17.12.2019: Report
on the Meeting of Central Office Bearers, Advisors, Circle
Presidents and Circle Secretaries held on 13.12.2019 and
14.12.2019 at New Delhi.
A
meeting of the Central Office Bearers, Advisors, Circle
Presidents and Circle Secretaries was held on 13th
December 2019 at 9.30 am at Hotel Regent Continental, New
Delhi.
President, Com
Subhasis Mitra welcomed one and all. In his address, he
mentioned that the meeting is convened at a crucial time to
discuss the various issues related to VRS and Post VRS
Scenario and requested all to actively participate in the
discussions.
Two minutes silence was observed in memory of the departed
Comrades. After self-introduction, Agenda items were
presented and the agenda items were passed unanimously.
Com. S.Sivakumar, General Secretary has submitted the report
on the various activities of the Association. General
Secretary in his address briefed about the activities of the
CHQ, regarding VRS, Revival Plan of BSNL, Various
Agitational Programs conducted by the AUAB for the Revival
of BSNL, other HR issues, various Court cases and its
present status etc., He also briefed about the actions
taken by the CHQ through the meetings with various officers
of BSNL, DoT and various Ministries, Hon’ble MOC, Hon’ble
MOS for finance directly related to BSNL Revival, Financial
support and issue related to VRS. He further mentioned that
AIBSNLEA has also written letters to Hon’ble Prime Minister,
and Hon’ble Finance Minister requesting to extend Financial
Support to State owned BSNL, immediate Revival of BSNL,
Allotment of 4G Spectrum on free of cost, Refund of money
which has been taken through various Taxes, excess payment
of Pension Contribution, compensation of Rs.19,000 Crores
for maintenance expenditure of loss making Rural Exchanges
and payment of USOF/ ADC Charges in the form of Rural
Deficit Charges for the services provided by BSNL in the LWE/NE/Rural/Far
flung/Tribal/Hilly areas and implementation of 3rd PRC to
BSNL Employees.
Finally the demand of AUAB for allotment of 4G spectrum on
free of cost, Land monetization for meeting the OPEX and
CAPEX and Financial assistance for BSNL are approved by the
Union Cabinet on 23.10.2019. VRS to BSNL employees is also
one of the proposals of Revival Plan approved by the Union
Cabinet. AUAB demand of payment of Ex-Gratia to the VRS
optees by the Govt. from Budgetary support instead of
raising Bonds by BSNL has also been accepted finally.
He mentioned that BSNL is facing severe financial Crisis and
not able to pay even Salary in time, Electricity Bills,
Towers Rent, Vehicle Running Expenses, Fuel Expenses,
Contractual Labour Bills, Payment to Vendors, Telecom Infra
Service Providers and Local Cable TV Operators etc. Further,
Bank EMI Payments, GPF Contribution Payments and
Reimbursement of Medical Claims etc., in respect of the
working Employees and BSNL Pensioners are delayed for the
past 6 months. It has caused serious demoralization and
frustration among all the concerned. The OPEX, CAPEX,
Statutory and other Liabilities are also pending for more
than Rs.15,000 Crores and it is likely to increase in the
months to come. BSNL is not able to meet even its fund
requirement for monthly salary due to heavy dip in Cash flow
for the past one year. The salary for the month of October
2019 has been paid only on 4th December 2019. It
is the 5th time in this year that BSNL Management
has not disbursed the salary in time to its employees. Due
to non-payment of Electricity bills and Towers/Buildings
rent, more than 3500 Mobile BTS were down and electricity
connections were disconnected in many of the Exchanges
throughout the Nation and severally affected the Telecom
Services which results in decline in revenue of BSNL.
Further, the gap between monthly revenues and bare expenses
to continue operations as a growing concern has reached a
level where continuing with BSNL operations could be nearly
impossible without immediate infusion of adequate liquidity.
GS also briefed about Salient features of the VRS package.
