MEETING WITH ALL ASSOCIATIONS/UNIONS BY CMD BSNL ON MERGER OF MTNL WITH BSNL: {Report by Shri. Rajdeep, AGS SNEA CHQ}: As notified by SR Cell, Shri. P. K. Purwar ji, CMD BSNL addressed a special meeting of all Unions and Associations in BSNL on 28/02/2022, and mainly gave presentations to the leaders wherein more than 75 leaders of different Unions and Associations were present.
Shri. Arvind Vadnerkar, Director HR BSNL Board, Shri. Vivek Banzal Director CFA BSNL Board, Shri. Rajeev Kumar Director Finance and Mrs. Anita Johri, PGM SR were also present during this presentation.
From the SNEA side, this meeting was attended by Shri. Rajdeep AGS SNEA CHQ, Shri Satish Kumar, CS SNEA CNTX North Shri. Gurjinder Pal Singh, OS SNEA BSNL CO New Delhi and Shri. M. S. Adasul, GS SNEA CHQ.
CMD BSNL gave presentation in two parts on latest development and current activities of BSNL and Information on proposal by BSNL on Operational Merger of MTNL with BSNL. In an elaborate and illustrative presentations, CMD BSNL updated house about ongoing activities in BSNL, action plan by BSNL to make BSNL profit making organisation by 2026 and issues related to overall growth of BSNL. The road map of procurement of the equipments by BSNL, actions taken by BSNL after revival Package 2.0, the compliance with the Government directions and how BSNL is moving in positive directions in meeting different challenges in the Telecom sector was part of this presentation. BSNL has installed 4575 new OLTEs in rural areas during this period and committed to provide the FTTH services to all villages.
Procurement of indigenous equipment is under process. The rates of GSM Equipment is less than the earlier tenders for the same and thus BSNL is saving a good amount on it. Every efforts are being made on part of BSNL to start with 4G GSM services. There are 1 Lakh sites under Phase IX.2 Project. Provision has been made for 4G in existing sites i.e. 80781 Remaining 19219 will be new sites. Tender for procurement for procurement of 1,00,000 eNodeBs opened and is being finalized. CMD BSNL appreciated efforts of BSNL workforce that with 4G also we have good number of customers with BSNL and we will add more customers once 4G services are rolled out by BSNL all over India. He was optimistic that BSNL will regain its position in GSM Market in coming days.
CMD BSNL added that the loan of BSNL has been reduced by 8500 Crore and Rs 60 Cr per month Interest is being saved by BSNL. But still, BSNL has loans of Rs 26 to 26 thousands Crore. BSNL has earned Rs 755 Cr EBITDA this year in spite of the fact that in 2022-23, exceptional items include VGF Rs. 8789 Cr, Provision for AGR demands Rs. 8337 Cr and Provision against Claims receivables from DoT Rs. 251 Cr. CMD BSNL informed that BSNL is not having any loan for Operational Expenditure and it is one of the positive figures of BSNL. The liabilities related to employees, like Bank loan refund, SAB Contribution, Society dues etc are cleared and it is being paid regularly now. Increase in expenditure on employees mainly due to increase in IDA over the period.
He specially mentioned that there are much issues due to procurement of poor quality of Power plant and maintenance of power plants by substandard local vendors. Hence the powers to procure the Power Plants with Circle Heads will be centralised and all Power Plants will be procured centrally from BSNL CO Delhi. He specially mentioned that Rs 150 Cr are allotted for replacement of faulty Power Plant Modules. By stopping Circle/BA level tender for repairing of PP Modules, the Zonal Tender is being floated by BSNL CO for the replacement/repairing of the Faulty PP Modules. Dedicated online Videos related to Installation, Repairs and Maintenance of Power Plants and its module will be made available on a dedicated online stream to be published by BRBRAITT Jabalpur. He gave a brief idea about the expenditure being made by BSNL on procurement of equipments and made clear picture now the important equipments in BSNL network will be upgraded to meet the present challenges in Telecom sector. Copy <<<>>>
In second presentation on Merger of MTNL with BSNL, CMD BSNL updated the very purpose of idea behind Operational merger of MTNL with BSNL. He added that this action is being taken as per cabinet decision and being head of both the PSUs, he is directed to submit proposal for merger of MTNL with BSNL. He added that there are major issues which needs concrete decisions by GoI/DoT to go ahead with merger. He mainly narrated the issues related to delisting of the MTNL and same will be taken care by GoI. It will not be total merger of MTNL with BSNL, but it will be operational merger of Telecom Business of MTNL with BSNL. The Shares of MTNL will be delisted with special initiatives by the Government of India to acquire the 90% of shares of MTNL. Process of delisting is started and in the first step MTNL is delisted from foreign Market. Further MTNL will be divided in three parts viz First MTNL operations along with staff and operational assets, Second Other Assets and Liabilities including the Spectrum held by MTNL and Third Business with MTML at Mauritius which is in Operational profit as on today. The first Part and Third part will be taken over by BSNL and second part will remain with MTNL. BSNL will not take over the life expired Spectrum available with MTNL.
