In continuous persuasion by SNEA with all relevant officers within BSNL and in DoT and with kind intervention of Honourable MoC & MoSC on our submissions thereof, SNEA was called for discussion and the presentation on our long pending demand and non-settled issue of upgraded Standard Pay Scales for affected Executives in BSNL. This meeting was held at Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi on 04/06/2026 at 1600 Hrs.
The meeting was chaired by Shri. K. Balaji, IAS, Joint Secretary Admin DoT in presence Shri. Raiti Madhav Rao, Director PSU, DoT and from SNEA this meeting was attended by Ms. Anu Agrawal, Circle Secretary, BSNL Corp Office Delhi and Shri. M. S. Adasul, General Secretary.
At the outset we conveyed thanks to Joint Secretary Admin for understanding the intensity of the issue and giving us time for submission of issues faced by the affected Executives in BSNL.
Shri K. Balaji, Joint Secretary Admin, informed that this meeting is called to know more details about the submission of SNEA on demand of Standard Pay Scales in BSNL and how the issue is still unresolved and affecting the workforce of BSNL and what are possible ways by which issue can be resolved.
We submitted that entire information collected, analyzed, researched, understanding the real issues faced and ways forward to resolve this long pending dispute for justice to affected Executives. We have submitted the Power Point Presentation and elaborated the entire actions on part of BSNL, DoT and DPE. Copy<<<>>
We explained the Power Point Presentation slide by slide and explained how issues are created and not resolved for years together.
In its notification for second PRC issued in 2008 for its applicability from 01/01/2007, DPE has directed Administrative Ministries and CPSEs to go ahead with only Standard Pay Scales notified by DPE and existing intermediate Pay Scales if any are to be suitably upgraded to next Higher Scales and for BSNL it was to be settled with upward E2 Pay Scale as per directions of DPE. Copy<<<>>
This DPE OM was endorsed by DoT and in its response instead of submission of proposal for E2 Scale, BSNL has submitted the same proposal for continuation of E1A Pay Scales as since formation of BSNL, the JTOs & JAOs were recruited at Pay Scales of E1A.
These Scales were widely accepted at that time and BSNL was hopeful that the administrative Ministry DoT will surely approve continuation of intermediate Pay Scales E1A & E2A. But DoT has rejected this proposal in January 2011 stating that E1A and E2A pay Scales are not justified. Copy<<<>>
Then by keeping aside earlier rejection, BSNL again sent the proposal for reconsideration and approval of E1A Pay scales for all JTOs/JAOs and this time DoT has taken up this issue with DPE. Important point here is that DPE has clearly mentioned that as the Administrative Ministry, Dept. of Telecom, do not agree with this proposal and hence DPE also do not agree with it and DoT conveyed the same decision to BSNL. DoT <<<>> DPE <<<>>
We further explained that in order to address the urgency of the contempt case filed at that time, DoT has lowered the existing Pay scales and instead of settling the demand for replacing E1A with E2 Pay Scales and E2A with E3 Pay Scales, the pay scales are reduced to E1 & E2. Instead of following guidelines of DPE, this time DoT issued Presidential order Dated 28/03/2017. Copy<<<>>
From this order it is clearly visible that instead of justice to the affected executives by approval of existing Pay Scales or approving upgraded Standard Pay Scales, DoT has lowered the pay scales from E1A to E1 and E2A to E2.
But as one time settlement, allowed the E1A Pay scales for all existing JTOs/JAOs who were already getting E1A Pay Scales i.e.
- JTOs/JAOs who joined BSNL with absorption from DoT
- JTOs/JAOs who joined BSNL on recruitment or promotions till 31/12/2006
- E1 Pay Scales for JTOs/JAOs who joined BSNL on or after date of Presidential Order 28/03/2017.
- But nothing has been mentioned in this PO about JTOs/JAOs who joined BSNL from 01/01/2007 to 27/03/2017.
We explained that all JTOs/JAOs joined after 01/01/2007 are still financially affected as the request by BSNL for upgraded Standard Pay Scales for the JTOs/JAO joined since 01/01/2007 is not settled since the last 16 years.
