8th October – A Black Day for Junior Engineers of BSNL
Once again, the recognized unions have added a dark page to the history of BSNL. On 8th October, the rights, dignity, and future of the Junior Engineers (JEs) — the very technical backbone of BSNL — were completely ignored.
Just as during the 2nd Pay Revision, the JE cadre has once again been overlooked in the 3rd Pay Revision. This repeated neglect of such a vital group not only demoralizes thousands of dedicated employees but also weakens the foundation of those working tirelessly for the revival of our beloved BSNL.
What Happened in the Wage Revision Process
In the last Wage Negotiation Committee (WNC) meeting held on 26th September, the management side advised the unions to meet with BSNL’s top management before signing the final agreement. At every stage, the management side acknowledged the legitimacy of the NE-9 issue, even admitting that accepting the standard NE-9 pay scale would cause only a minimal financial burden to BSNL.
The next logical step was simple — to meet with the CMD BSNL and finalize the matter. However, GS/BSNLEU, Shri Animesh Mitra, showed no urgency or interest in doing so. It is deeply disappointing that the most crucial meeting — with CMD BSNL — was ignored, even when SNATTA had clearly conveyed that one constructive discussion could have secured the future of thousands of Junior Engineers.
SNATTA’s Consistent Effort for Justice
SNATTA remained firm and responsible throughout. A formal request letter was sent to BSNLEU GS, urging an official appointment with the CMD before any signature on the agreement. Instead of supporting this just and logical step, Shri Animesh Mitra insisted that the agreement should first be signed — and only afterward should the issue be discussed.
This stance clearly reflected a lack of will to safeguard JE interests. No genuine effort was made by BSNLEU to arrange the CMD meeting. Instead, false and misleading statements were circulated against SNATTA GS, Com. Suresh Kumar, accusing him of being unwilling to sign the agreement — a complete distortion of truth. The facts are clear: SNATTA stood for justice, not for delay.
Truth Against False Propaganda
Today, BSNLEU GS Com. Animesh Mitra has again issued a false statement, claiming that SNATTA GS, Com. Suresh Kumar, never participated in any protests. This is entirely untrue. No official intimation or communication regarding participation in the strikes held on 19th February 2024 and 9th July 2025 was ever made to him.
Yet, despite this, Com. Suresh Kumar stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the workforce, actively participated in the strikes, and even faced salary deductions for doing so. Such false narratives only attempt to undermine genuine leadership and mislead BSNL employees who deserve transparency and honesty.
Reality of BSNLEU’s Role on JE Issues
It is unfortunate that Com. Animesh Mitra continues to spread misinformation to hide his own failures. The truth is undeniable — apart from issuing letters, BSNLEU has not resolved a single issue concerning the Junior Engineer cadre. Instead of addressing the real grievances of BSNL’s backbone workforce, BSNLEU’s leadership has resorted to blame-shifting and distortion.
The Junior Engineers of BSNL deserve truth, accountability, and genuine representation — not empty promises, not misinformation, and not politics over their careers.
SNATTA’s Commitment
SNATTA stands firm and unwavering. We will continue to raise our voice through truth, unity, and determination until justice is delivered to the Junior Engineers of BSNL. This 8th October will forever be remembered as a Black Day — not for failure, but as a reminder that truth and courage never surrender.
With solidarity and determination,
Suresh Kumar
General Secretary, SNATTA
Date: 09.10.2028