Monthly Archives: July 2020

Train Journey 2 – Jhansi Fort and Lepers’ Colony

08 Wednesday Jul 2020

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1966 March 12. Travelling to Lucknow through Madras – Jhansi to participate in the All India Conference of All India Conference of E.III Union (NFPTE) at Lucknow along with Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair, leader of NFPTE at Calicut. Since no direct train from Kerala, we went to Madras first. Only one train from Madras to Delhi route – Grand Trunk Express. No reservation since it will take at least one day in queue to reach counter. Even then no chance. As usual, we will travel in ordinary compartment. We managed to get in the compartment with our hold-all in the heavy rush, but failed to get seats. Started travelling by standing.
At Vijayawada, got down to platform, took meals from Railway Canteen and returned, but again no seats. In the night also we had to continue standing even without moving space. No sleep. Exhausted completely. Reached Jhansi in early morning of 15th at about 04.00 hours. We got down there with the intention to visit Jhansi Fort, take a bath and then proceed by next available train to Lucknow. Since we had unreserved ticket, can travel by any train.
It was winter and very cold. We took bathing towels, soap etc, put luggage in the locker room, had very sweet hot tea ( almost complete milk ) and hired a tonga to go to the Jhansi Fort. By about half an hour he stopped and told that we have reached the Fort. Got down and carefully looked the surroundings. It was still dark, but we could see some old buildings nearby in the dim light. We entered the premises, went inside the building. Rooms were large, nobody was there, but very foul smell, beyond toleration. Dirty clothes bundled here and there. Total atmosphere made us sick, we rushed outside. By the time, sun has risen and there was light. We were sure that this was not the Jhansi Fort, but some other old dilapidated fort or big house.
We started walking back to the road. The compound was dirty, muddy rain water was every where. Near the dilapidated gate to the road, there were about thirty men and women with disfigured bodies in rags watching us with anger and distrust. They might have thought that we are thieves and had come to steal their possessions. We understood to our dismay that this was a lepers’ colony and that we are trapped. To reach the road we have to pass through the gate where they stood. If we are caught and kept there? A life with lepers?
Bhaskaran Nair was a man of action, quick to find out answers in any tricky situation. He told that we will calmly walk up to the gate with out showing any fear and once near, run with all our might to the road. That exactly is what we did. When we started running they were startled and we could pass them without difficulty. Anyway, they could not have outrun us. The nightmare was over.
We got another tonga and proceeded to the real Jhansi Fort. We reached there shortly. A major portion was occupied by military, but we could visit other portions of the fort. We found out a small temple and a tank deep down inside the fort. We got down in the hope of taking a bath, since we were feeling very dirty not only because of the coal dust of the train, but also of visiting the lepers’ colony. There was a poojari in the temple. He told that only the royal family can take bath in the tank. We told him that we have come far from Kerala to visit the temple and that we can have darshan only after taking bath and offered him dakshina. He was happy, allowed us to bath and then we had darshan. We also were happy.
We returned to the station, had breakfast and started to Lucknow by the next train.

60th Anniversary of the Glorious 5 Days Strike of CG Employees in 1960.

08 Wednesday Jul 2020

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July 11th, 2020 is the 60th anniversary of the start of the Historic Five Days Strike of the Central Government employees in 1960.

The strike was for acceptance of Need Based Minimum Wage per the 15th Indian Labour Conference approved formula as also for grant of automatic DA whenever the cost of living index is increased, as demanded by the unions. It was also against the retrograde recommendations of the II Central Pay Commission which only denied the justified demands of the workers and the unsympathetic stance of the central government.

Under the Joint Council of Action of the Central Government Employees Federations (AIRF, AIDEF, Confederation and NFPTE), the biggest Indefinite Strike in independent India started on the night of 11/12th July 1960, the anniversary of the 1946 P and T Strike. The government refused to negotiate despite continued efforts of the JCA, as also many Members of Parliament including Shri Feroze Gandhi, M.P.( Husband of Smt.Indira Gandhi). The government was adamant. Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru called the strike as ‘Civil Rebellion’ and utilised the entire government machinery to crush it. Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance (ESMO) was promulgated and thousands of workers were arrested, convicted, dismissed, suspended, terminated and charge sheeted. All India leaders were arrested and put in Tihar Jail. NFPTE Secretary General Com. P.S.R.Anjaneyulu was paraded through the streets of Delhi while sending to Tihar Jail. Never before India has seen such brutal attack on any strike in the country, not even in 1946 Postal Strike, when the British were the rulers.

It is to the credit of the workers and their loyalty to their organisation that the strike continued for long five days, despite severe repression and manhunt. The entire Railways, Postal and Telecom services- all were all badly affected. Unable to continue against the brutal attack of the government and victimisation, the strike was called off on the fifth day.

