It is reported in the press that more than 40 people have died in standing in queue or through suicide due to desperation as a result of the demonitisation. Huge queues continue before banks, ATMs and Post Offices for change of notes or remitting of old notes to the banks. Yesterday when going through New Delhi, I could see the queues with hundreds, two hundreds people patiently waiting for their chance to get a few notes for their daily needs. Prime Minister Modi said to wait for 50 days. Could not this difficulties been avoided by well planning?

The M.P.s are fully justified in taking the government to task in the Parliament. The situation is not that ‘strong tea’ is supplied. It is something beyond that just like poison. Prime Minister, please remember that more than 40 people have died by drinking this ‘strong tea’, which means it is poisonous also.

The Prime Minister should take immediate action to reduce the sufferings of the people. He should also ensure that the big sharks do not get away despite demonetisation.

Com.Dipen Ghosh has passed away today, 13th November 2016. He was a tall leader of CG Employees and a close friend of BSNL Employees Union. During the period after Bhopal AIC in 1991 and election of a new leadership with Comrades Moni Bose and myself as GS and President respectively, the government and the defeated revisionist leadership created all hurdles for the functioning of the union. Along with Com.E.Balanandan M.P., Com.Dipen Ghosh M.P. gave valuable guidance and help in facing the attacks and advance forward. His M.P.quarters at Delhi was a regular meeting place. The same help and guidance at the time of formation of BSNLEU and afterwards.
Whenever I used to go to Calcutta to attend union meetings I used to meet him.
His death is a great loss to all of us.
The Central Secretatiat meeting of BSNLEU being held at Chennai today expressed deep grief and observed one minute silence in condolence.

With deep sorrow it is intimated that veteran trade union and CG Employees leader, former M.P. and leader of CPI (M), Com. Dipen Ghosh passed away at about 09.00 AM today at Calcutta. He was 85. He was ailing for some time.It is a great loss to the entire TU movement. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, comrades and friends!

The Central Government has announced that it has decided to increase the minimum wage to Rs.10,000 in a month, though the demand of the Central Trade Unions was for Rs.18,000. The Chief Labour Commissioner has accordingly issued notification in Gazette for increasing minimum wage to Rs.350 per day instead of Rs.650 as demanded. Two months were given to employers and workers to express their unions. BSNLCCWF has personally submitted its opinion that the daily minimum wages need to be increased to Rs.650.
However the orders are yet to be issued. We demand immediate issue of notification, since 2 months are already over.

The Central Secretariat meeting 0f BSNL Employees Union at Chennai has started today, 12th November 2016, with hoisting of National Flag by Com.Balbir Singh President and red flag of the union by Com.P.Abhimanyu General Secretary. Com.S.Chellappa, Convener, Reception Committee welcomed all. President in his address focussed the main issues. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS presented his report in detail. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri Patron, Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dteputy GS, Com. Saibal Sengupta, Treasurer and other comrades addressed. The Central Secretariat is continuing.