Monthly Archives: August 2020

Homage to Com. V.V.Dakshinamoorthy Master on his 4th death anniversary!

30 Sunday Aug 2020

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31st August 2020 is the fourth death anniversary of Com. V.V.Dakshinamoorthy Master, veteran Communist , who passed away this day in 2016. He was the Editor of ‘Deshabhimani’ for many years, have been Member of the State Assembly, District Secretary of CPI (M), Kozhikode, State Committee Member and so on. He was a good speaker and writer. But most importantly he was an expert in teaching Marxism- Leninism to more than two generations. He was simple and his dealings with others were also comradely.

I had long  connection with Murthy Master for more than 3-4 decades. When he used to come to Delhi for committee meetings etc, we used to meet and discuss personal and political issues.  A very interesting matter is that some  comrades mistook me for Dakshinamoorthy Master. I do not know whether Moorthy Master had similar experience.

Red Salute to Com. Murthy Master on his 4th death anniversary!

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL 31 – National Convention of BSNL Employees on 3rd August 2013

30 Sunday Aug 2020

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National Convention of BSNL Employees on 03-08-2013.

A National Convention of BSNL employees was held on 3rd August 2013 at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi  which was attended by more than 1000 delegates from all parts of India. The Convention was organised by the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations to discuss and decide the measures to be taken for improving the financial position of BSNL and also for improving the services.

Com.C.Singh Chairman presided and Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener welcomed the guests and delegates and presented the draft resolution to be discussed in the convention. Central trade union leaders including S/Shri Gurudas Dasgupta M.P and General Secretary AITUC, Swaddesh Dev Roy, Secretary CITU, B.N.Rai, General secretary BMS, Dr. Udit Raj, President All India SC/ST Employees Federation, Thomas John, Org. Secretary INTUC, R.Venkatraman, LPF and others addressed. They strongly criticised the anti-worker policies of the UPA government. They also supported the demand of employees for the revival of BSNL and MTNL. They assured to take up the issues with the government.

Convention was addressed by all the leaders of affiliated unions/associations of Forum.Convention unanimously adopted the declaration presented in the convention. The convention called upon the workers to organise similar conventions at Circle / SSA levels. ( to be continued).

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 30 Agitational programmes continue

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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The meeting of the Forum held on 24th January 2013 discussed about the long pending issues like 78.2% IDA fixation,ITS repatriation, 30% fitment/  5 increments for post-2007 recruited employees, procure of equipment, formation of BBNL and its adverse impact etc.

The following programmes were decided and implemented with massive participation.

  1. Savingram to Secretary DOT on 28-30 January 2013.
  2. Lunch hour demonstration on 11th  February 2013.
  3. Dharna on 15th February 2013 at SSA level.

Child Care Leave order issued. Consequent to continued pressure from the Forum, the orders on Child care Leave was issued on 08-03-2013. It was a great relief to the women employees.

Memorandum to the GoM on revival of BSNL

In the meantime, the  government of India appointed a Group of Ministers with Shri P.Chidambaram, Finance Minister, as Chairman to suggest means and ways to revive BSNL and MTNL. This was similar to the appointment of Sam Pitroda Committee in 2010, which only recommended measures which will weaken BSNL and MTNL like VRS for one lakh employees, disinvestment of 30% of shares etc.

Despite this background the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations gave a detailed memorandum to the Chairman of GoM with many important suggestions. A detailed introduction on the growth and development of telecommunications was also given as introductory remarks. Copy was sent to Prime Minister and concerned ministers. Though Forum requested for a hearing, no such meeting took place.  This showed the casual attitude of the GoM to the most important issues suggested by the unions.

Notice for Indefinite Strike from 12th June 2013.

Since the issues taken up with the BSNL Management were not being settled, the Forum decided for agitational programmes including strike from 12th June 2013. In preparation for the strike, Lunch Hour demonstrations were held on 11-06-2013. Press Conference was also held. Met the Secretary BRPSE, since the 78.2% issue was referred to BRPSE unnecessarily.

