Agenda for 12th National Council Meeting
New Items:
1. Promotional
Prospects of Rules 38 transferees-cases of qualified TTAs
for promotion to the cadre of JTOs.
Some TTAs who appeared in the qualifying
screening test for promotion to JTOs in their parent
circle were relieved on transfer under rule 38 to other circles before
declaration of results and some cases before deputing for JTOs
training. On the question of sending them for training and posting on promotion
as JTO even after imparting training, they have been denied their prospects on
the plea that they are rule 38 transferees to recipient circle.
In consideration of the fact that the such qualified personnel is
very much limited, we request that the following proposal be considered.
(a) Not subjecting such
candidates for another examination.
(b) Placing them in the
bottom of the list of selected candidates of that respective year of result, in
their new circle.
(c) Promoting the Rule 38
officials in the present circle of their working, against a clear vacancy and
that no other qualified persons to JTO are waitlisted.
2. Drawal of increment in lieu of Grade IV promotion to
retiring persons who reaches maximum of their pay scale.
There are few officials who have been denied the benefit of their
next promotional increment of Grade IV on the plea that they have not reached
stagnation though they draw the maximum of the scale.
For instance an official in the scale of Rs.
7800-11125, draws his increment in the month of July and reaches the stage of Rs. 11125. This official retires on superannuation before
his next increment stage.
In such cases, the benefit of one increment of the next
promotional scale of Grade IV is denied on the plea of non-stagnation. The
purpose of extending the increment of Grade –IV is to provide financial
assistance in appreciation of long years of good service rendered by an
official in lieu of Grade –IV promotion.
The benefit of Grade –IV increment as per BSNL letter No.
27-8/2003-TE-II(I) dated 18.11.2003 may kindly be got extended to such
officials retiring from service within a year of drawal
of their last increment.
3. Conducting
examination for promotion of TOA to Sr. TOA.
Many officials in the cadre of TOA, especially those appointed on
compassionate grounds are continuing in the same cadre due to non-conducting of
examination to Sr. TOA. Early examination may be conducted.
4. Supply of mobile /
WLL Phones to field Staff.
In order to enable the field Staff to execute their work
efficiently and quickly and also for motivation
5. Admissibility of
Airfare for journey from Agartala to Kolkata and from Aizwal to Kolkata on LTC.
Air fare was originally admissible to all DOT servants including
group C and D officials for performing journey from Agartala
to Kolkata and Aizwal to Kolkata and back both on Tour and Leave Travel Concession
(LTC). But now a days, airfare is not admissible to staff for traveling on LTC
from Agartala and Aizwal
though all staff of Govt. of Tripura are entitled to travel by air on LTC and
full air fare is admissible to them till today.
The airfare be granted to all BSNL staff working in Tripura and
Mizoram for performing journey by air from Agartala
and Aizwal and back on LTC and on tour considering
the following reasonable points:
6. Permission for
issuing ‘NOC’ for passport by GM, BSNL, Agartala.
At present “NOC” for passport for visiting
Moreover, journey from Agartala to Kolkata through
As per rule, the Head of Office though he may be of lower rank of
Director / Joint Secretary to Govt. or equivalent can be authorised
to grant the “NOC”. So, in consideration of above facts as well as rules, GM,
BSNL, Agartala may be authorised
to grant the “NOC” at least for having Indo-Bangla
passport.
7. Grant of II ACP to
Sr. Accountants.
ACP Scheme was implemented for Central Government Employees vide
DOP&T no. 35034/1/97-Estt. (D) dated 09.08.1999.
The same was extended to the DoT
employees, who were not covered by OTBP/BCR Scheme vide no. 4-1/90 – PAT dated
24.11.1999 and to the Senior Accountants, Junior Accountants and LDC (TAs) vide
DoT No. 19-11/99 – SEA dated 05.07.2000.
But BSNL vide letter No. 5/1/2004-SEA (pt.) dated 16.01.2006
(addressed to CGM, Rajasthan Circle with copies to all Circle heads) has denied
II ACP to Senior Accountants and directed recoveries from those already granted
II ACP including the pay fixed on FR 22 (I) a (I). This order is completely
contrary to the DoT orders as also No. 19-24/2001 SEA
dated 11.02.2002 from Under Secretary (SEA) to
8. Restructure of
Telecom Accounts Wing.
