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DETAILS OF
THE PROCEEDINGS OF TESA CHQ OFFICE BEARERS’ MEET HELD AT CHENNAI ON 9th
JULY 2006 : The CHQ Office Bearers of TESA had
a meeting at Chennai on 09.07.2006 to discuss the steps to be taken to
decide the future status of the Organisation and to consider the letters
received from AIBSNLEA asking TESA to transfer its movable and immovable
assets to it. The detailed proceedings of this meeting, including the
decision/action plan is now circulated. [ Please click
here for the details.]
COM K SREEKUMARAN NAIR, AGS, TESA (I) IS NO MORE
Com K Sreekumaran Nair, Assistant General Secretary of TESA(I)
and former Organising Secretary (South), AIBSNLEA breathed his last on 21st
December, 2006 at Thiruvananthapuram. He was having a severe cerebral
hemorrhage on 19th December, 2006 and was rushed to the Hospital
in a critical condition. Com Nair earlier served TESA also on the capacity
of Organising Secretary (South). His sudden demise is certainly a blow to
the right thinking members. He had recently been engaged in having an All
India Association of the Retired Executives of BSNL. We shall carry out
his unfulfilled work. TESA mourn his untimely death and convey heartfelt
condolence to the bereaved family
Just in: (13.12.06 1700 Hrs)
The Delhi High Court, today
(13.12.06), while hearing the cases filed by some ITS officers on Group A
absorption, has ordered issue of notice to the petitioners to reply in
respect of the OA filed by MTNL Executives' Welfare Association. The
next date of hearing has been fixed on 18th January 2007.
FLASH (as updated on 12.12.2006)
(1)PROMOTION POLICY FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES: The orders on the subject is likely to be delayed
further, since BSNL Board has to first take a decision in the manner in
which the time bound scheme for upgradation of pay scales is to be
implemented for those Executive cadres in BSNL whose pay scales were
upgraded by BSNL Management after 01.10.2000. These cadres mostly belong to
Civil/Electrical/Architect/CSS/Telecom Factory etc. It may be recalled that
sometime past, BSNL constituted a sub-committee headed by Jt DDG(SEA) to
examine the demand for giving effect of all such upgraded IDA pay scales
uniformly for all these cadres with effect from 1.10.2000 and also to give
recommendations thereof. This Sub-Committee had submitted its Report long
back. Now BSNL has to consider these recommendations, take decision and
accordingly communicate DoT.
(2) ISSUE OF PROMOTION ORDERS FROM SDEs
TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM ON ADHOC BASIS: The clarification that was
received by DoT from Supreme Court in regard to its earlier judgment on the
seniority of the TES Group ‘B’ Officers with reference to Allahabad High
Court judgment involving S/Shri P.N.Lal and Brijmohan may have some impact
on this matter. At present BSNL is acting on the basis of the latest
seniority lists issued by DoT and the matter is in the advanced stage. But
BSNL is now consulting legal experts to ascertain whether the clarification
of Supreme Court requires it to revisit these Seniority Lists. In case the
legal advice suggests that no further revision of seniority lists is
required, BSNL may release the promotion order based on the existing
seniority lists by early next month. However if the advice is for revision
of the seniority lists, release of promotion orders will be indefinitely
delayed. Meanwhile, it is gathered that a few involved persons have already
moved to Courts regarding seniority issue.
(3) PROMOTION ORDERS FROM JTOs
TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM ON REGULAR BASIS: As reported earlier, the
promotion order is expected to be released very shortly. The vacancies for
this DPC include the unfilled vacancies of earlier years for SCs/STs. The
promotion order may be for around 850-900 JTOs. The vacancies for ST
candidates may not be completely filled up since eligible candidates are
less in number. However, fresh efforts have been initiated to locate such
candidates. The number of OC candidates may be slightly above 470.
FLASH (as updated on
10.12.2006)
(1) PROMOTION POLICY FOR BSNL’S EXECUTIVES: DoT is yet to vet the draft order on promotion policy and return back the
same to BSNL for issue of detailed Orders.
(2) PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM
TO DEs TELECOM ON ADHOC BASIS: The DPC is stated to have started
functioning. If no other hurdle comes, the promotion Orders could be issued
by January 2007.
(3) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM: BSNL may
shortly issue promotion order of about 1100-1200 JTOs Telecom to SDEs
Telecom on regular basis. Necessary activities to cause issue of the
promotion order is almost over.
FLASH (updated on 02.12.2006)
NEWS IN BRIEF: (1) BSNL, MTNL GRAB 62% SHARE OF NET
MARKET: BSNL and MTNL jointly enjoy the dominant position among the internet
service providers with 62% market share as in June 2006. While BSNL was
having 43% of the market share, MTNL on the other hand had 19% market share.
Private ISP Siffy has 11.83% market share. The share of VSNL has fallen to a
low of 6% followed by Bharti at 5.73%. (2) PRIVATE GSM OPERATORS ACTING AS
CARTEL : TRAI has observed that the private GSM Operators are acting as a
‘cartel’ against MTNL and BSNL and also charging higher tariffs from the
customers. This observation is important since there had been apprehension
from the very beginning of entry of the private telecom operators in telecom
business that they would be more concern about their profit margin instead
of looking into customers’ benefit. Existence of BSNL and MTNL is therefore
to be ensured in the interest of the customers alone. (3) STAY ORDER ON
BSNL’S GSM TENDER EXTENDED: Delhi High Court has further extended the stay
order on award of contract by BSNL for 45 million lines for GSM network till
14.12.2006. The case was filed by Motorola against the decision of BSNL not
to consider it in the tendering process. Unless the issue is resolved,
expansion plan of BSNL’s GSM network will get further delayed.
FLASH (updated on 29.11.2006)
(1)PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM ON ADHOC BASIS: We had earlier
reported that promotion order from SDEs Telecom to DEs Telecom would be
further delayed, since DoT simply forwarded the Clarification Order which
was passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court on its earlier judgment on the seniority
of the TES Group B Officers to BSNL without taking action at its own end.
This move of DoT is certainly to avoid its own responsibility to revisit its
earlier action in the matter of fixation of seniority of the SDEs Telecom
following issue of the clarification. BSNL is now in a fix and seeking for a
clear guidance from DoT. This stalemate still continues. (2) PROMOTION
POLICY: DoT is yet to vet the draft order on promotion policy which was sent
by BSNL more than seven weeks earlier. DoT is still dealing with this issue
in a very casual manner.(3) RETIREMENT ORDERS : Normally Personnel Branch of
BSNL issues Orders for the retirement of the SDEs/DEs before each month end.
But this could not be done in respect of those retiring on 31st October
2006. This is due to a new procedure laid down by the Vigilance Branch to
issue vigilance clearance. The matter is being sorted out. It is expected
that now onwards, the delay will be avoided. (4) DELHI HIGH COURT CASES ON
GROUP ‘A’ ABSORPTION MATTERS : The bench could not sit on 27.11.2006, since
one of Judges in the bench was on leave. The cases have now been listed for
hearing on 13.12.2006. .
FLASH (updated on 17.11.2006)
(1)
PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM ON ADHOC BASIS : Following a
decision to call for the particulars and assessment of ACRs of additional
SC/ST candidates, there is likely to be some more delay in finalizing the
list of selected candidates for promotion from SDEs Telecom to DEs Telecom
on adhoc basis against 2311 vacancies of DEs. The Circles have now been
asked to furnish the required information/documents by 05.12.2006.
(2)
FOLLOW UP ACTION BY DoT ON THE RECENT CLARIFICATION OF HON’BLE SUPREME COURT
ON ITS EARLIER JUDGMENT IN THE RULE 206 RELATED CASE INVOLVING SENIORITY OF
THE TES GROUP ‘B’ OFFICERS: DoT appears to be still undecided on the
matter. It is learnt that DoT has sent a copy of the latest Order of Supreme
Court to BSNL with the advice to take appropriate action in accordance with
the clarifications given by the Hon’ble Court. It is not clear whether DoT
wants to buy time or shift its responsibility to BSNL which is no where in
the picture in regard to this case. Unless the issue is resolved quickly, it
might have some impact on all promotion related issues for the SDEs Telecom
including the present effort to issue promotion order on adhoc basis against
the vacancies in the grade of DEs.
(3) REFUND OF SAVINGS PORTION IN THE OLD
CGIES: BSNL has since issued certain guidelines to the Circles in
connection with above. Individual claim from the concerned employees will
have to be collected in prescribed form and thereafter compiled SSAs/PAUs-wise
again in a prescribed format. The concerned Circle shall also prepare a
consolidated statement for refund for the entire Circle and send to the
concerned CCA for issue of cheque. The Circles are to submit the claims in
prescribed format by 30.11.2006.
(4) STAY ORDER ON BSNL AGAINST PLACING
ORDERS FOR SUPPLY OF GSM EQUIPMENTS ETC: Delhi High Court has extended the
stay order till 30.11.2006 in a case filed by Motorala Company against its
exclusion from the tendering process.
