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ITS Absorption

Despite continued demand, the ITS absorption was not settled. The Forum Meeting on 04-09-2012 decided to organize Lunch Hour Demonstration on 18th September and the same was effectively implemented.

The Forum leaders met Secretary, DOT and also CMD BSNL on the issue of the implementation of 78.2% IDA fixation and ITS absorption issue, but there was no progress. Hence the meeting of Forum held on 4th October 2012 decided the following:

The Forum decided that the court case for getting intervention in the ITS absorption in the Delhi High Court to be continued effectively. We should demand the BSNL Management and the Government that the repatriation should be finalized as per Govt., DPE guidelines. Failing the above, all absorbed employees should demand for repatriation back to DOT.

In order to achieve the demands, it was decided to organize a Savingram Campaign demanding immediate repatriation of ITS officers. A dharna to be organized on 15-10-2012. Parliament March to be organized on 26th October 2012 and Relay Hunger Strike from 29th October to 3rd November 2012.

Savingram Campaign

As per decision, Savingrams were sent to Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL demanding that the ITS absorption issue settled with out any further delay.  Massive dharnas were organized in all SSAs/Circles and at Corporate Office, Delhi.

In the meanwhile, the Unions/Associations in MYNL were also contacted since the ITS absorption issue is a common issue for both BSNL and MTNL. It was decided that a joint meeting of the Unions/Associations in BSNL and MTNL be held and the prospects of joint programmes planned.

Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations

The meeting of the Unions/Associations of Executives and Non-Executives in BSNL and MTNL was held on 25th October 2012 presided by Com.M.K.Bagchi, Convener of the United Forum of MTNL Unions/Associations. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations reported the actions already taken in the ITS absorption issue and further planning. Detailed discussion took place. It was decided that a Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations of Executives and Non-Executives be formed. Com.M.K.Bagchi (MTNL) was elected as the Chairman and Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri(BSNL) as the Convener. In order to make the Parliament March with more massive participation and to enable the MTNL employees also to participate the date of the March was postponed to 22nd November 2012. In preparation for the same, Joint Demonstrations were held in Delhi and Mumbai and all centres in the country on 8th November 2012. This was implemented effectively. The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 8th November discussed and took necessary decision for organizing the Parliament March on 22nd November.

Mammoth Parliament March on 22nd November 2012 by BSNL/MTNL employees

On the day of the Parliament March, from the early morning workers started coming to participate. Hundreds of workers from the nearby states of Rajasthan, Punjab, UP(West), Haryana etc. came. Wall Posters of the March was pasted before all BSNL / MTNL Offices. A mighty demonstration took place before the March started from Bharat Sanchar Bhawan. The March was led by the leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations. The workers held placards, banners and flags of all unions/associations in large numbers. The March went through the town towards Parliament but was stopped at the Parliament  Street by the Police with barricades. The March was converted in to rally there and the meeting was held with an improvised stage.

Members of Parliament, Com. Basudeb Acharia(CPIM) and  Shri Arjun Meghwal (BJP) addressed and supported the demands and assured that they will take up the case with the government. Com.M.K.Bagchi, Chairman JF presided and Com.V.A.N.namboodiri, Convener welcomed all and presented the demands of the JF. All the leaders of the Forum addressed.

The Chairman and Convener of the Forum, Coms. M.K.Bagchi and V.A.N.Namboodiri went and presented the Memorandum  to the Prime Minister demanding immediate repatriation of the ITS Officers to DOT.

The Parliament March was participated by thousands of workers. It was a huge success.

Murder of Com. Sukhender Singh, District Secretary BSNLEU, by  GM, Ghasiabad

The meeting of the Forum held on 25-10-2012 condemned the murder of Com. Sukender Singh, DS, BSNLEU Ghaziabad by the GM, Ghasiabad and demanded the BSNL Management to take immediate action against the GM by suspension/transfer and filing FIR.

Agitational Programmes by Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions

The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 4th December 2012 reviewed the Parliament March and further decided that joint actions are necessary in the following issues.

  1. Immediate refund of BWA Spectrum charges to BSNL and MTNL.
  2. No extra charges for extra 2G Spectrum being held by BSNL/MTNL
  3. Adequate compensation for BSNL landlines operations which are loss making
  4. Immediate release of funds from USOF
  5. Exempt BSNL/MTNL from spectrum liberalization and refarming
  6. Sanction of adequate funds from USOF to BSNL and MTNL.
  7. Immediate procurement of equipments both in BSNL and MTNL
  8. Payment of government Pension to MTNL retirees
  9. Immediate issue of Presidential Directive from DOT for 78.2% IDA fixation for BSNL employees

Two Days Dharnas were held on 17th and 18th December 2012 on the above issues with massive participation.

As in earlier years, 2012 was also a year of hectic activities. 21 meetings of the JAC/Forum/JF were held in 2012. (To be continued).