In continuation of the discussion already taken place earlier in
National Council and consequent discussion with Sr. DDG (PF), the following
demands are placed reg. restructure of Telecom Accounts Wring.
1) Service period of 4
years as TOA (G) and conversion ratio of 2:1 for moving to Sr. TOA (G) is to be
withdrawn.
2) Prior to restructuring
to Sr. TOA stream, available vacant posts in the cadres of Junior and Senior
Accountants are to be filled up by eligible candidates in the feeder cadres.
i.e. Assistants (Accounts) and Junior Accounts.
3) Since both the Junior
and Senior Accounts cadres have been declared as dying cadre all the Junior
Accounts are to be promoted to Senior Accounts as one time measure to wipe out
this cadre totally.
4) 10% JAO posts, numbering
300 are to be filled up by Senior Accounts on the basis of seniority –
cum-fitness. These Senior Accounts are senior in age, well acquainted and
experienced in accounts jobs and almost all are officiating as JAO for several
years to the full satisfaction of their superiors.
5) According to Recruitment
Rules of JAOs framed by the BSNL in August, 2001, 10%
of the vacant posts have been kept earmarked for Senior Accounts to be filled
up through an internal competitive examination. Since recruitment Rules are not
being considered as sacrosanct the senior Accountants all over the country, who
are pretty senior in service and have acquired sound knowledge and proficiency
in accounting works of all types may be promoted as JAO as one time measure in
relaxation of normal recruitment rules. Senior Accountants borne in the
establishment of BSNL are waiting for promotion while the deputationist
are outsiders and absorbed also against outside quota. Hence, the promotees against 10% quota should enblock
stand senior to the absorbed deputationists.
9. Sharing of BSNL
infrastructure by private telecom companies.
It is reported from some centers that moves are being made to
share BSNL infrastructure with the rival private telecom companies. In BSNL
letter No. 65-25/2006 – TPL (R) dated 23.02.2006 addressed to CGMs many details of towers are called for including
whether they are being used or not and whether they will be used in future.
BSNL No. 470-3/2005 –Regln. Dated 7th
October has specifically mentioned about sharing of space, power / electricity
etc.
The staff side is completely opposed to sharing of infrastructure
including building, towers etc. with the rival private companies, except inter
– connectivity. We demand that strict instructions should be issued to field
units against sharing of infrastructure to private companies.
10. Payment of PLI
(Bonus) for 2005-2006 before Festival Season.
The festival season usually starts with Durga
Puja, which in this year is on 22nd
September. The Bonus is usually paid before the festival starts, to enable them
to celebrate the festival. According to new scheme of PLI, the MoU composite score / MoU rating
to be awarded by DPE is also required. Last year, this seems to have been done only
by October 2005.
The staff side demands that all necessary action be taken and PLI
paid at least before the second week of September 2006.
11. Wage Revision for
non-executive Employees in BSNL
The next wage revision for non-executive employees in BSNL is due w.e.f. 01.01.2007. The Perks have not been revised after
formation of BSNL except a few items. Last wage revision, w.e.f.
01.10.2000 was mainly replacement of CDA Scale, to IDA Scales. Even after issue
of orders, much time was taken to implement the orders. In many of the Central PSUs the wage negotiation has already started. It is
demanded, that considering all the above points, early action be taken to start
the wage negotiations so that the wage agreement could be reached before
01.01.2007 and wage revision implemented w.e.f. that
date.
12. Holding of
Screening Test for promotion to Sr. TOAs
There are many officials in the TOA Cadre including those
recruited on compassionate grounds waiting for getting promoted to Sr. TOA. The
screening test for the same has not been conducted for a long time. To enable
the concerned officials to get upgraded as also for better performance, the
screening test be conducted early.
13. Provision of
Broadband facility to BSNL Employees on Concessional
Telephones.
It is reported from many centres that
Broadband facility is being denied to BSNL Employees on Rent Free Concessional Telephones, even on payment of usual charges.
