Leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations met Additional Secretary, Telecom Miss. Rita Teaotia on 8th January 2013 and discussed the important issues facing the BSNL and MTNL and their workers.
1. 78.2% IDA Fixation to BSNL employees:
The Joint Forum representatives pointed out that though the agreement was made between the Joint Forum and BSNL Management in June 2012, the same is awaiting approval of the DOT for issue of orders and demanded early approval. They expressed their serious anxiety in the delay. AST stated that it is under the active consideration of the DOT and assured early decision.
2. Govt. Pension for MTNL employees:
JF demanded that MTNL absorbed employees also should granted pension under Rule 37A as is being paid to the BSNL absorbed DOT employees by the government. AST stated that a Pension Fund is created for the MTNL employees and that will solve the present problem. JF did not agree and reiterated their earlier demand. They further explained the justification for Government pension.
3. Immediate payment of Rs. 1500 crore to BSNL towards Rural Service:
4. The JF leaders requested AST to ensure that the Rs.1500 crore approved by DOT for BSNL from the USO Fund be paid to the BSNL at the earliest so that the PSU can utilise the same for expansion and development. Addl. Secretary assured that the process is in motion and it will be paid early.
5. Exempting BSNL and MTNL from payment of charges for extra spectrum:
The JF leaders pointed out the reports stating that BSNL and MTNL will have to pay more than Rs.11,000 crore as charges for additional spectrum allotted to them in excess of 4.4.Mhz. They requested that considering the fact that both the PSUs are in loss for the last few years and also the fact that they were being charged much more than the private companies, they may be exempted completely from payment. The AST stated that a cabinet note is being prepared in this connection.
6. Refund of BWA Spectrum:
The Forum representatives demanded that the PSUs be refunded the amount of BWA Spectrum charges paid by them, since the spectrum has already been surrendered. AST assured early action in the matter.
7. Non-filling up of posts of DGM, DE etc:
Thousands of posts of DGM, DE etc are not filled up causing loss to the officials due for promotion. These may be filled up immediately by promotion from the eligible officials. AST stated that the matter has already been brought to the notice of the BSNL management for necessary action.
8. Removal of anomaly in pension
The JF leaders pointed out the long delay in settlement of the anomaly of less pension to those BSNL employees who retired during the period October 2000 to June 2001 due to the conversion from CDA to IDA scale and demanded early orders. AST assured to examine the same favourably.

9. Minimum Pension to be made Rs. 3880 instead of Rs. 3,500
The present minimum pension as per government orders are only Rs. 3,500. Since the lowest salary in BSNL is Rs.7,760, the minimum pension should not be less than half of the same viz. Rs. 3,880. The AST agreed to take up the matter with government.

Com.M.K.Bagchi, Chairman, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener and other leaders of Joint Forum participated in the discussions. From BSNLEU and AIBDPA respectively, Coms. Swapan Chakraborty, AGS and K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary participated.