Author Archives: VAN NAMBOODIRI

Covid 19 Relief camps in India and allotment of Relief Fund.

08 Wednesday Apr 2020

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As part of fighting covid 19, state Governments are organising relief camps for the benefit of the  people. According to the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court by the Central government, there are total 22567 relief camps out of which 15541 ( 68.8%) are in Kerala. There is huge expenditure for the same.

But the central government has allotted only Rs. 157 crores to Kerala, only 1.4 % of the total amount of Rs. 11092 crore allotted to the states.

It is complete discrimination and neglect of Kerala by the Central Government.

Payment of wages to contract workers with arrears .

08 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, General

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Coms. Elamaram Kareem, M.P., K.K.Ragesh M.P., P.R.Natarajan M.P. and some other M.P.s on our request had taken up the issue of contract workers in BSNL, with regard to their wages, retrenchment etc. in the Parliament through questions as well as raising the point in the Zero hour. These interventions have been posted in this blog earlier.

Since the issues have not been settled, I once again contacted the M.P.s/ their offices and requested to take up the issues with the government, especially in view of the Covid 19 situation. They assured that the matters will be urgently taken. Thanks.

163 years over after Martyrdom of Mangal Pandey who started the First War of Independence in 1957

07 Tuesday Apr 2020

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8th April 2020 is the 163th year of martyrdom of Mangal Pandey, who fired the first shot at a British Officer, heralding the First War of Independence (Sepoy Mutiny). He was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry Regiment of the British East India Company, who shot the Officer on 29th March 1857. He was only about 30 years old.

However he was caught and executed by hanging on 8th April 1857 by the British officers. But within days the mutiny started and within weeks the entire north India, including Delhi, Meerut, Lucknow – all was under the control of the sepoys., the freedom fighters.

However, enhancement of well equipped British Army, lack of uprising in Bengal, Punjab and South India,  the difference of opinion among the princes/leaders of the mutiny,  the change of mind by the feudal lords and money lenders  that they will be more safe under British – all gave the British the upper hand and the ‘First War of Independence’ was crushed.  But within 90 years, the British had to go back and India got independence in 1947.

On this day, 8th April 2017, we remember and pay homage to the great martyr Mangal Pandey!

Extension of Validity of CGHS Card in view of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Infection

07 Tuesday Apr 2020

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Extension of Validity of CGHS Card in view of the Corona Virus
(COVID-19) Infection

.15025/17/2020/ DIR/CGHS/
Govt. of India
Min. of Health & Family Welfare
Directorate General of CGHS
545-A Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
Dated the 1st April, 2020
OFFICE ORDER
Subject: Extension of Validity of CGHS Card in view of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Infection.
In view of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) , all out efforts are made by the Government to contain its impact by instituting measures at community as well as at individual level. Guidelines for maintaining social distancing between individuals have already been issued by the Government.
In the spirit of above guidelines, the undersigned is directed to convey that the validity of CGHS Cards expiring on 31st March 2020 may be extended in respect of CGHS pensioner beneficiaries contributing on annual basis and Central Government serving employees superannuating on 31.03.2020 , as per the details given under:

(i) In case of CGHS pensioner beneficiaries, who contribute the subscription on annual basis and whose CGHS cards are valid till 31st March 2020, the validity period may be extended till 30th April 2020 in the Data Base, by Additional Directors City/ HQ (in Delhi) on the basis of request received over e-mail from such A paper print-out may be signed and scanned copy of the same shall be sent to the beneficiary by e-mail , with a direction to submit the relevant documents and subscription before 30th April 2020.

(ii) Similarly, if a request is received by e-mail from serving employees , who superannuated on 31.03.2020 and are not in receipt of PPO, the CGHS Card may be converted as pensioner CGHS Card and validity period extended to 30th April A paper print-out may be signed and scanned copy of the same shall be sent to the beneficiary by e-mail with a direction to submit the relevant documents and subscription before 30th April 2020 . Additional Director City/ HQ (in Delhi) will verify the date of superannuation from CGHS database before processing the request. If a Govt Servant superannuating on 31 .03.20 was not a member of CGHS during service then he will have to submit a proof of superannuation.

(iii) The period of extension will be included when the card validity is regularised on depositing the subscription.

Com.B.Narayana Rao passed away.

06 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, Obituary, Tributes

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With deep sorrow it is intimated that Com.B.Narayana Rao, senior leader BSNLEU, AIBDPA and cultural activist passed away at Mangaluru today.
He was appointed in P and T at Kanhangad in Kerala in the 1960s and later got transferred to Mangaluru.
Even when he was not well he used to attend the meetings of the union/ association. He participated in all the strikes and struggles and was victimised.

I have close relation with him for more than five decades. He was a committed and dedicated leader. His passing away is a great loss.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and comrades!

Remembering Com. B.T.Ranadive, the fighter for the working class on his 30th death anniversary

05 Sunday Apr 2020

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6th April 2020 is the 30th death anniversary of Com. B.T.Ranadive, President of CITU and PB Member of CPI(M) for very long time. He was also the General Secretary of the undivided CPI in 1940s.

