31/3/2017


Hold Lunch Hour demonstration on 31.03.2017 at BSNLCO, Circle HQ, SSA HQs and all important stations, protesting against the demotion of JTO/JAO, SDE/AO and equivalent cadres by lowering the pay scales to E1 and E2 by DoT.

31/3/2017                       C H Q - N e w s


Hon Minister has given us a meeting on 03.04.2017.


Meeting with Sri Nitishwar Kumar, IAS and PS to Hon MOS on 30.03.2017: GS, President, Chairman and AGS had a meeting with the PS to the MOS and explained the whole issue of lowering the pay scales to E1 and E2 that resulted in the demotion of the cadres. PS informed that quick decision was taken due to the fact that there was a contempt petition and approval was given to the proposal submitted by DoT on the assumption that it will solve the problems. He surprised to hear that the approved pay scales are lower one, not recommended by BSNL and created fresh problems. Further Assn explained that more that 25,000 Executives will be affected and the pay of about 15,000 Executives recruited after 01.01.2007 is getting reduced. After the discussion, PS informed that he will examine how it can be corrected.


CMD, BSNL called us on 29.03.2017 and informed about the PO issued by DoT on pay scales, ignoring the BSNL recommendations. Assn strongly protested against the high handedness of DoT. We demanded the order lowering the pay scales to E1 and E2 and demoting the cadres should not be endorsed to the field units. Instead of that BSNL should again strongly take up with DoT to approve its recommendation. BSNL didn’t recommended E1 and E2 pay scales. The BSNL proposal of E1A and E2A given on 09.01.2009 was rejected by DoT in 2011 and again in 2014. Later on BSNL modified its proposal, recommending E2 and E3 scales. Instead of deciding the revised proposal, DoT conveniently acted on the latest proposal (earlier rejected by DoT). It is an insult to the management than the employees. The BSNL proposal with cascading effect given opportunity to DoT to act like this, Assn told CMD. If BSNL management allows this type of high handedness, then DoT will act on its own whims and fancy on all issues. Assn will be protesting this action in the strongest way, till DoT acts, we informed CMD. CMD assured us to take up the matter with DoT again.

GS, AGS and Jt Sec met DIR(HR) on 29.03.2017 and protested against the Govt action. We demanded that BSNL should not endorse the order and take up with DoT to approve its recommendations of E2 and E3 scale alone. We will not allow demotion of the cadres and lower the pay scales. DIR(HR) also shared our concern and assured us that she will discuss with CMD and take the decision in the best interest of the employees and the company.


Severe, prolonged and irreversible conditions of strife and industrial unrest, having definite potential of impacting and reversing the growth momentum of BSNL, being generated by Additional Secy/DOT by taking unprecedented and unethical decision of demoting basic cadres of JTO and SDE equivalent cadres in complete disregard of the decisions of Union Cabinet, DPE guidelines and directions of Hon. courts .... GS writes to Secretary, DoT - View letter Copy.


Unions and Associations of Executives and Non Executives in BSNL writes to Secretary DPE and DoT regarding Wage Revision of the Non-Executives and Executives of BSNL with effect from 01-01-17 – View letter copy.

30/3/2017


Hold Lunch Hour demonstration on 31.03.2017 at BSNLCO, Circle HQ, SSA HQs and all important stations, protesting against the demotion of JTO/JAO, SDE/AO and equivalent cadres by lowering the pay scales to E1 and E2 by DoT.

We sincerely appeal to all the Executives and all the Associations to join hands in the struggle for standard pay scales of E2 and E3 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A w.e.f 01.01.2007. We will be making a formal appeal to all the Assns.
Further programmes will be announced in a day or two.

29/3/2017


Get Ready for Organizational Actions


DoT issued Presidential order for E1A and E2A. Revised E1A scale of Rs 18850 and E2A scale of Rs 22800 approved for those recruited in E1A/E2A scales and for others E1 scale of Rs 16400-40500 and E2 scale of Rs 20600-46500. View PO Page-1 | Page-2

SNEA reject the presidential orders against the DPE guidelines and BSNL proposal. Details will follow.Get ready for organizational actions

29/3/2017


Filling up of JTO vacancies under LICE against VY 14-15:

We are following up with our Circle Secretary - Madhya Pradesh Com.Dutta Majumdar who is in touch with BRBRAITT- Jabalpur for the early finalization of the training schedule. It is reported that the JTO training schedule will be finalized in this week itself.

Regarding recalculation of vacancies w.r.t DR and Promotee quota, the Circle Office is on the job and we have expressed our anxiety over the delay on the matter in-spite of specific assurances given to this Association during the meeting with GM(HR) on 16/3/17. Administration assured that it will be completed shortly so that all eligible candidates would commence their Pre-appointment training simultaneously.

We may inform all the interested and anxious JEs who have passed the LICE examination not to be carried away by the contradicting reports by some of the sections trying to be Self-proclaimed agents on this matter.

28/3/2017                       C H Q - N e w s


GS, AGS and Jt Sec met CMD, BSNL on 27.03.2017 and discussed the following issues:

1. Move in DoT to approve E1A and E2A scales or to reduce the pay scales to E1 and E2. We expressed our serious concern over the issue. Any such decision will force us to go to trade union actions with immediate effect, we informed CMD. CMD informed that present Secretary is not taking any decisions and asked to wait for the new Secretary. In case proposal is gone to Hon Minster, Minster will consult CMD before giving any approval on the issue. However Assn requested CMD to appraise the Minister about the BSNL proposal.

2. Land asset re-valuation started. BSNL Corporate Office at Janpath, New Delhi is the first site re-valuation done. CMD told that the present value of BSNLCO, after re-valuation is Rs 2,300 Crores! Total book value of all the BSNL land across the Circles as of now is only 977 Crores! Take all possible steps to complete the revaluation by 30.06.17, the targeted date and make our company having a worth of 2.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs Crores.

3. Give wide publicity for the data plans and BSNL offers --- Data traffic increasing day by day --- Data traffic crossed 456 TB, of which 254 TB is from South zone. Out of 254 TB from South zone, more than 100 TB is from Kerala Circle. Other circles also take clue from Kerala and increase the data traffic.

4. DE to DGM(T) DPC started on 27.03.17. Our efforts to increase the vacancies from 388 by adding the vacancies of Addl GMs working as GMs getting very positive response from management and will try to include in this DPC itself.


28/3/2017


As per our feedback to CGMT (see CS letter dtd 22/3/17) and the exigency for allocating adequate immediate bandwidth for augmenting SGSN-GGSN links on war foot basis, CGMT has written a D.O letter to Director(CM). View letter by CGMT to Director(CM), Corporate Office.

We appreciate the efforts being taken by BSNL Kerala to ensure uninterrupted and quality data services at considerably higher throughput especially during the most critical time of price war to assure our credibility, capability and commitment to our esteemed customers in the one and the only potentially growing circle of BSNL. We are also following up the issue through our CHQ at Corporate Office.

28/3/2017


Ernakulam OMCR issues - Meeting with CGMT on 27/3/2017:

Circle Secretary Com.Santosh Kumar, ACS Com.Ramana, DS-CO Com.Suneer met CGMT Shri R.Mani on 27/3/2017 for discussing the Ernakulam-OMCR issues.

We requested CGMT Kerala to relook into setting up of a centralized Monitoring Cell of Mobile Service Kerala to make our network more vibrant. Kerala BSNL was always a model for other circles in bringing new Ideas for optimizing the network to new heights. Hence we request the CGMT to immediately intervene in this matter and make a favourable move at the earliest to make a new model for BSNL for monitoring the Mobile Network in a very professional manner.

The following facts were brought to the notice of CGMT:

1. Since Phase-8 is at the door step, immediate expansion of OMCR /OMC-S is required in space and staff. Hence, with the available sanctioned financial limit of CGMT Kerala, a central monitoring cell including OMCR/OMCS, having GSM/3G/and other Mobile related core nodes and nodes for future expansion, may be setup at the earmarked space at the 2nd floor of Panampilly Nagar Telephone exchange.

2. At present, 3 DGMs are working in MS and there is only one cabin and the 2 DGMs are not having cabin. SDEs/JTOs working in Mobile Services are having no office space for keeping their files, vouchers, invoices and other official documents. Hence necessary offices may be set up for the Officers at the existing space of OMCRs when it is shifted to new space.

3. Considering the future expansions, any available space at the 2nd floor after setting up new OMCR may be reserved.

4. A Ladies Dormitory may be set up urgently at Panampilly Nagar telephone exchange considering the frequent request of all Ladies staff in the building.

5. SRRC of BSNL is a very vital section of reducing our outages/faults by giving timely repair of cards. We had a well-furnished repair center earlier at CTSD Building Gandhinagar, EKM, but in the name of CMS Server installation, TERM Cell took away the space and migrated our SRRC from CTSD building to Panampilly Nagar. Later TERM Cell chose Panampilly Nagar Telephone Exchange to install CMS server and the old SRRC space kept idle with them. Hence, SRRC may be shifted to the old well-furnished space.

6. Since Panampilly Nagar Telephone exchange is the heart of Mobile Service, having MSC, HLR, OMC Servers, BSCs, and OMCR and SRR, Administrative offices of any other Agencies may not be allotted. By giving Office space for TERM Cells, it will give easy access to all other TSP officials to the very strategic building of BSNL Kerala and it will not be beneficial to BSNL.

7. Since Panampilly Nagar Telephone Exchange building and compound is already congested, allotting Space to other Agencies will lead more difficulties to Parking space and other amenities including toilets/rest rooms etc.

CGMT appreciated our valid points and assured to complete the OMCR pending works within his available financial powers. Considering our views, CGMT also assured that the available space will not be given to other agencies and would be utilized for additional expansion.

27/3/2017


Pending requests for transfer of Accounts and Finance Executives in Kerala Circle as on 25/3/2017:
View List

We thank PGM(Finance) for publishing the list for considering the transfer requests of A&F Executives as demanded by this Association. It is for the first time that steps are being taken for ensuring transparency in implementing transfer requests in accounts wing as demanded by SNEA.
All are requested to verify and report the errors/ommissions/discrepancies noticed in the list and takeup with the respective District Secretaries of SNEA.



Transfer Orders issued to Com.Shumju Ramachandran, AO, Trivandrum BA to Kannur BA:
View Orders

We thank PGM(Finance) for issuing the orders as requested by this Association. We were pursuing for the same for quite some time.

27/3/2017


Transfer and Postings in STP Trivandrum:
As discussed on 16/3/17 with GM(HR), Administration issued transfer and posting orders for Com.Niyaz - Circle release from STP Trivandrum to Kollam BA. We thank GM(HR) for considering our request. We also thank Administration for considering to post Com.Varunkumar to STP Trivandrum, who joined Kerala Circle from Tamil Nadu on Rule-8 transfer.
Order-1 | Order-2

27/3/2017


District Secretary-Trivandrum writes to PGMT Trivandrum regarding anamoly in pay fixation method followed in Trivandrum BA for regularised officiating JTOs:View Letter
It is reported that the pay fixation method followed in Trivandrum BA for officiating JTOs, regularized as executives, is different from the method adopted in circle office. This is a violation of guidelines issued from circle office in this regard and leads to pay reduction of many officers of Trivandrum BA as compared to their counterparts in circle office. This anomaly may kind be addressed at the earliest.

25/3/2017                       C H Q - N e w s


There are some important developments in DoT on BSNL proposal for replacement of E1A and E2A with standard pay scales. Conflicting reports are coming from DoT. While AS(T) is talking about approval of revised E1A and E2A, some other officers are hinting that E2 scale will be approved for those recruited in E1A and E1 scale for the executives recruited subsequently. Whatever be the case, the developments are not positive. Our efforts to meet Hon Minister/Secretary or Member(Fin) yesterday could not materialize.

In that case, we will be immediately responding organizationally, even without waiting for the next programme on 10.04.2017. Make all the preparations for a massive agitation.



24/3/2017                       C H Q - N e w s


Parliament March by NCOA on 22.03.2017 from BSNLCO.

NCOA organized Parliament March on 22.03.2017 on the following demands:

a) No disinvestment/Strategic sale.
b) Implementation of 3rd PRC without profitability condition.

Congratulations to all the office bearers and activists of SNEA for making the march a great success. View Photos

More than 1500 Executives from various CPSUs participated in the Parliament March organized by NCOA on 22.03.2017. It is a clear message to the Prime Minister, Niti Ayog and the Union Govt that the employees will not allow disinvestment and will go to any extent to protect the interest of the company. Employees form CPSUs also joined the march in the efforts to protect the CPSUs. The CPSU employees resolved to protect the CPSUs from disinvestment/strategic sale. On 3rd PRC, all demanded pay revision without linking with profitability and affordability. CPSUs become loss making due to the wrong policies of the Govt or by inefficient management and not by the employees. The employees are not part of any policy decisions.

Com Tapan Sen, MP and General Secretary/CITU inaugurated the March near BSNLCO. Com Predeep Battacharya, Hon MP representing INTUC addressed the March. Com Amrit Kaur from AITUC, office bearers from BMS etc addressed and extended their full support for the initiative taken by the Executives and employees to protect the CPSUs.

As usual police stopped the March at Parliament street police station and taken a delegation to the Hon Prime Minister for submitting the memorandum.

Com Baby Thomas, Secretary General/NCOA, Com V. K. Tomar, President/NCOA, Com K Sebastin, GS/SNEA, Com Thomas Franco, Secretary General/AIBOC and General Secretaries of various Associations representing various CPSUs addressed the march. Com.A.A.Khan, CHQ President / SNEA participated and led the Parliament march. Dy.GS/SNEA Com M S Adasul also participated in the march and extended vote of thanks.

Maximum participation was from MTNLEA and SNEA. Large number of comrades from Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and UP(West) Circles participated in the March in addition to the comrades from NTR and BSNLCO. CSs Com SS Rajput/RAJ, Com Amarjit Singh/PB, Com Surendar Singh Sandhu/HR, Com Sanjeev Sharma/UP(West), Com G K Das/BSNLCO, Com Aggarwal/NTR and Com V K Yadav/CP, UP(W) taken all efforts for the success of the march. AGS Com Padmanabha Rao and Jt Sec Com Arvind Dahiya led the march. CHQ congratulate all of them for their commitment to protect the company and the fight for their rights like 3rd PRC.


Meeting with Smt Madhu Arora, PGM(Estt): GS, President and AGS met PGM(Estt) on 23.03.2017 and held discussions on pay parity of Rs 22820 for the post 2007 recruited Executives.

According to management, as per rule, new rects will be always placed in the scale of pay and they will not be eligible for any fitment or pay protection as eligible for the existing employees or promoted officers. All other PSUs also placed the new Executives in the minimum of the revised payscales only as per rule. BSNL also done the same and there is discrimination as claimed by the Assn. After the formation of BSNL also, new rects given the minimum of the pay scales. Now TTAs also started demanding the same. It has to be extended to the new recruitment going on now in 2017. The demand of Rs 22820 is extension of 30% fitment benefit for the post 2007 rects which is not allowed.

Assn countered the arguments by explaining that BSNL already extended fitment benefit to one set of post 2007 rects and the benefit of Rs 22820. Even 2007, 2008 batch JTOs and 2010 JAOs joined prior to them but denied the benefit. Since BSNL operated E1A scale with Rs 9850 after 2007 for one set of employees, equal treatment has to be given for all the similarly situated post 2007 rects, without discrimination. For one set of employees, BSNL implemented revised scale from 01.01.2007 and for another set of employees, pre-revised E1A scale continued for years together which is clear discrimination. All has to be treated at par by extending the pay parity to all, Assn demanded.


GS writes to Dir HR regarding Extension of E1A and E2A pay scales notionally from 01.10.2000 for the JTOs / SDEs in Civil / Elect. / Arch. / TF wings, PA / PS cadres and other equivalent cadres to bring parity with other cadres like JTO(T), JAO, SDE, AO etc... View Letter.


GS writes to Dir HR regarding regularization of few TTAs officiating as JTOs earlier but declined due to various reasons on the date of notification of new JTO RR.... View Letter.


Meeting with PGM(Estt): GS and President met PGM(Estt) and held discussions on the following issues.

a) Extension of E1A and E2A pay scales notionally from 01.10.2000 for the JTO/SDEs in Civil/Elect/Arch/TF wings, PA/PS cadres and other similar cadres: To bring parity in pay scales of the equivalent cadres in all the wings from 01.01.2000, we demanded notional pay of E1A and E2A. Vinay Sahi committee recommended the same. However BSNL Board rejected the recommendations in 2007. In 2013, JAOs given E1A scale based on Vth CPC. Now few cadres, JTO/SDEs in Civil/Elect/Arch/TF wings, PA/PS cadres and other similar cadres left out. If E1A and E2A scales extended, complete parity can be brought among all the cadres in BSNL. PGM(Estt) informed that the annual financial implication is huge and worked out to be Rs 19 Cr for pay alone and Rs 20 Cr for pension contribution, every year. Refixation has to be done for all, even for the retirees. Assn demanded that it can be implemented notionally, to bring parity in the pay scales among equivalent cadres. Even the JTOs and AEs(promotional post) were drawing same pay for few months, a serious anomaly.

b) Extending the benefit of qualifying service by counting the service from 01.01.2007 for the 30% Superannuation benefit: Since there is a condition of minimum qualifying service of 15 years stipulated by DPE, any unforeseen incident happen before 15 years will deprive all the benefits to the families including the contributions already made. So we pleaded to give the date of effect from 01.01.2007 itself. Even with minimum contribution, if the date of effect is changed from May, 2016 to 01.01.2007, the completed qualifying service will increase by 9 years and it will benefit all. PGM(Estt) responded positively and assured to work out the case which is a very positive development. This is an issue taken up by SNEA recently after the MV.

c) Consideration of relaxation for TTAs become JTOs for Rule 8 transfer: The issue has been discussed once again. Management agreed for relaxation as discussed earlier. For the TTAs become JTOs, they can apply for Rule 8 transfer after 1 year of service as JTO (4 year relaxation) in normal Circles and after 2 years of service as JTO (3 year relaxation) in tenure Circles. Orders will be issued shortly.

d) Regularization of remaining TTAs officiated sometime as JTOs but declined due to various reasons: Assn was pursuing this case for some time. Few such cases are reported from some Circles when report has called on our request. Since all the vacancies from 2013-14 to 2015-16 is being filled by LICE, regularization become a problem now. We requested to find some way out to make them JTOs utilizing the available vacancy. PGM(Estt) agreed to find some solution in this regard.


Very good news for the BSNL directly recruited employees.

EPF pension will be revised and it will be based on the actual basic pay instead of minimum pension.

View EPFO Orders

Employees from various CPSUs approached various courts especially at Ernakulam demanding full pension on the actual basic pay, courts given judgment in their favour. Hon Ernakulam HC given judgments in favour of the employees of PSUs like Milma, ITI, Instrumentation, HNL, HMT, HIL etc etc. Hon Supreme Court judgment also was in their favour. Some cases are still pending in Hon SC. As per reports, Hon SC directed the labour ministry to amend the Rule to extend the benefits to all the similarly placed employees. Afterwards labour ministry directed EPF to amend the rules.

As per the proposal, if the contribution is made on 12% of actual basic +IDA, the pension will be paid on the basis of actual basic pay. 8.33% of the basic +IDA will be accounted for pension purposes. The employer and employee will be given an option to switchover to full pension option, according to reliable sources. If pension contribution is limited to 12% of 6500 with ceiling, they will not be eligible for full pension. This will give equal pension for the BSNL directly recruited employees at par with the absorbed employees.

SNEA struggled since 2003 and got EPF contribution modified on 12.08.2005 from 12% with the ceiling of Rs 6500 to 12% of actual basic pay + IDA (without ceiling limit). All the arrears from 2001 also credited into the employees individual account. As a result of our struggle, now all the BSNL employees will get the full pension benefits.

In the last CWC meeting at Hyderabad, SNEA also decided to file case at Ernakulam for similar benefits.

23/3/2017


Black out to Information – Denial of access to BSNL Kerala Intranet
only Facebook and Twitter users have access


CS writes to CGMT protesting against curtailing the privilage of accessing BSNL Kerala Intranet for those not having Facebook and Twitter account:
View Letter

It is really disappointing to the officers and staff of BSNL Kerala circle- the excellent performing Circle- which we believe the work culture has a definite say in the decision of Circle Administration to declare a black out to its Officers and staff from the knowledge and information by curtailing the access to Kerala Circle intranet .

While it is high time the management should try to spread information and knowledge among its employees it is decided in the other way in the circle. Perhaps the Administration may point out some other Circle which had already resorted to such draconian policies, we are afraid whether the Circle administration will instruct us to follow the same work culture as far as output is concerned.

Before instructing the officers and employees to open Facebook and Twitter account, those sitting at the helm of affairs must have minimum knowledge about the current real situation. In most SSAs, the social media like facebook and twitter etc is blocked in the LAN. Employees and officers are not provided with broad band connections. In the Era of Giga Bytes, the service mobile connection provided to officers can access to 500MB DATA in a month. It is pertinent to note that today one GB data cost only 5 Rupees.

We don’t want to say more on this. We urge upon the Administration to restore the access to Kerala Intranet and not to divert the attention of the officers and staff in this crucial juncture as far as BSNL viability is concerned.

23/3/2017


CS writes to CGMT regarding Adequate SGSN-GGSN backhaul for uninterrupted data services
View Letter

As we all know, Kerala circle is contributing more than 25% of total data traffic being generated from all BSNL circles in India. The data traffic from Kerala circle is increasing on an average of 3TB per day. There has been a jump in mobile data traffic in Kerala soon after introduction of the industry best data plan, COMBO STV 339 offering 2GB data per day. It is to be noted that our customers consumed more than 100TB data out of the total 227 TB consumed in south zone circles on 19.03.2017, which is the highest among any other circles in India. It is to be noted that other telcos are offering only 1GB of data per day for similar plans. Hence data usage is expected to increase exponentially in coming days as well. We understand that our suggestion to deploy new GGSN at Ernakulam in Phase 8 project has been approved by BSNL Corporate Office. GS SNEA CHQ had written to Corporate Office to consider our demand. Definitely, these are proud moments of joy and delight for all of us in BSNL.

But, at the same time, we are equally worried and concerned about existing capability of the backhaul between SGSNs at Ernakulam & Trichur to GGSN at Chennai to handle such high traffic bursts especially during peak hours. Kerala circle, as we understand at present, is having 16G links, 8 each from each SGSN to GGSN. Our daily peak throughput has already crossed 14Gbps. We lost around 2TB data due to link congestion last day, which may go worse in coming days. BSNL Kerala circle had not procured high capacity SGSNs during previous projects as did by other circles in south zone. It is understood that we require 10G connectivity to meet the present requirement. But, it is also understood that the transmission equipments in the circle are not in a position to cater such higher capacity links to connect SGSNs right now due to some handicaps. Moreover, it is learnt that there are no spare ports available in GGSN to connect 10G from Kerala.

In these circumstances, we requested CGMT, his personal attention is highly solicited to take up the case with CGMT STR/Corporate Office to allocate adequate immediate bandwidth for augmenting SGSN-GGSN links on war foot basis. All out efforts may kindly be taken to ensure uninterrupted and quality data services at considerably higher throughput especially during the most critical time of price war to assure our credibility, capability and commitment to our esteemed customers in the one and the only potentially growing circle of BSNL.

22/3/2017


Special CEC Meeting at Ernakulam on 07th April 2017
Notice is hereby issued for a Special Circle Executive Committee meeting of SNEA Kerala Circle in connection with formation of SNEA Vanitha Vedi to be held at 10 AM on 07-04-2017 at Hotel Woods Manor, Ernakulam.

All Circle office bearers, SSA Secretaries and Vanitha convenors are requested to attend the meeting in time.

Click Here for the Notice issued for CEC

22/3/2017


Congratulations - Electrical Comrades!!!

