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Meeting with CMD, MTNL/BSNL on 8th October 2024: Key Discussions and Employee Safeguards:

A meeting was held on 8th October 2024 at BSNL Corporate Office between CMD, MTNL/BSNL, and representatives from key Associations and Unions of Delhi and Mumbai, including . The meeting covered several crucial issues concerning MTNL employees during the ongoing transition of MTNL services to BSNL.
The following points were discussed in detail:
1. Safeguarding MTNL Employees during the Transition to BSNL:
Associations and Unions strongly emphasized employee concerns regarding their future and stressed the need for a permanent solution. CMD, MTNL/BSNL, explained the rationale behind the takeover of MTNL services by BSNL and assured that the interests of MTNL employees will be protected. He clarified that MTNL employees will be placed on deemed deputation to BSNL, which may continue for an initial period of five years, extendable by another five years or more. Over time, options for permanent absorption into BSNL will be explored. A committee is currently studying the process of deemed deputation, and once finalized, all terms and conditions will be transparently shared. CMD also assured that MTNL is not closing, and new revenue streams for MTNL are being explored to secure its future.
When asked about ensuring employee safeguards in writing, CMD emphasized that once the process is complete, everything will be formalized and documented.
2. Promotions for Executives in All Streams:
The delay in promotions for MTNL executives was raised, with a detailed explanation of how this has been an ongoing issue for many years. CMD sought three months to resolve the matter but was urged to expedite the process given that there are no financial implications. It was noted that previous CMDs had similarly delayed the issue. In response, CMD directed an officer to take up the matter with the Director (HR) once he returned from leave, signalling a commitment to addressing the long-pending promotions.
3. Pension Fund for MTNL Recruited Employees (30% Corpus):
CMD responded positively to the demand for a pension fund for MTNL recruited employees, directing his staff to further discuss the matter with the Director (HR). This issue holds significant importance for securing post-retirement benefits for MTNL employees.
4. Implementation of the 3rd PRC:
Although non-committal on the immediate implementation of the 3rd PRC. He acknowledged that his current focus is on services and loan related issues but assured that HR issues would be addressed in due course.
5. Implementation of Court Order for Fresh Pension Options for Employees with Less Than 10 Years of Service:
This matter was also raised, with CMD directing his staff to look into it for further discussion with the Director (HR) at a later stage.

6. Conducting JNC meeting -- Union side demanded to conduct JNC meeting so that pending HR issues can be discussed and decided formally. CMD assured to consider it take decision after sometime.
7. VRS- He said at present no VRS consideration
8. Appeal for Revenue Generation:
In closing, CMD made a strong appeal to all unions and associations to encourage officers and employees to work diligently toward generating more revenue, ensuring a better future for both organizations.
The meeting was constructive and instilled hope that employee-related issues would soon find resolution. Moreover, efforts are being made to explore new revenue streams that will further stabilize MTNL.
The following office bearers from MTNL Officers Associations, Mumbai were present at the meeting: ----------

1. V K Tomar,GS, MEA
2. Dharamraj Singh, GS, MTNL MS
3. P N Vasane, CHQ President, MEA.
4.. Shailendra, Tripathi, Treasurer, MEA
5. Sunil Kumar, CS,MEA
6. Pawan Dixit, Jt Secy, MEA
7. . Suryakant Mudras- President
8. Suhas Kambali- Treasurer
9. Kishor Khewalkar- General Secretary
10. Jaidatta Asrondkar
11. Ravi Sawant- Jt.Gen Secretary
12. Prashant Ambulkar-Jt Gen Secretary
13. Sanket Paralkar- Asstt Treasurer.

click here for MEA letter

NOTICE FOR MTNL RETIREES

ED MTNL DELHI office issued urgent notice for retired employees of MTNL regarding CGHS card. <<notice1>>   <<notice>>

GS writes letter to CMD regarding relaxation of educational qualification as B Tech in deputation DOT. <<letter>>

DDG (PM) assured that DOT is actively working to protect the interests of MTNL during the transition. The proposal, which includes VRS and BSNL options, has been sent to the Finance Ministry and will subsequently be forwarded to the cabinet for approval and MTNL employees will continue to work with present terms and conditions of MTNL till this proposal is approved.

