ORGANISE MASSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS ON 25 -10-2024  AS PER THE CALL OF THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF BSNLEU-AIBDPA-BSNLCCWF

The Co-ordination Committee of BSNL Employees Union – All India BSNL-DOT Pensioners Association and BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation in its meeting held on 7^th October 2024  has called upon the Employees, Pensioners and Casual and Contract Workers to organise massive demonstations all over the country  on 25^th October 2024 as part of its II agitational programme on the following demands :

1. Immediate settlement of Wage Revision and Pension Revision

The Wage Revision of BSNL employees and Pension Revision of BSNL Pensioners are due from 01.01.2017. The last wage revision and pension revision was implemented with effect from 01.01.2007. 17 years have passed since. The III PRC have recommended wage revision with 15%, but BSNL is refusing to implement the same on the plea that BSNL is in loss. If BSNL is in loss , the entire responsibility lies with the the government since it is due to its anti-PSU and anti-BSNL policies and decisions. Workers can not be held responsible for the same. BSNL is a 100% government owned PSU, converted from a government department in to a PSU with solemn assurances that the workers issues will be safeguarded. Hence the government has the duty to ensure that wage revision is implemented by utilising government funds, if necessary. In Kerala, eventhough it was a PSU from the initial stage, wages and pension of KSRTC employees and pensioners are paid by the Kerala Government when the PSU is unable to pay the same. Similar other examples are also there. As such, the Govt and BSNL should implement wage revision, in case of which the payscales have already been discussed and agreed between the BSNL Management and recognised unions years back. In the case of Pensioners, 15% pension revision be implemented as the funds are already with the government collected from BSNL towards pension contribution.

1. Expeditious launching of BSNL’s 4G and 5G Services.

Central government has always been discriminating and ignoring  BSNL in providing latest technologies, compared to the private telecom companies. It was only years after the private companies were allowed to start mobile services that DOT/BSNL was allowed to provide the same. Same with 2 G services. Years back, private companies were allowed to provide 4 G services, but BSNL is not allowed to provide the same on  flimsy grounds. 4G and 5G services are very much important for the growth of BSNL and for the benefit of its subscribers and should be provided without any further delay.  

• No 2^nd VRS in BSNL

It is understood that BSNL is preparing for implementing a II Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to reduce the workforce in the name of reducing the wage expenditure. Since formation of BSNL, it has been the continuous plan of the management and government to reduce the work force through VRS. In the early two times  they were compelled to withdraw VRS proposals, in view of he strong opposition from the unions. By creating a situation of uncertainty and fear among the employees about their future prospects, third time they succeeded in sending about 80,000 employees  on VRS in 2020. Now there are only about  56,000 employees in total including executives (29,000) and non-executives ( 27,000).  Government / BSNL should drop the II VRS proposals.

• Implementation of Minimum Wage, ESI, EPF to Contract Workers

 The contract workers were inhumanly exploited earlier and it was only after BSNLCCWF was formed in 2006 that  ESI, EPF, Minimum Wage etc. were got implemented after several agitations as also after the issue was brought before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour which held many meetings and compelled the management to implement the labour laws.

There were almost one lakh contract workers engaged in BSNL for effective maintenance at the time of formation of BSNL. During the Covid period, the management arbitrarily brought in the SLP system and retrenched about 70,000 workers arbitrarily. Not only that, whatever achievements have been got through struggles etc. were all taken away . Now in many places minimum wage, ESI, EPF are not being implemented causing huge loss and lack of social security to the workers. It is of utmost important that Minimum wage is paid as per rules and the social security measures like ESI, EPF, Gratuity are implemented.

• Payment of 7^th CPC Pay Scale  and  DA installments to Casual Labour.

