Monthly Archives: October 2018

‘Sabarimala’, a symbol of communal harmony and it belonged to all and not just Hindus – Kerala High Court

30 Tuesday Oct 2018

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OCTOBER 29, 2018

Kerala High Court observed that Sabarimala welcomed devotees from all faiths and was a symbol of communal harmony. While considering a petition seeking to restrict entry of non-Hindus in Sabarimala temple, the High Court of Kerala orally observed that Sabarimala belonged to all and not just Hindus.

The petition filed by T G Mohandas, Convenor of BJP State Intellectual Cell, contended that non-Hindus and non-idol worshippers cannot be permitted entry on the basis of SC judgment in Indian Young Lawyers’ Association case.

The Division Bench of Justice P R Ramachandra Menon and Justice Devan Ramachandran criticized the tone and tenor of the petition as tending to disrupt secular fabric of society.

The Court observed that Sabarimala welcomed devotees from all faiths and was a symbol of communal harmony. “Even persons without “irumudikettu”-the customary travel pouch carried by devotees containing offerings to Lord Ayyapa-could have “darshan”. The “irumudikkettu” was necessary only to enter temple through the holy 18 steps”, remarked the Court.(Press reports)

BSNL asks circle to provide details of casual labour.

30 Tuesday Oct 2018

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BSNLCCWF has been continuously pressing the BSNL management to ensure the provisions under the rules of the land to the casual labour engaged in the BSNL and who have been denied minimum wage as per VII CPC, gratuity, regularisation etc. After the strikes and agitations, CLC has also intervened.

As a result,now the BSNL Management has directed the circles vide letter dated 26-102018 to provide all the information regarding the casual labour and TSM pointing out that the lot of casual labours need to be properly regulated to meet the statutory and legal issues.

Circle Secretaries are requested to meet the CGMs and ensure that the details are furnished to the corporate office at the earliest. The help of circle secretaries of BSNLEU is to be sought for this.

Delhi suffocates with worst pollution

30 Tuesday Oct 2018

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The pollution in Delhi reached its highest at 397 in the season on Tuesday as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Seventeen areas of the national capital recorded severe air quality, the data said.A thick haze due to smog continued to hover over the national capital, authorities said.

There are already reports about closing of the schools as also prohibiting private cars on the road. Morning walks are unhealthy, people have been advised.

This is a man made crisis. The central as well as the State government have to take immediate steps to change the situation for better.

Press Conferences held by AUAB

29 Monday Oct 2018

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In almost all important centres, throughout the country, well attended Press Conferences were organised by the All Unions and Associations of BSNL, explaining its decision to go on agitational path on the important demands raised it long back and on which the Communications Minister has assured favourable consideration, but did not implement. The details given by the AUAB was heard by the Press with importance. It is expected that wide publicity will be given to the same in tomorrows news.

Massive Dharna will be organised by AUAB on 30th October on the same demands.

Dharna by BSNL Unions and Associations on 30th October 2018

29 Monday Oct 2018

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BSNL employees and officers as per the call of the All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) will sit in dharna on 30th October 2018 in front of Offices / exchanges demanding immediate Wage revision and Pension Revision w.e.f. 01-01-2017, Payment of Pension contribution only on the basis of actual pay, Allotment of 4G Spectrum to BSNL and Implementation of the recommendations of the 2nd PRC in respect of superannuation benefits to BSNL directly recruited employees.

The Communications Minister had assured in February 2018 itself, when the workers went on agitation, that the demands will be favourably considered and the DOT was asked to initiate the formalities. However, nothing happened during these months. Hence the present action programme.

AIBDPA, the mighty organisation of the BSNL and DOT Pensioners have extended its full support and solidarity to the struggle. As usual, large number of pensioners will also participate.

Com.S.S.Sen veteran P and T TU leader passed away.

29 Monday Oct 2018

Posted by in Obituary, Tributes, P&T TU Movement

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COM.S.S.SEN, VETERAN P and T LEADER IS NO MORE.
HE PASSED IN BANGALORE ON 27-10-2018 AT 03-30PM . HE WAS 86.
COM.S.S.SEN LONG LIVE.