*3rd PRC/Wage Revision*
*Pension Revision*
*5% Fitment*
*Fresh Option of Combined Pension for Employees with Less Than 10 Years of Service*
DDG (PM) committed to coordinating with relevant officers and invited the forum representatives for a

detailed discussion next week.




Meeting with CMD, MTNL

On July 18, 2024, the Forum representatives met with CMD, MTNL, who requested a postponement of the protest program and sought one month to address the issues raised.


We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all employees and officers who participated and supported this program. The demonstration was a grand success, drawing the attention of MTNL management and DoT to the pressing concerns and pending issues of the employees.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting the interests of employees. Stay united, support, and cooperate with the Forum to ensure our collective success.

 

This is a great proud moment for all MTNL officers that our representatives are also represent us in NCOA.

GS writes letter to CMD regarding increase in gratuity upto Rs 25 Lakhs. << letter>>

Policy regarding issuance of SIM in place of RSTC , where RSU has been closed. <<Order>>

CEC of MEA Delhi circle will be held on 28th March in room no. 555 Kidwai Bhawan at 11am. All CHQ office bearers, Delhi circle office bearers, Area secretaries, Divisional secretaries and CEC members are requested to kindly attend the CEC at 11am.

Meeting with Member (Services)

on 21st March 2024, GS, MTNL Mazdoor Sangh Shri Dharamraj Singh & GS, MEA Shri V K Tomar met Member (Services) for persuasion of several crucial issues discussed in 6th March meeting. DDG (Estt) was also present to provide necessary insights. 

Key points discussed included: 

1-Formation of Wage Negotiation Committee:

 Member (Services) informed us that DOT is in the process of communicating with MTNL/BSNL management to form a committee or include recognized union representatives in the existing BSNL wage negotiation committee for non-executives.

2-Merger Process:

 We were briefed that a COS note regarding the merger process is being prepared in DOT and will be forwarded to COS shortly.

3-5% IDA Neutralization:

Unfortunately, MTNL has declined to bear the financial liability for the 5% IDA neutralization. The matter is now being escalated to the finance wing for further action.

4-Pension Revision:

 Member (Services) assured us that pension revision will be executed in accordance with court orders and same is in process.

5-Gratuity of Employees with Less Than Ten Years of Service: DOT has engaged in discussions with MTNL management regarding this issue and is committed to resolving it positively. However, Member (Services) has requested accurate information from both Delhi and Mumbai unions and management regarding left out employees who may have been overlooked.

<<<Record on discussion>>>

FORUM of MTNL UNIONS and ASSOCIATIONS serves NOTICE to Honble' PMO, Honble' Minister of Communication , Secretary DOT, CMD MTNL/BSNL to clear road map of MTNL employees to absorb  BSNL / VRS before transition of MTNL services to BSNL. FORUM called Satyagrah / Dharna at Sanchar Bhawan on 19th December, 2023. Around three thousands employees will participate in the Dharna. All are requested to make it a grand success.

<<NOTICE>>

<<<letter>>>

DPE also forward NCOA letter to DIPAM regarding privatization.

DPE also forward NCOA letter to Finance Ministry to consider CPSEs employees as per with central govt employees.

<<DPE reply>>

The CEC of MEA Delhi circle is scheduled for 23rd August 2023. All CHQ/Circle office bearers, Area Secy and Divisional Secy are requested to kindly join the CEC . After the CEC there is an arrangement of Lunch so all are requested to kindly join the CEC at 11am . <<notice>>

<<media news>>

All employees working and retirees are requested to please check www.mtnldelhi.in on daily basis for discrepancies in their data on EPFO Portal. If found your name in the list, kindly go on epfo portal, delete your EPS-95 form and fill again with right credentials. MTNL ED office issued a letter regarding this. <<letter>>

Be ready for fight

<<<Notice>>>  

6) EPFO passbook

While submitting Joint option form.