5 Railways workers in Dohad were killed by police firing. They are Coms. Ranjit Singh, Sakharam, Sitaram, Kripa Shankar and another comrade whose name is not known. Two comrades in Kerala, Com.Ekambaram from Telephones Palakkad and another Comrade from Trichur Postal Division, whose name is not known, committed suicide unable to face the victimisation and termination from service. Many workers were punished with rigorous imprisonment. Public, trade union leaders and outsiders were arrested for supporting the strike. Recognition of the federations/unions were withdrawn.

The workers faced these attacks with full confidence in their organisation and leaders. They knew that there is no other way to defend their rights and achieve justified demands. They saw the most cruel face of the so called ‘Socialist Pattern Government’.

PTTI and many other foreign trade unions as also the trade unions in the country supported the strike and demanded the government to vacate victimisation.   In the Parliament, Nehru government was put on the dock by eminent Members of Parliament like Comrades A.K.Gopalan, S.M.Banerjee, Nath Pai and many others, who demanded justice to the workers and vacation of all victimisation.

It took more than three years for the vacation of victimisation and re-recognition of the unions and federations. But the scars remained for a long time.

Though crushed, the 1960 strike was not in vain. For that matter, no struggle is in vain. The government was compelled to act against the price rise, appoint two Committees one after another to consider the demand of DA and has to start discussion with the unions on the constitution of negotiating machinery, the Joint Consultative Machinery(JCM).

As a participant of the historic strike, I have my own experiences, which I may narrate some time  later.

The 1960 strike has many lessons for the working class. The determination, dedication and sacrifice of the leaders and workers who were part  of the great struggle will ever be remembered.

The Central Govt. employees are once again on the struggle path. The working class are on struggle against the curtailment of trade union and labour rights, imposition of more working hours, privatisation of Public Sector Units etc. etc. Utilising the Covid situation, Mody Government wants to steam roller its anti – people policies.

On this 60th anniversary of the epic strike of 1960, Red Salute to all the participants of the strike and especially to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle! 1960 Strike has given the message that the workers will never surrender to the anti-worker policy of the government.

Homage to Com.Jyoti Basu on 106th Birth Anniversary!

08 Wednesday Jul 2020

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8th July 2020 is the 106th Birth Anniversary of Com. Jyoti Basu, the veteran leader of the CPI(M) and Chief Minister of W.Bengal for long 33 years from 21-06-1977 to 05-11-2000. He was one of the PB Members of the CPI(M) from its formation till his death. He was one of the founders of CITU and was its Vic-President since its inception.

Com.Jyoti Basu, as a trade union leader was closely connected with the trade union movement in P and T. He has mentioned about the 1946 Postal Strike and the mammoth Rally held in W.Bengal on July 29th 1946 in support of the strike called by AITUC, the only national trade union on those days. He inaugurated the P and T House, union office of NFPTE, Kerala  in Trivandrum on 27th September 1989. He attended and addressed many Conferences of the  NFPTE Unions.

I remember the opportunity I got as the General Secretary of the BSNLEU to meet him in a Conference and discuss with him about the telecom issues and request him as the Chief Minister to ensure telecom services in the government offices in W.Bengal fully from the BSNL. He was very sympathetic and assured to do the needful.

He was one of the tall leaders of the Left in the country. The opponents were so jealous and afraid of his popularity that they made more than one attempt to murder him, but failed. He was a the leader who effectively and strategically put an end to the Congress misrule in W.Bengal.

Red Salute to Com. Jyoti Basu on his 106th birth anniversary!

 

Train Journeys 1 – Night Journey from Lucknow to Agra.

07 Tuesday Jul 2020

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( A good part of my life have been spent on journeys. Since the 1960s, I have been travelling in connection with the union activities, first in Kerala, then in T.Nadu and Karnataka, then all over India. I have been fortunate to visit head quarters of almost all the districts in the country, except very few. In the fiercely contested Member Verifications first in the Telecom Department (All India Telecom Employees Union Class III ) and later in BSNL, it was a compulsion to reach out to the grass root level as the General Secretary of the union/s. The journeys were conducted in most difficult conditions. But the love, affection and support of the workers and leaders at the Circle and Divisional levels made the journeys almost enjoyable.

I thought that I would share some of the experiences with our comrades and friends. I would try to avoid the details, since the valuable time of the readers are precious.)

A Night Train journey from Lucknow to Agra (1966)

It was the return journey from Lucknow after attending the All India Conference of the AITEU Class III Union. The 6-7 delegates from Kerala decided to make the return journey through Agra so that the world famous Taj Mahal can be visited. No reservation in train. Heavy rush. Since winter, all were having hold-all packs, as was the system at that time with the dresses, books etc.bundled in them. To get in train with the hold-all was difficult and there was heavy rush. Windows had no bars or glasses, so that one can even jump through it. Others rushed through the door; I was asked, as the youngest, to put the luggage inside through the window and then get in through the door. By the time time I put all the luggage, the train started and I could not get in the compartment. However, I got in the next and last compartment where there was no rush. The train gained speed.