FLASH
(updated on 15.11.2006)
(1) BSNL EXECUTIVES’
PROMOTION POLICY: DoT is taking its own time to vet the draft order on
Promotion Policy which has been drafted by BSNL based on the decisions in
the meeting of the BSNL Board followed by the presentation made to the
Secretary, DoT on 06.10.2006. The attitude of DoT clearly manifests its
callousness and total negligence towards the absorbed Executives.
(2) DELHI HIGH COURT CASES ON GROUP ‘A’ ABSORPTION: The cases filed by some
ITS Group ‘A’ Officers came up for hearing today. But there was practically
no argument on merit. The Court has fixed 27th November 2006 for hearing of
the cases.
(3) PROMOTION FROM SDEs TO DEs ON ADHOC BASIS: Personnel Branch of BSNL has
made appreciable progress in the case. The Screening Committee of senior
Officers may start meeting from next week to finalize the list of selected
candidates.
(4) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM: After having sorted out the
discrepancies in respect of the vacancy position in the grade of SDEs,
action has been initiated by BSNL to hold the DPC for promotion of the
eligible JTOs to SDEs on regular basis.
FLASH
(updated on 09.11.2006)
(1)
COURT CASES ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION:
The cases regarding absorption of the Group `A’ Officers in BSNL/MTNL came
up for hearing today in Delhi High Court. The Counsel for the petitioners
argued before the court. Addl Solicitor General appearing for DoT was not
present. The Court has now fixed next hearing on 15.11.2006.
(2) BSNL EXECUTIVES’ PROMOTION POLICY:
DoT is yet to vet the draft Order on promotion policy which is to be issued
by BSNL for implementation.
(3) REVIEW OF INCOME TAX EXEMPTIONS:
It is reported that the Finance Ministry may revisit the income tax
provisions and there is every likelihood that there could be lesser income
tax in the coming year. It is further reported that Income Tax Deptt itself
has suggested reintroduction of ‘standard deduction’ for the salaried
employees. Decision is likely to be reflected in the next year’s union
budget.
FLASH (updated on 03.11.2006)
(1) PROMOTION POLICY:
DoT has not yet returned
the draft order on Promotion Policy which was sent by BSNL for vetting. It
seems that DoT is taking its own time on this vital issue. The basic
question that has to be answered by both DoT/BSNL that why they have
violated the commitment given in the option documents that the Promotion
will be given to the Group `B’ Officers on their absorption between four to
six years of service - now that six years of service in BSNL is complete
on 1.10.2006.
(2) SHRI Y S BHAVE, SECRETARY, DOT RELINQUISHES
CHARGE: Shri Y S Bhave, Spl Secretary of DoT, who was also the Chairman
of the Committee constituted to look into the demands for changes in the
Promotion Policy that was approved by BSNL Board in 2005, has since
relinquished his charges on 31.10.2006 to join his new assignment. After the
transfer of Dr J S Sarma, former Secretary, DoT, this is another
administrative change that may have some impact on early finalisation of
Promotion Policy and Group ‘A’ absorption.
(3) DELHI HIGH COURT CASES ON
GROUP ‘A’ ABSORPTION: The cases came up for hearing today. The
Advocate for MTNL EXECUTIVES’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION had made some points
before the Court. This Association has pleaded before the Court that so far
as MTNL is concerned, the absorption process of the Group ‘A” Officers is
already over and those who have not got absorbed may be repatriated back to
DoT. Next date for hearing of this case is now 9th November 2006.
[ It was inadvertently mentioned in this website due to typographical error
that the cases would be heard on 4.11.2006 instead of 03.11.2006. This is
regretted- GS]
FLASH (updated on 30.10.2006)
(1)
PROMOTION POLICY: The draft Order on promotion policy, which was drafted and
sent to DoT by BSNL for vetting, is yet to be cleared. We have already
reported earlier that the provisions in the promotion policy was being
judged on broader spectrum like impact on pension and views of MTNL since
the same Promotion Policy was also offered to the Group `B’ Officers for
their absorption in MTNL.
(2) PROMOTION FROM SDEs TO DEs ON ADHOC BASIS: BSNL is scrutinizing the
inputs and other records supplied by the Circles to facilitate issue of
promotion order. Work for preparation of SC/ST roster is simultaneously
going on.
(3) FOLLOW UP ACTION ON THE CLARIFICATION GIVEN BY SUPREME COURT ABOUT
SENIORITY/ PROMOTION: DoT is examining the clarification issued by Supreme
Court in regard to the seniority/promotion in TES Group ‘B’ in the same
manner as was followed in case of S/Shri P N Lal and Brij Mohan. DoT may
refer the matter to Ministry of Law for obtaining the advice for further
action.
(4) COURT CASES ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION: The court cases in Delhi High Court
on Group ‘A’ absorption are now listed for hearing on 04.11.2006.
FLASH (updated on 22.10.2006)
(1)
PROMOTION POLICY:
DoT is yet to vet the draft
orders on Promotion Policy which was forwarded by BSNL after the
presentation that was made on 6th October 2006 before the
Secretary, DoT and others. It was already reported in this website that BSNL,
in its forwarding note, had clearly mentioned about the financial
implication that the proposal would have on the payment of pension to the
Executives. It is reliably learnt that a copy of the BSNL Board approved
Promotion Policy has been sent to MTNL also. Response from MTNL is now being
awaited. If MTNL takes its own time and comes out with certain changes in
the detailed proposals as were worked out by BSNL, orders on Promotion
Policy will be further delayed. Finally, DoT may like to submit the entire
policy to Minister of Communications & IT for approval. It is likely that
the release of Orders on Promotion Policy may take a little longer time than
expected.
(2) COURT CASES ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION:
The cases which were
listed for hearing on last Thursday i.e. 19.10.2006 in Delhi High Court have
been postponed for 30.10.2006.
FLASH (19.10.2006):
1. Orders issued for enhancement of free calls limit on
RSTC and provision of rent free GSM connection to Executives.
Click
Here for the order.
(2) DELHI HIGH COURT CASES ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION:
The arguments are continuing on day to day basis from 16.10.06.
FLASH (updated on 17.10.2006)
(1) WAGE NEGOTIATIONS FOR PSU WORKERS : Union
cabinet yesterday (16.10.2006) has authorized the Central Public Sector
Enterprises’ Managements to initiate the seventh round of wage negotiations
for the benefit of their unionized workmen
from January 1,
2007. The validity of the sixth round of wage negotiations is to end on 31
December 2006. Cabinet has further decided that:- (a) next round of
negotiations would be valid for ten years, (b) there would be no budgetary
support from the Government to meet the additional expenditure and the
enterprises would have to manage the burden within their means, (c) the
enterprises would have to raise their profitability and productivity to
implement the revised wage structure, (d) the enterprises are to ensure that
there is no increase in the administered prices of their goods and services
after wage negotiations, (e) the wage revision would be with 100 cent
dearness allowance neutralization, (f) there should not be any increase in
labour cost.
(2) DELHI HIGH COURT CASES ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION:
Rejecting the plea of the Petitioners (ITS Officers) to postpone the
arguments in view of the non-availability of their senior counsel, the Delhi
High Court had ordered starting of the arguments on the cases. Accordingly,
the arguments have started yesterday (16.10.2006) and are to further
continue today.
FLASH (updated on 14.10.2006)
(1) BSNL’S PROMOTION
POLICY:Following the presentation made on 6th October 2006 on the detailed
provisions in the Promotion Policy, the Secretary, DoT had given his nod for
further processing of the matter and accordingly BSNL has prepared the
‘draft Order’ and sent the same to Secretary, DoT for his vetting. Once it
is vetted, the Orders will be released. BSNL, in its note, has also pointed
out the financial impact the policy on its implementation will have on
`pension’. It is expected that further movement in the case will be possible
after Secretary, DoT returns from abroad. Though the major decisions taken
on the Policy by the BSNL Board last year remain unchanged, following would
be some important features of the modified policy:-
(a) There will be both
time bound upgradation to the next higher IDA pay scales scheme and post
based vertical promotions based on relevant Recruitment Rules already
framed/to be framed. The first upgradation, under the time bound placement
scheme, will be available on completion of 4 to 6 years of service (
Provided one has reached the minimum of the next higher IDA pay scale. This
condition does not apply on completion of 6 years of service). Subsequent
upgadations upto the IDA Pay Scales of SG JAG will be available after each
5 years of service.
(b) No weightage for past services in DOT/DTO/DTS will
be available in time bound upgradation scheme.
(c) Designations, duties and
responsibilities of the next higher grade will not be available under the
time bound scheme.
(d) Attendant condition for time bound upgradation scheme
will be having different bench marks for different levels – it will be
comparatively liberal at the JTOs/Equivalent level and become gradually stiffer for
the higher levels (in the earlier policy decided last year it was uniform at
all levels)
(e) On implementation of this policy all DoT approved schemes
like lateral advancement, ACP, Sr SDE/Sr AOs shall be discontinued.