While in DOT, Casual Labour were being regularised after fulfilling certain conditions like work for one year work without break etc. When BSNL was formed an assurance was given that all the existing casual labour will be regularized , if they fulfil certain conditions. Accordingly more than 4000 casual labours were regularized till 2006 , but the regularisation was stopped on the plea of a Supreme Court judgment with regard to a electricity casual workers case in Karnataka. Those who were not regularised are still working as casual labours. They are eligible for Minimum wage as per VII CPC, but the same is denied on the plea that wage revision is not given for BSNL employees. It was the BSNL management which stated arbitrarily that Casual Labour can not be given minimum salary as per wage agreement in BSNL, which is higher than the minimum wage of the CPC , and can be given only the minimum salary recommended by the CPC.  The minimum wage to Casual labour should be paid without delay as also the due DA installments as per CDA.

It is for achievements of the above demands that the agitational programmes are decided by the co-ordinating committee in it meeting held on  07.10.2024. Implementation of the programmes with massive participation is necessary.

MAKE THE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMME SUCCESSFUL BY MAXIMUM PATICIPATION OF BSNL EMPLOYEES, BSNL-DOT  PENSIONERS, CONTRACT WORKERS AND CASUAL LABOUR !

CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF BSNLEU-AIBDPA AND BSNLCCWF ZINDABAD !

V A N NAMBOODIRI 24.10.2024

Mobile theft – Police Station in Train.

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS 21

Mobile theft – Police Station in Train.

As General Secretary BSNLEU, I was on continuous tour to the circles, one after another in preparation for the first Membership Verification in 2002, as also other office-bearers. Tour of East U.P. Circle from 2nd to 5th July in a Tata Sumo. Covered 12 SSAs including Sultanpur, Rae-Bareli, Allahabad, Pratapghar, Joanpur, Azamgarh, Mau, Deora, Gorakhpur, Bashi, Gonda and Lucknow within four days, along with veteran leader Coms.R.S.Yadav, K.D.M.Tripathi, All India Vice-President, O.P.Verma, Circle secretary, K.R.Yadav and others.

The last meeting was at Lucknow and everybody were dead tired. The leaders accompanied me to Lucknow railway station to send me off to Delhi. Since the train was to arrive at 22.00, and all were very tired, I told them to go home and rest. The train Vyshali arrived at about 22.30, half an hour late. Though the platform was long, my compartment was beyond the platform.There was rush and push, and I also managed to climb the steep steps of the train to get in. The suit case was in my hand and the ruskin bag was hanging from my shoulder. I thought that somebody was trying to snatch my bag and I firmly held the same.

After reaching my berth, I checked my pockets and found that the purse was safe there. But when I looked at the  ruskin bag, it was cut neat, probably by a blade. I checked inside and realized that my  mobile phone has been stolen. It was purchased in 2000, a Motorola with a small antenna, that was one of the best that time. I had put the mobile in the bag before getting in to the train. How the thief knew that the mobile was in the bag?

The train was still in the station. I put the suit case in my berth, asked another passenger to keep a watch and rushed to the platform. I met a police constable and reported the theft. He told me that he is on train duty and that  I have to complain to the police station which is in the first platform since the theft was in the platform itself. The train was in 7th platform and there was no time, no question of going to the first platform. The train would depart by that time.  I got in to the train and it moved.

I went to sleep clutching my suit case and bag. By about 01.00 hours the police constable came, woke me up and told to accompany him to the ‘train police station’. I accompanied him to the next compartment, without stepping on the bodies of the passengers sleeping on the floor, where three police personnel including one SI was there. They asked me about the theft and I told them in detail. Then I was asked to give a written complaint. I went to my berth, tore some sheets from the diary and wrote a complaint and went to the ‘police station’ and gave it. It was in English. They  said that the complaint should be written in Hindi only. Why? Any way I went back to my berth, managed the complaint in Hindi, again went to ‘police station’ and submitted. They prepared an FIR in Hindi, which took a very long time, in between asking me many questions and gave a copy to me. It was almost early morning by the time I could return to my berth. Fortunately, my luggage were safe. Reached Delhi by 07.00 hours. As advised by the ‘police station’ I filed a copy of the FIR at the Delhi Police Station.