When I looked for a seat, I was dumb-founded. It was Ladies Compartment. A good number of young nurses were sitting. An elder sister came to me and asked in Malayalam whether I am from Kerala; I nodded. She told me not to worry and that she is returning from Lucknow after taking the students to appear in the Nurse’s examination and she is the Supt of the Nursing School at Agra and by morning the train will reach there. I was allowed to sit.

After a few hours, the train slowed and stopped. No station was to be seen. It was pitch dark. It seemed that there was some work going on in the tracks. I was standing at the door and looking out. The Nursing Supdt also came and stood there. All of a sudden, the train jerked and the purse in her hand fell down. I got down carefully, but since it was inside the tracks it was dangerous to bend down and pick it up. I told her that I will take it after the last compartment passes and get up with the purse, before the train gains speed. She also got down, probably afraid that I may slip away after the purse is taken from the tracks. The train started moving, I took the purse and gave it to her. But unfortunately, she was unable to climb up the steps in the moving train. Both of us were stranded there in the dark night.

We stood completely shocked and frightened. We saw a dim light and went towards it. Fortunately there was a very small Railway Station with an Asst. Station Master with a small kerosene lantern sitting in his room. We requested him to allow us to sit there. He said that the last train has gone, he is closing and going home and advised us to go outside, where there are jutkas and they will take us to Agra, by road which is only 5-6 miles from there. In the cold dark night with warm clothes and big turbans, they seemed like dacoits in Hindi cinemas. My companion was brave, she knew Hindi well, spoke with them and we got in the jutka.

The horse trotted with speed and we reached outside of Agra Railway station by about 6.00 am. I could see our comrades sitting there, probably discussing about what happened to me since they did not see me getting in to the compartment. They were happy and I was happy. I said thanks to the Nursing Superintendent and joined with my comrades. Of course, we visited Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

AUAB calls for agitational programmes on BSNL and workers issues

07 Tuesday Jul 2020

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

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The AUAB meeting held yesterday the 06.07.2020 has decided to call on the BSNL employees to organise lunch hour black flag demonstrations on 16.07.2020. It is also decided that the employees should wear black badge on that day. The following are the agitational programme and charter of demands, as decided in yesterday’s meeting.

Agitational programme.

All the employees are called upon to wear black badge on 16.07.2020. Black flag demonstrations are to be organised by the employees during lunch hour on 16.07.2020, against the cancellation of BSNL’s 4G tender and against the road blocks being created in the rolling out of BSNL’s 4G services.
A memorandum is to be submitted to all the MPs during the period from 13.07.2020 to 31.07.2020, urging upon them to intervene in favour of BSNL’s expeditious rolling out of 4G network, as well as the early revival of BSNL.
Twitter campaign is to be organised on 05.08.2020, demanding immediate rolling out of 4G network by BSNL and implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package.

Demands:
BSNL should immediately be allowed to roll out it’s 4G Services.
BSNL should take immediate actions to upgrade the 4G compatible BTSs.
Add on order for 4G equipments as per Phase VIII.4 tender should be issued immediately.
In the matter of procuring new equipments and upgrdation, there should not be any discrimination, between BSNL and other private telecom service providers.
The Government should immediately implement the decisions contained in BSNL’s Revival Package, like extension of Sovereign Guarantee for the issuing of Bonds.
Urgent measures should be undertaken by the BSNL Management for immediately improving the quality of service.
The Management should ensure that the salary payment of the employees is made on the last working of every month.
The Management should immediately take steps to ensure that the employees get cashless treatment from empanelled hospitals during Covid 19 pandemic. The Management should pay Rs.10 lakh to the family of the employees who die due to COVID-19. Based on the instructions issued by the DoT, the Postal Department has already introduced such a scheme to it’s employees.

All the circle and district unions are requested to coordinate with the other constituents of the AUAB and to make the agitational programme a total success. Circle and district secretaries are requested to go through the AUAB circular for full details. (Courtesy: BSNLEU website)

SCFWA completes 14 years service to the Senior Citizens

07 Tuesday Jul 2020

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Senior Citizens Friends Welfare Association (SCFWA), Kerala is completing 14 years of fruitful service to the elder people of the state. Formed on 9th July 2006 at the initiative of a few friends, the association has grown in to the largest welfare association of the senior citizens,those aged above 60, in Kerala.

