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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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ©.J¸ï.J£ï.J¯ï. DqÀ½vÀ
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BSNL MANAGEMENT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH ELECTION COMMISSION HAS ACCORDED THE CELL PHONE AS ELECTION SYMBOL TO BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30TH OCTOBER
2008- A HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT: AGREEMENT ON NEW
PROMOTION POLICY SIGNED BY MANAGEMENT AND UNIONS (BSNLEU, TEPU, WRU) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 !!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
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-
·
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.
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