(f) Second
time pay fixation under FR.22.i.a.i has also been proposed on promotion to
the same IDA Pay Scales. (It may be recalled that DoT has already issued
instructions withdrawing this facility from the JTOs/SDEs following Audit
objection. Even if BSNL decides otherwise, Audit may again object and this
being a FR related issue, DoP&T/Deptt of Expenditure may have the final
say.)
(g) Management Trainee recruitment at STS level to be introduced. The
ratio between the Deptl and outside quota will be 50:50. However, out of the
50% outside quota, 25% of the vacancies will be filled up by internal
candidates and remaining 25% by the outsiders through competitive
examinations.
(h)
All vertical promotions will have a little tougher bench
marks based on CRs compared to time bound upgradation scheme
(i) The ratio
between the competitive exam quota and seniority quota for promotion from
JTOs to SDEs will be 1/3rd and 2/3rd of the vacancies
instead of existing quota of 25% and 75% of the vacancies respectively.
The
rationale behind this decision of increasing the competitive quota is not
understood when the Management is never able to hold the Examinations on
time and a huge number of posts in all examinations always remain unfilled
in competitive quota.
(j)
The demand for implementation of all the revised
IDA Pay Scales uniformly with effect from 1.1.2000 is not agreed to.
(k)
Similarly, no decision has been taken on the demand for one time placement
in the Sr SDEs grade.
(2) BSNL SLASHES STD RATES: With effect from 1st
November 2006, BSNL will provide STD calls @ Re 1 per minute across the
country along with reduced rentals to its customers. BSNL is also enhancing
the number of free calls to 50 a month instead of 25 as at present . The PCO
pulse duration is also being increased to 60 seconds from the existing 45
seconds for the call rate of Re 1/- per minute. BSNL has also declared a
DIVIDEND of Rs 1175 crore for the year 2005-06 and has registered an
OPERATING PROFIT of Rs 8270 crore for the same period.
(3) MTNL INTRODUCES
TV SERVICE THROUGH ITS PHONE LINES: MTNL is introducing TV services on
its phone lines simultaneously along with making /receiving calls and
surfing the NET on broadband connection. In Mumbai, the Service is being
launched from tomorrow i.e. 14.10.2006. The service will be available in
Delhi with effect from next Tuesday i.e. 17.10.2006.
FLASH (10.10.06):
REPLY FROM TESA
(I) IN RESPONSE TO THE ISSUES RAISED BY GS AIBSNLEA IN HIS LETTERS DATED
25-4-06 AND 14-6-06: GS
TESA (I) replies to the letters dated 25-4-06 and 14-6-06 from GS AIBSNLEA
explaining the position on issues raised by GS AIBSNLEA, with a view to
putting the records straight.
Click here for the
letter
FLASH
(updated on 08.10.2006)
(1) BSNL
EXECUTIVES’ PROMOTION POLICY: Chairman, Telecom Commission has since
returned back the Policy containing some detailed provisions to BSNL on
06.10.2006 without any addition/deletion after a presentation of the Policy
was made to him on the same day by the senior Officers of BSNL. Earlier some
news, quoting the DoT Secretary himself, was floated that the presentation
would be made only after 17.10.2006. But the presentation was held on
6.10.2006 as previously scheduled. BSNL is now getting ready to issue the
detailed instructions after getting the same vetted by DoT. All efforts are
being made to release the Orders in the coming week itself. Since the Orders
are expected to be released shortly, it is of no use to make guess works on
its contents. But significant improvement over the proposals that BSNL Board
approved last year is not there. Further the approach of the Management has
been, as is understood, to keep the option open with them to play with the
Policy at a later stage to help a `favoured’ group of all the time. The
Policy is likely to be termed as “Group B” promotion policy.
(2)
CLARIFICATION BY SUPREME COURT ON ITS EARLIER JUDGEMENT ON PARA-206 RELATED
CASES: The latest order on the above, issued recently by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in response to the application that was filed by DoT in Civil
Appeal No 4339 of 1995 might cause DoT to issue another set of seniority
lists. It may happen that the seniority lists with ‘deemed date of
promotion’ prepared in accordance with Para-206 and issued in March 2001,
which were again withdrawn subsequently, have to be made operational. There
is every chance that the seniority of large number of TES Group B Officers
may undergo changes. Now it is the DoT, which only wanted the clarification
from Supreme Court, is to make the first move and come forward to remove the
anxiety caused in the mind of the TES Group ‘B’ Officers.
FLASH (updated on
04.10.2006)
(1) CASES IN DELHI HIGH COURT ON GROUP ‘A’ ABSORPTION:
The cases filed by some ITS Officers regarding
Group `A’ absorption were listed for hearing today. However the two-member
Bench, which is now reconstituted with a new judge, decided to hear the
cases on 16.10.2006.
(2) BSNL EXECUTIVES PROMOTION POLICY:
DoT is yet to give its green signal to implement the
detailed provisions in the Policy which were earlier approved by the BSNL
Board. The target dates as given by Director (HRD) - first as on 31.01.2006
and thereafter as 30.09.2006 to implement the policy – have thus failed.
Sources say that negative forces are trying to influence DoT against certain
provisions in the Policy, which could have given some benefits to the
Executives.
(3) PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM
ON ADHOC BASIS: The requisite information, as
called for from the Circles, are gradually being received by the concerned
Personnel Branch in BSNL Corporate Office. Completion of the whole process
facilitating issue of the promotion order will take some more months.
(4) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM
: Verification of vacancy position in the cadre
of SDEs Telecom for the vacancy year 2005-06 is still continuing. Finally
the DPC, as and when held, will be only against a few hundred vacancies.
(5) GRANT OF STAGNATION INCREMENT ON YEAR TO
YEAR BASIS: In a new development, some senior
Group `A’ Officers since absorbed in BSNL have started putting pressure on
BSNL Management for grant of annual stagnation increments. These Officers
are now stagnating at the maximum of their IDA pay scales. The issue, which
was earlier rejected by BSNL Management Committee, is likely to be
reexamined.
FLASH (updated on 28.09.2006)
1)
PROMOTION POLICY: Detailed provisions in BSNL Executives’ Promotion
Policy are yet to be made public. BSNL Management Committee and thereafter
the BSNL Board had recently approved the Report of the Bhave Committee which
suggested certain changes in the earlier provisions in the Policy which were
recommended by the High Level Committee and approved by BSNL Board last
year. The Promotion Policy now awaits the clearance by the Chairman, Telecom
Commission. This is a new move. It may be recalled that last year, the
Personnel Branch of BSNL immediately after approval of the proposals by BSNL
Board was about to release the detailed provisions for implementation. It
was not sent to Chairman, Telecom Commission. The issue of Orders was
withheld following intervention of the then Chairman, Telecom Commission on
the request of one Association. But this time BSNL, perhaps, does not want
to take a chance and has sent the proposals to Chairman, Telecom
Commission. In the whole exercise, an important issue pertaining to the
career progression of the Executives is getting delayed and delayed.
(2) GROUP ‘A’ ABSORPTION:
The cases filed by the ITS Group `A’
Officers came up for hearing in Delhi High Court yesterday. But now also, no
argument took place. In absence of one of the two judges presiding over the
Court, another new judge joined. But he is said to have declined to hear
these cases, since as a Supreme Court Lawyer he had earlier been a counsel
for a party involved. Next date of hearing of the case has now been fixed
for 04th October 2006. We may recall that these cases were to be
heard on a day to day basis, but during the last one month no argument has taken place.
(3) BONANZA FOR GROUP ‘A’ OFFICERS OF DOT WHO
DECLINED TO SUBMIT OPTION FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL:
After the
exit of Dr J S Sarma, former Chairman, Telecom Commission, the Group ‘A’
Officers – mostly the ITS and working in BSNL without absorption – are being
offered bonanzas after bonanzas. First, the adhoc payment of Rs 2750 per
month has been restored back. This was earlier stopped during Dr Sarma’s
tenure. Now the Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI), which was stopped
during Dr Sarma’s tenure to non-BSNL Employees, has been restored back to
them. This time, even the ceiling limit for payment of PLI has been enhanced
to benefit mostly the senior Officers. The hike for lower level employees is
very marginal. Though there was no demand from any quarter of the employees
for removal of ceiling limit, BSNL Management for the first time in its
history was found to be very liberal. The reasons are obvious.
(4) NAVARATNA STATUS FOR SEVEN ADDITIONAL PSUs:
The proposal for
inclusion of seven additional PSUs, including BSNL, in the list of Navaratna
Status PSUs are being delayed for consideration as the meeting of the Apex
Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary is being repeatedly postponed. The
proposals are pending before the Committee for over last four months.
Sources say that the chances of even the BSNL getting the status is very
grim since it is reported to be not fulfilling certain new
parameters. Unless there is concerted effort, BSNL may miss the bus.