BTR completed his studies in 1927, obtaining an M.A. degree with distinction. In 1928 he joined the  Communist Party of India (CPI). He was also an important leader of the first national trade union  in the country, All India trade Union Congress (AITUC). He was connected with the activities of Girnin  Kamgar Union in Bombay and became its leader. BTR was also connected with the Railway workers and became  became the General Secretary of the GIP Railwaymen’s Union.

BTR was connected with the historic Navy Revolt of 1946 and organised support of the working class to the strike. In 1948, he was elected as the general Secretary of the CPI which position he continued till 1950. After formation of CPI(M) in 1964 he was elected as a Member of Polit Bureau, which position he continued till his death. He was the first President of CITU elected in the formation Conference at Calcutta in May 1970 and continued as such till he passed away.

He was a leader who braved every obstacle and led his comrades marching on the correct path. His correct militant stand, educating the cadres, forthright approach and speech – all were appreciated by the workers. He led CITU for many years made it one of the strong and militant trade union in the country.

I am fortunate to have been associated with him for a long period. He was a real advisor in organising NFPTE as also organising struggles. He has attended many of our union conferences and addressed. When I invited him over telephone  to inaugurate  the Joint Circle Conference of P&T Unions to be held at Calicut in 1988, without any hesitation he agreed. But a few days after he contacted me over telephone and said that since a meeting of the Central Committee of the Party has been decided to be held on that date, he will not be able to attend. I requested him to at least send an article to the Conference Souvenir to be published. He agreed and within a few days received the same. It was a well prepared article on the trade union movement and not only it was published in the souvenir, but was also published in many of the union journals.

I also remember another incident. During an organisational discussion, where Com. Ranadive was  present, Com. N.J.Iyer, veteran NFPTE leader, complained that ‘Com. Namboodiri is always talking of strike and struggles, necessarily and unnecessarily.’ That was a time when the extreme left has started its influence in TUs and probably Com. Iyer might have though that I was leaning towards extreme line. When I explained the unavoidability of the struggle in that context, Com. BTR also agreed and advised the struggle is to be undertaken. I spoke to Com. Iyer and cleared myself of his misunderstanding. Both of us were happy.

His entire family was with the party and the working class movement. His sister Ahilya Rengnekar, wife Vimala Ranadive – all were all India leaders of both CPI(M) and the CITU and women’s movement.

Com. B.T.Ranadive passed away on 6th April 1990 at a hospital in Bombay after illness for some period. It was a great loss to the entire working class and the Communist movement.

Red Salute to Com. BTR on his 30th Death Anniversary!

 

Payment of wages to casual, contract, Part-time workers in BSNL during Corona Lock Down Period.

04 Saturday Apr 2020

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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Payment of wages to casual, contract, Part-time/Daily workers during Corona Lock Down Period.

Dept. of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, OM F.No.23 (4)/E. Coord/202O/I dated 23/3/2020 stipulates that casual, contract and outsourced workers in different Depts., who will not be able to attend office in view of present Lock Down for Covid-19 prevention, shall be treated as on duty and during such period of absence, necessary pay/ wages would be paid to them accordingly to avoid their hardship in this crisis. This OM shall apply till 30th April 2020.

Contract workers in BSNL, who are working maintaining the essential telecom services throughout the country are not paid wages for the last one year. BSNL is a fully govt owned company. They should be paid the arrears of wages as also wages on the basis of the present order,even if they are not working at present.

Pay wages to contract workers – Message to Shri P.K.Purwar, CMD BSNL

03 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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The e-mail sent to Shri P.K.Purwar, CMD BSNL on the issue of payment of wages to contract workers.

Dear Shri Purwarji,

Good Morning!
You will be extremely busy in dealing with the serious and difficult situation being faced by BSNL in the post- VRS scenario as well as COVID – 19. Hence, I don’t want to take much of your valuable time.
Only one thing I want to request. The 40,000 and contract workers engaged through contractors are in dire situation without wages for about one year. 10 workers have committed suicide, unable to bear the agony of not being able to feed their families. The situation is very pathetic.
I am happy to note that salary payment is being made update for employees.
In the same way, you may kindly take immediate action to pay wages with arrears to the contract workers so that they can sustain their families. In this connection, you may kindly refer to the Govt of India instructions with regard to payment of wages to casual contract workers.
Expecting immediate action,

Yours Sincerely,
V.A.N.Namboodiri,
President, BSNLCCWF. dated 31st March 2020.

Corona restrictions – consolations

03 Friday Apr 2020

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Even during this difficult and anxious Corona and LOCK DOWN period, there are certain things which are consoling.
1. Pollution in the cities/towns have come down, including in Delhi, which was one of the most polluted city in the world.
2. On an average, about 100 – 120 people used to die daily due to road accidents. Now there is rarely any report of death due to accidents.
3. Every body has become aware of cleaning the premises and health precautions.
4. Sufficient time for reading, writing and cultural activities.
5. Full day with family.
6. Contacting relatives, friends etc. over phone. etc. etc.

Use your home stay effectively.

