Submission of SNEA to the Committee for review of Transfer Policy:

{Report by Shri. M. Satya Sasidhar, AGS CHQ}

As per the notice issued by the DGM Pers BSNL CO, SNEA submitted its views in front of the Committee constituted for finalization of reviewed Transfers Policy in the meeting held in 5^th Floor Committee Meeting Hall, Bharat Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi on 20/02/2025 at 1600 hrs . Notice <<<>>     Committee <<<>>     Submission by SNEA <<<>> 

From Management side this meeting was attended by Mrs. Anita Johari, PGM Pers/SR/RSTG BSNL CO as Chairperson, Shri. P. Dayal, CGM BW BSNL CO, Shri. Rajeev Soni, CGM EW BSNL CO, Shri. Mukesh Kumar DGM SEA as substitute to PGM EF who was on leave, Mrs. M. Manitombi Devi AGM Estt as substitute of PGM Estt BSNL CO who was on leave, Shri. G. P. Vishnoi, DGM Pers-II, Shri. Mool Chand AGM Pers Policy and Shri. Ramkrishnan K, DM Pers Policy.

From the Recognized Representative Majority Association, this meeting was attended by Shri. M. S. Adasul, GS SNEA, Shri. M. Satya Sasidhar, AGS SNEA CHQ and Mrs. Anu Agrawal, CP SNEA BSNL CO.

In the initial remarks, Chairman of the Transfer Policy Review committee Mrs. Anita Johari PGM Pers gave warm welcome to the association representatives and appreciated the detailed review and submission on transfer policy submitted by the SNEA. She also informed that all the points represented by SNEA will be deeply studied by the committee and requested to discuss the major suggestions, additions or deletions in the draft Transfer Policy under review.

Team SNEA conveyed thanks for giving time to the association for presentation of its views on the important issue of Transfer Policy. We specially conveyed thanks for considering the request of SNEA for review of Transfer Policy with focused approach on Stopping Rotational Long stay Transfers. We conveyed thanks for accepting detailed submission by SNEA for changes required in Draft Transfer Policy under review and positive remarks by the Chairman and the members of the committee.

We narrated that it was expected that under review of transfer policy certain anti executive clauses will be removed or diluted in support of Executives. But unfortunately reverse action is seen in draft review policy and certain anti employee/executive clauses are added or certain clauses are made stringent so that executives suffer further. We updated the committee that the new draft Transfer Policy has created complete unrest among executives and humanity grounds are absolutely lacking the new draft and requested the humble committee members to take kind note of submission by SNEA. We submitted that SNEA does not want any discussions on the suggestions submitted by SNEA and accepted by committee and we would like to discuss only points which are not acceptable/agreeable to the Committee, so that time of all can be saved.

PGM Pers informed that the submission by SNEA has been handed over to the committee members and members will like to know directly from association on submission made by association on important points. Accordingly the following was discussed and submitted by team SNEA to the committee and committee has responded positively on about all suggestions by SNEA.

1. Separate Transfer Policy for Executives:We submitted that instead of combined transfer policy for all i.e. Non-Executives, Executives and GM/PGM and CGM level officers, three separate policies may be framed exclusively applicable to Non-Executives, Executives and GM and above level officers. The Policy for Executives may be renamed as BSNL Executive Transfers Policy 2025. The committee members gave patience hearing to submission by association and assured to look into this suggestion positively.
2. Incorporating one nominated representative of the Recognised Majority Representative Association in Transfer Policy Committee:We submitted to reconstitute the existing Committee for review of transfer Policy by incorporating one nominated representative of the Recognised Majority Representative Association and to have further discussions in the committee accordingly. There was reluctance on part of committee members as consultation is being done with all the stakeholders before releasing the final draft. We submitted there are many lacunas in the draft Transfer Policy itself and on such sensitive issues related to executives care needs to be taken. SNEA was not consulted before releasing this draft and this one sided draft with stringent conditions has created outright negativity among the executives in the field units and many are depressed under fear that instead of reducing hardship of executives, efforts are being done for increasing hardship. If any member from the Recognized Representative Association was part of this committee, the said negativity could have been avoided and we insisted that while doing modification in Transfer Policy humanitarian grounds be considered. Neither DoPT/DoT guidelines are followed in total nor BSNLs Own guidelines are framed and hence one member of Committee should be representative of Recognized Majority Association. Committee has finally agreed that while reviewing the policy a balance will be maintained for company side and executive side and one more consultation with SNEA will be called after the completion of the review with all associations/ unions and internal discussions of the committee.
3. Posting of Experienced Officers from Telecom or other wings in the Pers Policy Section:The Certain Experienced Officers from the Telecom and other wings should be posted in the Pers Policy section which deals with transfer policy and many other policies related to Junior/Middle Management of BSNL.