The operational entity of MTNL to be taken over by BSNL along with staff and assets holding these operational entities and for that certain amount will be paid by BSNL to MTNL. Other Assets and equally costing Liabilities shall remain with MTNL and the Government of India will explore the possibilities of clearing debts/liabilities by sale of assets available with MTNL. Wireline, Wireless and the Enterprise Business of MTNL along with operational assets to be taken over by BSNL. BSNL will take over about 25 land plots of MTNL, Exchange Buildings with Major services, MTNL Land costing about Rs 12000 Crore will be with BSNL and Land of Rs 18000 Crs with debit of Rs 18000 Crore will be with MTNL.
There are total 3508 employees left in MTNL and its break up is 1994 employees (740 Executives and 1254 Non Executives) in MTNL Mumbai and total 1514 employees (462 Executives and 1574 Non Executives) in MTNL Delhi. These employees and offices of MTNL will be given three options.
1. Absorption in BSNL at corresponding Pay Scales of BSNL with gap in salary be compensated in the form of personal pay by withholding the future increments till the salary comes at par with the corresponding BSNL employee OR
2. Handsome VRS by the Government of India OR
3. Option to continue in MTNL and decision on running MTNL by monetization of assets and clearing liabilities with proposal for closure of MTNL as per the policy for closing sick PSU.
CMD BSNL further added that the employees of MTNL will be free to choose any of the three options and decide his/her future. It is expected that juniors and mainly MTNL recruits will be opting to BSNL and seniors with age more than 50 will be opting to VRS or may continue with MTNL.
The approximate difference between the similarly placed BSNL and MTNL Employees will be ranging from 15000 to 25000 per month and this difference will be cleared within a period of two to three years.
He elaborated that the employees recruited by DoT and opted for MTNL will be given option for absorption in BSNL w.e.f. 01/10/2000, if he/she is willing. The employees of MTNL who were absorbed in MTNL from 1998 will be treated to continue their working in DoT till 01/10/2000 and absorbed in BSNL w.e.f. 01/10/2022.
For inter-se seniority, the seniority list existing during DoT period as on 01/10/2000 will be given consideration. The MTNL recruited employees will be given entry at par with the similarly recruited employees of BSNL for pay promotions and seniority.
MTNL employees will be absorbed in BSNL and they also will be governed by the existing HR policy of BSNL and all the HR guidelines applicable to BSNL employees will be equally applicable and binding to MTNL employees who will be absorbed in BSNL.
The Inter-Se-Seniority to be decided by taking the date of absorption or Recruitment Year as criteria. The Senior Executive of MTNL to be promoted at par if any Junior Executive of BSNL is promoted in that grade. BSNL further stressed that for PAN India coverage of Telecom services, BSNL needs to take over the Operational part of MTNL in Mumbai and Delhi and it is need of time. But at the same time he does not want to get carried away with ongoing issues causing loss to MTNL and the Government of India also does not want to burden BSNL by adding liabilities to BSNL. All the liabilities and similarly costing assets of MTNL will be with MTNL and even single rupee liability will not be transferred to BSNL. Further BSNL will grant Rs 1600 special and non-refundable funds for bring into operations the entire landline and Mobile network at MTNL Mumbai and Delhi. He added that there are much more steps to go and it may take time of some years to take the total and effective operational merger of MTNL with BSNL and it largely depends on how the issues are resolved by all the concerned parties to the proposal.
In conclusion, CMD BSNL elaborated that this is a proposal and many more actions are required on different parts viz. BSNL, MTNL and GoI, starting from basic requirement of delisting MTNL from market. His office has drafted proposed for operational merger of MTNL with BSNL and its important points are being shared here. He firmly narrated that though he is CMD for both MTNL and BSNL, he will not allow any problem existing in MTNL to enter in BSNL and he will protect HR and development the interests of BSNL by tooth and nail so that BSNL will continue to growth without any side effect. He assured the leaders that he is ready for discussions and listening to the views from the leaders of all associations and Unions and given the opportunity to all leaders to share their views.
When it was the turn of SNEA, we appreciated the efforts taken by CMD BSNL in updating leaders about actions taken for growth of BSNL as well as elaborating on the proposal for Operational Merger of MTNL with BSNL.