He explained about the queries raised by the AIBSNLEA and
the FAQs released by the BSNL CO in this regard. He further
mentioned that VRS to BSNL employees is just one of the
proposals in the BSNL Revival Package approved by the Union
Cabinet on 23.10.2019. Immediate launching of 4G Services,
Land monetization for meeting the OPEX and CAPEX, raising of
Long –Term Bonds to the tune of Rs.7,500 Cr with Sovereign
Guarantee, BSNL and MTNL merger are other important
decisions taken by the Union Cabinet to support BSNL
Revival. But so far that BSNL Management is engaged only in
activities related to implementation of VRS. More than 50%
i.e., 78569 BSNL employees have opted for VRS but BSNL
Management is not having any Road Map for the maintenance of
vast BSNL Net Work till date in the Post VRS Scenario.
Management called AUAB Leaders for discussion regarding
proposed Road Map for Man Power Planning, Restructuring of
BSNL, and maintenance of vast BSNL Net work on 26.11.2019
and subsequently AIBSNLEA and SNEA had detailed discussions
and meetings with the Management particularly with CMD BSNL
and Director (HR) and other Restructuring Committee members
regarding the Road Map for Man Power Planning, Restructuring
of BSNL and Viability of BSNL and we also requested the
Management to provide the copy of the decisions /minutes of
the Restructuring Committee for further discussions with the
Management.
He requested all the participants to concentrate on the
issues related to Post VRS-2019 Scenario, Road Map for Man
Power Planning, Restructuring of BSNL and Viability of BSNL
and this meeting should also decide the further line of
action to get resolve the long pending HR issues and other
important issues
On the organizational side, we have to critically examine of
our strength and weakness regarding actual paid membership
of the Association since large number of our members have
opted for VRS. This meeting should discuss about the
Organization strength in Various Circles, and Office bearers
strength in the CHQ /Circle/District bodies in the Post VRS
scenario and decide the further line of action. Strategies
to be evolved to increase our membership and proper
corrective measures, wherever necessary, should be planned
where branches are yet not exists.
After the GS detailed reporting, Circle Secretaries, Central
Office bearers and Advisors submitted their reports.
Com. Prahlad Rai, Chairman in his address suggested to
discuss regarding revival of BSNL and strengthening of
AIBSNLEA. He mentioned that introducing such VRS scheme is
not really a revival for the interest of BSNL. Only BSNL
could sustain in the Market with the support of its officers
and staff even by spending own money to manage urgent day to
day activities. Pensioners are not getting Medical claims
for last 2 years and serving employees are not getting since
last 6 months. So far the DoT has not made any clear path
for the revival of BSNL. The demand of Letter of Comfort and
Sovereign Guaranty has not been adhered to by the DoT which
otherwise BSNL could have performed well. BSNL has been
killed by the DoT intentionally and by a calculated way
which resulted in employees opting for such a major number
of VRS. He also stated that Corporatization of Govt.
Organization is for the purpose of privatization. BSNL
management is issuing Show Cause Notice under Rule 17-A to
the office bearer of the Associations and threatening the
removal from service and completely damaged the Trade Union
movement in the Telecom Industry. We should motivate the
youth and take up the issues of youth and should prove that
AIBSNLEA is the organization for the welfare of all the
disciplines and grades. He also stated that we should ensure
that our membership is increased. ITS officers have played a
vital role in the success of VRS. He requested all the
leaders of Circle to hold meetings of District and Circle
and induct the youngsters in the body to continue
functioning of the organization at District and Circle
level.
As regards the Salary and Pension revision he has stated
that the Hon’ble MoC in Parliament has categorically denied
that Pay revision cannot be taken place in view of the
financial condition of BSNL and similarly the Pension
revision is also not going to take place. The long pending
demand of our association as well as AUAB, delinking of
Pension from Pay revision has been turned down by the MoC
and DoT. Pay revision is linked with affordability of BSNL
and Pension revision is not linked with any affordability
condition. The view of the DoT officers are that the BSNL
Pensioners are already drawing more pension than that of the
Pension of DoT officers hence, DoT officers are not allowing
to revise the Pension. He also mentioned that the
AIRBSNLEWA and other Pensioners’ Associations have decided
to approach the Court of Law to file a court case for
revision of pension. He requested the house to discuss the
issue and take a decision on the matter for the overall
benefit of the present and future pensioners.
