Monthly Archives: April 2020

NCCPA opposes DA / DR impounding by Central Govt.

24 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, NCCPA

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DA/DR Impounding by the Central Government

The Government of India has issued an unilateral order on 23.04.2020 vide No.1/1/2020-E.II(B) of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure to freeze the DA/DR of CG Employees and Pensioners up to 30.06.2021 and that not to pay any arrears even after the lifting of the freezing with effect from 1.7.2021. The authoritative and unilateral action of the Government has received widespread condemnation from different organizations of Central Government Employees and Pensioners.

NCCPA as the apex organization of various Pensioners Associations at National level and CGPA affiliates at State level expressed its strong condemnation to the Government over this unilateral impounding of DA/DR. The Government have not taken the facts that even before the said impounding, the NCCPA and its affiliates have been donating to the cause of fighting corona to either the PMNRF or State Chief Ministers’ Relief Funds. In addition there had been a wage cut on the CG Employees and the Pensioners also were requested to offer willingness to recover from Pension towards the relief. The unilateral action of impounding of three installments due from 1.1.2020; 1.7.2020; and 1.1.2021 without any arrears on restoration will be acting very severely on the Pensioners whose livelihood is based on Pension and periodical Dearness Relief to offset the cost of living rise. Recovery of pension from 4% to around 12% Pension for a period of 18 months will be excessively harsh on the senior citizens.

NCCPA has therefore written to the Prime Minister to intervene to cause to rescind the orders of the Finance Minister dated 23.04.2020. The copy of letter addressed to the Honourable Prime Minister is enclosed for the information of our affiliates. Any inaction on the part of the Government will be discussed in our National Executive after the restoration of normalcy and organizational decisions will be taken. All our affiliates are requested to send an identical letter of protest to the Honourable Prime Minister on behalf of their respective organizations.

Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 5 Issues settled; Strike on 5th January 2005 deferred.

23 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU

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Issues settled; Strike on 5th January 2005 deferred.

Full preparations went on for the One Day Strike on 5th January 2005. Protest demonstrations, rallies etc were held and workers energized for the strike.
The Joint Forum leaders were meeting at FNTO Office at about 19.30 to finalise last minute preparations for strike. While proceedings were going on, call came from Secretary DOT intimating a meeting at his office to discuss the strike issues immediately. JF was skeptic about meeting with DOT in the last minute and especially when neither Communications Minister nor State Minister was in Delhi. Hence, JF decided that only Convener need to go.
Though it was about 21.00 hours when I reached Sanchar Bhawan, the security directly took me to the Secretary’s room. Shri J.S.Sharma, Secretary, DOT was alone. He asked me what are the important demands for the strike and I explained briefly and gave him a copy of the strike notice. He gave certain assurances, but I wanted it in writing. He called the Additional Secretary, Shri Yashwant Bhave and dictated the following letter and gave me a copy:
The letter was addressed to Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL. The full letter is given below:
Dear Shri Sinha,
Mr. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary of the BSNL Employees Union met Secretary (Telecom) today on behalf of the Joint Forum and expressed the following concern to him in connection with the notice of the strike given by the union.
1. Disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
2. Unbundling of the local loop.
3. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL.
4. Views of the union in connection with the proposed Telecom Policy.
The Secretary assured Mr. Namboodiri as under:
a) That there is no proposal regarding disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
b) That unbundling of the local loop is not under consideration
c) That all efforts will be made towards obtaining the Navaratna status to BSNL
d) That the views of the union will be duly considered as and when the draft Telecom Policy is formulated.
Yours (sd) Yeshwant Bhave.
Copy to: Shri V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union.
The JF considered the letter and the strike was deferred as per unanimous decision. It was a great success since the disinvestment and unbundling was stopped. (to be continued)

AIBDPA Kolkata collects Rs. 2,45,000 for Contract Workers Relief Fund. Congratulations!

23 Thursday Apr 2020

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It has been intimated by Com. Sanjib Banerjee, Circle Secretary, AIBDPA, Kolkatta Telephones that an  amount of Rs. 2,45,000 has been collected towards Contract Workers Relief Fund by Kolkata Telephones Circle. Out of this Rs. 1,95,000 is from Kolkata Telephone District Branch.

Hearty Congratulations Kolkata Comrades and Circle Secretary Com. Sanjib Banerjee! ( Courtesy:AIBDPA Website)

Three Central DA frozen for for employees as well as pensioners.

