Author Archives: VAN NAMBOODIRI

Another setback for UPA Govt. – Order on Gas Price increase not cleared by EC

25 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by in General Elections 2014, Neo-liberal policy

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Last minute decision by the UPA II government to double the domestic natural gas price, from $4.2 per million British thermal units (mBtu) to $8.4, has been stopped by the Election Commission. It has not cleared the decision and stopped the same till a new government takes charge at the Centre.
The UPA govt. was in a hurry to implement the order to help the Reliance Industries Ltd. to reap and maximise the profits. There has been strong objections from the opposition parties. The proposal was strongly objected by the Left M.P.s like Comrades Tapan Sen, Gurudas DasGupta and others pointing out that even with the present rate the oil companies were reaping good profits.
Earlier, the EC has stopped the government from granting bank licences to private companies and corporates to please them before the general elections.
The UPA Government is being exposed for its mischief continuously. Its extra-enthusiasm to help the corporates is clear to all.

MH 370 has crashed in Indian Ocean – Malaysian PM

24 Monday Mar 2014

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What was feared has happened. After the tension and anxiety of the entire world about what happened to the 239 people in the missing Malaysian flight MH 370, which took of from Kuala-Lumpur on 8th March, today the Malaysian PM has said that the plane crashed in Indian Ocean. It is still not revealed how the tragedy happened.We express our deep grief and convey our condolence to the bereaved families and friends. The PTI report in this connection is reproduced below:

Kuala Lumpur, Mar 24 : The missing Malaysia Airline aircraft with 239 people on board has crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Najib Razak said today, ending days of uncertainty over the fate of the aircraft.
“With deep sadness I want to inform you that Flight MH370 ended in Southern Indian Ocean,” Najib told reporters at a specially convened press conference.
He said based on information provided by British satellite company Inmarsat we have concluded that the plane flew along the southern corridor in which its last position was in the middle of southern Indian Ocean.
The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 with 239 people, including five Indians and an Indo-Canadian, went missing on March 8, one hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur.

Com. AKG, ” The Crusader of the Downtrodden”, the British, the Congress and the Emergency.

23 Sunday Mar 2014

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, General, History

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India got Independence on 15th August 1947 putting an end to the British rule of about two hundred years, including that of East India Company. Many freedom fighters became martyrs in the struggle for independence. Congress, Communists, Socialists – all fought for freedom of the country.

But when the country became independent on 15th August 1947, there was one freedom fighter still in jail. It was Comrade A.K.Gopalan (Com. AKG). While hundreds of freedom fighters in jail were released, the Congress Govt. did not release him. Com. AKG hoisted the Indian Flag in the Jail and saluted it.

Again,there was the struggle against the hated draconian Emergency declared by the Indira Gandhi on 25 June 1975, when her election to Parliament was declared invalid. Almost all leaders of political parties, except Congress, were arrested and jailed. The press was silenced. Fascist methods were used against protesting people. Com. AKG, naturally opposed the Emergency tooth and nail.But due to his serious illness, he was not arrested. His illness took a turn to the worse and he passed away on 23rd March 1977.

The Emergency was withdrawn on 24th March 1997. The Congress was utterly defeated in the General elections and a Non- Congress Government for the first time in India was formed at Centre. Political leaders and trade union leaders and others were released. But Comrade AKG could not know about the good news. He was in comma for a few days earlier and passed away before the withdrawal of Emergency and formation of the Janata Government which won the elections with huge margin.

His famous words are significant and prophetic in this context: ‘I may not be alive to see the victory of the people. But it is a certainty that it will come sooner or later’.

Red Salute to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev!

22 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by in History, Obituary, Tributes, Uncategorized

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March 23, 1931 is a day written in the blood of the eternal young martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev who sacrificed at the altar of freedom for the country. It was on this day these young freedom fighters were hanged by the British on the charge of terrorism against the British Empire.
They were not terrorists, but the true sons of the country. They were young and wanted mother India to be free. It is to be remembered that Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old when his life was cut short by the hangman’s knot.
Bhagat Singh very well knew that he will be hanged. But he and his comrades were not afraid. What Bhagat Singh told to his comrades, before the sentence was pronounced shows how these comrades thought about the punishment.
I am quoting below the following from the Book on Bhagat Singh written by his comrade and another accused, Com. shiv Verma, who escaped hanging.

