BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION

Dada Ghosh Bhawan, Opp. Shadipur Bus Depot., New Delhi – 110008

Phone: 25705385, 25894100, fax: 25894862

Email: chqbsnleu@sify.com, website: bsnleuchq.com

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Agenda for 12th National Council Meeting

 

New Items:

 

1.         Promotional Prospects of Rules 38 transferees-cases of qualified TTAs for promotion to the cadre of JTOs.

 

Some TTAs who appeared in the qualifying screening test for promotion to JTOs in their parent circle were relieved on transfer under rule 38 to other circles before declaration of results and some cases before deputing for JTOs training. On the question of sending them for training and posting on promotion as JTO even after imparting training, they have been denied their prospects on the plea that they are rule 38 transferees to recipient circle.

 

In consideration of the fact that the such qualified personnel is very much limited, we request that the following proposal be considered.

 

(a)   Not subjecting such candidates for another examination.

 

(b)   Placing them in the bottom of the list of selected candidates of that respective year of result, in their new circle.

 

(c)   Promoting the Rule 38 officials in the present circle of their working, against a clear vacancy and that no other qualified persons to JTO are waitlisted.

 

2.         Drawal of increment in lieu of Grade IV promotion to retiring persons who reaches maximum of their pay scale.

 

There are few officials who have been denied the benefit of their next promotional increment of Grade IV on the plea that they have not reached stagnation though they draw the maximum of the scale.

 

For instance an official in the scale of Rs. 7800-11125, draws his increment in the month of July and reaches the stage of Rs. 11125. This official retires on superannuation before his next increment stage.

 

In such cases, the benefit of one increment of the next promotional scale of Grade IV is denied on the plea of non-stagnation. The purpose of extending the increment of Grade –IV is to provide financial assistance in appreciation of long years of good service rendered by an official in lieu of Grade –IV promotion.

 

The benefit of Grade –IV increment as per BSNL letter No. 27-8/2003-TE-II(I) dated 18.11.2003 may kindly be got extended to such officials retiring from service within a year of drawal of their last increment.

 

 

 

 

3.         Conducting examination for promotion of TOA to Sr. TOA.

 

Many officials in the cadre of TOA, especially those appointed on compassionate grounds are continuing in the same cadre due to non-conducting of examination to Sr. TOA. Early examination may be conducted.

 

4.         Supply of mobile / WLL Phones to field Staff.

 

In order to enable the field Staff to execute their work efficiently and quickly and also for motivation Mobile / WLL Phones be supplied to field Staff.

 

5.         Admissibility of Airfare for journey from Agartala to Kolkata and from Aizwal to Kolkata on LTC.

 

Air fare was originally admissible to all DOT servants including group C and D officials for performing journey from Agartala to Kolkata and Aizwal to Kolkata and back both on Tour and Leave Travel Concession (LTC). But now a days, airfare is not admissible to staff for traveling on LTC from Agartala and Aizwal though all staff of Govt. of Tripura are entitled to travel by air on LTC and full air fare is admissible to them till today.

 

The airfare be granted to all BSNL staff working in Tripura and Mizoram for performing journey by air from Agartala and Aizwal and back on LTC and on tour considering the following reasonable points:

 

  1. Agartala and Aizwal are not directly connected by rail.

 

  1. More than 3 days are required for reaching Kolkata by bus and train via Guwahati, the nearest rail station of NE Region.

 

  1. The staff have to face lot of difficulties like food, land side, which is a common phenomenon in the various points of National Highway from Agartala and Aizwal to Guwahati.

 

  1. Recently, the BSNL C.O. has allowed the staff of Andaman and Nicober Island to travel on air on Tour and LTC. We demand, the said order may be extended to the staff of Tripura and Mizoram also.

