Karnataka Circle
Union Office, C/o Chief General Manager
BSNL Karnataka Circle, "Doorasamparka Bhavan" 
No.1, Swamy Vivekananda Road,
Halasuru, Bangalore - 560 008
Phone & Fax  : +91 080 25542494
email :bsnleuktk@indiatimes.com 

 

 

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Last Updated On  19th  NOVEMBER  2008 (1500 hrs)

 

 

 

 

ALL DIST.SECRETARIES/DIST.PRESIDENTS/CIRCLE OFFICE BEARERS / BRANCH SECRETARIES OF BSNLEU :

 

CHIEF RETURNING OFFICER FOR FOURTH MEMBERSHIP VERIFICATION

Shri. PRADEEP NAGPAL GM (SP) -BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE, NEW DELHI HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE CHIEF RETURNING OFFICER FOR OVERSEEING THE CONDUCT OF FOURTH MEMBERSHIP VERIFICATION.

 

HIS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS: 011 – 23317866.   FAX 011-23317867.

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BSNL MANAGEMENT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH ELECTION COMMISSION HAS ACCORDED THE CELL PHONE AS ELECTION SYMBOL TO BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION.

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WHY NFTE & FNTO OPPOSE PROMOTION TO WORKERS?

The new promotion policy for the Non-Executives of BSNL is finalised. The United Forum of BSNL Unions (BSNLEU, TEPU, BSNLWRU and AIBCTES] was successful in compelling the management to reach an agreement, which is appreciated by all sections of employees with overwhelming satisfaction.

Not surprisingly, both NFTE and FNTO are busy with conspiracies to deny justice to the workers. Soon after the United Forum has made agreement for getting four promotions with FR22(i)(a)(i) and executive pay scale, they are pressurizing management not to implement the same.

NFTE and FNTO are against getting a good promotion scheme to the employees. After Corporatisation, the issue of promotion was discussed in the 2nd meeting of the National Council held on 28.05.2003 attended both by NFTE and FNTO. They demanded that OTBP/BCR should continue till next wage revision meaning that no other promotion scheme should be implemented till then. The minutes of the meeting are given below: “OTBP/BCR scheme as it exists at present will be continued as general promotional policy for non executives till next wage revision”. Citing this agreement , the management was refusing to agree for a new Promotion Policy all this time.

After 2nd verification, united forum focused the need of a new promotion policy. After prolonged discussions, we were able to convince the management that a new scheme must be implemented. Immediately NFTE started creating hurdles, and they even wrote to the management that the agreement in 2nd National Council meeting must be honoured and no new promotional policy should be introduced till next wage revision. They were openly opposing an agreement that gives relief to 2,40,000 non-executive employees.

FNTO, an earlier partner of United Forum, was playing mischief. As one of the affiliates of United Forum, they were always moving along with the United Forum on focusing the demand of new promotion policy and at the same time they were trying to safeguard the agreement of 2nd National Council meeting that OTBP-BCR will continue upto next wage revision of which they were a party. For the last three years, utilising the position of Leader Staff Side and members of Promotion Committee their involvement was to avoid signing an agreement, so that their earlier agreement will not be violated and OTBP-BCR scheme will continue till next wage revision.

Now on the threat of Indefinite Fast from 30th October 2008 and also on the intervention of the Hon’ble Communications Minister, an agreement has been reached with the management on the promotion policy. The BSNL workers have heartily welcomed it. Naturally, NFTE and FNTO are jittery.

Hence, even after the agreement, the NFTE-FNTO combine is conspiring to get the promotion scheme cancelled. They are not worried about the future of the workers.

We are sure, that each and every employee of BSNL is eagerly waiting for the implementation of the new promotion policy and will give a fitting rebuff to the conspirators in the ensuing verification.

BSNL Employees Union

New Delhi

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30TH OCTOBER 2008- A HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT:

AGREEMENT ON NEW PROMOTION POLICY SIGNED BY MANAGEMENT AND UNIONS (BSNLEU, TEPU, WRU)

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FOURTH MEMBERSHIP VERIFICATION ON 21ST JANUARY 2009.

