Author Archives: VAN NAMBOODIRI

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 5 )

08 Monday Jun 2015

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Meeting with the Communications Minister on 25-11-2005

In the meanwhile, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum and other leaders met the Secretary, DOT Shri J.S.Sharma and also Communications Minister Shri Dayanidhi Maran on 25th November 2005. The seriousness of the present situation was brought to the notice of the Minister, but no relief was granted.

The Joint Forum met for 5 continuous days from 21st November 2005 and discussed the whole issue. It was felt that industrial action is the only way to stop the attack against BSNL. Hence the Joint Forum decided to go on agitational programmes.

Decision for One Day Strike

As mentioned above the marathon meetings of the Joint Forum for five days from 20th November 2005, decided to organize the following agitational programmes, including strike:

  1. Lunch hour Demonstration and meetings on 8th December 2005.
  2. Dharna on 21st December 2005
  3. One day strike on 5th January 2006.

The demands included:

  1. No Disinvestment of BSNL
  2. No increase in FDI
  3. No opening up of last mile copper
  4. No reduction in Revenue Sharing and ADC
  5. Grant of Navaratna Status to BSNL
  6. Expand Mobile and Broad Band services
  7. Grant Autonomy to BSNL
  8. Absorb Group A/ ITS Officers

Strike Notice was issued by the Unions/Associations separately. BSNLEU, NFTE, FNTO, AIBSNLEA, SNEA, BSNLMS, TEPU, BSNLWRU, and BSNLOA served the strike notices. Massive propaganda was unleashed. This was the first time that all the unions of non-executives and executives have jointly decided for a strike, that too, only on the issues of the company and not on their own financial benefits.

Press Statement was issued by the Forum informing the decision of 3.5 lakh workers going on strike on the BSNL issues, which was widely carried in the papers.

Joint Dharna on 21st December 2005

The Joint dharna called for by the Joint Forum was organized in a very big way all over the country. Workers enthusiastically participated, because they understood that BSNL will be weakened and privatized if  the attack is not countered at the initial stage itself.  The programme was well covered in the press also.

The management did not hold any discussion with the Joint Forum on the plea that all the demands were related to the policies of the Government. However, on the direction of the Regional Labour Commissioner, who conducted  conciliation proceedings, a meeting of the senior officers of the DOT and BSNL with the Joint Forum was held , but without any agreement. The Forum decided to go on with the strike, since there was no favourable response from the management or the government.

Trilateral discussions between India, Japan and Australia – US behind the scene

08 Monday Jun 2015

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The change in the foreign policy of the Modi Government is coming more and more in the open. The latest is the trilateral meeting of India, Japan and Australia at New Delhi starting today. Though US is not directly a participant, it can be assumed that it is the main brain and co-ordinator.

No such co-ordination involving all these US allies were held till last UPA regime. Now the BJP government is directly going for the strategic partnership with US and its allies.

This will certainly have adverse impacts with India’s relation with its neighbors, China and Russia.

Modi Government abandoning decade old Palestine Policy

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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It is now clear that the Modi Government is abandoning the foreign policy which India has been following since independence on the Palestine issue. India always supported the demand of the Palestine people for their own nation.  But now, with the proposed visit of Prime Minister Modi to Israel, a change is going to take place. It is more and more turning to US and its strategic partners. The recent visit to Japan, Australia and now to Israel clearly shows the trend.

Abandoning Palestine for Israel is not good. The Indian people are against it. The government of India should not deviate from its Palestinian policy. The opposition parties should take the lead in compelling the government to continue the earlier policy.

IIT- Madras compelled to lift ban on APSC – a success for freedom of speech

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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At last the IIT-Madras management has been compelled to lift the ban on Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC), a students group functioning there. It was banned a few days back by the management allegedly for criticising the Prime Minister and centre’s policies.