Since then DoT and BSNL management are sharing that the issue is resolved with PO Dated 28/03/2017 and hence attained it finality for ever and the issue is declared as closed by DoT even after repeated reminders by BSNL.
We submitted copies of all the letters written by BSNL confirming that the PO Dated 28/03/2017 is not giving justice to affected JTOs and hence needs corrective action. Copy<<<>>
Unfortunately, it is assumed by DoT that this PO dated 28/03/2017 is implemented by BSNL and we explained how it is not implemented by BSNL and how DoT has called the status of implementation of this PO from BSNL.
We added that SNEA earlier through meetings with DyCLC and later on with different levels at DoT kept pursuing this issue and even reached higher Officers/Offices including DPE and during meetings with Honourable MoC & MoSC. First time in meetings of Conciliation Proceedings by DyCLC, it was agreed by BSNL and DoT that this PO Dated 28/03/2017 for settlement of Pay Scale issue of BSNL was not implemented for six years as there is nothing to implement and it was principally agreed by DoT also that issue of settlement of 2nd PRC issues is under consideration. Copy<<<>>
We also shared the information about the resolution of similar issues faced by other PSUs and how the efforts also done by BSNL, DoT and DPE for settlement of this issue in BSNL and how it in non-conclusive as the final PO issued by DoT has nothing to implement and how instead of passing benefits to any of the affected JTOs/JAOs how there will be recovery of some of JTOs/JAOs. Copy<<<>>
We highlighted how directly recruited young executives of BSNL with higher qualification of M. Tech, B. Tech and professionals with CS/CA, legal degrees including GATE recruited executives working at forefront are facing High losses in monthly salary and hence all affected JTOs/JAOs are under huge frustration.
We added that non-approval of upgraded Pay scales by DoT has resulted in resentment and demotivation amongst these executives still they are not leaving any stone unturned in achieving targets and making BSNL profitable.
We added that with our persuasion with then Secretary DoT and then Joint Secretary Admin, it was principally agreed and till now more than 10 meetings were conducted between the officers in Establishment Cell of BSNL and then Joint Secretary Admin DoT. Accordingly information has been called by his office from BSNL which is yet to be submitted by BSNL.
Joint Secretary Admin Shri. K. Balaji, responded that he is aware about the calling information from BSNL, but he wants to know the issues faced by BSNL Executives and what is justification in continued submission by SNEA on this issue and then he asked some queries and the same were responded by us.
Joint Secretary Admin specifically asked that in the last letter from DoT to BSNL it has been mentioned that this issue cannot be settled as it has cascading effect and asked for a factual position.
We narrated that in letter Dated 06/06/2016, BSNL has demanded for Cascading effect Copy<<<>> and the same was not agreed by DoT and vide letter Dated 09/08/2016 it has informed BSNL that due to huge financial burden of Pension under demand of cascading effect, the proposal cannot be acceded. Copy<<<>>
In response, BSNL has changed its stand and informed DOT vide letter dated 12/06/2017, it is clearly submitted that Part I of Letter dated 06/06/2026 for up gradation of E1A & E2A Intermediate Pay Scales is to be implemented and Part II demanding cascading effect will be decided while implementation of third PRC. In this letter under point (v) and (vi) requesting for approval of up gradation of existing intermediate Pay Scales E1A and E2A by Standard pay Scales E2 and E3 Pay scale and limited its demand only for affected JTOs/JAOs Copy<<<>>
We specially submitted that BSNL has only two intermediate pay Scales E1A and E2A and all other Pay scales are standard and there is no any such issue as faced by JTOs/JAOs who have joined BSNL after 01/01/2007 and nothing like cascading effect.
As such, there is no cascading effect, but unfortunately the same is being repeatedly mentioned by DoT including the letter dated 28/04/2022. DoT <<<>> BSNL <<<>>
We submitted that with all this it is crystal clear neither BSNL nor SNEA is demanding for cascading effect by up gradation of all pay scales and we are repeatedly requesting for approval of upgraded Standard pay Scales as replacement of intermediate E1A and E2A Scales by upgraded Standard pay Scales E2 and E3.