Orders on 78.2% IDA fixation and call off of Indefinite Strike from 12-06-2013.

Seeing the full preparations for the Indefinite Strike, BSNL Management and DOT moved fast. They were delaying the issue of orders on 78.2% IDA fixation on which agreement was made one year back on the eve of the strike from 13th June 2012. The orders on 78.2% IDA fixation was approved by the DOT on 10th June 2013 and the orders were issued on the same day. This was a great achievement, considering the fact that BSNL was in loss and was facing severe financial crisis.

The Forum met on 11th June 2013 and after review of the entire situation decided to call off the strike. The meeting of the forum held on 13th June seriously discussed about the revival of BSNL and decided that massive campaign among employees as also public should be organised to give wide propaganda. Accordingly, it was planned to organise an All India convention at Delhi followed by Circle/ SSA conventions within the next three months. Forum demanded the management to conduct the Works Committee meetings regularly to discuss the development and expansion with the unions. Forum also formed a Core Committee with Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener), P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), K.Sebastin (SNEA), C.Singh (NFTE), Prahlad rai(AIBSNLEA),K.Jaya Prakash (FNTO) and N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL) to meet on regular basis and implement decisions.   (to be continued)

Shri. Mallikarjun, President, BTEF passed away

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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Very  sad and shocking news. It has been informed by Shri Suresh Kumar, General secretary of BSNLMS  that Shri Mallikarjun, President of BTEF and a senior leader of the telecom trade union movement has passed away late night of 24th August at Hyderabad. He was not well for some time. Earlier he was General Secretary of BTEF and was headquartered at Delhi. Mallikarjun was a leader having thorough knowledge of the telecom issues and a very amicable person dealing with  all his comrades and friends.

It may be a coincidence that most of the times I went to Delhi during the last two three years, Mallikarjun was also at Delhi during that time and we spent some time along with Suresh Kumar enjoying tea and biscuits and discussing in general about the telecom developments. Discussion with him was very interesting and informative.

His death is a big loss to the Telecom TU movement and especially to the BTEF /BSNLMS. My heartfelt condolences to the bereave family, friends and colleagues.

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 29 – ITS Officers absorption issue

23 Sunday Aug 2020

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ITS Absorption

Despite continued demands, the ITS officers absorption in BSNL was not settled. The meeting of the Forum on 04-09-2012 decided to organise Lunch Hour demonstration on 18th September 2012 and the same was effectively implemented.

The Forum leaders met Secretary DOT and also CMD BSNL on the implementation of 78.2%IDA fixation and ITS absorption issue. But there was no progress. Hence the Forum decided that the court case for getting intervention in the ITS absorption issue in the Delhi Court to be pursued effectively. We should demand the BSNL management and government that  the repatriation issue should be settled as er Govt. DPE guide lines. Failing the above, all absorbed employees should demand for repatriation to DOT.

In order to settle the demands, it was decided to organise Savingram Campaign demanding immediate repatriation of ITS. A dharna to be organised on 15th October. Parliament march  to be organised on 26th October 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. Massive dharnas were also organised. In the meanwhile the unions/associations in MTNL were also contacted since the ITS absorption was a common issue to both PSUs.

Joint Forum of BSNL , MTNL Unions/Associations

The meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL MTNL unions/associations was held on 25th October  presided by Com.M.K.Bagchi, Convener of the United Forum of MTNL unions/associations. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Joint Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations reported the latest developments. It was decided that a Joint Forum of BSNL MTNL Unions/Associations be formed with Com.Bagchi as Chairman and Namboodiri as Convener. The Parliament March earlier decided will be made a joint action by both BSNL and MTNL employees. In preparation for the parliament March, Joint demonstrations were held in Delhi and Mumbai on 8th November 2012.

Mammoth Parliament March on 22nd November 2012.