COUNTING OF VOTES ON 23RD JANUARY 2009.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT ON 24TH JANUARY 2009.

 

FNTO UNION NOT A RUNNER WITH BSNLEU IN FOURTH MEMBERSHIP VERIFICATION.

TEPU/ WRU / BACKWARD CLASS SANGHATAN  / SC/ST ASSOCIATION ARE IN ALLIANCE WITH BSNLEU.

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CIRCLE LEVEL BSNLEU BRANCH SECRETARIES CONVENTION AT RAYAPUR HUBLI FROM 24TH TO 26TH OCTOBER 2008. SPECIAL CL SANCTIONED TO ALL DELEGATES FROM 24TH TO 26TH OCT.2006 PLUS JOURNEY PERIOD VIDE LETTER NUMBER SR/BSNLEU/2-1/06-08/KW dated 04th OCT.2008. ORDERS AVAILABLE IN BSNL INTRANET ALSO. 

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Promotion Policy

The discussions are continuing.  The present position is known to you, which I am giving below:

 

1.        All non-executive employees will be granted four time-bound promotions in their entire service.

 

2.        Total 4 promotions after every eight years will be granted to those recruited in BSNL.  The promotion will be given after 8 years i.e. 01.10.2008.

 

3.        In the case of BSNL absorbed DoT employees, four promotions will be provided after 4, 6, 8, 8 years respectively in recognition of their service in DoT.  As such, the first promotion for these officials will get from 01.10.2004 or after 4 years of any promotion received earlier in BSNL.

 

4.        The first promotions will be under FR22(i)(a)(ii) and next promotions under FR22(i)(a)(i).

 

5.        For giving IV promotions to those already got 3 promotions and are in NE-11, i.e. pay scale of Rs.8570-245-2245, a new pay scale NE-12 will be created as Rs.9200-250-13400.

 

6.        10% of those in NE-11 scale shall be promoted to post based executive pay scale of Rs.9850-250-14600, for which modalities are yet to be finalized.

 

7.        A new pay scale in NE-13 will be created at the time of wage negotiations.

 

Efforts are being made to get 10% after IV Promotion to all cadres as also FR22 (i)(a)(i) in the first promotion.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL DIST AND BRANCH SECRETARIES/ DIST.PRESIDENTS AND CIRCLE OFFICE BEARERS WHO HAVE MADE 20TH AUGUST 2008 STRIKE A GRAND SUCCESS. 

 

REPORTS FROM ALL THE DISTRICTS INDICATE THAT THE STRIKE WAS TOTAL 100 PERCENT IN ALL PLACES.  IN ALL PLACES OUR UNION HAS JOINED THE LOCAL RALLIES AND MEETINGS ORGANISED BY DISTRICT LEVEL JCTU ORGANISATION. 

 

BSNLEU CIRCLE BODY CONGRATULATES ALL THE CIRCLE AND DISTRICT LEVEL NFTEBSNL OFFICE BEARERS ALSO WHO HAVE JOINED WITH US IN THIS STRIKE AND MADE THE STRIKE A MEMORABLE ONE.

 

SOME MISCREANTS HAVE SENT PERSONAL SMS AND FAX LOGS TO CERTAIN OFFICES THAT THE STRIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. BUT THIS DID NOT HAD ANY TYPE OF IMPACT ON THE SPIRIT OF BSNLEU AND NFTEBSNL COMRADES WHO MARCHED ON TO THE STRIKE WITH DETERMINATION. WE CONDEMN THIS TYPE OF COWARD AND ANTI TRADE UNION PRACTICES DONE BY A SMALL GROUP.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL -  KEEP THE SPIRIT FOR THE NEXT PROGRAMME !!!