On 14.12.2019, CMD BSNL, Shri P.K. Purwar ji participated in
the meeting as Chief Guest and delivered an informative and
motivational Speech. GM (SR) CO BSNL, Shri A.M. Gupta Ji
also attended the meeting and addressed the gathering.
Com. Rajpal, AGS (F) CHQ, Welcomed one and all. CMD BSNL and
the GM (SR) were welcomed by offering bouquet and Shawl.
Com. Subhasis Mitra, President in his welcome speech has
expressed his gratitude to CMD BSNL and GM (SR) for
attending the meeting despite of their busy schedule.
Com. S. Sivakumar GS in his address mentioned that GM (SR)
always attends the meetings on AIBSNLEA at any station.
Despite of his busy schedule and pre occupation CMD BSNL has
accepted our invitation and spare his valuable time and
attending our Meeting, we extend our sincere thanks to the
CMD BSNL. At the outset, On behalf of AIBSNLEA CHQ and on
behalf of all our members, we extend our sincere thanks and
appreciation from the bottom of our Heart for the Herculean
efforts taken by our CMD, SECY(T) and their full Team and
our Hon’ble MOC for getting approval of Revival Package from
the Union Cabinet breaking all the barriers and Hurdles.
Especially for the VRS package we got Budgetary Support and
we got allotment of 4G Spectrum to the tune of Rs.14115 +GST
Rs. 2540 Crore on free of cost from the Govt. It is a major
breakthrough. He further requested the CMD BSNL that the 4G
has to be launched immediately to increase our revenue.
GS mentioned that this Central Office Bearers, CS & CP of
AIBSNLEA meeting is convened to discuss regarding Post VRS
Scenario, Restructuring of BSNL, Road Map for Man Power
Planning and how to maintain the vast Telecom Net works of
BSNL etc., in the Post VRS scenario.. Our Association is
consists of Executives belonging to various disciplines and
combination of Senior and Junior Executives. Now in the Post
VRS Scenario, 78569 BSNL employees have opted for VRS, we
are left with 70671 employees only as on 01.02.2020. However
our members are committed to meet any kind of challenges. He
stated that since last one and half days we have been
discussing about the BSNL Revival and Restructuring Plan He
pointed out that the promotion of DE to DGM may be issued on
priority before 31.01.2020.
He further mentioned that due to combined efforts of
Management and Unions/Associations, we have conducted
“Customer Delight Year”, “Service With A Smile”, “BSNL at
Your Doorstep” etc., focusing on marketing and improving
the quality of the service and achieved Operational Profit
from the F.Y 2014-15 to 2016-17. AIBSNLEA submitted its
views and suggestions after taking feedback from the Circle
Secretaries and Field Units for smooth functioning of BSNL
in the post VRS scenario due to reduction of huge staff
strength.
We demanded that Restructuring Plan and Man power Plan
should be implemented simultaneously so as to maintain our
vast Telecom Network, OFC and Telephone Exchanges fault
free. Post VRS deployment of Executives to the field units
should be smooth with barest minimum disturbance and the
deployment to the field units should be completed at the
earliest (at least before first week of Jan., 2020) so that
the newly posted Executives will get some time to
familiarize with the System
and Network as well as to maintain the Telecom Network fault
free. Administrative Offices should be manned with minimum
Executives having sufficient field exposure. The services of
the experts, well experienced and skilled employees going on
VRS can be availed on contract basis. The office as well as
field work is going to be affected badly due to reduction in
staff strength in lieu of VRS-2019 which need to be arranged
with the remaining work force as well as outsourcing with
minimum expenditure so that the curtailment in employee cost
may not increase the O&M expenditure. The outsourcing should
not become another channel for corruption and draining out
BSNL money. The savings on employee cost should not be
drained out in outsourcing to the vendors. At least JE/JTO
may supervise the day to day activities of the Vendors for
outsourcing.
GS also requested CMD BSNL that all the Contract Labourers
bills should be cleared immediately otherwise no tenderer
may come forward for the outsourcing Maintenance
Contracts.
The number of CGM/PGM/GMs are also to be reduced and brought
down by 50%. Dependency on Officers on deputation is to be
reduced to barest minimum and the work can be executed by
the BSNL absorbed Officers itself by promoting them to the
higher posts i.e., TDM/TDE and given the higher
responsibilities.
