Monthly Archives: June 2015

Rs. 6,000 crore loan for Sugar Mills – Even sanctioned funds not paid to BSNL

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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It is known to every body that PSUs are not a priority to the central government. It is more worried about the private enterprises than its own companies.

Today’s press reports state that the NDA government is allotting Rs. 6,000 crore loan to Sugar Mills to clear dues to the farmers. We are not against the same, since it may benefit the farmers also in addition to the sugar barons.

But what about the amount of Rs. 1,250 crores already allotted to BSNL from USOF towards losses sustained by providing services in rural areas as per the policy of the government for the year 2012-13. Why not it is being paid, when  BSNL is in difficulty to purchase equipment due to lack of funds?

Why not refund the BWA Spectrum Charges coming to about Rs. 6,000 Crores after surrender of the spectrum to government by BSNL three years back? Even if Rs. 2,000 crore has been adjusted towards payment of licence fee as claimed by the government, why not the balance Rs. 4,000 crore paid?

The central government should immediately act and pay BSNL its due with out any further delay.

 

BSNL Comrade, What did you do to improve BSNL in the last 3 days?

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has given a one month campaign of SAVE BSNL from 8th June 2015, by utilisng the “09.00 PM to 07.00 AM Free Call Scheme” and the “Free Roaming Scheme” introduced by BSNL. The CMD BSNL has also agreed to fully co-operate with the programme of the Forum. The Forum has listed the activities, propaganda, work etc. that have to be carried out during this period to improve services, improve relations with customers, clearance of early faults, procurement of equipment etc.

Out of this  month campaign, already, three days are over. I hope that the campaign has already started in right earnest. It is in this context that each BSNL employee should review what he has done for the campaign.

Time lost is never recovered. History does not pardon anybody who missed the opportunity. Here is an opportunity to save BSNL. Every body has to be part of this big campaign. Wake up and act! Excuses do not take anybody anywhere.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 8 )

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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Meeting with CMD BSNL on 22nd July 2006

In the backdrop of the notice given by the Joint Forum for agitational programme, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL on 22-07-2006. The gist of the official minutes released is given below:

No Disinvestment of BSNL/MTNL: The JF strongly opposed to the proposal of IPO worth 10% of paid up capital over and above the existing shares, which is only leading to privatization. CMD stated that there is no requirement of funds at present and that there is no substance in the apprehension.

No Unbundling of local loop: Though a committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary DOT has been formed, no decision has been taken. The committee will look in to all options. Minister’s assurance also is there.

No sharing of infrastructure: The Unions strongly opposed the move to share infrastructure of the BSNL with private companies.

No Increase in FDI:  Unions strongly opposed any increase in FDI. The CMD stated that the issue is dealt with at the highest level.

No reduction in revenue sharing, immediate grant of Navaratna Status to BSNL, Grant of Autonomy to BSNL, Expansion of mobile and broadband services and amicable settlement of ITS absorption issues were also discussed.

Demonstrations on 27-07-2006

The Demonstrations on 27th July 2006 was successfully organized and telegrams sent to the Prime Minister as decided.

Historic Parliament March on 3rd August 2006.

The March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006 was participated by more than twelve thousand workers of BSNL and MTNL.  The mobilization was mainly from MTNL Delhi and BSNL from nearby circles. The workers led by the JF leaders started from the CTO (Eastern Court) premises and marched via Jantar Mantar . The march was stopped by the police at the Parliament Street, where a massive rally was held. Coms. Sitaram Yechuri, M.P., Basudev Acharya, M.P., Tapan Sen, M.P. and Roop Chand Pal, M.P. addressed the rally and gave all support to the demands raised by the Joint Forum. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS BSNLEU & Convener JF and General Secretaries of the unions/associations addressed the March.

This was the biggest participation of the telecom workers opposing the neo-labour policies of the government after the formation of BSNL and MTNL.

Pension issue – Meeting with Secretary DOT on 06-09-2006

The leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Associations met Shri D.S.Mathur, Secretary, DOT and chairman, Telecom Commission, on 6th September 2006 and discussed following:

1.Pension issue: The unions brought to the notice of the Secretary, DOT about the latest orders of DOT directing BSNL to pay the pension of BSNL employees , if it exceeds more than 60% of the payments by the BSNL & MTNL to DOT including dividend, licence fee, corporate tax etc. which is in utter violation of Rule 37-A and earlier orders of DOT that the pension will be paid by the Government. Secretary DOT assured that the matter will be re-examined.