(5) BSNL TO INVEST RS 17000 CRORES IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR:
BSNL has announced its decision to invest Rs 17,000 crores for expansion
of its GSM and Broad Band services. It will also invest for providing value
added services. Entire investment will be from its internal
resources and no outside borrowing will be required.
(6) BSNL REDUCES
CARRYING CHARGES OF LONG DISTANCE CALLS FOR MTNL: BSNL has decided to
reduce the carrying charges of MTNL’s Long Distance calls through
its network. This might help MTNL to come out from the financial trouble
that it is facing. But MTNL Management needs to pull up its own socks for
retention of its customer base through better marketing policy and also to
be very serious about revenue collection.
20.9.06:PLI for the year 2005-06 will be 1.4 times of the basic pay as on
1st March 2006 subject to a minimum of Rs.10000/- and a maximum of
Rs.25000/-. This is payable even to those who have not been absorbed in BSNL.
During previous years PLI was paid only to those who were absorbed in BSNL.Click
Here for PLI orders.
FLASH (updated on 14.09.2006)
(1)PROMOTION
POLICY:The views of the Management Committee of
BSNL on the proposed changes (as suggested by the Committee headed by Shri A
S Bhave, Addl Secretary, DoT) in some of the provisions of the Promotion
Policy which were approved by BSNL Board more than a year back are yet to
percolate down. On receipt of the same, Memo will be prepared for decision
and approval of BSNL Board.
(2) ISSUE OF ORDERS ON PRODUCTIVITY LINKED
INCENTIVE:The Management Committee has already
cleared the proposal. Now the matter is being put up for discussion and
decision in the meeting of the BSNL Board scheduled to be held on Monday
i.e. 18.09.2006. Orders likely to be issued by the end of coming week.
(3) DOT WITHDRAWS ORDERS ON PAY FIXATION UNDER
FR-22.i.(a).i ON VERTICAL PROMOTION TO SDEs FROM LATERAL ADVANCEMENT GARDE
OF JTOs AND FROM SR SDEs TO JTS: DoT, vide its
Order dated 6.9.2006, has withdrawn the Orders issued in 1994 granting the
above benefit. The Orders for withdrawal of benefit comes into effect with
“immediate effect” i.e. 06.09.2006. It may be recalled that the above
benefit was granted with the approval of DoP&T and Deptt of Expenditure in
the face of an agitation launched by TESA when Shri N Vittal, IAS was the
Chairman, Telecom Commission. It may also be recalled that the P&T Audit, a
few years back, even ordered recovery of the payments already made stating
that such benefit cannot be given in view of a Supreme Court verdict (not
involving DoT). The matter was taken up by DoT with DoP&T and finally the
Audit objection was OVER RULED. Clarification accordingly was sent to all
Circles. The change of events now suggests that there could be some missing
links in the whole episode.
(4) PROVISION OF GSM CONNECTIONS TO ALL
EXECUTIVES:BSNL has decided to provide GSM
connections to all its Executives. Restrictions and conditions will apply
based on the level of the Executives in the hierarchy. Orders likely to be
issued next week.
(5) ENHANCEMENT OF FREE CALLS:
The above Order may also contain enhancement of free calls in service
connections. But the increase will be very marginal.
(6) BROAD BAND CONNECTIONS:
All JAG level Officers and above may be allowed to get Broad Band
connections.
(7) BSNL/MTNL ALLOTTED SPECTRUM FOR TRIAL OF 3G
MOBILE SERVICES: DoT has since allotted
low-power spectrum to BSNL, MTNL, Bharti and Hutch to carry out interface
check on a non-commercial basis.
(8) BSNL’S GSM CROSSES TWO CRORE MARK:BSNL’s
GSM connections have crossed two crore mark. But BSNL is still far behind
the private Company leading in this sector.
FLASH (updated on 07.09.2006)
(1)
BSNL ORDERS RESTORATION OF ADHOC PAYMENT OF RS 2750 PER MONTH TO
THE NON-ABSORBED GROUP ‘A’ OFFICERS: BSNL has issued an Order dated
06.09.2006 restoring adhoc payment of Rs 2750 per month with retrospective
effect to the non-absorbed Group ‘A’ Officers of DoT working in BSNL. This
seems to be an incentive to those Group ‘A’ Officers who showed their
reluctance to get absorbed when Orders after Orders were issued asking the
Group ‘A’ Officers to submit option either for absorption in BSNL/MTNL or to
remain in DoT. [Click for the Orders]
(2) BSNL EXECUTIVES’ PROMOTION
POLICY: The Management Committee of BSNL is understood to have discussed
the revised proposals on 6th and 7th September 2006.
The proposals, as stated earlier, would be placed before the meeting of the
Board of Directors. The revised proposals seem to be not encouraging
enough. The eligibility periods for time bound placements in the next
higher scales, pay-fixations methods, weightage for past services,
designations etc remain the same as in the old proposals. There may be
separate attendant conditions based on marks in CRs for time bound placement
and post based promotion. Quota for competitive examination for promotion to
the cadre of SDEs and equivalent is likely to be enhanced to 33.33 %.
(3) DA
for CG EMPLOYEES ENHANCED: Government has ordered enhancement of DA to the
CG Employees by 5% (from 24% to 29%) w e f July 2006.
FLASH (updated on 06.09.2006)
(1) PAY REVISION
COMMITTEE FOR PSE EMPLOYEES: In the wake of Oil Executives’ agitation
(since deferred yesterday), Mr Murli Deora, Petroleum Minister has stated
that the Prime Minister has agreed to set up a pay revision committee for
Central Public Enterprises. However, no time limit has been given for
setting up the Committee.
(2) MERGER OF 50% DA FOR PSE EMLOYEES: Minister
for Public Sector Enterprises and Heavy Industries, Mr Santosh Mohan Dev has
assured the agitating Oil Executives that he would take up the issue of 50%
merger of DA with the Cabinet. Earlier, it may be recalled that BSNL had
positively responded to the query from Deptt of Public Enterprises about its
capacity to pay while MTNL responded in negative.
(3) PROMOTION POLICY
FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES: The report of the Committee headed by Mr Y S Bhave,
Special Secretary, DoT has reached the concerned section in BSNL Corporate
Office. Draft Memo for consideration of the proposals in the meeting of the
Management Committee is now under preparation. The same is likely to be put
up before the Management Committee very shortly.
(4) PROMOTION FROM JTOs
TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM AGAINST SENIORITY QUOTA: The proposed DPC may not
take place in near future. Vacancies are reported to be in the negative. It
is said that excess number of promotions even in absence of vacancies took
place in earlier DPCs. Unless the matter is resolved positively, more
problems are likely to surface even in case of those already promoted.
(5)
PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM OF DEs TELECOM ON ADHOC BASIS: The assessment
sheets and CRs have reached BSNL Corporate Office only from five Circles.
Others are being reminded.
(6) PROMOTION FROM STS LEVEL TO JAG LEVEL IN CIVIL
WING: BSNL has constituted a Committee for promotion as per 1994 RR of DoT from STS to JAG level in Civil Wing of BSNL.
(7) POST CREATION UNDER
MANPOWER PLANNING: In a new turn on this issue, now danger of losing
earlier sanctioned posts looms large. The Management Committee is understood
to have asked for the details of the posts justified in all the other areas
in addition to the new areas for which the post creation proposal under the
Manpower Planning was made. In view of large scale surrendering of land
lines etc, the existing sanctioned posts are likely to be reduced. This may
adversely affect the opportunities for post based promotions at all level.
(8) PRODUCTIVITY LINKED INCENTIVE FOR BSNL EMPLOYEES: Management Committee
has cleared the proposal. Now Board Memo will have to be put up for
approval of BSNL Board of Directors. Payment Order is likely to be issued
within this fortnight.
(9) BSNL /MTNL SIGN SUBMARINE CABLE PACT: MTNL and
BSNL have joined hands to lay submarine cable system to connect India to
South East Asia and West Asia to provide international bandwidth for their
own as well as other commercial requirements.
(10)DELHI HIGH COURT CASES
ON GROUP A ABSORPTION: The cases filed against the absorption process came
up for hearing today. However, the ASG submitted before the Court that he
was not prepared for these cases since he was preoccupied with some other
case in Supreme Court and requested for postponement. The Hon’ble Court
thereafter fixed 27th September 2006 for hearing of the cases.
There are talks that perhaps the DoT is not serious over the issues and
is handling the same very casually.