There have been strong protests through out the country against this unjustified attack on freedom of speech. In Delhi and many other centres, students protested and organised dharna, demonstrations etc. Many were arrested and detained.

The IIT-Madras Management was compelled to lift the ban facing the strong protest. After discussion with the students group, the ban has been lifted today.

Congratulations to the students bodies for their success in upholding the freedom of speech.

Protest against G-7 Summit at Munich, Germany.

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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The G-7 meeting of the big powers,  Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Japan,  United States and the European Union is being held in Germany.  Russia is not invited due to the issue of Ukraine, in which there is big difference between Russia and other countries.

The meeting is expected to focus on issues like climate change, the fight against pandemics, Middle East turmoil and an upsurge of violence in Ukraine.

 

But these great powers are not at all interested to discuss the issues of poverty, maximisation of profits by the MNCs and Corportes or other burning issues of the common people. Hence strong protest rallies are being held at the place where the G-7 summit is being held participated by thousands of workers and common people.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 4 )

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL

A meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was held on 14-03-2005 at the office of the Staff Side, National Council, BSNL. The participants reviewed the meeting with the Prime Minister. It was decided to submit a Memorandum to the CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL after organizing demonstrations/rallies at All India/Circle/SSA. The same memorandum will be submitted at Circle/SSA levels also. The memorandum should include the issues of FDI, ADC, USOF, Outsourcing, BSNL/MTNL Merger, Absorption of ITS /Group A Officers, ILD, Cellular, Unbundling and Broad band.

The Memorandum was submitted by the Joint Forum leaders both to the CMD of BSNL and MTNL on 19-04-2005 demanding immediate steps for development and expansion of services as also on certain demands of the workers like pension. It was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener & GS,BSNLEU, O.P.Gupta, GS, NFTE, S.Basu, GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi, GS SNEA, K.Vallinyagam, GS FNTO, V.Naryana, GS BSNLMS, V.K.Tomar, GSMTNLEA, V.Subburaman, GS TEPU, Raj Kishore, GS BSNLWRU, Devender Singh, GS, MTNLOA, Vrijesh Upadhyaya, GS MTNLMS, K.M.Pillai, GS MTNLSWU and Umesh Tyagi MTNLKVS. The Unions/Associations in MTNL met the CMD MTNL and Unions/Associations of BSNL met the CMD BSNL and discussed the issues of the concerned PSUs. A meeting was also held with the Secretary DOT Shri Nripendra Mishra,  on 11-02-2005 and discussed the BSNL and connected issues.

Joint Rallies by the Joint Forum of Unions/Associations

On the common issues of BSNL and MTNL, two large rallies were held during this period by the executive and non-executive unions/associations.

Government Pension for BSNL retirees  – DOT Letter dated 15-03-2005

Shri Nripendra Misra, then Secretary, DOT, issued a D.O.letter to Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL vide D.O.No 1-45/2003-B dated 15 March 2005 on the status of the pension contribution to be paid by BSNL to the government. This letter assured that in respect of employees who were on deemed deputation to BSNL, as also those absorbed in BSNL, the pension liability will be met by the Government of India. BSNL on their part will pay pension contribution in respect of absorbed employees till their retirement and also those of on deemed deputation. The Finance and Accounts Wing would work out the modality for payment by BSNL towards pension. BSNL will be liable to pay pension contribution in accordance with FR 116 for the period they have worked in BSNL and contribution will be on the basis of the above decision. Thus the assurance on pension by Government to BSNL absorbed was reiterated.

Memorandum to the CMD BSNL on 19-04-2005

As per the decision of the Joint Forum, a Memorandum was submitted to the CMD BSNL on the various issues with regard to the development and expansion of BSNL. The memorandum was received by Shri S.K.Jain Director (HRD) since Shri A.K.Sinha,CMD BSNL was away from Delhi. Demonstrations were held in circles/SSAs and memorandum submitted to the CGMs / SSA Heads.

