BSNL Bond for Rs 8500 Crores for 10 years:

BSNL Bond with Govt Sovereign Guarantee got good response from the market. BSNL got the entire amount of Rs 8500 Crores for a comparatively good interest rate of Rs 6.79%. Some bidders quoted higher interest rate @ 6.9%. BSNL has to pay the interest half yearly. (Courtesy: SNEA Website)

The Central Government has withdrawn the train concession granted earlier to the senior citizens, w.e.f. 19th March 2020. Women aged above 58 years were getting 50% concession in train tickets and men above 60 were getting 40% concession. The government took decision to cancel the same on the plea that the government lost more than Rs. 4,000 crores due to concession during the period 2016 to 2019 as also as a restraint for the senior citizens to travel during the Covid 19 period. This is atrocious. While the government on the one side speak much about the welfare and social security of the aged during the covid period, the railways stops even the facilities given to them.

We demand the Central government to cancel the present derogatory order and restore the concession in train charges to the senior citizens.

PENSION REVISION.AIBDPA has a clear stand on Pension Revision of BSNL Retirees from the very beginning. Our demand has been that Pension Revision from 01-01-2017 with 15% fitment, delinking wage revision. Pension revision is no way connected to affordability condition or bad finance of BSNL as 100% liability of pension and pensionary benefits lies with the Central government. The AUAB also raised the same demand and got an assurance from the former Minister of Communications, Shri. Manoj Sinha that Pension Revision will be implemented delinking wage revision. But the present Minister of Communications, Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad , presumably at the behest of certain arrogant beaurocrats , took a negative stand to the effect that pension revision will be implemented only after wage revision. At this stage some of the Pensioners organisations opined about approaching court for settlement of Pension Revision. These organisations were advocating for 7th CPC fitment for Pension Revision and that too from 01-01-2016.The Central Executive Committee meeting of AIBDPA held at Guwahati in November, 2019 discussed issue in threadbare and decided against seeking legal remedy at this stage. Instead the CEC decided a phased program of agitation culminating in a Parliament March. The CEC also authorized CHQ to explore the possibility of a joint action by contacting other Pensioners organisations. Accordingly, all the important Pensioners organisations were contacted, but only AIRBSNLEA, AIBSNLREA, and BDPA responded and had reservations on joining the agitation. Therefore we had to go it alone. Postcard campaign to Prime Minister, Meeting MPs, Hunger Dharna at all CCA offices were held successfully. All preparations were made for the final phase of Parliament March on 12-03-2020. Unfortunately we were compelled to postpone it due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now the situation is not conducive for any major agitation, as India is witnessing a swift spike in Corona infection and it is a reality that we have to live with Covid-19 pandemic for some time long.Meanwhile some of the Pensioners organisations have filed petition at Principal CAT, New Delhi. But it is learnt that the prayer is different. While AIRBSNLEA, SNPWA and MTNL Pensioners organisations have put forward that Pension Revision should be on IDA with 2.51 fitment. AIBSNLPWA has filed a separate petition in the same PCAT, New Delhi praying for Pension Revision on 7th CPC fitment from 01-01-2016.CHQ is watching the developments keenly and will take a decision at appropriate time. K G Jayaraj General Secretary (From AIBDPA Website)

RED SALUTE TO THE MARTYRS OF THE GLORIOUS 1968 SEPTEMBER 19 STRIKE- OBSERVE THE 52ND ANNIVERSARY BEFITTINGLY.

All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) ,in its meeting held on 07-09-2020 , has decided to observe Black Day on 01-10-2020 in protest against the trecherous stand of the government by denying 4G to BSNL.  Starting 4G services by BSNL is most important and crucial to the revival of BSNL. Unfortunately, the BSNL management is also dancing to the tunes of the government in this vital issue.

Therefore, AIBDPA, fully endorses the decision of AUAB to observe Black Day on 01-10-2020, the foundation day of BSNL. AIBDPA units are requested to co-operate with the local AUAB units for the successfull implementation of the decision, without hindrance to our own program of International Pensioners Day on the same date.