Mobile phone has become indispensable. Bought a new instrument. Since I had the FIR with me, mobile company did not charge for the SIM card. Later I found out that even if there is no chance for recovery of the lost mobile, it is better  to file FIR, since you will not be responsible for any criminal act done through that particular sim by the thief.  Now one could block the instrument as well as the sim if they are lost, making it useless for the thief.

After a few years when I went to the police station along with a friend to report loss of his mobile phone, I could see that printed forms were available for reporting mobile theft, meaning that the number of cases have increased.

V A N Namboodiri 24.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 20

A Hectic Punjab Tour

It was the time after Thiruvananthapuram All India Conference of E.III Union (NFTE)in 1994. Membership Verification of unions for recognition was in the agenda. Government, DOT, NFTE (Gupta) combined team attacking E.III Union and mass transfers of its office bearers at all levels. Hectic tours being organized by union. Following is an example of the tour programme organized in Punjab during September 1995.

The tour is in vehicle with some of our senior  comrades, who have been leading the movement for years together despite heavy attacks from the government. They have sacrificed a lot for the progressive movement. It was to strengthen the progressive section and prepare for the verification that the tour was organised to all the important cities of Punjab, the land of the five rivers.  

24th.Sept. – Started from Delhi at 13.00 hours – Bus from ISBT to Chandigarh. Reached Chandigarh at 19.00 hours. Circle Secretaries Com. H.S.Dhillon (E.III) and R.L.Moudgil (T.III)( now State Sectt. Member CPI(M), Gurcharan Singh, Vice President, CHQ  received at Bus stand. Discussion about tour. Stayed in office in the night.

25^th. Sept. – Met Com. Baldev Singh, CC Member, CPI(M). At 08.00 started by Jeep along with Comrades Gurcharan Singh, H.S.Dhillon, R.L.Moudgil and Swaran Singh. Driver also union comrade. Reached at Ropar, a small exchange. Discussed with the comrades there, explained certain issues. Next meeting at Navshahar. Received by Coms. Mahajan and Banka DS. Small meeting. By about 15.00 hours Hoshiarpur. Two brief meetings at TRA and Exchange / DMT Office. Next stop at Pathankot, where Railway Comrades became martyrs in 1968 September 19 strike. Meeting held at residence of Com. Mahajan DS, T.III. since opposition by officers at office. Stay and food also there.

26th Sept. – Despite strong objection and threat by officers, a meeting organized in front of Pathankot exchange. Another meeting at TRAO office. Com. Satpal Singh reached. Meeting first at Gurudaspur and then at Batala. Stay at Satpal Singh’s house.

27^th Sept.  – Early morning started for Amritsar. City of Golden Temple and Jalianwala Bagh. Though members are very less, held a meeting at Amritsar. OPG’s followers  tried to stop entering the office. I  alone went to Trunk room daring them to attack me  and spoke for about half an hour to the employees numbering about 30 , despite opposition from the top officers. Others were not allowed to accompany me. Another meeting at Telegraph Office. Then journey to Jalandhar. Big city. A well attended meeting there. Stayed at office.

28^th Sept. – Started for Ludhiana, big manufacturing city. Separate meetings at GMT(O), TRA etc. Very big meeting at telephone exchange. Place of Com. Gurcharan Singh, All India Vice-President. That of Coms. Balbir Singh ( later All India President) and Balbinder Singh. Next meeting at Moga participated by a large number of workers. Dt. Secretary Com. Jaswant Singh. Two more meetings at Faridkot and Firozpur. Stay at Com. Kamaljit Singh’s home at Moga.

29th – Continues journey from Moga and attended meetings at Kotkapura, Muktsar, Malot, Bhatinda and reached Sangrur. Stay at office.

30th – Very good meeting at Sangrur in the morning. Next meeting at Patiala. Though the fort of the revisionists and we had no members, held meeting. Questions asked  by rival union members and answered effectively. By the time the meeting was over, many joined our union. Returned to Chandigarh in the evening. In the night by bus to Delhi and reached capital next day morning.

