Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) employees have renewed their demands for a long-pending wage revision, improved retirement benefits, changes to allowances and the restoration of festival advances. These issues were discussed at the 41st National Council meeting held on October 9, 2026, between BSNL management and the Staff Side, which represents employees and recognised unions.
The meeting covered several unresolved employee concerns, including salary revisions, benefits for casual labourers, mobile handset reimbursement, promotions and retirement-related payments. Management provided updates on various demands, although several issues remain under consideration.
BSNL Wage Revision: What Is the Latest Update?
The Staff Side raised concerns over the delay in implementing the non-executive wage revision agreement signed by BSNL management and recognised unions on October 8, 2025.
The agreement was recommended by the BSNL Board to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on February 12, 2026, for government approval. However, a final decision is still awaited.
According to the meeting circular, management informed employee representatives that discussions were taking place between DoT and BSNL officials to speed up the settlement process.
The Staff Side also demanded that the wages of casual labourers be revised in accordance with the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay scales. It called for the resolution of their long-standing wage-related concerns.
Management stated that the matter would be examined but did not provide a specific timeline for implementing the revision.
BSNL Retirement Benefits: Demand to Increase SAB Contribution
Employee representatives reiterated their demand for an increase in the Superannuation Benefits (SAB) contribution for employees recruited by BSNL.
The Staff Side sought implementation of the 2nd Pay Revision Committee (PRC) recommendation, which provides for a contribution of 30% of basic pay plus dearness allowance (DA). The current contribution stands at 25.1%.
According to the employee representatives, the 4.9-percentage-point gap needs to be addressed to protect retirement benefits, including those available to non-executive employees.
Management said the proposal was under examination and indicated that the contribution could be increased in phases. The matter was pending before the Management Committee.
The Staff Side also requested that ex-gratia payments and Non-Executive Promotion Policy (NEPP) benefits be extended to certain retired employees. Management said these demands would be examined.
Allowance Revision and Festival Advance Restoration
The Staff Side called for a review of several allowances, arguing that existing rates need to be updated in view of the implementation of the 3rd Pay Revision Committee (PRC).
The demands included revisions to house rent allowance (HRA), overtime allowance, transport allowance, scholarships and other outdated allowances. Employee representatives also sought representation for the recognised union on the committee examining these proposals.
Management agreed to include a union representative on the committee. However, its position remained unfavourable on several allowance revision demands.
The restoration of festival advances was also among the employee issues raised at the National Council meeting.
Mobile Reimbursement, Promotions and Other Employee Demands
The Staff Side sought mobile handset reimbursement for all non-executive employees, citing the need to use smartphones for online attendance marking.
Although the Management Committee had accepted the proposal, it had not received approval from the BSNL Board. Management said the demand would be reconsidered following a review.
Other matters raised during the meeting included special incentives for employees posted in the Kashmir Valley, a review of staff strength in hilly and remote circles, and special arrangements for departmental competitive examinations in cases where vacancies are limited.
Employee representatives also highlighted pending promotion cases involving sportspersons, the resumption of sports activities, transfers under existing policies and retirement benefits for employees whose caste certificates are awaiting verification. Management indicated that several of these issues would be examined.
Separately, BSNL management assured the Staff Side that the 10th membership verification process would be conducted by the end of December 2026.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the details provided regarding the 41st BSNL National Council meeting held on October 9, 2026. The positions attributed to BSNL management and employee representatives reflect the information available in the supplied meeting summary. Any proposed changes, pending approvals or future implementation dates may be subject to further decisions. Employees should refer to official BSNL communications and circulars for the latest confirmed updates.