A Tribute to the veteran leader Com.S.S.Sen, who passed away. He was one of the comrades who were arrested and jailed during Emergency of 1975. Go through the following write up:

“That was the 6th day of November , 1975. Dark days of emergency imposed by Mrs. Indira Gandhi were looming large over democratic movements of our country. One Police Inspector keeping his force outside entered into the then Sub Record Office at Guwahati under RMS “GH” Division and took the chair in front of a young man working there and asked curisoulsy “Are you Mr.—–? with militant posture and uncompromising determination, the man just crossed his fourty, instantly replied “Yes, I am Mr.Sudhendu Sekhar Sen whom you are searching for”.

The Inspector with his regretful expression contended Com.S.S.Sen (popularly known as Sudha Sen) that it was the order from the high echelons of power that was was bound to carry out and for that reason he should not be misunderstood. After completion of all formalities including permission from the Senior Superintendent, Com.S.S.Sen was arrested and taken away to the Guwahati Central Jail.

In the Central Jail were the galaxy of leaders of the P&T Trade Union movement already taken into cusotdy; Com. Bimal Kanti Gupta,CS of E-IV, Com. Jagadindra Bhattachajee, CS, E-IV, Com. Bhudan Chandra Das, CS, P-IV., Com. Hareswar Sharma, CS, P-III, Com.Sankar Kumar Das, CS, E-III, Com. Bhrigu Ram Lahkar, Asstt. CS, P-III and Com.Prabin Chandra Boro, Secretary, P&T LCC, Guwahati.

There in the Central Jail and elsewhere in Assam they had to wait for 15 to 19 months to get released from jail until the emergency was lifted. After the release from the jail also they were not spared. All of them were transferred to the remotest hilly corners of the North Eastern Region, only to be brought back when the Janatha Government came in to power in 1977.

Perhaps this is the unmatched chapter of the history of the trade union movement in the central government employees’ front where as many as 8 (eight) top leaders were put into jail with an intention to crush the democratic trade union movement. Needless to say that second union (FNPTO) in the P&T was formed with the government’s patronage to sabotage the historic 1968 central government employees’ strike.

Government tried to form the union in the NE Region also but could not get in road even after putting the entire top leadership behind the bars.

Rock like unity of the workers at the ground level remained intact throughout the emergency regime and all the jailed leaders were re-elected to their respective positions in the union hierarchy as when the conferences were due and held amidst prevailing situation. These leaders were also amongst the galaxy of leaders of Central including Railways, State, Insurance and Banking sectors who were instrumental in formation of the JOINT COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS, ASSAM in 1973 through a massive convention of workers in Guwahati inaugurated by Com.K.G.Bose and also attended by George Fernadaz, Com. Jagadindra Bhattarcharjee along with Achyut Deka of LIC took the mantle of this joint forum as first Joint Conveners. Later on the JCTU, Assam withstood the test of time and created may histories in the trade union movement in Assam.That legacy has still been continued.

In the early 1990’s also Regional Coordination Committee of P&T employees Unions (NFPE), North East Region with Com.S.S.Sen as Convener again made the history by organizing the longest ever successfull strike of the white colour employees in the history of India demanding Special Duty Allowance (SDA). The strike started on November 15, 1991 under the leadership of RCC of P&T Employees Unions, NE Region to end the discrimination by implementing Court Judgement. The entire RCC leadershp including Co.S.S.Sen, Com.J.Bhattacharjee, Com.R.P.Sharma, \Com. Sasadhar Deb, Com.B.C.Das, Com.S.K.Das, Com.M.R.Das, Com.J.N.Mishraexhibited the exemplary leadership quality to continue the strike with tactical perfectness and extreme patience. No door of any Post Office and RMS office was opened for long 38 days upto 22nd December, 1991 until an agreement was signed between NFPE and the Department of Posts in the presence of Minister of Communications . Subsequently the discrimination was ended and SDA was granted to all the CG Employees of NE Region irrespective of transfer liabilities”.

RED SALUTE TO COM.S.S.SEN

WE VOW TO CARRY FORWARD THIS LEGACY …

(Courtesy: Confederation website)

Who is Amit Shah to threaten Kerala Government ?

29 Monday Oct 2018

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Amit Shah, BJP President, in his speech at Kannur on 27th instant has threatened that the Kerala government will be dismissed if it implements the Supreme Court order on Women’s (those who are above 10 and below 50 years) entry in to Sabarimala. He threatened the courts also stating that they should deliver only judgments which can be implemented.