Application Form. Following details maybe required to be filled:

Click here.

https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberInterfacePohw/member

Fill the following details

UAN
Name
DOB
Adhaar card no
Aadhaar Linked Mobile
One window 🪟 to click.
Click on Get OTP.( You will get OTP by SMS)
Fill OTP

System will go to second page.
Here you see your details
Name, father name,etc
Date of joining, date of exit EPS etc.
Here one window to click 🪟

System will go to third page

Here four no of column are there. And you have to click Yes or No

1) click Yes.
Below this attach certificate issued by MTNL (document size less than 250Kb)

2) Click Yes.
Below this again attach certificate issued by MTNL.(document size less than 250Kb)

3) here click NO. (Here retired employees will click NO.
Here working employee will click YES. And attach document.

4) Here click YES.
Below this attach undertaking duly filled and signed.(document size less than 250Kb)

Here Save as draft or Submit.

You can Save as draft, right click & save the draft

If submitted.
Acknowledgment Number is Generated.

GS, MEA Shri V K Tomar, GS, MTNL MS Shri Dharamraj Singh along with other office bearers met CMD on 23 March 23 and discussed various pending issues and issues related to BSNL & MTNL merger

He informed management proposal regarding merger along with MTNL/ BSNL Unions/ Associations views has been sent to DoT on 21 March,23 for their consideration and action. He also informed that BBNL merger is the first priority and is expected to be completed in April 2023 . Minister of Communication is authorised to approve the BBNL merger, while in case of MTNL merger, MoC and Finance Minister are authorised to approve the merger, So it will take some more time.

• We stressed on 3rd PRC implementation before merger of MTNL services and any option to employees to make pay scale parity as per our agreement at the time of settlement of pension issue at par with BSNL.

• We also pleaded for promotion of officers in MTNL in all cadres and streams immediately before merger decision. CMD noted our demand and said he will call for the details in this respect and take action

GS Sh V K Tomar was participated in L20 inception meeting of G20 at Amritsar, Punjab on 19th and 20th March, 2023, and honoured to Preside the session on Skill upgradation and training - role of employee, employer and Government.

L20 is one of the most important engagement group of India’s G20 presidency . The key issues concerning the global workforce to provide direction to the G20 nations and institutions to focus on development reaching to the last person. The key priority areas discussed were:

• Universalisation of social security and
• Women at the centre of future of work.

Shri Hiranmay Pandya, President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) was the Chair of L20.

The L20 event had delegates from Trade Union representatives of G20 nations

Meeting with MTNL/ BSNL BOARD on BSNL and MTNL merger

CMD called meeting of MTNL Unions and Associations today at BSNL Conference hall and gave presentation of proposal of operational merger of mtnl bsnl, which he is going to take to GOS. Dir ( HR), Dir ( Fin), Dir ( Tech), ED, Delhi, ED, Mumbai, and GM( HR) along with other officers were present from management side. from MEA, GS, Sh V K Tomar, DGS, Sh D P S Chaudhary, AGS, Sh Satyavir Singh, AGS, Sh Sunil Sonkar and Jt Secy , Sh Pawan Dixit Participated in the meeting.
There are two part of the proposal
1. Delisting of mtnl ,and carving operationally usefull asset of mtnl and transfer of these asset to bsnl

2. Merger of mtnl workforce in bsnl with these three options
1. Absorption in bsnl with bsnl term and conditions, bsnl basic with PP ,pp will sub subsumed with future increment, for dot absorbees seniority from 01/10/2000 with promotion at par with bsnl from back date, in case of DRs seniority recruitment year wise. 5% Sab and other allowance as being given in bsnl. Take home salary will not reduce.
2. VRS
3. Continue with mtnl the company of assets and liability.

