AUAB meets the CMD BSNL - Discusses issues related to the revival package.

Leaders of the AUAB met the CMD BSNL yesterday and discussed about certain issues related to the revival package approved by the Cabinet. Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director(HR) and Shri A.M.Gupta, GM(SR) were present. Com.P.Abhimanyu,Convenor, Com.Chandeswar Singh, Chairman, Com.K.Sebastin,GS,SNEA, Com.S.Sivakumar, GS, AIBSNLEA, Com.Suresh Kumar, GS, BSNL MS, Com. Mohinder, CS, NTR, FNTO, Com.Sandeep Kumar, AGS, Com.Rewati Prasad, BSNL ATM and Com.H.P.Singh,GS,BSNL OA. The following issues were discussed.

At the outset of the meeting, the leaders appreciated the efforts taken by Shri P.K.Purwar, CMD BSNL, for getting the allotment of 4G spectrum and other financial assistances to BSNL approved by the government. 

1. No rolling back of the retirement age to 58 years.

Even in yesterday's meeting, the CMD BSNL stated that the option of rolling back of the retirement age to 58 is still there with the DoT/government. The AUAB submitted it's letter to the CMD BSNL, signed by all the above mentioned leaders, demanding that the retirement age should not be rolled back to 58 years, by advancing the reasonings as to why it should not be done. CMD BSNL assured that the letter would be forwarded to the government. 

2. Facing the shortage of manpower, consequent to the implementation of the VRS. 

It is pointed out by the AUAB that, after the implementation of the VRS, there will be acute shortage of manpower and the work load will increase tremendously. Consequently, the quality of the services will be badly affected, if suitable remedial measures are not taken. The CMD BSNL shared the concern of the AUAB. However, he stated that, the situation is fluid now and that appropriate action would be taken depending upon the situation. 

3. As per Rules, commutation of Pension can be done when the employee is alive.

Now, as per the Cabinet decision, Pension will be settled only on the date of actual retirement of the employee who opts for VRS. In case, if a VRS optee dies before the date of his actual retirement, then his/her family cannot get the benefit of commutation of pension. The AUAB demanded that this issue should be resolved. The CMD BSNL assured that needful would be done. 

4. Sending back the officers to their parent circles to facilitate settlement of their pension.

The AUAB pointed out that the officers who have already been transferred to far-away places and who will be availing VRS, will have to be sent back immediately to their parent circles, to facilitate settlement of their pension. This is because, pension can be settled only by their parent circles, argued the leader. The CMD BSNL appreciated the concern of the leaders and assured that needful would be done in this regard.