Author Archives: VAN NAMBOODIRI

Working Men of All Countries Unite! – Communist Manifesto

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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On this 130th death Anniversary of Karl Marx, I am quoting below the last few paragraphs of the “Manifesto of the Communist Party!”

” In short, the Communists everywhere support every revolutionary movement against the existing social and political order of things.

In all these movements they bring to the front, as the leading question in each, the property question, no matter what its degree of development at the time.

Finally, they labour everywhere for the union and agreement of the democratic parties of all countries.

The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win.

Working Men of All Countries, Unite!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karl Marx – Birth 5th May 1818 – Death 14th March 1883

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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Today is the 130th Death Anniversary  of Karl Marx, one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever seen. He is the author of Communist Manifesto and Capital (4 Volumes) (along with Friedrich Engels) who expired on 24th March 1883. He analysed capitalism and explained that it is a stage in the development of the human society, but not the last and the ultimate. It is an interim  stage in the forward march to socialism and then Communism. Marx was born  on 5th May 1818 in a rich Prussian (Germany) family and was well-studied. He had to run from country to country since the authorities were afraid of his revolutionary theories. In his last phase of life he was staying in London continuing his research and writings using the vast collection of books at British Library. After the present global recession, his writings have become a matter of serious study.

When I went to London, I had the opportunity to visit the High Gate cemetery where he is laid at rest and paid homage to him. What is written on the tomb is relevant for all times: “Workers of the World Unite!”

I pay my respect and Revolutionary Greetings to one of the greatest revolutionaries of all times – Karl Marx !

DOT should take strong action against illegal 3G service by private companies

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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It has been reported several times that DOT has asked Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular to stop providing 3G services in those circles where they have not been allotted 3G licences. These private telecom operators were illegally providing the services for the last so many months against the existing rules. Though notices have been issued more than once, no action has been taken by DOT against these erring companies.  BSNL has been compelled to pay for 3G in all circles at the rate of the highest bid, even though it was not allowed to bid in the auctions. BSNL had to pay for all the circles. But the above companies paying for a few circles are providing services in all circles sharing the spectrum between them.

Immediate and strong action, including cancellation of their existing 3G spectrum and imposing high penalty are required without any further delay.

United Forum and Forum Meetings on 18th March 2013

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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The Meeting of the United Forum of BSNL Unions will be held at 1100 hours and the that of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations will be held at 1430 hours, both at BSNL MS office. Important decisions are expected from both the meetings.

The Drama, that is ITS Repatriation

12 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Two orders were issued by the Government yesterday. One, repatriating all ITS non-absorbed officers to DOT. Second, granting permanent deployment in BSNL through deputation for the same non-absorbed ITS Officers.
The present situation does not change. It is only a drama to show that the Delhi High Court order on repatriation is implemented. At the same time issuing orders on the Cabinet decision to grant permanent deputation instead of deemed deputation.
But will it stand the scrutiny of Law? Will it stand the provision of rules on deputation? Will it benefit the BSNL in any way? The answers are very clear. This is completely non-ethical and violation of court order.

The Telecom Factories should be modernised, strengthened.

12 Tuesday Mar 2013

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BSNL has got 7 Telecom Factories under it. They are situated at Alipore, Gopalpur, Kharagpur ( all in Kolkata), Jabalpur, Richai (both in Jabalpur), Bhilai and Mumbai. Alipore and Jabalpur Factories were existing even before independence and were supplying most of the equipment required for the Telecommunications. Other factories were also manufacturing essential equipment to BSNL.
The V Central Pay Commission recommended that these Factories should either be wound up or privatised. The then AITE Union Class III (Namboodiri) took up the matter with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Com. Somnath Chatterjee, M.P., who called a meeting of the union, DOT and connected officers. After detailed discussion it was decided that the Factories should not be closed but should be modernised and improved. So the TFs were not closed.
But the recommendations of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee were not implemented. The neglect of the TFs continued by the DOT and later by BSNL. BSNLEU demanded that a committee should be formed with union representatives to examine and recommend improvements. The Committee was formed with then GM(TF) Shri Nigam and Com.VAN Namboodiri, GS, BSNLEU which visited all the factories, examined the proposals for new productions, working environment etc. and submitted its recommendations. About 30% of the recommendations of the Committee might have been implemented, but many issues are still pending.
There are hundreds of towers manufactured and kept ready in the factories as per the indent of various circles, waiting to be purchased by the SSAs. But the SSA heads are purchasing the towers from the open market. While there are about 1500 towers manufactured and kept ready for supply, why the SSA heads are purchasing from outside? These and other issues were raised very seriously in the last meeting of the National Council by the Staff Side members. The administration was completely in the defence with no convincing reply to be given.
It is understood that after the discussion, the management is proceeding with some of the demands on new product etc. BSNLEU will persue with all its strength to see that new productions, modernisation etc. are implemented and the factories are revived.