We submitted that the Draft of review of Transfer Policy is framed exclusively by the officers who are not directly aware about the working of the field units and these officers have practically not experienced difficulties faced by the executives in the Telecom wing. There is a need to put mixed officers from different wings and mainly from the Telecom wing which covers 80% of the total Executive strength of BSNL, which is totally missing now and this is the reason for the mass unrest. The Certain Experienced Officers from the Telecom and other wings should be posted in the Pers Policy section which deals with transfer policy and many other policies related to Junior/Middle Management of BSNL. PGM Pers assured to look into this suggestion in due course of time

4. Continuation of OA/SSA as basic criteria for Transfers:We strongly objected to the introduction of BA concept instead of OA/SSA concept and submitted that OA erstwhile SSA Concept should be continued as basic concept for counting stay of the Executives for any purpose including Break in service. BA concept there are certain changes in the administrative working pattern, but there is nothing changed in basic working of BSNL, the geographical conditions, area of OAs/ SSAs etc. In Circles like Kerala, number of BAs are equal to SSAs/OAs and in many Circles multiple OAs/ SSAs are merged and it becomes a large geographical area making it a set of Intra Circle Transfers. The area of OAs is in hundreds of Kilometers and some of BAs are covering the entire Circle or State and such transfers on the basis of BA Stay will cause more damage than some Inter Circle Transfers. SSA/OA concept is the basic concept and it should be the only base for counting stay and issuing Intra OA, Intra BA, and Intra Circle Transfers. We added that SSAs were formed on a revenue District basis different basis and the new OA concept was done on a revenue basis wherein the area of OAs is hundreds in square kilometers and vast. After elaborate discussions on this issue, it was agreed by the Committee to continue OA erstwhile SSA as base of Transfer for executives.
5. Stopping Mass Long Stay Rotational Transfers:We have conveyed thanks to the committee and Management of BSNL for stopping mass long stay based rotational transfers and further requested to incorporate this in Transfer policy that no mass rotational long stay transfers will be issued in future and transfers will be limited only to need base transfers to fill shortages if any. We have explained the huge expenditure incurred for such transfers and agonies faced by these executives while joining and especially while returning to the old circle is hampering the work culture. We have elaborated the anti-executives and anti BSNL effect of long stay transfers. It was expressed by CGM BW that this is an action decided by the management and it cannot be incorporated in the Transfer policy and it is left to the wisdom of management. We elaborated that there is already limit of 10% of sanctioned strength on mass rotational transfers and there is need to make changes in it to 10% of working strength with addition of no mass rotational transfers and limiting it only to need base. After elaborate discussions, PGM Pers informed that this decision is already taken by BSNL management and about its incorporation in Transfer policy assured to discuss this issue in internal meeting of committee and final decision is in the hands of the management.
6. Uniformity in grant of Cost of Transfers:We have submitted that BSNL is following dual standards in granting Transfer cost and even though there are clear guidelines that all transfers after completion of three years will at company cost, but all requests of executives are given consideration at own cost. But in GM level transfers the same rule is followed as all transfers are considered at company cost. PGM Pers informed that many GM level transfers are issued at own cost if posting is done as per the request of individuals. We added that transfers on completion of two years may be continued at own cost and the transfer after completion of three years stay should be continued to be issued at the company cost. After elaborate discussions the committee has assured to implement the same after discussing it in the internal meeting of the committee and the final outcome will be shared in the next meeting with SNEA.
7. Proper Restructuring review should be done before declaring excess, just sufficient and deficit executives Strength in any particular Circle/OAs:We categorically submitted that recalculation of manpower for ascertaining the excess/deficit circles is a must and need of the time. The restructuring review was done on an all India basis and hence many Circles have been declared as Surplus Circles affecting the overall strength of executives in particular Circle. We quoted the example of Punjab wherein it is shown as excess in JTO, SDE and AGM cadre but in reality, the field executives are suffering with acute shortage of manpower. It clearly shows that the present excess/deficit definition is far from the reality. Post VRS the abolition of the vacancies was done for all the VRS opted and no required weightage is given to remaining Executives and this is the main reason for these unrealistic calculations of excess/deficit/shortage Circles. We requested for fresh and early restructuring review and by giving due consideration of actual requirements by reviewing the norms for justification of posts with due weightage to existing strength in Circles. Chairman has agreed the same and intimated that the restructuring committee formed with CGMs is examining the norms for sanctioned strength. Accordingly, manpower in all circles will be recalculated and the association may submit its views in detail.