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Hon'ble MOC & IT Shri A. Raja announces in the Press Conference on 1st August 2008 about 3G Spectrum Allocation Guidelines and MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY as under:

  • The whole country is divided into two parts for license fee [11 Circles each]
  • 3G Spectrum license fee for PAN INDIA presence Rs. 2020 Corers.
  • 3G Service allowed to maximum five operators in each Circle.
  • Currently 60 MHz 3G Spectrum is available.
  • BSNL / /MTNL will get one slot each right now.
  • 3 slots allotted to CDMA players.
  • Role-out obligation of 3G Spectrum will be the same as of 2G.
  • In Delhi & Mumbai maximum of only 2 or 3 players will be allowed in 3G services.
  • Presently only one private operator will be allowed in Delhi & Mumbai
  • Govt. may allow more than five operators on availability of spectrum.
  • Global bid will be invited for 3G spectrums.
  • No annual spectrum fee in the First year.
  • The spectrum allocation will be completed within 2-3 months.
  • The winner of 3G spectrums will be allocated 20MHz spectrum for Broadband service.
  • Mobile number portability will be allowed by 2009.

            Minutes of the 18th meeting of the National Council held on 17th June, 2008 under the chairmanship of Director (HRD), BSNL Board.

 

The 18th meeting of National Council was held at 11:00 AM on 17th June, 2008 in the Conference Hall, Bharat Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi.  The list of participants is available at Annexure-I.

 

2.             At the outset, DDG (SR) welcomed all the members of National Council and introduced new members from management side as well as from union side.  Immediately thereafter the Secretary, Staff side, informed about the untimely demise of Shri M.B. Vichare, Secretary General of NFTE BSNL and suggested that homage be paid to him.  DDG (SR) pointed out that in fact this is the first item in the day’s agenda.  After expressing briefly about the contributions made by Shri M.B. Vichare, he read out the condolence message released by CMD, BSNL. Thereafter he requested the house to observe two minutes' silence as mark of respect to the departed soul.

 

                Members of the Staff side complained that they had received neither notification for the meeting nor the agenda items for discussion.  DDG (SR) assured that hereafter intimation would be sent by fax and by SMS well in advance and requested Staff side members to intimate their updated mobile / fax numbers.

 

3.             Director (HRD), in his opening address, welcomed all the participants of National Council and pointed out that this is the second meeting of National Council under his chairmanship. He expressed sincere thanks to all the staff members and unions for their     co-operation in resolving various critical issues and also appreciated their positive approach in dealing the matters. In his address, he explained the significant developments in mobile services. He also highlighted major achievements made in HR related activities of BSNL

Development in Mobile Services.

 

North Zone-

·         5 Million Lines (Phase Vl ) ordered on M/s Ericsson (3.62 M-2G &    1.38 M-3G) in Jan '08.

·         APO for another 5 Million lines (Phase V.2) has been issued on 13.05.08.

·         3G supplies to start soon after the allotment of spectrum for 3G by DOT.

·         NIT issued on 01.05.08 for tender for 25 Million lines. Bids submission by 16.07.08.

East Zone-

  • 5.5 Million (Phase V.1) lines ordered on M/s. Ericsson (4.6 M – 2G &   0.9 M 3G) in November 2007.

·         APO for another 4 million lines (Phase V.2) has been issued on 13.5.2008.

·         3G supplies to start soon after the allotment of spectrum for 3G by DOT.

·         NIT issued on 1.5.2008 for tender for 18 million lines.  Bids submission by 16.7.2008.

West Zone-

·         2 million lines expansion work in progress against the previous Phase IV project

·         APO for 9 million lines to M/s ITI with Alcatel as technology partner issued against the reservation quota of the tender on 210.04.08, unconditional acceptance of which is awaited.

·         NIT issued on 01.05.08 for tender for 25 Million lines. Bids submission by 16.07.08.

South Zone-

·         Interim orders of 5 million lines have been placed on the following incumbent vendors of the South Zone to take care the short term requirements of the zone subsequent to the refusal of the L2 bidder of tender Le. M/s Nokia.

 

-                      M/s Nortel                        - 2.7 M lines

-                      M/s Motorola    - 2.3 M lines

 

·         M/s ITI with Huawei as technology partner have submitted a proposal for the supply of equipment of 9 million lines capacity to South zone. Detailed technical solution under submission/discussion with M/s ITI/Huawei.