Meeting with Secretary DOT on 1st May 2015

The Secretary DOT called for a meeting on 1st May 2015 with the Forum after a few days of the strike. The same was held in the Committee Room of the Sanchar Bhawan. In addition to the Secretary DOT Shri Rakesh Garg, Special Secretary Smt. Rita Teotia, Member (Finance) Smt. Annie Moraes, Member (Services) Shri N.K.Yadav, Administrator USO Fund Smt. Aruna Sundera Rajan, Joint Secretary (T) Shri V.Umashankar, Director PSU Shri Sanjeev Gupta and other senior officers were present from the DOT. BSNL was represented by CMD Shri Anupam Shrivastava, ED(Finance) Smt. Sujata Ray, Sr GM(SR) Shri Shamim Akthar and other officers.

The Forum was represented by Com. C.Singh (NFTE) Chairman, V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener), P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), K.Jaya Prakash(FNTO), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Sebastin(SNEA), S.V.S.Subrahmaniam(BTEU),Suresh Kumar (BSNL MS), Rasheed Khan (TEPU), H.P.Singh (BSNLOA), Sunil Gautam (SNATTA), R.P.Sahu (AIGETOA), Rakesh Sethi (AIBSNLOA), Hari Singh (BTU BSNL), Rana Pratap (BEA), and S.Raveendran (SEWA BSNL).

The meeting started at 17.15 hours. Secretry DOT welcomed all the participants, who introduced themselves. Convener Forum thanked the Secretary DOT for holding the meeting, though only after the strike. He conveyed May Day Greetings to all present. He also mentioned about the statements of the Communications Minister regrading his concerns for the revival of BSNL, which is a good sign. The the issues connected with the strike were discussed, a brief report of which is given below.

1. Financial Assistance from Government and implementation of assurance given at the time of corporatisation of BSNL: The Forum leaders pointed out that at the time of corporatisation, the then Communications Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan had assured full support for the new entity and orders were issued to financially assist BSNL through payment of ADC, Reimbursement of Licence Fee and also liberal subsidy from the USO Fund. Within a few years, all these have been discontinued creating a heavy financial burden on the BSNL resulting in loss for the last five years. The Forum representatives demanded that all these assurances be implemented / restored. The amount of Rs. 1,250 crore recommended from the USOF in lieu of ADC for 2012-13 is not yet paid to BSNL. It needs to be paid urgently and such allotments should be made for subsequent years also. BSNL is having a loss of about Rs. 10,000 crores yearly for providing rural connections etc. As per the universal service policy of the government, this should be fully compensated by the government. Further, the Forum demanded that refund of charges for the BWA spectrum surrendered by BSNL coming to about Rs. 6,700 crore be paid with out any further delay

BSNL is eligible for refund of Income tax paid, considering its payment to DOT on various counts. This may come to about Rs. 7,000 crore. This should be refunded.

By making of Pension contribution on the basis of the maximum of the pay scale, BSNL was compelled to pay about Rs. 2,400 crore extra, which is to be refunded. The government order on payment of pension contribution on the actual basic pay should be implemented in the case of BSNL.

The salary of the employees in the TERM CELL, which is part of DOT, is being paid by BSNL, which should be repaid to BSNL.

Further, for immediate purchase of urgently required equipments, DOT should give a soft loan of about Rs. 10,000 crore to BSNL.

The Secretary DOT stated that the amount in lieu of ADC from USOF is given as per recommendations of TRAI and DOT will do accordingly in future also. Process of payment of Rs. 1,250 crore allotted has started and will be paid early.

The refund charges of BWA Spectrum is being considered. The reconciliation for the refund of the Income Tax paid has started and will be finalised soon. The issue of payment of pension contribution on the basis of the actual pay will be taken up with the government. The question of repayment made to TERM CELL on salary etc. also will be considered. With regard to soft loan of Rs. 10,000 crore, Secretary DOT stated that BSNL can take the loans from the banks.

