An important meeting of SNEA CHQ Office Bearers was held with Shri. A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD BSNL was held on 03/11/2025 at 1800 Hrs in the Board Room, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi wherein Dr. Kalyan Sagar Nippani Director HR BSNL Board and Shri Rajeev Kumar Kuashik, PGM Pers BSNL CO.
From SNEA side all the CHQ OBs participated in this special Meeting. PHOTOS <<<>>
The meeting started with a brief introduction of all the CHQ OBs and CMD BSNL was happy to see active involvement of SNEA leadership in the field units.
SNEA felicitated to CMD BSNL with Bouquet , Shawl and Cap and congratulated for his efforts in recognition of BSNL in eyes of Government of India and specially for appreciation of BSNL and its workforce by Prime Minister of India for indigenous 4G Mobile Network.
At the outset CMD BSNL gave a warm welcome to all the CHQ OBs and gave a brief idea about action being taken by BSNL Management for the executives in BSNL. He stressed for keeping aside all the pending HR issues and keeping total focus on Development issues and mainly on revenue generation which is an important target this year. He assured that once we achieve positive growth and revenue, the resolution of pending HR issues including financial issues is quite possible. He firmly supported initiatives for resolution of pending HR issues including 3rd PRC with improved financial position of BSNL. He earnestly appealed to put all out efforts to achieve revenue targets and be assured of getting due benefits from the executives.
We appreciated concern and appeal by CMD BSNL but requested that the executives in field units have given their best possible and there is need of some solution on pending HR issues. WE categorically elaborated that even issues with no financial implications are not given consideration and this is the reason for mass unrest among the executives. We appealed to give some authority to Director HR who can take some independent decisions which are not seen now.
CMD BSNL responded that Director HR is fully empowered and directed him to look into the issues raised by SNEA.
Then we have detailed discussions on certain urgent issues and the details are as follows.
Vindictive Actions by CGM TN/CHTD Circle: During the discussion, SNEA strongly raised the long-pending issue of vindictive and discriminatory actions by CGM TN/CHTD Circle, emphasizing that despite earlier assurances, no concrete action had been taken by Management to stop the continuing harassment and to ensure justice for the affected BSNL executives. We expressed serious concern that repeated instances of targeted transfers, biased decisions, and denial of legitimate rights had been escalated to the Corporate Office, yet the situation in the circle continued to deteriorate without any visible intervention and action by CMD BSNL.
Responding to this, CMD BSNL informed that he is keenly monitoring the issue himself to maintain harmony between executives and management and to ensure that no misuse of administrative authority takes place. CMD assured that with respect to the transfer of GM HR TN & CHTD Circles, necessary corrective instructions would be issued during the forthcoming lot of transfer and posting orders, which are to be released shortly and instructed Director HR to take note of this issue.
On request for consideration of appeals submitted by the Leaders of CHTD Circle against punishment order by Circle administration, Director HR assured to look into these appeals in a time bound manner and see that issues are sorted out. On demand of transfer of CGM TN/CHTD Circle, CMD conveyed that the matter is to be decided by DoT and the same has already been referred to the DoT for taking necessary action at their level. SNEA stressed that timely corrective measures are essential to restore the industrial peace and ongoing unrest among executives of all over India and to build confidence among executives and prevent further administrative victimization and it was agreed by CMD BSNL to look into these issues and instructed Director HR to discuss with him the progress of appeals on regular basis.
Long-Pending Transfer, Posting & Retention Requests: We raised the long-pending issues related to transfer, posting and retention requests. We highlighted the genuine concerns of executives whose cases have not been considered for a long time. We cited several examples, including medical ground requests, single parent cases, ward studying 12th ground cases, long-stay repatriation requests, and many pending OTP requests that still require consideration.
Director HR responded that these cases have already been taken up for resolution and left out cases will be resolved shortly.
CMD BSNL also took note of the specific cases cited by us and instructed Director HR to examine all genuine cases, and further advised us to ensure that all medical ground and immunity cases must be entered in SAP to ensure smooth and transparent processing.
We requested for consideration of OTP requests of executives who are waiting for issuing their request to home/choice Circle and many have completed All India Hard Tenure by 30/06/2025 or later, but their requests are not given consideration. CMD BSNL asked PGM Pers status of these transfers and he informed that data of all such requests is being consolidated and efforts are being made to consider OTP Requests by end of this quarter.
We especially stressed for immediate consideration of One to One OTP Requests from Non- Tenure stations which will not have any impact on growth of BSNL as substitute executives will be available in majority of cases. We added that with one to one OTP transfers, there is no financial burden to BSNL and at the same time executives will reach their homes for which they are waiting for a long time. We highlighted examples of mutual OTP requests which will save BSNL money and at the same time all executives will reach their home and families. .
CMD BSNL assured to look into all such cases for early resolution and appreciated one to one Mutual transfer without any expenditure to BSNL and directed PGM Pers to look into possibilities suggested by Association.