He further demanded immediate promotions in all the Streams
considering the post VRS scenario. Due to large number of
Employees opted for VRS; lot of vacuum has been created in
many places/cadres which are to be filled-up immediately.
Since the senior Executives are already drawing higher
scales, just by giving re-designation, the promotions can be
effected.
He reiterated that only regular promotion is to be issued in
future, no looking after arrangement should be ordered. By
LA arrangement, Management is getting the work done but the
Executives are losing their due promotions and service also.
He also appreciated the CMD for considering majority of the
disciplinary cases with positivity. Withdrawal of VRS can
be done or not at this stage may also be got it cleared. He
demanded to allow continuing in the Residential staff
Quarters till the Retirement benefits are paid to the VRS
optees on Humanitarian grounds. He thanked CMD BSNL for
issuing clarity and exemption on mandatory online
exam/training. Finally he assured that our AIBSNLEA members
will raise to the occasion and move forward with Strong
force and meet the Challenges. Let us, therefore march
together to re-write our future in BSNL with confidence,
commitment, dedication and firm determination and work
together to make the BSNL to regain its original Pristine
Glory.
CMD in his address mentioned that Govt. has given best
possible package to BSNL for the Revival. Govt. of India is
very keen in giving life to BSNL and DoT is also very much
supportive for the revival of the BSNL. While myself along
with Secretary(T)met the Hon’ble Prime Minister first time
to discuss on the Agenda, Hon’ble PM mentioned that BSNL is
the Strategic PSU and its Services are very much requires
for the Nation and Hon’ble PM convened three meetings with
the Group of Ministers in October 2019 exclusively for the
single point Agenda of BSNL Revival. While our CMD requested
the Chairman of the GOM and Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit
shah ji, for the allotment of 4G Spectrum on free of cost,
he responded positively and mentioned be ready and make all
ground level preparation for 5G spectrum also. Govt. had
fulfilled its part and now it is our duty to fulfil our
part. He mentioned that the Management cannot function
unless and otherwise the staff and officers work in tantrum
with the Management together. He mentioned that there are
certain Structural failures in the organization. To compete
with other Private Telecom Service Providers and to stay in
the Market, we have to reduce the employees cost. We will
not get any second opportunity to revive it. The Network has
to move on an IT enabled monitor system by using the
technology with the work of most technically competent
people. Many of the officers have worked more than 30 years
in DoT & BSNL and the aim of the Management is to protect
the interest of such Officers. We are getting very
excellent VRS package which never happened in the history of
any CPSU. He explained about the benefits of the VRS Package
in detail. He appreciated the decision of the VRS optees. He
mentioned that he is closely monitoring the activities in
each Circle and wonderful Services are being done at Circles
in completing the procedure of Service Book verification and
other activities and expressed the gratitude of Management
to each of the officers. He mentioned that those opted for
VRS may be treated with respect and honour. He also
mentioned that whatever and wherever the BSNL is today, this
is the result of the hard work of these optees also. He
mentioned that he look forward for any type of suggestions.
He mentioned that Management working on all the pending
vigilance cases to settle before 31.01.2020 to give
honourable exit to the VRS optees. CMD thanked each and
every VRS optee from the bottom of his Heart for proactive
response on VRS Call in the interest of BSNL. CMD
specifically mentioned that Management is trying for
happily, gracefully and honourably sent off for those who
are going on VRS in Jan., 2020 with release of all the
outstanding payments including recoveries made from the
salary upto Jan., 2020. He requested to continue in the
organization in one way or the other as the respect what is
you get from the Society is from the name of BSNL. Non
becoming from an employee’s does not allow to be away from
BSNL, as you can work and associate as Contractor, DSA or
Franchisee, TIP, etc., Though the young generation and
employees has technical knowledge, but the experience is
with those leaving the organisation on VRS as well as those
who remain with us by not opting the VRS. He requested to
manure each one of the remaining staff and fulfil the dreams
through them. He mentioned that the employee cost is reduced
to 55% and is able to pay the vendor’s payments. There is
every possibility of BSNL for making turn around from the
F.Y 2020-21 and enter into the Profit Zone.