He further stated that the government has to provide level playing field to all the operators to which the Forum leaders pointed out that in fact the privte players are being favoured as in the case of giving earlier licence for mobile services.

2. Revision of Pension of BSNL Retirees and orders for 78.2% IDA pension fixation for pre-2007 and post-2007 retirees up to June 2013:

The Forum leaders expressed strong resentment at the undue delay in issue of orders on 78.2% IDA pension fixation for the BSNL retirees up to June 2013. Those who retired after June 2013 have already received the same. The pensioners are put to much loss in their pension. Already it has been delayed for years and early orders are required. They also demanded that Pension Revision should be made whenever there is a wage/pay revision for employees. They also demanded that the 60% – 40% condition on payment of pension is unjustified and should be done away with.

The Secretary DOT agreed to take up the matter of Pension Revision with the government. He assured that the cabinet Note for 78.2% is being prepared and will be finalised soon. With regard to removal of 60% – 40% condition on pension payment, the earlier DOT orders mentioned by Forum will be examined.

3. No Merger of BSNL and MTNL: The Forum demanded that before any merger decision is taken, the liabilities of MTNL to the extent of Rs. 20,000 crore has to be waived, the disinvested shares to be purchased back and HR issues settled.

Secretary DOT told that no decision has been taken and the concerns raised by the Forum will be attended to before any decision is taken.

4. Filling up of posts of Directors in BSNL: To the demand of the Forum for filling up posts of directors in BSNL, Secretary DOT stated that government is taking action in the matter.

5. Transfer of all assets to BSNL: Forum demanded that all the assets of BSNL should be transferred to it without delay. Further, the representatives stated that many buildings are being taken by CCA arbitrarily. This should be stopped.

DOT stated that the demarcation between DOP and DOT is still pending in some places. This has to be identified. The transfer of assets to BSNL is being examined.

6. BSNL service to be mandatory to central / state governments and PSUs: Secretary DOT stated that the demand of the Forum for making the BSNL services mandatory to the the governments etc is not accepted. There are a lot of complaints about BSNL services and in this situation , the government will not accept any such proposal. The Forum leaders explained the reasons for the present position of inefficiency and intimated that suggestions for improvement of the same have been made by them.

7. Other issues like 30% of superannuation benefits to BSNL recruited officials, reduced pay scales etc. were raised, but the Secretary DOT stated that these are in the domains of BSNL.

The meeting ended at about 19.00 hours, after vote of thanks to the Chair and all. The Convener Forum proposed that such meetings should be held in future also to sort out pending issues.

A Sag of Struggles and Defense for survival and revival of BSNL.

The BSNL employees were continuously on struggles to defend the interests of the BSNL and its workers from the formation of BSNL itself. The Joint Forum / Joint Action Committee / Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations of Non-Executives and Executives, by whichever name it was called at different times, was in the forefront in leading the struggles. It is a credit to BSNL Employees that they did not allow the government to implement either disinvestment or VRS, though it has taken decisions more than once.

The Unity, Dedication and Determination of BSNL workers had stood the test of time. The task at present is to improve the services to the customers on the one hand and to strengthen and make BSNL fiancially viable on the other side. The government should be made to support BSNL, the telecom PSU, instead of trying to hand it over to the private. Sustained struggles will be required for the same.

SAVE – BSNL, SAVE NATION is the immediate task. BSNL can not be allowed to die or to be killed. It has to be restored to its past glory with an efficient service to the customers. The BSNL employees under the banner of forum of BSNL Unions and associations will continue to fight for the revival of BSNL and against the neo-liberal, anti- PSU policies of the Government.

( These articles were written immediately after the agreement on 1st May 2015 and are reproduced. The struggles and achievements during the years since will be posted after some time.) – V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener of the Forum till 2015. ) – [CONCLUDED]

All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) ,in its meeting held on 07-09-2020 , has decided to observe Black Day on 01-10-2020 in protest against the trecherous stand of the government by denying 4G to BSNL.  Starting 4G services by BSNL is most important and crucial to the revival of BSNL. Unfortunately, the BSNL management is also dancing to the tunes of the government in this vital issue.

