The meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations held today, 26 June, has unanimously decided to donate one day pay to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for helping the people affected by the Uttarakhand disaster. The Forum has requested that the amount be deducted from the salary of the employees. It is expected that the donation will come around Rs. 40 to 50 crore.  The Forum has also suggested that an advance by BSNL be immediately given to Relief Fund, without waiting for the collection.

The Forum meeting congratulated the Military (including Air Force and all defence personnel ) for the continued efforts to save the stranded pilgrims, tourists and local population round the clock, without even considering their own safety. Already some of these army personnel have sacrificed their lives to bring the stranded to safety. The Forum condoled the death of these brave hearts who are the pride of the country. The Forum also mourned the death of more than 1,000  in one of the worst disaster the country has ever seen.

The Forum urged the BSNL Management to make all efforts for the immediate restoration of the BSNL services in the state. Our employees have been doing their best to restore the services, even working 24 hours. The Forum requests the management to make available all required equipment for the restoration. Forum wants the management to immediately take necessary steps to assist the BSNL employees who have been affected due to the disaster both in Uttarakhand and those tourists/ pilgrims from other circles.

The Forum also wants the DOT to financially support the BSNL in its efforts to restore the services in Uttarakhand. This will help BSNL which is in weak financial position.