Almost all the important centres covered in Punjab in seven days and meetings held at about 30 centres. Mostly there will be no time for lunch and managed by snacks or fruits in the vehicle so that within the limited time , all the places could be covered. Hectic tour as usual. Punjab which was a strong fort of the revisionists, within years came to our side. Thanks to the Punjab Comrades!

V A N Namboodiri   23.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 19

Com.S.R.Nayak ,  Psorasis and Coaltar Soaps

Train journey from Calicut was first through Madras only. Then through Jolarpet touching Vijayawada, Itarsi, Jhansi, Agra etc. A regular point where I got down was Itarsi junction. One or two comrades will be waiting there, near the place where my compartment will stop. I will be standing at the door with a package which will be handed over to them. Since the train will stop a few minutes, we will have tea, discuss union matters. Signals on, I get in to the train.

The package was two dozens of Coaltar (carbolic) Soaps manufactured by the Kerala Soaps and Oils Ltd, the state owned soap company with HQ at Calicut. It was intended for Com. S.R.Nayak, Asst. General Secretary and Circle Secretary of AITE Union Class III, M.P.Circle, who was staying at Jabalpur. He was the comrade, who fought against the revisionists and built up a strong base for the progressives in M.P. His struggle in the union for correct policies is an epic itself.

Why Coaltar Soaps for Nayak? He was one of AGS of E-III elected at Bhopal AIC in 1991, in which I was elected as President and started staying along with Com. Moni Bose, GS. Com. Nayak as AGS used to come at CHQ now and then and help in the work. Later, other AGSs like Com.M.N.Reddy, P.Abhimanyu, P.Asoka Babu, P.Appaji, Debashish Dutta Gupta and many other senior comrades had been at HQrs helping in the union functioning. It is to be mentioned here that all of them came taking their own earned leave and spending all expenses from their own pocket. Union could not bear the expenses being in difficult financial position. No fund was handed over by the defeated leadership. For me, their presence was helpful in more than one way. I am a poor cook and depended mostly on hotels. Breakfast will be from a nearby small tea shop with four pieces of bread with heavily coated butter. Lunch from nearby dhaba, mostly Chole Batture, very tasty but full of oil. Both were not good for me, but somehow managed. Sometimes when I get time, I will cook rice, vegetables, chilly, etc all put together in the cooker, boil it and eat with curd and salt. Not very tasty, but good for health. When our comrades will be there, they will prepare tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner. Com. Abhimanyu used to make excellent tasty food.

Com. Nayak was in Delhi during his turn at HQrs during the 1990s. He had forgotten to bring bathing soap. I had additional coal tar soap of Kerala Soaps (which soap I was using)  and  gave it to him. After some days he confided to me that he is feeling better after using the soap. He was suffering from actute psoriatic arthritis which will cause much itching, swelling of joints,damage to nails etc. After using the soap,the pain was reduced and was feeling better. From then on whenever I return from Calicut, I used to bring the soaps for him which will be collected at Itarsi by his comrades.

In between, Kerala Soaps and Oils Ltd. was closed due to loss. I used to purchase the soaps from Factory itself, which was near my house at Vellayil. Since it was closed, I went to the shops and purchased. Then again I started to go to many shops to purchase whatever they got. At last I again went to the factory, with help of some union comrade, collected whatever old dry soaps were there. That was the last time I could supply the soaps to Com. Nayak. I spoke to Com. Suseela Gopalan, State Minister in charge of industry, who assured that every effort is being made to reopen the factory.

In between I took to Nayak some coaltar soaps from a Mangalore factory, but it did not clinch. The ingredients may be different. On way to Cuba to attend WFTU Conference, we delegates from India had a stop at Jordan for one day. I bought soaps and creams made from the mud and waters of Dead Sea which is world famous for skin diseases. I gave them to Com. Nayak, but they also were not beneficial. My journey to Calicut also reduced after my wife came to Delhi after retirement.

Com.Nayak passed away on 8th August 2013 at AIIMS at New Delhi after aggravation of the disease. His sacrifice to the union can not be overestimated.