23 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by in CG Employees, General, Pension, Uncategorized

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Government has issued orders freezing eligible DA due from January,July 2020 and January 2021 for Central government employees and pensioners. No arrears will be given afterwards. The order has been issued today, 23rd April 2020.

Covid 19 Kerala Congratulated on its performance

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

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KUDOS TO KERALA AND ALL KERALITES
Kerala and Covid-19
1. Lowest death rate in the world. World average -5.75 % India 2.83% and KERALA-0.58%
2. Highest number of Covid Testing in India based on population density.
3. First in India to establish Covid Testing Kiosks (WISK)
4. First in India to try Plasma Therapy (Convalescent Plasma Therapy) even before many countries around world.
5. Every District has at least Two Covid Special hospitals
6. First state in India to make law on Epidemic Control. (Kerala Epidemic Diseases Act)
7. First State in India to start Tele-Medicine
8. First State in India to provide Tele-Medicine, Expert consultation for Indian diaspora
9. “No one without Food” – First state in India to start 1400 Plus Community Kitchens across state.
10. Highest number of Migrant Labor Camps in India – 5500 Plus
11. 15541 Camps and Shelters in Kerala out of 22567 in all over India.
12. First state in India to appoint 300+ Doctors and 400+ Health Inspectors on war footing within 24 Hrs time
13. First State in India to declare stimulus package of 20000 Cr Financial Aid
14. First state in India to provide One Month Food without any consideration of APL/BPL
15. “Break the Chain “Campaign – First in India for Hand washing, Sanitizing and Social Distancing.
16. First State in India to provide Mid Day Meal at home for Kindergartens (Anganawadi’s)
17. First State in India to expand Internet bandwidth and connectivity for Lockdown situation.
18. CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s strategic thinking is better and faster than any CEO’s – Mumbai Mirror – Times Group
19. “What Kerala thinks today, India must think tomorrow ! Good to see more and more Indians acknowledge this! “ Rajdeep Sardesai – India Today
20. CM Pinarayi Vijayan- The Standout Performer , Seasoned Administrator – Editorial by -The Indian Express
21. “Why straight-talking Pinarayi Vijayan and Andrew Cuomo are getting the admiration they deserve” The Telegraph
22. “Aggressive Testing, contact tracing, cooked meals”- How the Indian State Kerala flattened its Coronavirus Curve- The Washington Post
23. First state in India to conduct Daily situation analysis headed by Chief Minister
24. Only State in India conducts daily situational briefing on public health and protective measures and programs by Chief Minister, Health and Revenue Ministers and Chief Secretary
25. Best Public Health Care Facilities in India (First 13 Numbers belongs to Kerala)
26.”A ‘Kerala model’ worthy of emulation
Deccan Herald.
It shows us…..
WORKING
FOR THE PEOPLE
FOR THE STATE
FOR THE NATION.
And not for hatred, hidden agendas
(Forwarded )
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Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 4 Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL on urgent issues

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, BSNLEU

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Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL on urgent issues

A large number of urgent problems were pending, which required immediate attention of the government, DOT and the BSNL Management. These included the issues of No FDI, ADC, USOF, No Outsourcing, No MTNL – BSNL Merger, Absorption of ITS officers, No unbundling, Broadband etc.
The JF which met on 14th March 2005 decided to submit a memorandum to the CMD on the above subjects and the same was handed over to the CMDs on 19th April 2005. It was signed by all the General Secretaries and they also participated in the meetings with CMDs.
The JF leaders had met Secretary, DOT Shri Nripendra Mishra on 11th February 2005 and requested for early action at the government level. On 15th March 2005, DOT issued letter ensuring government pension to BSNL retirees, which gave a big relief to the workers and pensioners. Another letter was also received on 28th September 2005 from Shri J.S.Sharma, Secretary DOT that the Prime Minister has intimated that the recommendations of the TRAI to unbundle cables has not been accepted. This again was another victory.
Meeting with Communications minister on 25th November 2005.
Since other issues were still pending settlement, the Joint Forum Convener V.A.N.Namboodiri and other leaders met Communications minister Shri Dayanidhi Maran on 25th November 2005 and had a long discussion, but no decision was reached. DOT Secretary was also present.
Agitational Programmes
The JF of BSNL Unions had a 5 days marathon meeting from 20th November and decided for agitational programmes including one day strike on the following demands:
1. No disinvestment in BSNL.
2. No Increase in FDI
3. 3No opening of last mile copper.
4. No reduction in Revenue sharing and ADC
5. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL.
6. Expand mobile and Broad band services
7. Grant autonomy to BSNL
8. Absorb Group A / ITS Officers.
As part of the agitational programmes, Lunch hour demonstration on 8th December, and Dharna on 21 December 2005 was organized at SSA levels all over the country. Notice for One Day Strike on 5th January 2006 was issued to DOT and BSNL Management. (to be continued)

Funds for One month wages to Contract labours released.