 

6.         Permission for issuing ‘NOC’ for passport by GM, BSNL, Agartala.

 

At present “NOC” for passport for visiting Bangladesh is being issued from Circle Office of NE-I Circle, Shillong. Almost all the staff of Tripura SSA is required to have “NOC” as each and every staff are having their relatives in Bangladesh and they have to attend marriage ceremony, Shardha ceremony and even funeral of their near relatives in Bangladesh. But it is time consuming to have “NOC” for passport from CGMT, Shillong for attending marriage ceremony, Shardha ceremony even funeral etc etc. of their near relatives in Bangladesh.

 

Moreover, journey from Agartala to Kolkata through Bangladesh by Bus by availing of transit visa is very much popular to the people of Tripura state as it takes only 30 hours time. But for availing transit visa, “NOC” for passport is also required for staff there.

 

As per rule, the Head of Office though he may be of lower rank of Director / Joint Secretary to Govt. or equivalent can be authorised to grant the “NOC”. So, in consideration of above facts as well as rules, GM, BSNL, Agartala may be authorised to grant the “NOC” at least for having Indo-Bangla passport.

 

 

 

7.         Grant of II ACP to Sr. Accountants.

 

ACP Scheme was implemented for Central Government Employees vide DOP&T no. 35034/1/97-Estt. (D) dated 09.08.1999.

 

The same was extended to the DoT employees, who were not covered by OTBP/BCR Scheme vide no. 4-1/90 – PAT dated 24.11.1999 and to the Senior Accountants, Junior Accountants and LDC (TAs) vide DoT No. 19-11/99 – SEA dated 05.07.2000.

 

But BSNL vide letter No. 5/1/2004-SEA (pt.) dated 16.01.2006 (addressed to CGM, Rajasthan Circle with copies to all Circle heads) has denied II ACP to Senior Accountants and directed recoveries from those already granted II ACP including the pay fixed on FR 22 (I) a (I). This order is completely contrary to the DoT orders as also No. 19-24/2001 SEA dated 11.02.2002 from Under Secretary (SEA) to CGM Andhra Pradesh Circle wherein it has been slated that the fixation of benefit of pay allowed to the officials on up-gradation of payscale should not be interpreted as promotion. As such II ACP is to be granted to Senior Accounants as per orders of DoT – and the recoveries to be refunded to the concerned officials.

 

8.         Restructure of Telecom Accounts Wing.

 

In continuation of the discussion already taken place earlier in National Council and consequent discussion with Sr. DDG (PF), the following demands are placed reg. restructure of Telecom Accounts Wring.

 

1)      Service period of 4 years as TOA (G) and conversion ratio of 2:1 for moving to Sr. TOA (G) is to be withdrawn.

 

2)      Prior to restructuring to Sr. TOA stream, available vacant posts in the cadres of Junior and Senior Accountants are to be filled up by eligible candidates in the feeder cadres. i.e. Assistants (Accounts) and Junior Accounts.

 

3)      Since both the Junior and Senior Accounts cadres have been declared as dying cadre all the Junior Accounts are to be promoted to Senior Accounts as one time measure to wipe out this cadre totally.

 

4)      10% JAO posts, numbering 300 are to be filled up by Senior Accounts on the basis of seniority – cum-fitness. These Senior Accounts are senior in age, well acquainted and experienced in accounts jobs and almost all are officiating as JAO for several years to the full satisfaction of their superiors.

 

5)      According to Recruitment Rules of JAOs framed by the BSNL in August, 2001, 10% of the vacant posts have been kept earmarked for Senior Accounts to be filled up through an internal competitive examination. Since recruitment Rules are not being considered as sacrosanct the senior Accountants all over the country, who are pretty senior in service and have acquired sound knowledge and proficiency in accounting works of all types may be promoted as JAO as one time measure in relaxation of normal recruitment rules. Senior Accountants borne in the establishment of BSNL are waiting for promotion while the deputationist are outsiders and absorbed also against outside quota. Hence, the promotees against 10% quota should enblock stand senior to the absorbed deputationists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.         Sharing of BSNL infrastructure by private telecom companies.