V A N Namboodiri  22.10.2024

 

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 18

Friendship in Train & Train Accident

The NFPE Federal Council was scheduled to be held at Cannanore from 15th to 18th May 1995. Coms. N.J.Iyer President, K.Adinarayana, Secretary General and many other leaders will attend. I was an invitee. An opportunity to visit my family at Calicut.

Started from Delhi on 7th May by the Mangala Express. Could not get reservation. In waiting list only. Boarded in a 3 tier sleeper with  the hope of getting reservation on the way. A family including their smart little daughter about 5 years going to Mangalore also in the same compartment. Got acquainted. The girl was very intelligent and was teaching me the names of the flowers etc in English when  passing through the forests of North India. We spoke in English only. Her name was Fiona.

When every body was preparing to sleep. I spread a sheet on the floor to sleep. The girl told her mother that she will sleep with her and her berth can be given to ‘uncle’. I thanked her for the berth and went to sleep.

Our train stopped at Jolarpet for hours together. A serious accident. A goods train clashing with the Madras – Kanyakumari Nallai Express at Lokur -Danishpet route. It was told that 60 people died on the spot and many more seriously injured. ( The famous novel written by Shri T.D.Ramakrishnan, – ,Pacha , Manja, Chuvappu’ – ‘Green,Yellow, Red’ is connected with this accident). By the time  train reached Salem it was 24 hours late. Reached Calicut at about 11.00 hours on 16th May, late by  one full day.

My programme for the Federal Council was on 16th. No time to get down at Calicut to go home, take bath etc. Extended ticket up to Cannanore. Participated in NFPE council and addressed.

Along with Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, CS, E.III Union Kerala, visited Com. E.P.Jayarajan MLA ( later  Minister in Kerala ) who was under treatment at  home, shot by goondas while returning by train from Delhi to Kerala near Chirala (A.P). I returned to Calicut in the evening.

Fiona and family became our family friends. Her marriage  was celebrated a few years back at Mangalore in which I was able to participate. We were extremely happy as also her parents Mr. and Mrs Cyril Crasta. Later surprisingly I found out that Mrs. Flora Crasta belongs to Logo family whose one senior member was the Convener of the P and T Co-ordinating Committee of Mangalore for a long time.

V A N Namboodiri    21.10.2024

Indian Coffee House

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 17

Indian Coffee Houses

The Central Working Committee meeting of E.III N Union held at Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, from 5th to 7th April 2000 was very important organizationally as it took various decisions including to publish a Hindi journal by name BSNL Swar, prepare for the membership verification, participate in the strike on 11th May 2000 called by the National Platform of Mass Organisations and holding a Joint CWC of like minded unions.The CWC was inaugurated by Com.Basudeb Acharya M.P., who was always a well wisher of the union and helped us in many ways including promptly raising our issues in Parliament. Whenever I went  to his office, he will ensure that our issues are heard properly for taking up. Also that I am given hot tea and biscuits, which   is a great solace during the winter season.

After a well attended Press Conference, we went to the Indian Coffee House which was nearby in the State Government building complex. Wherever I go on tour, our comrades take me to Indian Coffee House, where you will get south Indian meals, iddli-sambar etc. Though I am not very particular, the local comrades make it a point, feeling that it is my choice. Of course, there is the additional pleasure of meeting some Keralites and talking to them in Malayalam, since many of the ICH workers including managers are from Kerala. In almost all the India Coffee Houses you will see a big photo of working class leader Comrade A.K.Gopalan  on the wall with a garland. It has got a background. The Coffee Board which was running the Coffee Houses all over India, decided to close them. Com. AKG, then an M.P., took up the issue with then Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru and decision was taken to hand over the same to the workers. The workers formed co-operative societies as per the advice of AKG and operated the Indian Coffee Houses efficiently charging only reasonable prices. I went to the Manager who was a Malayalee, spoke to him and some of the workers. One of them was from Calicut itself. Had tasty meals.