On the day of the Parliament March, workers started reaching from early hours. Hundreds of workers from nearby states came. Wall posters were pasted on the BSNL MTNL buildings. A mighty  demonstration took before the BSNL MTNL offices before the March started. The March was led by the leaders of JF. The workers held placards, banners and flags of all unions in large numbers. March participated by thousands of workers went through the town towards parliament, but was stopped at the Parliament Police station by the police with barricades. March was converted in to a rally there which  was addressed by Parliament members, Com. Basudeb Acharya and Shri Arjun Meghbal. Leaders of the JF and unions/associations also spoke. Chairman and Convener, Coms. M.K.Bagchi and V.A.N.Namboodiri went and presented the memorandum to the Prime Minister.

Murder of Com. Sukhender Singh, District Secretary, BSNLEU, GHaziabad.

The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 25th October 2012 condemned the murder of Com. Sukhender Singh DS BSNLEU Ghaziabad by the GM Ghaziabad and demanded the BSNL Management to take immediate action against the GM by suspension/transfer and filing FIR. (to be continued).

 

 

Journeys 33 – Loss of Pearl Necklaces in the train

22 Saturday Aug 2020

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June 2015 – CPSTU Convention in Hyderabad on 22nd June. Meeting of AIBDPA HD District on 23rd June. Started from Bengaluru by flight to Hyderabad along with wife Pankajam on 21st. Reached at 14.40 hours. went directly to BSNL IQ. Comrades J.Sampath Rao, CS BSNLEU, Ramachandrudu, CS AIBDPA and other comrades came and made all  arrangements. On 22nd and 23rd attended the progammes which were arranged efficiently. Hyderabad is famous for pearls of all varieties. Wife suggested why can’t we purchase pearl neck laces for our dear grand daughters? Agreed. Mentioned to Com. Sampath Rao. He arranged some lady comrades to come with us. They took us to a famous jewellery shop. Many items of pearl necklaces. We selected 3 light rose coloured twin neck laces. Hard bargaining by our lady comrades and settled for about Rs. 33,000/-  Small bags also gifted to take the same. We were very happy, thanked the lady comrades, rushed to the IQ, packed suitcases and taxi to Kacheguda railway station. We were in time, got in Bengaluru Express. Train started in time about 19.00 hours. Had good sleep. Train reached Bengaluru about 06.00 hours early next morning.

Heavy rush for getting down at the railway station. I was standing in the corridor near the door, but I was pushed away and suit cases fell. After others, we both  got down. Hired an auto riksha, reached daughter’s residence. Wife  opened the suitcase, searched for the pearl neck lace to present it to grand daughter. Lo, there was no neck lace, not even a hint that the necklace was there. Although I was very sure that I had packed the necklaces in the bag from the IQ, I called comrades at HD to find out whether I had missed it there. They checked and told it is not there.

I went to the Bengaluru railway station and gave a written complaint to the Railway Police Force. They asked the details and filed FIR. I had taken the suit case with me and  showed them that though the lock was not broken and suitcase not opened, the position of the lock on the  zip was on one side of the suitcase, instead of the centre as I have put it. The police officer   then told me that it is a clear case of theft and showed me how the thief might  have opened it by a knife or so, probably in the train in the night or while getting down at the station. He also told that they might have planned the theft very meticulously, probably from the time of the purchase itself in Hyderabad watching us coming from the shop.  He said that if any information, he will intimate.

Next day day at noon I got a call from another railway station asking me some more details. But nothing later. I enquired the RPF again, no information they told. I understood that it was lost forever.  My wife was very upset. We were shortly going to London to meet my son and family and two necklaces were for the grand daughters there.