 

It is reported from some centers that moves are being made to share BSNL infrastructure with the rival private telecom companies. In BSNL letter No. 65-25/2006 – TPL (R) dated 23.02.2006 addressed to CGMs many details of towers are called for including whether they are being used or not and whether they will be used in future. BSNL No. 470-3/2005 –Regln. Dated 7th October has specifically mentioned about sharing of space, power / electricity etc.

 

The staff side is completely opposed to sharing of infrastructure including building, towers etc. with the rival private companies, except inter – connectivity. We demand that strict instructions should be issued to field units against sharing of infrastructure to private companies.

 

10.       Payment of PLI (Bonus) for 2005-2006 before Festival Season.

 

The festival season usually starts with Durga Puja, which in this year is on 22nd September. The Bonus is usually paid before the festival starts, to enable them to celebrate the festival. According to new scheme of PLI, the MoU composite score / MoU rating to be awarded by DPE is also required. Last year, this seems to have been done only by October 2005.

 

The staff side demands that all necessary action be taken and PLI paid at least before the second week of September 2006.

 

11.       Wage Revision for non-executive Employees in BSNL

 

The next wage revision for non-executive employees in BSNL is due w.e.f. 01.01.2007. The Perks have not been revised after formation of BSNL except a few items. Last wage revision, w.e.f. 01.10.2000 was mainly replacement of CDA Scale, to IDA Scales. Even after issue of orders, much time was taken to implement the orders. In many of the Central PSUs the wage negotiation has already started. It is demanded, that considering all the above points, early action be taken to start the wage negotiations so that the wage agreement could be reached before 01.01.2007 and wage revision implemented w.e.f. that date.

 

12.       Holding of Screening Test for promotion to Sr. TOAs

 

There are many officials in the TOA Cadre including those recruited on compassionate grounds waiting for getting promoted to Sr. TOA. The screening test for the same has not been conducted for a long time. To enable the concerned officials to get upgraded as also for better performance, the screening test be conducted early.

 

13.       Provision of Broadband facility to BSNL Employees on Concessional Telephones.

 

It is reported from many centres that Broadband facility is being denied to BSNL Employees on Rent Free Concessional Telephones, even on payment of usual charges.

 

Broadband is very popular and BSNL also wants to provide more connections. As such it is demanded that Broadband connection be provided to BSNL employees on RFCT on usual charges an demand.

 

14.       Revision of payscale of Chemists in Telecom Factories and redesignation as JTO (TF).

 

Chemist in Telecom Factories is an isolated cadre, numbering three only. The Vth  Central Pay Commission did not properly evaluate the qualifications, responsibilities etc. of this cadre for recommending a higher payscale. We demand that considering all aspects, the Chemist be redesignated as JTO (TF) and granted the payscale of Rs. 9850-14600.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

          Sd/-

[V.A.N. Namboodiri]

General Secretary, BSNLEU &

Secretary, Staff Side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of old items

 

I (a)      7th Meeting of National Council held on 25.01.2005

 

1.                  Removal of Anomaly / Aberration of Senior Officials in Senior grade getting less pay than Juniors in Junior grade after wage revision.

 

The Committee appointed by National Council has submitted its unanimous report in October 2005. It requires to be approved by BSNL Board.

 

2.                  Compassionate Appointments.

 

Thousands of cases for compassionate appointments are pending at Corporate Office. It was assured that all efforts will be made to restore power to CGMs in this connection.

 

3.                  Five Promotions.

 

The Promotion Committee formed on 28.02.2005 is yet to meet even though the Staff Side has furnished note for discussion on 1st October 2005.

 

4.                  Removal of 16/26 years restriction for SC/ST for grant of OTBP/BCR Scales.

 

It was stated that the matter has been referred to DoT on 15.04.2005. The case is to be perused and the injustice removed.