Therefore, AIBDPA, fully endorses the decision of AUAB to observe Black Day on 01-10-2020, the foundation day of BSNL. AIBDPA units are requested to co-operate with the local AUAB units for the successfull implementation of the decision, without hindrence to our own program of International Pensioners Day on the same date. (AIBDPA website)

The discussion with the CMD BSNL did not result in any settlement since almost all the issues were to be settled by the DOT. Secretary DOT did not call the Forum for any discussion on the strike issues. Though a call was received in the late evening of 20th April 2015 immediately, it could not take place since most of the General Secretaries were not available since all were in strike preparation and out of Delhi. Hence the strike.

The Strike started from 00.00 hours on 21/22 April and continued till 00.00 hours of 22/23 April 2015. The strike was a complete success with almost 100% in most of the places. In many circles, the entire offices and exchanges stood closed and deserted without any employee to work. Huge demonstrations were organised in front of offices by the striking employees. The casual and contract workers as per the call of the BSNLCCWF also struck work on both the days. As per the call of AIBDPA, BSNL – DOT Pensioners participated in the demonstrations and gave solidarity and support. Central trade unions like CITU, AITUC, BMS, INTUC and others also supported. AIRF, AIIEA, Confederation of CG Employees and Workers, BEFI, NFPE AISGEF and other federations gave full support and extended solidarity.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener met many Members of Parliament and briefed them about the demands raised in the strike and requested that these may be raised in the Parliament. The Forum is much thankful that M.P.s Comrades Shankar Prasad Dutta, Jitendra Choudhary (both from Tripura), P.Karunakaran( Leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha), P.K.Biju, A.Sampath and P.K.Sreemathi (all from Kerala) raised the issues in zero hour in the Parliament on 22nd April and demanded the intervention of the government. In addition, some of these M.P.s addressed letters to the Communications Minister. (to be continued)

Consequent to the notice issued for Two Days Strike on 21-22 April, CMD BSNL held a meeting with the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations at 04.00 PM on 17th April 2015 on the demands raised in the strike notice. Shri Anupam Shrivastava. CMD BSNL, Smt. Sujata Ray, ED Finance, Shri Shameen Akthar Sr. GM SR, Smt. Madhu Arora GGM Estt. Shri A.Sinha, GM Admn and Shri S.S.Agarwal GM Pers attended from the management.

The Forum was represented by Coms. C.Singh Chairman Forum, V.A.N.Namboodiri Convener, Suresh Kumar, Prahlad Rai, Rashid Khan, H.P.Singh, Swapan Chakraborty, K.Sebastin, Rakesh Sethi, Rana Pratap, Neeraj Kumar,R.Gunasekharan, Sunil Gautam, R.G.Paney, Sathya dev Sharma, Mohinder Singh, Hari Singh and Prabodh Kumar representing various unions/associations.

All the demands raised in the strike notice were discussed in detail. The discussion continued for more than three hours. More than half of the issues were items on which decision is to be taken by the Government / DOT. On those issues, the management was asked to take up the same with the DOT and fix a meeting of the Forum with DOT. The following is a brief gist of the discussion:

1. Immediate procurement of adequate equipment: The management stated that some equipment have been purchased and tenders have been called for others. The Forum leaders stated that there is still acute shortage adversely affecting the service.
2. Compensation for loss making rural connections: Matter pertains to DOT/Govt.
3. Financial Assistance to BSNL from Government: The Forum demanded that the management should take up with the DOT for getting the refund of spectrum charges of Rs. 6,700 crores as also Rs. 1,250 crores in lieu of ADC for the year 2012-13 at the earliest. Management stated that this will be done. It was also stated that the government has allowed BSNL to take loan of rs. 7,000 from the banks.
4. No merger of BSNL and MTNL: Pertains to Government/DOT.
5. Stop formation of Tower Company: Mater pertains to DOT/Govt.
6. Reject TRAI recommendation to surrender 1.2 MHrz Spectrum: BSNL has taken up the matter with the government.
7. Prompt filling up of posts of Directors Finance, HR and CM: Issue pertains to Govt/DOT
8. Transfer of all assets including land to BSNL: Pertains to Govt / DOT.
9. BSNL service to be mandatory to central/state governments, PSUs: Pertains to govt / DOT.
10. Immediate refund of BWA Spectrum charges to BSNL: Matter pertains to govt / DOT.
11. Spectrum liberalisation by BSNL without any payment to government: Issue taken up with the government.
12. Reject anti-BSNL recommendations of M/s Deloitte Committee: The recommendations are being examined.
13. Allot spectrum free of cost to BSNL: Pertains to govt / DOT.
14. BSNL should start 4 G services: Pertains to govt / DOT.
15. No mandatory purchase of equipment from ITI: The Forum leaders pointed out that if ITI is able to provide equipment in time, they have no objection. Management stated that this pertains to govt /DOT.
16. Grant of 78.2% IDA merger fixation to pre-2007 and post-2007 pensioners: The Forum expressed its serious unhappiness in the undue delay. The issue pertains to DOT/Govt.
17. Pension Revision of BSNL retirees: The case taken up with the DOT, who has to take action.
18. Pension Contribution on actual basic pay, instead of on the maximum of the pay scale: The matter taken up with the government.
19. Implement Cabinet decision on 30% superannuation benefits to BSNL direct recruited employees: BSNL Board has decided for a Defined Contribution Superannuation Pension Scheme for all direct recruited employees and the same will be submitted to DOT for approval. The Forum insisted that this is not sufficient and the 30% superannuation benefit should be ensured for the BSNL recruited employees, as provided by DPE guidelines.
20. Fresh Recruitment of staff: Need based recruitment will be made in future.

On the issues connected with DOT / Government, the Forum demanded that these issues should be taken up by the management with DOT. Management stated that efforts are being made for arranging a meeting of the Forum with DOT. As indicated above, most of the items pertain to DOT / Government. No developments on the other issues also, except that the Forum leders effectively presented the demands.

It was decided that the Forum will meet on 20-04-2015 for last minute consultations. In the meantime, the circles/SSAs/Branches were requested to fully mobilise the workers for the two days strike on 21-22 April 2015. (to be continued)

The Parliament March which was decided to be held on 19th December 2014 had been postponed to 25th March for more time for preparation. Almost all the state level conventions were held effectively and with massive participation of employees and addressed by leaders of the All India Forum. Lakhs of signatures were collected from the people demanding the government to take necessary action for revival of BSNL.

The Parliament March on 25th February 2015 started from the BSNL Corporate office premises. The leaders of the Forum walked behind the large banner of the Forum with PARLIAMENT MARCH printed on it. Thousands of workers participated with banners and flags of all the unions and associations. Though the Police authorities denied permission, the March went through Janpath, Tolstoy Marg and Jantar Mantar. When it reached the Parliament Street, it was stopped by the police with barricades. The rally was held there itself.

The rally was presided over by Com.C.Singh (NFTE) and President of Forum. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener welcomed all and congratulated the workers and leaders for the massive participation and presented the demands of the workers. The meeting was addressed by Com. Tapan Sen M.P. & General secretary CITU, Shri Brijesh Upadhyay, General secretary BMS, Com.Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Amarjit Kaur, Secretary AITUC and Dr. Dharam vir Gandhi M.P. (AAP). It wass also addressed by all the General secretaries of the unions affiliated to the Forum.

A delegation consisting of C.Singh, V.A.N.Namboodiri, P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, K.Sebastin, GS SNEA and Prahlad Rai GS AIBSNLEA went and submitted the Memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Parliament March was a big success in all respects. The workers and leaders of the Forum and Unions/Associations deserve much appreciation for the same. ( to be continued).