We are thankful to Chief Engineer (Electrical) for issuing the Transfer Orders for Three Executives and also for calling option for SDE(LA)in Electrical. View Transfer Order||View Order for LA Option

Transfer order of SDE(E) issued for Three Executives, we are expecting that this move is the 1st Phase and some more requests are pending. The vacancies at Ernakulam, Kalpetta and Kasragod are pending to call for the LA Arrangement. Particularly Kasargod district itself has more than 60 Telephone Exchanges, and 100 BTS sites. Kalpetta/ Wayanad Sub Division is also carrying out maintenance of a district with more than 35 Telephone Exchanges, 25 BTSs and 10 other Buildings. The geographical conditions is peculiar and Wayanad is a high range and very difficult to operate with SDE(E) from Calicut by an additional charge and has to travel more than 80 kms from Calicut.

Ernakulam being an industrial capital and now SSA has handed over BTSs’Engine maintenance, the shortage of SDE also needs to be filled up. Presently JTO(E) from 20 years are waiting to get first promotion, they can be well placed as SDE-LA. We are requesting the Circle Administration to take necessary arrangement to fill up those posts also .

22/3/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


GS writes to PGM(Elect) regarding:

Modification in promotion order from SDE(E) to EE(E) – case of Com P. Ramakrishnan(KRL)

View Copy of the Letter

21/3/2017


As assured to this association during the meeting on 16/3/2017, Circle Office has addressed BRBRAITT, Jabalpur for scheduling the training of LICE JTOs (VY:2014-15). We have already contacted BRBRAITT and are following up with them.

21/3/2017


Meeting with Shri. I.Thirunavakkarasu, Sr.GM(S&M/NWO/NWP-CFA), Kerala Circle on 16.03.2017:

Circle President Com. George Varghese, Circle Secretary Com. T.Santhosh Kumar along with Assistant Circle Secretary Com. J.V.Ramana, Area Secretary (South) Com. G.Harikrishnan, District Secretary Trivandrum Com. Dr. V.G.Sabu & District Secretary CO Com. Suneer.S met Shri. I.Thirunavakkarasu, Sr.GM(S&M/NWO/NWP-CFA) on 16.03.2017 evening and discussed about the proposed K-FON project of Govt. of Kerala.

We briefed GM about the details we received from the Officers concerned with the K-FON project. The IT department of state government has proposed this project as a means to network all government offices, institutions and educational institutions in the state spending less money and to ensure cheaper or free internet connectivity to each home on priority basis. The project envisages that the establishment cost would reach breakeven point in 10 years. The project also aims at reducing expenditure on internet service by the state exchequer. KSEB had already obtained license for establishing the OFC network. The transmission towers of KSEB have provisions to lay OFC cables. K-FON is supposed to provide internet connectivity directly to all government establishments and schools. The OFC network will have landing at places where KSEB transformers are currently set up. They propose to extend last mile connectivity to houses using the service of LCOs or other service operators.

We informed GM about the details of our meetings with Finance and Electricity ministry, Govt. of Kerala. We are informed that IT department is seriously thinking to consider Rail Tel as the ISP for the project and LCOs are under active consideration for extending the last mile connectivity of the proposed K-FON project. Hence, it is high time to bring LCOs also to our fold with proper business models. Cable TV Operators Association has sought our intervention as well to resolve the stalemate. We informed GM that EOI/MOU finalizations with LCOs are yet to be materialized in Kerala circle for promoting FTTH business and to arrest mass broadband disconnections due to Rail Tel and R-JIO penetration. Our CFA revenue has gone down this time also, hence all out efforts need to be taken to avoid such huge disconnections in Broad band segment. We brought to his notice that the same LCO model has been implemented in Warangal SSA of Telengana circle. These proposals were brought to the notice of the former CGMT Sh. L Anantharam in 2016 by a team of experts from our side(Dr.V.G.Sabu and Dr.Sudeep Kumar). The same has been implemented in Warangal SSA now by the same CGM. We requested GM to review the norms in this regard for early resolution of the same to promote more FTTH connections in Kerala circle.

The main issue projected by LCOs was high PBG which majority of the LCOs can’t afford to, they being small scale units. More over as there are multiple LCOs even in village level, it may not feasible to float tender in every SDCA or district level. Alternate viable proposals need to be evaluated and decisions taken as quickly as possible. GM sought our support to effectively coordinate with State Govt. and LCOs to finalize the various business models. We have assured the same. GS SNEA CHQ has already brought to the notice of CMD and Directors about the proposed K-FON project in Kerala Circle. GS has been assured by Corporate Office that they would extend any support to Kerala in this regard to capture the business and they are ready to give any clarifications in finalizing LCO business model. Sr. GM assured us that he would once again take up LCO proposal with corporate office as per our suggestions.

We requested GM to present the strength of BSNL Kerala circle especially regarding the OFC backbone deployment model in the state preferably as a power point presentation to all concerned experts in the government so as to make them to atleast compare and convince about the performance and network element’ presence of BSNL & Rail Tel in Kerala. Transmission experts in the circle may be asked to prepare the presentation in the most professional manner and the same need to be presented to IT Department and Office of Chief Minister, Finance Minister & Electricity Minister.The strength of BSNL, our capability to provide world class telecom services even to the nook and corner of rural Kerala at lightning provision speed that too at most affordable rates due to the presence of the largest and unique Optical Fiber/Copper Cable/Wireless network backbone spread over some different and difficult terrain of geographical Kerala including Idukki & Wayanad districts, should be brought to the notice of Government. We may also refer about the steps taken by the previous government to divert certain projects undertaken by BSNL for IT@School and Village VPN in certain districts to some other service providers and about the utter failure happened during 2015-16 due to the lack of infrastructure facilities and operation and maintenance support by those service providers. Later on, they were forced to give back to BSNL for execution.

GM sought our support to make a report by conducting Impact Study after Rail Tel FTTH penetration in the circle. We responded positively and have extended whole hearted support to achieve the best for BSNL out of the proposed K-FON project in the most mutually beneficial manner by getting engaged as the major ISP and for extending the last mile connectivity engaging LCOs also in selected locations. The Association pointed out about our earlier suggestion for allowing the customer to procure last mile connectivity by UG /OF cable and compensate them against such expenditure by rebate in monthly charges in installments. Sr. GM CFA agreed to take up the proposal for approval from corporate office since the circle is unable to procure enough materials in time.
Meeting lasted for about 1 hour.

21/3/2017


Meeting with Shri. S.Jyothi Sankar, GM EB/S&M-CM, Kerala Circle on 16.03.2017:

Circle President Com. George Varghese, Circle Secretary Com. T.Santhosh Kumar along with Area Secretary (South) Com. G.Harikrishnan, District Secretary Trivandrum Com. Dr. V.G.Sabu & District Secretary CO Com. Suneer.S met Shri. S.Jyothi Sankar, GM EB/S&M-CM on 16.03.2017 morning to discuss the following points.

1. Unauthorized charges by content providers: We brought to the notice of GM that several mobile customers are still complaining about excess monthly telephone charges by way of additional amount towards value added services. The customers feel very much disappointed and sometimes cheated over such excess charging for which they never consented to link to their services. Customers are shocked over receiving bills for these value added services linked to mobile numbers without their consent and getting billed for even more than thousand rupees on in their monthly bills on account of these services. We pointed out that linking such services without customers’ consent and charging them is really unethical and unfair on our part and hence to be curbed once for all. We can’t afford to lose a single customer due to such bad experiences. At times such complaints are registered against BSNL even in many public consumer complaint redressal forums inviting bad reputation in public at times. We requested GM to issue strict instructions to such content providers to activate the service only with the written consent at least by e-mail from the customer, if not, the content provider service is not stopped forthwith. GM agreed to our points and assured that such vendors would be warned accordingly. He also informed that he would try to revive the PG cell telephone nos in SSAs and Circle so as those customers can register their complaints for speedy resolution of the same.

2. Customer relations with regard to CUG and corporate customers: We requested GM' intervention to improve and strengthen business relationships with our existing Corporate and CUG customers. We may specifically focus on customer retention activities also while trying for sales growth in BSNL. Such customers are to be informed about introduction of new plans and tariff changes as and when happening so that they feel like getting cared and would be with BSNL for long time. As now more economical and unlimited plans are being offered to prepaid customers, corresponding changes in tariffs and plan need to be incorporated in postpaid segment also so as to retain such customers in postpaid category itself for long time. Postpaid customers can be offered more freebies or discount in plan charges during such period. We also requested GM to respond to the request from KSEB regarding their CUG plan change proposals. GM responded positively and assured to do the needful in this regard.

3. Disconnection of CUG numbers during payment delays: We suggested GM to have a mechanism to intimate Corporate and CUG customers well before disconnecting their numbers due to non-payment. Such abrupt disconnections can lead to mass customer dissatisfaction and disappointment among such loyal customers which include many government and bank officials. Other than intimation through SMSs and IVRS alerts, some body may be engaged to contact the concerned CUG nodal officer and request for early payment of the dues before attempting disconnection. GM responded positively and assured to do the needful in this regard.

4. Issues with zero main account balance having active STVs or CUG: We informed GM about issues pointed by many CUG customers including KSEB officials who are using prepaid CUG connections with zero main account balance. They were not able to make outgoing calls even though STV or add-on packs were active. GM assured to take up such issues with the concerned to avoid such issues in future. Meeting lasted for about 1 hour.

20/3/2017


Meeting with PGM(Finance) on 16/3/2017:

Circle President Com. George Varghese, Circle Secretary Com. T Santhosh Kumar along with Asst. Circle Secretary Com. J V Ramana, Area Secretary (South) Com. G Harikrishnan, District Secretary Trivandrum Com Dr. V G Sabu & District Secretary CO Com S Suneer met PGM (F) on 16-03-2017.

The following items were discussed.

1. Reconciliation of CSC collection with bank remittance: We brought to the notice of PGM F that the reconciliation of CSC collection with bank remittanceis carried out as per the statement prepared manually by the CSC-in charges on a daily basis. After introduction of ERP and S&D module in the CSCs, the workload of CSCs has increased manifold. As details of both PMS collection and sale in S&D moduleare available in the two portals, there is no need for manual reports. The reconciliation section can take details of these two collections from the portals and compare the same with bank remittance statements and discrepancies noted, if any,can be brought to the notice of CSC-in charges. This will not only ensure accuracy in comparing collection and bank remittance but also avoid unnecessary preparation of manual statements by the CSC-in charges.These steps, if implemented, can also bring some relief to the work load of CSC-in charges. We requested to consider the suggestion. PGM F agreed to examine the procedure being followed and agreed to consider our proposal.

2. Mobile bill payment updating/reconnection issues – Post SD module migration: We brought to the notice of PGM F that postpaid bills of GSM, CDMA &Wimax are accepted via PMS module and the same is updated only after batch processing by the CSC- in charges after the day’ closure. It is also observed that even after doing batch processing, the same is not seen reflected in Kenan FX many times for updating the customer status. Issues are severe if payment is done on the pay by date or after disconnection causing difficulties to customers as well as to CSC staff even if batch processing is done in every 2 hours. After effecting payment the customers approach CSC demanding on the spot reconnection. CSC staff is compelled to unbar each number manually which is a time consuming process as they have to verify both outstanding amount and the payment details. It is suggested to make necessary mechanism for reconnection as done earlier withKenan FX and presently done in case of land line bills by updating thepayment status from the PMS portal centrally. Manual intervention need to be minimized to ensure accurate and efficient accounting system.These steps, if implemented, can also bring some relief to the work load of CSC-in charges. We requested to consider the suggestion. PGM F agreed to consider the same.

3. Customer relations with regard to CUG and corporate customers: We requested PGM’ intervention to improve and strengthen business relationships with our existing Corporate and CUG customers especially with regard to tariff/plan modifications. We may specifically focus on customer retention activities also while trying for sales growth in BSNL. Such customers are to be informed about introduction of new plans and tariff changes as and when happening so that they feel like getting cared and would be with BSNL for long time. As now more economical and unlimited plans are being offered to prepaid customers, corresponding changes in tariffs and plan need to be incorporated in postpaid segment also so as to retain such customers in postpaid category itself for long time. Postpaid customers can be offered more freebies or discount in plan charges during such period. PGM responded positively and assured to do the needful in this regard.

4. Disconnection of CUG numbers during payment delays: We suggested PGM to have a mechanism to intimate Corporate and CUG customers well before disconnecting their numbers due to non-payment. Such abrupt disconnections can lead to mass customer dissatisfaction and disappointment among such loyal customers which include many government and bank officials. Other than intimation through SMSs and IVRS alerts, some officer/ staff to be nominated to contact the concerned CUG nodal officer and request for early payment of the dues before attempting disconnection. We requested him to instruct BAs also accordingly. PGM agreed to our suggestions and assured to do the needful in this regard.

5. Promoting Add-On postpaid connections to existing CUG customers: We requested PGM to consider issuing Add-On postpaid connections to existing CUG customers in the form of Friends & Family Sims so that we can grab more postpaid connections. The scheme may be first introduced for senior state government officials followed by targeting other potential groups in the circle including banks.

6. Finalization of EOI/MOU with LCOs: We informed PGM that EOI/MOU finalizations with LCOs are yet to be materialized in Kerala circle for promoting FTTH business and to arrest mass broadband disconnections due to Rail Tel and R-JIO penetration. Our CFA revenue has gone down this time also, hence all out efforts need to be taken to avoid such huge disconnections in Broad band including Wimax. We brought to his notice that the same LCO model has been implemented in Warangal SSA of Telengana circle. These proposals were brought to the notice of the former CGMT Sh. L Anatharam in 2016 by a team of experts from our side. The same has been implemented in Warangal SSA now by the same CGM. We informed PGM about the details of our meetings with Finance and Electricity ministry, Govt. of Kerala, wherein they have categorically mentioned that LCOs are under active consideration for the last mile connectivity of the proposed K-FON project. Hence, it is high time to bring them also to our fold with proper business models. Cable TV Operators Association has sought our intervention as well to resolve the stalemate. The main issue projected by them was high PBG which majority of the LCOs can’t afford to, they being small scale units. We requested PGM F to review the norms in this regard for early resolution of the same to promote more FTTH connections in Kerala circle. PGM assured to do the needful in this regard.

7. Transfer requests in finance wing: We had requested PGM F to publish the list of transfer requests received from Officers. PGM F informed us that the transfer requests received from Officers are being compiled and the list would be published soon for information of all and for correcting errors/ omissions, if any. It was assured by the PGM that all request for transfer from those who completed 2 years will be considered . The report to the contrary by some other section is baseless.

8. Stay particulars of officers of Finance wing: We had requested administration to publish the SSA wise stay particulars of officers of Finance wing. PGM Finformed us that it is being finalized and agreed to publish the same at the earliest for information of all and for correcting errors/ omissions, if any.

9. ERP training to A&F executives: We had informed PGM that only 145 out of 460 A&F executives (JAO/AO/CAO) got training in FICO module in Kerala circle. Due to lack of proper training in concerned areas of SAP in which they are working, most of them find it difficult to perform their assigned duties. As a result they are forced to resort to trial and error methods for completing their assigned duties which in many occasions end up in wrong results. Hence, to improve efficiency, adequate training sessions on relevant modules of SAP-ERP need to be imparted to all concerned A&F executives working in circle office and BAs of BSNL Kerala Circle. PGM agreed to our suggestion and informed that training sessions will be arranged soon after closure of the current financial year.

17/3/2017


Meeting with GM(HR & Admin) on 16/3/2017:

This Association requested a meeting with CGMT on 16/3/2017 but as CGMT was not feeling well, he requested to discuss the submitted agenda points with GM(HR).
Circle President Com.George Varghese, Circle Secretary Com.Santhosh Kumar, ACS Com.Ramana, Area Secretary (South) Com.Harikrishnan and District Secretary-Trivandrum Com. Dr.Sabu.V.G attended the meeting with GM(HR). DGM(Admin) Shri Satheesh and DGM(HR) Shri James Sagayaraj also attended the meeting.

Following points were discussed:

1. Publication of Long stay list: We requested to publish the longstay list immediately for which Administration replied that they are collecting the data from SSAs. We suggested that they need not wait for the long stay list from the shortage SSAs. It was agreed that the list will be published by the end of this month.

2. Pending Relieving of JTOs and remaining Transfer requests: We have pointed out that from MRX, TCR and KNR relieving of JTOs have not completed and the remaining are to be relieved by this month itself. GM(HR) assured that will be taken for the release by posting additional hands from long stay to extend of requirement . The other transfer requests of DE/SDE/JTO also would be considered in April by operating long stay to extend of requirement.

3. Rule-8 cases from Karnataka Circle: We expressed our protest about the delay in sending the consent letter to Karnataka Circle for accommodating 21 JTOs at Kerala Circle. GM(HR) informed that the file is put up to CGMT for approval and assured speedy dispatch.

4. Vacancy recalculation for JTO LICE as per revised DoPT guidelines and as done in Punjab Circle as per Corporate office approval: We informed GM(HR) that on 15/3/17asperthe discussion by SNEA CHQ with PGM Estt , Corporate office has endorsed Punjab case to all Circles for following the revised guidelines. The vacancy recalculation as per revised DoPT guidelines will generate more vacancies by which we could accommodate all pending qualified LICE candidates of VY2014-15 and also the additional vacancies can be carry forward to VY2015-16.

5. Training to the successful candidates of JTO LICE for the Vacancy year 2014-15: We expressed our protest about the delay in arranging training to these successful candidates. Administration informed that the delay was due to the recent certificate verification process of Direct JEs and assured that necessary arrangements would be done soon for imparting training after getting approval from BRBRAITT, Jabalpur.

6. DGM(Adhoc) – preparatory works: We requested Administration to process the DGM(Adhoc) preparatory works. GM(HR) assured speedy disposal.

7. Pending EPP cases: We once again reiterated the delay in processing EPP cases. We offered our help (after office hours / in holidays) to Administration for processing the pending EPP cases. GM(HR) appreciated our offer and instructed DGM(HR) to explore our help if required. It was assured that the pending case received from SSAs will be cleared before 31st March 2017.

8. Volunteers to RTTC, Trivandrum – extension of last date: We requested to extend the last date as the notification was issued on 10th March and the last date was 15th March which is too short. GM(HR) appreciated our request and informed that the last date would be extended to 31st March 2017.

9. Calling of Volunteers to Circle IT-Cell, Trivandrum: We requested Administration to call for volunteers to Circle IT Cell. GM(HR) agreed that if there is any request for posting in IT-Cell, it can be considered.

10. Looking after arrangement in DE cadre: Administration informed that VC is received and the orders for 6 Officials will be released. Requirement if any for further posting from SSAs shall be processed.

11. Pending Time bound financial upgradation (E1 to E2) of Smt.Amrutha Rajan (Calicut): GM(HR) responded positively.

12. Mutual Transfer (Rule-8) – case of Smt.Shalini and Smt.Roshni: GM(HR) informed that the case is approved.

13. EPP pending for Shri Jojo Antony (Civil wing): GM(HR) responded positively.

14. Posting and Transfer of Shri. Francis (Kottayam) to Ernakulam (A/T) and relieving of Shri.Vijayan (Enk A/T) to Kottayam A/T: We expressed our protest about the delay in resolving the issue. GM(NWO-CFA) and Ernakulam SSA has already submitted their positive comments and requirement in this regard. Administration questioned the need of three executives in Ernakulam A/T. Ernakulam SSA consists of three geographical areas – Ernakulam District, Iddukki District and Lakshadweep Islands, and three executives are very much needed for smooth commissioning of new NGN equipments, OFC, Mobile Services equipments etc. It is to be noted that even a small SSA like Kollam is having three Executives. GM(HR) got convinced and assured to resolve the issue.

15. Transfer case of Shri Vinodkumar (DGM Trichur) and Smt Lekha (AGM Trichur) to Ernakulam: The officials has already completed more than four years away from their Home SSA. GM(HR) responded positively.

16. Mutual transfer of Shri Haskar (Malappuram SSA) and Shri Vinod (STR Malappuram): GM(HR) responded positively.

17. Transfer case of Shri Niyas (STP Trivandrum) to Kollam SSA: GM(HR) responded positively.

 The meeting which began at 12 noon ended at 2 P.M. We also met PGM(Finance), GM(S&M-CM) and GM(S&M-CFA) for discussing various issues and the minutes would be uploaded soon.

16/3/2017


Looking after arrangement in DE Cadre - orders issued: View Orders

We were pursuing these cases for a long time with the Administration. We once again request our District Secretaries to project the requirement in the DE cadre in the respective businees area through SSA Head.

16/3/2017


Annual General Body Meeting of SNEA Circle Office District branch was held at Club Hall, O/o CGMT, Trivandrum on 15/03/2017. Circle President Com.George Varghese, Circle Secretary Com. Santhosh Kumar, other Circle office bearers and Trivandrum District office bearers attended the meeting.

The AGB unanimously elected the new body:

District President – Com. Remadevi.A.P, SDE (S&M-CM)
District Secretary – Com.Suneer.S, JAO
District Treasurer – Com.Biju.S, SDE(MM)

CEC Member – Com.Vidya.A, SDE(NS)

Vice President 1 – Com.Bindu.K.R, SDE(S&M-CFA)
Vice President 2 – Com.Vimal.V, SDE(Mktg - WiMax & MM)

Assistant Secretary 1 – Com.Sunitha George, SDE(Estt)
Assistant Secretary 2 – Com.Madhu.C, SDE(CRC)

Congratulations..!! to the unanimously elected new body.


15/3/2017


Corporate office has issued common instructions to all Circles regarding guidelines to be followed while calculating Vacancies between Direct Recruitment and LICE: View Letter

As reported in our website on 4/3/2017, CS wrote letter to CGMT (View Letter) and also discussed with Administration regarding recalculation of JTO vacancies as per revised DoPT guidelines as done in Punjab Circle after seeking approval from Corporate office. We have raised this issue through our CHQ also, as the recalculated vacancies would benefit to accommodate more JTOs in our Circle which is the only Circle in BSNL with positive revenue growth.

SNEA, as the only recognized representative executive association in BSNL took the issue with Corporate office, continuously pursued and the guidelines issued to Punjab Circle is now endorsed to all Circles for similar necessary action. We thank CHQ for the speedy resolution of the issue.

15/3/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


It has been decided that the Two days Relay Hunger strike on 16th and 17th March, 2017 will not be held for now. However there will not be any change in the TU programmes from 11.04.2017 onwards.

Since regular Secretary DoT has not joined so far, decision on E1A and E2A pay scales may take some time. DIR(HR) tried to arrange a meeting with Secretary for the last one week but could not materialize as regular Secretary not available. CMD also tried to discuss the issue with Secretary and resolve it. Yesterday DIR(HR) written a DO letter also to AS(T) citing the Trade Union Notice of the recognized Executive Association in BSNL and requested DoT for early approval of the proposal by BSNL for revision on E1A and E2A scales.

Today DIR(HR) invited SNEA for discussion and explained the developments and appealed not to go for agitation till regular Secretary joins in DoT.

Morning we had discussion with CMD also. Both assured us to use their good office to settle the issue as soon as new Secretary joins.

View Copy of the Appeal by GM (SR) /BSNL CO

15/3/2017


Looking after arrangements in the grade of SDE(Civil) – Calling of Volunteers: View Letter

We thank CE(Civil) for deciding to call options for looking after arrangements in the grade of SDE(Civil) as promised to this association in the meeting with our Circle Secretary held on 27/2/2017.

We were pursuing the case for a long time to get relief to the entry executives of Civil wing who were toiling hard for the well being of civil wing for more than 20 years. It is to be noted that JTOs from 1993 are waiting for promotion and many are drawing E4 scale.

from the Archives of our website updated on 27/2/2017:


14/3/2017


Meeting with CGMT on 9/3/2017:

Circle Secretary Com.Santhosh Kumar, ACS Com.Ramana, DS-Circle Office Com.Suneer met CGMT on 9/3/2017 to discuss the following issues:

1. Threat from business diversification of KSEB: Kerala Govt is moving ahead with its ambitious plan of providing 20 lakh free broadband connections with the help of KSEB and RailTel. This is a real threat to BSNL, we may loose not only broadband connections but also hundreds of leased lines and other revenue generating circuits provided to State Govt machinery. We apprised CGMT and requested his urgent intervention. We humbly requested him to meet Chief Secretary and other Officials of State Govt for convincing them to accommodate BSNL as a partner in this Mega Project. CGMT appreciated our concern and has assured necessary action in this regard.