Recognition of BSNLEU should continue till verification

11 Monday Mar 2013

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BSNL Management has withdrawn the recognition of BSNL Employees Union with effect from 13-02-2009 on the basis that the recognition was given for two years till that date. When the verification process was being delayed for finalising the BSNL Recognition Rules, it was demanded by BSNLEU that the recognition to BSNLEU should be extended till that date since such a long period with out a recognised union will not be correct. Other unions like NFTE, FNTO etc. in addition to our alliance partners also stated that they do not have any objection for extending the recognition of BSNLEU till verification. We also pointed out to the management that in the PSUs, the recognition is being extended till the next verification.
As such, BSNLEU should have been extended recognition till April 18th. Instead, BSNL Management has referred the matter to CLC. We have taken up the matter with CLC as well as Labour Ministry. In fact, we were told by the Labour Ministry that there need be no permission from them and the usual practice is to extend the recognition. Anyhow, we expect that approval from the CLC/Labour Ministry will be issued and recognition restored shortly.

More subsidy to corporates than to the common people

11 Monday Mar 2013

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The UPA Government is always telling about heavy burden on the exchequer due to the subsidy to the common people whether it is on oil, petrol, diesel, agriculture and so on. But what is the reality? More subsidy is given to the few corporates than to the crores of common people. In 2011-12, while only Rs.2,16,297 crore was provided as subsidy to the people, Rs. 5,29,432 crore was given to the corporates. This is not for 2011-12 alone. The same discrimination is continuing for years together. See the connected figures ( From the Annexure to the Budget Documents)

Year Subsidy to People Subsidy to corporates
2004 – 2005 Rs. 45,957 crore Rs.1,58,661 crore
2005 – 2006 Rs. 47,522 .. Rs.2,06,700 ..
2006 – 2007 Rs. 57,125 .. Rs.2,39,712 ..
2007 – 2008 Rs. 70,926 .. Rs.2,85,052 ..
2008 – 2009 Rs.1,29,243 .. Rs.4,14,909 ..
2009 – 2010 Rs.1,41,351 .. Rs.5,02,299 ..
2010 – 2011 Rs.1,73,420 .. Rs.5,11,990 ..
2011 – 2012 Rs.2,16,297 .. Rs.5,29,432 ..
Total 8 years Rs.8,81,841 crore Rs28,48,755 crore

There is a difference of about Rs.20 lakh crore in the last 8 years alone. The difference is increasing every year. These subsidies to the corporates are mainly due to reduction in taxes to be paid by the corportes and big business house.
If anybody says that this is the government of the corporates, it is true. The government should be ‘of the people for the people and by the people’.

The New Bank Licensing Policy disastrous for country

10 Sunday Mar 2013

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The New Bank Licencing Policy which allows private, industrial and business corporates to start their own banks is disastrous to say the least. The private companies with even a minimum of Rs. 500 crores can start a bank! Through this, corporates will be able to manipulate their finances and cleverly cheat on taxes etc. Further this will become a big haven for corruption.
It is to be remembered that the private banks were nationalised earlier to ensure better governance, responsibility and credibility. The present move which is to please the corporates is disastrous and should be dropped. The Bank Employees Unions are already on agitational path on this.

Com. K.C.S.Nair passed away.

09 Saturday Mar 2013

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Com.K.Chandrasekharan Nair, popularly called KCS Nair, passed away on 7th of this month. He was ailing for some time and was in hospital for the last few days. The sad news was informed to me by our comrades in Calicut, where Com. KCS has settled after retirement a few years back.
Com.KCS was a man of action. As soon as he entered the P and T, he had been in the union and very active. For a long period he was the Branch Secretary of the DET Office, Calicut. After the 19th September 1968 strike, he was under suspension for a long time, faced court case and punished for participating in the strike. During the post-strike period he worked continuously without any strain. We were closely associated for a long period in union activities.
After coming to Delhi after the 1991 All India Conference, I had little chance of meeting him. However, twice, I went to his house and met him. He also used to attend the meetings when I came to Calicut. His health was deteriorating gradually. And now death has overtaken him.
I share the deep grief with the family and friends. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and other family members.