(2.9.06) COM
V CHINNAPAPPAIAH, VICE PRESIDENT, TESA(I), RETIRES FROM SERVICE:
Comrade V Chinnapappaiah, Vice President, TESA(I)
retired from service on 31.08.2006. He was working as Dy General Manager in
Chennai Telephones of BSNL. He joined Deptt of Posts & Telegraphs (now Deptt
of Telecom) as Engineering Supervisor on 16.02.1967 on completion of one
year’s training which started at Telecom Training Centre, Jabalpur (now
BRBRAITT). Com Chinnapappaih was one of those flag-bearers of the then
Telecom Engineering Supervisors’ Association (India) and thereafter of
Telecommunication Engineering Services’ Association (India) whose
commitment, dedication, sacrifice, contribution for the causes of the
members and protecting their rights and upholding the dignity of the cadres
will be ever remembered. TESA(I) , Chennai Telephones under the leadership
of Com P Udayasurian, Circle Secretary, arranged a grand and colourful
farewell meeting in the evening of 31.08.2006. A mammoth gathering of the
members of TESA(I) took place to bid farewell to Com V.Chinnapappaiah. S/Shri
Purushothaman, Chief General Manager, Chennai Telephones, G Selvam, General
Manager, Chennai Telephones, M Kuppan, former Vice President, TESA(I) and
retired Dy General Manager, Chennai Telephones, S Basu, General Secretary,
TESA(I), K Rajasekaran, Circle Secretary, TESA(I), Tamilnadu Circle, P
Udayasurian, Circle Secretary, TESA(I), Chennai Telephones along with Com V.
Chinnapappaiah and Mrs Pappaiah were on the dais. Com Piraviperumal,
President, TESA(I), Chennai Telephones presided over the function. Com S
Sundaraman, CWC Member, TESA(I) coordinated the entire proceedings. In
addition to the dignitaries on the dais, many others remembered the good
work done by Com Chinnapappaiah. [Photographs will be displayed in this site
shortly].
FLASH (updated on 02.09.2006):
(1) ABSORPTION OF
GROUP ‘A’ OFFICERS: All the cases filed by the
ITS Officers and pending before Delhi High Court came up for hearing
yesterday on day to day basis. However, the arguments on the issues raised
could not take place, since the Advocates appearing in the cases did not
submit the synopsis of the cases. The Court directed all concerned to write
the brief synopsis of the cases within four pages and submit the same to the
Court. The Hon’ble Court also ordered that the cases will be heard on day to
day basis from next wednesday i.e. 06.09.2006. Earlier in an important
judgment on 28.08.2006, the Hon’ble Supreme Court had disposed off an SLP
filed by one Shri Akhilesh Trivedi, an ITS Officer. The two bench judges
ordered. “………….We have heard learned counsel for the parties without
prejudice to the rights and contentions of the petitioner and also subject
to the decision of the Writ Petition which has been filed by the petitioner
before the Delhi High Court, the petitioner is given 15 days further time to
exercise his option. In case he does not exercise his option within the
aforesaid period of 15 days, the consequences as provided in the circular
issued by the Government will follow. With this observations, the Special
Leave Petition is finally disposed off. It is made clear that this order is
being passed in the Special Leave Petition filed by Akhiliesh Trivedi
alone.” We may recollect that earlier the Hon’ble Delhi High Court had
disposed of a number of Petitions filed by ITSA and other Group `A’ Officers
and practically no relief, as prayed, was given. More importantly, the
Hon’ble Delhi High Court even questioned the “intellectual integrity” of
ITSA and its members. Now, the above judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court
and other judgments make us believe that finally the remaining Group `A’
Officers who did not exercise their option shall have to either get absorbed
in BSNL/MTNL or go back to DoT.
(2) SIXTH PAY COMMISSION FOR CG EMPLOYEES CONSTITUTED:
The Government has announced today, the constitution of sixth Pay Commission
for the Central Government Employees which is headed by Shri B N Shrikrishna,
retired Supreme Court Judge.
FLASH (updated on 29.08.2006)
(1) PROMOTION POLICY:
The Report received from DoT is yet to reach the concerned Section in BSNL
Corporate Office for further process to place the proposals in the meeting
of the Management Committee and thereafter in the Board of Directors’
meeting
(2) PAYMENT OF PERKS TO THE EXECUTIVES:
The Orders for payment of
Perks are not applicable to those who have not taken absorption in BSNL. The
payments on all approved items (except Transport Allowance upto Rs 800 p.m.)
are taxable.
(3) PAYMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY LINKED INCENTIVE:
The proposal for
payment of PLI for the last financial year is to be considered by the
Managing Committee in its meeting to be held tomorrow i.e. 30.08.2006.
Calculation for the quantum of the amount to be paid is based on the formula
which was earlier approved by DoT. The maximum limit for payment is the same
as it was in the earlier financial year. The Orders for payment is likely to
be issued by the middle of September 2006.
(4) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM
TO SDEs TELECOM: The dispute in regard to actual vacancy position in the
grade of SDEs is not yet resolved pending which the DPC cannot be held.
Personnel Branch of DoT is trying to get the matter sorted out. But this may
take some more time.
(5) PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM ON ADHOC
BASIS: The assessment sheets and the CRs have so far been received only
from a few Circles. Issue of promotion Order, therefore, will take some more
months.
(6) PROCEDURES FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR RETIRED
EMPLOYEES OF BSNL UNDER BSNLMRS: BSNL has issued an Order, vide No. BSNL/Admn.I/1(Pt)
dated 23.08.2006, detailing the procedure for reimbursement of medical
claims for retired employees of BSNL. Click
Here for the Order
FLASH (as updated on
28.08.2006)
BSNL
EXECUTIVES’ PROMOTION POLICY: The three member
Committee headed by Shri Y S Bhave, now Special Secretary in DoT, has
finally submitted a Report on the issues like attendant conditions for
time-bound periodical upgradation to next higher scales (upto SG JAG scale),
recruitment of Management Trainees, weightage for past services rendered in
DoT/DTS/DTO prior to 1.10.2000, uniform length of service of 5 years in
each case as eligibility condition for grant of next higher scale,
upgradation of IDA pay scales for some cadres w e f 1.10.2000 etc. The
Report was received at BSNL Corporate Office about ten days back.
Earlier, it may be recalled that BSNL after obtaining
the approval of the Members of the BSNL Board was about to release the
Policy on 18.10.2005 for implementation. However, release of the order for
implementation of the Policy was with held at the last moment due to
intervention of Dr J S Sarma, former Chairman, Telecom Commission on the
request of SNEA. The Association wanted further
improvement in the above contentious issues. The information available with
us for the present reveals that the Committee has not interfered with the
concept of both time bound upgradation of pay scales and post based
promotion as was already considered and approved by BSNL Board. There could
be some changes in the CR-based marks as attendant conditions and the quota
between the promotee stream and outside (including deptl candidates coming
through competitive examination) candidates at the STS level grade. It may
now take atleast a month for BSNL to complete all the formalities to bring
changes in its earlier decision and thereafter release the all important
Order. For this, the revised proposal has to be got approved first in the
Management Committee and thereafter in the meeting of the BSNL Board
Members. Thus, all the details about the Promotion Policy could be
confirmed by the end of next September or early October 2006.
FLASH (23.8.06) Perks orders
issued. Order copy available here.
FLASH (updated on 17.8.06)
Perks orders are further
delayed due to some technical reasons requiring clarifications by the BSNL
Board. It is likely to be cleared in the next Board meeting.
FLASH
(updated on 07.08.2006)
(1) PERKS FOR
BSNL EXECUTIVES:The date for holding the next
meeting of BSNL Board in which the minutes of its previous meeting are to be
confirmed is yet to be fixed. In this meeting, as and when held, the
decision of the Board on Perks for BSNL Executives is to get confirmed
paving the way for issue of necessary Orders for payment of perks.
(2) DPC FOR PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs
TELECOM:The DPC is going to be badly delayed on
account of the disputes regarding the number of vacancies. DoT is said to
have conveyed BSNL that there had been excess promotion in the earlier DPC.
The matter may take longer time to be sorted out.
(3) PERSONAL LOAN TO BSNL EMPLOYEES FROM BANK:
BSNL has since issued orders intimating extension of the facilities for
various loans by Canara Bank upto 30.09.2006 [ Vide BBF/Staff-Loan/2005-06
dated04.08.2006].
FLASH (Updated on 03.08.06)
COURT CASES ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION: Delhi High
Court has now fixed 01.09.2006 and onwards for continuous hearing of the
cases. Meanwhile all the concerned parties to complete the pending
proceedings by this month. No fresh application will be entertained
thereafter.
FLASH
(Updated on 01.08.2006)
(1).PERKS FOR BSNL
EXECUTIVES: BSNL Board, in its
meeting held on 31.07.2006, has cleared the proposals for grant of Perks to the
BSNL Executives with effect from 1.1.2005. The proposals are the same which were
earlier informed through this website. Subsequently, the expected gains for
different categories of the Executives were also earlier displayed in this very
website in a tabular form (Click Here to go to the table).
The same may be referred to get the detailed idea. The
minutes of the Board meeting is now being drafted. On its finalisation, the same
will be placed in the next Board meeting for confirmation. Thereafter, the
Orders will be issued on circulation of the confirmed minutes. The entire process is expected to be over before this month.