·         NIT issued on 1.5.2008 for tender for 25 Million lines.  Bids submission by 16.07.08.

 

Major achievements in HR area

·       Second option of C & D employees: Approval of DoT has been received for all the circles.

·       Amended Transfer policy: Order issued on 07.05.2008.

·       Diversion of 50% quota posts to LICE quota for Assistants. and PAs  in Corporate Office

·       One time relaxation in RRs of Assistant and PA of BSNLCO for diversion of DR quota to LICE quota has been approved by Management Committee. The examination will be notified shortly

·       Merger order of 50% IDA with basic to the employees on IDA pay scales of BSNL: Order issued on 29.05.2008.

·       Relaxation in LTC Rules for Travel by Air to visit North East Regions : Order issued.

·       Grant of  facility of Deduction of Union subscription to all the applicant Unions in BSNL on demand : Order issued on 04.06.2008

·       Direct Recruitment of TTAs for recruitment year 2008: Circles have been requested to send vacancy position as on 31.03.2008. The examination is likely to be conducted in January, 2010.

 

·       Wage Revision of Non-executives in BSNL: The recommendations of 2nd Wage Revision Committee have been received for Executives of CPSEs. The Wage Revision Committee constituted in BSNL is studying the report. The process of Wage Revision of Non-executives will be started soon after receipt of guidelines from Administrative Ministry.

 

4.             Director (Finance), BSNL Board, welcomed all the participants of National council. Deploring the behaviour of members of unions and associations with him on 28th May, 2008, he expressed his disappointment and informed the participants that he has come to participate in National Council meeting only to pay homage to late Shri Vichare, for whom he has a great respect in his heart. He condemned the demonstration against him as an individual and burning of his effigy within the BSNL compound by the Joint Forum without any valid reason, and also pointed out that even his personal life was not spared and references to his family were also made. He expressed surprise as to how such things could happen in the presence of union leaders of national repute and respect. He further added that Finance has never objected to IDA merger issue, but as a Finance head of the company, it was his professional duty to bring the financial status of the company to the notice of CMD, BSNL. The decision on the payment of 50% IDA merger is taken by the CMD, BSNL in his wisdom. He requested Chairman of the National Council to take strict action against the persons responsible for this unworthy act.

Reacting to the remarks of Director (Finance), BSNL Board; Secretary, Staff side pointed out that National Council is not the correct forum to discuss this issue and ought to be discussed separately in the appropriate forum.  Moreover, the demonstration was organized by all the constituent groups of Joint Forum and not alone by his union.

The Chairman ruled that the personal remarks are neither acceptable to any one nor will be tolerated.  The Unions do resort to trade union activities, and at the same time it may be kept in mind that such irresponsible acts of misbehaviour and personal attack do not take place. He further added that it becomes the first and foremost duty of the senior leaders to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future.

5.              Leader, Staff side, after welcoming all members of National Council, thanked DoT and BSNL for floating global tender of 93 Million GSM lines. He also thanked MOC & IT for causing issue of instructions for immediate payment of 50% IDA merger  and also directing BSNL Management to finalise the Promotion Policy for Non-executive employees without discrimination within 90 days.  Again, he thanked BSNL Management for granting Check Off facility to all applicant unions. Referring to press reports, he pointed out that attempts were being made by authorities to confuse the workers and public on IPO & VRS.  Such attempts will result in deterioration in industrial relation.  Leader, Staff side, also pointed out the recent slashing of CGHS rates by 40% by the Health Ministry has caused serious problems for BSNL employees.  All the reputed hospitals have opted out of the BSNL’s tie-up, due to which the employees are deprived of treatment from prestigeous hospitals.  He requested the management to address that problem on an emergent basis.  He invited attention of the Council to Pay anomaly cases and said that the case of TTA pay fixation is not settled even after recommendation/resolution of the Joint Committee.  Leader, Staff side pointed out that non-implementation of agreement between the Staff side and the management is               de-motivating the employees and causing loss of faith in the system.  He requested that such long pending staff issues have to be addressed on priority and emphasised for serious dialogue between Management and staff to better understand and face challenges ahead.  At the end of his speech, he assured full cooperation of staff side for betterment of the company and in resolving the pending issues amicably.