8.   Provision for Appellate Authority for review of biased Transfers:We submitted for incorporating appellate authorities to review biased and pick & choose transfers by individual Officers so that before approaching Court and wasting Money of self & BSNL, one would have an opportunity to get the grievances addressed within BSNL. Many times the controlling officers are biased to certain officers and some vindictive transfers are issued, but there is no redressed mechanism as in many cases the representations given in individuals are recorded or shown dust bin by the controlling officers and finally matter is disputed and taken to the court wasting BSNL Money. We requested for defining First and Second appellate authorities in the policy to deal with such biased transfers and executives having grievances if any about transfers issued for him or her, should first represent it through proper Channel to the Office/ Officer competent to issue Transfer orders at concerned level. CGM BW has expressed its apprehensions that this will still complicate the transfer retention and cancellation process. We categorically submitted that the court has given clear guidelines that executives have to be given a chance to be heard about their grievances in a time bound manner. We submitted that almost 30 percent of long stay transfer orders are issued by neglecting their genuine grievances and hence some are vindictive transfers which need due consideration. It was submitted by CGM BW that now also executives are representing and submitting their grievances. We brought to his notice that in case of vindictive transfers, the concerned authorities do not address the grievances and appeal made if any also is not forwarded to higher officers and hence there is need of official procedure and appellate authority to decide such vindictive transfers. If an appellate authority is appointed these requests can at least be heard by the transfer issuing office and problems faced by the field executives due to the long stay transfer orders. Finally, Committee has informed that the new idea will be discussed further and a decision on appointing appellate authority at the corporate office may be considered in the initial stages and we requested to have such a mechanism at Circle level to decide BA level vindictive transfers also.
9. Stopping Introduction of Transfer and Placement Committee for Transfer Posting: We requested for deletion of this newly introduced clause as it will give way for corruptions. We opposed the Constitution of a transfer & placement committee explaining how it will give scope for corrupt practices. We added that the new idea of formation of transfer posting committee will lead towards favoritism of some particular executives and will create problems for others. It will be a matter of confidentiality of the Transfer posting and chances of leaking data and its misuse cannot be ruled out. We gave classic examples how these committees formed in some Circles have spoiled the atmosphere in the Circles.  We have given some practical examples in circles where such committees were constituted and how individuals/ associations have to struggle to get the genuine transfer orders issued or grievances settled as one has to approach each committee member. The executives in the Pers section informed that the idea of formation of transfer and posting committee is done due to query by Honorable court in some litigation and also as incorporated by DoPT/DoT. We submitted that the working of DoT and BSNL is different. DoT or DoPT works for selected cities and has not to reach to every SDCA/OA as that of BSNL. In DoT there may be one committee centralized at Delhi, but BSNL and same is taking care of GM and above level officers of BSNL. But in BSNL transfer of DGM and below level officers are issued at three tires i.e. Inter Circle Transfers from Corporate office, Intra Circle or Inter BA  Transfers from Circle Offices and Intra BA transfers from BA Heads and there will be about 200 committees required in BSNL for which hundreds of officers will be involved throughout the year. On further discussion the Committee has agreed that the Court directions in any particular may be binding to DoPT/DoT and PSUs have to decide it depending upon the structure of PSU. It is not compulsion for the PSUs to implement each and every direction of court as the policy matter. In conclusion of this point, it was assured to association that views of SNEA are noted and matter will be decided accordingly.
10. Calling volunteers for meeting shortage with assurance to return back within a fixed period of two years:We submitted that as of today, many Circles are facing shortage of executives and some Circles/OAs are always having shortage of executives. Administration issues the transfer orders and in genuine cases, transferred Executives avoids joining at such places by adopting all means for modification of transfer orders. In many cases executives are joining Tenure stations which are faraway places but not joining such non-popular stations due to the reason that there is no guarantee for return from such non-Popular stations. As such to meet shortages in such non-popular stations, the Provision may be made for calling volunteers as one time option for filling up vacant posts in such OAs/Circles with written assurance for return/posting to choice stations within a fixed period of two years. Finally after elaborate submission by association, it has been agreed to incorporate this suggestion in the final Transfers Policy.
