Monthly Archives: July 2015

78.2% IDA Pension fixation – Meeting with Member (Finance)

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

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Com.VAN Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA, today (8th July) met Ms. Annie Moraes, Member (Finance), DOT and discussed about the progress on the implementation of 78.2% IDA fixation for the pensioners. She stated that the file has already been sent to the nodal departments and the approval from them is awaited, after which the Cabinet Note will be forwarded to the Cabinet. She stated that usually other departments take about 6 weeks for going through and approving the file.

CM MP compelled to request High Court to refer VYAPAM inquiry to CBI

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

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At last, the Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh has been compelled to refer the Vyapam case to CBI. Yesterday, he stated that he will request the High Court to refer the case to CBI, since the people have a right to know what happened and what is happening.

The outcry over the many deaths connected with the Vyapam inquiry has compelled the CM to make the statement.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 23 )

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

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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).

Digital India Inauguration – BSNL neglected

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation

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BSNL is the main telecom company to implement the Digital India Project with its vast network all over India. It is the fully government owned PSU.

But it was ignored and humiliated at the Digital India inauguration function at New Delhi. While even the private company heads were given seats in the dais where the Communications Minister was present, the CMD BSNL was not given a seat and was allotted a seat below among the audience.

This is the treatment being given to the BSNL by the Government. It is being ignored and neglected by the government in every way.

We express our strong protest against the humiliation of BSNL and its CMD!

All India Protest Day on 20th July – Call by Left Parties.

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

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July 20 – All India Protest Day

The Left parties decided to hold an all India protest exposing corruption at high levels in this BJP central government as well as in various states on July 20. State level protest actions will be held demanding the removal and action against all those involved in corruption and nepotism.
The following Left parties gave the call: CPI(M), CPI, AIFB, RSP, CPI(ML)-Liberation and SUCI(C).

‘People’sDemocracy’ completed 50 years of service! Congratulations!

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

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On 17th June 2015, ‘PEOPLE’S DEMOCRACY’, the weekly organ of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), completed 50 years of service to the people since 1965. It has faced several challenges and attacks, including during the ‘Emergency 1975’, but had continued its publication without fail.

It was first published from Calcutta, which was the head quarters of the CPI(M). Comrade Jyoti Basu was the first Editor and continued till 1967. Later it was shifted to Delhi along with the shifting of the Party headquarters. Comrades B.T.Ranadive, M.Basavapunniah, E.M.S.Namboodiripad, Sunil Maitra and Sitaram Yechury worked as its editors later. Com. Prakash Karat is the present editor. Lok Lahar is the Hindi version of the PD.

The PD and Lok Lahar are the mouth piece of the CPI(M) which is necessary to be read by any communist. It clearly gives the view point of the party on each and every important issue and publishes the struggles of the people and the toiling masses.

Best Wishes to the PD and its wide readership!

 

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 22 )

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

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2012

Affiliation of unions to JAC

The meeting of the Joint Action Committee held on 25th April 2012 discussed the requests of NFTBE and FNTOBEA  for affiliation to JAC and the same were accepted.

JAC renamed as Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations

The meeting of the JAC held on 28th May 2012 was attended by NFTE.  In order to include all the new unions and to have no embarrassment to any union, it was decided to re-name the Joint action Committee in to Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives. Coms.C.Singh and  V.A.N.Namboodiri were  unanimously elected as President and  Convener of the Forum respectively.

Forum decides agitational programmes

The meeting of the newly constituted Forum met on 29th May 2012 and discussed about the pending issues of the BSNL employees. It was surprised to find that while the Management has denied 78.2% to the executives, it has fully implemented the VI CPC recommendations for the ITS who are on deputation and who have already opted for DOT. This is a stark discrimination towards BSNL absorbed employees.

As such the Forum decided to organize agitational programme immediately. The following programme of action was finalized:

  1. Massive demonstrations at all Circle/SSA HQs and day long dharna at BSNL Corporate office on 31st May 2012
  2. Mass Dharna at BSNL CO/Circle/SSA HQs on 6th June 2012
  3. Indefinite Strike w.e.f. 13th June 2012

The following are the demands:

  • Immediate implementation of DPE OM. No. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)/09 dated 26th November 2008 and OM No. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)-GL-VII/09 dated 2nd April 2009 i.e
  • Revision of pay as per fitment benefit @78.2% w.e.f. 01-01-2007.
  • Revision of Perks & Allowances after revision of pay scales.
  • Transport Allowance
  • Children Education Allowance/Tution Fees/Hostel Subsidy etc.
  • Family Planning Allowance
  • Professional Upgradation Allowance
  • Payment of Medical Allowances on quarterly basis as per BSNLMRS
  • Restoration of All india LTC/Leave Encashment
  • Implement Child care leave.
  • Provision of Superannuation benefits to directly recruited employees as per DPE guidelines.

The Strike Notice was issued on 29th May 2012 and was signed by ComradesV.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Raj Mouli(NFTE), V.Subburaman(TEPU), S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU), Hari Singh(BTU BSNL), R.S.Yadav(ATM), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), H.P.Singh(BSNLOA), Gajendra Kumar(BTEU BSNL), (AIGETOA), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I) and D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES).

A Circular by Forum signed by the Convener and all the General Secretaries was issued on 7th June 2012 calling upon the employees to fully participate in the ensuing Indefinite Strike from 13th June. Wall Posters designed was put in the website and the Circle Forum Conveners asked to print the same in local languages.  A Press statement was issued by the Convener on the strike. An effort was made to meet the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications. Circles were asked to form the Forum so that co-ordinated efforts could be made.