6.            At the outset, Secretary, Staff side welcomed new Leader, Shri K. Vallinayagam as well as new members, S/Shri Lingamurthy and K. Mohanan.  In his welcome speech, he laid thrust on the following issues:-

 

·                     Delay in holding meetings of National Council and not receiving the intimation for postponement of the meeting in time.  Periodicity to hold National Council meeting is not being maintained.

·                     Reimbursement of telephone bills of Non-executive employees residing in MTNL/BSNL area: Though order is issued for reimbursement but payments are still not being made. Necessary instructions may be issued again.

·                      Non formation of Works Committees: Some of the GMs are not forming the Works Committee on the plea that these are not necessary.  Suitable instructions may be issues in order to implement in true spirit.

·                     Shortage of Staff at Pattanamthitta and Malapuram SSA: Staff as per requirement may be posted immediately.

·                     Very Good Transfer Policy has been notified by modifying the earlier policy after involving staff unions and incorporating/addressing their concern.

·                     An attempt was made to generate confusion among staff members due to Press release on IPO & VRS.

·                     Pay Fixation of TTA: Agreement may be implemented urgently.

·                     Holding of LICE for Assistant/PA cadre immediately.

·                     CDA Rule: Union not  taken into confidence while framing these rules.

·                     Inadequate wages being paid to contract labourers: Secretary, Staff side stated though we are not directly involved but it becomes our responsibility to see that where money is going. He requested Management to look into it.

·                     Uniform Committee report may be implemented without further delay.

·                     Telecom Factory issue: Why Management is not taking union in to confidence to settle the issue related to staff in one go. The committee report may be made available to us.

·                     JAO Examination: Results may be declared in Circles where Court case is not pending.

·                     Case of TSM for issue of PO may be expedited with DoT.

·                     FAX machine may be immediately installed in the National Council room in BSNL Corporate Office.

·                     Allotment of room for Circle Council in BSNL Corporate Office at Bharat Sanchar Bhawan and immediate holding meeting of Circle Council

 

7.            In response to delay in holding the meeting of National Council, Director (HRD), BSNL Board mentioned that the NC meeting was scheduled in the month of May, 2008 but due to holding of HOCC and other meetings, it was postponed. He assured that efforts will be made to hold the National Council meetings as per schedule.

 

8.            Reacting to issue of allotment of accommodation for Circle Council and facility to Staff side of National Council, DDG (Admn.) intimated that Room No. 511 has already been allotted to Circle Council in the Statesman House.  At present, no spare room is available in Bharat Sanchar Bhavan.  However, it was agreed to provide one room in the Eastern Court Building or Annex Building of Bharat Sanchar Bhawan for the time being, in lieu of the accommodation allotted in Statesman House.  As regards installation of FAX machine in the room allotted to Staff Side, National Council room, the same will be sorted out separately.

 

9.             Thereafter, the Agenda items were taken up for discussion.

 

9.1           Restructure of Civil Wing Staff  -The staff side mentioned that there are a large number of cadres in the Maintenance and Operative Sections of Civil, Electrical, Architecture and Horticulture. No rationalization or restructure were undertaken in these cadres except the merger of Asst. and Main categories of staff in certain cadres. Staff side demanded for thorough restructuring in consultation with the staff side.

The Management side clarified that on implementation of arbitration award vide letter dated 22.4.2002 on maintenance and operative staff of Civil / Elect / Hort cadres working in Civil Wing, , no further restructuring of above mentioned cadres is due. As per the award, future promotion of the maintenance staff is to take place in their own stream only and no parity will be allowed with other streams of BSNL staff.  In view of it, the restructuring of maintenance and operative staff sought by the unions among their various streams is not feasible.