But CMD BSNL continued with his stand of Annual Transfer and stated transfers will be processed only once in a year, i.e., applications in January and finalization by March and this year OTP window will be opened in January 2026 and Transfer orders will be issued in March 2026 and all the OTP Requests will be given consideration to maximum possible extent by end of March 2026 and till time all should focus on revenue for BSNL and come up with such ideas of revenue generation and HR issues where no expenditure is involved.
Pending Promotions of Executives in BSNL: We raised the long-pending promotion issues across all wings and cadres and stressed the need for certain positive action from the Management side to overcome the hurdles. We emphasized that executives are demoralized due to the non-issuance of promotions, despite the availability of vacancies in several cadres. We elaborated the hardships faced by executives who have been working for more than a decade without a single promotion. We urged for early action on DGM and CAO/AGM promotions, as these will create vacancies in lower cadres, enabling more promotions across levels. We also highlighted that JTO to SDE, SDE to AGM, JE to JTO, and JAO to AO promotions have been pending for more than 10 to 12 years. We stressed that the file for JTO to SDE Promotions in the Civil wing has been taking rounds for the last two years and it is not yet cleared. As the Civil wing case is not cleared the Electrical wing file also has been kept on hold and expressed that due to this delay the JTOs in civil wing are waiting for 27 to 30 years for their first promotion in their entire service. We highlighted the recent High Court judgment regarding the qualification of civil executives and requested suitable amendments to the RR to remove the hurdle in promotions.
CMD BSNL acknowledged the concerns and assured that management is committed to resolving the promotion bottlenecks and efforts are being made to clear the hurdles. We also directed the association to see that no cases are filed by their members and if filed, the Association should approach these courts citing delay in promotions to get clearance where the promotions are stayed by the court. We informed that all legal cases are being meticulously monitored by the newly appointed PGM Legal and assured that necessary steps will be taken to issue the promotion orders with proper legal scrutiny.
Need of immediate Implementation of 3rd PRC: We raised the demand for the implementation of the 3rd PRC for BSNL workforce. We mentioned that executives have been waiting for years together and the prolonged delay has caused significant financial loss as well as widespread dissatisfaction among employees. We emphasized that BSNL, being a 100% Government-owned PSU, deserves positive consideration for PRC benefits, especially after the various revival packages extended by the Government. We also highlighted that BSNL is at the forefront of indigenous telecom development by actively participating in the rollout of 4G, 5G, and future 6G technologies, thereby supporting the AtmaNirbhar Bharat vision by the Government of India.
Considering this essential national role, we humbly submitted that the affordability clause should not be imposed on BSNL, as the DPE has already clarified that PSUs serving national strategic duties are exempted from fulfilling the affordability conditions for pay revision. Therefore, BSNL employees rightfully deserve their legitimate 3rd PRC benefits, which must be treated as a basic right rather than a concession. In this regard, we earnestly requested CMD BSNL to use his relationship and good-will to convince DoT for a favorable and timely decision for implementation of 3rd PRC without further delay.
CMD BSNL informed that the matter is under continuous discussion with DoT and higher authorities and he is also pursuing with concern Departments, but still there is reluctance due to financial position of BSNL. He stressed the need for net profit by March 2026 so that he can also approach for a positive outcome. He was optimistic that several major projects in the pipeline will enhance BSNL revenue during Q3 and Q4 of FY 2025–26 and appealed for special efforts by the Association. We responded that all executives are working more effectively and some actions from Management in these directions including clearing the proposal for approval of Wage Negotiations by recognized Unions of BSNL will be morale boosting for the entire workforce. CMD BSNL assured the same and directed Director HR to expedite it and see that the same is approved at the earliest.
Standard Pay Scale – E2 for JTOs & JAOs: We reiterated the long-pending demand for standard pay scales of E2 for JTO and JAO, replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A/E2A, which remain unresolved since the 2nd PRC period. We added that the JTO and JAO cadres have very limited opportunities to raise their concerns directly before the apex authorities of BSNL management. We highlighted that nearly 15,000 executives belong to these cadres, and they represent BSNL at the frontline while dealing with esteemed customers in EB, CSC, FTTH, and CM segments. Despite their crucial role, they continue to suffer due to the non-settlement of the standard pay scale issue. It was further highlighted that this is the only cadre where 3 to 4 different basic pay structures exist, causing serious disparity and affecting morale. The issue can be resolved simply through the approval of the standard E2 pay scale. Hence, SNEA requested CMD BSNL to kindly recommend approval of the revised proposal already submitted by BSNL, after reviewing the Presidential Order earlier issued by DoT.