He mentioned that BSNL cannot compete without 4G and due to
the Revival Package BSNL is getting 4G and can compete in
the Market. Due to the pending bills to the tune Rs.1400 Cr
each in respect of M/s ZTE & M/s Nokia, they have not come
forward to change the Software and Hard ware in the
Equipments. However he assured BSNL will launch 4G Services
in the month March 2020. Without competing in the Market
BSNL cannot survive. Management is not happy since it is
not able to pay the benefits of the employees and it is
really painful to the BSNL Management that the contract
labour wages has not been paid for the past seven months. He
also mentioned he personally feel guilty by not paying the
contract labour payments. Being the Head of the
organization, I have certain compulsions, which is the
reason for the non payment of various dues by the BSNL
Management. We cannot survive until we provide the quality
of service to the Customers, which is the Primary
responsibility of the field officers with the support of
BSNL Management. The work culture of Private Sector has to
be adopted in BSNL. Diversion of Customers from Post to
Pillar is to be stopped with, as the customer is coming to
you to redress his grievances. Unless we implement such
culture, we cannot survive. If we did not change our
attitude, we cannot survive in the Market. Restoration of
Leased lines is to be within 3 hours and the motto should be
clear and positive towards Customers. The success of VRS in
large number and service book verification in large quantum
without any complaint proves that you are competent to
deliver the excellent service and you are the best. There
may be differentiation based on the capacity and delivery
and result. The young generation remain in the organization
has to work hard. There shall be differentiation and not
discrimination based on the output.
There cannot be a situation where organization does not grow
and its works can grow. Each one should think you are the
owner of the organization, not an employee, and then only
the organization can grow. We should look BSNL as we. Only
little work for money and many are for respect. There should
be empowerment and BSNL Management will not spare any
corruption and indiscipline in the Organisation.
As regards to
the post VRS, he mentioned that there are 30K Executives
remains in the organization and are reasonable in number.
Our Goal is to promote and not to deprive. Organization
restructuring is being done and Unions and Associations are
being involved in it. The decision will come shortly and
Employees are given empowerment after restructuring with IT
enabled functioning. Upliftment of cadre with promotion will
also be taken into consideration. It does not mean
promotion is the only way for empowerment. Don’t afraid that
BSNL Management is working against the interest of the
employees, as the Management want to work with the employees
only. Rs.1600 cr payment is to be paid within three months
towards GPF and Pension Contribution of VRS optees. Now
Banks are ready to engagement with BSNL for loans and some
loan with SBI is getting finalized. Priority for the field
functioning will be given. CMD further mentioned that he is
conscious about the level of frustration being faced by the
field staff from the vendors and customers. He requested and
looks forward for each one of the employees to put more than
8 hours of service instead to restrict it to 8 hours for the
betterment of the organization. Please train and empower
the left out staff and officers. Whatever we get we should
contribute double of it for the growth of the organization.
Rs.600 cr. towards Salary and Rs.200 cr. GST with a total of
Rs.800 cr per months is being saved after VRS and through
Revival Package and the organization can be managed with the
hard work of every one of us. He is confident to manage the
financial requirement of the organization with certain
constraints. Through Salary bill we can save Rs.7000 cr per
annum and we are expecting Rs.3000 cr annually through
renting of Towers and Rs.1000 cr through leasing/renting of
our lands and buildings and Rs.1500 cr annually from leasing
of 20% of OFC. We have to increase the Market Share
immediately taking benefit of the enhancement of tariff by
other operators. Highest regards to be given to the
employee, who stops the closure of connections, who brings
new customers and then to the employee maintaining the
Networks. Marketing Team who brings the customers are most
important and remaining all the Sections are supporting
staff hence priority should be given to Marketing Team in
all respects. He insisted to become accountable for the
organization.
He further
mentioned that it is crystal clear that the Political System
of India wants the BSNL should remain in the Market and
sustain. BSNL is the valuable Organization for the Country.
Govt. has faith on the BSNL and its staff that it can
provide Services to the Nation, now it is our responsibility
to respond and meet the expectations of the Govt.