 

I (b)     Adjourned 7th Meeting of National Council held on 16.03.2005

 

5.                  Payscale of Sr. TOA.

 

Promotion Committee to look in the matter formed in March 2005. Staff Side Demands already presented to the Chairmanof the Committee on 18.06.2006. No meeting held so far. Undue delay already taken place. Committee to be met with out further delay.

 

6.                  Fixation of TTA Payscale and grant of OTBP/BCR

 

Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.

 

7.                  Payscale of Telecom Mechanic

 

Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.

 

8.                  Payscale of Drivesr & Cable Jointers

 

Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.

 

9.                  Upgradation of Payscale of Grade IV

 

Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.

 

10.              Calculation of Casual Labour/Part-time/RTP Service for grant of pension.

 

It was assured that the matter will be referred to DoT. Case not settled so far.

 

 

 

11.              Special problems of Civil Wing Staff.

 

The Committee formed for this purpose has already submitted its report in May 2005. Not implemented so far causing intolerable delay.

 

12.              CGEGIS – Refund to the Employees.

 

It was assured in the meeting held on 16.03.2005 that the issue will be taken up with Government for refund of CGEGIS. The amount not yet refunded.

 

13,14,15,16.    Issues of Telecom Accounts Stream – LDC, Junior Accounts & Senior Accountants

 

It was decided that the items to be discussed by Staff Side with Sr. DDG (PF). Even after discussion, the following issues are yet to be settled.

 

(a)   The orders issued declaring the Telecom Accounts stream to be rescinded.

 

(b)   JAO Part I Examination has not been conducted for the last 4 years, but has been continuously postponed. This should be conducted without further delay.

 

(c)   JAO Part II Examination also not held as assured.

 

(d)   Parity of Scale for Sr. Accountants with Assistants yet to be settled.

 

(e)   Promotion of Jr. Accountants to the Sr. Accountants in the vacancies resultant after promotion of Sr. Accountants to JAO through 10% quota.

 

II          8th Meeting of National Council held on 19.04.2005

 

17. Benefit of 5 years service weightage under Rule 48-A for voluntary retires.

 

Official side assured another reference to DoT / DOT & PW on the subject. Present position not known.

 

III         9th Meeting of National Council held on 04.08.2005

 

18. Counting of past service of Telegraphmen and Group ‘D’ employees for the purpose of promotion to OTBP/BCR in Telecom Mechanic Cadre.

 

It was stated on 04.08.2005 that since the matter is sub-judice it has to wait till the final outcome of the case. Later, assurance was given to forward the case to DoT. Issue not yet settled.

 

19. Removal of discrimination between Industrial and non-industrial workers.

 

The demand of the Staff Side, pending finalization of standing orders for BSNL, to at least to end the discrimination on accumulation of earned leave, and Restricted Holidays are yet to be decided. Delay causes much heart burn and loss of lakhs of rupees on retirement. Early settlement required.

 

20. Stoppage of recovery of Telephone Duty Allowance and HRA in lieu of rent free quarters to line staff promoted to Telecom Mechanic.

 

It was stated in the minutes that these issues were not recommended by the Perks Committee. In fact, it was on the request of the management that the Perks issue could not be discussed and settled at the time of wage negotiation in 2002. The Perks Committee also restricted the items discussed as per suggestion of management. This item was not discussed at all either at the time of wage negotiation or in the Perks Committee. As such the question of recommendation or no recommendation does not arise. The demand of the union is that the recovery should be stopped and TDA and HRA in lieu of rent free quarters should be granted to promoted Telecom Mechanic.

 

21. Special Recruitment of Staff in NE-I, NE-II, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Uttaranchal.

 

The Statement of official side that sufficient staff are available in these circles are not correct. A lot of work is outsourced. In fact there is real need of Staff in these hilly and remote areas. Recruitment to the Cadre of RM, Phone Mechanics, Sr. TOA, TTA etc. are necessary for maintaining the services.

