Yesterday night and today, I have been getting a lot of SMSs, telephone calls and  e-mails with regard to my decision to step down from the post of Convener of the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations. Many comrades conveyed their disapproval stating that I should have continued, since the present situation require the leadership. Some others have asked why a personal  decision has been taken without wider discussion in the organisation. Some comrades have appreciated the work done by the Forum for the last many years and also congratulated for having taken a decision for a generation change. Some comrades who contacted were emotional and very unhappy at my decision.

I express my sincere thanks to all these comrades who appreciated and wanted me to continue. Such opinions and pleading are all natural. Change is also natural and is necessary for the progress and advancement. This basic understanding is most important.

Why I wanted to be relieved from the post of Convener, Forum? First of all, I have been the Convener of the Joint Forum/JAC/Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations from its formation in 2004. Name of the organisation  has changed, but I continued. It is more than 10 years and that is an adequate time to be in a post. Secondly and generally I have not continued in the important posts more than 4 terms, whether it was Branch Secretary, District Secretary, Circle Secretary, Asst. General Secretary or General Secretary. Every time, it has been on my insistence that a change has taken place, despite the fact that most comrades did not want a change. Then why a different criteria for this post?

Further, during this period almost all unions and associations have become part of the Forum and it has strengthened. The smooth functioning of the Forum is expected to continue. This is the time when there should be a change.

A very successful strike has taken place on 21-22 April 2015 on the demand of revival of BSNL and Better Service to the people. Though the demands are yet to be achieved, this is a special occasion after a good strike and naturally the time for a change.

The last 10 years have been a period of struggle and agitations of all sorts by the BSNL Employees,which was heralded by the JF/JAC/Forum. Ten strike calls were given out  of which five fruitifed in to complete successful strike, while the others were deferred after successful agreement. 5 Parliament Marches were organised with thousands of participants. Three All India Conventions were held in Delhi which were addressed by the veteran trade union leaders and Parliament members who supported our programme and agitations. Savingram, Telegram, Signature, Black Badge and  Post Card campaigns were conducted effectively. During this period of 10 years about 80 dharnas,  protest demonstrations were organised. Almost all these were for the cause of the telecom PSU, BSNL. For some period, joint programmes were organised with MTNL also. The JF/JAC/Forum met the Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT etc. several times to ensure that the workers demands are settled.

Because of the unity of the workers and united struggles, we were able to stop disinvestment, VRS, Unbundlement of cables and privatisation. We have also been able to stop further attacks on the workers.

These 10 years was a period of continued struggle with the full support of the workers and leaders alike. All the unions/associations stood together to defend the workers and the company. I am really proud that we all together could do all these, which was an impossible task. Yes Comrades, we have done the impossible for the workers and the company.

Hence it is with full satisfaction that I  have stepped down from the post of Convener. During this joint functioning many veteran leaders like Comrade O.P.Gupta were part of this joint movement. All the leaders of the various unions/associations have jointly built this umbrella organisation and the credit for the same goes to every body, not to the Convener or Chairman alone. If, during these activities or discussions, I have  caused any displeasure or harm to any body, it may kindly be excused. I thank all of our comrades for the support and solidarity given to me in running the organisation.

The coming days are  more difficult. There are many challenges which we have to face. Though I may not be Convener or office-bearer, I am always with all of you and any task allotted to me will be sincerely attended to.

I once again thank all of you for your appreciation and kind works. We shall march ahead with dedication and determination.