CMD BSNL listened attentively and assured that a dedicated portal—“Talk to CMD”—will be introduced so that young executives like JTOs and JAOs can directly communicate their concerns to CMD. We also took note of the standard pay scale issue and discussed the proposal for the E2 standard pay scale with Director HR, seeking information regarding the financial impact of implementing E2 in BSNL. We clarified that only around Rs 90 Crores per annum is required to resolve this long-pending and genuine issue, and Director HR acknowledged the same. Thereafter, CMD BSNL assured to look into the matter and instructed Director HR to examine it further and brief him accordingly.
No Lateral Entry in BSNL and strongly Oppose to SET: We raised concern about the proposal of lateral entry through Recruitment of SET and DR DGMs from Market neglecting the inhouse experienced Talent with higher qualification. We have narrated that in PSUs no lateral entry is allowed and in BSNL dual standards are being applied as while granting benefits like PRC, the rules of PSU are applied and for Recruitment such DoT rules are applied and demanded for uniform applicability of Rules.
CMD BSNL responded that SET recruitment is being done to managerial requirements in coming days and it is not an immediate requirement. We elaborated how already MTs and DR DGM recruited by BSNL are not allowed to reach higher position to the extent that RRs are modified with retrospective date effect so that no one reaches the Managerial positions of PGM level and no chance of CGM posting through these MTs and DR DGMs as being projected now. We narrated we have already submitted all relevant details and how SET notification has created mass unrest among executives and requested for stopping any such outsider Recruitment with lateral entry. We conveyed that if Management goes ahead with SET Recruitment, we will oppose it tooth and nail and we will not allow management to further play with the life and career of Executives of BSNL.
CMD BSNL agreed to the concern expressed by SNEA and informed that this is initiatives of the Government to have its own Management of BSNL and same is being processed by BSNL and nothing is self-driven by BSNL and directed Director HR to look into the concern expressed by the Associations.
Need of recruitment in BSNL at JTO/JE and CGM level: We demanded instead of recruitment of SET, DR DGM with lateral entry there is need of JTOs/JEs to meet the filed requirement and requested to induct more youngsters through fresh recruitment at the JTO/JAO/JEs level to ensure continuity of experienced manpower for the future. CMD BSNL agreed to the concern expressed by SNEA and assured to look into this issue of fresh recruitment of JEs and JTO in BSNL. On CGM recruitment he informed that issues are being discussed and will be decided accordingly as per the requirement of BSNL.
Issues of Executives at ALTTC Ghaziabad: We brought to the notice of CMD BSNL the manmade issues created by the CGM ALTTC due to not issuing posting order of Executives selected for RTTC Jaipur and how the executives of ALTTC Ghaziabad are forced to get transfer to RTCC Jaipur, BRBRAITT Jabalpur etc and requested for early posting of selected Executives for RTCC Jaipur. CMD BSNL informed that issues are in his notice and assured to look into it and directed Director HR to discuss with him this issue separately.
GM HR/Admn working at the same post for more than Four years: On issue of GM HR Admn holding post beyond the period of four years as per sensitive post guidelines, CMD BSNL responded that the issue is already under active consideration and will be taken care of accordingly.
We have submitted different points for discussions and confirmation from CMD BSNL and want to get all these issues decided by CMD BSNL as all these are old HR issues and many of them are with no financial implication and some are with minor financial implication and requested to take decision on these issues. Copy<<<>>
But CMD BSNL was having another preassigned meeting, and informed that these issues will be taken care of by Director HR. We added that we have already discussed all these issues with Director HR and pursued these issues but till these are not resolved the issues. We added that all issues are part of many earlier agenda meetings and even issues with no financial implication to BSNL are not decided. We requested CMD BSNL to empower Director HR to take decisions on all such issues which are within his powers and made it clear either he does not have powers or he is not using powers to settle all these long pending issues. CMD BSNL responded that Director HR is already empowered and directed Director HR to look into all these issues. Director HR assured us to look into these issues and mainly to have detailed discussions and take decisions in formal agenda meetings.
In conclusion, we have requested CMD BSNL that Director HR is either not using his powers or not allowed to do so as many issues which can be settled at his level are awaiting approval from CMD BSNL and this is one of the reasons for pendency of issues. We elaborated CMD BSNL that we are having a formal agenda meeting and many issues assured in earlier formal meetings by Director HR are not given consideration and appealed CMD BSNL to empower Director HR for resolution of HR issues. CMD BSNL informed that Director HR is fully empowered for taking decisions and he will decide all such issues within his powers. Director HR assured us of the same.
We conveyed thanks to CMD BSNL and expressed hope that the firm assurances by CMD BSNL and actions by Director HR and his team will bring positive, time-bound results for executives across BSNL and strengthen organizational efficiency and morale.
This meeting which lasted for about one hour was constructive and meaningful with CMD BSNL giving a patient hearing to all points raised by SNEA. We have emphasized the urgency of resolving long-pending HR issues relating to transfers, promotions, pay-scale anomalies, and policy matters. Management assured that the concerns would be examined with priority.