Then started to Delhi by train with other Delhi comrades including  R.S.Chauhan, H.L.Makkar as also some other comrades going to Ujjain, Agra etc. At Nagpur Railway Station we got down for a cup of tea. When we returned, Com. R.S.Fauzdar, Circle secretary UP West, found that his suit case was missing. We all searched here and there, enquired with other passengers. But the suit case was gone. Stolen. There was some money  in the suitcase in addition to dress etc. When you are alone in a journey, you are careful to look after your luggage and other things. But when you are in a company, you become careless.

Com.Fauzdar was much worried. Others discussed together and found out a way. Some money was collected and gave the same to Com.Fauzdar for his own-ward journey from the station, though he protested. I had two suit cases with me. I gave one to him. At least we were able to console him, though his loss was much more. Still, it was only when getting down at Agra and parting from us that we could see a smile on his face, though a sad smile of embarrassment. I hope Com.Fauzdar will excuse me for narrating the story. Com.R. Fauzdar was a tower of strength, who could mobilise theentire workers with him.

V A N Namboodiri  21.10.2024

 

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 16

 Chillies in Train 

Have you heard about Warrangal chillies? They are famous – for its size, red colour, and very hot.

1997 May. I was staying in Union office, Delhi and my wife at Calicut. When I informed her  that I was going to Warrangal to attend CWC meeting of E.III(N) Union, she told me to bring some chillies. Very fine.

After reaching Warrangal I told Com. J.Sampath Rao, Circle Secretary, who was organising the CWC, about my wife’s request. Before proceeding, two words about Sampath Rao. A great organiser and leader, who have a big heart and always think big in every respect and aspect. When the CHQ was worried about how to raise funds for purchasing a car for union, he offered and within months collected and handed over Rs. 1.75 lakhs, the cost of purchasing a Maruti 800 Car at that time. Tours with him was always interesting. Everywhere, members will surround him to speak to him and I think he knew each and every worker in the whole of A.P.  A large number of workers will be with him to immediately act upon what he says. His hospitality is well known.

Coming to the point. When along with Delhi comrades, I have boarded the train back to Delhi, Sampath Rao and some other comrades came to the compartment and put a big sack under the seats and said ‘your requirement’. They were immediately gone as the train started. I understood what was in the sack. I only wanted maximum one kg, but this was one full sack.

After some time, there was the sharp smell of the chillies. It spread all over the compartment within no time. Delegates with me understood what was in the sack. Passengers were asking from where  the smell was coming. I had apprehension whether I will have to throw it away. After some time, every body got  adjusted to the situation.

Some lady delegates from Delhi were with us. They were very much interested about the chillies. After getting down at Delhi station, we opened the sack. There were three covers inside to prevent the smell coming out  but still there was  strong smell. Distributed chillies to all comrades. After a few days when I went to Calicut,  gave the chilly packet to  my wife. Of course, she was very happy.

V A N Namboodiri  20.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 15

Luggage Lost

1999 May – All India Conference of AITE Union Class III (Namboodiri) is going to be held at Erode, T.Nadu from 13 to 16 May 1999. As usual all preparations for the AIC, both at Erode and at CHQ, New Delhi are done  in advance.

There was lot of luggage to be carried to Erode. About 2,500 copies of Annual Report and Accounts ( coming to about 100 pages each) ( Present system of printing at the spot not started). CHQ publications separate.  The Annual reports were received from  press in the last moment. No time to book in the goods compartment. There was another reason. Booking will be very costly which the union can not afford, with the union entangled in court cases and disputes created by the disruptors. Com.K.M.Pillai, CS MTNL Delhi, Com.T.A.Biju, Office Secretary, Typist Com. Bijoy Chandran and some other comrades somehow managed to pack and bundle every thing. About 30 very big packets. In addition, our personal belongings. Delhi comrades led by  R.S.Chauhan and H.L.Makkar  helped.

But where to put them, if not in the luggage compartment ? Of course, many delegates from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, U.P. etc. were in the train. Biju and other comrades took the bundles and put them in the  compartments wherever our delegates were there. It was very inconvenient, but every one took it as part of the game.  Of course, it created difficulties for other passengers. No other way. TTEs during the journey questioned, but our comrades managed.