Broadband is very popular and BSNL also wants to provide more
connections. As such it is demanded that Broadband connection be provided to
BSNL employees on RFCT on usual charges an demand.
14. Revision of payscale of Chemists in Telecom Factories and redesignation as JTO (TF).
Chemist in Telecom Factories is an isolated cadre, numbering three
only. The Vth Central Pay Commission did not properly
evaluate the qualifications, responsibilities etc. of this cadre for
recommending a higher payscale. We demand that
considering all aspects, the Chemist be redesignated
as JTO (TF) and granted the payscale of Rs. 9850-14600.
Yours Sincerely,
Secretary, Staff Side.
Review of old items
I (a) 7th
Meeting of National Council held on 25.01.2005
1.
Removal
of Anomaly / Aberration of Senior Officials in Senior grade getting less pay
than Juniors in Junior grade after wage revision.
The Committee appointed by National Council has submitted its
unanimous report in October 2005. It requires to be approved by BSNL Board.
2.
Compassionate
Appointments.
Thousands of cases for compassionate appointments are pending at
Corporate Office. It was assured that all efforts will be made to restore power
to CGMs in this connection.
3.
Five
Promotions.
The Promotion Committee formed on 28.02.2005 is yet to meet even
though the Staff Side has furnished note for discussion on 1st
October 2005.
4.
Removal
of 16/26 years restriction for SC/ST for grant of OTBP/BCR Scales.
It was stated that the matter has been referred to DoT on 15.04.2005. The case is to be perused and the
injustice removed.
I (b) Adjourned 7th
Meeting of National Council held on 16.03.2005
5.
Payscale of Sr. TOA.
Promotion Committee to look in the matter formed in March 2005.
Staff Side Demands already presented to the Chairmanof
the Committee on 18.06.2006. No meeting held so far. Undue delay already taken
place. Committee to be met with out further delay.
6.
Fixation
of TTA Payscale and grant of OTBP/BCR
Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.
7.
Payscale of Telecom Mechanic
Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.
8.
Payscale of Drivesr
& Cable Jointers
Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.
9.
Upgradation of Payscale of Grade
IV
Demands already submitted in June 2006. No meeting held so far.
10.
Calculation
of Casual Labour/Part-time/RTP Service for grant of
pension.
It was assured that the matter will be referred to DoT. Case not settled so far.
11.
Special
problems of Civil Wing Staff.
The Committee formed for this purpose has already submitted its
report in May 2005. Not implemented so far causing intolerable delay.
12.
CGEGIS
– Refund to the Employees.
It was assured in the meeting held on 16.03.2005 that the issue
will be taken up with Government for refund of CGEGIS. The amount not yet
refunded.
13,14,15,16. Issues of Telecom Accounts Stream – LDC, Junior Accounts &
Senior Accountants
It was decided that the items to be discussed by Staff Side with
Sr. DDG (PF). Even after discussion, the following issues are yet to be
settled.
(a) The orders
issued declaring the Telecom Accounts stream to be rescinded.
(b) JAO Part I
Examination has not been conducted for the last 4 years, but has been
continuously postponed. This should be conducted without further delay.
(c) JAO Part II Examination
also not held as assured.
(d) Parity of
Scale for Sr. Accountants with Assistants yet to be settled.
(e) Promotion of
Jr. Accountants to the Sr. Accountants in the vacancies resultant after
promotion of Sr. Accountants to JAO through 10% quota.
II 8th Meeting
of National Council held on 19.04.2005
17. Benefit of 5 years service weightage
under Rule 48-A for voluntary retires.
Official side assured another reference to DoT
/ DOT & PW on the subject. Present position not known.
III 9th Meeting
of National Council held on 04.08.2005
18. Counting of past service of Telegraphmen
and Group ‘D’ employees for the purpose of promotion to OTBP/BCR in Telecom
Mechanic Cadre.
It was stated on 04.08.2005 that since the matter is sub-judice it has to wait till the final outcome of the case.
Later, assurance was given to forward the case to DoT.
Issue not yet settled.
19. Removal of discrimination between Industrial and
non-industrial workers.