These utterances are completely a challenge to the freedoms of the courts as also to the democratically elected state government. In the name of devotees, RSS and Sangh Parivar have been indulging in stone throwing, obstruction, attacking people as also attacking the government employees and police who are on duty there. Thousands of goonda elements have been brought to the Sabarimala Shrine premises to create trouble. Now the top leader of BJP has justified all these and is threatening the government, if it takes action against the culprits who destroyed KSRTC buses, other vehicles, attacked the houses of many women who came to visit the temple etc. This is strongly condemned. He has no right to threaten the Kerala government with dismissal.

The leaders of all political parties including Congress and BJP welcomed the Supreme Court  decision on the admission of women in the temple. RSS top leaders also supported. The court order was hailed as historic, restoring the right of the women to worship in the temple, thus restoring the same, which was which was in vogue till 1991 and was stopped as per a High Court order. The then Left Front Government implemented that order and now when the SC cancelled the High Court order, it is also being implemented. THE BJP-RSS-Sangh Parivar which hailed the judgment, are now trying to destabilize the government for implementation of the order of the 5 Constitutional Bench  of the SC. Except a few devotees, who are being misguided, the society as a whole is in support of implementation of the SC decision.

BJP and its president Amit Shah are attacking the highly praised social, secular fabric of the country. This is most condemnable. The people of Kerala will resist and defeat this attack. Seek support of all right minded people.

Stepping up of pay of seniors getting less pay than their juniors on pay fixation – Orders of DOPT

28 Sunday Oct 2018

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners

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The DOPT has issued an order dated 26th October 2018 consolidating the orders  on stepping up of pay at one place keeping in view the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016. The same is given below. The scope for the applicability of the order in the case of  BSNL ( seniors getting less pay than juniors) has to be examined:

No.4/3/20 17-Estt(Pay-I)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 26th October, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Stepping up of pay-Consolidated guidelines-reg.

The undersigned is directed to say that the issue of anomaly relating to senior Government employees drawing less pay than their juniors due to application of provisions of FR 22(I)(a)(1) is considered on merits for allowing stepping up pay of the seniors so as to bring it at par with that of the junior in accordance with the guidelines scattered in various OMs noted in the margin. A need has been felt to consolidate guidelines on stepping up of pay at one place keeping in view the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016, [in short CCS(RP)Rules, 2016] as the frequent references on such issues continue to be received in this Department.

2. Consequent upon implementation of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016, the President is pleased to decide the following:

(i) In order to remove the anomaly of a Government servant promoted or appointed to a higher post on or after 1-1-2016 drawing lower pay in that post than another Government servant junior to him in the lower grade and promoted or appointed subsequently to another identical post, the pay of the senior Government servant in the higher post should be stepped up to a figure equal to the pay as fixed for the junior Government servant in that higher post. The stepping up should be done with effect from the date of promotion or appointment of the junior Government servant and will be subject to the following conditions, namely:

(a) both the junior and the senior Government servants should belong to the same cadre and the posts in which they have been promoted are identical in the same cadre;

(b) the Level in the Pay Matrix of the lower and higher posts in which they are entitled to draw pay should be identical;

(c) the anomaly is directly as a result of the application of the provisions of Fundamental Rule 22(I)(a)(1) read with Rule 13 of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016. For example, if the junior officer was drawing more pay in the existing pay structure than the senior by virtue of any advance increments granted to him, the provisions of this subrule should not be invoked to step up the pay of the senior officer.

(ii) The order relating to re-fixation of the pay of the senior officer in accordance with clause (i) shall be issued under Fundamental Rule 27 and the senior officer shall be entitled to the next increment on completion of his required qualifying service with effect from the date of re-fixation of pay.

3. The following instances/events wherein juniors draw more pay than seniors, do not constitute anomaly and, therefore, stepping up of pay will not be admissible in such events:

(a) Where a senior proceeds on Extra Ordinary Leave which results in postponement of his Date of Next Increment in the lower post and consequently he starts drawing less pay than his junior in the lower grade itself. He, therefore, cannot claim pay parity on promotion even though he may be promoted earlier to the higher grade than his junior(s);

(b) If a senior forgoes/refuses promotion leading to his junior being promoted/appointed to the higher post earlier and the junior draws higher pay than the senior.