>We raised issue of 3rd PRC implementation
>Protection of Basic pay and increments
> 30% corpus from back date ie from the date of formation of corpus in BSNL
> Concern of Mktg, HR, legal streams etc

We have to give our views in writing shortly. CMD will also discuss this with BSNL's Unions and Associations in a week. And Then it will be submitted to CoS for approval.

MEA meeting with the Director ( HR & EB) on 18-01.23. GM (HR) & his DGMs were also present. General Secy Sh V K Tomar led the MEA delegation.

Point of discussion:
1. Holding of DPC for regular promotion in all caders: Dir( HR) asked GM( HR) to submit details for further discussion with CMD before 26 Jan for clearance of restructuring. MEA however stressed for immediate holding off DPCs without waiting for restructuring and maintain the parity with BSNL . Dir also asked GM to consider this aspect also

2. EPS higher pension option: MEA put forward that joint options for higher pension as per SC Judgment are to be exercised before 03 March 2023, so management has to start the process at the earliest. After detailed discussion, Dir ( HR) asked the concerened officers to study the issue and decide a meeting of all concerened officers in two / three days to take action on this matter.

3.GS raised the issue of long pending anti-dating cases. Dir HR asked to collect the information and put cases with all information within a week .

4. GS raised the issue to open the window of CGHS option again for retired employees particularly in Mumbai. Dir HR asked GM/ DGM HR to collect information from the Mumbai unit in this regard for further action to take decision on this matter.

5.GS asked to post a few lady officers near their spouse/ family on compensate ground. Dir HR asked GM/DGM HR to suggest a feasible option.

6. Different issues related to MTNL and BSNL merger were also discussed .
7. Including the children of employees expired during service in IPD till the retirement date of deceased employee. Dir ( HR) asked the concerened officers to put up the case

Following office bearers attended meeting along with GS, Shri R S Maan, CHQ Vice President, AGSs Sh Satyavir Singh& Sh Sunil Sonkar, Circle Secretary, Sh Sunil Kumar & Jt Secy ,Sh Pawan Dixit

CMD told he has given a presentation in the DOT last week regarding steps he is going to take for MTNL like delisting, share buyback etc. DOT in principle on board with these proposed steps, now he is going to start the process of taking approval from COS and Cabinet if required. He expects this process is going to take 8-9 months to complete.

On HR front he told MTNL's HR restructuring file is with him he will soon look into it. GS raised the issue of promotion AM to DM to SM to DGM and AM(Mkt/HR/etc) strongly ,GS told as he has streamlined promotion in BSNL now he expects the same to be done in the MTNL as soon as possible, GS told there is no litigation or any other issue of seniority list in MTNL, if management wishes, Promotion can be done within a month.  CMD said now after streamlining the promotions in BSNL, his focus will be in MTNL and assured to take all decision in this respect within three months.

Regarding the workforce merger with BSNL, CMD told he will finalize what he is going to do by March 2023, and fairness and justice will be criteria in deciding the same. He will call also stakeholders to discuss the same. He told  the process of implementing this may start in 2024. He is of opinion that MTNL's employees are getting 11-14% higher salaries. He also told he wants the scales BSNL and MTNL should be the same.

Therefore In the case of Option to BSNL to MTNL employees, he is thinking of implementing   (Basic of BSNL +DA of BSNL)+ Personal Pay for MTNL employees, where Personal Pay will = (Basic of MTNL+DA of MTNL)  -  (Basic of BSNL+DA  of BSNL)-5% Superannuation (if applicable). This Personal pay will be subsumed in future increments. He sees there may some difficulty in Matching the seniority of MTNL employees in the BSNL, for which he is planning to have a joint consultation with the association/union of MTNL and BSNL.

GS strongly raised the issue of 30% Superannuation, to which CMD replied it is not under consideration, looking at MTNL's workforce merger into BSNL.