In the meantime, a detailed reply from Dr. J.S.Sharma, Secretary, DOT, dated 28th September 2005, was received with regard to the discussion   with the Prime Minister.  The main decision was that the PM assured that the recommendations of the TRAI for unbundling of the BSNL’s copper wire is not accepted. Other assurances were also given.

At the same time, the government and the management was moving for implementation of the various decisions they have taken against BSNL to check its advancement so that the private sector can get much benefit. It was reported in the press that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs have approved disinvestment of six profit making Non-Navaratna PSUs, including BSNL. It was also reported that the government has decided for sharing of infrastructure of BSNL with private telecom operators in rural areas. It was clear that these are pre-meditated attacks for privatization of BSNL. Despite a waiting list of 13 lakhs for mobile connection, BSNL failed to provide the same. The Non-absorption of ITS officers in BSNL was another reason for the non-development and expansion. Though eligible, BSNL was not granted Navaratna status. The status would have resulted in more autonomy for the company for purchase of equipment etc.

NRI Remittance to Kerala crosses Rupees one lakh Crore.

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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It is well known that large number of Keralites are working in other countries and they are also remitting money back to their families. But the latest report shows that the amount is not small, but considerable.

According to a report in the press, the NRI remittances to Kerala has crossed Rs. 1 Lakh crore. This includes not only Gulf Countries, where maximum NRIs are there, but other countries like UK, US etc.

Despite, certain restrictions for expats in some countries, the remittances have only increased. Congratulations to the hard working Kerala expats!

‘One Day, One Employee, One Subscriber’ – Action Programme

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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I had suggested that an action programme to connect with all the subscribers in BSNL can be orgnaised to win the support and instill confidence in both the employees and also the subscribers.

There are about 1.5 crore land line connections with BSNL. The company has got about 2,20,000 workforce including ITS, Executives and Non-Executives. For convenience, let us take 2,00,000 workers for a calculation. Let us also take that there are about 20 working days in a month. In such a situation, if the action programme ‘One Day. One Employee, One Subscriber’ is implemented, within 3 months, the employees can approach each and every landline subscriber in the country. I know this is not easy as to say or write. But, it is not impossible to work out. Much greater work could be done, if there is determination and mindset to organise the same. Teams with 3 or 4 members can visit 3 or 4 subscribers in a day as a practical method.

The ‘09.00 PM- 07.00 AM Free  Call’ Scheme by BSNL and the ‘Free Roaming’ scheme are a chance to meet the subscribers and convince them to retain their landline phones and also to take new connections by others. BSNL Management also is doing its bit in providing equipment and other material. The Communications Minister is issuing statements almost daily that he wants to improve BSNL and MTNL and make them profitable. There never was such a situation earlier.

This is a golden opportunity to revive BSNL. For that subscriber support and confidence are required. Meeting the subscribers and convincing them about the benefit of BSNL services is a must. If the BSNL Management and the employees make an action programme for the same, I have no doubt that we will win. Not only new connections can be added, but the many subscribers who surrendered their phones will come back.

Are we prepared to make a start?

CPI(M) CC Meeting on 6-7 June

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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The meeting of Central Committee of CPI(M) is being held today and tomorrow at AKG Bhavan  New Delhi. This is the first meeting of CC after the Party Congress at Visakhapatnam. Hence many organisational matters will be discussed.
On this occasion, I could meet many senior leaders and convey to them the developments in BSNL and seek their guidance and help. Many of these comrades had much helped the BSNL workers in their struggles. The  book on the struggles organised by Joint Forum/ JAC/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations was also handed over.

Meeting of Casual and Contract Workers in Pune

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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A meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers is being arranged in Pune on 8th June 2015. CITU leaders, Com. Nalwade, CS BSNLEU and other leaders will be attending the meeting. BSNLCCWF has demanded for implementation of Minimum Wage and EPF, which is yet to be implemented. Best Wishes for the Convention!