2. Transfer/Relieving of DEs to West Bengal: We expressed our protest in issuing relieving orders to these DEs by Circle Office. CGMT expressed his compulsions and the pressure he is getting from Director(HR) for relieving these Officers to West Bengal. Comrades, we are trying our best through our CHQ to cancel the orders.

13/3/2017


CS writes to CGMT regarding alarming Wimax Disconnections in the Circle: View Letter

The Wimax disconnections in Kerala circle has been showing alarmingly high figures ever since RJIO launched their 4G services and BSNL Corporate Office revised the monthly charges of postpaid Wimax broadband plans with effect from 1st December 2016.The revised tariff plans were made applicable to all the then existing and new Wimax broadband customers in all the circles. For example, the monthly charges for the most popular unlimited plan in Kerala circle, WI 750, were made Rs. 825/- from December 2016 that too at some critical time when all TSPs in the country were indulged in reviewing their tariff strategies to compete with R-JIO tariff war.

The decision by BSNL Corporate Office to hike Wimax tariffs has put circles like Kerala in deep crisis not only in acquiring new customers but also in retaining the existing customers. It is to be noted that more than 5000 disconnections happened during last six months in Kerala. It is also to be noted that around 700 disconnections happened in the month of February 2017 alone taking total Wimax connections to 19k whereas we had more than 25k connections in April 2016. Other than R-JIO 4G, service providers like Rail Tel and other LCOs are offering unlimited usage with higher speeds in Kerala circle at tariffs very much lower than what BSNL provide. It is learnt that the GM NWO CM has already referred this issue to Sr. GM (CDMA & Wimax), BSNL corporate Office but the circle is yet to receive any decisions in this regard.

We would like to suggest the following also in this regard:

1. Speed for all Wimax Plans may be enhanced to 1 Mbps.

2. An Unlimited usage plan with monthly charges around Rs. 500 may be introduced for new as well as existing customers with 1 Mbps speed for first 5GB and 512 kbps thereafter.

3. Usage charges for limited plans beyond free down load which is very high at present may be revised accordingly incorporating corresponding enhancement in speed as well as data usage in those plans.

It is requested that Respected CGMT may personally take up this case at BSNL corporate Office to sort out this issue without any further delay for revising Wimax tariff to most competitive rates to counter TSPs like R-JIO. We have also requested intervention of our CHQ to bring it to the notice of the Director/CMD. All out efforts need to be taken on war foot basis to arrest such mass disconnections happening in Wimax segment in Kerala as this negative trend can hamper the revenue as well as profit avenues of the one and the only potentially growing circle of BSNL.

13/3/2017


Gear up for the Relay Hunger Strike at Circle Office
and Lunch Hour Demonstration in all SSA HQs
on 16.03.2017 and 17.03.2017

All Circle Office bearers, District Secretaries, Branch Secretaries, CEC Members and Delegates are requested to invariably participate in the Relay Hunger Strike.

SNEA served notice to Secretary/DoT on Non-Approval of the BSNL proposal to replace the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 as per Union Cabinet decisions on 2nd PRC recommendations and DPE OM dated 26.11.2008.

Demand:
Approval of the BSNL decision to replace the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 based on the Union Cabinet decisions and DPE guidelines dated 26.11.2008 and DPE direction to DoT dated 09.07.2014.

Programme of Trade Union Actions:

07.03.2017: Demand day. Sending Fax/email to Secretary, DoT by all Circles/SSA/Division/Branch Secretaries.

16.03.2017 and 17.03.2017: Relay Hunger Strike at BSNLCO and Circle Offices. Lunch/Closing Hour demonstration in all SSA HQs.

11.04.2017: Mass Dharna at BSNLCO/Circle/SSA HQs.

25.04.2017 to 28.04.2017: Relay Hunger Strike at BSNLCO/ Circle/ SSA HQs.

Since notice is given to Secretary/DoT, no agenda related to BSNL mgt included. This issue has to be settled before 3rd PRC implementation at any cost. It is a DO or DIE situation for all of us. View Notice.


10/3/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Meeting with Sri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD, BSNL:
Today Assn discussed the following issues with CMD:

a) Approval of standard pay scales of E2 and E3 replacing E1A and E2A: The proposal is now moving to the Secretary, DoT. According to our information, AS(T) not agreed for upgradation of pay scales to E2 and E3. Final decision has to be taken by Secretary, DoT. Since new Secretary taken charge, Assn requested CMD for immediate interaction with him. Otherwise he may approve the proposal of AS(T) which will create turmoil in the company. CMD assured that he will discuss the issue with the new Secretary as and when he meets him. Such decisions may be taken normally by regular Secretaries, according to CMD.

b) Implementation of CPSU cadre Hierarchy upto AGM Grade: We explained the hurdle to make the AGM promotions time bound, where a decision has to be taken by DIR/CMD. The matter has been discussed between CMD and DIR(HR) on 08.03.17. Thousands of Executives are eligible for AGM promotion and we are focusing our demand that all the Executives completed 10 years of service as SDE equivalent grade shall be promoted as AGM. This is the area where negotiations are going on and management is not agreeing to our demand. CMD assured that the differences will be sorted out soon and further discussions required.

c) Increasing the number of DGM(T) posts from 1331 to 2500: During discussion, CMD responded positively to our demand and told that this issue can be discussed after finalization of CPSU Hierarchy.

d) Calculating the DR DGM posts and the vacant posts of Addl GMs looking after as GMs for the purpose of DGM vacancies: As of now proposal is moved for 388 DGM vacancies. We demanded that all the posts should be counted for the DPC purposes. CMD sought details about the case. We are trying our level best to get all the DGM vacancies filled up.


GS writes to CMD regarding Superannuation Benefits to the BSNL directly recruited employees..... extending the benefits from 01.01.2007 to get the retirement benefits for those joined earlier View letter


GS writes to Secretary DoP & E regarding the implementation of 3rd PRC recommendations / suggestions and issues to be addressed like:

a) Affordability of the CPSU for pay revision and Superannuation Benefits,
b) Pension revision for the BSNL Executives absorbed from DoT,
c) Uniform increment date,
d) Periodicity should be 5 years from 01.01.2012 with minimum 15% fitment,
e) Minimum Fitment of 20% required if periodicity is 10 years.
View letter

9/3/2017


March to Raj Bhawan / Collectorate / DM Office on 9th March, 2017 by all Unions and Associations:

Massive participation reported from all SSAs for our following demands:
a) Opposing Niti Ayogs proposal for Closure and transfer of BSNL assets to State Govts.
b) Opposing formation of Subsidiary Tower Company.
c) Demanding allotment of 4G spectrum, free of cost, to BSNL.
d) Opposing favours being extended to Reliance Jio.

Reports also received from various Circles about the excellent rallies conducted throughout the country. According to the call given by the Unions and Associations in BSNL, thousands of the Non-Executives and Executives, marched to the Raj Bhawans, collectorates and DM offices throughout the country. Banners and placards were displayed, demanding the Government not to resort to strategic sale / disinvestment in BSNL, not to form Subsidiary Tower Company, to allot 4G spectrum to BSNL and not to favour the Reliance Jio.

SNEA wholeheartedly congratulate all the employees who have participated in the rallies and shown their commitment to safeguard our beloved company.

Dear Comrades, Lets be united. Unity is our STRENGTH.



Slideshow of Pics of RajBhavan March, Trivandrum:

Rajbhavan-March-Tvm

Glimpses of March in Kollam:







Glimpses of March in Kottayam:




Glimpses of March in Alappuzha:


Glimpses of March in Ernakulam:



Glimpses of March in Trichur:


Glimpses of March in Kannur:


Glimpses of March in Pathanamthitta:




Glimpses of March in Palghat:





Glimpses of March in Calicut:







9/3/2017


Truly Inspiring Women of BSNL Kerala :

As reported yesterday, the women power across the circle joined hands together on the occasion of International Women’s day and conducted hugely successful BSNL MELAs to showcase our products and services.

Circle office-Trivandrum: Around 350 SIM was sold in the Mela. In addition to the roadside selling of our BSNL products, the homemade products – food items, jewellary, art works, paintings etc were sold. The amount collected Rs50,001/- from the sale of these homemade products was donated to Kanivu Cancer Charitable Society.
CGMT Shri R.Mani handed over the amount Rs50,001/- to Shri Jayalal of Kanivu Cancer Charitable Society at a closing ceremony function at Conference Hall, Circle office -Trivandrum. CGMT Shri R.Mani appreciated the Women Power and was impressed with the marketing skills and instructed DGM(Admin) to induct more Women into the SWAS programme.

Ernakulam SSA: Women Executives and Non-Executives of Ernakulam SSA conducted SIM MELA at KSRTC bus stand with free FRC personal contribution. 358 SIMs was sold in the MELA which started at 7AM and closed at 7PM. BSNL MELA is also conducted at various different locations of Ernakulam SSA and the reports are yet to be recieved.

This is the Real Women Power and Empowerment. SNEA Kerala once again SALUTES to these inspiring Women and feels proud of our Lady Comrades who were in the forefront.

Slideshow of few Pics of Mela at CO-Tvm:
IWD_CO_TVM

few snaps of Mela at Ernakulam:



8/3/2017


On the eve of International Women’s day, SNEA Ernakulam District Secretary Com.Joseph Lukose writes to PGM Ernakulam expressing strong protest against denying of basic amenities to women staff at Panampilly Nagar exchange building. View Letter

Circle President Com.George Varghese spoke to GM(Consumer Mobility – OP & Plg) Shri Satyamurty and invited his attention to this very serious and genuine issue and requested him to make necessary arrangements. GM assured to have early solution in discussion with stakeholders.

8/3/2017


March to Raj Bhawan / Collectorate / DM Office on 9th March, 2017 by all Unions and Associations -- Make extensive preparations

          Demands:-

         a) Opposing Niti Ayogs proposal for Closure and transfer of BSNL assets to State Govts.
        b) Opposing formation of Subsidiary Tower Company.
        c) Demanding allotment of 4G spectrum, free of cost, to BSNL.
        d) Opposing favours being extended to Reliance Jio.

8/3/2017


SNEA Kerala Salutes ALL WOMEN
on the occassion of International Women's Day


This year, the Theme for the International Women’s Day is #BeBoldForChange.
And for a Bold Change, this year BSNL Women Power across the circle are voluntarily, actively and enthusiastically conducting Marketing MELA’s to sell our telecom products. The Women power irrespective of cadre and designation, executives, non-executives, contract labours... all are actively participating in the MELAs.

For the last ten days at Circle Office, the Women Power organized and conducted lunch time study classes for knowing our services and tariff. The lunchtime study classes were an excellent initiative which prepared everyone for the MELA and also made a platform for further marketing of our products.

Hatsoff to Ernakulam women power who are providing free FRC from their own pocket along with BSNL approved offer of free SIM at MELA.

SNEA Kerala Salutes the Bold Initiatives of the Women Power and feel proud of our Lady Comrades who are in the forefront of these initiatives.






Few Snaps of Lunch Hour Study classes at Circle office, Trivandrum


Few Snaps of Mela at Circle office, Trivandrum



7/3/2017


Congratulations..!! Results Declared for the LICE for promotion from Group-C to the grade of JTO under 50% quota for VY2014-15 held on 24/9/2016 :

Circle Secretary Com.Santhosh Kumar and ACS Com.Ramana met GM(HR) today at 2 P.M and requested him to declare the results immediately for the JTO LICE held on 24/9/2016 for the vacancy year 2014-15, as the speaking orders to the applicants as per the direction of CAT Ernakulam were already dispatched in last week. GM(HR) assured to release the results immediately. We thank Administration for finally releasing the much awaited results.

View Covering letter || Annexure-1 || Annexure-2 || Vacancy released

6/3/2017


Trade Union programme demanding Approval of the BSNL proposal to replace the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 as per Union Cabinet decisions on 2nd PRC recommendations and DPE OM dated 26.11.2008.

07.03.2017: Demand day. Fax message and email to be send by all Circle/SSA/Division/Branch Secretaries to Secretary, DoT on 07.03.2017 with copy to Hon'ble MOS and CMD-BSNL on E2, E3 pay scales.

Email id of Secretary, DoT: secy-dot@nic.in
Fax No of Secretary, DoT: 01123711514

Email id of MOS: mosc-office@gov.in
Fax No of MOS: 01123723330

Email id of CMD, BSNL: cmdbsnl@bsnl.co.in
Fax No of CMD/BSNL: 01123372444

Format of the Message:

Sanchar Nigam Executives Association
(Only Recognised Executives Association in BSNL)

To
Secretary/DOT, Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi.

Respected Sir,
Kindly approve the BSNL decision to replace the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007, based on the Union Cabinet decisions and DPE guidelines dated 26.11.2008 and DPE direction to DoT dated 09.07.2014.

Yours faithfully,

(Name)
Circle/SSA/Division/Branch Secretary
----------Circle/SSA/Division/Branch

Copy to:
1) Shri. Manoj Sinha, Hon MoS for Telecommunications, Govt of India.
2) Shri. Anupam Shrivastava, CMD/BSNL.

4/3/2017


CS writes to CGMT for recalculating JTO(T) vacancies:View Letter

We appreciate the efforts being taken by the Circle Administration for declaring the results of JTO LICE for the year 2014-15 after complying with Hon.CAT direction. As per the vacancy calculation done by the circle, 758 vacancies are notified. In this connection we would suggest to release results as per the above calculations already done and further consider the following facts so that another 122 posts also can be filled by the LICE for 2014-15 and 2015-16.

1. The Recruitment Rule 2014 clearly states that all the future recruitments would be done strictly according to this recruitment rule. Accordingly from vacancy year 2013-14 the ratio between DR and PR to be 50:50 under Recruitment rule 2014.

2. In 2007 as per supreme court direction Department of Personnel and Training DOPT made amendment on its guidelines for vacancy calculations(ref 2).DOPT guideline which was endorsed by BSNL clearly states that recruitment is to be done based on vacancies at any given point of time and not based on number of post. That means vacancies should be in 50:50 proportion for both external and internal candidates. The annexure of this guideline clearly illustrates:

“A condition when 200 vacancies arose in a grade where 500 was strength of direct recruitees and 500 promotees. In that 50 posts vacated from direct recruited quota and 150 from promotee quota, as a result of this, the number of incumbents in the direct recruitment quota became 450 and in promotion quota 350. Since the recruitment rule provide 50:50 proportion method so after filling vacancy 100 by direct recruitment and 100 by promotion the cadre strength become 450 for promotion quota and 550 for direct recruited quota respectively.”

View DOPT guidelines

The present case of JTO(T) vacancy for the year 2013-14 in Kerala circle is as follows:
Total sanctioned strength as on 31st March 2014 = 2364
Working strength = 604
Total vacancy = 1760

As per 50:50 proportion internal and external vacancies, it would be 1760/2= 880 each.

Corporate office establishment cell issued an instruction to all the circles for fresh vacancy calculation with order (ref-3) dated 4th January 2016 after implementing JTO(T) Recruitment Rule 2014. Kerala circle calculated internal vacancies as 758 for vacancy year 2013-14 which is not in 50:50 proportions and not followed the DOPT guideline in true spirit. As a result the number of vacancies reduced from 880 to 758.

View the clarification sought by Punjab Circle

View the clarification issued to Punjab circle by corporate office

View revised vacancy released by Punjab Circle

After considering the above facts we humbly request Circle Administration to recalculate the vacancies in compliance with DOPT guidelines in true spirit so that the legitimate promotional avenues to departmental candidates are not denied .

4/3/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


BSNL Notified JTO Recruitment for 2510 posts:
Recruitment will be based on GATE 2017 score. Registration of application will be from 06.03.2017 to 06.04.2017.
Click here to view Notification


Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Superannuation Fund:
The first meeting of the Board of Trustees held on 02.03.2017 under the chairmanship of DIR(HR) and the following important decisions taken:

a) The Board of Trustees decided LIC as the Fund manager. LIC will be asked to give various options/schemes in a few days.

b) The bank account will be opened with Punjab National Bank.

c) Permission will be sought from IT department for IT exemption.


Meeting with DIR(HR): GS and CHQ President met Smt Sujata T Ray, DIR(HR) on 02.03.17 and held discussions on

a) Finalising CPSU Cadre Hierarchy: Since all the promotions are stalled due to litigations, there is an urgent need to finalise the proposal. DIR(HR) is also very keen to find a solution to the stalemate and assured to finalise it at the earliest. Further the Man power plan is also to be finalized as all HR issues are stopped in the BSNL Board by the Board of Directors from DoT in the name of HR plan. In HR power plan, the number of posts will be reworked based on assets and number of connections. There will be a sharp cut in the number of vacancies, making the functional promotional avenues practically NILL. So before finalization of HR plan we have to switch over to CPSU Hierarchy.

b) DGM Promotions: The DGM promotions for all the vacancies are to be completed at the earliest so that promotion orders can be issued in March. Necessary approval may be given for that purpose. DIR(HR) agreed to complete the DPC at the earliest.

c) Sending response to DoT on 3rd PRC. Several rounds of discussions held with GM(SR) on the BSNL response to DoT. All the important aspects like affordability, three years performance and operational profits, pay revision with full 15% fitment, motivation to the employees to face the competition, pension contribution, huge retirement in the coming years etc are made part of the response. First time in the history of BSNL, we had seen that BSNL making a positive response with regard to pay revision.

2/3/2017


Congratulations and welcome to SNEA Family:
31 Comrades of Ernakulam joined SNEA in the last one month (26 from AIBSNLEA, 3 from AIGETOA and 2 neutral members). Out of 26 AIBSNLEA members who joined SNEA, 23 Comrades are Ex-Officiating JTOs, with this the total strength of Ex-Officiating JTOs in SNEA at Ernakulam is now 32 out of 48. We once again welcome all to the SNEA Family.

2/3/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Superannuation Fund: The first meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled today. The meeting is expected to take decisions on:
a) The Fund manager.
b) The bank in which the account to be opened.
c) Seeking permission for IT exemption.


GS writes to Dir HR regarding expeditious actions to implement CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as all the functional promotions in all the streams, Telecom Engg, Finance, Civil, Electrical, TF etc are stalled due to litigation on Reservation issue.View letter.


SNEA served notice to Secretary/DoT on Non-Approval of the BSNL proposal to replace the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 as per Union Cabinet decisions on 2nd PRC recommendations and DPE OM dated 26.11.2008.

Demand:
Approval of the BSNL decision to replace the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 based on the Union Cabinet decisions and DPE guidelines dated 26.11.2008 and DPE direction to DoT dated 09.07.2014.

Programme of Trade Union Actions:

07.03.2017: Demand day. Sending Fax/email to Secretary, DoT by all Circles/SSA/Division/Branch Secretaries.

16.03.2017 and 17.03.2017: Relay Hunger Strike at BSNLCO and Circle Offices. Lunch/Closing Hour demonstration in all SSA HQs.

11.04.2017: Mass Dharna at BSNLCO/Circle/SSA HQs.

25.04.2017 to 28.04.2017: Relay Hunger Strike at BSNLCO/ Circle/ SSA HQs.

Since notice is given to Secretary/DoT, no agenda related to BSNL mgt included. This issue has to be settled before 3rd PRC implementation at any cost. It is a DO or DIE situation for all of us. View Notice.


3rd PRC Recommendations: View Report


GS writes to Hon. MoS for Telecommunications to solicit his intervention to approve long pending proposal of BSNL by DoT to replace intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007. Switching over to standard pay scales mandated by Union Cabinet decision communicated by DPE OM dated 26.11.2008 and its specific direction to DoT dated 09.07.2014 being negated due to negative attitude of some bureaucrats in DOT who are bent upon destabilizing BSNL by forcing industrial unrest at a juncture when everyone is fully involved in accelerating the revival mode that BSNL has entered into. View letter

28/2/2017


Due to some unforeseen circumstances CEC scheduled on 3/3/2017 is postponed. New date will be intimated later.

28/2/2017


As per the decision taken in the meeting of the Unions and Associations of BSNL held on 06.02.2017, March to Raj Bhawan and Collectorate / DM office will be conducted throughout the country on 09-03-2017, by the Non-Executives and Executives of BSNL, to highlight the following issues.

(a) Opposing Niti Aayog recommendation on disinvestment/ strategic sale of BSNL. (As is evident from PMO ID No.4542267/PMO/2016-ES.I dated 30th December, 2016.)

(b) Opposing formation of Subsidiary Tower Company.

(c) Demanding allotment of 4G spectrum, free of cost, to BSNL.

(d) Opposing favours being extended to Reliance Jio.

27/2/2017


Meeting with Chief Engineer (Civil):
Circle Secretary Com.Santosh Kumar along with Com.Radhakrishnan Branch Secretary Manacaud , Com. Mathews Br Treasurer and Com.Stanley Organising Secy Tvm met Chief Engineer (Civil) at his chamber on 27/2/2017. From administrative side SE and EE (Admin) also participated. The meeting was very cordial and positive. During the meeting we requested CE to call option for filling all vacant SDE civil Posts since large numbers are vacant in Kerala Circle. We also pointed out that JTOs from 1993 are waiting for promotion and many are drawing E4 scale. Chief Engineer positively responded to our request and assured that maximum LA would be arranged in SDE cadre at the earliest.

26/2/2017


Circle Executive Committee Meeting on 3rd March 2017 at Hotel Elite, Trichur:
View Notice

An urgent Circle Executive Committee meeting of SNEA Kerala Circle to be held at 10 AM on 03-03-2017 at Hotel Elite, Trichur. All Circle office bearers, SSA Secretaries, CEC members and Branch Secretaries are requested to attend the meeting in time.

25/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Salient features of 3rd PRC recommendations:

a) Fitment benefit: Uniform fitment of 15% on Basic + IDA.
If the additional financial impact on the average of last 3 years PBT (Profit Before Tax) is less than 20%, the fitment will be 15%. If it is more than 20% but less than 30%, the fitment will be 10%. If it is more than 30% but less than 40%, the fitment will be 5%. If it is more than 40%, the fitment will be NIL.

b) Annual increment: 3%

c) Promotion Increment: 3%.

d) Pay scales:
Level       Pre-revised       Revised
E0       12600-32500       30000-120000
E1       16400-40500       40000-140000
E2       20600-46500       50000-160000
E3       24900-50500       60000-180000
E4       29100-54500       70000-200000
E5       32900-58000       80000-220000
E6       36600-62000       90000-240000
E7       43200-66000       100000-260000
E8       51300-73000       120000-280000
E9       62000-80000       150000-300000

e) Stagnation increment: One increment after every two years, upto a maximum of 3 such increments.

f) IDA as on 01.01.2017: 100% neutralisation on 01.01.2017.

g) HRA: 24%, 16%, 8% in place of existing 30%, 20% and 10%. The HRA will be revised to 27%, 18% and 9% when IDA crosses 50% and further revised to 30%, 20% and 10% when IDA crosses 100%.

h) Superannuation benefits: It has to be under defined contribution scheme instead of defined benefit scheme.
i) Ceiling of gratuity to be enhanced from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs from 01.01.2017. The ceiling of gratuity shall increase by 25% when IDA crosses 50%.
ii) The current limit of 30% of Basic pay +IDA will continue.
iii) The minimum qualifying service of 15 years not to be mandated for contributory pension. However it will be mandatory for medical benefits.

i) Date of effect: 01.01.2017 for pay scales, benefits and allowances.

j) Retirement age: No change.

k) Periodicity: Not later than 10 years, in line with Central Govt employees. Under no circumstances periodicity of wage revision for workmen should be less than the periodicity of the Executives.

24/2/2017


Meeting with GM(HR) on 20/2/2017:

The Association had a meeting with GM(HR) on 20/2/2017 at 4.30 PM. CS Com.Santhoshkumar, ACS Com.Ramana and DS-CO Com.Suneer attended the meeting from Association side. DGM(Admin) Shri Satheesh and DGM(HR) Shri James Sagayaraj also attended from management side.
The following issues were discussed:

1. Stalemate in JTO-LICE: We expressed our protest over the delay in issuing speaking orders to the candidates in this case as directed by CAT Ernakulam and in delay in finalizing the filling up of the vacant JTO posts. GM(HR) promised that the speaking orders would be released soon and necessary action is being taken for filling up of the posts without delay.