Let us now hope that BSNL Management gets the green signal from DoT to issue the long awaited
Promotion Policy before Shri Y S Bhave, Spl Secretary leaves DoT to join his new
assignment.
(2) COURT CASES
ON GROUP `A’ ABSORPTION: Delhi
High Court is to hear the pending cases on Group `A’ absorption continuously
on day to day basis with effect from 03.08.2006 and then give its judgment as
per the direction of the Supreme Court in a case that was once filed by DoT
following different judgments given by different High Courts. MTNL Executives’
Welfare Association, through its General Secretary Shri S P Singh, is the
intervener in these cases. This Association has raised the question that as per
the orders/judgments of Delhi High
Court, the absorption process of Group `A’ Officers which was initiated in May
2000 along with the Group `B’ Officers, is already over. How this could be
reopened by DoT afterwards and said to be an open issue.. The Association has
prayed for immediate repatriation of these Officers to DoT. Incidentally, Shri S P Singh is the Circle Secretary of
TESA(I), Delhi Circle.
FLASH
(updated on 28.07.2006)
(1)
TRANSFER & POSTING OF SHRI Y S BHAVE, SPL.SECRETARY, DOT:Shri
Y S Bhave, Spl Secretary in DOT, who happens to be the Chairman of the Committee
constituted nine months back to look into certain aspects of the BSNL Board
approved “BSNL Executives’ Promotion Policy”, is likely to leave DOT on 31.07.2007 to join his new assignment as Secretary to the Govt of
India. Nothing is known for certain whether the Committee would be able to
complete its assigned task before 1.8.2006. Shri Bhave, who is one of the
representatives of DoT in BSNL Board, may be attending the proposed meeting of
BSNL Board in the afternoon of 31.07.2006 for the last time. It is to be seen
whether the proposals for the Perks for BSNL Executives, which are slated for
presentation in this meeting, will get the much needed approval. Impact of
transfers first of Dr J S Sarma, former Chairman DoT and now of Shri Bhave, Spl Secretary,
DoT on the above two important issues, in
quick succession, could be known shortly.
(2)PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM:
The dispute in regard to the actual number
of vacancies to be taken into account in the current DPC for promotion
is not yet resolved. The issue is under detailed scrutiny. Unless the
dispute is resolved, DPC cannot be concluded and issue of promotion orders will
be delayed
(3)
REVIEW OF TENURE CIRCLES/AREAS: In an Order issued on
18.07.2006, BSNL has withdrawn the facilities of tenure Circles from Gujarat,
Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Uttranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattishgarh.
Henceforth North East Region (Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and
Sikkim SSA), Andaman & Nicober Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and Jummu &
Kashmir will only be the tenure Circles. All the above Circles, except Leh &
Srinagar in J&K Circle, will have three years tenure for the staff with
service 10 years or less. The staff with service of more than 2 years will
have 2 years tenure. Leh and Srinagar in J&K will be having tenure of 1 year
for all staff.
(4) UNBUNDLING OF BSNL/MTNL’S CABLE NETWORK:
Despite the categorical public statement by Shri Dayanidhi Maran, Hon’ble Minister of Communications & IT that
BSNL/MTNL’s Cable Network will not be available to the Private Operators for
their Broad Band Services, the sub-group constituted earlier by DoT is said to
be continuing working out the modalities for unbundling. Perhaps, Hon’ble Minister’s decision is yet to
reach the bureaucrats/technocrats in DoT.
FLASH ( updated on 20.7.2006)
(1). PERKS FOR BSNL
EXECUTIVES: BSNL Board, in its meeting held on
18.07.2006, could not take decision on the proposals for grant of perks to
the BSNL Executives which were earlier approved in the meetings of the BSNL
Management Committee. Sources say that doubts were raised on the issue of
grant of “Professional Allowance” to the Executives. It is also said that
one Union of the Non-Executive Employees has pointed out that the
Non-Executives were not granted this Allowance. It is further learnt that
the BSNL Board has finally decided to have a presentation on the entire
proposals including the “Professional Allowance”. The concerned Unit of BSNL
Corporate Office will make the presentation in the next meeting.
(2). PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM ON
ADHOC BASIS: BSNL Corporate Office is likely to
issue, in a day or two, a letter to all the Circles asking them to carry
out evaluation of the CRs of the eligible SDEs and send the “Assessment
sheets” including the CR Dossiers to the concerned Personnel Branch. The
total number of vacancies targeted to be filled up remains to be 2311.
(3). TRANSFER OF DEs TELECOM TO HARD TENURE
CIRCLES: BSNL has issued a transfer order of
DEs Telecom to a few hard tenure Circles. A few DEs, though having higher
period of stay in the present Circles of posting, however have been
transferred to the neighbouring Circles considering their age.
(4) PROMOTION ORDER FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs
TELECOM: Completion of the ensuing DPC and
issue of resultant promotion order may be indefinitely delayed because of
disputes in the vacancy position. It is being apprehended that in the last
DPC against the seniority quota, the vacancies considered were in excess of
the actual number of vacancies. Efforts are continuing to sort out the
problem. But the process might take some time.
(5). IDA DEARNESS ALLOWANCE: Government has
announced 1.5% hike in the IDA DA effective from July 2006. The current IDA
DA rate is 60.4%.
(6). DoT’S FURTHER
CLARIFICATION ON PENSION: DoT, in a letter
dated 15.06.2006, has clarified to BSNL as follows:- (i) The annual pension
liability of the Governmnt in respect of the employees of DoT/DTS/DTO who
retired prior to 01.10.2000 and those who have worked/are working in BSNL on
deemed deputation and for those who are absorbed in BSNL shall not exceed
60% of the annual receipts to Government from the following items:- (a)
Dividend income from MTNL/BSNL, (b) License Fee from MTNL/BSNL, (c)
Corporate Tax/Excise Duty/Service Tax paid by BSNL. (ii) Any amount
exceeding (i) above shall be borne by BSNL. (iii) Pensionary contribution
from BSNL would be made to the Government as per FR-116. (iv) Employees
recruited directly by BSNL on or after 01.10.2000 shall not be covered under
this decision.”
FLASH (13.07.2006)
(1) POSTING
OF NEW SECRETARY, DoT/CHAIRMAN, TELECOM COMMISSION:
Government has ordered posting of Shri D S Mathur as the new Secretary,
Deptt of Telecommunications & Chairman, Telecom Commission in place of Dr J
S Sarma who has since been transferred to Ministry of Chemicals & Fertiliser
as its Secretary. There is strong rumour that the transfer of Dr Sarma is
linked with his persistent effort to complete the process of absorption of
Group A Officers in BSNL/MTNL.
(2) NO UNBUNDLING OF BSNL/MTNL’S CABLE NETWORK:
In a significant development, the Minister of
Communications & IT Shri Dayanidhi Maran has announced yesterday
(12.07.2006) that there would be no unbundling of BSNL/MTNL’s cable network
to help the Private Operators to increase their broadband service base. DoT
was earlier working out a policy in consultation with BSNL, MTNL and
Association of the Private Operators, following suggestion/advice from TRAI/Prime
Minister’s Office, to unbundle the copper cable network of BSNL and MTNL.
(3) PERKS FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES:
The Memo for consideration of the proposals by BSNL
Board, as already approved by BSNL Management Committee, has been sent to
the concerned Unit for arranging discussion and decision in the meeting of
BSNL Board.
(4) PROMOTION POLICY FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES:
BSNL is said to have not yet received the modified
Policy from DoT. Anxiety is being expressed in some corner about the impact
that the sudden transfer of Dr J S Sarma, Secretary, DoT may have on this
ongoing process.
(5)PROMOTION FROM JTOs (TELECOM) TO SDEs (TELECOM):The
DPC against the seniority quota continues. The process may spill over to
August 2006.
(6) PROMOTION FROM SDEs (TELECOM)TO DEs (TELECOM):
Firm proposal and action to hold DPC and to issue promotion orders are yet
to be finalized. The seniority list of the eligible SDEs (Telecom) -
specially that of the 1966 SDEs whose order for reversion by DoT was stayed
by Delhi High Court – needs to be straightened before the DPC.
(7)CHQ OFFICE BEARERS MEET OF TESA(I):The
CHQ Office bearers of TESA(I) met at Chennai on 09.07.2006 as scheduled.
Details of the meet will shortly be available on this website.
FLASH (03.07.2006) :
(1) PERKS FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES: Sources close
to the Officials connected with the proposals for grant of Perks to the BSNL
Executives confirm that the Memo, for consideration of the proposals by the BSNL
Management, had proposed payment of Perks with effect from 1.1.2005 itself and
NOT
from 1.1.2006 as is being believed and said by many.