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU

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It has been intimated that funds for  one month wages for contract workers have been released by the corporate office. While speaking to Shri P.K.Puwar, CMD he had assured me that releasing of funds will be considered when funds are available. To day the same has been released. Thanks to CMD for immediate response.

The non-payment of wages was also  taken by the Kerala Chief Minister as well as BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF CHQs.

The balance of wages also may be paid early.

Covid 19 – Kerala Government announces relief to BSNL contract workers.

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU

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Kerala Government has announced relief to the BSNL contract workers in Kerala during the period of corona virus. The sad plight of the contract workers without getting wages for about one year and the difficulty to manage the family during the Covid period was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister Com. Pinarayi Vijayan and the Labour Minister Com. T.P.Ramakrishnan, who himself is a leader of the CITU by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President BSNLCCWF and Com. Santhosh Kumar, Circle Secretary BSNLEU.
The Chief Minister has assured that the matter of payment of wages and arrears to the contract workers will be brought to the notice of the government of India for favour of necessary action.
We thank the honorable Chief Minister for his support to the BSNL Contract workers! (Courtsey: AIBDPA website)

Sad News  – 8000 deaths in old age homes in U.S. due to Covid 19.

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners

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Reports have been published in todays’ papers that 8003 aged persons have died in old age homes in U.S. due to Covid 19 and that necessary treatment is  not being provided. This is very sad. Aged persons are more prone to corona attack due to their weak body and weak immune system and require special assistance.  ( AIBDPA Website)

 

Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 3 Meeting with the Prime Minister on 2nd March 2005.

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

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Meeting with the Prime Minister on 2nd March 2005.

Either the government was not taking any decision on many of the urgent issues or it was unduly delaying matters as in the case of USO Fund, ADC, Pension from government etc. In this connection, a meeting was arranged with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the instance of Com. Basudeb Acharya, senior Member of Parliament on 2nd March 2005 in the Parliament building. Members of the Joint Forum viz. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener and GS BSNLEU), O.P.Gupta GS NFTE, S.Basu GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi GS SNEA, K.Vallinayagam GS FNTO, V.Narayana GS BSNLMS, V.K.Tomar GS MTNLEA, S.D.Sharma GS BSNLWRU, Vrijesh Upadhyaya GS MTNLMS, V.Subburaman GS TEPU, K.M.Pillai GS MTNLSW, Umesh Thyagi GS MTNLKVS, Sathish Kumar GSMTNLWU and Devender Singh GS MTNLOA were present along with Members of Parliament Coms. Basudeb Acharya and Neelotpal Basu.
The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the decision to pay government pension and also pension contribution by BSNL as per FR and SR. Prime Minister stated that cabinet decision is already taken in both these cases and will be implemented without delay.
On the issue of increasing the FDI from 49% to 74% in telecom sector, the Prime Minister addressed the concern of the workers on the risk to security of the Nation as well as take over by the MNCs, stating that the government has taken sufficient steps to ensure the security. He also stated that BSNL and MTNL were capable of competing with MNCs and the government will provide help to the PSUs.
The PM’s attention was drawn by the Forum to the unwarranted decision of the TRAI to reduce the ADC, which was a compensation for BSNL and MTNL for providing landline services below cost. Forum wanted to continue ADC as before. The Forum also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that though funds were available with the USOF due amount is yet to be paid to BSNL and MTNL. While the loss to BSNL for providing rural connections in 2003-04 was Rs. 9528 crore, the refund was only Rs. 2522.77 crore through reimbursement licence fee and allotment from USO Fund. It was also pointed out that unnecessary outsourcing of work was being resorted to by management of both PSUs, draining their funds. Prime Minister assured to look in to these matters.
It is worth mentioning that despite Parliament was in session, Prime Minister was kind enough to spend about half an hour of his valuable time to hear the points raised by the representatives. The M.P.s present also put in certain valuable suggestions during the discussion.
The government started a move to merge BSNL and MTNL. The Forum expressed its strong view that the merger can be considered only after the MTNL shares sold are bought back. The protest had its effect. The move was stopped for the time being. ( to be continued)