2. JTO-LICE training: Few JEs who now recently posted as JAO and who also got qualified in JTO LICE have submitted their consent to continue as JAO through proper channel. In this regard we have suggested to fill up the 8 vacancies declared in OC quota by subsequent candidates in the qualified list. GM(HR) assured to look into the matter.

3. JAO LICE - sanction for additional posts to accommodate all qualified hands: We requested GM(HR) to take up the matter with corporate office as recommended/suggested by PGMF. GMHR informed that the suggestion from PGMF is yet to be seen and will be looked into.

4. JTO Phase-II training – case of Com.Baiju, Com.Roy Kuruvila: We discussed the personal difficulties of a few JTOs in attending JTO Phase-II training at Jabalpur. GM(HR) heard us and responded positively.

5. Pending cases of JTO regularisation: Case of Com.Ambikadevi and Com.Prasannakumari – both officials were denied JTO regularisation as they were working in TTA cadre and were not officiating on the date of promulgation of JTO(T) RR 2014 due to genuine reasons.. We informed GM(HR) that similar cases were given regularisation in other Circles like AP and requested circle administration to implement similarly in Kerala Circle. GM(HR) informed that clarification is already sent to Corporate office and the reply is awaited. We will be pursing the matter at Corporate office for the speedy resolution of the issue.

6. DGM Screening report: We expressed our protest over the delay in sending the DGM screening committee report to corporate office. GM(HR) informed that the report is ready and will be dispatched to Corporate office immediately.

7. Pending EPP: We once again expressed our displeasure over the delay in issuing EPP orders. GM(HR) informed that the details received from business areas are insufficient and are not in correct format. The pending cases can be cleared only on the receipt of the details from BAs. All District Secretaries are requested to kindly take up with respective BAs and speed up the process.

8. DE(LA) pending cases: GM(HR) assured to issue DE LA orders. The requirement of staff in DE cadre has to be projected from Business areas and except from few BAs it is yet to be received by the Administration. All District Secretaries are requested to pursue with BA Heads to send the requirement to Circle Office immediately.

9. Publication of Longstay List: GM(HR) assured that longstay list would be published immediately.

10. Circle release from STP – Transfer request from STP Trivandrum to Kollam BA - Case of Com.Niyas: GM(HR) informed that without substitute, the case cannot be considered due to the reported staff shortage in STP. District Secretary Trivandrum is requested to find a suitable substitute from Trivandrum Business area who is willing to work in STP.

11. Pending E3-E4 TBP case of Com.Jojomon Antony, Civil wing: GM(HR) informed that VC is pending from Ernakulam and there is no other hindrance for issuing the orders.

12. Pending First TBP case of Com.Amrutha Rajan: We elaborated the case and history. GM(HR) assured to look into the matter.

13. Transfer Request – case of Com. Subramaniam Potty from Circle office to Trivandrum BA (Aryanad Subdivision): GM(HR) got convinced about the genuineness of the case and agreed to implement the transfer.

14. Mutual Transfer request - case of Com. Roshni and Com. Shalini: Few months back Com. Shalini belonging to Chennai came to Kerala from Gujrat Circle on Rule-8 mutual transfer and now she got Com.Roshni belonging to Kerala working in Chennai for one more mutual transfer to her hometown Chennai. But it is learnt that administration has rejected the request citing insufficient stay in Kerala Circle. We cited similar transfers affected in Accounts wing and requested administration to consider the case on humanitarian grounds. GM(HR) assured to look into the matter.

Meeting ended at 6 P.M

24/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


How Modi govt. has and is allowing Re Jio to play havoc with Economy of the country by destabilizing Public Sector Banks and dealing a huge blow to public exchequer – finally the cat is out of the bag.

Highest decision making body of the telecom sector, Telecom Commission, hits out adversely at TRAI, accusing it of destabilizing and jeopardizing growth of healthy telecom sector in the Country by allowing blatant and naked violation by R Jio with regard to offering of back to back promotional voice and data telecom services beyond stipulated time frame of 90 days. Telecom Commission has concluded that this violation has already resulted in a loss close to Rs 700 crores to the govt., and is likely to impact in a very big way the repayment of about Rs 4 lakh crores that private telecom companies owe to the public sector banks and also Rs one lakh crore that these companies have to pay to the govt. as deferred spectrum charges.

This is how Modi govt. is converting healthy assets of public sector banks into non-performing assets (NPAs) and also dealing a deadly blow to the huge revenues (Rs one lakh crore) that the govt. is to get on account of auction of highly precious resource of the Country- THE SPECTRUM. And money in Public Sector Banks belongs to you, me and every Indian. How is this public money being subject to very high risk to promote Ambani and this has very huge potential of creating a financial crisis similar to the one that US witnessed in the year 2008. Present Chairman TRAI, who is a handpicked puppet of the present govt., completely ignoring, and in blatant violation of, the clear cut guidelines that TRAI has issued in the year 2002 and 2008 regarding providing of promotional telecom services, allowed R jio to wreck havoc with the telecom sector, public sector banks and the exchequer. Not surprisingly, the present Chairman/TRAI, completely abdicating the very high propriety and professional integrity that go with the position he holds, and fully toeing the rabid messages that the govt. very discreetly and tacitly has been sending to promote R jio of Mukesh Ambani, at whatever cost to the Nation. Ignoring the CLEAR CUT EMBARGO that that TRAI has imposed on providing of promotional services, and compromising professional integrity that inspected of head of a statutory body, Chairman/TRAI, has, in the process of allowing such illegitimate offering of promotional services, raised a very big question about the future health of Public Sector Banks which have to realize Rs four lakh crores from private telecom companies and has also jeopardized the payment of Rs one lakh crore that govt. is to receive from these companies on account of auction of 4G spectrum. And, on the top of it, govt. has already lost Rs 700 crores because of reduced payments it received from Airtel, Vodafone, Idea etc. on account of spectrum usage charges and license fees because of steep fall in their revenues.

This is not what Trade Unions of BSNL had been anticipating and raising their apprehensions about but is the unambiguous conclusion of the highest decision making body of the govt. in the telecom sector- TLECOM COMMISSION. Well done H.S.Sharma, Chairman / TRAI- hats off to you for mortgaging the assets of the entire Country and holding every Indian to ransom in your endeavour to facilitate growth of R Jio at any cost and under any circumstances.
View Media report - Free voice and data services of Reliance Jio cost government Rs 685 crore.


Pay protection on Offtg promotion for the JTO/JAO/SDE/AOs officiated as SDE/AO/DE/CAO in DoT/BSNL: The proposal for protection of the pay drawn during Officiating promotion is cleared by DIR(HR) and send to CMD for approval. GS, President and AGS met CMD today and requested to approve the proposal. CMD assured to approve the same immediately.

In fact the provision for pay protection has been withdrawn by BSNL on 19.02.2010 through a clarification. This resulted reduction of pay by two to three increments and recovery of lakhs of rupees for thousands of Executives. Assn was opposing the same and demanding the restoration of pay protection.


Meeting with Sri Anupam Shrivatava, CMD, BSNL: GS, President and AGS met CMD BSNL on 23.02.17 and held discussions on a) approval of E2, E3 scales by DoT, b) Offtg pay protection and c) the news about the merger of MTNL and BSNL: On approval of E2, E3 pay scales, CMD informed that he reminded Secretary, DoT yesterday for the urgent need for approval. On MTNL and BSNL merger, CMD informed that he do not have any official information and as per his knowledge, there is no such proposal from PMO in this regard, rather these are proposal of MTNL management to DoT.

Meeting with Sri N. K. Mehta, DIR(EB): GS, President and AGS met DIR(EB) on 23.02.17 and held discussions on the huge reduction of posts in maintenance regions, project Circles etc in the Man power plan as recommended by Deloittee. The sanctioned posts are about 9000 but in the Man power plan only the working strength of 3300 is taken into account. Considering the huge requirement in transmission media mtce and the importance of Core network, all the posts are to be accounted as it is. DIR(EB) informed that he is not aware of the developments and he will take up the matter immediately with DIR(HR).


The SNEA proposal for Term Insurance for the BSNL rects is under consideration of management. Restg Cell moved a proposal to constitute a Committee to have deliberations on the issue. The proposal is send to DIR(HR) for approval.

Similarly our proposal for formation of Corpus Fund is send to Estt cell for collecting the data pertaining to all the employees through ERP.

23/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Implementation of Standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A.

Considering the latest developments in DoT on standard pay scales, the CWC at Hyderabd decided to organise trade union programmes immediately in the month of March itself. Considering the financial year ending, initial programmes will be at Delhi and major locations. Further intensified agitational programmes will be started from April, 2017. Notice will be issued in a couple of days.

Gear up for the struggle to get the pay scales finalised before the 3rd PRC implementation.


The proposal for merger of MTNL with BSNL is again on cards. According to reliable sources, PMO has initiated the process. The MTNL market liability will not be transferred to BSNL and MTNL employees will be given option to get absorbed in BSNL on BSNL pay scales and pay. Further details are awaited---


Meeting with CMD: Core Committee members of the Forum GS/BSNLEU, GS/NFTE and GS/SNEA met CMD/BSNL and held discussions on various issues:

a) Initiatives of all Unions and Associations for One Hour Extra Work from 10.02.2017 to 31.03.2017 to accelerate the growth and revenue during this financial year keeping in mind the 3rd PRC implementation. Eventhough it was a big initiative at the crucial time, the momentum has not picked up in the field units. Management and all employees at Circle and SSA level are to join hands to give the final push in the remaining 38 days.

Banners may be displayed in every offices/Telephone Exchange popularizing the initiative:
One Hour Extra Work from 10.02.2017 to 31.03.2017 for better customer service and to improve quality of service.
All Unions and Associations in BSNL.
b) Demonetization and entry of Reliance Jio has affected the revenue during 3rd quarter especially from mobile sector. All out efforts are required to generate more revenue in the coming 38 days by providing maximum new connections. Special focus may be given to leased circuits, MPLS circuits, FTTH connections, BB connections and landline connections which give us maximum revenue. Maximum connections are to be provided by 31.03.2017 and the bills also to be generated by 31.03.2017 so that the revenue will reflect in the balance sheet of 2016-17. More than 20,000 leased circuits waiting list is pending and one leased circuit revenue is between 50,000 to 1 lakh. Expenditure booking and liability creation also may be reduced/controlled till march end.

c) Frequent failure of BB NOC, Bangalore. The frequent failure of BB NOC at BG in the last one month is very serious and we requested permanent solution for such repeated failures.

d) Poor support of NGN equipment by M/s Huwaei. Large scale complaints are receiving from field units that M/s Huwaei is not extending support. Even they are not extending the AMC by signing the agreement. The Phase II delivery is abnormally delayed and under LD. Now they are pressuring through various channels to delay the next NGN tender where the rates are expected to be much lower than the earlier rates and M/s Huwaei will be forced to supply the equipments of Phase II in the lower rates of Phase III. Their support for GSM equipments also very poor.


Keynote address presented by GS, SNEA in the open session of CWC meeting held on 13-02-2017 at Indira Priyadharshini Auditorium, Hyderabad.
View Keynote address


Click here to view Glimpses of Open session
in connection with the CWC meeting at Hyderabad on 13th Feb 2017


Open session in connection with the CWC meeting at Hyderabad from 13-15 February, 2017

An excellent open session was held on 13.02.2017 A/N at Indira Priyadharshini Auditorium, Hyderabad. More than 600 comrades from Hyderabad and nearby SSAs participated in the open session. It was a moment of celebration for SNEA after the victory in the membership verification among the Executives Assns. Our CMD and senior management also joined with us in the celebration.

Com AA Khan, CHQ president presided over the meeting. Com K Sebastin, GS presented the keynote address. Sri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD/BSNL was the Chief Guest. Sri R. K. Mishra, Director/ Institute of Public Enterprises, Com G L Jogi/ Chairman, Com V K Tomar, All India President/NCOA, Sri L Ananthram/CGMT, Telangana Circle, veteran leader Com S L Reddy, Sri A M Gupta, GM(SR)/BSNLCO, Sri K. Ramchand, PGM/HTD, Sri CSN Murthy/PGM, Sri Durga Prasad/PGM and other senior officers attended the open session.

GS presented the keynote address giving a critical analysis of some of the issues which requires urgent attention of the BSNL management like a) Proposal for Closure and Transfer of Assets of BSNL to States, b) Tower subsidiary formation, c) Mutation of land and monetization of the land asset, d) Infra sharing, e) move for centralized payments to vendors, f) Transmission media related issues, g) BB and FTTH through Franchisees/ cable TV operators, h) Deployment of Accounts personal in CSCs, i) Deployment of more Executives from offices and indoor duties to revenue earning field units. Critical HR issues are a) implementation of Standard pay scales of E2 and E3 replacing E1A and E2A, b) implementation of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy, c) 3rd PRC implementation, d) Superannuation benefit to BSNL directly recruited employees, e) finalization of Man power plan and f) other issues like first TBP, pay parity of Rs 22820 for post 2007 rect JTO/JAOs, E1A and E2 scales for Civil/Elect/Arch/PA/PS/TF w.e.f 01.01.2000 etc.

Sri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD/BSNL given an excellent address motivating the entire employees. CMD congratulated SNEA for the victory in the membership verification which has given more responsibility to SNEA. CMD told that management knew SNEA will become the number one Association in the MV. While congratulating the Unions and Association for the SWAS initiative, CMD told that it has given a new direction to BSNL and accelerated the growth. The recent initiative of the BSNL Unions and Associations for One Hour Extra Work during the last quarter of the most crucial financial year is also appreciated by CMD. Management discusses all the issues and new initiatives with the Unions and Associations before its implementation. CMD informed that 3rd PRC implementation is his top most agenda. On standard pay scales, CMD categorically assured that E2, E3 scales will be implemented and he is in touch with Secretary, DoT in this regard. CPSU cadre Hierarchy implementation will be expedited. Other HR issues also will be settled at the earliest.

Sri R K Mishra, Director/IPE and management expert given the address highlighting the challenges and the priority areas BSNL should focus. He was involved in several Union Govt projects and a Govt nominee on several committees. He was a member of the search committee for the CEOs of CPSUs. BSNL has to tie up with global telecom companies to meet the challenges from other operators. BSNL has to go for big initiatives and restructure the business to meet the challenges. Com G L Jogi, Chairman SNEA highlighted the HR issues and warned management that the Executives cannot be motivated unless and until it addresses the legitimate HR issues without any further delay.

Com V K Tomar, All India President/NCOA, Sri L Ananthram/CGMT, Telangana Circle and Sri A M Gupta, GM(SR)/BSNLCO addressed the open session. The open session concluded with vote of thanks by Com M S Adasul, Dy GS.


GS, President and AGS met PGM(Pers) and held discussions on issuing offtg pay protection order, CPSU hierarchy and finalization of man power plan. PGM(Pers) informed that the orders for Offtg pay protection will be issued in few days. Since all HR issues approval in BSNL Board is related with HR plan, it will be expedited. In line with that CPSU Hierarchy also will be finalized as per Khan Committee recommendations.

GS and President met PGM(Estt) and held discussions on issuing guidelines on Rule 8 cases and the PCAT judgment on FR22(1)(a)(1) for officiating JTOs. The file regarding the guidelines for Rule 8 cases is submitted to DIR(HR) for approval. On the PCAT judgment, the judgment copy uploaded in the PCAT website and it will be endorsed to Circles for further actions.

21/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


PROTEST DEMONSTRATION at Bangalore NOC

Today SNEA Karnataka Circle held PROTEST DEMONSTRATION at Bangalore NOC during lunch hour to protest the failures of BB services on weekends and frequent long duration failure even on weekdays. JS South, CS KTK circle and DS / BGTD along with members and activists participated.

21/2/2017


CS writes to PGM(Finance) - Request for providing adequate training to A&F executives in the circle:
View Letter
A good number of the A&F executives working in circle office and various BAs are yet to get trained in FICO End User module even after completion of two years of migration to SAP in the circle. It is to be noted that only 145 A&F executives got training in FICO module out of 460 executives (JAO/AO/CAO). Due to lack of proper training in concerned areas of SAP in which they are working, most of them find it difficult to perform their assigned duties. As a result they are forced to resort to trial and error methods for completing their assigned duties which in many occasions end up in wrong results. Further, there is a common belief particularly among the A&F executives that this is a deliberate attempt by some of the interest groups in Circle A&F to make others dependent on them for resolution of each and every issues, which this association strongly believe, is a ploy to safeguard their vested interests .

Inspite of repeated reminders in this regard, Circle finance administration is turning a deaf ear to this vital issue. Further if these interests groups are allowed to go free solely to meet their vested interests, particularly for clinging on to the post they are holding and to remain there in one post or other as a pressure group, it would be a catastrophe for BSNL Kerala especially in the area of financial reporting. The danger in the lurking is hugely over shadowed by the mere short term benefits. Needless to say that, issuance of mere instructions and review meetings without proper training may not yield the desired results. Need of the hour is to impart proper training to the A&F executives in the relevant areas of SAP to ensure optimum utilization of the available human resources, a right step towards knowledge sharing.

We are hopeful that Administration would consider the above facts being brought to their notice repeatedly, that too only in the best interests of BSNL, by the recognized association of executives positively and would initiate necessary proactive steps to resolve the difficulties being faced by the executives in performing day to day activities in SAP smoothly and efficiently by arranging adequate training sessions on relevant modules of SAP-ERP to all concerned A&F executives working in circle office and BAs of BSNL Kerala Circle.

18/2/2017


Congratulations..!! Due to continuous persuasion of this association with Circle Administration, another set of Time Bound Upgradation orders got released. We are following up remaining cases also.
E2-E3 TBP orders || E3-E4 TBP covering letter || E3-E4 TBP Annexure

17/2/2017


JTO to SDE promotion under SCF before Hon’ble Hight court of Kerala:
Detailed arguments for the above case were continued for the entire three days on 15, 16 and 17th Feb. As the matter was pertaining to three writ petitions, it was heard at length by the Senior Counsel.

From BSNL side, Senior Counsel from New Delhi appeared for all the 3 days and on behalf of SNEA, Senior Counsel Shri O.V.Radhakrishnan argued the case. SNEA Kerala Comrades - Circle President, District Secretary Ernakulam, Assistant District Secretary Ernakulam and two SNEA Comrades from Hyderabad were present in the Court for the whole 3 days.

There was no written submission or appearance on behalf of AIBSNLEA for obvious reasons.
Direct Recruits who are recruited after 2001 challenging the seniority assigned to JTOs recruited between 1996 and 2000 were represented by three Counsels. CP, CS, CT and other office bearers of AIGETOA were also present in the court. Today at 4.30 PM, the arguments concluded and the Hon’ble High Court reserved the case for pronouncing judgement.

14/2/2017


Stalemate in Group-C to JTO LICE – Speaking order approved by CMD as directed by CAT Ernakulam:
As reported by our GS last week, CMD has approved speaking order as directed by CAT and the same has reached Circle office. The case was pursued by the Association at Circle and we were informed that the Circle office has received the speaking order on Monday and action is being taken for issuing the speaking order to the applicants.

11/2/2017


Meeting with PGM (Finance), O/o the CGMT, BSNL Kerala Circle on 08.02.2017

Circle Secretary Com. T Santhosh Kumar along with Circle Vice President Com. S Narendrakumar, Asst. Circle Secretary Com. J V Ramana, Area Secretary (South) Com. G Harikrishnan and DS CO Com. S Suneer met PGM (F) on 08-02-2017. DGM (F) was also present. The meeting started at 12.30 PM. The following items were discussed.

1. JAO promotion under 40% quota: LICE held on 17/07/2016:
We requested administration to consider/explore all options to accommodate entire JAO LICE qualified candidates in Kerala Circle. According to the LICE revised merit list, 85 candidates have been declared as qualified from Kerala Circle for the earlier declared 64 vacancies. Seven candidates who were earlier declared successful as per the previous merit list now seem to be placed at positions beyond the available vacancies in the revised list. It is to be noted that these candidates have already completed their Phase-I training and now working as Junior Accounts Officers in Kerala Circle. We also informed PGM that in some Circles, vacancies were not filled due to the non-availability of qualified candidates. Corporate Office would be able to divert those vacancies to circles like Kerala for resolving this issue. Also, some of the JAOs have qualified for JTO LICE and if such candidates are willing for JTO cadre, then the vacancies arising out of that can be utilized for accommodating the remaining candidates in the revised merit list. We pointed out that some JAOs have requested for transfer to other circles, administration may consider materializing such requests also for the accommodating all qualified candidates, as per the revised merit list, in Kerala Circle itself.
PGM (F) has agreed to take up with Corporate Office for enhancing the number of vacancies to accommodate all qualified candidates in Kerala Circle after our suggestions.

2. Ensuring uniformity in fixing of Pay of newly appointed JAOs
We informed administration that uniformity has not been maintained by various BAs in fixing Pay of Departmental JAOs who were appointed in November 2016. Though the Officers were relieved on 18.11.2016 after successful completion of their induction training at RTTC-Trivandrum, posting order was issued by circle office only on 21.11.2016. Some BAs have recorded 19.11.2016 as the date of joining of JAOs, some BAs have made it as 21.11.2016 and others have done it on some later dates.
We requested administration to give necessary instructions to BAs to maintain uniformity in fixing Pay of these JAOs to avoid any kind of pay anomalies/seniority issues that may arise in future due to different date of joining.
PGM (F) assured to do the needful in this regard.

3. Posting issue of Com. Suresh Babu, JAO:
We once again brought to the notice of administration about the demoralizing and disappointing treatment given by the circle administration by posting Com. Suresh Babu, JAO, a native of Trichur District in Kannur BA despite his meritorious performance in JAO selection process after securing 3rd rank in All India JAO LICE, 1st Rank in Kerala and again securing 1st Rank in JAO induction training. PGM (F) replied that he was not aware of such precedence followed in the circle and would take in to account such practice also in future postings. We requested PGM (F) to resolve this issue pointed out by the Association. He agreed to consider our demand. We requested him to expedite the case at the earliest.

4. Transfer to Kannur BA: Case of Com. Shamju Ramachandran, AO
We requested administration to consider the transfer case of Com. Shamju Ramachandran, AO from Trivandrum BA to Kannur BA on spouse grounds. PGM (F) confirmed that the request has been received by his office and agreed to consider the case at the earliest.

5. Transfer to Alapuzha BA: Case of Com. Prasanth, AO
We requested administration to consider the transfer case of Com. Prasanth, AO from Ernakulam BA to Alapuzha BA on spouse-medical and compassionate grounds. PGM (F) agreed to consider the case at the earliest.

6. Transfer requests in finance wing
We requested administration to publish the list of transfer requests being received from Officers in all finance cadres every year, as being done in the case of Officers in Engineering wing, to ensure transparency in inter SSA transfers. PGM (F) agreed to our demand and informed us that he would follow all norms being followed by HR wing in Kerala circle in the case of transfer and postings.

7. Stay particulars of officers of Finance wing
We requested administration to publish the corrected SSA wise stay particulars of officers of Finance wing. PGM (F) agreed to our demand and assured to publish the same at the earliest. We requested him to consider operating long stay list in a BA wherever there are inflow transfer requests to that BA as done by HR wing in Kerala Circle. The longstay transfer should be operated on one to one basis only. PGM(F) assured to do the needful and informed that he has implemented similar policy, few years back in Telangana.

8. Publish the vacancy positions of executives in finance cadres
We requested administration to publish the vacancies in all executive cadres in finance prior to issuing LA orders. PGM (F) agreed to our demand and assured to do the needful in this regard.

9. Posting of JAO/AO in Customer Service Centres:
We requested PGM(F) to consider/explore posting JAO/AO in Customer Service Centres. Most of the works in Customer Service Centres are billing and account related works, and most of the SDE/JTO are holding multiple charges of External Plant, Internal Plant, CSC, etc.. of multiple exchanges/subdivisions. The accounting works in Customer service centres has increased now with the advent of ERP SD module. We suggested that if JAO/AOs are given independent charge of CSCs, then the work load of these SDE/JTO can be eased. We also suggested to post these JAO/AO atleast in all Cat-1 and Cat-2 CSCs.

