Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL

A meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was held on 14-03-2005 at the office of the Staff Side, National Council, BSNL. The participants reviewed the meeting with the Prime Minister. It was decided to submit a Memorandum to the CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL after organizing demonstrations/rallies at All India/Circle/SSA. The same memorandum will be submitted at Circle/SSA levels also. The memorandum should include the issues of FDI, ADC, USOF, Outsourcing, BSNL/MTNL Merger, Absorption of ITS /Group A Officers, ILD, Cellular, Unbundling and Broad band.

The Memorandum was submitted by the Joint Forum leaders both to the CMD of BSNL and MTNL on 19-04-2005 demanding immediate steps for development and expansion of services as also on certain demands of the workers like pension. It was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener & GS,BSNLEU, O.P.Gupta, GS, NFTE, S.Basu, GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi, GS SNEA, K.Vallinyagam, GS FNTO, V.Naryana, GS BSNLMS, V.K.Tomar, GSMTNLEA, V.Subburaman, GS TEPU, Raj Kishore, GS BSNLWRU, Devender Singh, GS, MTNLOA, Vrijesh Upadhyaya, GS MTNLMS, K.M.Pillai, GS MTNLSWU and Umesh Tyagi MTNLKVS. The Unions/Associations in MTNL met the CMD MTNL and Unions/Associations of BSNL met the CMD BSNL and discussed the issues of the concerned PSUs. A meeting was also held with the Secretary DOT Shri Nripendra Mishra,  on 11-02-2005 and discussed the BSNL and connected issues.

Joint Rallies by the Joint Forum of Unions/Associations

On the common issues of BSNL and MTNL, two large rallies were held during this period by the executive and non-executive unions/associations.

Government Pension for BSNL retirees  – DOT Letter dated 15-03-2005

Shri Nripendra Misra, then Secretary, DOT, issued a D.O.letter to Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL vide D.O.No 1-45/2003-B dated 15 March 2005 on the status of the pension contribution to be paid by BSNL to the government. This letter assured that in respect of employees who were on deemed deputation to BSNL, as also those absorbed in BSNL, the pension liability will be met by the Government of India. BSNL on their part will pay pension contribution in respect of absorbed employees till their retirement and also those of on deemed deputation. The Finance and Accounts Wing would work out the modality for payment by BSNL towards pension. BSNL will be liable to pay pension contribution in accordance with FR 116 for the period they have worked in BSNL and contribution will be on the basis of the above decision. Thus the assurance on pension by Government to BSNL absorbed was reiterated.

Memorandum to the CMD BSNL on 19-04-2005

As per the decision of the Joint Forum, a Memorandum was submitted to the CMD BSNL on the various issues with regard to the development and expansion of BSNL. The memorandum was received by Shri S.K.Jain Director (HRD) since Shri A.K.Sinha,CMD BSNL was away from Delhi. Demonstrations were held in circles/SSAs and memorandum submitted to the CGMs / SSA Heads.

In the meantime, a detailed reply from Dr. J.S.Sharma, Secretary, DOT, dated 28th September 2005, was received with regard to the discussion   with the Prime Minister.  The main decision was that the PM assured that the recommendations of the TRAI for unbundling of the BSNL’s copper wire is not accepted. Other assurances were also given.

At the same time, the government and the management was moving for implementation of the various decisions they have taken against BSNL to check its advancement so that the private sector can get much benefit. It was reported in the press that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs have approved disinvestment of six profit making Non-Navaratna PSUs, including BSNL. It was also reported that the government has decided for sharing of infrastructure of BSNL with private telecom operators in rural areas. It was clear that these are pre-meditated attacks for privatization of BSNL. Despite a waiting list of 13 lakhs for mobile connection, BSNL failed to provide the same. The Non-absorption of ITS officers in BSNL was another reason for the non-development and expansion. Though eligible, BSNL was not granted Navaratna status. The status would have resulted in more autonomy for the company for purchase of equipment etc.