Package for MTNL, BSNL workers

The Cabinet today extended the last date for permanent absorption of 2,200 Indian Telecom Service officials (the Group A officials) into BSNL and MTNL by two weeks to October 15.

It also announced a special package, including a 25 per cent rise in emoluments retrospectively, for the officials. It has clarified that these officers would not suffer any loss of emoluments on permanent absorption and that the senior officers would be eligible for stagnation increment.

The package also includes a special allowance of 25 per cent increase in emoluments per month for each officer, calculated from October 1, 2000.

It has also introduced a new provision whereby such employees would have an option to receive pro-rata retirement benefits, if so desired.

The officers may also go for the addition of five years qualifying service for pension in case they seek voluntary retirement on completion of 20 years.

However, the Indian Telecom Service Association (ITSA) has rejected the package offered by the government. "There is nothing new in this package. Core issues relating to career progression, upgradation, criteria for board-level post selection issue and interference by the DoT in PSUs remain unresolved. So, we don't accept this," the association said in its reply to the government.

"It is very unfortunate that the DoT has been successful in strangulating the democratic means of consultation and dialogue-seeking solutions in the interest of all its officers in BSNL and MTNL," the association added.

Meanwhile, Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene in the matter. "The issue needs to be handled with sensitivity as it involves their career prospects," he said.

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The Bait

25 per cent rise in emolument

Senior officers to be eligible for stagnation increment

Addition of five years qualifying service for pension in case of voluntary retirement