10. Not to accommodate Association office bearers in sensitive/HR posts strictly adhering to the standing instructions:
We showed our protest to PGM(F). The treatment being given to Officers in Finance wing seems to be based on the membership in association of executives in BSNL .We are of the considered opinion that the proposal mooted by the officers occupying HR/Establishment matters of finance wing are with hidden agenda with association considerations and the administration knowingly or unknowingly has been acting to the tune of such vested groups thereby protecting interests of the support association alone without even considering the genuine grievances and views being brought to your notice by the Recognized Association for inculcating a free and fair transfer and posting mechanism in BSNL Kerala circle. While the Administration has no hesitation to ignore the standing instructions and the practices being followed in the circle it is not at all ready to consider even the genuine/compassionate cases being pointed out by the recognized Association of executives in BSNL. We had categorically informed administration that we will not allow any kind of vindictive actions against our members and discrimination to officers based on association membership.

Meeting concluded at 1400 hrs

10/2/2017


Congratulations..!! to all JTO trainees who completed field training on 10/2/2017 and got posting as JTO(Telecom). We once again welcome all of you to the Executive community and Best Wishes for a Successful Career ahead.
View Posting Orders

10/2/2017


CS writes to CGMT regarding Suggestions for promoting Aadhaar E-KYC machines in BSNL Kerala Circle View Letter
We appreciate the sincere efforts taken by the circle administration for launching Aadhaar eKYC (Biometric Based Authentication) for ensuring fast track SIM activations for providing new GSM/3G connections in our circle. Thus we are able to do away with the hassles in dealing with conventional paper KYC/ photographs and bringing delays of verification to bare minimum thereby ensuring faster processing and issuance/activation of new SIM cards. This has definitely given BSNL an opportunity for capturing new connections in our circle on a very large scale by motivating Franchises, DSAs and other retailers to utilize eKYC platform for SIM activations. Our in-house marketing/sales teams in the circle are also able to boost SIM sales utilizing the new process especially during Melas to meet assigned targets.

In this regard, we suggested the following points for further fine tuning/optimization of eKYC process to achieve the best targets/prospects in future.

1. At times, the Aadhaar based Biometric finger print machines seem to deliver errors such as SIM invalid messages, Biometric mismatch error during finger swiping etc. Sometimes same eKYC number is generated for different activations. Intermittent disconnections are also observed. At the same time, these errors seem to be cleared after repeated attempts with the machine after a while.

2. It is noticed that the errors as described above are mainly observed after 10 AM during business hours. It is suspected that the issues are due to the constraints with the capacity of the server deployed for the purpose at ITPC, Hyderabad interfacing UIDAI server and Sancharsoft. It is requested to take up with the concerned to attempt redimensioning the server capability, if required, to entertain sufficient no. of requests from the field units.

3. It is learnt that eKYC process is now available only for new prepaid SIM activations only. The same need to be made available for activating MNP SIMs as well as Postpaid connections.

4. It is learnt that around 250 KB data consumption may be required per SIM activation using eKYC machines. Necessary data usage may be allowed free of cost to the machine users to encourage more retailers and DSAs to use the platform. PCRF functionalities available in our core network can be utilized for providing such free data usage for end users. The end users will be able to use the same SIM in their android handsets for their personal browsing also using the available public APNs itself incurring charges. Thus we can ensure that they use BSNL SIMs in their handset in any case.

5. It is also requested to allow eligible incentives to Franchises, DSAs and Retailers who procure eKYC machines on their own to boost SIM sales.

We humbly requested CGMT to consider our suggestions in this regard positively so as to popularize the usage of eKYC machines among Franchises, DSAs and Retailers in our circle on a very large scale to boost SIM sales, both new as well as MNP connections.

9/2/2017


Congratulations to SNEA Palakkad Team..!!
Based on the representation submitted by SNEA Palakkad , SSA Admn has withdrawn the Dies-non issued on 2/9/16 & 15/12/2016. However, the principle of 'No work - No pay" will be followed for these days. So only pay deduction would be done and no entry in the service book which would affect promotion & pension.

All District Secretaries are requested to takeup with the respective SSA Administration for withdrawing Dies-non, if issued any.
View Letter from SNEA Palakkad
View instructions from Palakkad Administration

8/2/2017


Stalemate in Promotion from Group-C to JTO LICE:
The status of the case was ascertained by CS with the Circle office. The legal opinion regarding disposal of speaking order as CAT direction has been received in the CO and accordingly the matter was communicated to Corporate office from Circle office on Saturday.
GS Com.K.Sebastin had further discussion on this matter with concerned section for the speedy disposal to end the stalemate for filling up of the JTO vacancies, accordingly the case has been putup to CMD for the final approval. We are expecting the disposal shortly. We are hoping that all the vacancies declared can be filled up and the aspirations of qualified officials can be fulfilled shortly.

8/2/2017


CS writes to PGM(F) regarding declared merit list based on revised answer keys of LICE for promotion from Group-C to the grade of JAO under 40% quota held on 17/7/2016 View Letter
As per Corporate Office Lr.No 9-1/2016-Rectt dtd 1/2/2017, revised merit list of the qualified candidates was published based on the modified answer key for the LICE from Gr C to the grade of JAO under 40% quota held on 17/7/2016.

According to the revised merit list, 85 candidates were declared to be qualified from Kerala Circle for the earlier operated 64 vacancies. Unfortunately seven candidates who were earlier declared successful as per the previous merit list, are now seems to be placed beyond the available vacancies in the revised list. It is to be noted that these candidates have already completed their Phase-I training and all are now working as Junior Accounts Officers in Kerala Circle.

In this context, we humbly request your goodself to take all possible efforts for the continuation of all these candidates as JAO and we suggest that the following points may be considered to overcome this imbroglio.

1. Issue may be brought to the notice of Corporate Office and request for enhancing the number of vacancies to accommodate all qualified candidates in Kerala Circle.

2. It is learnt that in some Circles, vacancies were not filled due to the non-availability of qualified candidates. So we can request to Corporate Office to divert those vacancies to Kerala circle to overcome the present.

3. Some JAOs (provisional) has qualified for JTO LICE also and if these candidates are willing for JTO cadre, then the vacancies arising thereby can be utilized for accommodating the remaining candidates in the revised merit list.

4. Some JAOs has requested for inter circle transfer, the vacancies arising thereby can be utilized for accommodating the remaining candidates in the revised merit list.
The issue was discussed with PGM(F) along with other issues on 8/2/2017..... details will be uploaded soon.

8/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


GS and CHQ President met PGM(Estt) and held discussions on the following issues:

a) Presentation to DoT on 10.02.2017 regarding E2, E3 pay scales proposal: PGM(Estt) informed that the presentation will be made on 10.02.2017 proposing E1A to E2 and E2A to E3.

b) Instructions on Rule 9 cases: Clarification will be issued in this regard as some Circles raised queries about the date of implementation of the recent guidelines. It is suggested by Estt wing that since there is no specific mention on date of implementation, it will be prospective only. The file moved to Restg wing and we further discussed it with GM(Restg). The clarification on date of implementation will be issued shortly by Restg Cell.

c) TTA to JTO LICE results in Kerala circle: The speaking order will be issued with the approval of CMD. The proposal moved as desired by Kerala Circle and will be issued in few days.




The meeting of UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS IN BSNL was held on 06-02-2017 and reviewed the implementation of the ongoing SWAS programme.
It noted with satisfaction that, the revenue of the Company has increased during the period from April to December 2016, in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year, as a result of which the loss of the Company has also come down. At the same time, the meeting also felt that, a final push is needed to be given, to boost the revenue collection of the Company, before the current financial year comes to an end. Keeping this goal in mind, the meeting has unanimously resolved to call on the entire Non-Executives and Executives of BSNL to work for an extra one hour every day, from 10.02.2017 to 31.03.2017. It is decided that, maximum efforts should be taken during this period, to intensify the marketing activities, by giving special focus to the latest tariffs launched by BSNL. Atleast the Non Executives and Executives posted in Indoor and offices may volunteer one day in a month to join with the marketing activities and Melas etc. It is also decided that special efforts should be made to improve the quality of services. View letter issued to CMD by the Convenor.




Meeting with Sri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD, BSNL on 07.02.2017: GS, CHQ President and AGS met CMD BSNL and held discussions on the following issues:

a) Presentation to DoT on 10.02.2017 regarding E2, E3 pay scales proposal: On the pursuation of CMD with Secretary/ DoT and based the DO letter from CMD in this regard, DoT asked BSNL to give a detailed presentation on 10.02.2017 on the subject.
We requested CMD that BSNL should make a detailed presentation to DoT giving details of

1) the intermediary pay scales like E1A, E2A, E2B, E3A, E3B, E7A, E7B, E7C, E8A, E9A etc introduced in other CPSUs like BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, Coal India, FCI etc during 1st PRC period.

2) Union cabinet decision and DPE order dtd 26.11.2008 and 02.04.2009 regarding 2nd PRC and standard pay scales

3) status of intermediary pay scales in other CPSUs after 2nd PRC (all upgraded the intermediary pay scales to the next higher standard pay scales)

4) more than 70% of the Executives recruited after 01.01.2007 are BSNL direct recruits and DoT don’t have any financial implications etc. CMD informed that the presentation will include all such informations.

b) CPSU Hierarchy implementation: We requested to finalise the CPSU Hierarchy as per Khan Committee recommendations. Now the proposal discussed with management and SNEA is under consideration of top management. It may be decided at the earliest.

c) Finalization of HR plan: All the HR issues are pending for the last two years due to non-finalization of HR plan. The norms are to be finalized including the new businesses and then HR plan is to be finalized. Our letter dated 06.02.17 explains the areas which are not covered earlier.

d) Increasing the number of DGM posts: Considering the huge stagnation in Telecom Engineering wing and so many DGM posts are occupied by ITS officers, we demanded to increase of DGM posts to 2500. Our letter dtd 06.02.2017 gives a picture about the present status.


7/2/2017


CS writes to PGM(Finance) requesting uniformity in fixing of Pay of newly appointed JAOs View Letter
It is seen that uniformity has not been maintained by various BAs in fixing Pay of Departmental JAOs who were appointed in November 2016. It is to be noted that even though the Officers were relieved on 18.11.2016 after successful completion of their induction training at RTTC-Trivandrum, they were given posting orders from circle office only on 21.11.2016. Circle office had also asked BAs to obtain an undertaking from Officers as instructed by Corporate Office (Lr No 9-1/2016-Rectt dtd 18/11/2016) in this regard. All these Candidates have joined after submitting the undertaking accordingly. These undertakings were submitted on 19/11/2016 itself.

In this regard, it is noted that some BAs have recorded 19.11.2016 as the date of joining of JAOs, some BAs have made it as 21.11.2016 and others have done it on some later dates. It is to be noted that, these candidates could have joined as JAOs on 19.11.2016 itself but couldn’t do so because of administrative reasons/delay only.

Hence, it is humbly requested that necessary instructions may be given to BAs to maintain uniformity in fixing Pay of these JAOs to avoid any kind of pay anomalies/seniority issues that may arise in future due to different date of joining.

7/2/2017


CS writes to CGMT regarding consideration of JEs in JTO Phase-1 induction training who are now working as JAO(Provisional) and have also passed JTO LICE View Letter
Many JEs (erstwhile TTA) appeared in departmental 40% JAO LICE held on 17.07.2016 & cleared the same. Further after completing JAO Phase-1 training on 18/11/2016, they were given provisional posting as JAOs. Since their appointment in JAO cadre is provisional, there is also a chance of their reversion back to their JE cadres.

These technically qualified JEs also appeared in the JTO LICE held on 24/9/2016 for the vacancy year 2014-15 and few of these JAOs are declared to have cleared the JTO LICE. Now since their appointment in JAO cadre is provisional, these JAOs may be willing to join the JTO Induction training. In such case, these candidates will have to be reverted to their substantive cadre and then sent for JTO Induction training.

With reference to the above mentioned facts, we kindly request you to call for willingness of these provisionally posted JAOs who were also declared successful in JTO LICE held on 24/9/2016 for joining JTO Induction training and humbly request you to consider such willingness requests without causing financial loss to the candidates.

In this regard, we humbly request you that the JAO vacancies arising in such case is to be filled as per the revised ranking of successful candidates published by Corporate office as per Letter No 9-1/2016-Rectt dtd 01/02/2017. It is to be noted that more candidates (85 nos) are declared to have cleared the JAO LICE held on 24/9/2016 for the available 61 vacancies in OC quota.

6/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


GS writes to Director HR regarding Finalization of HR plan – Revolving around Deloittee recommendations and figure arrived by the consultant will not meet the requirement of the company as Deloittee never made any case study on the field requirements – Staffing norms are to be finalised to meet the operational requirements considering the ground realities. View letter



GS writes to CMD regarding increasing the number of DGM (T) posts by matching savings to address the huge stagnation in Telecom Engineering side in comparison with other streams. In addition, the DGM posts occupied by ITS officers really hampering the existing promotional avenues.It is high time to address it when HR plan is getting finalised. View letter


3/2/2017


JAO LICE for 40% quota held on 17-07-2016 Result declared on revised answer keys.
| View revised result | View answer Key | View Forwarding Letter |

3/2/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Meeting with Sri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD/BSNL on 01.02.2017: GS, CHQ President and AGS met CMD, BSNL and held discussions on the following issues:

a) Implementation of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy and increasing the number of DGM posts. We explained the details of the discussions with PGM(Pers) in this regard. The demand for relaxation in qualifying service, promotion to AGM grade on TB basis and increasing the DGM posts are the contentious issues. CMD assured to consider the demands positively.

b) Approval for E2, E3 pay scales: We explained the discussions with AS(T) in this regard. CMD informed that after his discussion with Secretary/DoT, Secretary is of the firm opinion that the proposal has to be decided within DoT and no need to send to Cabinet. The BSNL presentation will be based on the latest MC decision restricting the proposal to E2 and E3. On sending the revised proposal, CMD informed that the revised proposal will be send as per the advice of Secretary after Secretary takes a call on the suggestion to send it to Cabinet.

c) HR plan finalization: The HR plan is to be finalized at the earliest since all the HR issues are ending in the Board due to the non-finalization of HR plan. In the proposed HR plan, norms are not available for Trans mtce by Regions, Trans project, ITPC, BBNW, training Centres, BB/FTTH mtce etc which are to be corrected. CFA norms for rural and NE areas are to be reviewed. CMD assured that these issues will be taken care and directed us to have further discussions with DIR(HR) and GM(Restg) in this regard.

d) Promotion to DGM posts – increasing the DGM posts by adding vacant DR DGM posts and the posts vacated by Addl GMs given the charge of GMs. We requested to fill up all the DGM posts as mentioned above. CMD informed that the response from last promotion order is not at all encouraging and BSNL is not able to fill up the vacancies in different Circles. After lot of pleadings, CMD agreed to fill up the posts by early DPC.



GS, CHQ President and AGS met PGM(Pers) and Jt GM(Pers) on 01.02.2017 and held further discussions on:

a) CPSU Hierarchy implementation: The data almost collected by Pers Section. The outcome of the discussions will be presented to DIR(HR) on 03.02.17 and then to CMD. After that discussions will be held next week.

b) JTO to SDE promotion under LDCE quota and SDE to DE promotion: Further discussions held on the subject to find some way out for giving the SDE postings. Since HR plan is not finalised, Board is not ready to consider any HR issues like SDE RR amendment. Meanwhile the SLPa are prepared and just waiting for the certified copy of the judgment from Chandigarh High Court.

c) Expediting DGM promotion utilizing DR DGM and resultant vacancies by giving Addl GMs charge of GMs: We requested to fill up all the vacancies by this month itself. PGM assured to expedite the process but requested cooperation from Assn to fill up the vacancies in different Circles facing acute shortage of DGMs.

GS and CHQ President met Sri Ashuthosh Gupta on 01.02.2017 and held discussions on:

a) Finalizing the HR plan: We explained the shortcomings in the HR plan which are to be corrected before finalization.

b) Further actions on the social security measures like formation of Corpus fund, Group Insurance scheme etc. GM(Restg) informed that as per our proposal, DIR(HR) directed to process the case and GM(SR) will be sending a note to Restg section in this regard.



GS writes to Director HR regarding Rule-8 transfers in the cadre of JTOs and amendment of Para-9 in BSNL Transfer policy View letter.

1/2/2017


Meeting with Circle Administration on 31.01.2017 Circle Secretary Com. T Santhosh Kumar along with Circle Vice Presidents Com. Narendrakumar, Com. Asha A S, Asst. Circle Secretary Com. Ramana, Area Secretary (South) Com. Harikrishnan and DS CO Com. Suneer met GM (HR) on 31-01-2017. DGM (Admn) and DGM (HR) also represented Management side. The meeting started at 4 PM. The following items were discussed.

1. Withheld-Vacancies of last JTO LICE
GM (HR) confirmed that a direction has been received from Corporate Office to issue Speaking Orders to those who had submitted representation to CMD BSNL as per the direction from Hon. CAT, Ernakulam. However, according to GM (HR), some more clarification is required in this regard from Corporate Office for further processing of the case and assured that they will be disposed at the earliest. After the disposal of representations by giving speaking orders, the vacancies can be released, provided, there are no further interruptions/litigations in this regard. We informed GM (HR) that GS SNEA had met PGM (Estt) Smt. Madhu Arora on 30-01-2017 and discussed the issue wherein she had told that no queries were received from Kerala Circle so far. We requested management to expedite for early resolution of the case as there is acute shortage of JTOs in the circle and also to fulfill the promotion aspirations of the qualified candidates in our circle. GM (HR) assured that necessary correspondence to Corporate Office in this regard for early resolution of this case would be expedited without further delay. We assured management that we would also pursue the case at Corporate Office.

2. JTO Rule-8 Posting
We requested administration to consider requests from JTOs, joining in the circle under Rule 8, for posting to choice stations most favourably as they have already worked even in remote locations in other circles for years together. They can work with more vigor and enthusiasm for BSNL if they are given a chance to reach their home town and join their family members also making use of this Rule 8 transfer. GM (HR) responded positively and assured to do the best as far as possible for giving convenient posting to the Rule 8 candidates.

3. DE L/A Orders
We requested administration to consider those cases which were missed out while issuing DE LA orders recently. We pointed out the cases of Com. Sindhu Krishnan, Com. Jomon Joseph etc. GM (HR) responded positively. We also requested to fill up all vacant DE posts in BAs to improve operational and financial performance of the circle as shortage of DEs also can affect performance of BAs. GM (HR) informed that circle office has not received such requests from BAs except Calicut and would consider the request from BAs favourably once similar requests are received from the field. We requested to fill up all such DE posts by issuing LA orders from eligible candidates. District Secretaries are once again requested to update the status to CS on regular basis.

4. Pay fixation of Officiating JTOs on regularization.
We informed circle administration that different BAs follow different methods while fixing the pay of JTOs regularized recently. We requested GM (HR) to issue necessary instructions to all BAs to ensure uniformity in this regard. We further requested to expedite NEPP to all eligible candidates followed by 78.2 DA fixation and annual increment. We also requested not to initiate any recovery as there are many GOs prevailing in this regard issued by Govt. of India.

5. EPP Status
DGM (HR) informed that 42 cases of BAs and 80 cases of Circle Office are ready for releasing the orders. Some discrepancies were found in 152 cases during scrutiny, such cases are being sent to respective BAs for correction/clarification. GM (HR) assured to complete the process without much delay.

6. SDE L/A in Civil Wing.
We pointed out that as there are sufficient vacancies of SDEs in Ernakulam BA, L/A orders can be issued to fill up such posts. We pointed out that there are JTOs having more than 22 years’ service waiting for their first promotion. However administration seems to be adamant to fill up slots in Kottayam BA first and would fill vacancies in EKM subsequently. We requested to consider our request in this regard to fill up posts in EKM also most favorably.

7. Case of JTO Electrical, Kannur Com. Akhilesh Chandran
We enquired about the verification of stay particulars of Executives pertaining to Electrical wing in Kannur SSA as assured to us by CGMT during our formal meeting with the administration on 23-12-2016. We had registered our strong protest many times with administration regarding this issue where the Officer was selected by pick and choose method by misuse of authority and transferred out of Kannur SSA. GM (HR) assured to expedite the case with Electrical wing as directed by CGMT.

8. Stay Particulars of SDEs and JTOs.
GM (HR) assured to publish the stay particulars of SDEs and JTOs in February 2017 itself.

Meeting concluded at 1800 hrs.

1/2/2017


CS writes to PGM(Finance)requesting for implementing free, fair and transparent policies in HR functions of Finance wing in BSNL Kerala Circle: View Letter
We have been requesting many times with your good office almost in all official meetings with circle administration to adopt free and fair policy while implementing transfer and posting as well as issuing Looking after Orders to Officers in Finance wing of Kerala Circle. But to our dismay, the transfer/LA orders being issued from circle office from time to time don’t seem to convince the executives in general as far as the norms being followed are concerned. As the recognized majority association of executives in BSNL, we are constrained to come back again to you to reiterate our stand that tailor made norms and justifications should not be resorted to while issuing LA and transfer orders in BSNL Kerala Circle.

1. We would like to invite your kind attention towards the drama episode of AO LA orders issued to two JAOs in circle office couple of months back wherein they were given posting in Trivandrum SSA and MS unit as AOs. In fact the LA order issued should have been deemed as declined by the Officers on expiry of 20 days from the date of issuing orders as per the normal procedures being followed in the circle. But your office had gone to the extent of giving revised posting to the JAOs on 17.01.2017 in the circle office itself as AOs after a lapse of more than 45 days. The belated justification for posting in the circle office is with a hidden agenda to retain some interested persons and transfer out others.

2. In another development, the administration even went ahead to the extent of posting the circle president of an association as the IFA in Trivandrum SSA on his promotion that too in a sensitive post against the standing instructions on the subject that office bearers of Associations shall not be posted to sensitive posts and posts related to HR functions evenwhen options were wide open to post him in any other non-sensitive posts in SSAs, MS or circle office. The Officers involved in the episodes narrated above are either office bearers or members of the support association of executives in BSNL.

3. We would also like to invite your kind attention again to the posting order issued to Sh. Suresh Babu, a newly appointed JAO, to Kannur SSA after his induction training at RTTC Trivandrum last year. The administration should have shown due consideration to the Officer, for his meritorious performance after securing 3rd rank in All India JAO LICE, 1st Rank in Kerala and again securing 1st Rank in JAO induction training, by posting him in home SSA. Instead of motivating the executive on his performance in selection process and offering posting to his choice SSA, the Officer has been given demoralizing and disappointing treatment by your office by posting him to Kannur SSA.

4. Your kind attention is also invited towards the request for transfer to Kannur SSA made by Sh. Shamju Ramachandran, AO having completed more than 6 years in Trivandrum SSA on spouse grounds which is yet to be considered for more than a year from now.

5. Also, the transfer request made by Sh. Prasanth, AO, Ernakulam to Alappuzha also could have been considered on spouse-medical/compassionate grounds. Normally any transfer requests to Shortage SSAs like Kannur, Alappuzha etc. from SSAs like Trivandrum and Ernakulam, where executive strength is comparatively better, should have been considered empathetically.

6. It may be noted that during the posting of DGM (Finance) in the circle, vacancies were considered even against retirements falling after a lapse of few months later to accommodate the requests of officers.

7. The transfer of JAOs belonging to the recognized Association in Trichur SSA is another example. Association had registered strong protest before the PGMT against the totally unjustified and indifferent attitude shown by Trichur SSA administration against this transfer of two JAOs, who were booth agents of SNEA for membership verification, to rural stations without any rhyme or reason that too on the eve of referendum and after the office hours on 6th December 2016.Though PGMT Trichur, after our strong protest, had kept those orders in abeyance, certain officers in the administration with vested interests acted vindictively and insulted our members by allotting their seats to other JAOs despite directions from the PGMT. There are such attempts and threat in other SSAs as well.

8. The posting of a new JAO who has shown allegiance to this Association in Pathanamthitta SSA to a remote station far from HQ against the PGMF order, the handling of second phase training of JAOs etc are some other issues which were brought your notice already.