11. Review of Financial dependent Clause in case of medical grounds of Parents:We brought to notice of the Committee that Dependent Parent Clause for relatives may be re-defined in the case of retention on critical illness medical grounds of parents as presently retention in such genuine cases are not given consideration, even entry is not made in ERP about critical illness quoting reason that parents is/are financially independent. In case of administrative transfers, the parents are facing critical illness but the parents are financially not dependent on the executive, but they are in need of support from their son/daughter during this critical period of life. Due to this condition, the executive has to join the transferred place by leaving the parents in such worst conditions wherein the entire family is disturbed just because the parents are financially independent, which is unhuman and illegal and against provisions of law. We requested to relax/withdraw the financial dependency clause and retention may be granted from administrative transfers of the Executives having parents facing critical cases and if required it may be ensured from official sources with undertaking from executive concerned that parents are staying with him and undergoing treatment for critical illness and his/her presence with them is must. There was reluctance on part of Officers from Pers section stating that it is not permitted by DoPT Guidelines. We submitted that BSNL is not following all clauses of DoPT and certain modifications are done as per the requirement of BSNL and there are only few such cases of financial dependence of the parents, but they are in need of the services of their Son/Daughter at this most difficult time of life.  Care giver cases are increasing these days after the covid pandemic and relaxations in the guidelines for caregiver needs to be incorporated. In many chronic cases after the executive has joined the new station before two years their dependents or spouse are identified with the chronic cases, there is no provision in the transfer policy for relaxation of this two years condition. Same is the case with executives who are completing 58 years of age and need to return back to home/choice Circle. We requested to have kind consideration to these genuine cases and have also informed that management may follow any procedure to check the genuineness of the requests that dependent has been identified with chronic cases illness after the transfer orders etc. Though certain committee members and representatives of management were mentioning the rules and guidelines, Chairman of the committee was very much considerate on this genuine issue of hardship faced by parents and has assured to look into the concern expressed by Association and incorporate these changes for delinking financial dependency in case of the chronic diseases of parents and caregiver cases. Thus, finally the committee has appreciated the concern of the association and assured to look into it to the possible extent.
12. Provision for posting to MTNL Delhi and Mumbai area to be added in the Transfer Policy: We submitted that it is now final that BSNL will provide the Telecom services in MTNL Mumbai and Delhi Area and BSNL has officially taken over the Telecom services in both the areas. Very shortly these units will be declared as Circle of BSNL as these areas are having more potential than the many other existing Circles and there will be immediate requirement of BSNL Manpower in this area. As such, there is a need to incorporate MTNL Delhi and Mumbai areas as separate Circles of BSNL and transfers and postings may be decided on the basis of these guidelines. Werequested to consider for posting of BSNL employees for working in the MTNL operations areas i.e. Mumbai and Delhi in transfers. Committee was also of the same opinion and after successful deliberations, the committee has agreed to consider our suggestion to add the Mumbai and the Delhi area in the final Transfer Policy.
13. One time consideration of all pending Rule 8 Transfers:One time action to give consideration to all pending Rule 8 transfers by adjusting vacancies of these JAOs and JTOs to Circles against which rule 8 transfers are pending even after completion of eligibility criteria of five years. There is no recruitment in BSNL as the same is banned since 2019. Apart from this the number of JTO posts are reduced without giving consideration to the JTOs/JAOs who have not opted for VRS in particular Circle/OA and many Circle it happened that instead of reducing JTO/JAO strength and showing shortage, the figures are showing excess Strength and thereafter BSNL has started this excess /deficit criteria on basis of this defectively justified posts. As such many Requests of rule 8 Transfers are pending and there is need of sympathetic consideration of all such old pending cases including requests to excess Circles also. We submitted resentment on delay in Rule 8 transfers of some specific circles and the intentional holding back of the JTOs in circles even after the required period of stay is completed and the sufficient JTOs are available to implement Rule 8 Transfers. We explained how circles are not considering the requests of JTOs to excess circles and their requests are held back intentionally at circle level only on the pretext that their choice circle is excess in this cadre. It was expressed by Committee Members that JTOs have opted to that circle for recruitment and it shows their willingness and no one should claim Rule 8 transfer as right. It was mentioned by one