The militant organisation of the BSNL-DOT Pensioners, The All India BSNL-DOT Pensioners Association, will be celebrating its 2nd Birth Anniversary on 21st October 2011. This is a democratically formed organisation, functioning democratically embracing those retired from DOT as well as BSNL.
There was a dialogue going on whether to form a separate organisation for the BSNL and DOT Pensioners other than the Central Government Pensioners Association. After the issue was discussed in detail at All India and also at Circle levels, it became evident that a separate organisation for the DOT and BSNL Pensioners is necessary to sort out their separate issues. It was also felt that the orgnaisation should include both the DOT and BSNL Pensioners since they belong to the same family, whether DOT or BSNL. Their future are mixed together and it will have common cause.
Hence as per the overwhelming opinion of the DOT and BSNL Pensioners and at the initiative of BSNL Employees Union an All India Convention was held at New Delhi on 21st October 2009 which unanimously decided to form The AIBDPA. Com.M.K.Pandhe, then President, CITU and the tallest leader of the Indian working class, inaugurated the Convention, preparing for the formation of the Association.
Within the short two years of its existence AIBDPA has grown with Circle Unions in most of the circles and a large number of membership. Every month, most of the BSNL employees retiring are joining AIBDPA.
AIBDPA stands with the BSNL workers on common issues. AIBDPA participatd in the struggles of the BSNL workers and as senior comrades shared their experiences with those working comrades.
AIBDPA thanks BSNLEU and also JAC for taking up the pensioners issues and going on struggle on issues like pension revision of pre-2007 BSNL retires, Anomaly in Pension etc. The settlement of pension revision of pre-2007 BSNL retirees is a major achievement of the AIBDPA, BSNLEU and JAC.
AIBDPA stands with the programme of the Central Trade Unions on the issues of the toiling masses of the country.
October 21, 2011 is the second anniversary of the birth of this vibrant organisation and the CHQ has issued directions to observe the day by holding general body meetings/ rallies etc. and explaining the need of the hour. It is also suggested that maximum number of subscribers to “Telepensioner” be enrolled by meeting those who have not subscribed so far. Reports of the same to be sent to the General Secretary AIBDPA for information and necessary action.