The demand of the Staff Side, pending finalization of standing
orders for BSNL, to at least to end the discrimination on accumulation of
earned leave, and Restricted Holidays are yet to be decided. Delay causes much
heart burn and loss of lakhs of rupees on retirement.
Early settlement required.
20. Stoppage of recovery of Telephone Duty Allowance and HRA in
lieu of rent free quarters to line staff promoted to Telecom Mechanic.
It was stated in the minutes that these issues were not recommended
by the Perks Committee. In fact, it was on the request of the management that
the Perks issue could not be discussed and settled at the time of wage
negotiation in 2002. The Perks Committee also restricted the items discussed as
per suggestion of management. This item was not discussed at all either at the
time of wage negotiation or in the Perks Committee. As such the question of
recommendation or no recommendation does not arise. The demand of the union is
that the recovery should be stopped and TDA and HRA in lieu of rent free
quarters should be granted to promoted Telecom Mechanic.
21. Special Recruitment of Staff in NE-I, NE-II, Jammu &
Kashmir,
The Statement of official side that sufficient staff are available
in these circles are not correct. A lot of work is outsourced. In fact there is
real need of Staff in these hilly and remote areas. Recruitment to the Cadre of
RM, Phone Mechanics, Sr. TOA, TTA etc. are necessary for maintaining the services.
22. II option for absorption in BSNL
It was stated in the meeting on 04.08.2005 that the final decision
from DoT is awaited. The case should be perused.
23. Promotion of all qualified & trained officials
(a) Telecom
Mechanic.
(b) JTO.
The Staff Side reiterated its demand that in the case of officials
qualified and trained be posted as Telecom Mechanic upgrading the posts held by
them.
In the case of officials qualified as JTO, they be promoted by
diverting the DR vacancies as a one time measure.
IV 10th
Meeting of National Council held on 23.01.2006.
24. Curtailing of Wasteful expenditure by shifting offices /
exchanges to BSNL own buildings.
In the case of Corporate Office, it was assured that the office
will be shifted by May / June 2006. So far not shifted to the new BSNL building
causing loss of Crores of rupees. Office be shifted
early.
25. Framing of Standing Orders for BSNL
It was assured that draft will be furnished to Staff Side and that
simultaneous view of the union will be taken and the issue discussed on fast
track. Neither supply of draft nor discussion so far.
26. Curtail wasteful expenditure by reducing rented vehicles to
minimum :
It was stated that reports from field units will be called for.
Staff side is not informed whether report has been called for and what action
has been taken.
27. Restoration of powers of CGMs to
create posts
The delay in restoration of powers to CGMs
is creating a lot of problems. An early decision is required.
28. Gift to HMT watches to BSNL employees
The decision to be got implemented early.
29. Implementation of FR-35 in IDA scales
The demand / suggestion of the staff side is that a decision
should be taken to pay the minimum of the salary in such cases.
30. Free calls on concessional
telephones in MTNL and BSNL areas
The management assured to take up the issue with MTNL. So far not
settled. The staff side has already demanded that the bill amount to the extent
of eligibility be reimbursed to the concerned official, since the MTNL are
still sending the telephone bills.
31. Restoration of honorarium for collection of telephone revenue
arrears
It was agreed some suitable appropriate methodology needs to be
designated for reducing the arrears. The staff side reiterates its demand for
restoration of honorarium.
32. Posting of legally qualified officials to Legal Cell
Officials side agreed to reiterate the present instructions to the
field units. The staff side is not aware whether the same is issued or not. The
staff side suggests that the officials put in legal cell be given honorarium or
some allowances.
33. Implementation of ACP Scheme (in Corporate Office,
Stenographer etc.)
It was decided that the issue will be discussed amongst Sr. DDG (Estt), Sr. DDG (Pers), DDG (EF)
and staff representatives, which has not been held so far.
34. Pay upgradation of Group ‘C’ &
‘D’ cadres of Corporate Office
The issue pending for a long time requires to be settled early.
35. Merger of 50% DA with pay
The issue is yet to be decided.
36. Counting of past services of casual labourers
who were regularized on or after 01.10.2000.