of the committee members that Tenure policy does not apply for JTO being Circe Cadre. We submitted that we have not asked for Tenure policy and we are demanding a certain weightage for JTOs serving at All India Hard Tenure station and their request to even excess Circles needs to be given consideration. We added that even though the present payment of JTOs is low and unrealistic work pressure is on executives, they have joined BSNL with the only hope and reason that one day they can work in their native place/ choice posting and they cannot be held even after completing five years minimum service at all India Hard tenure stations. A thread bearing discussion was held on how to solve the problem. When we were asked names of specific Circles, we submitted that JTOs in J&K, NE-I and NE-II Circles are most sufferers as they are not relieved for years together for want of substitutes and substitutes are not possible due to the ban on recruitment. These circles are hard tenure regions and it is punishment for these young executives who joined BSNL with bright hopes of great career and choice posting after completion of Five years. J&K circle has written to corporate that the shortage in SDEs is forcing them to hold back these JTOs and requested to post additional SDEs for their relieving. We demanded that even though the issue is pending at the corporate office, management has not taken action to resolve the issue. It was submitted by AGM Estt and supported by DGM Pers that J&K Circle has given in writing that there is no requirement of JTOs and SDEs in J&K Circle and hence no additional JTOs/SDEs can be posted. We submitted that we have seen many letters from CGM J&K for posting additional SDEs for relieving JTOs under Rule 8 transfers and to meet shortages and there cannot be any such letter and requested to share its copy which was agreed. We once again requested to resolve this problem on a permanent basis and consider our submission to create a vacancy for each transfer in deficit circles and implement the transfers and incorporate required changes in Rule 8 Transfer policy. Finally, Committee has agreed to consider all the Rule 8 Request transfers request by one time action by chalking out a plan and also to consider the posting of willing JTOs and SDEs to these Tenure Circles as substitutes to the JTOs waiting for consideration of their Rule 8 Requests.
14. Restoration of Provision for Mutual Transfers in case of JTOs promoted under Special LICE: We submitted that BSNL has designed special guidelines for filling unfilled vacancies of JTOs in certain Circles by allowing JEs from other Circle to join these Circles and certain restrictions have been put for the return back of such executives to his parent Circle. We added that though earlier mutual transfers of LICE Special JTOs were allowed, the same has been banned in the recent past. It was stressed by AGM Estt that these executives have opted for this and are promoted out of turn and in routine there should not be any relaxation. We responded that we are not demanding for allowing all JTOs but the same need to be incorporated in deserving cases on genuine grounds as defined in Rule 9 policy. We requested to allow Rule 9 transfers requests by JTOs recruited under Special LICE in strict adherence to these guidelines to deserving JTOs with genuine grounds. Further, in case of mutual transfers, the overall strength of Circles is not going to disturbed and hence mutual transfers should also be allowed for Special LICE JTOs at par with the other LICE JTOs and necessary changes need to be incorporated in this Transfer policy. Though, there was reluctance on part of Estt Section, we have convinced the Committee members that the Management cannot be rigid and have to keep human approach in dealing all such genuine requests in deserving cases which are developed after joining as JTO under Special LICE quota and there should not be any issue in granting Mutual transfers and requested for incorporating these changes in Rule 8 & 9 Transfers for JTOs promoted under Special LICE quota. It was assured by Committee members to look into it and take appropriate action on it.
15. Relaxation of minimum two years service criteria in deserving cases: We submitted executives obeying the administrative Transfers orders and joining at the place of transfer. But after joining at transferred places, some issues happens with them, some of them are not aware about the provisions of Transfer policy in support of his grievances, some unfortunately losses partners and dependent Children are alone without support of anybody and in some cases executive himself undergoes critical/serious medical issues or meets any unforeseen accident and some are crossing the age limit and facing certain issues due to increased age limits wherein shifting of family is not possible and needs transfer back to family. In such cases, there is no provision in Transfer policy to give consideration in such deserving cases for joining back or getting transfer before completion of two years stay. For such deserving cases, Special Provision for Own Cost Request Transfers before completion of two years minimum tenure in deserving self-accidental or suddenly aroused medical cases, executives suffering from certain infectious contagious diseases like TB (Tuberculosis), executives requesting on genuine grounds of critical illness the Father/ Mother and Depending in laws and to the Single parents female/male having solely dependent wards undergoing education in cases of recent death incidents of husband/wife, needs to be relaxed. We requested that in such deserving cases the competent authority should be empowered to relax two years minimum service criteria such deserving cases as per recommendations of BA/Circle Heads and the same needs to be incorporated in transfer policy. After elaborate discussions, Committee members assured to look into this genuine suggestion and ascertain possibilities of its incorporation in Transfer policy.
