi read out the Keynote Address. In contrast to the usual Open Session format, a BSNL customer Shri Ramesh C Kumar, Director, Indian Commerce and Industries was honoured in the Open Session. In his office premises a landline has been working ever since the year 1915, initially installed by Oriental Telephone Company, then maintained by P&T Department, then the Department of Telecom and now BSNL. This is the oldest landline connection working in Chennai city, in the same premises for more than 100 years, seeing four generations, although the number has changed many times from three digits to the present eight digits. In his speech Shri Ramesh C Kumar said that he intends to keep it in the family. Director (HR) Ms. Sujata Ray had sent her Greetings message and Director (CFA) Shri Vivek Banzal had sent his Video Message, expressing their inability to be physically present in the Conference, although they very much wanted to be with us. PGM (OP) Chennai Telephones Shri V.Senthilvasan, GM (Admn & HR) Tamilnadu Circle Shri D.Mohan, Former GS AIBSNLOA Com.V.P.Arya, GS TOA BSNL Com.Anil Kumar Tiwari, GS BTEU BSNL Com.R.C.Pandey, Joint Secretary AIGETOA Com.Sridhar, CS BEA BSNL Com.Karthikeyan, CHQ President of AIBSNLREA Com.V.Chinnapappiah and Chennai Secretary of AIBSNLREA Com.V.Sundararaman felicitated the Conference. Com.S.Ratnasubramanian Patron AIBSNLOA delivered Special Address. The Open Session ended with Vote of Thanks by Com.P.Duraisamy, CS, Tamilnadu Circle.
Later, discussions on GS report continued till late night. The session for second day started with music in the air, with Com.S.Periasamy, CWC Member from Tamilnadu and his friends rendering Hindi and Tamil songs. After adoption of GS report, large number of delegates participated in the discussions on important issues and expressed their views. Resolutions were later passed based on the discussions. The house unanimously approved increase in monthly subscription from Rs.50 to Rs.100 w.e.f. April 2019. Election to the new CHQ body was unanimous with Com.P.Ramachandran, CAO, Tamilnadu, Com.Rakesh Sethi, AGM, BSNL CO and Com.V.K.Sharma, AGM BSNL CO elected as President, General Secretary and Finance Secretary respectively.
Office bearers in the previous CHQ body who have demitted office - Com.P.Manoharan, Com.Swapan Bhattacharya, Com.R.Stanislaus Mary and Com.Ravi were then honoured. Com.K.Rajasekaran, who had declined re-election as President due to compelling personal grounds, was showered with affection, praise and honour by the entire house. He was then elected as Advisor to CHQ, along with Com.A.K.Pal, AGM, West Bengal State, Com.A.K.Sharma, AGM, UP (W) Circle and Com.O.P.Jat, AGM, Rajasthan Circle. Changes in the Advisory Body consequent to the sad demise of Com.P.K.Mohanty have been incorporated.
The 3rd AIC jointly hosted by Chennai Telephones and Tamilnadu Circle has been successful in all aspects, the pleasantly decorated Hall providing a relaxing ambience, a grand Open Session, lively discussions on all issues related to BSNL and BSNL Executives, thoughtful resolutions and induction of new faces in CHQ.
The Reception Committee led by Com.M.Vijayakumar, CS, Chennai Telephones and Com.P.Duraisamy, CS, Tamilnadu, under the able guidance of Com.K.Rajasekaran, CHQ President has planned and executed the goal of a grand Meeting and needs to be applauded for its great work. Special mention is required to be made about Com.R.Selvakumar, Com.K.Ganapathysubramanian, Com.P.Kannan, Com.A.Vijaybharathi and Com.V.Anbarasan who have done extraordinary work, toiling night and day prior to the meeting, during the meeting and after the meeting, offering transportation, accommodation, food and other help in time. But for the donations from the members of Chennai Telephones and Tamilnadu and huge donations to the extent of Rs.5000 each, from our former members, now retired, such a monumental task could not have been accomplished. CHQ conveys its hearfelt gratitude to all these comrades and feels proud of being their representative.
The 3rd All India Conference has concluded with sending a clear and strong message that AIBSNLOA will continue its journey in the less-trodden path and will continue to be the exponent of truth and logical solutions. The delegates are going back with renewed enthusiasm. Read GS Report
Read Keynote Address
Read the Resolutions
View the list of new office bearers Photographs will be uploaded later.
04.02.2019:
Transfer and postings in DE/AGM grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in DE/AGM grade. View orders04.02.2019:
Transfer and postings in SDE (T) grade:
BSNL CO has issued orders of transfer and postings in SDE (T) grade. View orders01.02.2019:
WELCOME RELIEF TO INDIVIDUAL TAX PAYERS IN INTERIM BUDGET:
1. Full Tax rebate upto Rs.5 lakh annual income after all deductions.
2.Standard deduction increased from Rs.40000 to Rs.50000
3. Exempt from notional tax on second self-occupied house
4.Ceiling Limit of TDS u/s 194A increased from Rs.10000 to Rs.40000
5.Ceiling Limit of TDS u/s 194I increased from Rs.180000 to Rs.240000
6. Capital tax Benefit u/s 54 increased from investment in one residential house to two residential houses.
7.Benefit u/s 80IB increased to one more year i.e. 2020
8.Benefit given to unsold inventory increased from one year to two years.
9. No change in present tax slabs. If taxable income exceeds (after deductions) Rs.5 lakhs, income above Rs.2.5 lakhs will be taxable as per present slabs.