When we reached Erode, there was another problem. The stop is only for two minutes. How to unload the luggage? Hundreds of comrades led by S.Mohan Dass, President, Reception Committee, S.Chellappa, Circle Secretary and Convener Reception Committee, P.Abhimanyu, AGS, P.Karunakaran, L.Parameswaran, M.Chandrasekharan, C.Mani, N.Sinniyan, S.Murugiah, D.Gopalakirishnan, Killivalavan, Babu Radhakrishnan and many other leaders were in the station platform with red banners and flags to receive us. I told them about our luggage and volunteers rushed to take the bundles. It was not an easy matter and the train whistled for onward journey. But the leaders managed to stop the train for a few minutes more and everything was downloaded. I always was surprised about the enthusiasm and energy of T.Nadu comrades.

Garlands after garlands. Powerful slogans. It was memorable. All the difficulties in the train was forgotten.

It was a grand conference, both in the matter of discussion and also on the decisions taken. Apart from other things Com. Sharavanan , Branch Secretary of a small Branch Harur,  presented an amount of Rs. 65,000 to purchase a new typewriter for CHQ. It was a help in time. Our comrades very well know what is to be done at any particular moment.

It will be relevant here to mention how we lost of our bundles of Annual Report and many other records while going to the BSNLEU AIC held at Guwahati from 26th to 29th January 2006. Luggage were booked in the goods compartment. When the train reached  Guwahati Railway Station there was a grand   reception as usual. They went to the goods compartment to take the luggage. The door of the compartment was not opening, probably jammed. Tried for about half an hour , but it did not open. The train started after some time stating that the Rajadhani can not be delayed and have to run on schedule. How to get the luggages before the start of the conference?

 

Com. Prabir Dutta, the energetic All India Organizing Secretary, found out the way. He engaged a taxi  to Dibrugarh where the Rajadhani will stop. The train reached there before Prabir reached. . But somehow he reached before the compartment was shunted from the platform to the yard and got the luggage and rushed back to Gauhati. The AIC was saved.

 

V A N Namboodiri  20.10.2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS  – 14

Kalidasa’s Cave

Chattisgarh State was formed in November 2000 bifurcating M.P. state.Consequently a separate telecom circle was also formed. It was necessary to tour the new telecom Circle for organisational purposes.

Started from Delhi on 17th December 2000 and reached Champa Railway Station next day.(Though written Champa, people there call it Chappa. A big station.). Coms. S.R.Nayak, Circle Secretary, M.P., S.C.Bhattacharya, GS ITEU and many other leaders received me at the station. As usual it was journey in a van, stopping for meetings at important places. First the meeting was at Korba and then proceeded to Ambikapur. Since we were short of time to cover the many stations, instead of lunch, we used to take some fruits and tiffin in the van itself.

We were passing through thick forests one after another. Chhattisgarh is full of thick forests. Beautiful scenery. While moving  through the forests of Raighar, Sarguja, the driver, a young man, asked me whether I want to see the place where the great poet Kalidasa wrote and staged his first drama. I was interested and told him ‘yes’. All were interested, though we will already be late for the next meeting. None of us had seen the place.

Driver knew the place well and took us through a very small side road for about 2-3 km. It was thick forest full of tall trees, as also many huge rocks. We went up on a very big rock climbing man made steps and got to the top. There was a small theatre carved out of rock, where some 20/30 people could sit.  A stage also. There was a room inside the cave, probably for stay. Driver told us that it was here where Kalidasa stayed and wrote his first drama and staged it in front of celebrities. It is stated that after seeing the drama,  King, Vikramaditya,  invited him to Ujjain, where he wrote many dramas and staged under the patronage of the king, as part of ‘Navaratna’ celebrities.

When we visited there ( two decades back), it was isolated and there was not a single  person there. But now it seems that the place has become popular with many tourists. Later, I was told that every year, Kalidasa Jayanti is organised and inauguration will take place in this place. 