  1. CGEGIS Refund: Secretary DOT assured that the files are already with the Finance Ministry and he will speak to Secretary Finance for speeding up the payment.
  2. DOT Secretary also assured that the meeting of the BSNL and DOT officers will be held shortly to discuss about the issues referred by BSNL to DOT which were raised by the unions in their meeting with DOT on 7th August 2006.

The Joint Forum met the CMD BSNL Shri A.K.Sinha on 06-09-2006 and strongly opposed the proposal for sharing of BSNL infrastructure with private operators.

Gujarat Model – Prices of School Books doubled!

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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We do not know about how much development is taking place in Gujarat as per the widely acclaimed Gujarat Model.

But one report has come. All the books to be used from class I to Class VI has been doubled or more than doubled. When the poor students are not even able to purchase with the present price, how can they purchase with the doubled price. See how much the prices have increased:

” For standard one, the price of a set of textbooks has gone up from Rs. 61 last year, to Rs. 158 this year.  Standard two students will have to pay Rs.131 instead of Rs. 61, books for third standard are priced at Rs. 185 compared to Rs. 78 last year. The price for fourth standard books are pegged at Rs. 199 which was Rs. 111 last year, and for fifth standard, the cost of books have gone up from Rs. 71 last year to Rs. 170 this year.”

So, this is the Gujarat Model! Robbing the poor students and keep them away from the school! Wonderful Gujarat Model Shri Modi! (Courtesy : Ganashakti)

CPI(M) Donates Rs. 3.25 Crore to Nepal Relief Fund

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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Kathmandu, Jun 10 : CPI(M) General Secretary Com. Sitaram Yechury  donated Rs 3 crore 25 lakh to Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund after collecting the money from Indian people to help the quake-hit nation.

Yechuri, who arrived in Nepal yesterday on a two-day private visit, handed over a cheque of Rupees 3.25 crore equivalent to over Nepali Rupees 5.20 crore to Prime Minister Shri Sushil Koirala at his official residence at Baluwatar.

Yechury said he had collected the money from the people of India at the grass-roots level for providing relief to the earthquake-affected people of Nepal.

 

HSBC cut 50,000 jobs, mainly in Brazil and Turkey.

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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HSBC, probably the biggest financial institution in the world, is proposing to reduce its employees by about 50,000. This is mainly due its closure of branches  in Brazil  and Turkey. It has got more than 2.66 lakh workers in its roll.

This is the system of the private companies. Wherever they get profits they do business. When there is loss, they close up and go elsewhere. What will happen to the workers is no concern of these MNCs.

Why MNCs alone? Now, the NDA government is going to bring a bill changing the labour laws through which any private company with less than 500 workers can do ‘hire and fire’ without any intervention from the government. The Modi government has become the saviour of the private capital and the workers are no concern to them.

It is only through united and sustained struggles that the workers can exist and advance. That is what history has taught us.

BSNL plans Rs. 6,000 crore Projects this year

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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It is reported in the press that BSNL has planned for  Rs. 6,000 crore projects this financial year including provision  Wi-Fi roll out in major tourist centres like Agra, Varanasi, Fatehpur Sikhri (all in UP), Hyderabad etc. Wi-Fi will be rolled out in NE Region also.

It is reported that funds from USOF will be provided. Good. But what abut the Rs. 1,250 crore already allotted by USOF for 2012-13. It is not yet paid to BSNL , although the amount was sanctioned much earlier.

Let BSNL implement new projects which will benefit the people and also the organisation.

Bonus eligibility to be raised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 monthly.

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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Several lakhs of workers in the organised sector will benefit as the Narendra Modi government is set to raise the salary threshold for mandatory bonus for workers from Rs 10,000 a month at present to Rs 15,000 and the minimum bounty from an annual RS 3,500 now to Rs 4,500. The proposal, agreed to by employers’ associations at a recent meeting of an inter-ministerial group, would require Parliament’s approval as the Payments of Bonus Act, 1965, requires to be amended for this purpose.

While the minimum bonus is a legal liability on the firms concerned, whether or not they make a profits, these firms are also required to pay the workers a higher bonus if their “allocable surplus” exceeds the amount payable as minimum bonus, subject to a cap (20%) of the salaries.

If the new proposal takes affect, the maximum bonus payable by profit-making ventures would be close to Rs 11,000 as against Rs 8,400 now.

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 7 )

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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JF Protests Sharing of BSNL Towers with private operators 

Meanwhile, the Communications Minister announced that the BSNL towers would be shared with the private operators for the benefit of the latter. This was strongly opposed by the Joint Forum and a press statement was issued on 17-03-2006.

Press Statement against the proposal of the government for the unbundling of copper cables of BSNL was issued on 31-05-2006 by the Joint Forum.