The
Management Committee had accepted all these proposals in its first meeting
itself and no change in respect of any of the decisions was considered in its
next meeting held to confirm the minutes of its earlier meeting. This sounds
logical – not only because the Group C & D Employees who were absorbed w e
f 1.10.2000, were granted the benefit w e f 1.1.2005, even the Group A Officers,
who have been allowed absorption w e f 1.10.2000, shall also have to be granted
Perks and the Administration is not likely to neglect the interests of these
Officers.
(2)
UNBUNDLING OF BSNL/MTNL’S LOCAL NETWORK: DoT is
moving fast to implement a separate proposal for unbundling of BSNL/MTNL’s
cable network. DoT Secretary has asked the Private Operators’ bodies and BSNL/MTNL
to prepare a draft Report on this issue for having a discussion on this Report
on 10th July 2006 and thereafter deciding the Policy. It may be
recalled that last year, there had been strong protests from all the
Unions/Associations against this and many other similar moves aimed at weakening
BSNL/MTNL. There had been joint trade union actions also. Finally, DoT had to
intervene and give in writing that there was no proposal for unbundling of cable
network. Earlier, even the Prime Minister’s Office had to intervene and BSNL
was allowed one full year to utilize its cable network for expanding broadband
services. But now it appears that Government has made up its mind and is
determined to unbundle BSNL/MTNL’s local cable network.
Flash (29.6.06):
PERKS FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES - LIKELY MONTHLY GAIN:
The
proposed perks for BSNL Executives, if approved by BSNL Board without
further changes, will ensure additional gain in each month as given below
to the Executives at the level of JTOs, SDEs, Sr SDEs and DEs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cadre Professional Diet
Transport Allowance Rural Addl
Allowance Allowance
A1/A2 Other Allow- likely gain
Cities places ance A1/A2 Other
Cities
places
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JTOs/Equivalents
245 367
+300 +200
200 912 812
SDEs/Equivalents 292
437 +300
+200 200 1029 929
Sr
SDEs/Equivalents 312
467 +400
+300 200
1179
1079
DEs/Equivalents 332
498 +400 +300 200 1230 1130
NB: (1) The above figures are just approximation and may vary by a small amount.
(2) The proposed Disturbance Allowance to be
paid in terms of number of days on
basic pay and Furnishing Allowance to be
paid in terms of percentage of Daily
Allowance and also number of days is not
included in the above calculations,
since this is not for all Executives and
to be paid only in case of transfers on their
implementation within 30 days.
(3) The 'Addl. likely gain' does not include Rural Allowance, since
this is not meant for the vast majority of the Executives posted in
cities/urban areas.
(4)
The existing amount of Transport Allowance being received in each
month is also not included. This will continue to be available. Transport
Allowance in excess of Rs 800 per month is taxable.
(2)
ABOLITION OF POSTS:
BSNL has since ordered abolition of the following
posts created for Strategic Business Plan. The Order is effective w e f
21.06.2006 :
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grade Engg
Services Finance & Accounts
Services
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAG
28 (ITS) 1 (F&AS)
STS 77 (ITS) 21 (F&AS)
SDEs/AOs
39 (SDEs) 253 (AOs)
JTOs/JAOs
64 (JTOs) 253 (JAOs)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
However, BSNL Finance wing with the
support of their senior Officers has
already initiated action to restore
their Posts.
(3) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM IN
BSNL: The DPC for promotion against the
seniority quota (about 1400 vacancies) continues. Orders expected to be
issued in July 2006.
(4) REFUND OF
DEPOSIT MADE IN THE CGEIS TO SERVING ABSORBED EMPLOYEES
IN BSNL: The
issue is being examined by Ministry of Finance. The required inputs
including financial implications, as were asked by that Ministry, have
already been furnished.
FLASH (24.06.2006)
(1)
PERKS FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES: The Management
Committee of BSNL is understood to have approved the recommendations of the
Perks Committee that was constituted last year and which received the
views/comments till January 2006 from various BSNL Executives’/Deputationists’
Associations. The matter has now to be considered by the BSNL Board in its
meeting. If everything goes all right and the Management honestly pursues
the matter, the Orders on the subject may be expected either in late July or
early August next. The Perks are mostly in those areas which were identified
in case of non-Executive Employees. These are said to be mostly in the same
line as was reported earlier in this website.
(2) FUNCTIONAL AUTONOMY FOR PSUs: The Union
Cabinet has considered the proposals submitted by Ad-hoc Group of Experts
headed by Shri Arjun Sengupta for granting greater functional autonomy to
the Public Service Enterprises and decided to refer the same to the Group of
Ministers.
FLASH
(18.06.2006) :
(1)
DICUSSIONS HELD BY CHAIRMAN, TELECOM COMMISSION ON PROMOTION POLICY: It appears that there was no significant breakthrough on this much
delayed and most important issue in the discussions held by the Chairman,
Telecom Commission - first with two Executives’ Associations and thereafter
with another Association of a section of the Executives working in BSNL
Corporate Office on 16.06.2006. The Promotion Policy continued to be based
on (a) time bound upgradation to next higher scales upto JAG Selection Grade
scale and (b) post based vertical promotion subject to availability of
vacancies as per the provisions made/to be made in the Recruitment Rules for
respective cadres. Reports indicate that on many contentious issues like
weightage for past services, attendant conditions etc, the Committee which
was constituted by Chairman, Telecom Commission to look into these issues
have not still made up their mind. Similarly, a few important issues have
again been thrown in the court of BSNL. If these issues are not addressed
early, the Promotion Policy is either likely to be delayed further or even
if announced it will be a half baked one.
(2) VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME: BSNL is
actively considering offering a Voluntary Retirement Scheme to its Employees
with the intension to further bring down the staff-telephone ratio. The
Scheme will not be compulsory.
FLASH (Updated on 15.06.2006):
1.
PROMOTION
POLICY:
Chairman, Telecom Commission is to hold discussions on the Promotion Policy
with some Executives’ Associations on 16.06.2006.
(2) PERKS FOR BSNL EXECUTIVES:
The Memo for the Management Committee of BSNL was placed in its weekly
meeting held today. However, final decision will be taken only by the BSNL
Board as and when the issue is placed before it.
(3) ADHOC PROMOTION FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs TELECOM:
BSNL is processing the cases of 16 left outs for adhoc promotion. Fresh DPC
for adhoc promotion is being contemplated subject to the approval from DoT.
(4) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs
TELECOM: DPC for promotion against seniority
quota has started. A few more meetings of the DPC shall take place to
complete the process. Total number of JTOs to be promoted against two
consecutive vacancy years is about 1400.
(5)
REQUEST TRANSFERS OF SDEs TELECOM: The request
transfers from the existing SDEs Telecom will be considered at the time of
issue of promotion orders from JTOs Telecom to SDEs Telecom
NEWS IN BRIEF (05.06.2006)
(1)
MTNL-BSNL ROW: Managements of both MTNL
and BSNL appear to have started a cold war which might ultimately adversely
affect the interest of both these state run PSUs. In this competitive
environment where there is a need for greater coordination and close
cooperation between these two PSUs to jointly fight with the private
operators, it is an irony that the relationship between the Management of
both these PSUs has been allowed to be strained. The present standoff
started after BSNL made a claim from MTNL for payment of charges due towards
usage of its network. Thereafter, it is only claims and counter claims from
both sides, which vitiated the atmosphere. Now MTNL has decided to charge
for its landlines, mobiles, broadband services etc being used by BSNL
Offices and the Officers at their residences as service connections with
effect from 1.10.2000. MTNL had earlier floated a tender inviting offer from
Private Operators to carry its long distance calls, which are presently
carried by BSNL. Will good sense prevail over the present Management of both
these PSUs so that the Organisations and their employees do not have to bear
the brunt?
2) PROMOTION FROM SDEs
TELECOM TO DEs ON ADHOC BASIS :
As indicated earlier, BSNL has issued a promotion order of only 399 SDEs
Telecom to DEs Telecom on adhoc basis. There are many missing names. The
affected SDEs Telecom may send their representations giving the required
information to the Personnel-I Branch of BSNL Corporate Office. These cases
will be processed and finalized.
3) PROMOTION
FROM JTOs TO SDEs TELECOM (Seniority quota):
BSNL is woking on the DPCs for promotion from JTOs Telecom to SDEs Telecom
against the seniority quota. The DPCs are against the vacancy years 2003-04
and 2004-2005. Total vacancies may be around 1400.
(4) PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM
(Competitive quota): BSNL is all set to
hold competitive examination for promotion from JTOs Telecom to SDEs Telecom
against competitive quota for the vacancy years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003
under a new syllabus since finalised. The unfilled vacancies of earlier
vacancy years will also be added with the normal vacancies. Total number of
vacancies may go above 3000.
(5) PERKS FOR
BSNL EXECUTIVES : The issue is expected to
be resolved early. There could be additional gain of Rs 200 per month from
what was initially proposed by the Perks-Committee.
