The formal agenda meeting with BSNL Kerala Circle Management and AIGETOA Kerala was held on 28/9/2020 at Circle Office Trivandrum. We had invited suggestions from all executives in Kerala on various verticals and the suggestions, requirements and concerns were represented and brought to the notice of management.
The Meeting was chaired by our respected CGMT Sri Vinod C V, ITS. Along with CGMT, the following officers were present from Management side - Sri.R Satheesh GM (HR/Admin), Smt.Leena Rose Thomas DGM (HR/Admin), Smt. Sunitha George (AGM HR), Smt. Molly Jacob (AGM Admin) and Sri. Sanjay Bengar (SDE–SR).
Association side was represented by Sri. Muhammadali MC (Circle President), Sri.Saheer S (Circle Secretary), Sri.Maxmilan K (Circle Finance Secretary), Sri.Ansal Mohammed C H (CHQ Advisor), Sri.Anil Kani (CVP), Sri Vipal Prem (CVP), Sri. Prasadraj RV (ACS) and Sri. Abdul Basith (ACS).
The meeting started with welcome speech by DGM (HR/Admin) and thereafter self introduction of each participant. CGMT addressed the meeting and congratulated AIGETOA on becoming the recognised association in BSNL. CGMT stressed the need of increasing our revenue and importance of restructuring in various verticals and requested association’s support for various initiatives from management to bring back the pristine glory of BSNL. CGMT reiterated that there should not be any doubts regarding BSNL's future, rather CGMT emphasized that in the post VRS scenario the various support measures envisaged in revival package will be implemented one after another so as to ensure the profitability and viability of BSNL. CGMT informed that each executive should emerge as managers from technocrats and the future of BSNL is in the hand of present experienced and talented employees. CGMT also shared the concern on the promotional aspects of Executives and assured that all the supportive measures will be done from Kerala Circle management for early resolution of such concerns. Further GM (HR/Admin) appreciated the initiatives by our association and shared the importance of team work which is a sure roadmap to success. GM mentioned that all the efforts would definitely lead to the betterment of organization.
Our Circle Secretary in his opening remarks appreciated the participative approach that BSNL management is following in Kerala Circle and thanked CGMT for allotment of formal agenda meeting with AIGETOA before redeployment finalization, LA/Long stay implementation and important matters and sparing us valuable time amidst his busy schedule. CS handed over the submission from Association on agenda points to management. Further Our Circle President acknowledged the involvement of Kerala top management in each and every matter especially by our CGMT on various platforms. Circle President assured AIGETOAs wholehearted support to management on matters that will bring betterment to employees, BSNL and our esteemed customers.
Thereafter all the agenda items were discussed in detail. Meeting lasted for more than three hours.Click here for the Submission on agenda points with Annexures .
Association has represented and discussed the matters in detail and update from management side for the agenda points are as follows:
HR Segment
Transparent Implementation of Transfer policy & guidelines
BAs will be given instructions to follow tenure calculation by considering the service rendered in previous grade/cadre, for the purpose of Intra BA & Inter BA transfer. For accommodating requests within BAs - from rural/non-popular station to urban area, urban long stay list will be ensured in BAs. As far as feasible, post tenure changes will be done.
The BA wise long stay lists will be published for AGM/SDE/JTO & Accounts wing separately and based on the same, acute shortage requirement in some BAs will be implemented by October-2020 and remaining will be done by financial year end. The transfers will be implemented with minimal displacement. The uniformity for forwarding of inter BA requests (like after six months of posting) will be ensured. Management will explore the possibility to incorporate the processing of the same through online as suggested by association.
Management has taken note of various incidents about the biased approach in some BAs during transfer and postings raised by our association and informed that remedial measures will be done for non-recurrence. Soon an online Employee Grievance Mechanism will be developed through IT Cell, Kerala as suggested by our association as a platform to place the grievance of employees to top management for clearance at appropriate levels.
Executive Distribution –JTO/JAO/SDE/AO/AGM/CAO/DGM
On executive redeployment, it was assured that various concerns raised by AIGETOA will be taken care and CGMT appreciated our efforts which were done within the present working strength. Sanctioned strength and norms will be taken as per corporate office directions. CGMT appraised that the revenue and geographical area will be considered while allotment of executives.
Enacting REA-2014 Rules in Circle & BA level
All the guidelines issued on REA rules will be followed and BAs will be directed to adhere to the same in true spirit. With regard to special casual leaves management already issued clarification and measures will be done to incorporate the same in ERP. With regard to formal agenda meeting and reconstitution of committees/councils, BAs will be issued directions for ensuring the same.
Requirement of GMs in BAs
CGMT assured some additional officers already allotted. The matter will be taken with corporate office and maximum efforts will be done to cater remaining BAs. It was informed that Kasaragod, Idukki may be given separate Area DGMs and Ernakulam BA with DGM (F).
Processing of Request, Temporary & Mutual Transfer requests
All request transfers will be considered uniformly in both Telecom and Accounts wing. Transfer request Portal will made to ensure transparency and speedy processing. Forwarding of temporary transfer requests will be done and mutual transfer requests will be processed.