During the last 14 years, the association has taken issues of the elder persons, including health issues, treatment, security, living with dignity and without being harassed, financial security etc. The present Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by Com.Pinarayi Vijayan has taken effective steps for security and social justice to the elderly, though much is yet to be done. Social Security Pension of Rs.1,300 is being paid monthly and the same is paid at their home, who are invalid or unable to go out. SCFWA has demanded that it should be increased to Rs. 5,000 per month. Towards this target, the government is increasing Rs. 100 every year. Social security pension by the Central government is only a paltry amount of Rs. 200 per month. It has to be increased. Police have been directed to go to the houses of the elderly and ensure their security and well being.

Senior citizens Council is formed at state and districts by the state government under the chairmanship of the Minister at the state level and head of the local self government institutions at the Corporation/Panchayat levels with representatives of the association, which discuss the issues connected with the welfare of the aged people. Old Age Homes are also organised by the Government in addition to those run by private institutions.

SCFWA is publishing a monthly journal ‘Vayojana Vartha’ with details of the government programmes, organisational matters and also general issues of the senior citizens. The Association is headed a committee headed by Shri V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Shri Amaravila Ramakrishnan s General Secretary.

Warm Greetings to all senior citizens on the 15th Foundation Day of SCFWA!

Wages not paid to BSNL contract workers for more than one year. Immediate action required.

07 Tuesday Jul 2020

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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The contract workers engaged in BSNL have not been paid wages for more than one year on the plea by the management that the company is in financial crisis. Out of the 1 lakh workers earlier, about 50,000 stands retrenched, even with out paying their due wages. About 50,000 who are still working are also not paid wages. Despite instructions from the Chief Labour Commissioner and Labour Commissioners in the states, wages are not paid. This is not only violation of labour rules, but also an attack on the livelihood of the workers and their families.

BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation demands the BSNL Management to take a sympathetic view and give priority to the payment of wages to these low paid workers with the arrears. After VRS, BSNL is settling one after another payment, but least priority is given to payment of wages to contract workers. This is not acceptable. Payment has to be made urgently.

7th July 2020 – Birth Centenary of Com. K.G.Bose

06 Monday Jul 2020

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The Birth Centenary of Com. K.G.Bose, former President NFPTE and the inspiration for a whole generation of P and T workers and CG employees starts with 7th July 2020. He was born on 7th July 1921 and passed away on 11th December 1974 at the age of 53.
He led the historic struggles of 1946 Postal Strike, 1960 Indefinite Strike and the One Day Token Strike of 19th September 1968. He was jailed and dismissed from service in connection with the proposed 1949 strike.
He was founder leader of the 12th July Committee in W.Bengal which organized many struggles of the working class. He was elected as MLA in W.Bengal and as also nominated as a Member of the Pay Commission for State Government employees.
His younger brother Com. Moni Bose was also an important leader of NFPTE and was General Secretary of the E.III Union and Patron of BSNL Employees Union.
BSNL Employees Union has called upon to observe the birth centenary year of Com. K.G.Bose by organizing meetings, garlanding his photo etc. AIBDPA calls upon its members to participate and organize the same jointly in a befitting way.
Red salute to Com. K.G.Bose on this 100th Birth Day!(Courtesy: AIBDPA website)

AUAB expresses anguish and resentment over cancellation of the 4G tender.

06 Monday Jul 2020

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AUAB expresses anguish and resentment over cancellation of the 4G tender.

An online meeting of the AUAB was held today. Representatives of all the major organisations, viz., BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, BSNL MS, SNATTA, BSNL ATM, TEPU and BSNL OA, participated. The meeting expressed it’s anguish and resentment over cancellation of BSNL’s 4G tender. Delay in the implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package and deteriorating quality of BSNL’s services, we’re also taken serious note of. The non-payment salary on the due date, as well as non-availability of cashless treatment for the employees, at a time when the COVID-19 is spreading fast, were deliberated in depth. Finally, the meeting has taken decisions for an agitational programme. A detailed circular of the AUAB will be issued tomorrow. (courtesy: BSNLEU Website)

[Date : 06 – Jul – 2020]

Supernumerary Benefits to the BSNL Recruited Retirees.

06 Monday Jul 2020

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

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Officials were recruited after formation of BSNL who are not having government pension as per Rule 37(A) of the CCA (Pension) Rules 1972 as is being received by the BSNL absorbed DOT employees.

As per recommendations of the II Pay Revision Committee 2007 for PSU employees, those retiring are eligible for 30% of supernumerary benefits. But BSNL has only agreed for 25%  ( EPF- 12%, Gratuity – 4.8%, PRMB – 3.2% and pensionary benefit 5%) so far despite continued pressure by the unions. This is a big injustice to the BSNL recruitees.

BSNL Management should reconsider the matter and do justice to them by granting full 30% supernumerary benefits as recommended by the II PRC.