16. Opening of OTP window on Quarterly basis:We submitted that earlier OTP window was opened on quarterly basis and now it has been made on six monthly basis, which is causing hardship to the executives. We narrated that the six monthly OTP window is not operated properly and since last one year, no OTP request is given consideration and OTP window has become unofficially yearly basis which is wrong and has defeated the very purpose of operating OTP window. We added that executives are waiting for OTP Requests from ten months to one year in normal cases and for more than a year in case of excess Circles. If someone miss this opportunity of submitting an OTP option, he/she has to wait for next one year even if he/she is facing genuine issues. Also with the passing of period of one years, in some cases the basis/grounds of the options submitted changes and executives may not be interested to join at an opted place due to change in circumstances. Further, such delayed options make bulk transfers creating adverse working conditions and if transfers are issued in a short span the total number transfers at time will be less. Also, unnecessary OTP requests under fear of transfers will be reduced. We requested to restore the quarterly opening of the OTP window. The OTP window will be opened on quarterly basis on 15^th of January, April, July and October every year and Requests received will be given consideration respectively before the end of March, June, September and December. Otherwise, we suggested that it will be best if the OTP window is kept open for all days in the year and the Pers Section, Circle heads will extract the final data available on Online Transfer Portal on given dates of that Particular Quarter. Thus, unwanted pressure on ESS/ERP will be reduced. It will also give opportunity to the executives to submit /withdraw the OTP Requests without much tension and management will also get updated information about pending OTP requests. Committee members gave a patient hearing and assured to look into it but the final call on this will be taken by BSNL Management.
17. Maintaining Waiting list of pending OTP Transfers:We submitted that maintenance of waiting list for non-considered OTP requests has been long pending demand from SNEA and remained the chairman that in agenda meeting with SNEA, the management has agreed to implement the same for all non-considered OTP request, but no action has been taken so far. There was reluctance from executives in the Pers section that it would add burden on the work. We submitted that cancellation of non-considered OTP Requests and its application and reprocessing it every time is a time consuming process and comparatively maintaining a waiting list is an easy job to be done by the ERP team of BSNL Corporate office. The applications/request which will not be given consideration due to administrative reasons will be kept in the waiting list and the individual may decide during the next window period about its withdrawal if any. The applications /request which will not be given consideration due to administrative reasons will be kept in the waiting list and the individual may decide during the next window period about its withdrawal if any. OTP applications registered on the waiting list must be published with the seniority of application number. While submitting an OTP application, there is a need for the Visibility of Waiting list to particular OA/Circle. The application Number may be given by adding reference of waiting list in application number to that Particular application, so that executives understand that already there are certain number of requests/number of applications pending to the Circle he/she is opting for and hence can take decision on opting other Circles. We submitted that same was implemented for All India Tenure transfers and ERP team can easily provide waiting list of transfers to particular Circle. After extensive discussions, the Committee has agreed to discuss with ERP Team and instruct the concerned officers to implement the Waiting list of OTP requests from the next OTP window. We requested for making provision in Transfer Policy and it was assured to discuss and decide in the internal meeting of the committee.
18. Restoration of All India Hard/Semi Hard/Soft Tenure stations: We submitted that Pers section has modified All India Hard, Semi Hard and Soft Tenure Stations and mainly expressed concerned on the enhancement of Tenure period and adopting hypothetical Circle for NCR Delhi and its adverse impact on the executives in BSNL. We added that DoPT and DoT continue with the Tenure of two or less years when the posting of their officers is limited to city areas and BSNL has introduced the higher stay period when executives in BSNL have to work at rural areas and at SDCA or below level areas. The geographical and environmental conditions in these areas are most difficult and hence there is no justification in enhancement of Tenure period of all India Hard/Semi Hard and Soft Tenure stations and it must be restored. There was reluctance on part of executives from the Pers section stating that the revision is done recently and immediate revision is not good and the normal Transfer Policy and Tenure Transfer policy cannot be mixed and so on. We