GS strongly raised various issues, and showed his displeasure and anguish that despite several meetings and assurances MTNL's employees' issues were not given due importance, be it promotion,30% superannuation or any other HR issues., he expects management to change this in the year 2023 and also assured full co-operation and ready to contribute in finding solution of MTNL's HR issues

Meeting with Member (Services)--- GS, MEA Shri V K Tomar, GS, MTNL Mazdoor Sangh, Sh Dharamraj Singh & AGS, MEA Shri Satyavir Singh met Member (Services), DOT, Dr Mahesh Shukla today 19th December, 2022 and had a discussion on pension revision. Member ( Services) informed that Pension revision proposal moved by DOT and agreed by DOP&PW was sent to Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, who in turn has asked the financial implication in the pension revision proposal mooted by DOT. So, Now, DOT is working out the financial implication with 0, 5, 10 and 15% fitment. Secretary, DOT has also spoken to Secretary, DOE for early and favourable decision. 


We expressed our concern on two points


1- Our demand of pension revision with CPC was to ensure further revisions smoothly without any linkage of pay revision of MTNL/BSNL, but revision of pension according to PRC may next time also require same lengthy procedure to get pension revision delinked with pay revision. Therefore, a permanent solution is to be devised to avoid future problems. He asked us to write him, and assured to make a provision in the proposal to get pension revision delinked with pay revision for future pension revisions also.


2- When pension revision has been delinked with pay revision and MTNL/BSNL absorbed employees are being treated as govt employees after retirement than why 0,5 0r 10 % fitment calculations are being made. It should be 2.515 as per CPC or 15% as per PRC. Member (Services) said that these calculations will help DOT and Hon'ble Minister to decide maximum fitment.

 

Simple Understanding of Supreme Court Judgment on EPS 95 Pension delivered on 4.11.22

As per judgment those who are in service on or after September 2014 can opt for higher pension.

After the SC judgment the revised contribution to EPS95 Pension scheme will be 8.33 % of actual salary without any ceiling.
(Actual salary means Basic + DA.)

Those who are willing to opt, the amount to be transferred to EPS95 scheme is almost 70% of Management contribution in your PF account. ( Amount to be transferred to EPS corpus will be calculated on differential amount on the actual salary plus interest thereon at the rate PF trust earned, year wise from 1995. In case any employee already drawn NRL, equal amount may be transferred as per above formula from Employee Contribution).

Eigible pension is as per the formula:
5 Years average Actual salary x pensionable service from 1995 devided by factor 70.

For Example :

Basic + DA = Rs 1,20,000

Pensionable service from 1995 ,at the age of 58 is 27

Pension for month is around Rs 46500
(120000×27÷70).

50% for widow/ minor childrens


# It will not be of any benefit to those who retired prior to 31.08.2016 i.e without applying before 1.9.2014 for higher pension , but those who applied for higher pension in service before 1.9.2014 ( retired in August 2016, but EPFO either rejected or didn't process their application) are eligible to get higher pension by opting & depositing the difference of contribution (after issuing the guidelines expecting in First week of Jan 2023, process of Option and payment should be completed within in 4 months as per SC guidelines).

<<judgment copy>>

 at same Venue, which was attended by CHQ office bearers of Delhi and Mumbai, Circle Presidents/ Secretaries/ Treasurers of Delhi & Mumbai Circles along with some other office bearers under the presidentship of Shri P N Vasane, CHQ President.

A very healthy and elaborate discussion was held and all office bearers gave their views and suggestions on various issues which were discussed in Mumbai CEC.

Broadly following issues were discussed

1. All pending HR issues are to be settled before BSNL takes over MTNL services and offer any option to MTNL employees

2. Option to BSNL/MTNL/DOT/VRS/ any other govt organization be given to MTNL employees in case of taking over of MTNL operation by BSNL/ closure

3. Protection of pay/pay scale for those who opt for BSNL

4. Regular promotions in all cadres before taking over of services by BSNL and offering any options

5. 3/5 years transfer Moratorium for those who opt for BSNL

CHQ office bearers decided to strongly stand by the demand of the members and fight with all might to protect their interest and legitimate rights. The meeting ended with through deliberation and vote of thanks by Sh SS Shete AGS CHQ.

