The private telecom companies steeply increased their tariffs. Consequent to this, a large number of customers are migrating to BSNL from private companies. It is learnt that several lakhs of customers have already migrated to BSNL. Now, it is the duty of the BSNL to cater to the needs of these customers. BSNL’s tariffs are certainly cheaper. But this is not sufficient. BSNL has to provide high-speed data service to the customers without further delay. Otherwise, it will be difficult for BSNL to retain the customers. It is the responsibility of BSNL Management and the government to ensure the immediate roll out of BSNL’s 4G service. In June, 2023, BSNL placed purchase order to TCS and ITI for the supply of 1 lakh 4G BTSs. Earlier, Shri P.K. Purwar, CMD BSNL had announced that BSNL’s 4G network would be commissioned by October, 2024. Thereafter, he shifted this deadline to December, 2024. In the meanwhile, Shri Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Telecom, has told the media that “major part of BSNL’s 4G roll out would be completed in this Financial Year, i.e., by March, 2025”. It means, complete roll out of BSNL’s 4G network is not going to take place even by March, 2025. It will be a big blow to BSNL if it’s 4G network roll out is not completed even by March, 2025. The government should stop giving lip-service to BSNL and should prove in practice that BSNL’s 4G network roll out is completed immediately. If necessary, the government should enable BSNL to share Vodafone Idea’s 4G network and immediately provide 4G service to it’s customers. 

The General Secretaries of BSNLEU and NFTE have written a detailed joint letter to the new CMD BSNL today, on the issue of Wage Revision. It is pointed out in this letter that, agreement was reached between the Recognised Unions and the Management on the new pay scales of the Non-Executives, in the Joint Wage Negotiating Committee meeting held on 27-07-2018. However, it is pointed out that, the Management has violated this agreement and is trying to impose shorter pay scales on the Non-Executives, which will perpetuate the problem of stagnation and will also create problems in future Wage Revisions. It is also pointed out that Shri Manoj Sinha ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and Ms.Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary Telecom, have given commitments for an early settlement of the Wage Revision of the Non-Executives. BSNLEU and NFTE have demanded in the letter that, these commitments should be honoured, by implementing the Wage Revision immediately. Both the unions have also pointed out that, the allowances of BSNL employees are not revised for almost quarter of a century and requested the CMD BSNL that revision of allowances should also be considered.

Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, went on leave for 4 months. During his absence, Com.John Verghese, Deputy GS, functioned as the Acting General Secretary. Also, Com. Animesh Mitra, President and Com.C.K.Gundanna, AGS, worked from the CHQ at New Delhi during this period and efficiently managed the functioning of the All India Union. Now, on expiry of his leave, Com. P.Abhimanyu resumed duty as the General Secretary of the Union w.e.f today the 29-07-2024. CHQ heartily thanks Com. Animesh Mitra, President, Com.John Verghese, Dy.GS and Com. C.K.Gundanna,AGS, for their contributions in running the All India Union. The CHQ also heartily thanks all the Circle Secretaries, as well as the CHQ office bearers for their kind cooperation.

With Jio, Airtel and Vodafone increasing their tariffs, many customers are opting to port their numbers to BSNL. This shift marks a significant opportunity for BSNL to capitalise on the public's renewed interest. Reports from various field units indicate a positive trend, with approximately 33 lakh new customers joining the BSNL network in the past 25 days. 

BSNL CMD has assured that there are no current plans to increase tariffs, further attracting customers. In the recent Parliament session, some MPs raised concerns about BSNL, and the Minister of State for Communications provided encouraging responses about BSNL's performance over the past few years.

This growing support suggests that BSNL is on the verge of a revival. However, to sustain this momentum, immediate action is required to roll out 4G/5G services. The government must ensure that BSNL customers receive the best possible service to maintain and build upon this positive trend.

Despite the Government of India's directive on 3rd June 2024, the BSNL Management has yet to issue the office order for the payment of DA to casual labourers. BSNLEU raised the issue and submitted the government's order copy to the PGM (Estt.) on 24th July 2024. Unfortunately, the Corporate Office has not yet released the order, resulting in casual labourers being denied the DA amount with their salary this month. On 24th July, Com. Animesh Mitra, President and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary met Shri S.P. Singh, PGM (Estt.) to conveyed our strong dissatisfaction. While the PGM (Estt.) cited administrative difficulties for the delay, he assured prompt action to address the issue.

Despite a meeting with the Director (HR), critical issues affecting Non-Executives remain unresolved. Com. Animesh Mitra, President, Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, and Com. C.K. Gundanna, AGS, met with Ms. Anita Johri, CGM(SR), to express their dissatisfaction with the management's lack of urgency in addressing these concerns. Key issues such as promotions for sports personnel, Rule 8 transfers, welfare meetings, and EPF deductions in the Odisha Circle were highlighted. The CGM(SR) assured the union leaders that she would convey their concerns to the Director (HR) and strive to organise a meeting to resolve these matters promptly.

BSNLEU representatives, including President Com. Animeh Mitra, Acting General Secretary Com. John Verghese and AGS Com. C.K. Gundanna, recently met with CGM(SR) to address the urgent need for a regular CGM in the West Bengal Circle. The circle has been functioning without a regular CGM for the past four months. Despite the Corporate Office appointing a CGM, the order was recently cancelled or postponed, resulting in a collapse of the operational situation and severely affecting development and maintenance activities. In response to this critical issue, BSNLEU, West Bengal Circle Union, initiated a week-long agitation starting on 16.07.2024, demanding the appointment of a permanent CGM. During the meeting, the matter was highlighted to CGM(SR), who assured that further action would be taken after consulting with the Director (HR).

Both recognised Non-Executive Unions, BSNLEU and NFTE, represented by Com. Animesh Mitra, President and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary of BSNLEU and Com. C Singh, GS of NFTE BSNL, met CMD BSNL Shri Robert Jerard Ravi on a courtesy visit. They emphasised the urgent need to address the pending 3^rd PRC and Stagnation issues. CMD BSNL responded positively, indicating a commitment to resolving these critical concerns for the workforce.