Discussion with CMD BSNL

After receipt of the Strike notice, a meeting was called by the CMD BSNL on 11-06-2012 continued on 12-06-2012. All the General Secretaries were present. After protracted discussion, the following agreement was reached between the Forum and the BSNL Management:

Agreement on 12-06-2012

  1. Revision of pay is agreed as per fitment benefit @ 78.2% w.e.f.01-01-2007 subject to approval by the competent authority. However, actual payment will be made prospectively and the arrears will be deferred for the time being and will be paid only when the financial position of the company improves. This will be applicable for the pensioners also.
  2. Medical reimbursement with voucher for out-door treatment, Professional Upgradation Allowance and HRA will continued to be paid at basic pay with 68.8% fitment. Payment of these allowances will be reviewed on 01-04-2013, subject to the financial position of the company.
  3. All other allowances ie. Children Education Allowance, Tution Fee, Hostel Subsidy, Family Planning Allowance etc. will continue to be paid at the present rates.
  4. The issue of implementation of Child care Leave will be taken up with the BSNL Board for re-consideration
  5. For the purpose of provision of superannuation benefits to directly recruited employees, as per DPE Guide Lines, a committee will be constituted to re-examine the issue and give its recommendations.

With the signing of this agreement, the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations and the National Unions of BSNL Workers (FNTO) has decided to defer its proposed indefinite strike from 13th June 2012.

The agreement was signed by Shri N.K.Narang, GM(SR) on behalf of BSNL Management. The following signed on behalf of Forum:

Comrades P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Islam Ahmed(NFTE), S.V.S.Subrahmaniam(BTEU BSNL), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), Zile Singh (NTSU), H.P.Singh(BSNLOA), R.P.Shahu(AIGETOA), K.Jayaprakash (FNTO), S.P.Sharma(WRU), Hari Singh(BTU), D.P.Patwa (AIBCTES).

The agreement was a great success in the situation when the company was in loss. The struggle of the workers was not in vain. The large mobilization of the workers, their preparation for strike to ensure justice – all created a situation, where the management was compelled to discuss and agree to the demands of the workers.

The meeting of the Forum on 4th September 2012 discussed in detail about the pending issues and also the implementation of the agreement signed on 12th June 2012. It was understood that the BSNL Board has approved 78.2% IDA fixation, but the same will have to be approved by the DOT. No decision has been taken about the Child Care Leave. (To be continued)

 

Vyapam Scam – order CBI enquiry, CM MP should resign

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

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The death of more than 40, mostly those exposed the Vyapam Scam and also witnesses have died, many under mysterious circumstances. Those against who FIR is filed are those in the top of political power and top executives. Their hands can not be ruled out in these deaths.

It is not only necessary that a CBI enquiry is ordered, but the MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should resign also.

By declining to order a CBI inquiry, the Modi Government is treading the same path of the  Congress government by keeping silent on corruption.

Reception Committee for AIC of AIBDPA formed.

06 Monday Jul 2015

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In a well attended meeting of the BSNLEU, AIBDPA, Trade Unions etc. held today, 6th July at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, the Reception Committee for holding of the Triennial All India Conference of All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association was formed. Com. Y.N.Murthy, President, AIBDPA, Tirupati presided. Com.Y.S.Raju, Dist. Secretary BSNLEU welcomed all and conducted the proceedings. Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA and Patron BSNLEU, G.Mohan Reddy, Circle President, BSNLEU, J.Sampath Rao, AGS and Circle Secretary BSNLEU, Muralidharan (CITU), Balasubramaniam (APRTC), Ramachandrudu, Circle Secretary AIBDPA, M.Taranath, ACS BSNLEU, M.Raja Reddy, DS AIBDPA, M.Ramachandraiah, retd. DGM and other leaders addressed.

After discussion about the holding of the AIC etc. a Reception Committee was formed with Shri Y Srinivasareddy, MLC, as   Chairman and Com. Y.S Raju, District Secretary, BSNLEU as General Secretary. Com. M.Rajareddy, is elected as Joint General Secretary and com. R.D.V.Prasad is elected as  Treasurer. The Reception Committee includes all important leaders and activists.

The dates and other details will be decided in consultation with CHQ AIBDPA. Our Hearty Congratulations and Thanks to the TIrupati Comrades and also to A.P.Circle secretaries Coms. J.Sampath Rao and Ramachandrudu for taking this great responsibility.

Congratulations to the people of Greece for rejecting the anti-people conditions by European Union.

06 Monday Jul 2015

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The people of Greece has voted a ‘NO’ with 61. 3% in the referendum against the bail-out plan of European union, which stipulates austerity, cutting of social expenditure etc. We congratulate the people of Greece for heir bold decision.

The statement issued by the CPI(M) in this connection is reproduced below:

New Delhi, July 6: The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), now in session at Delhi, has issued the following statement:

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) warmly congratulates the people of Greece who have given a resounding “No” verdict in the referendum.  With a 61.3 per cent vote, the Greek people have resoundingly rejected the bailout austerity measures sought to be imposed upon them by the neo-liberal forces represented by the Troika comprising the IMF, European Central Bank and the European Commission.

The European Union and the Troika will have to heed the voice of the Greek people and their democratic verdict.