In general, anyone can note that the treatment being given to Officers in Finance wing seems to be based on the membership in association of executives in BSNL. We are of the considered opinion that the proposal mooted by the officers occupying HR/Establishment matters of finance wing are with hidden agenda with association considerations and the administration knowingly or unknowingly has been acting to the tune of such vested groups thereby protecting interests of the support association alone without even considering the genuine grievances and views being brought to your notice by the Recognized Association for inculcating a free and fair transfer and posting mechanism in BSNL Kerala circle.

While the Administration has no hesitation to ignore the standing instructions and the practices being followed in the circle it is not at all ready to consider even the genuine/compassionate cases being pointed out by the recognized Association of executives in BSNL.

We had categorically informed circle administration during recent meetings that we will not allow any kind of vindictive actions against our members and discrimination to officers based on association membership.

We never demand preferential treatment for our members and followers, but only request to adopt and implement free, fair, and transparent policies that too based on certain norms which should be convincing to the executive fraternity of BSNL.

We request you to
1. Consider issuing orders to post Sh. Suresh Babu, JAO to Trichur SSA considering his meritorious performance in JAO selection process.

2. Consider issuing transfer orders to Sh. Shamju Ramachandran, AO to Kannur SSA on spouse ground.

3. Consider issuing transfer orders to Sh. Prasanth, AO to Alappuzha SSA on spouse-medical/compassionate ground.

4. Publish the transfer requests being received from officers in all cadres in finance wing of Kerala circle on regular basis.

5. Publish the corrected SSA wise stay particulars of officers of Finance wing.(The list published earlier contained many mistakes)

6. Publish the vacancy positions in various cadres of finance in the circle on regular basis prior to issuing LA orders.

7. Not to accommodate association office bearers in sensitive/HR posts strictly adhering to the standing instructions on the subject.

8. Consider transfer requests from officers on compassionate/medical grounds in highly transparent manner.

We are hopeful that your office would consider the legitimate views being expressed by the one and the only recognized Association of executives in BSNL regarding the much needed review in HR practices in finance wing of BSNL Kerala circle in its true spirit and would initiate proactive steps to adopt free, fair and transparent policies in HR functions especially while issuing transfer and posting/LA orders so that a cordial and congenial atmosphere could be ensured in the circle.

31/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Congratulations to all! BSNL Board approved formation of Superannuation Fund Trust:
Today BSNL Board meeting approved the proposal for Trust formation clearing the next step. The initial contribution will be 3% as approved earlier and will be effective from May, 2016. Com Piyush Gargh, SDE and our Circle Office Bearer at BSNLCO is one of the two Trustee Board members from employees side. DIR(HR) will be the Chairman. Sr GM(Legal), GM(CA), GM(Estt) etc are other members. This is the first major decision after the membership verification. Now the proposal has to go to Income Tax department for exemption. We have to fight to increase the contribution to the full 30%. Further we will be taking up to give 01.01.2007 as the effective date so that the benefit will get from that period.

It is not true that the BSNL Board decided to invest the money with LIC as reported by some sections. There was no such proposal in the Board memo. It has to be decided by the Board of Trustees. SNEA demanded that the money should be invested with LIC which is having sovereign guarantee for the purpose of security.

Our sincere thanks to CMD/BSNL, DIR(HR) and other BSNL Board members for approving the proposal.

It is learned that other HR issues like E1+5 increments for the JTO/JAOs recruited after 2010, SDE RR, 50% MT quota diversion of CAO posts etc not considered by the Board due to HR plan. In the last meeting of the HR Committee held on 19.01.2017, only HR plan discussed and the plea of management to delink some of the HR issues from HR plan not agreed by DoT. Next meeting of the HR Committee is tentatively fixed for 15.02.2017.



GS, CHQ President and Jt Sec met Smt Sujata T ray, DIR(HR) on 30.01.2017 and held discussions on issuing orders for officiating pay protection, standard pay scales of E2, E3, CPSU Hierarchy implementation, agenda for the Board meeting on 31.01.2017, HR plan finalization etc. We formally invited DIR(HR) to attend our CWC meeting at Hyderabad on 13.02.2017 which she accepted.

GS, CHQ President and Jt Sec met Smt Madhu Arora, PGM(Estt) on 30.01.2017 and held discussions on Pay parity of Rs 22820, E1A and E2A scales notionally for Civil/Elect/Arch/TF/PA/PS cadres w.e.f 01.01.2007, issuing instructions to Circles on Rule 8 cases and declaration of results for Kerala Circle for the second LICE to JTO Cadre. On Rule 8 cases further discussion will be held on 01.02.2017.



GS writes to Director HR regarding the decision of the management to extend trade union benefits to AIGETOA against the provisions of Recognition Rules, 2014. Strongly protesting and demands urgent review in conformity with the Recognition Rules View copy of the letter.



GS writes to Additional Secretary, DoT to take expeditious actions to approve the BSNL proposal for replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A with standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f. 01.01.2007 as per Union Cabinet decision on 2nd PRC recommendations and DPE guidelines dated 26.11.2008, subsequent clarification dated 02.04.2009 and DPE letter to DoT dated 09.07.2014 as done in other CPSUs. View copy of the letter.



Pay parity of Rs 22820/- for the post 2007 recruited Executives especially the directly recruited JTOs of 2007 and 2008 batches and directly recruited JAOs of 2010 batch as represented by the Recognized Representative Association, SNEA - GS writes to the Chairperson of the Committee. View Copy of the letter.


30/1/2017

Recruitment of JTOs from Group-C through LICE for 2013-14, 14-15 vacancy:
GS SNEA had a detailed discussion on the subject with PGM (Estt) Smt Madhu Arora and requested to clear the stalemate prevailing in Kerala Circle in this regard. PGM expressed the surprise and told that it should have already cleared as the speaking order was communicated to the circle more than 3 weeks before.
When GS informed that Kerala Circle has some doubts on the issue the PGM replied that no such query has come from Kerala circle so far.
We request the Circle Administration to clear the issue without any further delay and fill up all vacant posts from among the qualified candidates.

30/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Embarrassment to field officers - Utilisation of UG cable for NPC
View Letter
A large number of request for new phone connections are pending in the circle due to shortage of cables (particularly 5 pr cable for individual connections). In fact the field units are utilising the available cable allotted to them in most judicious manner by giving the priority for broad band connections and the connections which require minimum cables . Those cases which require more length of cable for individual connection are offered WLL or WiMax considering the economical viability of the company.

But some of these customers approach higher authorities like GM/PGM/ CGM/ CMD/ Minister / DOT etc through email/ Twitter, written complaint/ Adalath /PGRMS etc. In such cases special allotment are done for these cases alone to close the case. There are instances for laying cable for more than 250 mts in such cases while many cases which require less cable is overlooked due to the VIP consideration to these type of complaints . We fully appreciate the prerogative of the higher ups in taking such decisions but to point out that this is causing much complaints from the public and embarrassment to field officers while facing the customers and affecting the image of the company.

Hence it is suggested that a clear norms may be decided at circle level up to what length new cable can be laid for individual connections. Different norms may be set for Bfone and Bfone with BB etc as provided in the past for OYT, Special etc. It may also be clarified that whether field officers can overlook the seniority of the applicant taking in to account the financial viability or to follow the chorological seniority irrespective of the requirement of stores.

28/1/2017

Congratulations..!! The much awaited DGM(LA) orders released today. View Orders
The remaining cases, we are pursuing.


28/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Pay fixation of officiating JTOs on regularization View Letter

References:
1.GI MF OM No: F.3(4)-E.III(B)/71,dated the 5th February,1972.
2. F.No. 18/03/2015-Estt. (Pay-I)Government of India.Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.Department of Personnel & Training, New Delhi, the 2nd March, 2016

It is reported that pay of officiating JTOs on their regularization is being refixed to an amount less than that they were drawing during the officiating period. Further it is reported that huge recovery has been done from these officers who were retired from service and their retirement benefits are not settled. Attempt for recovery from pay of serving officers are being initiated by the finance wing.

In this connection kind attention is invited to the following facts:

1. As per Government of India, Ministry of finance OM No. vide referred (1) above, it is stated as follows:
“It may sometimes happen that the pay of an employee, permanent in post ‘A’ but officiating in Post ‘B’ and subsequently transferred/promoted to post ‘C’, fixed with reference to the officiating pay in post ‘B’ may work out to be less than the pay fixed with reference to the substantive pay in post ‘A’. In order to remove this anomaly, it has been decided that in such cases pay should be fixed under FR-22C [now FR 22 (1) a (1)] with reference to the substantive pay or the officiating pay, which ever may be beneficial to the Government servant.”
From this it is clear that pay is to be re-fixed considering this OM and protecting the pay drawn on officiating period.

2. As per the O.M under reference 2 which is also endorsed by BSNL the recovery of excess pay due to wrong fixation (even in case of wrong fixation ) from an employee is impermissible in law under following category:
(i) Recovery from employees belonging to Class-III and Class-IV service (or Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ service).
(ii) Recovery from retired employees, or employees who are due to retire within one year, of the order of recovery.
(iii) Recovery from employees, when the excess payment has been made for a period in excess of five years, before the order of recovery is issued.
(iv) Recovery in cases where an employee has wrongfully been required to discharge duties of a higher post, and has been paid accordingly, even though he should have rightfully been required to work against an inferior post.
(v) In any other case, where the Court arrives at the conclusion, that recovery if made from the employee, would be iniquitous or harsh or arbitrary to such an extent, as would far outweigh the equitable balance of the employer’s right to recover.

In the light of above rule positions it is requested that:
1. The pay of the officiating JTOs on their regularization may be fixed not less than pay they were drawing during the officiating period.
2. Any attempt to effect recovery on the pretext of wrong fixation may be stopped forthwith since all of them are covered under category which is impermissible in law as per the O.M. under reference issued based on the judgment passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

28/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Implementation of Integrated OMCR View Letter
When the E10 Exchange at the 2nd Floor of Panampilly Nagar became scrapped, the switch room was allotted to Mobile Services for setting up the Integrated OMCR from Two different rooms to a single room. Many unfortunate planning happened in the due course to centralize the all monitoring Nodes of Mobile/CFA/Transmission to one room named Integrated OMCR. The Association was always in an opinion that, the work should be carried out after the proper feedback and requirement from the real stake holders of OMCR. But it never happened.

Now there is stalemate in this work of Setting up of OMCR due to the financial limit of CGMT. Circle Executive Committee of SNEA had a detailed deliberation in this regard and being the recognized Officers Association of BSNL, CEC of SNEA decided to inform the following decisions to the CGMT, Kerala Circle:

1. Since the phase VIII is also at the door step, immediate expansion of OMCR /OMC-S is required in space and staff. Hence, with the available sanctioned financial limit of CGMT Kerala, a central monitoring cell including OMCR/OMCS, having GSM/3G/and other Mobile related core nodes and nodes for future expansion, may be setup at the earmarked space at the 2nd floor of Panampilly Nagar Telephone exchange.

2. At present, 3 DGMs are working in MS and there is only one cabin and the 2 DGMs are not having cabin. For SDEs/JTOs working in Mobile Services are having no office space for keeping their files, vouchers, invoices and other official documents. Hence necessary offices may be set up for the Officers at the existing space of OMCRs when it is shifted to new space.

3. Considering the future expansions, any available space at the 2nd floor after setting up new OMCR may be reserved.

4. A Ladies Dormitory may be set up urgently at Panampilly Nagar telephone exchange considering the frequent request of all Ladies staff in the building.

5. SRRC of BSNL is a very vital section of reducing our outages/faults by giving timely repair of cards. We had a well-furnished repair center earlier at CTSD Building Gandhinagar, EKM, but in the name of CMS Server installation, TERM Cell took away the space and migrated our SRRC from CTSD building to Panampilly Nagar. Later TERM Cell chose Panampilly Nagar Telephone Exchange to install CMS server and the old SRRC space kept idle with them. Hence, SRRC may be shifted to the old well-furnished space.

6. Since Panampilly Nagar Telephone exchange is the heart of Mobile Service, having MSC, HLR, OMC Servers, BSCs, and OMC R and SRR, Administrative offices of any other Agencies may not be allotted. By giving Office space for TERM Cells, it will give easy access to all other TSP officials to the very strategic building of BSNL Kerala and it will not be beneficial to BSNL.

7. Since Panampilly Nagar Telephone Exchange building and compound is already congested, allotting Space to other Agencies will lead more difficulties to Parking space and other amenities including toilets/rest rooms etc. Hence, CEC of SNEA Kerala decided to inform CGMT about our strong concern and protest for allotting any further space for TERM Cell or any other agencies.

Some Major Advantages of OMCR/OMCS Cell in a Single place:
1. Convenience in handling Calls from the field.
2. Faster communication between OMC-R and OMC-S.
3. Co-ordination of other nodes GGSN/SMSC/IN/SSTP/IPTAX/ILD TAX/NGN Nodes/BB NOC from single point.
4. Faster Traffic Analysis and other reports and its follow up.
5. Faster Customer Complaint Settlement coming through CCS.

Considering these facts, SNEA requested the CGMT Kerala to relook into setting up of a centralized Monitoring Cell of Mobile Service Kerala to make our network more vibrant. Kerala BSNL was always a model for other circles in bringing new Ideas for optimizing the network to new heights. Hence we request the CGMT to immediately intervene in this matter and make a favourable move at the earliest to make a new model for BSNL for monitoring the Mobile Network in a very professional manner.

28/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Rule 8 transfer cases to Kerala.View Letter
It is reported that large number of requests under Rule 8 is pending from various circles to Kerala Circle even after giving permission to accommodate the applicants. In fact BSNL corporate office has taken this in to account while fixing the allotment of DR JTO recruitment 2017. In the recently held JTO LICE, Kerala circle could fill up only 58 posts due to court cases and nearly 300 JTO posts under LICE is pending in the circle while all other circles were able to fill up all the vacant posts. At present the working strength of JTOs in the Circle is just 25 % of the sanctioned strength. Similar is the case of SDEs and DEs. In spite of this our circle is relieving all inter circle transfer orders without any hesitant and without substitute considering the genuineness of the request of the Officers. In fact the executive strength of the circle is too short of it bare minimum requirement and justifications based on assets, revenue, profit etc. In this connection it was requested to take-up with all Circles for releasing the JTOs under Rule 8 to Kerala circle as good number of JTOs through LICE have joined in those Circles.

27/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


GS and CHQ President met Sri N Sivasailam, Addl Secretary, DoT on 27.01.2017 regarding approval of E2, E3 pay scales. Even after lot of interaction, AST still maintains the stand that E1A and E2A scales are to be sent to Union Cabinet or BSNL has to modify the proposal to E1 and E2 scales instead of E2 and E3. According to AST, the pay difference for the Executives recruited in E1A scale before 2nd PRC implementation can be addressed by giving 4 or 5 additional increments in E1 scale and the new recruits after implementation of 2nd PRC report are to be placed in E1 scale only. We strongly opposed his view and told him that we will not agree to this proposal and nothing less than E2 and E3 is acceptable to us as recommended by BSNL. AST is changing his stand very frequently, we told him. According to AST, intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A are unique in BSNL alone. We explained him that this information is wrong and similar intermediary pay scales were available in several CPSUs and BSNL is not an exemption. Govt allowed intermediary pay scales with the approval of Administrative Ministry and DPE during 1st PRC. During 2nd PRC implementation, such intermediary pay scales were replaced by all other CPSUs with next higher standard pay scales except BSNL as per DPE guidelines.

At the end AST told that he will maintain the same stand and the competent authority can decide the other way. He also mentioned that CMD/BSNL is discussing with Secretary, DoT in this regard. Comrades the issue is in a very crucial stage and we have to maintain maximum organizational pressure till the issue is resolved as we are demanding.


27/1/2017

This Association has taken up the Broadband Provisioning Server issues with CGMT Kerala and also with CMD. BB reconnection and provisioning is pending in entire south zone. GS has requested the intervention of CMD in this issue. CMD responded and GS will be meeting the CMD in the afternoon.

26/1/2017

SNEA Kerala Wishes
A Proud and Happy Republic Day to All Indians



24/1/2017

CEC Meeting on 21/1/2017 and 21/1/2017 at Hotel Town Tower, Trivandrum

Slideshow of CEC Photos
CEC_TVM_2021_01_17

Com.V.G.Sabu, DS-Trivandrum welcomed all participants of the CEC.

Com.George Varghese, Circle President delivered presidential address and highlighted the following points:
• Crucial CWC is coming up in Feb2017 to discuss various issues.
• Formal discussions going on at Corporate office with SNEA for various pending HR issues. This is due to the MV results and the recognition to SNEA. We have huge responsibility for resolving the issues.
• Long delay in EPP
• Long delay in issuing LA orders
• Transfer orders issued to two years completed LICE JTOs
• Due to our vigorous perusal, Lady JTO-Trainees were posted in their choice SSA or atleast nearby SSA.
• Diary – We are not ready to do any suedo business subrogating our identity and hence we rejected the offer of Administration to supply diaries for all staff (Executive as well as Non-Executive) without our name and emblem. Finally Administration agreed to reimburse the cost of diary purchased by SNEA members being published by SNEA.
• SWAS rebooting, BSNL viability

Com.Santhosh Kumar, Circle Secretary in his address highlighted the following points:
• Last CEC at Ernakulam on 17/12/16 was not sufficient to discuss, so we decided for 2 days CEC.
• Pending issues at CHQ level – CS explained the present status of various issues, E2/E3, 22820, CPSE Cadre Hierarchy, JTO to SDE SCF/ LDCE Postings, RR amendments, SAB fund, Term Insurance, Officiating pay protection etc.
• Outcome of meetings held with Administration on 23/12/16 and 10/1/17 for discussing various Circle issues and follow up.
• LICE JTO postings and consideration of request transfers of two years completed LICE JTOs
• Phase-II training of JTOs and JAOs
• Long pending EPP cases, pending VC to be expedited
• Pay fixation issue of regularized officiating JTOs, pending 78.2% IDA merger, NEPP and pending Increment.
• Stalemate in the LICE from Group-C to JTO for the vacancy years 2013-14 and 2014-15
• Long pending DE(LA) orders – expected to be released today
• Unjustifiable transfer of Executives in DE cadre from Kerala to West Bengal Circle
• SDE(LA) in Civil wing
• Issues in Accounts wing
• Merging of Mobile Services with Circle Office
• POS terminal – issues and importance in the era of demonetization
• SWAS rebooting

All District Secretaries/representatives presented their report and put forward their suggestions and ideas to the CEC for discussion. Almost all CEC participants got opportunity to express their ideas.

Com.Asha.A.S, Circle Vice President and Accounts Officer at Trivandrum was unanimously selected as General Convener of the proposed VANITHA VEDHI of SNEA.

Important Points discussed at the CEC is listed below:

1. Pay fixation issues of regularized officiating JTOs, 78.2% IDA merger, NEPP, Increment etc.

2. Long delay in EPP

3. Effect of “No work No pay” on EPP cases reported from PGT and PTA to be opposed at SSA and Circle level for correction.

4. Unjustified JAO postings – case of Com.Suresh Babu, JAO Kannur who is hailing from Trichur and was a Rank holder both in All India JAO LICE as well as in JAO training at RTTC.

5. Unjustified and Illegal transfer of JAOs in Thrissur on the eve of MV in Dec2016.

6. Uniformity in Pay fixation of JAOs across Kerala Circle to be followed

7. Posting of Accounts personals (JAO/AO )at CSC to be explored

8. Norms for transfer to be followed in Accounts wing. Tailor made norms and justification cannot be accepted on promotion and postings. Equal opportunities to be given to all Accounts personnel for working in various diverse areas for knowledge sharing and to end monopoly.

9. OMCR space issues at Panampilly nagar, Ernakulam – No more space can be allotted to other agencies as BSNL officers are not having sufficient seating arrangement and BSNL require more space for further Expansion.

10. Uniform duration of training for both JTOs and JAOs

11. Reviewing of duration and curriculum of training courses at RTTC. Outdated syllabus to be reviewed.

12. Looking after arrangement in SDE(Civil)

13. Filling of vacant DE posts at various BAs, Looking after arrangement in DE cadre

14. Pending Transfer cases in SDE/DE cadre

15. Minimum 10% commission to BSNL is required for Civil and Electrical and Arch in External projects.

16. Merger of Civil, Electrical and Architecture wings with Telecom wing.

17. AD(OL) case to be taken up with CHQ and Corporate Office

18. Cancellation of transfer orders of Executives from Kerala to West Bengal Circle

19. While filling shortages in various Circles, regional wise South zone, north Zone, west Zone, East Zone consideration for transfer to be adopted. Rearrangement to be done from nearby Circles.

20. Implementation of Medical Insurance scheme to be explored

21. Pending EPF transfer issues to be coordinated

22. EPF contribution during training period

23. EPF - Full Pension scheme for DRs to be explored

24. Immediate implementation of E2, E3 payscales for JTO/JAOs and SDE/AO cadres.

25. 22820 issue of post 2007 and 2008 JTOs and pay fixation issue of JTO Departmental Outsiders

26. Superannuation Benefits for BSNL recruits and fund creation

27. Stalemate in JTO to SDE LDCE to be resolved immediately

28. Promotions through SCF – JTO to SDE, SDE to DE etc

29. Stalemate in the LICE from Group-C to JTO for the vacancy years 2013-14 and 2014-15

30. Pending issues of Electrical wing, case of Com.Akilesh Chandran of Kannur

31. Rule-8 cases to Kerala from Tamil Nadu and other circles, cases to be coordinated with other CS

32. Rotation of staff in sections like ITCELL, Mobile wing, Circle/ SSA office , RTTC etc and other areas.

33. Frequent failure of BB network, Clarity and other CDR packages and its effect on our revenue and developmental activities.

34. More concentration should be on FTTH business. Provide OLT, Fibre, related accessories and Installation wing at the earliest.

35. 4G service should be launched immediately

36. Long pending demand - Integrated Mobile service by Merging of Mobile Services with Circle Office for improving efficiency

37. GSM Postpaid plans to be made more attractive on par with prepaid plans

38. Customer profiling to be done - Individual offers to mobile customers may be introduced as done by other operators.

39. Shortage of Nano SIM to be avoided

40. Announcements in our services to be more attractive and courteous example – “Ningal villikunna” word to be replaced by “Thaangal villikunna BSNL Customer”

41. Exclusive CSC Incharges to be posted

42. Delay in SIM Activation through E-Kyc to be minimized.

43. Neglect of WLL and WiMax services to be attended

44. Review unjustified tariff hike in WiMax plans

45. Marketing fund utilization

46. POS terminal at all CSC /Marketing teams to counter Demonetisation

47. Issues related to POS terminal using BSNL SIM to be attended

48. Business Diversification – Banking

49. SWAS to be rebooted and monitoring to be done at least at Divisional level with coordination of other Unions/Associations.

50. JIO unscrupulous offer – to be taken up legally as well as with TRAI

51. Immediate replacement of Life expired Batteries and Powerplants

52. Adequate tools like cable faults locators, route locators, cable pair identifier etc to be provided to the field units for smooth working

53. Heavy damage to BSNL underground cables due to road widening works – compensation to be explored with State Government by Circle Office.

54. For getting adequate compensation from external damages BSNL should be made as utility service.

55. Compensation to BSNL from DEFENCE for using space and other infra such as batteries and power at STR stations, preferably in the the form of FIBRE.

56. More Apprentices to be posted for compensating the shortage of skilled labour, especially at CSC, MDF, BB, FTTH areas.

57. Centrailised payment for the whole SSA/Circle to be explored for KSEB and KWA bills

58. NOC for NGN is required at Ernakulam

59. IQ rent to be reviewed and enhanced for meeting its maintenance expenditure

60. Scrapping to be expedited for clearing space dumped with obsolete and irreparable items.

61. Exchange capacity to be redesigned for the current working DELs for reducing expenditure on electricity and fuel.

62. Staff shortages in various SSAs like Malappuram and Pathanamthitta to be attended.

63. Circle/SSA PR section to be made effective to counter the negative press reports against BSNL.

64. Post ERP implementation - Moving to Paperless office or atleast minimizing the paperwork.

65. Post ERP implementation - Uniform procedures to be followed among all Business units

66. Leave is being entered and sanctioned in ERP but SR 1 is insisted in some SSAs.

67. Immovable Property statement is now through ERP, submission of printout to be avoided.

68. NITI Aayog – News of Disinvestment of BSNL and other PSUs – protest to be taken up with CHQ.

69. Eligible Data usage of Executives to be reviewed in the wake of Data-Era where Whatsapp groups are being used for official communication and Corporate office stressing on hitting likes and sharing posts related to BSNL on social media like Facebook and Twitter.