Look after arrangements in Executive cadre till regular promotion
With regard to Look after arrangements to cater immediate needs in various cadre is acknowledged by management and assured us that maximum possible extent will be ensured accordingly. Arrangements will be done in all cadre in all BAs in line with our proposal subjected to requirement.
Leave regularization & duty roster, Special CL on Covid-19
With regard to Leave regularisation during the lockdown period, instructions were already given to BAs for effecting the same. The request for special casual leave/Work from Home for quarantine cases will be taken with corporate office. With regard to weekly duty roster it was told that since the directions from corporate office is for 100% attendance, the same need to be adhered. At the same time CGMT suggested that executives in same section need to take precaution in such a way that all the personals are not getting affected through contact at office place.
Empanelment Covid-19 treatment hospitals
BA wise empanelled hospitals to cater the Covid-19 treatment will be published and necessary additional approval (required if any) will be given for the same.
Confirmation of Executives after Probation Period
The list of executives pending for confirmation (with more than two years service) will be published and management suggested that association should also pursue the individual cases, so that this can be settled.
Online attendance System
Online attendance system is made to ensure a self discipline in the working atmosphere and open for more creative improvements. Management requested association’s support for smooth functioning of the same. As per our request CGMT assured that BA heads will be directed to ensure the Mobile App privilege to field staff as per the requirement.
Processing of NOC/Experience Certificate
For speedy processing of NOC and experience certificates, online portal will be made through IT Cell, Kerala.
Operational Segment
Payment to LCOs & consideration to FTTH segment
The concerns raised with regard to LCO payment and multiple processing charges , newly introduced FTTH installation charges and due consideration to FTTH segment are taken on merit and ensured the needful shall be done. The suggestion to relook on Fibernet app (GIS mapping tool for locating modem, OLTs, splitters, cable etc) will be considered. The LCO payments will be taken on priority. FTTH is the most revenue generating segment and BSNL CO also is requested to consider this regard.
Allotment of Temporary advance & guidelines for disbursement
Management informed that temporary advances will be allotted for urgent cases. With regard to uniformity in temporary advance disbursement, directions will be given to BA heads to ensure the same.
CRM/ Clarity Slowness concerns
CGMT also shared the concern of CRM/Clarity slowness issues. The matter will be taken up with ITPC once again. It is suggested that association also take up the matter with CHQ.
Infra related matters & maintenance
CGMT informed managed service model is under discussion. With regard to infra maintenance, fund allotted from corporate office is being distributed. A communication is already made to CMD, BSNL in this regard. With regard to up keeping of exchanges, it is suggested that association may take up with concerned BAs wherever such facility is not available in the tender.
The infra structure issues pointed in critical stations are noted by management. This will be checked and remedial actions will be done as per requirement. Priority will be given to recoup the life expired infra items. The suggestion for Sick cell inline battery charger for BTSs was given by association and it is assured that the same will be checked for purchase.
Tender for O/H Fiber laying in Txmn /EB – Provision & maintenance.
With regard to the requirement of contract works for EB & Transmission OH Fiber provision / maintenance, it was assured that separate rates will be approved and measures for inclusion through agreements will be done. This will be ensured soon and direction will be given to all BA.
Priority and Lesser Downtime for Maintenance and Up-gradation activities for STR Related Backbone Works
CGMT assured proper coordination will be ensured on maintenance and upgradation on STR planned activities. The mentioning on allotment of STR ports for core links are noted and will be taken care.
CPAN NOC EMS Issues & requirements
The requirements raised for empowering CPAN NoC EMS will be taken as per the inputs shared by the association.
Restoration of OMC Web access through internet
Management shared the concern on cyber security and it is suggested that the possibility of mobile VPN will be explored on need basis.
Closure proposal of Five 2G sites at Wayanad
With regard to this matter, CGMT pointed that even though management is agreed to the social obligation part and other issues raised by association , the alarming concern is too low revenue and high expenditure of these sites. It was informed that the feasibility for 3G installation at these sites after discussion with concerned GMs.
Due importance to Cost Accounting Practices in BSNL:
CGMT welcomed the idea from association on cost accounting & estimation on cluster / minute level. CGMT also mentioned that this possibility will be explored to do at circle level.
Vendor payment through letter of credit or post dated cheque
It was informed that the vendor payment through letter of credit and bill discounting method can be proposed once the pending payments to the tune of thousand crores are reduced to a normal level.
Backhaul up gradation at Attapadi area
CGMT clarified that, he is fully aware of the situation. Even though initial plan was in line with association proposal, due to some issues with media it was decided that the CPAN equipments will be installed between Coimbatore and Anakkatty exchanges. It was informed that the required bandwidth will be ensured within the time frame.
It was also suggested that the positivity and optimistic thoughts should be inculcated in employees and public which will have direct impact on productivity. CGMT appreciated association’s efforts in this matter and suggested to take the onus for including all the executives on various initiatives. The meeting was very cordial and interactive; with most of the agenda points got a very positive response from management. Association assured management that we are always ready to come out with more pragmatic suggestions/inputs incorporating both management’s and executive’s aspirations from time to time and sincerely hope management will make best use of it. We appreciated CGMT and entire circle team for making a participative approach to decision making on important matters with recognised association as entitled.