Due to the VI Membership Verification for electing the recognised unions of the non-executives in BSNL, the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations could not meet for a few weeks. Now the same will meet on 2nd May at 03.00 PM at the BSNLMS Office, New Delhi.

The meeting has got some serious issues to discuss and take decisions. The delay in issue of the orders on 78.2% IDA fixation is one. Even 10 months after the agreement between the management and the Forum, it has not been implemented. It is the responsibility of the BSNL management to ensure that the agreement is honoured. It has to pressurise the DOT to approve the same early.

BSNL is in loss for the fourth consecutive year. The efforts of the Forum to implement the “Subscriber Delight” programme has been partly successful. But the revenue has not increased as required. How to change the anti-PSU policy of the government, how to make the management to work and how to motivate the workers for better service to the people are issues which had to be discussed and decided. The present position, in any way, has to be improved.

Strengthening the Forum bringing all the unions/associations, still out of the Forum, is an important task. To plan and implement programmes for the growth of BSNL, this is necessary. FNTO is still keeping out. They should be part of the Forum. It is good that the AIGETOA has joined the Forum and has been participating in all the programmes effectively. SNATTA, though a cadre association, should not keep away from the common movement. AIGETOA and SNATTA consist of new recruits, whose future depends upon the continuation and strengthening of BSNL. Both of them have to take active part in the Forum.

Forum should be made stronger and its activities spread all over the country. The government has formed a panel of Ministers with P.Chidambaram, Finance Minister, as Chairman to ‘revive’ BSNL and MTNL. From the past experiences, such ‘revival’ means implementation of VRS, Disinvestment etc. and further weakening of the PSUs. This can not be allowed. The government should be compelled to honour its commitments made to BSNL at the time of corporatisation for its financial viability. The management should be efficient. The permanent deputation of ITS officers to BSNL is not the best option for improving BSNL. Through new recruits at the top management level and also promotion from the eligible executives, a capable management should be reconstructed. The workers should be given continued training to cope up with the latest technology and services.

These are some of the issues that will be discussed in the Forum. The Forum should be made an effective platform for effecting improvements for BSNL and its workers. All the unions/associations should co-ordinate and jointly work for the same.