70. Mobile phone instrument reimbursement for executives to be reviewed and enhanced

71. Office bearers of Associations not to be placed in crucial posts having important positions in HR, Finance etc.

72. Misuse of Association Office Bearership at RTTC to be avoided and checked

73. Conduct rules to be reviewed – enhance the ceiling in movable and immovable property, review of minor penalty such as withheld of increment with cumulative effect.

74. Core team to be formed for countering the negative posts against SNEA in social media.

75. Whatsapp groups – only one official group per SSA and only one per Circle to be maintained

76. Renovation of SNEA Bhavan, AC units to be repaired immediately

77. SNEA Social security fund to be enhanced from the present Rs 1 Lakh

78. OLT donation by SNEA to Trivandrum SSA – request from DS-Trivandrum to improve services

79. Diary printing – panel to be formed in June of every year for the smooth distribution of the diaries before every New Year.

80. Vanitha Vedhi of SNEA to be formed. Convener per SSA to be selected and formally to be launched on 8th March - International Women’s day.

81. All undertaking forms for Subscription through salary to be collected by 31/1/2017.

82. All undertaking forms collected by District Secretaries in respect of Inspection Circle and ITPC to be forwarded to CS Kerala and sent to CS-Madhya Pradesh Com.Mujumdhar, STP Circle to Com.Sibyraj, STR to Com.Joseph Lukose, , RTTC and other Circle office cases to Com.Suneer.

23/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding filling up of JTO posts from Group-C through LICE for the vacancy years 2013-14 and 2014-15: View Letter
Please refer to our letter dated 14/12/2016 and subsequent meetings on 23/12/2016 and 10/1/2017 on this subject. All the interested candidates had submitted their representation to the CMD which is less than 100. It is reliably learnt that Corporate Office has finalized the case and handed over to Circle office for disposal. So we requested that the disposal of the representation which is in the final stage may be completed at the earliest. It was also requested to take immediate necessary action for filling up of the JTO posts at the earliest considering the acute shortage in the JTO cadre as well as genuine legitimate expectation of the employees for their due promotion as assured to this Association. It may be noted that most of them have passed the LICE against both the year 2013-14 and 2014-15.

21/1/2017

Today is the first death anniversary of our God Father, Mentor, Great Leader Com.W.Seshagiri Rao.

We remember him for his great and lifetime achievements for all executives in BSNL. Our sincere tributes to our veteran leader Com.W.Seshagiri Rao.

20/1/2017

Congratulations..!! to all. Orders released for Looking after arrangement in STS cadre. View Letter

20/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Com G. L. Jogi, Chairman had a detailed discussion with CMD today lasting about 40 minutes on two important issues of Standard pay scales and CPSU Cadre hierarchy mechanism.

CMD was told in very clear terms that BSNL management needs to be very focussed and unambiguous in its approach and stand on introduction of standard pay scales so as not to give any scope to DOT to play with the issue on flimsy grounds like cascading / non cascading etc. Replacement of non standard pay scales for JTOs / SDEs by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 well before 3rd PRC implementation should be of utmost significance for BSNL Management. All other things are irrelevant and unwarranted so long as this serious anomaly is not sorted out, CMD was informed. Already abnormal and uncalled delay in resolving this critical issue has taken place, resulting in wide spread resentment and demoralisation. Any further delay in resolution of this issue might lead to industrial unrest, CMD was apprised.

CMD categorically assured that he is in constant touch with Secy/DOT on this issue and very shortly a presentation is being made to him for quick resolution of this issue.

On the issue of abnormal, incomprehensible and unwarranted delay in finalising crucial mechanism of Cadre hierarchy, CMD was apprised of very dangerous and simmering discontentment and frustration building up in all cadres due to total blockade of career growth in all cadres because of endless litigations. CMD was also told that unless steps on a war footing basis are initiated to introduce this mechanism, it could lead to wide spread and uncontrolled industrial unrest and turbulence that would not be in the interests of the Company.

Blocking career growth of all the cadres will have very dangerous consequences for the growth of the Company, CMD was informed. And there are no financial implications involved in introducing this mechanism of career growth. Management needs to act with lightning speed to finalise and implement this mechanism. CMD assured that he will have a very serious discussion with the concerned officers on this issue.

19/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Pay fixation of Officiating JTOs on regularisation: View Letter

It is understood that uniformity has not been maintained by BAs and Circle Office while fixing pay of officiating JTOs after regularisation. Lot of anomalies has been observed in the case. Many of them didn’t receive their annual increment, many are yet to get 78.2% fixation, many are not in receipt of benefit of NEPP even though the Administration was of the opinion that their pay is to be fixed from substantive scale on IDA pay revisions etc.

We requested to extend them all benefits like increment, 78.2% DA merger , promotion under NEPP etc to which they are eligible according to Administration. This will put some light on the pay difference, if any, to individual officers as well. This will be useful in addressing the pending issues altogether and the officers will be able to take clear position in this regard. We requested CGMT that necessary instructions in this regard may kindly be given to the HR section of circle office and BAs to ensure uniformity while fixing pay of JTOs who were regularised last year after extending all eligible benefits.

19/1/2017

CS writes to CE(Civil) regarding Looking after arrangement in SDE(Civil):View Letter

19/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Grant of the facility of deduction of subscription to SNEA, the recognised representative association in BSNL and revised instruction governing deduction of monthly subscription - View Revised Instructions.

As per the revised instructions of SR Cell, all Circles / SSAs are requested to credit the Quota amount Rs.70/- in the SNEA CHQ vendor code 0100085651 linking with the SNEA CHQ bank account. All CSs and DSs are requested to contact the DDOs concerned and submit the request as per revised instructions.


GS writes to CMD regarding Change of designations of JTO/JAO, SDE/AO, Sr.SDE/Sr.AO and DE/CAO/EE equivalent cadres in line with CPSU structure- modification in the earlier proposal View letter


CPSU Hierarchy discussions continued on 16th and 17th January as per schedule. Next meeting will be held on 27.01.2017 after collecting the necessary data by the Pers section.

Pay parity of Rs 22820/- for the post 2007 recruited JTO/JAOs: Additional inputs can be mailed to CHQ in email id: sneachq@yahoo.com latest by 22.01.2017.

18/1/2017

Circle Executive Committee meeting of SNEA Kerala Circle

Venue : Hotel Town Tower, Press Rd, Statue, Trivandrum
(Near YMCA, Opp Road to South gate of Secretariat)

Dates : 20/1/2017 and 21/1/2017.

View Notice
View location of Hotel Town Tower on map

18/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


GS writes to GM SR regarding Creation of vendor code and account details for deduction of monthly subscription from the salary of the members from the month of January, 2017 regarding. View letter

The Bank Account particulars of SNEA, CHQ and the CHQ vendor Code is furnished below. All the Circle / SSAs are requested to credit the Quota amount Rs.70/- in the CHQ vendor code linking with this bank account:

VendorCode : 0100085651
Name of Bank : STATE BANK OF INDIA
SB A/C No : 10332931596
Name of A/C holder : SANCHAR NIGAM EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION / CHQ (SNEA/CHQ)
IFSC Code : SBIN0001515
MICR Code : 600002041
Bank Address :271, PURASAWALKAM HIGH ROAD, CHENNAI, PIN-600 007.

17/1/2017

Supply of diary: As demanded by SNEA, CGMT has approved purchase of diary of their own choice to SNEA members and for reimbursement at the rate of Rs140/- per diary. View orders
All SSA Secretaries are requested to intimate the SSA Administration immediately about the no of executives who are not interested to take the diaries supplied by AIBSNLEA.
SNEA is printing Diary-2017 for all its members which will be ready for dispatch in a week time. The requirement of Diaries, BA wise to be intimated immediately to the Circle Treasurer Com.Premkumar today itself.

17/1/2017

Congratulations to All...!! Request Transfers of JTOs released:
View orders | | Page-2 | | Page-3
We thank Administration for releasing the Transfer orders as agreed to us in meetings held with this association on 23/12/2016 and 10/1/2017. Dispelling all anxieties and ambiguities, CGMT has approved the transfer orders of all JTOs.
We appeal to all Executives to reciprocate with much vigour and initiative in their activities in meeting the BSNL targets.

17/1/2017

CGMT Kerala writes reminder letter to Director(HR) regarding retention of DEs transferred to West Bengal in Kerala Circle itself to enable continued performance of Kerala Circle. View Letter
We thank CGMT for once again taking up the case of DEs transferred from Kerala to WestBengal for its cancellation.

16/1/2017

Modification of postings for Field training of few lady JTO Trainees: View orders
We thank Circle administration for considering the request for posting of lady JTO trainees adjusting in the nearby Business Areas.

14/1/2017

During this Season of Festival, all transfer requests of DEs who completed two years are issued by Corporate office. View Orders From Kerala - Smt.Shanthi.S, Shri. A.V.Srinivas, Shri R.Venkataraman, Smt. Sheela.V, Shri.G.H.Kulkarni are transfered to their requested Circle and request of Shri Mukundan Nair.K.C from Gujrat to Kerala is also considered.

The transfer orders of Shri Amanulla.P, DE Lakshadweep under orders of transfer to West Bengal is also cancelled. View orders We thank CHQ for their valuable efforts and also further request CHQ for reviewing the remaining cases of transfer to West Bengal.

13/1/2017

Field Training orders issued for LICE-JTOs: View Orders
Congratulations..!! to these JTO Trainees. We wish them a very successful career as executives in BSNL. We wholeheartedly welcome to SNEA - the Recognised Majority Association in BSNL. We assure them higher payscale of E2, timebound functional promotion in executive category, superannuation benefits which were the long cherished demands of all executives and BSNL recruits.
Inspite of the assurances given to us, a few lady JTO Trainees are posted to far off places. The Association will take up the issue with CGMT for review.

Circle office released orders for JAO Phase-II training at RTTC Trivandrum: View orders

13/1/2017

Meeting with GM (HR), O/o CGMT, Kerala Circle on 10.01.2017
This Association had a meeting with Administration on 10/1/2017 to discuss various pending HR issues. SNEA Kerala was represented by CP Com.George Varghese, CS Com.Santhoshkumar.T, CT Com.Premkumar.G, CVP Com.Asha, AS(South) Com.Hari and DS-CO Com.Suneer. Administration side was represented by GM(HR) Shri Mohan.D, DGM(Admin) Shri Satheesh, DGM(HR) Shri James Sagayaraj and AGM(HR) Shri Madhusoodhanan. The following issues were discussed:

1. Request Transfer of JTOs: The circle Administration has agreed to consider all transfer requests of JTOs along with the posting of New batch JTOs.

2. Posting of New JTOs: The Association suggested posting all JTOs in their choice SSAs as most of them are from shortage SSAs. The short fall on account of request transfer can be met by future JTO posting which is expected shortly and by way of long stay transfer as has been done in the past. The request for posting to STSR will be considered from among the trainees.

3. Looking after arrangements in the cadre of DE: We have requested circle administration to expedite Looking After arrangements in the cadre of DE without further delay. We informed management that shortage of DEs is badly affecting the performance of many BAs, pointed out the case of Alapuzha, Malapuram etc in particular. GM HR responded positively and assured that strength as on March 2016 will be resorted by LA orders at the earliest. District secretaries are requested to confirm with their administration regarding DE requirements actually projected by the BAs with circle office for further follow up.

4. Pay fixation of JTOs regularized in 2016: We brought to the notice of administration that many JTOs who were regularized in 2016 are yet to get their annual increment for many years, 78.2% fixation benefit, NEPP etc. We requested to work out all these benefits without further delay. This will put some light on the pay difference, if any, to individual officers including those who are retired/in the verge of retirement and will be useful in addressing the pending issues altogether in future. GM HR responded positively and assured that the cases in circle office will be done immediately and would instruct BAs also to expedite accordingly.

5. Transfer of DEs to West Bengal: We have requested administration not to relieve DEs under orders of transfer to West Bengal as we are facing acute shortage of DEs. Moreover, there are no incoming DEs to Kerala from circles like West Bengal. We requested administration to take up these cases once again with BSNL Corporate Office based on the fresh inputs given by us last week. GM HR assured that based on the new inputs given by the association, CGMT would sent a DO letter to Corporate Office today itself. We are in constant touch with our CHQ for reviewing these untimely and unjustified transfer orders.

6. Pending EPP cases: We once again urged circle administration to complete pending EPP cases at the earliest. GM HR informed that 118 cases of E3-E4 are ready (awaiting VC for 42 cases) for issuing orders. Further, 140 cases of E4-E5, 83 cases of E2-E3, 5 cases of E1-E2 and 80 cases in circle office are being finalized. We requested to expedite the process.

7. Relieving of DEs to other circles: We requested administration to relieve DEs to other circle for which orders have been issued from Corporate Office. GM HR assured that they will be relieved immediately.

8. Posting of LICE JTOs against 201-4-15 vacancies: We have suggested forwarding the representations already received from the candidates to Respected CMD for an early decision of the case. In the mean time, the Association has suggested to utilize the remaining vacancies for filling immediately. GM HR responded positively and directed the HR wing to collect the number of representations received to assess the remaining vacancies. District secretaries are requested to interact with BA administration to send all representations to the circle office immediately.

9. Pending JTO regularization and Officiating case: We have pointed out the pending cases like that of Smt. Ambika and Smt. Prasanna, TTAs from EKM BA for regularisation. It was informed that the circle office has already taken up this case with corporate office and waiting their reply. We have pointed out that AP circle has ordered officiating to such officials there and corporate office has already sought reports about these cases from all circles. We will be pursuing this matter with corporate office also for early resolution.

13/1/2017

Meeting with Shri. K.Kulanthaivel, PGM (Finance) & Shri. S.B.Kumar, DGM (Finance), O/o CGMT, Kerala Circle on 10.01.2017
This Association had a meeting with PGM(F) on 10/1/2017 to discuss various issues. SNEA Kerala was represented by CP Com.George Varghese, CS Com.Santhoshkumar.T, CT Com.Premkumar.G, CVP Com.Asha, AS(South) Com.Hari and DS-CO Com.Suneer. The following issues were discussed:

1. Looking after arrangements in the cadre of CAOs/AOs: We requested PGM (Finance) to issue looking after orders in the cadre of AOs/CAOs in Kerala Circle. We told PGM that considerable number of CAO post is lying vacant in Kerala Circle following the recent promotion of CAOs to DGMs. We pointed out that in TVM alone 22 CAO posts are sanctioned including O/o CGMT, Mobile, Electrical, RTTC and SSA, whereas the present working strength is only 14. A number of AO posts are also lying vacant in various BAs. In 2016, nearly 100 JAOs were appointed in the Circle and hence AO/CAO vacancies can be filled by ordering looking after arrangement from feeder cadre of JAOs and AOs. PGM (F) assured to issue LA orders as per the feedback received from BAs. We have pointed out that those posts which were in operational till recent promotions are to be filled up without any further justification in filling up such posts. District secretaries are requested to confirm with their administration regarding such requirements and update the status for further follow up with circle office.

2. Pending Transfer requests and Posting Suresh Babu, JAO in Trichur SSA: We reiterated our demand of bringing back newly appointed JAO Com. Suresh Babu to Trichur SSA from Kannur where he was posted after induction training. We requested PGM (F) to review the unjustified posting order and to render justice to an Officer who secured 3rd Rank in All India JAO LICE, 1st Rank in Kerala and again secured 1st Rank in JAO Phase-I training. We also pointed out that the transfer request of Sh. Shamju Ramachandran, AO from Trivandrum to Kannur, is pending with administration. We requested to consider these cases together. We also reminded the request of Sh. Prasanth, AO (LA) from Ernakulam to Alapuzha. PGM (F) assured to look in to the case.

3. Pay fixation of JTOs regularized in 2016: We brought to the notice of PGM(F) that many JTOs who were regularized in 2016 are yet to get their annual increment for many years, 78.2% fixation benefit, NEPP etc. We requested to work out all these benefits without further delay. This will put some light on the pay difference, if any, to individual officers including those who are retired/in the verge of retirement and will be useful in addressing the pending issues altogether in future. We requested PGM (F) to give necessary instructions to circle office and BA units for early resolution of this long pending issue.

4. FICO End user training in ERP: We requested to arrange ERP FICO End user training to those executives who were not given such trainings till date. PGM (F) agreed to consider the same based on requests from field units and to arrange fresh training at RTTC, Trivandrum. District secretaries are requested to confirm with their administration regarding such training requirements and update the status for further follow up with circle office.

5. Workshop/Training on GST: We requested PGM (F) to ensure adequate and comprehensive training to executives in Kerala Circle on Goods and Services Tax (GST), the proposed system of indirect taxation to be implemented in our country merging most of the existing taxes into a single system of taxation. PGM (F) assured that the same would be started soon after the expected training sessions from KPMG are completed.

6. Section Changes to Officers after post tenure: We requested PGM (F) to allow section changes to Officers who have requested for change after completed their post tenure and continuing in same seat for years together. Individual requests from Officers in this regard are to be considered. Knowledge sharing in key accounting practice/procedures is to be effected among officers in the circle to ensure uninterrupted and smooth transitions during transfer of individual officers. PGM (F) agreed to our suggestions and informed that such requests will be considered positively. The SSA secretaries are requested to take up such cases with BA Administrations also.

12/1/2017

Congratulations..!! to all 34 JAOs.....
NATFM has finalized the JAO Phase-II training for 5 weeks from 16/1/2016 to 17/2/2017 at RTTC Trivandrum. NATFM has issued the orders on the same day of receipt of letter from corporate office. We profoundly thank CGM NATFM Shri John Thomas and DGM Training Smt Rajalekhsmi for their prompt action in this case.
View Orders from NATFM || List of 34 JAOs

11/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Discussion on CPSU Hierarchy: Meeting continued on 10.01.2017 for more than two hours mainly focusing on seniority related issues and delinking the seniority in the new promotion policy. Last week the discussion was concentrated on quantum of relaxation for promotion to Sr SDE equivalent grades. GS, President and AGS participated in the discussion. Today discussion will continue in which GM(Restg) also will participate.


Phase II training for JAO 2012 batch, Dept candidates of Kerala Circle: On pursual of the matter at BSNLCO by the Assn, BSNL CO today issued necessary instructions to CGM/NAFTM for conducting Phase II trg as per the recommendations of Kerala circle.


GS, CHQ President, AGS and Jt Sec met GM(FP) on 10.01.2017 and held discussion on the following issues:
1. Diversion of MT quota for CAO promotion: The proposal to divert 25% MT quota for Adhoc promotion is pending in the BSNL Board. Since the issue has to be decided by MC, the proposal has to be withdrawn from the Board and the process is going on. GM(FP) informed that more than 1000 posts are vacant and APAR collected for more than 800 cases. However promotion is held up due to the interim direction from the Chandigarh CAT on reservation issue.
2. Clarification to CGM/NATFM for Phase II trg of JAOs of 2012 batch of Kerala circle.

10/1/2017

Meeting with CGM, GM(HR) and PGM(F) to discuss various pending HR issues:

Administration agreed to consider all transfer requests of LICE JTOs posted during Aug2014 along with the posting of JTO Trainees completing Phase-I training on 13th Jan 2017. Further details follow.....

Congratulations to all JTOs who had reposed faith in SNEA against all malpropaganda. SNEA was trying to render justice to these JTOs since their conduction of LICE, publication of results and their posting. We are sure that these JTOs will remember well the stand taken by one association against their examination, result, posting etc, etc….

10/1/2017

Meeting with Administration on 10/1/2017: As requested by this Association, Administration has agreed for a meeting at 12 noon to discuss the pending HR issues as per agenda. View CS Letter with agenda

Agenda:
1. Posting of JTO Trainees who will be completing Phase-I training on 13-1-2017.
2. Inter-SSA Transfer requests of JTOs who were posted in Aug2014 through LICE.
3. Pending transfer requests in JTO/SDE/DE cadre – publication of received requests and publication of longstay particulars in JTO/SDE cadre.
4. Payfixation of Officiating JTOs on regularisation.
5. Unjustified transfer of DEs from Kerala Circle to West Bengal Circle.
6. Pending EPP cases
7. DE (L/A) arrangement
8. Vaccant JTO(T) posts in connection with LICE.
9. JAO 2nd Phase Training
10. Relieving of DEs those who have completed 2 years service in Kerala Circle.

9/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s


Meeting with Sri Dev Kumar Chakrabarty, PGM(Pers): GS, CHQ President and AGS met PGM(Pers) and held discussions on the following issues:

a) Expediting CPSU Hierarchy finalization: Since the discussions could not continue for two days, it was agreed to devote more time tomorrow and expedite the finalization of the proposal. The contentious issues of relaxation in qualifying service, seniority, RRs, TB promotion upto AGM grade, increasing the number of DGM posts etc are the outstanding issues to be sorted out.

b) 1st TBP after 4 to 5 years instead of 4 to 6 years as recommended by Khan Committee: Assn demanded the processing of the issue separately. It is another recommendation of the Khan Committee. PGM informed that now Pers section is busy dealing with our demands of Offtg pay protection and CPSU Hierarchy and once CPSU Hierarchy taken a shape, immediately this demand will be processed. However we requested to start its processing separately at the earliest.

c) Officiating Pay protection: PGM informed our demand is in principle accepted and the draft proposal for protection of the pay as per the existing provisions of FRSR and EPP will be discussed with the Assn this week before sending it to DIR(HR).

d) Explore the possibility of posting for the LDCE passed JTOs: Since the LDCE 2015 results declared long back, Assn requested to explore the possibility of postings at the earliest. The reservation issue may not come on the way and RR amendment issue can be considered later and now posting can be given by taking declaration that they will not claim seniority. After discussion, PGM assured to examine all the possibilities to expedite the postings.

e) Filing SLP against the Chandigarh CAT and HC judgments on reservation issues on SDE to DE promotion, JTO to SDE LDCE promotion and JTO to SDE seniority promotion: The appeal filed by BSNL in the Chandigarh HC also dismissed recently. BSNL is waiting for the judgment copy. All other formalities are completed and all the three SLPs in the Hon Supreme Court are almost ready to file.

f) Request transfers in the cadre SDEs and DEs: The remaining cases will be processed this week.



View Corporate Office Orders:
Final seniority list in the grade of SDE Elec. as on 16-06-16. View List.



Pay protection on Officiating promotion: As assured to us management completed the discussion among various wings and final proposal will be discussed with SNEA next week. Pay protection is part of FRSR. By issuing wrong clarification after EPP implementation, management illegally snatched the pay protection facility, causing huge loss to the Executives officiated in various cadres but got regular promotion after 2004. Executives pay reduced by two to three increments and facing recovery for lakhs of rupees.


8/1/2017

Purchase order for Supply of Diary 2017
It is seen that puurchase order for supply of 2017 diary is issued to one particular Association by Circle Office, when SNEA quoted the lowest rates. It appears that a particular specification – “the address and logo of the publisher should not be printed in the diary” has been incorporated to suit a vendor. CS SNEA Kerala wrote Circle Administration regarding the Purchase order for Supply of Diary 2017. Click to view the letter.

7/1/2017

JTO Phase ll Training in Data Network Specialization
JTO Phase II training in Data Network Specialization will commence from 16.01.2017 at RTTC, Trivandrum. View Letter
We thank BRBRAITT, Jabalpur for enhancing no. seats from 24 to 36 for accommodating more candidates from Kerala Circle as per request from our circle.

We also thank Circle administration for their prompt intervention in this regard as per our request.
We have already requested circle administration to consider arranging additional batches in Data Network Specialization at RTTC Trivandrum, as per training requirements, and intimate the same to BRBRAITT Jabalpur so that maximum candidates from our circle are benefited.