Political leadership of present Govt. of India want the BSNL
should rejuvenate and grow. Govt. is with us and if you keep
the faith of Govt., the whole Parliament will be with
you.
Seniors are going, they must be given respect. We requested
all to treat the BSNL and its remaining employees as a
family member and support the organization to meet your
expectations through the remaining staff. CMD BSNL mentioned
that some activities should be started with immediate
effect:-
1)
Expenditure on power to be
reduced and rationalize the equipment and reduce the power
consumption.
2)
Rental expenditure towards the
exchanges and establishments
3)
Reduction in number of Circles
4)
Merger of Telecom Factories
with Territorial Circles and merger of Project & Mtce.,
Regions
5)
HR function at Circle level
6)
Planning function at Circle
level
7)
Make use of the technology
8)
Empowerment to the staff.
9)
Field activities only at circle
level.
10)Suggested to opt for CGHS facility for the better future
and guide the staff with an assurance to reimburse the
payment of CGHS deposit.
BSNL Management is ready to accept anything which is good
for the organisation. Good suggestions will always be heard
and accepted.
If we are successful we will teach in IIM and we are
creating history. Nobody reads the story of failure.
This is the time to deliver and make the BSNL to regain its
original pristine glory with your commitment and relentless
efforts. We will empower the people.
After CMD speech, the CHQ, CS and CPs had an interactive
session with the CMD BSNL. CMD replied all the doubts/
queries raised by the participants.
CMD thanked one and all. CMD sought support and Co-operation
from the employees as well as from the Associations and
Unions to make the BSNL to regain its original glory and he
assured full support from the Management.
Shri A.M. Gupta,
GM (SR) in his address mentioned that BSNL Management is
expecting various good suggestions from the discussions held
during the meeting. We have to make BSNL a very competitive
and comprehensive and requested all the participants to
popularize and forward all the motivational words of CMD to
the notice of each and every employee so that the Company
will turn around to Profit within the very short time.
Com. Subhasis
Mitra, President thanked CMD for the support and guidance
and the trust he expressed on its employees and Executives.
Com. Rajpal Sharma appreciated the CMD for his informative
and motivational speech for more than One Hour. He
mentioned, it is the great achievement for BSNL Management
for getting the ex-gratia payment from the budgetary
provision of the Govt. of India. On the Energy saving, he
told that today the 14th December is the “Energy
Conservation Day” and on the energy saving BSNL has already
started the work. Our Rajasthan Circle is going to achieve
award on Energy conservation for three buildings in
Rajasthan. He thanked the CMD and GM (SR) to accept our
invitation and spare from their valuable time despite the
busy schedule of the CMD BSNL.
After detailed discussion & deliberations, there was no
positive response from the house
to approach the Court of Law to file a case for delinking of
Pension from Pay revision of BSNL Employees.
As regards the body of the CHQ/ Circle/ Districts, it was
unanimously decided to hold the District EC/Conference by
31.01.2020, The Circle CEC/Conference by 15.02.2020 and hold
elections, wherever due/feasible, or through co-option in
the Special General Body Meeting/Circle Executive Committee
meeting to fill up the vacant posts in the District Body and
the Circle Body including the CWC Members. There after the
CWC meeting accordingly be held by June - July 2020 and fill
up the vacancies of CHQ body by co-opting from the CWC.
The HP Circle come forward for conducting the next CWC in
Himachal Pradesh. Com. Rakesh Dhiman, Circle Secretary of HP
Circle has announced in consultation with the Sr. Com.
Rakesh Chopra that HP Circle will hold next CWC in Manali,
HP.
After detailed discussions and deliberations, it was
decided to face the 2nd Membership Verification of
Executives, if held, without merging with any other
Association as of now but keep the option open to discuss
with other likeminded Associations to face the MVP.
GS replied/clarified various queries raised by the
participants.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Com. Saya
Gouda, CS Telangana Circle. He thanked one and all for
participation in the meeting held in a very crucial juncture
and appreciated one and all for the Very good deliberations
and suggestions. He thanked the comrades of CHQ at Delhi for
the wonderful arrangement and the provision of Delicious
food. With the vote of thanks, the meeting concluded at
18.30 hours.
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