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS DEMAND URGENT INTERVENTION BY THE LABOUR MINISTER

03 Friday Apr 2020

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CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS DEMAND URGENT INTERVENTION BY THE LABOUR MINISTER

Date: 1.04.2020
To
Shri Santosh Gangwar
The Minister for Labour and Employment,
Govt. of India
Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg
New Delhi – 110001

Sir,

We the Central Trade Unions would like to draw your attention to the complaints/information/grievances being received by us from the workers, employees and our unions from all over India. On our part we are doing whatever possible at our level in contacting the concerned officials of various government/state enterprises/institutions/industries/sectors and the state & local administration for the redressal. Our unions and activists are also involved in the relief work despite constraints of movement.

However we are bringing to your notice for seeking your immediate intervention at your level.

At the outset we would like to point out that we had raised several issues in our joint letter addressed to the Prime Minister on 26th March 2020 (letter attached) . We had demanded immediate announcement of strong statutory enforceable measures to arrest and put a ban on the ongoing spree of retrenchments, wage cut, forced unpaid leave etc being perpetrated by the employers on the workers, particularly contract/casual/temporary/fixed term workers in various establishments, particularly in private sector throughout the country to be enforced both by central and state governments. We are still regularly getting information of forced unpaid leave etc. including from NCR region. Appeal/Advisory by the Govt, both the Labour Ministry and Home Ministry is not at all working at ground level to prevent loss of employment and earnings and also eviction from local residence in the process of lock down. We had detailed the demands about the immediate packages for various sectors of workers.

The experience of the past seven days unfortunately bears out our apprehensions. We give some instances:

Employees manning essential services run in the public/government sector being stopped and detained by the police, in spite of their holding valid Identity Cards issued by the concerned authorities, the contract/outsourced workers mostly not being provided any protective gear. Even the ASHA and Anganwadi workers who are working in the frontline in combating Corona are being tortured and manhandled in various states by Police and local miscreants with impunity.

A vast number of workers, not even registered in any of the welfare boards and for whose benefit the Government claims to be putting in place the Social Security Code, suddenly find themselves without work, without any support system to feed them and cut off far away from their native places. There are reports pouring in from all the States that workers’ services are being dispensed with in total disregard of the “Advisory” by the Secretary Ministry of Labour and also by Home Secretary.

The government has not mobilized any machinery to transport grain supplies in their Godowns to various rationing outlets in States. Restriction on inter-state transport movement made the situation difficult further. Hoarding is rampant and the prices of essential commodities are shooting up which is causing further hardship to the working people.

We urge you to impress upon the concerned departments to deal with those seeking opportunity in this hour of crisis or being callous to the plight of the masses, by enforcing the message of government advisories, to ensure that everyone has the means to feed himself/herself.

The migrant workers are in deep distress with no work, no money and removal from their work places and in many cases eviction from the rented accommodations, and have nothing to depend upon for stay and food and are desperately attempting to reach back to their home facing police highhandedness. Due to sudden lock down, the rail and road transport shutdown, they are walking on highways hundreds of miles, some of them along with their families including small children. Many of them are stopped/detained, insulted and humiliated by police particularly on the inter-state borders and are now staying under the sky midway. And above this, there are reports of deaths due to accidents and hardships.

We urge you that the government must act urgently to rescue them with necessary transport facilities and they should be provided with food, shelter water and required health services. This is in line with the directions/advisories issued by the Home Secretary to all state govts. But Central Govt also must take the responsibilities to facilitate implementation of their own advisories/directions.

Please also ensure that all the unorganized workforce, registered and un registered, the daily/casual/contract/outsourced and piece rated home based workers, agriculture workers, MGNREGA and scheme workers including ASHA, Mid day meal, Anganwadi and others in such a category, those who are truck drivers and helpers, coolies/porters/loaders unloaders, construction & beedi workers, the domestic workers, waste pickers, self employed as hawkers-vendors, rickshaw pullers, e-rickshaw/auto/taxi drivers etc. are covered for the cash and ration relief at the earliest. Public Distribution System be used effectively and universally for all these needy people. Opening of procurement centers for the farm produce near to villages and towns could also help the accessibility to the producers and buyers. A comprehensive income-support scheme for all the unorganized/informal sector workers is the urgent need of the hour and we urge the Govt to urgently act upon the same to save overwhelming majority of the country’s workforce from biggest human disaster. Bank branches in some cases are 40 – 50 kilometer from the place of workers/their families, hence the other methods of disbursal of cash transfer should also be devised.

The ESIC hospitals and dispensaries be furnished with all necessary protective equipments for the safety of medical, paramedical, safai karamcharis and other staff while giving their services. The necessary inputs of medical facilities be taken care off. They should also be considered for insurance cover.

In view of the ever-growing scale and spread of the problems of these workers particularly migrant workers, and the trade unions being in the thick of things we request you to ask the counterparts in ministry of labour in respective states to communicate and coordinate with all the trade unions in their states including formation of trade union committees and issuing valid passes to office bearers of trade unions for addressing the above mentioned issues including their participation in relief work.

INTUC AITUC HMS CITU AIUTUC
TUCC SEWA AICCTU LPF UTUC

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