“Then Bhagat Singh laughed and said: Our punishment will be ” To be hanged by neck till we are dead. This is reality Comrades. I know it. You also know it. Then, why shut the eyes to it?”
He continued ” This is the highest award for patriotism, and I am proud that I am going to get it. They think that by destroying my terrestrial body they will be safe in this country. They are wrong. They will kill me, but they can not kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirits. My ideas will haunt he British like a curse till they are forced to run away from here.”
” But this is only one side of the picture. The other side is equally bright. Bhagat Singh dead will be more dangerous to the British enslavers than Bhagat Singh alive. After I am hanged, the fragrance of my revolutionary ideas will permeate the atmosphere of this beautiful land of ours. It will intoxicate the youth and make him mad for freedom and revolution, and that will bring the doom of the British imperialists nearer. This is my firm conviction. I am anxiously waiting for the day when I will receive the highest award for my services to the country and my love for my people.”

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged on 23rd March 1931.

Bhagat Singh was correct. The spirit never dies. And it did not die in this case also. The whole nation revolted and the freedom came much earlier than expected.
( Excerpts from ” Bhagat Singh on the path of liberation” by Shiv Verma”)

Red Salutes to Shahid Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev!

Meeting with Com. N.O.Ananadan Master, Senior P and T Leader

22 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by in BSNLEU, TU News - India

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There are many senior comrades of the P and T Movement, who are retired years back, but still continues to keep close connection with the workers and the union movement. Com. N.O.Anandan Master is such a comrade.
While at Kannur to attend the SSA Convention of BSNLEU and AIBDPA on 21st March 2014, I got the opportunity to meet him at his home.Before starting of the Convention, along with Coms. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary BSNLEU Kerala, P.Manoharan, Circle Asst. Secretary,BSNLEU, C.R.Manoj BSNLEU Comrade and my wife Pankajam, I went to the home of Com.Anandan Master. He was very happy to receive us along with his wife Smt. Sita, daughter Com. Latha, who is working in BSNL and is a very active union leader and her husband Com.T. Chathukutty, working in SBI. We talked about the historic struggles, our common comrades like N.P.Padmanabhan, former Secretary, NFTE, T.M.Janardhanan (Janu Master ), who have let us. I shared my memories of Kannur when I worked there from 1959 to 1964 and about the historic 1960 strike. Of course, we had a tasty breakfast together.
I was happy to see that passed 85, Comrade Anandan Master is still keeping good health. He has kept a lot of old books and journals and also photos connected with the P and T Union movement.
When we departed to attend the convention, Anandan Master and family came up to the gate to see us off.
There are many such senior comrades all over the country who have sacrificed their entire lives for the workers and their movement. It is an inspiration to meet and discuss with them.
Thank You Com. Anandan Master for the few minutes which we shared

Com. AKG Remembered.

22 Saturday Mar 2014

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Comrade A.K.Gopalan, the undisputed leader of the working class, was remembered today, 22nd March 2014, on his 37th Death Anniversary.

Com.AKG, as he is fondly called by his comrades and friends was an agitator, mass organiser and also atop leader of CPI(M). A Freedom fighter, he turned to Socialist and then to Communist ideology. He was one of the first few members of the Communist Party in Kerala.

As the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament during the period 1950s to 1970s, Com.AKG took up the workers and people’s issues effectively with vigour and zeal. He gave valuable guidance and support to P and T Unions.

On his death anniversary, my Revolutionary Greetings to Comrade AKG!

BSNLEU Day Celebrated in Kozhikode

22 Saturday Mar 2014

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BSNLEU Foundation Day, 22nd March 2014, was celebrated at Kozhikode by organising a well attended meeting in the PGM Office premises. Com. Purushothaman, District President, presided. Com. Jayarajan District Secretary, BSNLEU welcomed all.
Inaugurating the meeting, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, spoke about the heritage of BSNLEU and the circumstances under which the UNion was formed by merging 8 existing unions. The achievements of the union during the last 13 years were also focussed. Com. Vijayakumar, ACS, BSNLEU and Com. V.Bhagyalakshmi, convener, State Mahila committee addressed.

Revolutionary Greetings on BSNLEU Day!

22 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by in BSNLEU, Uncategorized

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Today, 22nd March 2014, is the 13th Foundation Day Anniversary of BSNL Employees Union, the mighty progressive union of the BSNL Employees. My Revolutionary Greetings and Best Wishes to all of you on this day!

BSNL Employees Union during the last 13 years have been serving the BSNL workers, raising their issues, negotiating and making sustained struggles for achievement of the same. Many important issues including two wage revisions, NEPP and other issues could be settled with the full support of the workers, which benefitted them as never before. BSNLEU will continue to do the same in future also.