Leader, Staff side stated that their demand has been misunderstood. The restructuring of Assistant and Main category is carried out but there are still many cadres like maintenance cadre (Carpenter, Beldar, Wireman etc.) for whom no restructuring is done. He requested management to take union representatives into confidence while restructuring other cadres of these wings. He also wanted to know the promotion prospects of these cadres

In response to this, Management side informed that the General Promotion Policy for non-executives will be implemented for all the cadres including the civil wing. However, the restructuring committee report will be studied again.

9.2           Construction of staff quarters at Hamirpur (HP)  -  The staff side pointed out that approval for construction of Type-IV and V quarters at Hamirpur  is granted though there is acute shortage of Type-II and III quarters also and demanded immediate approval for  construction of Type-II and III quarters.

The management side mentioned that this is a local issue and National Council is not the right forum to discuss such issues.                                                                                          

9.3           Filling up posts of Telecom Mechanics  -  The staff side informed that more than 100 posts of Telecom Mechanics are kept unfilled in HP, NE-I & NE-II etc. due to non-availability of candidates and demanded for holding of the examination so that the vacancies are filled up.

In response, the management side informed that large numbers of qualified and trained officials are already waiting for their absorption as Telecom Mechanic for want of vacancies. However, necessary details regarding the shortages vis-a-vis sanctioned strength have been called for from all the Telecom Circles. Options have been called for from amongst the qualified and trained officials for posting in HP/MH/NE-I&II. Necessary decision will be taken on receipt of information from all Circles.

Thereafter, the staff side stated that nobody will opt for the Circles other than the place of his/her present posting and department must conduct examination urgently for Himachal and Maharashtra circles.  Reacting to this, DDG (Estt.) informed that vacancy details have been received. The new syllabus for conduct of the exam as per the new RRs is under preparation. Thereafter recruitment will be carried out. After discussion, it was decided to examine whether recruitment of TMs in those circles where vacancies already exist could be carried out without modifying the syllabus.

9.4           Recruitment of Sports persons -  The staff side mentioned while orders exist for recruitment of sports persons, some circles are not implementing the order.  Secondly, outstanding sports persons are recruited in Group 'D' cadres without any chance of promotion etc. In some of the  PSUs as well as in Railway etc.,  special concessions are given for posting  outstanding sports persons in Group 'C' as well as  in gazetted  executive cadres. When the issue was raised earlier, it was agreed that this aspect would be looked into. But, so far, nothing seems to have been done due to which many sports persons have left BSNL for better positions.  It is utmost necessary that required orders are issued.

Responding to these issues, the Management side informed that there were in all 319 vacancies, out of which 300 sport persons are recruited. Orders have already been issued to all the Circles for filling up of backlog vacancies of sports persons upto 31st March, 2009

As far as, promotions are concerned, a career progression policy for sports persons has already been framed and nominations for career progression of sports persons have already been called for from the Circles. In this policy, the first promotion is considered immediately and second promotion after 4 years of service on fulfilling the eligibility condition i.e. showing outstanding performance. The staff side requested for removal of condition of outstanding performance and also for reducing period of second promotion to 2 years.

The Chairman ruled that let us first implement the policy and wait for feedback.  If any changes are required to be made in the policy, it will be discussed later on.

9.5           Mobile phones and connections to non-executive staff - The staff side mentioned that all the executives are provided with free mobile connections. Recently orders have also been issued for reimbursement of cost of mobile phones from Rs.15,000/- to Rs.1,500/- for the executives. There is full justification for extending the above benefit to the non-executive employees also. Necessary orders be issued.

The management side stated that the service connections (including GSM mobile and WLL mobile) are provided for operational requirement and not as a welfare measure.  Wherever the mobile connection is considered essential for operational reasons such as linemen posted in exchanges located in rural areas and outdoor Phone Mechanics in NCR towns having competition in basic telephone service, a WLL mobile service with handsets connection is provided by BSNL.

The staff side asked whether all executives like JAO (Cash), SDE (Internal) etc. are performing the operational duties.  The staff side further stated that it is clear cut discrimination with non-executives. Leader staff side stated that the facility of GSM is extended to executives on demand of their associations, not on the basis of operational need. We demand uniform treatment to non-executive. The same facility may be extended to non-executives also.