The staff side requested that the matter be referred to DOT. No
further information available.
37. Reduction of service condition to appear for 35% quota LDCE
for promotion to JTO.
In some circles, all the qualified officials seems to be promoted.
35% examination can be conducted in those circles. In this context, the service
condition of 10 years be reduced to five years.
38. ‘Protsahan Bhatta’
to employees working in naxalite affected areas
It was agreed to refer the matter to DOT for taking up with
DOP&T. The present position be informed.
39. Facilities to National Council Members
It was agreed to examine this matter separately.
40. BSNLMRS – case of retirees
It was agreed to issue suitable instructions. No further
information.
41. Date of effect of upgraded payscale
on Completion of 26 years
It was decided to submit the relevant file to Director (HRD) for
taking appropriate view / decisions. No further information.
42. Grant of lineman pay scale to the officials qualified in the
second screening test.
It was agreed to refer the issue to DOT for clarification. No
further information.
Secretary, Staff Side
National Council
Web-Update: D.D. Mistry 9.8.06
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN BSNL
CGEGIS
Refund: CHQ is constantly pursuing the case for early refund of CGEGIS amount. The
matter is still pending in Ministry of Finance.
Gift of
Watch: Last hurdle
has also been crossed. Order for supply of watches has been placed by BSNL
Management with HMT on 13.07.2006. HMT has assured to complete the delivery
process within two months from getting the order in a phased manner. The 1st
lot is expected within a month.
Canara Bank Loans: Various loan schemes with Canara Bank
for BSNL Employees are resumed., with minor increase (about 0.25%) only on
Floating Rate of Interest on personal Loans. Scheme Extended for three months.
Orders issued,
JTO Posts: Diversion of 500 posts of JTO for
absorption of qualified officials in screening tests is under process. Order
issued.
IDA from
01.07.2006: 1.5% increase
in IDA from 01.07.2006 bringing the total to 60.4%. Orders issued ..
Phone Mechanic cadre re-designated as Telecom Mechanic has been
the victim of injustice and low pay scale since the date of inception as can be
seen from the facts furnished below:
2. Phone Mechanic cadre was created in 1990 as restructured cadre
in DOT to work in up graded technology
areas by amalgamating many pre-structured
cadres in both Group C&D, which are given below:
Sl.No. Name of cadres Scales of Pay in CDA
1. Cable
Splicer Rs.
3200-4900
2. Line
Inspector Rs .4500-7000
3. Sub-Inspector Rs.
4000-6000
4. Lineman Rs.
3050-4500
5. Wireman Rs.
3050-4500
6. Batteryman Rs. 2650-4000
7. Engine
Cleaner Rs. 2610-4000
8. Regular Mazdoor Rs. 2610-4000
9. Gr.D & Tele. Man Rs. 2610-4000
3. All these cadres were pooled in to the cadre of Phone Mechanic
with a few more duties added in modernized areas including Recording and
Testing of faults through computers, Maintenance of C-DOT exchanges,
Installation and Commissioning of computers/ internets, phone plus facilities
at subscriber premises, maintenance of PBX, EPBX, E-10-B, RLU, RSU, OCB
Exchanges etc., of course along with TTA and JTO. But the pay scale was fixed
at Rs. 3200-4900, whereas, some of the merged cadres
like LI, SI, Cable Splicer etc. were drawing higher or equal scale of pay
compared to the newly created cadre of Phone Mechanic. The one advance
increment given to these officials with pay protection was not a sufficient
compensation in lieu of better pay scale. The newly created Phone Mechanic
cadre was not granted a pay scale commensurate with the additional work, higher
responsibility and additional qualifications that were required by the new
cadre.
4. The Telecom Mechanics during their 12 weeks of pre-service
induction training have to study either switching or cables, but later on they
have to undergo residual training in a good number of other courses like Engine
Alternator, SMPS, FRS, C-DOT Exchange maintenance, Phone Plus services,
Internet, Broadband, MDF wiring etc. etc
4. The Phone Mechanic was
later re-designated as Telecom Mechanic in consideration of its
multi-skilled status and also the fact that they were utilized and expected to
attend to the technical jobs along with TTA, JTO etc. right from installation
and maintenance of lines to WLL/Mobile/Internet/Broadband etc. They are also utilised at counters, store keeping and clerical works as
also on independent charges of exchanges in remote areas etc.