Lost is lost. But it can not stop us presenting pearl neck laces to my grand daughters. I spoke to Com. Sampath Rao and asked him to purchase similar necklaces and send it to me. Fortunately there was a meeting of AIBDPA AIC Reception Committee to be held at Tirupati on 6th July and I was invited to attend. Com Sampath Rao and some other comrades were also  coming. They purchased similar pearl necklaces at the same reduced rate and gave me the same at Tirupati.  I paid the money.

After returning to Bengaluru,  one neck lace was given to the grand daughter. She was happy.

On 12th July me and wife went to London. The other two necklaces were given to the grand daughters there. They were also happy. And we were happy. Then forgot about the loss. Why worry about things lost, when there are so many things to attend?

AIBDPA Call – STANDING DHARNA ON 19-08-2020- A STUPENDOUS SUCCESS-

20 Thursday Aug 2020

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STANDING DHARNA ON 19-08-2020- A STUPENDOUS SUCCESS- CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO ALL LEADERS AND PARTICIPANTS..
Dear Comrades,

The resounding response to the CHQ call for Standing Dharna on 19-08-2020 was simply unprecedented and historic. The programme has been held in almost all circles barring Jammu and Kashmir and NE-II, the reports received so far indicate. CHQ had many concerns about holding such a programme during the period of rapid spreading of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many parts of the coutry were locked down and some states were hit with heavy rains and flash floods. Inspite of all these odds, our comrades took the risk boldly and made the programme a grand success. Naturally, their anger and anguish against the injustice and discrimination meted out to them by the BSNL manangement in denying the medical facilities for the last two years have reflected in their participation.

The performance of some of the circles like Maharashtra, UP[East] and Tamil Nadu has been beyond expectation. Madhya Pradesh also rose to the occasion. In Kerala, there is a ban on any struggle by the Kerala High Court. So the Circle Branch could not organise the Standing Dharna and decided to send emails to Hon’ble Prime Minister and Communications Minister by all units and individuals. Still, some of our comrades, including Com.V A N Namboodiri participated from their houses. Thiruvananthapuram comrades held the programme at P&T House. In Odisha due to heavy rain and triple lockdown, the programme could not be held in all the districts. So also in NE_II, triple lockdown is enforced in Imphal.

The programme has also reflected the growth of our organisation after a vast number of VRS retirees joined AIBDPA.

CHQ heartily congratulate and salute all the leaders and pensioners who created a new history in our struggles.

CHQ also acknowledge with thanks the support and solidarity extended by TUI[P&R], NCCPA and AIPRPA.

We hope that the BSNL management and Central Government will take the message of the struggle in good spirit and cause necessarry action for immediate payment of medical allowance and medical bills.

STRUGGLE IS OUR PATH FOR ONWARD MARCH.

UNITY FOR STRUGGLE AND STRUGGLE FOR ADVANCEMENT.

With revolutionary Greetings,

K G Jayaraj

General Secretary.
(Courtesy: AIBDPA website)

Homage to Com. M.K.Pandhe, Doyen of Indian Trade Union movement on his 9th death anniversary!

20 Thursday Aug 2020

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Red Salute to Com.M.K.Pandhe, the leading light of the working class, on his 9th death anniversary.

The life of Comrade Madhukar Kashiram Pandhe was completely dedicated to the working class and toiling masses. His active public life started from the student days. He became the Secretary of the Sholapur Students Union as early as in 1943 when he was only 18 years old. He joined the undivided Communist Party in the same year and also was elected as the Secretary of the city Committee of Sholapur.

Com. Pandhe was very active in the trade union front from the start. He functioned as the Secretary of AITUC in the 1960s. In the formation of CITU, he took an active part. Com. Pandhe was the General Secretary of CITU from 1990 and became its President from 1999 which he continued till 2010. In uniting the Central Trade Unions to fight against the anti-working class policies of the government, he took a leading role and was one its architect.

Comrade Pandhe was respected by the trade union leaders world-wide. Even though CITU did not affiliate with WFTU until its Congress at Athens in 2010, Com. Pandhe was treated as one of the top trade union leaders globally. His speech was heard with rapt attention in all the Congresses of WFTU.
Comrade Pandhe was elected to the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) in the 16th Party Congress and continued as PBM till his death.