(c) If the senior is on deputation while junior avails of the ad-hoc promotion in the cadre, the increased pay drawn by the junior due to ad-hoc/officiating and/or regular promotion following such adhoc promotion in the higher posts vis-à-vis senior, is not an anomaly in strict sense of the term;

(d) If a senior joins the higher post later than the junior, for whatsoever reasons, whereby he starts drawing less pay than the junior. In such cases, senior cannot claim stepping up of pay at par with that of his junior.

(e) If a senior is appointed later than the junior in the lower post itself whereby he is in receipt of lesser pay than the junior, in such cases also the senior cannot claim pay parity in the higher post if he draws less pay than his junior though he may have been promoted earlier to the higher post.

(f) Where an employee is promoted from lower post to a higher post, his pay is fixed with reference to the pay drawn by him in the lower post under FR22(I)(a)(1) read with Rule 13 of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016 and due to his longer length of service in the lower grade, his pay may get fixed at a higher stage than that of a senior direct recruit appointed to the same higher grade and whose pay is fixed under different set of rules. For example a Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) on promotion to the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) gets his pay fixed under FR 22(I)(a)(1) with reference to the pay drawn in the post of SSA, whereas the pay of ASO(DR) is fixed under Rule 8 of CCS(RP)Rules, 2016 at the minimum pay or the first Cell in the Level, applicable to ASO to which he is appointed. In such a case, the senior ASO (DR) cannot claim pay parity with that of the promotee junior ASO.

(g) Where a senior is appointed in higher post on ad-hoc basis and is drawing less pay than his junior who is appointed in the same cadre and in same post on ad-hoc basis subsequently, the senior cannot claim pay parity with reference to the pay of that junior since the ad-hoc officiating service in higher post is reversible and also since full benefits of FR22(I)(a)(I) are not available on ad-hoc promotion but only on regular promotion following such ad-hoc promotion without break.

(h) Where a junior gets more pay due to additional increments earned on acquiring higher qualifications.

Note: The above instances/events are only illustrative and not exhaustive.

4. These orders shall be in supersession of D/o Expenditure’s OM No.F.2(78)-E.III(A)63 dated 2nd February, 1966 and DOP&T’s OM No.4/7/92-Estt(Pay-I) dated 4th November, 1993.

5. This OM is effective from 01.01.2016.

6 In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders have been issued after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

7 Hindi version will follow.

sd/-
(Rajeev Bahree)
Under Secretary to the Government of India.

Delhi air pollution goes up to dangerous levels.

28 Sunday Oct 2018

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The air pollution in Delhi has gone up all earlier levels and has become very dangerous to the health of the people. People have been advised to reduce use of vehicle as also restrict walking in the mornings etc. A press report in the matter is given below which gives the details:

“New Delhi, Oct 27 :  Delhi’s air quality remained very poor for the fourth day Saturday with five areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may deteriorate further next week due to localised emissions during festival and stubble burning.

The Central Pollution Control Board recorded the overall  Air Quality Index of Delhi at 341. The highest AQI of this season was recorded on Friday at 361.

On Saturday,  five areas in Delhi recorded severe pollution levels. They are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh and Rohini. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest pollution level in the national capital at 434.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.

According to the data by the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research, the overall air quality index of Delhi would deteriorate in a few days, remaining just points below the severe category.

The CPCB-led task force has recommended stringent measures from November 1 to 10, predicting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.

Some of these recommendations include shut down of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by transport department to check polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR during November 1-10.

Authorities have issued an advisory, asking people to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise use of private vehicles”.

Circle Executive Committee Meeting of AIBDPA Kerala

28 Sunday Oct 2018

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The Circle Executive Committee Meeting held at P&T House, Thiruvananthapuram on 26-10-2018 under the presidentship of Com.R.Aravindakshan Nair, Circle President was inaugurated by Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor. Coms. K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary, P.V.Chandrasekharan, Patron and C.Santhoshkumar, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU addressed.

Com.N.Guruprasad, Circle Secretary presented the draft report for the ensuing 5th biennial Circle Conference and Com.K.J.Sanalkumar, Treasurer submitted the audited accounts which were adopted after discussion.

The CEC reviewed the flood relief activities and felt that efforts should be continued to collect more relief fund considering the huge amount required to rebuild Kerala and the unhelpful stand of the central government.

The CEC decided to form a separate Circle Women’s Committee in the ensuing Circle Conference to be held at Kollam on 11-12, November, 2018.

CEC called up on all its units to participate in the agitations called by the AUAB against non implementation of assurances given by the Minister for Communications even after 8 months.