 

22. II option for absorption in BSNL

 

It was stated in the meeting on 04.08.2005 that the final decision from DoT is awaited. The case should be perused.

 

23. Promotion of all qualified & trained officials

 

(a)   Telecom Mechanic.

(b)   JTO.

 

The Staff Side reiterated its demand that in the case of officials qualified and trained be posted as Telecom Mechanic upgrading the posts held by them.

In the case of officials qualified as JTO, they be promoted by diverting the DR vacancies as a one time measure.

 

IV         10th Meeting of National Council held on 23.01.2006.

 

24. Curtailing of Wasteful expenditure by shifting offices / exchanges to BSNL own buildings.

 

In the case of Corporate Office, it was assured that the office will be shifted by May / June 2006. So far not shifted to the new BSNL building causing loss of Crores of rupees. Office be shifted early.

 

25. Framing of Standing Orders for BSNL

 

It was assured that draft will be furnished to Staff Side and that simultaneous view of the union will be taken and the issue discussed on fast track. Neither supply of draft nor discussion so far.

 

26. Curtail wasteful expenditure by reducing rented vehicles to minimum :

 

It was stated that reports from field units will be called for. Staff side is not informed whether report has been called for and what action has been taken.

 

27. Restoration of powers of CGMs to create posts

 

The delay in restoration of powers to CGMs is creating a lot of problems. An early decision is required.   

 

28. Gift to HMT watches to BSNL employees

 

The decision to be got implemented early.

 

29. Implementation of FR-35 in IDA scales

 

The demand / suggestion of the staff side is that a decision should be taken to pay the minimum of the salary in such cases.

 

30. Free calls on concessional telephones in MTNL and BSNL areas

 

The management assured to take up the issue with MTNL. So far not settled. The staff side has already demanded that the bill amount to the extent of eligibility be reimbursed to the concerned official, since the MTNL are still sending the telephone bills.

 

31. Restoration of honorarium for collection of telephone revenue arrears

 

It was agreed some suitable appropriate methodology needs to be designated for reducing the arrears. The staff side reiterates its demand for restoration of honorarium.

 

32. Posting of legally qualified officials to Legal Cell

 

Officials side agreed to reiterate the present instructions to the field units. The staff side is not aware whether the same is issued or not. The staff side suggests that the officials put in legal cell be given honorarium or some allowances.   

 

33. Implementation of ACP Scheme (in Corporate Office, Stenographer etc.)

It was decided that the issue will be discussed amongst Sr. DDG (Estt), Sr. DDG (Pers), DDG (EF) and staff representatives, which has not been held so far.

 

34. Pay upgradation of Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ cadres of Corporate Office

 

The issue pending for a long time requires to be settled early.

 

35. Merger of 50% DA with pay

 

The issue is yet to be decided.

 

36. Counting of past services of casual labourers who were regularized on or after 01.10.2000.

 

The staff side requested that the matter be referred to DOT. No further information available.

 

37. Reduction of service condition to appear for 35% quota LDCE for promotion to JTO.

 

In some circles, all the qualified officials seems to be promoted. 35% examination can be conducted in those circles. In this context, the service condition of 10 years be reduced to five years.  

 

38. ‘Protsahan Bhatta’ to employees working in naxalite affected areas

 

It was agreed to refer the matter to DOT for taking up with DOP&T. The present position be informed.

 

39. Facilities to National Council Members

It was agreed to examine this matter separately.

 

 

40. BSNLMRS – case of retirees

 

It was agreed to issue suitable instructions. No further information.

 

41. Date of effect of upgraded payscale on Completion of 26 years

 

It was decided to submit the relevant file to Director (HRD) for taking appropriate view / decisions. No further information.

 

42. Grant of lineman pay scale to the officials qualified in the second screening test.

 

It was agreed to refer the issue to DOT for clarification. No further information.

 

 

 

         Sd/-

[V.A.N. Namboodiri]

Secretary, Staff Side

National Council