BSNLEU has taken initiative to bring all the non-executive and executive unions together to make all out efforts to improve BSNL and its services to the people. The mighty struggles and strikes organised by the JAC/Joint Forum/ Forum compelled the government and the BSNL Management to backtrack from its decisions to implement Disinvestment /Retrenchment / VRS etc. in BSNL. The Forum’s strong reaction to the proposal of the Government to merge BSNL and MTNL, without settling the crucial issues like wage differences, disinvest of MTNL to the extend of 46.5%, huge loan liabilities of MTNL etc. compelled the government from moving forward. But we have to be still vigilant and be ready for instant action if any such decision is taken.

BSNLEU took the initiative for forming the JAC of the Non-Executive Unions for taking a united stand on the workers’ issues and go on agitation unitedly. As part of this unity effort, it strongly initiated for the recognition of a second union also and brought recognition to NFTE, which will benefit BSNL and its workers.

BSNLEU is part of the working class movement in the country. It has got a great heritage. It has assimilated all the inspiring tradition of the P and T Trade Union movement under the leadership of the founding fathers like Babu Tarapada Mukherjee, Henry Barton, V.G.Dalvi and Dada Ghosh. BSNLEU has always taken guidance from the Revolutionary leader, Com. K.G.Bose, who inspired a whole generation of workers and will inspire the future generations.

BSNLEU has taken part in all the struggles organised by the Central Trade Unions and CPSTU, the Co-ordination Committee of the PSU Unions. Our activities and participation are well appreciated.

BSNLEU is part of the world working class. Its representatives have participated in the Congress of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) since 2005 as also the Trade Union International (TUI) of Public Services, which is affiliated to WFTU.

BSNLEU leaders and workers had been in the forefront of the struggles and had sacrificed themselves to the cause of workers. The fight for justice to workers has been a long and strenuous. This will certainly continue.

The formation of All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) and BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) was another achievement of BSNLEU.These two organisations have strengthened and are functioning as the champions in their respective areas.

BSNLEU stands for the working class unity. It stands for progressive ideas. And it will always be in the forefront of the struggles for the cause of BSNL workers.Let all of us pledge to continue and improve our work and struggle for the cause of the BSNL workers.
Revolutionary Greetings to all our Comrades, Friends and Well Wishers on BSNLEU Day!

AIBDPA – BSNLEU Convention at Kannur

21 Friday Mar 2014

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLEU, Uncategorized

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The SSA Unions of AIBDPA and BSNLEU Kannur District organised a very impressive Convention jointly on 21st March 2014 at Com. T.K.Balan Memorial Hall. The hall was full with some comrades even sitting outside the hall. Com. K.Kunhiraman, SSA Secretary, AIBDPA presided.
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU and Advisor AIBDPA inaugurated the Convention. In his speech, he mentioned about the latest developments in BSNL, including the proposal of the government to merge BSNL, formation of new companies bifurcating BSNL etc. and called upon the workers for rallying round BSNLEU to fight the saem.He also briefed the house about the latest position on 78.2% IDA pension fixation, Barcelona Congress of Pensioners and Retirees etc.
Coms.K.Mohanan,Circle Secretary BSNLEU, P.Manoharan, ACS, BSNLEU, Ravindran Kodakkad,DS, BSNLEU, P.V.Unnikrishnan, SSA President AIBDPA ,K.R.R.Varma, ACS, AIBDPA, P.V.Rajan, DS BSNLEU, Nandakumar, Circle Vice-President, BSNLEU and other leaders addressed.

BSNLEU Kerala Convention at Thiruvananathapuram

21 Friday Mar 2014

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The BSNLEU Kerala Circle Convention as per the decision of CHQ was held at Thiruvananthapuram on 20th March 2014. In addition to the CEC Members, a large number of representatives from all the SSAs participated.

The Convention was  pr, BSNLEU.presided by Com. A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President. Com. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary welcomed all and briefed about the purpose of the meeting. Com. M.V.Govindan Master,  senior CPI(M) leader inaugurated the Convention. In his speech, he explained the historical perspective of labour and capital, the struggles of the workers and also the anti-worker attitude of the government and the neo-liberal policies being implemented by the UPA Government. The class character of both the ruling class parties viz. Congress and BJP was analysed. He assured all support of the Left movement to the struggle of the BSNL employees.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU explained the latest development in the telecom sector and the struggles being organised under BSNLEU and the Forum for survival and strengthening of BSNL. The background of the recent agitation against BSNL-MTNL Merger and connected matters, the formation of JAC of Non-Executive Unions and charter of Demands ec. and the BSNL workers role in the general elections were also briefed.

Coms. P.V.Chandrasekharan, veteran leader of P and T Union movement, K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary, R.Muralidharan Nair, AGS, V.Bhagyalakshmi, Mahila Committee Convener, Jacob Thomas (NFPE) and other ledaers addressed. Com. Pratapan, Treasurer proposed vote of thanks.