have submitted that there is no restriction on review and once the transfer policy is reviewed for all executives it should be inclusive of all including Tenure stations. Further, in the draft Transfer policy already certain clauses are added and being discussed and we are requesting for adding the remaining clauses of Tenure policy with restoration of Tenure period to earlier one and make an exclusive transfer policy for all transfers in BSNL. On this the executives from Pers section informed that it will take time as they have to again call for views of all Associations and Unions and it will take time. We submitted that the Tenure Transfer Policy is applicable only to Executives and not for non-executives and there is no need to call views of the unions on this subject. Only two associations are there and we SNEA has submitted views and only views of AIGETOA are to be taken and the same can be taken at any time. We also elaborated that AIGETOA also supports restoration of tenure period and hence action is required from Pers section for incorporating changes which is quite possible. After elaborate submission by SNEA, finally the Committee had serious deliberations on the issues and various points submitted by SNEA were discussed and the Chairperson directed officers in Pers section to make a way out to incorporate the suggestions made by SNEA to review tenure transfer policy and add it in this main Transfer policy.
19. Restoration of age Criteria for not issuing Transfers: We opposed changes made in the draft Transfer Policy and submitted that it was expected that management will give consideration to health issues after covid 19 pandemic and reduce the age limit, but unfortunately stringent age conditions are applied and now it is proposed for transfer of executives even after completion of 58 years. We submitted that there are defined guidelines by DoPT on this subject and it was well incorporated in earlier transfer policy. There was no need to enhance the age limit as done now. Rather it was required that by considering health issues of self and parents after Covid 19 pandemic, this age limit should have been reduced. We requested for inclusion of the old clause with reduced age for posting of unwilling executives to All India Hard and Semi hard Tenure stations to 50 years as it is difficult to serve at these hard stations due to reduced health conditions. We requested to restored this clause as Generally, the transfer of executives who are more than 50 years of age would be avoided for posting to Hard tenure stations, the transfer of executives who are more than 53 years of age  would be avoided for posting to Semi-Hard tenure stations. Transfers, up to STS level, transfer of officers involving change of station would normally be avoided after 54 years for inter circle transfers and after 55 years for intra circle transfers. The committee members have patience hearing of our submission and assured to look into suggestions given by Associations.
20. Discussions on remaining important points:When discussions continued for two hours, the committee members expressed that they have to attend some other meeting and other points cannot be discussed. We insisted on continuing the meeting as till many important points of our submission were not discussed and only 40% points were discussed till time. But PGM Pers informed that the committee members have pre-assigned meetings and the entire submission by SNEA will be discussed in the internal Meeting of the Committee and issues will be decided accordingly. We insisted for discussions on Posting on promotions, Break in length of service, choice posting,  more changes required in Rue 8/9 Transfers,  addition of new clauses, restoration/deletion of different clauses, partial additions to existing clauses, changes required in ERP/ESS suggested by SNEA for smooth implementation of the transfer Policy etc which we have submitted with detailed justification. We also submitted that we do not want discussions on the points agreed by the Committee and we need only discussions on points which are not acceptable to the committee members, so that time can be saved and we can meet the very purpose of the meeting.

In conclusion, PGM Pers/SR/RSTG and Chairperson of Committee Mrs. Anita Johri expressed that the suggestions given by SNEA are valid and needs incorporation in the Transfer Policy and assured that efforts will be done to include all suggestions by SNEA and after internal meeting of Committee on other points, one more round of discussions will be held with SNEA, wherein remaining points will be discussed in detail. The committee has assured to study the detailed report submitted by SNEA and try to incorporate the same in the new draft.

Delegation of SNEA also assured to cooperate with the committee to its full extent for their genuine modifications and would continue to oppose the anti-executive addition in the draft policy and we are ready for discussions on all such points.

Finally, the meeting concluded after detailed deliberations in a positive atmosphere and exchange of opinions between committee and the Majority Representative Association and we are hopeful for consideration of the majority of suggestions given by SNEA.

Meeting started at 1530 Hrs concluded at 1740 Hrs with vote of thanks for both sides and with strong understanding to work for the employee oriented Transfer policy protecting the interest of the BSNL also.

Though it was proposed to have meeting with SNEA, AIGETOA, NFTE and BSNLEU but meeting was conducted only with NFTE and SNEA and other meetings are rescheduled in first week of March 2025.