6/1/2017

Administration published transfer requests received from LICE 2014 JTOs: View Published List
As per our letter dtd 3/1/2017, Circle Administration has published transfer requests received from LICE 2014 JTOs at Circle Office (Advance copy/Proper channel). All Officers are requested to verify the list for any omissions/errors/discrepancies and if any, may be brought to the notice of the concerned administration with a copy to our District Secretaries. District Secretaries are requested to followup with the concerned administration for correction and for forwarding the same to Circle Office immediately with recommendations of BA Head.

We thank Circle Administration for publishing the list of transfer requests received from LICE 2014 JTOs. We further request Circle Administration to publish the transfer requests received at Circle Office from Officers who are completing/completed two years stay and are waiting to come back to their Parent/Home/Requested BA this year, and also request to consider these cases during general transfer in March/April-2017 as discussed with this association on 23/12/2016.

6/1/2017

“SAVE HOCL Kochi” Convention at Ernakulam High Court junction on 6/1/2017:
Circle President-SNEA Com.George Varghese represented NCOA in the above convention extending our solidarity and support for the Save HOCL moment.
HOCL Kochi, which is a profit making CPSU is on the verge of closure and the employees are not in the receipt of their salary for more than 15 months. Trade unions and political parties are on agitation for the last 139 days demanding protection of this profit making PSU which is the only supplier of many petrochemical products and which is having very important significance in our health and pharmaceutical industries.

6/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s

GS and Jt Sec met CMD today again on E2, E3 pay scales issue. During discussion to resolve the issue, CMD assured us to write a DO letter to Secretary, DoT referring the discussion on approval for replacement of intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A with standard pay scales of E2 and E3 so that DoT can process this portion alone. Association will be pursing the matter on a day today basis. CPSU meeting could not be held today as the officers are preoccupied in official meeting in DoT. Meeting will continue on Monday.

Pay fixation under FR22(1)(a)(1) for Officiating JTOs: Today the case come up for hearing in the PCAT, New Delhi. Our lawyer strongly pleaded for extending the same benefits as in the earlier cases. Since the reply filed by BSNL was not provided in the case file, court could not proceed further and posted the matter for 23.01.2017. BSNL was represented by DGM(Estt) in the absence of BSNL lawyer. GS and JS were present in the court.

GS writes to Secretary / DOT regarding approval of the revised proposal of BSNL, limited to replacing the intermediary pay scales of E1A and E2A by standard pay scales of E2 and E3 w.e.f 01.01.2007 based on the Union Cabinet decisions and DPE guidelines dated 26.11.2008 and subsequent DPE direction to DoT dated 19.07.2014 ......View copy of the letter.

GS writes to CMD regarding change of designations of JTO / JAO, SDE / AO and DE / CAO / EE equivalent cadres ... View Copy of the letter.

6/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Broad band complaints due to issues in notification on FUP View Letter
Complaints are received from field units that on 01.01.2017 itself, FUP web page was popped up to BB customers before reaching the FUP limit. In a specific case a BB ULD 1495 customer with 30 GB FUP limit received the same when his actual usage was only 1.5 GB. The FUP page has the following issues:

Case 1: Decline option is not shown in the FUP Page.

Case 2: In some cases where decline option is displayed but even after selecting the decline option, due to congestion or other issues the same page is frequently redisplayed which prevents internet browsing.

Case 3: In some cases, browsing getting stopped without actually displaying FUP page.

From the Administration side the advice was, the exchange In-charges should connect those user-ids’ from MDF and unlock the same. During Last month similar kind of issues was there with the FUP Page. On enquiry it was informed that New SSSC was installed at Bangalore NOC and the FUP page is not compatible with the new SSSC. The issues with the FUP page unnecessarily creating BB faults. It is to be noted that nowadays BB users are using their mobile phones for browsing and many mobile phones may not be having necessary software supporting these activities and result hanging of the operations. Customers are very much agitated and threaten about migrating to other operators. Nowadays the customers requesting Plan speed after reaching FUP Limit has drastically reduced after BSNL introduced minimum 1Mbps speed. Also BSNL is sending personal messages to the registered mobile number of the BB customer when FUP limit is reached with full details about the FUP site. If customer needs speed they can go to that site and upgrade their BB speed. Therefore it is requested that the speed reduction has to occur automatically and the FUP Page may be avoided or displayed as popup page without interrupting the browsing.
In this regard, we requested CGMT for his urgent intervention in this regard for further arresting the churn of our revenue earning Broadband customers.

6/1/2017

National General Council meeting of NCOA was held at IMA House, Kochi on 18/12/2016:
GS-SNEA Com.Sebastin along with CS Com.Santhoshkumar, CP Com.George Varghese, CT Com.Premkumar and ACS Com.Ramana attended the meeting from BSNL. SNEA is the only Association representing BSNL in NCOA and is playing major role in the National Confederation of Officers' Association (NCOA) fighting against privatization of PSE units, for unity among public sector executives, Negotiated wage settlements, welfare of officer community, supporting efforts of management in better performance and revival of sick PSE units.
View Report for the year 2016

NCOA has got a major role to play in the present industial scenario. We have to fight for the survival of our organisations against heavy odds. NCOA takes the responsibility of bringing collective resistance against the wrong policies while protecting the interest of Officers community of CPSEs. We need to bring a common platform of Officers working in different sectors like Banking, Insurance, Power, Telecom etc and later on make it stronger by bringing the National Trade Unions also. Though we have almost achieved the first part, efforts are on to achieve the second part.
Union Govt has implemented the 7th Pay commission for Govt employees. As demanded by NCOA, we could achieve the formation of 3rd PRC through our concerted efforts and agitations. Rectification of issues related to PRP, Pension and other retirement benefits to executives of all CPSUs etc. are expected to be addressed in its report which is expected to be out immediately.

6/1/2017

“SAVE HOCL Kochi” Convention at Ernakulam High Court junction on 6/1/2017: HOCL Kochi, which is a profit making CPSU is on the verge of closure and the employees are not in the receipt of their salary for more than 15 months. Trade unions and political parties are on agitation for the last 139 days demanding protection of this profit making PSU which is the only supplier of many petrochemical products which is having very important significance in our health and pharmaceutical industries. Today a Convention is being held at Ernakulam High Court junction at 5pm which will be attended by prominent political and trade union leaders like Hon’ble MP and PAC Chairman Prof.K.V.Thomas, Ex-MP and District Secretary CPM Com.P.Rajeev and others.
Circle President-SNEA Com.George Varghese will be representing NCOA in the above convention extending our solidarity and support for the Save HOCL moment. SNEA members, BSNL staff and Officers are requested to attend the above convention to express our solidarity for the protection of Public Sector Undertakings.

5/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s

CMD/BSNL meeting with Secretary, DoT on E2, E3 pay scales: GS and Jt Sec met CMD today on pay scales issue. As assured to us on 03.01.2017, CMD met Secretary, DoT yesterday and held discussions on the issue. Secretary, DoT also opined that there need not be any requirement to send to Union Cabinet as Cabinet already taken a decision. Secretary is unaware and the proposal to send it to cabinet not reached him. AS(T) was not available. CMD will further discuss the issue after AS(T) joins.


JTO to SDE case at Ernakulam: The case came up before the new bench, after the vacation. On the plea for continuous hearing of the case, Hon Court given date on 15.02.2017 onwards.


4/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s

3rd PRC report and its implementation: Com Baby Thomas, Secretary General/NCOA, Com V K Thomar, President/NCOA and Com K Sebastin, GS/SNEA met Smt Seema Bahuguna, Secretary/DPE and Sri Madhukar Gupta, Addl Secretary/DPE and held discussions on implementation of 3rd PRC report. Secretary/DPE informed that the report is under consideration of the Govt for implementation and the processing may complete in 4 to 5 months time. NCOA trying to meet Hon Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Finance Secretary etc to expedite the implementation.
It is gathered that the 3rd PRC recommended better fitment than the 7th CPC and it will be about 20%.
On PRP, PRC recommended to remove the Bell curve. More PRP recommended for middle level Executives and unit wise PRP also recommended.


CPSU Hierarchy implementation: Regular meeting with the Recognized Representative Association SNEA starts from tomorrow. View copy of the notice.


Constitution of the Committee to examine the demand of pay parity of Rs 22820 for the post 2007 batches: As per the discussions held with CMD and DIR(HR) on 22.12.2016 on the issue and the minutes of the meeting issued on 27.12.2016, proposal moved to the competent authority to constitute the committee. Smt Arunthathi Panda, PGM will be the Chairman. GM(Estt), GM(FP) and GM(EF) are the members and DGM(Estt) will be the convenor of the Committee. The orders are expected in a day or two.


JTO to SDE case at Ernakulam: As reported earlier, the case listed for tomorrow 05.01.2017, before a new bench.
Offtg JTO pay fixation case under FR 22(1)(a)(1) at PCAT, New Delhi: The case will be heard on 06.01.2017.


Subscription deduction from salary from the month of January, 2017 – submission of forms: All SSA Secretaries are to submit the declaration forms well in advances to the DDOs so that the deduction can be started from the salary of this month itself from all our members. The forms should be submitted with a covering letter. All SSA/Branch Secretaries may make this opportunity to meet each and every Executive and thank them for electing SNEA as the only Recognized Association for the next three years and seek their wholehearted support in resolving the issues and for the revival of BSNL. Make it sure that all the forms are submitted by 15th January without fail.
The forms may be submitted as and when it is collected, without waiting for the last date so that DDOs can initiate the work well in advance... View SR cell letter copy along with form.

3/1/2017

Protest Demonstration infront of O/o PGMT Ernakulam on 4/1/17 at 1PM:
SNEA Ernakulam SSA protest against the betrayal and anti-HR policies of SSA management to the executives, Hundreds and Hundreds of Executives of Ernakulam SSA are loosing their promotion under EPP from due date due to the negative and mismanagement of the SSA Administration. Executives are chargesheeted for carrying out the work in accordance with the personal instruction of the PGMT and as approved by the committee headed by PGMT. The issues are not settled inspite of repeated discussions and assurances. The entire Executives have lost their confidence in the SSA Administration and are compelled to express their protest.
All executives are requested to assemble in large number to mark our strong protest. The Association will be compelled to resort to further course of organizational action for the resolution of these issues.

3/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT: Request to recognize the performers rather than punishing them in the era of “Perform or Perish “and “PRP” – case of transfer of executives from Kerala Circle: View Letter

It was reported in media some days back that Hon. Minister of Communications, during the last HOCC meeting, had asked BSNL management to discuss about the feasibility of introducing Performance Related Pay in BSNL to improve its financial performance and to stay competitive in Telecom market. It was also reported by many print media, quoting our respected CMD, that BSNL would soon link salaries to the performance of its two lakh employees from the year 2017 based on the recommendations expected from the third pay revision committee (PRC) for CPSUs.

The reasons for incurring losses by the company consistently over the years should be analyzed in length and breadth, but Kerala circle has been performing consistently over the same period, steadily increasing revenue and profit. Definitely, motivations like performance based incentives to employees in a company like BSNL can bring change in the mindset of the employees spread over different and difficult terrains of geographical India. Instead of accepting and encouraging the achievements of this small circle, by implementing employee motivational programmes, the management has been disturbing its employees in the best performing circle by releasing routine transfer orders to executives to move to far away and difficult stations in the name of long stay and staff shortage in such loss making circles. Executives in Kerala circle are posted to far away stations during their promotions. DEs and SDEs are shifted to difficult stations in the name of longer stay in the circle. Thus our executives are always at receiving end as far as transfer and posting is concerned due to the location of our small state in the southernmost tip of peninsular India. We strongly believe that our executives deserve much more consideration than this for their sincere, dedicated, result oriented and meritorious performance for enhancing the revenue prospects consistently from this small telecom circle.


Kerala circle has 28% market share among various Telecom Service Providers occupying the top position compared to the figures in all other circles of BSNL. It is to be noted that Kerala circle had retained status as the highest profit-making telecom circle in the country last financial year by registering 35 per cent growth to ₹658 crores in 2015-16 from ₹486 crores in 2014-15. Kerala Circle has already crossed Rs. 2000 Crores revenue during the current financial year and is expected to achieve over ₹ 3000 Crores this FY which would be another record figure for BSNL in the country. It would also be worth pointing out the fact that all these milestones are being achieved by the staff community in a small geographical State with 359 lakh population when there are 12 other circles/state having population more than that of Kerala.

It is noticed that BSNL management seems to have different yardstick in selecting and exempting executives in different circles while implementing inter circle and long stay transfers. In spite of comparatively poor performance in operational and revenue parameters, circles like NE, J&K etc are exempted from inter circle transfers considering their poor staff strength. In the case of Kerala circle, it is to be noted that out of the sanctioned strength of 4305 executives only 2150 executives (JTO+SDE+DE) are working in the circle. As far as availability of Regular DEs in our circle is concerned, the working strength is even less than 30 % (100 out of 382). Inspite of this acute shortage, 10 regular DEs are transferred out of the circle to far away and difficult stations like West Bengal. This is in addition to the transfer of more than 30 DEs who has completed 2 years stay in the circle to TN, CHTD, KTK etc without substitutes. We fully agree to one to one transfer to tenure stations to meet the request of executives waiting for long to Kerala circle. The present transfer order of 11 DEs from Kerala circle without single DE incoming to Kerala Circle is highly demoralizing for the executives. This will not only affect the performance of our Circle but also could be counterproductive to whole BSNL as it will adversely affect the morale of its executives.

It is our humble request to consider cancelling the transfer orders issued to all DEs/SDEs to NE and West Bengal from Kerala circle as no request is pending to Kerala circle as a reward for its best performance which will motivate other circles also to achieve such goals. We deserve due recognition from the top management for the remarkable performance of our circle and expect other initiatives also to boost the morale of its executives so as to improve their performance further and to achieve new heights of glory. We earnestly believe that BSNL Management would render at least natural justice to Kerala circle for the time being till finalizing ideas like PRP by extending favorable working environment to its employees in general and executives in particular by empathetically considering their place/choice for posting during promotions and inter circle transfers.


3/1/2017                                             C H Q - N e w s

Meeting with Sri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD/BSNL: GS and CHQ President met CMD and held discussions on replacement of E1A and E2A scales by standard pay scales of E2 and E3: After discussing the matter with DIR(HR) we met CMD and sought his intervention at higher level of Secretary/ Minister, for the approval of the revised proposal. In order to clear the confusion in DoT, the revised proposal has to be sent to DoT immediately. Further on the AS(T) proposal to send E1A and E2A to Union Cabinet, we categorically told that E1A and E2A is not acceptable and E2 and E3 has to be extended w.e.f 01.01.2007 as proposed by the BSNL Management. After discussion, CMD assured that he will try to discuss the issue with Secretary, DoT tomorrow itself.


Meeting with Smt Sujata T Ray, DIR(HR): GS, CHQ President and Jt Sec met DIR(HR) and held discussions on the following issues:
a) Replacement of E1A and E2A scales by standard pay scales of E2 and E3: DIR(HR) informed that as per the decision of the MC, DIR(HR), GM(Estt) and GM(Pers) discussed the revised proposal with Addl Secretary, DoT. As usual, AS(T) was not in a mood to listen to the submission from BSNL side. He is of the firm opinion that E1A and E2A scales are to be taken to the Union Cabinet for approval and there is no need to extend E2, E3 scales. Intervention at higher level of Secretary (T) is needed.

b) Approval of BSNL Board for the Trust for managing Superannuation Fund: Assn requested that the queries in the last Board meeting are to be addressed as per the inputs given by SNEA and Board approval has to be taken at the earliest. DIR(HR) informed that the queries are addressed and briefed the concerned Director Board member also. We requested to get the Board approval of the revised Board memo through circulation. DIR(HR) assured that this possibility will be examined.

c) Term Insurance policy replacing the GSLIS/an additional insurance coverage as a social security measure: Assn explained the hardships of the families of the employees, in cases of untimely death. As per superannuation fund guidelines, the family is eligible for minimum pension only after minimum 15 years of contribution. So, instead of GSLIS, insurance policy can be taken from LIC or some other companies, optionally. LIC is providing 25 lakhs coverage for an annual premium of Rs 6000. For bulk policies, they may give a concession of about 35% in the premium. Assn requested to get a proposal from some Insurance companies. SNEA already written to the management on this issue. It can be voluntary scheme. DIR(HR) very positively responded and informed that concerned officers will be directed to work out on this issue and asked us to have further discussion with them.

d) Formation of Corpus Fund as a social security measure: Assn requested to examine the possibility of forming a separate fund on contribution from the employees. A monthly contribution of Rs 5 to Rs 10 can be considered for that purpose. It also will be a voluntary scheme. DIR(HR) responded positively and informed that concerned officers will be directed to work out on this issue and asked us to have further discussion with them.


Introduction of e-APAR from this financial year: Tomorrow e-APAR will be introduced in BSNL. This is another step to streamline DPC related activities. e-APAR will be introduced through ERP module.


Subscription deduction from salary from the month of January, 2017 – submission of forms:
All SSA Secretaries are to submit the declaration forms well in advances to the DDOs so that the deduction can be started from the salary of this month itself from all our members. The forms should be submitted with a covering letter. All SSA/Branch Secretaries may make this opportunity to meet each and every Executive and thank them for electing SNEA as the only Recognized Association for the next three years and seek their wholehearted support in resolving the issues and for the revival of BSNL. Make it sure that all the forms are submitted by 15th January without fail.
The forms may be submitted as and when it is collected, without waiting for the last date so that DDOs can initiate the work well in advance. All Circle/SSA bodies to open bank accounts immediately, if not opened so far and furnish the details to the DDOs for remitting the quota. Meanwhile the quota upto December, 2016 may be collected in full and remitted to the respective body before CWC meeting on 13th -15th February, 2017.


GS, CHQ President and Jt Sec met GM(Pers) and Jt GM(Pers) and held discussions on CPSU Hierarchy and framing the draft rules/proposal as per the tentative schedule. Since all promotions are held up, all out efforts are being made to switch over to CPSU Hierarchy at the earliest.
Further we discussed the remaining DE request transfers. As assured earlier it is under process and orders are expected in a day or two.

3/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding publishing the list of Inter-SSA transfer requests received from JTOs, SDEs and DEs View Letter
We requested Administration to publish the list of Inter-SSA transfer requests received from DEs/SDEs/JTOs through proper channel/advance copy as on date and registered with the HR section of Circle Office to be considered for this year. It was requested to consider requests received from those Officers who have completed/are about to complete two years at a particular BA as on June 1, 2017. This would help the individuals and the HR wing of BAs/Units to verify the correctness of the data and to check for any errors/omissions/changes made/to be made regarding those requests.

3/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding JTO Phase-II training in Data Communication at RTTC Trivandrum:
View Letter
It is understood from BRBRAITT-Jabalpur that JTO Phase-II training in Data Communication has been scheduled to commence from 16th January 2017 at RTTC Trivandrum for 25 JTOs, 24 from Kerala Circle and one from Tamil Nadu Circle. It is also understood that 34 JTOs in Kerala Circle has opted for Phase-II training in Data Communication. According to our information BRBRAITT Jabalpur has no objections in enhancing the strength to 35 to accommodate all requests from Kerala. It is also learnt that BRBRAITT is agreeable to start fresh batch in Data Communication at RTTC Trivandrum to accommodate more JTOs, if opted by our circle.
Hence, we requested administration to take up the case immediately with BRBRAITT Jabalpur to accommodate all JTOs, who have already opted for Phase-II training in Data Communication, in the batch commencing at RTTC Trivandrum on 16th January 2017 itself. We also requested to initiate further steps to arrange additional batch at RTTC Trivandrum, if there are more training requirements in Data Communication, and intimate the same to BRBRAITT Jabalpur so that JTOs in our circle are benefitted by undergoing Phase-II training in Kerala circle itself.

2/1/2017

Notice is hereby issued for Circle Executive Committee meeting of SNEA Kerala Circle to be held at Trivandrum for two days on 20/1/2017 and 21/1/2017. All Circle office bearers, SSA Secretaries, CEC members and Branch Secretaries are requested to attend the meeting in time. View Letter

Tentative agenda:
1. Evaluation of first EMV results and future strategy.
2. Subscription deduction through salary
3. Upcoming CWC meeting at Hyderabad in Feb-2017
4. Pending HR issues, EPP, Transfer cases etc.
5. Rebooting SWAS(Service With A Smile) in Kerala Circle

2/1/2017

Meeting with GM(STSR),Ernakulam:
Circle President Com.George Varghese, CWC member Com.Sudheer, Ernakulam Asst Secretary Com.Abdul Rehman, Palarivattom Branch Asst Secretary Com.James Sikkera met GM-STSR Ernakulam Shri Vinod P Abraham and discussed the following transfer and posting cases in STR:

1. Shri Vineeth, JTO, from Malappuram SSA to STR Calicut.
2. Shri Vinod.V.T, JTO, from STR Malappuram to Kerala Circle.
3. Shri Dileep Kurien, JTO, from BSS Nilambur to STR Malappuram.
4. Shri Sulfeekerali.E.K and Shri Vipin.P.K, JTO Trainees, requested STR Malappuram.
5. Shri Rajesh Shekar.C, JTO from STR Pathanamthitta to Kottayam SSA, Kerala Circle.
6. Shri Hari.C.D, SDE, from STR Iddukki to STR Ernakulam.
7. Inter-Circle transfer case of Smt.Uma, DE STR, from Trivandrum to Tamilnadu.
8. Inter-Circle transfer case of Shri K.Narayanan, SDE, from Kannur to Karnataka.
9. Inter-Circle transfer case of Shri Shanmugasundaram, SDE, from Trivandrum to Tamilnadu.

 We have pointed out that since new batch of JTOs are joining in the second week of Jan-2017, these transfer requests within STR as well as for release to Kerala Circle may be approved. We requested GM to consider the pending Inter-Circle transfer request cases by making LA arrangement. We also requested GM for taking up the cases with CGMT Kerala for consideration.

1/1/2017

CS writes to CGMT regarding Capturing POS terminal backhaul market and addressing the shortfall of using BSNL SIMs in POS terminals: View Letter

As we all are witnessing now, Debit and credit cards have started to take the place of cash all around the globe and even in our country everyday products and services for which one used to pay using cash are now being paid by using cards. Especially in the demonetization scenario we are witnessing the shift towards this trend through various initiatives from the Govt. of India. After November 8, 2016, the Reserve Bank of India lifted the charges to encourage even small traders to use the machines and to do away with the shortage of lower denominations.

Even though cards issuance is increasing rapidly, the mechanism to accept cards have not reached its full potential. Hence we can expect huge demand for POS machines for financial transactions in our country in very near future. It is to be noted that there are different types of POS machines available in Indian market; two most common types include one which works on fixed phone/landline network backhaul and the other one which works on GPRS/Wireless network backhaul. PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) Card payment Point of Sale terminal connected through a telephone line can provide card processing authorization in approximately 30 seconds. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Card payment terminals connected through a mobile network (using a SIM card) enables the merchant to take the terminal to wherever the customer needs to pay and can provide card payment authorization in approximately 10 seconds. Thus, Mobile POS terminals are far superior to PSTN terminals as far as speed of authorization and connection establishment is concerned.

Therefore, being a PAN India Telecom Network Service Provider, it is a golden business opportunity for BSNL to capture the POS backhaul market by ensuring seamless connectivity in both wire line and wireless for connecting POS machines to the network. Though, BSNL landline is being used by a few merchant communities for their POS machine, complaints are being received regarding network issues while dialing for authorization and connection. But, BSNL SIM cards are not being used for POS machines due to the fact that necessary configuration has not been made in our GSM/3G core network centrally. Other, TSPs are utilizing the demonetization scenario to sell their SIM cards for POS terminals in a large scale.

1. It is requested to kindly take up the issue with the concerned wings in BSNL so as to equip our mobile network also to cater the need of providing SIM based solution for POS machines urgently.

2. It is also requested to kindly take up the requirement of any special tariff for SIM cards for POS machines so as to boost the sale of such SIM cards in future.

3. Initiatives may kindly be taken to contact various Nationalized/Commercial banks intimating our potential to connect POS terminals in seamless backhaul connectivity far better than any other TSPs.

4. Necessary augmentation, if required in backhaul, to ensure uninterrupted and smooth connectivity for PSTN POS terminals may kindly be carried out without further delay.

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