(6) PROMOTION POLICY :
It is gathered that instead of a comprehensive Policy,
BSNL with the consent of DoT may release the time bound part of the proposed
Policy which was earlier approved by the BSNL Board. There could be
different marks-based attendant conditions for placement from one grade to
another (higher) grade. It is also expected that there could be some changes
in the method/percentage of Management Trainee recruitment. But there is no
relief so far as weightage for past services is concerned.
FLASH (19.05.2006):
(1). PROMOTION FROM JTOs TELECOM TO SDEs TELECOM:
BSNL Corporate Office has received the assessment sheets of the eligible
JTOs from most of the Circles. It may now ask the Circles to send the CR
Dossiers. Number of vacancies for which the DPC to be held is yet to be
finalized. These vacancies are expected to be around 1400 to 1500.
(2) PROMOTON FROM SDEs TELECOM TO DEs ON ADHOC BASIS:
Screening process of the ACRs received continues. The promotion order may
finally contain 400-450 names. (3) PROMOTION
POLICY: There is no further progress. Matter
still rests with DoT. (4) PERKS FOR BSNL
EXECUTIVES : The Committee, which was
constituted to give its recommendations, is understood to have submitted its
Report. Once the recommendations are processed, these are required to be
approved first by the BSNL Managing Committee and thereafter by the BSNL
Board. The process may take some time. The recommendations are, by and
large, the same as were leaked out earlier. Average additional gain, in most
of the cases, may be around Rs 700 to Rs 800 per month.
(5) DIRECT RECRUITMENT OF JTOs:
Results of the Competitive Examination held for direct recruitment of JTOs
Telecom has since been issued. Number of successful candidates is 2652 as
against the total vacancies of 3000.
(16.5.06):
CONGRATS
: S/Shri Parveen Yaligar, JTO (Mobile)
Services in Karnataka Telecom Circle and P V Sugathan, SDE (Computer) in
Kannur Telecom District of Kerala Telecom Circle are the Ati Vishisht
Sanchar Seva Padak Awardees in Category-I and II respectively for the year
2006. Awards to be distributed in New Delhi on World Telecom Day i.e. 17th
May 2006. CONGRATULATIONS !
NEWS IN BRIEF (updated on 11.05.2006):
(1) IMPLEMENTATION OF IDA PAY SCALES W.E.F. 1.10.2000 FOR EXECUTIVE
STAFF (GROUP-A) ABSORBED IN BSNL:
Orders have since been issued by BSNL, vide its No. 1-5/2006-PAT (BSNL)
dated 05.05.2006, for fixation of pay in IDA scales for those Group A
Officers who had taken absorption in BSNL. The orders issued by BSNL do
not carry detailed instructions unlike the orders issued in case of
absorbed Group-B Officers for their pay fixation. This might create
confusions and require addressing to the queries to be raised by the field
units. (2)
PROMOTION TO STS POSTS ON ADHOC BASIS:
Personnel Branch of BSNL is finalizing the process for issue of an order for
promotion of the SDEs/Sr SDEs (Telecom) to DEs on adhoc basis. The order may
contain about 450 names. BSNL, meanwhile, has referred the matter of
deciding the final seniority of those SC/ST SDEs whose seniority was earlier
revised provisionally in terms of 85th amendment of the
Constitution. Some of these SDEs, who should be considered for promotion
because of revision of seniority, are not included in this promotion order
since their seniority has not been finalized. SEA Section of BSNL Corporate
Office, on the other hand, is working fast to complete the DPC for promotion
of Sr AOs/AOs to CAOs on adhoc basis and release the promotion order.
(3) PROMOTION POLICY:
DoT is taking its own time to give its fresh clearance to BSNL for
circulation and implementation of the Promotion Policy. Though there are
claims that there could some significant relief in regard to many features
of the Policy, the senior Officers including a Member of the Committee
constituted by Chairman, Telecom Commission to review certain provisions in
the BSNL Board approved policy give no hope.
(4) PERKS FOR
BSNL EXECUTIVES: Senior Officers of
BSNL are tight lipped on the issue following leakage and wide publicity of
the Official documents of the “Perks Committee” in an website without any
editing and even before the Committee could submit the same.
(5) MTNL GRANTED LICENCE TO START ITS OWN NLD
SERVICE: DoT
has granted licence to MTNL to establish its own NLD network. MTNL has
already floated tenders for the same. This will have some impact on BSNL’s
revenue. A fresh tariff war for STD calls is also on the cards.
(6) IDEA, SPICE
& AIRCEL TO ENTER NLD, ILD SERVICES:
Idea cellular, Spice Telecom and Aircel are forming an alliance and
collectively applying for ILD and NLD licence. The move is to enable these
Operators to compete with larger Operators like Bharti and Reliance.
(7)
DISPUTE BETWEEN BSNL AND MTNL: DoT has
advised both BSNL and MTNL to resolve their dispute over carriage charges
and payment of dues by this week end. Finally, a settlement is expected on
these issues which had strained the relationship between these two PSUs.
(8) STAGNATION INCREMENTS ON ANNUAL BASIS:
BSNL is reexamining the issue for grant of stagnation increments on annual
basis instead of the existing decision for granting one increment for every
two years. The issue is still in its preliminary stage of examination.
1.
Offerings (IPO) of all unlisted PSEs:
Government is
understood to be seriously considering listing all unlisted PSEs
(including Navaratna status PSEs) through IPO route by disinvesting 10 per
cent in each of these companies. A draft paper in this regard is under
preparation for the next five years plan.
2. Profit Margin of BSNL
declines: Profit margin of
BSNL for the year 2005-06 is likely to come down from Rs.10000 crores in
2004-05 to Rs. 8000 crores in 2005-06
3.Growth of BSNL's
network: BSNL is reported
to have made 55.6 per cent growth in Direct Exchange Lines during during
2005-06, though it has lost about 35 lakhs fixed connections which finally
resulted in net loss of four lakh connections.During the same
period BSNL
has added about 75 lakh mobile customers.
See the Flash news about the Merger
of BSNL & MTNL and the perks and allowances Click Here for
details
DoT seems to be not in a hurry to decide on the
contentions issues like weightage for past services, minimum marks
(Attendant Condition) for grant of Financial upgradation/post based
promotions, Lingth qualifing service for first upgradation of IDA scales,
Recruitment of management Trainees, grant of revised/upgraded IDA Pay
Scales to the concerned cadres wef 01:10:2000. Sources say that it might
take atleast a few more months to DoT to take stand on the above issues.
It is also said that a strong lobby is working for allowing Faster
Promotion to those having Higher qualification.
ADHOC PROMOTION?: DoT has not only allowed BSNL
to grant adhoc promotion from absorbed Gr.B Executives, But also
authorised BSNL to give similar adhoc promotion to the direct Recruitment
JTS officers who are an deputation i.e not yet absorbed in BSNL.There is
no answer how DoT Officers can be ordered for promotion by BSNL & that
too against the BSNL's posts.
PROMOTION OF ITS
OFFICERS: UPSC has since conducted the DPC Promotion of 1985
Batch of ITS Officers to JAG. DoT has also intiated a DPC for Promotion of
1999 Batch of ITS officers to STS on regular
basis.
BSNL NOT TO SALE STAKE:
It has since been clarified by the Authorities
that Govt. is not considering to sale BSNL's Stake for the
present.
NEWS AT A GLANCE:
1.NAVARATNA STATUS FOR BSNL
: AFTER GRANTING MINI RATNA STATUS, GOVERNMENT IS
NEW ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE PROPOSAL FOR GRANT OF NAVARATNA STATUS TO
BSNL AND SIX OTHER PSU's.
************
2.PAYMENT OF TAX BY
BSNL:
BSNL PAID
NEARLY Rs.9000 CRORES IN TAXES TO THE GOVERNMENT WHICH INCLUDES Rs.3000
CRORE SERVICE TAX AND Rs.1100 CORPORATION TAX.
************
3.INVESTMENT BY
BNSL/MTNL: BSNL AND MTNL WILL INVEST NEARLY Rs.2,00,00 CRORE
TO INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL 60 MILLION LINES IN NEXT THREE TO 4
YEARS.
*************
4.SHARING OF BSNL AND MTNL's
INFRASTRUCTURES: AS PER INITIATIVE OF THE MINISTER OF
COMMUNICATIONS AND IT, MODALITIES ARE BEING WORKED OUT FOR SHARING OF
MOBILE TOWER SHARING WITH ALL TELECOM OPERATORS. THIS WILL BENEFIT TO THE
PRIVATE OPERATORS. THE UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS OF BSNL WENT FOR
AGITATION IN DECEMBER 2005/JANUARY 2006 PROTESTING AGAINST SUCH
MOVES.
********
5.GREATER FUNCTIONAL AUTONOMY TO THE
PSU's:
GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE PROPOSALS
TO ALLOW GREATER FUNCTIONAL AUTONOMY TO THE PSU's. THE CABINET MAY
CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS SOMETIMES NEXT MONTH THAT IS APRIL
2006.
********** |