After prolonged discussions, Director (HRD) informed that it would be examined based upon merits.

9.6           Provision of canteen in Corporate Office - The staff side mentioned that though Corporate Office has been shifted to the new building months back but no canteen has been provided so far.  Since the staff is facing it very difficult, the staff side demanded Canteen facilities in Bharat Sanchar Bhawan at the earliest.

Responding to the Staff side demand, the management side informed that a Joint Committee was constituted to frame modalities for immediately starting canteen in Bharat Sanchar Bhavan. The committee members  visited 4-5 vendors to see their set-up. The proposal was almost finalized and all members signed the report. Thereafter, one of the committee members backed out and made a complaint against the procedure recommended by the committee. Therefore, it has now been decided to float tender for opening canteen in Bharat Sanchar Bhawan which will take some more time. Efforts are being made to open a canteen at the earliest.       

9.7           House Rent Allowance  -  The staff side informed that large number of House Rent Allowance cases are pending for settlement even after all the required dependency certificates etc. have been submitted. This may be expedited and issue may be taken up with DoT and DPE for early settlement.

The management side informed that such cases require submission of proposals with the prescribed details. In particular, dependency certificate in the prescribed format and the seal of the Deputy Commissioner and the Circle IFA's certificate are must. After the requisite details are submitted by the concerned circle and is agreed to by the EF Branch of the Corporate office, the cases are sent to the DoT for conveying approval of the Competent Authority. 30 cases are pending for disposal in DoT out of which 12 cases are for renewal. The staff side requested that atleast the renewal cases should be decided by BSNL itself, instead of referring it to DoT. The management side replied that it would be examined if renewal cases could be approved by BSNL.

9.8           The serious decline in Market share of BSNL in Mobile as well as disconnection of landlines  -  The staff side has shown serious concern on fall of  BSNL market share from 24% to 14% during the last six to seven months and disconnection of  BSNL landlines.  They also mentioned that the  Revenue for 2007-2008 has declined from last year and profit reduced to  about Rs.4000 crores.  The Staff side further added that there is big boom in telecom market and 70-80 million mobile connections are being provided in the country every month whereas the share of BSNL is negligible. GSM lines are not available to provide mobile connections.  Arrears from subscribers to the tune of more than RS.3000 crores are to be recovered causing severe indictment from CAG.

Staff side requested the management to take immediate action to stop this declining trend and also apprise the staff side about the plan of management for expansion and improvement of the services.

The Chairman replied that he has already informed the National  Council about  the significant developments which have taken place in last few months especially in the field of mobile (GSM Lines),  in his opening address and hoped that after executions of these projects the market share of BSNL will  increase substantially in the current financial year 2008-09.                                                                                                                                         

 9.9          Outside Recruitment - Concession to Departmental candidates  -  The staff side pointed out that about 3,000 outside candidates are now being recruited to the cadre of JTO. No departmental examination to JTO, either in 35% or in 15% category has been conducted for many years. While departmental officials appear in outside quota, no special consideration is given to them. They demanded that grace marks  be given to the departmental outsider candidate to compete with the outside recruits who are fresh.

The management side informed as per the provisions of relevant Recruitment Rules, relaxation in upper age limit in respect of departmental candidates is provided up to 40 years in respect of general candidates, 45 years in respect of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes candidates and by 3 years i.e. 43 years in respect of Other Backward Class candidates for appearing in the direct recruitment examinations. There is no provision in the recruitment rules for any further relaxation. The RRs are sacrosanct which can’t be modified on wish and different yard-stick can’t be adopted for one type of selection.

The staff side again insisted for grace mark for the departmental candidates considering length of service.

 

The Chairman informed that when the candidates are appearing in the common examinations, adopting different criteria for evaluation and awarding grace marks to one particular category of applicants is discriminatory and will not be legally tenable. He suggested that the exam may be conducted as per existing provision.