GS, MEA, Sh V K Tomar, GS, MTNL MS, Sh Dharmraj Singh & DGS, Sh D P S Chaudhary greeted new Joint Secretary (A) Sh Sunil Kr Verma today 16th June, 22 and discussed following issues.
1. Revival/ MTNL& BSNL merger and fate of MTNL employees in present uncertainties.
Forum representatives elaborately explained and apprised him with the present situation of MTNL and Forum view point on MTNL/ BSNL merger and Revival of MTNL and also the concern of employees regarding their fate in this condition. Being new in DoT, he was not much aware of the situation and status of the ongoing developments on this issue, yet he showed keen interest and noted all relevant points for his knowledge and further persuasion at his level

2. Implementation of 3rd PRC and wage revision...This issue was also explained to him in detail for further discussion with secretary to get affordability condition relaxation from cabinet. He noted down relevant points.

3. Pension fund for MTNL recruited employees and pension revision of DoT employees absorbed in MTNL. These issues were also explained in detail and again he noted these issues for further action by concerned officers of DoT/ MTNL

4. 5% fitment to retired employees. He was updated with the present status of this issue and his intervention was sought to get it expedited.

5. Delay in GPF withdrawal of working employees and other issues related to CPF, gratuity and counting period for pension etc were also apprised to him for DoT intervention.

He listened representatives very patiently and attentively and noted all the issues and also marked our representation on these issues to concerned officers for n/a.

GS along with DGS, Sh D P S Chaudhary and CS, Sh Sunil Kumar met GM(HR) on 22/4/22 and discussed following points:

1. Restructuring of Man power: GM(HR) informed that final meeting of restructuring committee is scheduled to be held on Monday, 25th April.
2..Confirmation of 2019 batch AM(T). He informed that there is some issue with one officer of this batch so DPC members are waiting clearance from Mumbai unit. We have asked him to issue confirmation orders of whole batch leaving one case whose clearance is awaited for quite long time and as and when this officer's clearance is received he/she may be confirmed. GM( HR) will try to convince other DPC members for the same.
3. 5% fitment case reply to DoT.. He assured to send the reply in 2/3 days.
4. Pending antidation cases.. Association once again reminded and pressed him to settle the long pending antidation cases.

Forum had given a agenda to Secretary, DoT and sought appointment for discussion. But because of busy schedule of Secretary and Add Secretary, AS asked Jt Secretary to discuss the agenda points with Forum representatives.
GS MEA, Shri V K Tomar & GS, MTNL MS, Sh Dharamraj Singh met DDG, ( PM) who is looking after the charge of Jt Secretary on 20th April, 2022 and discussed the following points

1. Fate of MTNL employees in case MTNL services are transferred to BSNL as per proposal in cabinet note.
2. Implementation of 3rd PRC
3. Revision of pension of retired employees and formation of pension fund for MTNL recruited employees
4. Salary payment on time.
5. Counting casual service for pension.
6. 5% fitment of retired employees.

DDG(PM) who is looking after the charge of JS has joined recently, so he was not well aware of the issues so he asked forum representatives to brief him in detail about the issues raised in agenda. Forum representatives made him aware of the status of the issues. He was very positive and discussed all the issues with keen interest and asked representatives to meet him after some time.
He informed that cabinet note for second revival package is still under inter -ministerial consultation.

GS MEA com sh V K Tomar, Vice President sh R S Maan, CS sh Sunil Kumar, AGS sh Sunil Kumar Sonkar, President delhi Unit sh Arun Dixit, met and welcomed New Dir(T), BSNL/MTNL sh V Ramesh, in BSNL CO.

We apprised him with current situation of MTNL's services, vendor payment, working employees, etc. We told him that MTNL has best officers, we are handling VVIP customer day and night without resources. He told early integration of network. We told him to get absorb employees also with network.
We request him to invest in MTNL network. We held a detailed discussion for the betterment of services.
He is very positive and hopeful that Glorious days will come. And told that Second revival package is in active consideration of govt and communication Ministry is very positive.
We assured him to give our full support for the betterment of MTNL.

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