We appreciated efforts taken by BSNL Management in procurement of the different Equipments and upgradation of Network. We added that this information is lacking and not reaching to executives in field units and requested for monthly meetings with Unions/Associations for updating on growth and development related issues and it will be highly appreciable if a similar session is conducted on HR issues.
We once again appreciated the special skills of CMD BSNL in getting continued financial support from GoI and requested for similar efforts for getting support from DoT/GoI to resolve the long pending HR issues of Executives in BSNL.
We elaborated that from the presentations it is clear that MTNL executives absorbing BSNL will be getting about Rs. 15000 to Rs 25000 per month more than the similarly placed executives in BSNL. We put forward that already the JTOs/JAOs in BSNL are facing loss of Rs 15000 to Rs 20000 per month due to unsettled Issues related to second PRC as compared to JTOs/JAOs working in BSNL. If MTNL executives are absorbed in BSNL, then the JTOs/ JAOs in BSNL will get about Rs 25000 Rs 30000 less per month and yearly it will be lakhs of rupees. We stressed that Merger of MTNL executives with BSNL without resolving this financial disparity, will be putting salt on wounds of the JTOs/JAOs in BSNL. Hence merger with reduction of MTNL pay scales at par with BSNL with pay personal pay is not acceptable for us and demanded that instead of proposing reducing pay scales of MTNL executives, the pay scales of BSNL executives and mainly JTOs/JAOs should be brought at par by following DoT/DoPT instructions as one time major. We requested that BSNL Management should grab this opportunity to settle these long financial issues of BSNL executives and requested not to create more issues and disparities for executives of BSNL.
We once again drew the attention towards the heart burning action by the DoT wherein junior unabsorbed officer of DoT as DGM against the posts of BSNL and denying promotions by BSNL to their seniors even though they have opted BSNL by trusting the Government of India. There are already financial disparities created by DoT as officers on deputation are getting more salary than the officers absorbed in BSNL and doing the same work and it is a serious violation of the principle Equal work, Equal pay. If we add one more category of MTNL absorbed then there will be three pay scales for the DoT recruited officers working in BSNL and the officers absorbed in BSNL will be getting lowest salary as compared to others who opted to DoT and MTNL and are now joining BSNL either on deputation or by absorption.
We added that we firmly join hands with CMD BSNL for not allowing further import of problems and issues in BSNL due to merger and requested to resolve the problems and issues pending within BSNL and settle the unrest among the executives.
Elaborating the pending HR and financial issues of BSNL executives, we have requested CMD BSNL that the HR issues due to merger of MTNL with BSNL can be sorted out, but for financial issues of executives in BSNL, the management has to take stand and the ongoing disparity can be cleared to better extent with implementation of 3rd PRC for all employees of BSNL and MTNL and bringing them at par as per the agreement done between DoT and MTNL while restoring pension of MTNL executives. We stressed and demanded that only implementation of 3rd PRC for employees of BSNL and MTNL is only solution acceptable to us and will clear our wait for the last six years which will settle the financial losses to some extent. We narrated that every word and proposal by CMD BSNL is respected by DoT/GoI and hence as head of BSNL, we humbly request him to add the implementation of 3rd PRC to BSNL employees as one of the important demand by BSNL on proposal of operational merger of MTNL with BSNL. This will clear major hurdles in the ongoing proposal for the operational merger of MTNL with BSNL.
We further suggested that BSNL should immediately explore the possibilities for starting operations of GSM, FTTH and EB services directly by BSNL in MTNL area which will give us good revenue and at the same time customers in Economical capital Mumbai and national Capital Delhi will get good Quality of Telecom services by BSNL, which is not available as on today. This revenue will compensate for the losses being faced by BSNL due to services in rural areas and revenue projection will support demand of 3rd PRC.
We have specially drawn attention of Management towards the fact that due to non-availability of 4G services the GSM customers in bulk are leaving BSNL and action started with surrender of GSM connections by Karnataka Police has become chain reaction as similar surrender of bulk connections reported in Telangana and UP East Circle. We requested CMD to use his good relations to convey the Government of Karnataka and other state the Governments constraints of BSNL. We requested for kind intervention of Hon MoC as BSNL is unable to give 4G services as we are supporting Indigenous 4G equipments and similar binding instructions needs to be given to the state Governments and concerned authorities for the same so that all join hands and wait for 4G indigenous equipments.