We returned to the main road, and  a fast drive. Managed to reach Ambikapur, of course late. Comrades were waiting patiently and the meeting was held. During the next few days meetings at Raigharh, Bilaspur, Raipur and  Bhilai completely covering all the districts. Attended meeting at Jabalpur also. Returned to Delhi by train on 22 after 5days of starting the journey^.. Failed to get reservation, but got RAC in the train as a consolation.

V.A.N.Namboodiri   19.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 13

Srinagar to Delhi

It was 24 July, 2001.

I was returning from  a two days tour of Srinagar, capital of  Jammu and Kashmir.

In connection with the membership verification in BSNL, I had gone to Srinagar, J and K.  Kashmir was in a turbulent situation due to terrorists and no meetings were being held there by any trade union for a long time. After discussing with the union leaders there, it was decided to hold the meeting, whatever happens.

 Com. A.R.Tak, Circle Secretary ITEU, welcomed me at Srinagar airport. Meeting was for the formation of BSNLEU Circle Union by merging T.III, ITEU, Administrative and  E.III(N) unions and preparing for verification. Despite grave situation, more than 200 comrades participated. A good police force with two jeeps full of them, including senior officers were present. BSNL Circle Union was formed with  Coms. V.K.Mahaldar as President and Nizar Ahmed as Circle Secretary. Addressed a well attended seminar. There was no problem by the terrorists. It was told by our comrades later,that after our meeting, various other orgnisations also started holding meetings.

BSNL IQ was booked for stay, but Com.Nizar Ahmed took me to his home, stating that home is safe and not IQ. I could feel the tension in their  faces. Com. Tak was also staying in a portion of the house. As the system in Kashmir, we all took our tasty dinner prepared by Mrs. Nizar sitting on the beautiful carpet in the kitchen and discussing organisational matters. Only vegetarian food,  as a special consideration to me.

Next day, there was another  meeting in the morning. By the time meeting was over, it was time to move to Airport to catch my flight. Started by car, but it was stopped at many points by para military / military forces. There was a blast that day and every vehicle  was being checked and searched. Just about half km from the airport, the car stopped. There were at least 20 vehicles in front of our vehicle. The para-military forces had blocked the road and no vehicle was being allowed to proceed to the Airport without full strict check. The check-in time at the airport might be  almost over, and I got worried. Got down from the car with my bag, walked up to the barricade and crossed it after check by the military. I requested one person who was proceeding to the airport after check, to give a lift since my car was far behind. He agreed and took me to the Airport.

My ticket was not confirmed, but I was told at the time of booking that it would most probably be confirmed later. I went to the ticket counter to find out whether my ticket is confirmed. 5 – 6 persons were in queue, but when I told them that my flight was almost to start, they allowed me to proceed and check with the counter clerk. Luckily ticket has been confirmed. I thanked the comrade who accompanied me and moved to the entry gate.

It was at this moment that the young man who gave me the  lift came and said that he has got extra luggage than will be allowed to be carried and whether I can help by taking some, since I did not have any big luggage. I was in two minds. I did not know the person and did not know what is inside the  luggage and I may be in danger if I carry the same. On the other side, had he not helped, I would not have reached the  airport at all.

I took the risk, took the luggage with me and moved to the entry gate. The airport security stopped me, pointing out  that the luggage is not mine and  he has seen what happened just then and it cannot be carried by me. I had no other go but to return the same to the young man. Then I was allowed inside. I was relieved that the crisis  was over.

I went inside, got the boarding pass and boarded the flight. The young man also came and was in my next seat. He was not angry at all. I asked him what happened. He laughed and told me that  there was no problem except strict checking and had only to pay extra charge for the extra luggage.

After all I was relieved that I will be able to attend the meeting with the Communications Minister next day, arranged by Com. T.Govindan M.P.

However the meeting did not take place as Smt. Phoolan Devi, dacoit turned M.P., was murdered in front of her bunglow on Ashoka Road, New Delhi, and the  city was in turmoil.

V A N Namboodiri  18.10.2024