5. Under these circumstances, there is every justification for
upgrading the pay scales of Telecom Mechanic from the present IDA scale of Rs. 4720-150-6970 ( Rs. 3200-4900 CDA scale) to IDA scale of Rs. 5700-160-8100 (Rs. 4000-6000 CDA scale).
We demand that the above pay scale Rs.
5700-160-8100 be granted to the Telecom Mechanic
Note on Up-gradation of Pay Scale of Non-Executive Grade-IV
1.
Grade-IV Pay Scale was introduced for Group-C Telecom Cadres along with
Biennial Cadre Review (BCR) in the year 1990. 10% of BCR beneficiaries in
respective cadres were given the benefit of Grade-IV pay scale, which was Rs. 2000-60-2300-75-3200 in IV-CPC CDA Pay Scale. At that
point of time, this pay scale was almost equivalent to that of SDEs (Rs. 2000-60-2300-75-3200-100-3500) and much above of JTOs (Rs. 1640-60-2600-75-2900). It may be mentioned that
in P&T highest pay scale in Group-C (now termed as Non-Executive)
had always been equivalent or more than the lowest pay scale in Gazetted Group-B (now Executive) cadres. V-CPC, in
its recommendations, merged the two pay scales of Rs.
2000-3200 and Rs. 2000-3500 into one revised pay
scale of Rs. 6500-200-10500. JTO cadre was up-graded
to Gazetted Group-B and awarded this Pay Scale.
Similarly, Group-C Grade-IV had been awarded the Pay Scale of Rs. 6500-200-10500.
2.
During 1st Wage Negotiation in BSNL for Non-Executive Cadres,
IDA pay scale of Rs. 8570-245-12245 had been
introduced corresponding to the CDA pay scale of Rs.
6500-10500 for Grade-IV (Non-Executive). In the wage negotiations, Staff Side
demanded that whenever Pay Scales of Executive Cadres would be derived, if the
minimum scale agreed upon be more than that of Rs.
8570-12245, Non-Executive Grade-IV scale should be up-graded accordingly to
that pay scale. This particular point had been incorporated in the 1st
Wage Agreement of 2001. Management Side assured of favourable
consideration of the same.
3.
In the 1st Wage Agreement for Executive Cadres in
BSNL, IDA Pay Scale of Rs. 9850-250-14600 (E-1)
has been introduced corresponding to CDA Pay Scale of Rs.
6500-10500. However, assured up-gradation of IDA Pay Scale of Grade-IV
(Non-executive) accordingly has not been done till date. This has disrupted the
traditional relativity in Telecom Cadres and Pay Scales as well as caused huge
disparity amongst the concerned employees.
4.
In the case of restructuring of
Stenographer Cadre, for non-executive Stenographers in the IDA Pay Scale of Rs. 7100-200-10100 (NE-9), 1st ACP is given in
the Pay Scale of Rs. 9850-250-14600 (E-1) while
continue to work as non-executive. This has also created disparity vis-à-vis
other non-executive cadres.
5.
The Grade IV is the highest category in non-executive cadre.
Eventhough Supervisor status and supervisory
allowance stands withdrawn, they are in fact supervising and guiding the work
of their juniors.
6.
Mostly recruited during the 1960s and
1970s, these senior officials have been greatly responsible for the growth
and development of telecom services during a crucial stage. But they are denied
the status as well as pay scale justified for them.
7.
In view of the reasons stated above, Staff Side strongly feels that the
erstwhile inter cadre relativity be restored and the disparities, arisen
hitherto, be removed for creating a sense of confidence amongst the
non-executive employees towards betterment of service and customer relations in
the prevailing intense competitive environment also considering the long
service and responsible duties, they are performing.
8.
The Staff Side demands that
Non-executive Grade-IV employees be placed in the IDA Pay Scale of Rs. 9850-250-16600 (E-1) with effect from 1st
October 2000.