Meeting with the Secretary DOT on 7th June 2006

A meeting was held with Dr.J.S.Sharma, Secretary DOT, on 7th June 2006. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF, Com. Nafe Singh and Com. Swapan Chakraborty also participated. The following issues were discussed:

Navaratna Status to BSNL: The Secretary DOT assured that the Navaratna Status will be conferred to BSNL next year after the fulfillment of obligatory provisions.

Unbundling of local loop: The apprehension of the workers on the formation of a sub-committee headed by the Secretary DOT on the issue was discussed and the Joint Forum strongly opposed the same. Secretary DOT assured that the commitment given earlier continued and no unbundling will take place.

Merger of BSNL and MTNL: Secretary DOT assured that the talk of merger is only speculation of the media and there is no decision for the same.

The Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations on 24th June 2006 addressed a letter to the Communications Minister Shri Dayanidhi Maran strongly opposing the proposal of unbundling the last mile copper and seeking a meeting to discuss the same.

The Joint Forum gave a call for Lunch hour Demonstrations at Circles and SSA levels on 27th July 2006 and telegrams to be sent to Prime Minister demanding “ No Disinvestment, No unbundling of local loop of BSNL & MTNL”. It was also decided to have a massive March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.

Meeting with the Minister of Communications on 12th July 2006.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener Joint Forum along with Com. Basudev Acharya, M.P. & Leader of the CPI(M) in Lok Sabha, met the Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran on 12-07-2006 and expressed strong protest of the workers on the proposals for unbundling. The Minister, while sharing the concerns of the unions expressed that there is no need to unbundle loops of BSNL & MTNL. He said that in USA also, there is no unbundling. He commented that both the PSUs will be finished if unbundled. Coms. Mihir Dasgupta AGS BSNLEU and Animesh Mitra, CS BSNLEU, W.B.Circle also participated in the discussions. Minister assured positively and later told the press that there was no need for unbundling.

Protest against increasing of FDI from 49% to 74 % in Telecom sector – Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions decides for agitational programmes.

Despite the discussions with the Communications Minister and assurances by DOT and CMD, the government was steadily moving to implement increased FDI in telecom, unbundling of last mile copper etc. as part of its neo-liberal policies. Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) was privatized and the shares of MTNL were being disinvested. The government and the TRAI were taking anti-BSNL/MTNL decisions one after another favouring the private telecom companies. Earlier, the USOF was only for the BSNL/MTNL but it was being extended to the private operators also. A committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DOT, with 9 members out of which 4 members were from various private telecom companies and one each from PMO and Planning Commission. The main issue was to unbundle the last mile copper of the telecom PSUs to benefit the private companies.

As such, the meeting of the Joint Forum held on 5th and 10th July 2006 after detailed discussion decided to organize agitational programmes on the following demands:

  1. No Disinvestment of BSNL/MTNL
  2. No unbundling of local loop
  3. No sharing of BSNL/MTNL infrastructure with private operators
  4. No increase in FDI
  5. No reduction in revenue sharing and ADC
  6. Immediate grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
  7. Grant autonomy to BSNL & MTNL
  8. Expand mobile and broadband services
  9. Early and amicable settlement of ITS absorption issue.

The following programmes  were also finalized:

  1. Joint Demonstrations to be organized at Circle/SSA headquarters on 27th July 2006. On the day, telegrams to be sent to the Prime Minister, New Delhi as follows:

“No Disinvestment, Unbundling of Local Loop of BSNL and MTNL”

  1. March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.
  2. Strike in September 2006, the date which will be decided later.

Accordingly notice was issued to the Secretary, DOT and CMDs of BSNL and MTNL. It was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU) & Convener JF, O.P.Gupta (NFTE), K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), T.Muthukrishnan (AISC/STTEWA), A.D.Patil (AIBCTES), V.K.Tomar (MTNLEA), Vrijesh Upadhyay  (MTNLMS) and A.K.Koushik (TEAM). A detailed letter was sent to the Sub Group on ‘Unbundling of local loop’ strongly opposing and demanding that no unbundling be decided.

BSNL adds 0.43 million connections in April 2015

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

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It is good news. BSNL has added 0.43 million connections in April 2015. This is a trend change from losing connection to adding connections.

Now BSNL has got 16.18 million landline connections and 77.50 mobile connections, including wireless connection, thus a total of 93.67 million. In the landlines it is first and in the mobiles it is in the 5th position after Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar, Idea and Reliance Telecom.

The Teledensity by the end of April 2015 stands at 80% with about 1 Billion (100 crore) connections.

BSNL has to go miles and miles. BSNL was number two up-to 2006. Can’t it come up again? Make  all out efforts.