He was friend, guide and teacher to the trade unions of the Central, State Government employees and others. As the General Secretary of the All India Telecom Employees Union as also BSNL Employees Union later, I had the fortune to be in contact with Comrade Pandhe for a long period, who guided me and other comrades and taught how to strengthen the union and serve the workers to protect their interests. The BSNL Employees Union from its humble position became the biggest union in BSNL as also the only recognised and representative union within a short time. Comrade Pandhe had a big share in this growth.

Com. Pandhe was always available even to the ordinary workers. On each and every issue he could guide and advise comrades like us from his long trade union experience. His vast knowledge in the trade union and all matters was a special phenomena.

In forming the BSNL-DOT Pensioners Association as well as the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation, he gave very valuable advice to us.
Even 10 days back befor his death, he took a class for the BSNL workers despite his failing health. He spoke in detail about the tasks on the trade union front for about one hour which was inspiring and most educative. He always stressed the need for the democratic functioning of the union. Many times he discussed about the failing health of BSNL and the need of the Unions to take initiative to improve the services to the people and strengthen the company. He pointed out how certain other PSUs improved after a steep decline.

At this stage, when we are remembering Com.M.K.Pandhe, the situation in the country is grave with pandemic Covid 19 spreading all over the world. The people all over the world are fighting against this epidemic. In our country, attacks are going on against the working class by increasing the working hours, reducing the gains achieved through continuous struggles. The memory of Com.Pandhe will give us strength and inspiration to continue our struggle.

Red Salute to Comrade M.K.Pandhe!

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 28 Discussion with CMD BSNL and agreement

19 Wednesday Aug 2020

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After receipt of the strike notice, a meeting was called by CMD BSNL on 11-06-202 continued on 12-06-2012. All the General Secretaries were present. After protracted discussions, the following agreement was reached between the Forum and the management:

Agreement on 12-06-2012
1. Revision of pay is agreed as per fitment benefit @ 78.2% wef from 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 continue 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 BSNL Board for re-consideration.
5. For the purpose of provision of superannuation benefits to directly recruited employees, as per the DPE guide lines, a committee will be constituted to re-examine the issues and give its recommendations.

With the signing of this agreement, the Forum of BSNL Unions/ Associations and FNTO decided to defer their proposed indefinite strike from 13th June 2012.
The agreement was signed by Shri N.K.Narang GM(SR) on behalf of the management. The following signed on behalf of the Forum: Coms. P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU),Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Islam Ahmed(NFTE), S.V.S.Subramaniam (BTEU BSNL), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL), K.Sebastin (SNEA), Zile Singh (NTSU), H.P.Singh (BSNLOA), R.P.Sahu(AIGETOA), K.Jayaprakash (FNTO), S.P.Sharma(WRU), Hari Singh (BTU) and 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 mobilisation 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 reasonable demands of the workers.
The meeting of the Forum on 4th September 2012 discussed in detail about the pending issues and also full implementation of the agreement signed on 12-06-2012. It was understood that the BSNL Board has approved 78.2% IDA fixation, but he same will have to be approved by DOT. No decision has been taken about the child care Leave. (To be continued)

BSNL CCWF gives call for two day relay hunger strike on 25-26th August 2020.

17 Monday Aug 2020

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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BSNL CCWF gives call for two day relay hunger strike.
The BSNL Casual Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) has given a call for a two day relay hunger strike on 25th & 26th August, 2020. This programme is to demand immediate payment of the wage arrears of the contract workers and also against the retrenchment of contract workers, which is being done through outsourcing. CHQ requests all the circle and district unions to take immediate steps for successfully organising the two day relay hunger strike successfully at all levels, together with the BSNL CCWF.

[Date : 17 – Aug – 2020](BSNLEU Website)