We added that here the issue is not for upgradation of pay scales of all cadres and issue is restoration of lowered pay scales of affected JTOs/JAOs and there is no direct relation as other executives are getting due benefits and their pay scales were never reduced and hence there is no cascading effect.
Joint Secretary Admin informed that there are some court cases and how this issue can be settled when matter is sub-judice. We added that due to the prolonged time of 17 years taken by DoT for approval of upgraded Standard Pay Scales, some affected JTOs/JAOs and some groups have approached different courts, but no court has stayed any action by BSNL or DoT. Rather guidelines issued by DPE are crystal clear and hence these cases are admitted and heard by different Honourable Courts.
We added that it is important that in many of the court cases decided till now it has been agreed for approval of Standard Pays Scales and DoT also has responded to it by approving lowered Standard pay Scales against repeated requests of BSNL and SNEA for approval of upgraded Standard Pay Scales and this is issue to be decided.
We added that once the upgraded Standard Pay Scale E2 is approved by DoT for all JTOs/JAOs in BSNL then about all the Court cases on this subject will be settled/closed as their prayer in court cases is considered. This will save lakhs of rupees of DoT, BSNL and the affected executives.
Joint Secretary Admin informed that DoT has repeatedly written to DPE but DPE has not agreed to this demand. We submitted that first matter was raised by DoT to DPE in 2013 and DPE has clearly mentioned that this demand of approval for continuation of E1A Scales cannot be approved as the same is not agreed by administrative Ministry DoT. It clearly demonstrates that if DoT had recommended continuation of E1A Pay scales for all JTOs/JAOs, this Pay Scale issue would have been settled with approval of the DPE.
We submitted the copy of the DPE letter dated 24/12/2012 Copy<<<>> wherein it is clearly mentioned that the corresponding Standard Pay Scales cannot be altered by CPSE and CPSEs cannot have more than one pay scale in a grade, but the same are violated in DoT PO Dated 28/03/2017.
We added that on demand of Standard E2 & E3 Pay Scales by BSNL, DoT has taken up matter with DPE and in response DPE vide OM Dated 29/08/2018, has delegated powers to the Administrative Ministry to settle this issue of intermediate Pay Scales stating actual implementation of the DPE guidelines rests with the CPSEs in consultation with their Administrative Ministry/Dept. Copy<<<>>
We are thankful that DoT has earlier taken decision by issuing PO dated 28/03/2017, which is non-implementable as the part of implementation is missing in this Presidential Order and hence there is need of revised Presidential Order purely for approval of upgraded E2 & E3 Pay Scales for affected JTOs/JAOs and SDE/AOs in BSNL.
We further submitted that as per this DPE letter, BSNL Board has approved Upgraded Standard pay Scales and CMD BSNL has submitted the proposal for approval of E2 and E3 Pay scales as replacement of earlier E1A now E1 to E2 and earlier E2A now E2 to E3 and the final decision is to be taken by DoT which we have been pursuing for the last many years.
Joint Secretary Admin asked the number of executives affected and what exact financial issues they are facing. We responded that there are about 15000 executives in BSNL i.e. 50% of total executives in BSNL are affected due to pendency of approval of upgraded E2 Standard pay Scales. We submitted the batch wise list of executives and how it is directly impacting on concerned executives. Copy<<<>>
Joint Secretary Admin informed that DoT has already extended financial support and it cannot extend support for settlement of this issue and BSNL cannot bear this due to its financial constraints. We responded that this was the old issue of Year 2007, when BSNL was in profit and hence there is no any such issue. If E1A Pay Scale as proposed by BSNL or E2 Pay Scale as directed by DPE/DoT were continued along with other pay scales subject to final approval of DoT, then there would not be an issue as being projected now. During actual approval time, BSNL was in profit and hence 2nd PRC was approved for all and this Pay Scale issue is part of second PRC implemented from 01/01/2007. Hence there is no issue of financial constraints. We also added that BSNL has never asked financial support from DoT for this issue and in each & every letter it is clearly mentioned by BSNL that this issue will be settled from the internal sources.
