Row on telecom staff absorption

While the government is gearing up to implement a contingency plan after the deadline for absorption of over 2,200 cadre-based 'Group-A' officials in MTNL and BSNL passes, confusion prevails over the number of people who have opted for absorption.

Sources in the department of telecom (DoT) today claimed that about 450 serving officials have opted for absorption while Indian Telecom Services Association officials said only 5-6 officers have signed up and that too due to personal reasons.

"We have all the details about officers who have opted for absorption," ITSA President SS Sirohi said.

ITSA said officers who have opted for absorption are from services other than its cadre, like accounts, and include retired officials as the option was given from October 2000. The number of ITSA officials opting for absorption is less than six, Sirohi said.

According to sources, DoT is examining the court orders staying withdrawal of over 2,200 Group-A officers from their present key positions and putting them in a surplus cell. October 15 is the last date for officials being on deputation in MTNL or BSNL.

Earlier, DoT had given time till October 10 to over the over 2,200 Group-A officers to get absorbed in either of the two PSUs. However, the cabinet approved financial package was rejected by ITSA, saying their core demands were yet to be addressed.