We also requested CMD BSNL to once again take up matter with DoT/GoI for granting one time permission for upgradation of existing 3G network of BSNL to 4G Network which is possible with software changes costing few hundred crores of rupees. Earlier proposal was turned down by DoT as the ban on foreign equipments by GoI continues. BSNL should make one time request for upgradation of these equipments to meet immediate need of 4G services by seeking permission for upgradation of existing 3 G equipments and except this we will wait for Indigenous 4G Equipments. In response CMD BSNL informed that he has already taken up matter with concerned authorities and CGM Karnataka has been in continuous touch with Police departments and the State Government and all out efforts are made to convince the police department to review their proposal. Similar efforts will be taken by CGMs of other circles and matter will also be brought to notice of GoI/DoT for suitable initiatives to avoid any such action. He also assured that matter will be explored by all possible means to retain all bulk customers, but we will have to go as per the policy of GoI.
On query by BSNLEU that certain CGMs are appreciated by CMD BSNL and others are being pressurised, CMD BSNL cleared that he is very tough for non-performers and he is duty bound to act against non-performers. He added that he has done clear demarcation between performers Circle Heads and Non-performer and performing Circle Heads are appreciated and he will be acting against Non-Performing Circle Heads and this will be applicable to all.
On poor performance of Circle Heads and displeasure expressed by CMD BSNL, SNEA has suggested that BSNL Management should explore possibilities of posting Best Performer CGMs to Circles which are non-performing as on today. This will be one more test for performance of CGMs and if not possible to post them directly at least performing CGMs should be given additional charge of Non-performing Circles and their talents and capabilities should be further explored.
On query of when 4G Rollout of BSNL will happen by BSNLEU, CMD BSNL explained in detail the actions being taken by DoT/GoI and cleared that it will take time of about 18 months for the same.
On query by AIGETOA that injustice is being done to BSNL recruited executives as compared to DoT absorbed officers, CMD BSNL responded that BSNL is making very high expenditure on BSNL recruited executives. If BSNL is spending Ten rupees on absorbed officers, BSNL is pending 14 to 16 Rupees on BSNL recruited Executives and there is no justification in hue and cry that BSNL is not doing anything for BSNL recruited executives. He clarified that except pension contribution, BSNL is not making any extra expenditure on absorbed officers, but for BSNL recruited officers, BSNL has to pay SAB Contribution, EPF contribution, leave encashment etc and directed that this comparison should be stopped. He added that if required, BSNL management will come with white paper on expenses being made on BSNL absorbed officers and BSNL recruited officers so that this misconception deliberately created will be cleared permanently and advised not raise such concern of disparity again.
On query by AIBSNLEA that where any MTNL Officer is promoted to higher grade as compared by officer in BSNL, where BSNL officer will be promoted at par with MTNL, nothing was clarified may be due to short of time and we will get all such issues clarified.
On query by SEWA BSNL about no response or action taken by BSNL management on 11 letters written by Forum of BSNL Associations, and issues created due to untimely announcement of MSRRs 2023 thereby depriving the eligible executives for DGM promotions just before few hours, nothing concrete was responded by Management. But by taking note of it, CMD BSNL informed that it will be better if all associations give joint representations/views on the Operational Merger of MTNL with BSNL, same will be attached along with the proposal being sent by BSNL to DoT for Operational Merger of MTNL with BSNL. SEWA BSNL also represented that implementation of 3rd PRC will resolve all the HR issues of BSNL employees.
On query that where BSNL employees will be given option for VRS as being given to MTNL employees, CMD BSNL informed that there are many works and projects given to BSNL and BSNL is doing well and there is need of available manpower in BSNL and hence there is no proposal for VRS of BSNL employees and it is limited to MTNL employees.
In conclusion of session, CMD BSNL requested leaders of all associations individually or together as discussed and assured to keep the views of Unions/Association as annexure to the proposal of operational Merger being sent by his office to DoT. He specially directed that the proposal of Unions/Associations should reach his office latest by Friday 04/03/2023 as BSNL will submit this proposal to DoT by Monday 06/03/2023 along with views of Unions/ Associations of BSNL/MTNL.
Accordingly Forum of Associations of BSNL held the meeting and after elaborate discussions, submitted its views mainly stressing of grant of 3rd PRC Before merger of MTNL with BSNL and HR issues due to merger can be resolved by mutual discussions. Copy<<<>>>
The meeting started at 1815 Hrs concluded at 2110 Hrs with vote of thanks by Director HR BSN Board wherein he appealed all to join the mission making BSNL profitable and underlined that BSNL management is working for securing future of young executives in BSNL who have more than 20 years of service to go before retirement. There were very healthy discussions between BSNL management and the Leaders of about all Associations/Unions in BSNL and meeting finally concluded with sharing of thanks.