Joint Secretary Admin asked what the total financial implication is and how it can be justified in present circumstances. We responded that upgraded E2 Standard pay scales will add merely Rs 7.5 to 9 Crores per month and about Rs 90 to 100 Crores per year and detailed figures are already submitted by BSNL officers in our meeting with then Joint Secretary Admin and the same was confirmed by Director PSU.
We added that the issue is of the JTOs/JAOs recruited after 01/01/2007 and all are presently working in the front line in field units all over India including odd and remotest places. They are directly facing and independently dealing with all the operational and development works and issues of BSNL. By considering this, BSNL Board has approved this demand and the same is strongly recommended by CMD BSNL well within the guidelines issued by DoT & DPE.
Important point is that though it was initially rejected by DoT at two occasions, later it is partially agreed by DoT by issuing PO dated 28/03/2017 and thereafter also BSNL has continuously requested for settlement of this long pending issue by approval of E2 pay Scales for all JTOs/SDEs.
Joint Secretary Admin asked about the date of effect of these upgraded Standard Pay Scales. We submitted that this is not new issue and it is an old issue decided at BSNL and DPE long back, DoT also has decided this issue partially on 28/03/2017, but this temporary arrangement of settlement of issues does not cover the affected JTO and hence still not implemented. As such, this old issue of 2007 and its implementation is naturally from 01/01/2007 i.e. the date since this issue was created.
Joint Secretary Admin asked what if the earlier proposal for continuation of E1A & E2A Scales is approved for entry level executives in BSNL. We submitted that BSNL has already demanded for the same, but not approved by DoT and when BSNL demanded for E2 pay scales, then DoT has approved E1A pay scales that to be partially and not for affected JTO /JAOs and hence issues. WE also added that DPE has never agreed for E1A Intermediate Pay scales and now also it may not agree. Further, approval of E1A scales for all JTOs /JAOs will not solve this problem to root cause, as BSNL has already granted batch to batch fixation viz. E1 plus five increments, 19020, 21620, 22080 basic to many of JTOs /JAOs and their grievances will not be resolved with E1A Pay scales and disparity will continue. Hence the upgraded Standard Pay Scale E2 should be approved for all JTOs/JAOs joined in BSNL from 01/01/2007 to till today.
Joint Secretary Admin asked about the proposal by SNEA for settlement of this issue once for all and we submitted that if DoT conveys approval for request of BSNL for approval E2 Pay Scales for affected JTOs and JAOs in BSNL then the issue will be resolved to its root cause and this will be justice to all JTOs/JAOs in BSNL. We added that with all correspondence between BSNL, DoT and DPE this is the only solution as of today.
Joint Secretary Admin asked why this issue is pending for these many years and it was not raised earlier. We explained how this issue is repeatedly taken by BSNL management and SNEA also is continuously pursuing this issue and we submitted all our correspondence on this subject matter and also submission by BSNL Management. We added that with continuous persuasion by SNEA more than 10 rounds of discussions are held till now by then Joint Secretary Admn on this subject in presence of officers in BSNL and now it needs his kind intervention for resolution of this issue.
Joint Secretary Admin also made some other queries and we have replied to all these queries with supporting documents.
After elaborate discussions, we submitted our prayer for consideration of BSNL Request for upgraded Standard Pay Scales E2 for all JTOs/JAOs in BSNL and justice to the thousands of affected executives in BSNL.
Joint Secretary Admin appreciated the presentation and detailed submission by SNEA and expressed that the desired information has been received by him and assured necessary action for settlement of this issue.
In conclusion of the meeting which lasted for one hour, Joint Secretary Admin asked Director PSU to pursue with BSNL for the information called from BSNL and ensure that the same is received at the earliest and directed re-process the proposal on receipt of information called from BSNL.
We conveyed thanks to Shri. K. Balaji, Joint Secretary Admin and Shri. Raiti Madhav Rao, Director PSU for giving ample time for understanding this long pending issue and requested for approval of upgraded Standard Pay Scales for all affected Executives.
