Category Archives: AIBDPA – BSNL DOT Pensioners

AIBDPA (All India BSNL-DOT Pensioners Association ) is the organisation of the Pensioners retired from DOT and BSNL. The posting in this category are connected with their issues as also that of other pensioners. It is affiliated to NCCPA and BCPC, umbrella organisations of pensioners.

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 27 One Day Strike on 15th December 2011.

04 Tuesday Aug 2020

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JAC decides for One Day Strike on 10th October 2011

The meeting of the JAC held on 21st September 2011 discussed all the above issues and decided to organise agitational programmes including strike for settlement of the present issues. The following  programmes were decided:

  1. One Day Fast on 29-09-2011  2. One Day Strike on 10-10-2011

It was also proposed to meet as many members of Parliament as possible and seek their support for the demands and agitation. The strike noticee was issued on 22-09-2011 with the following demands:

1.No VRS  2. Immediate payment of Bonus (PLI)  3. Restoration of Medical Allowance, Leave encashment and LTC  4. Immediate conclusion of the process of ITS absorption 5. 78.2% IDA fixation   6. Immediate procurement and supply of equipment including GSM, BB Modem, Cables, Trans SMS, MLLN etc and implementation of important business projects like ERP, NGN and transmission NMS. 7. Government policy issues: a) Compensation for loss making rural services according to policy commitments. b) Pension Contribution to DOT only on actual basic pay  instead of maximum of the pay scale.  c) Refund of Rs. 8,313 crore paid towards non-standard BWA spectrum band  d) Grant of flexibility in selecting circles choice for 3 G spectrum  e) Access Deficit Charge (ADC) should be quantified through adequate and appropriate mechanism and paid to BSNL  f) Reimbursement of Licence Fee as assured at the time of corporatisation  g) Refund of “Notional Loan” of rs. 7,500 crore with interest to BSNL collected by DOT h) Discontinue all telecom Advisory Committees.

The Strike notice was signed  by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), P.Venugopal (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Suresh Kumar (BSNL MS), R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL), Gajendra Kumar (BTEU), S.C.Gaur ( BSNLOA), N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL), and R.K.Kohli (NFTBE).

As per the decision, massive dharnas were held on 27th September 2011 at SSA/Circle /C.O levels successfully.

Strike postponed for broader unity

The JAC contacted NFTE and FNTO leaders who were keeping away from the JAC for some time and requested that they may join JAC and also participate in the one day strike proposed on 10th October. Both unions agreed to join the strike. It was postponed so that they will get the time to prepare. Accordingly the strike was postponed to 15th  December. The fresh Strike Notice was issued on 17-11-2011 signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JAC, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Suresh Kumar (BSNL MS), R.K.Kohli (NFTBE), Kanchilal (SEWA BSNL), R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL) and G.S.Gaur (BSNLOA). NFTE and a few other unions will issue separate notice and participate in the strike.

Outsourcing / leasing of tower, Optical Fibre opposed.
JAC in its meeting on 04-10-201 strongly opposed the above outsourcing and addressed a letter to the CMD BSNL and also a Press release issued.

Strike preparation in full swing
The preparation fr the strike was in full swing. JAC issued a circular signed by all the unions. Press releases were issued. Many M.P.s were contacted and their support sought.An appeal was prepared and sent to all M.P.s. Wall posters were printed and circulated. Campaign meetings were held in all places to make the strike successful. In this context, BSNL Management under the Chairmanship of Shri A.K.Garg Director (HR) held discussion with JAC leaders.All the issues in the strike notice were discussed but no satisfactory decision was taken by the management. JAC leaders informed that since no agreement has been reached the strike will take place as decided. Rallies in preparation of the one day strike was organised at SSA/Circle/CO levels on 8th December 2011 with good participation. A conciliation meeting held by the CLC on 15-12-2011 could not resolve the issue.

One Day Strike on 15th December 2011
The strike on 15th December was a great success. Though FNTO did not participate and also issued statement opposing the strike, it did not have any effect. The strike was completely participated by the workers. The reports from all places indicated that the workers were aware of the serious situation and had come forward to participate in the strike and save BSNL and the workers. Many Federations / Unions supported and extended solidarity to the struggle of the BSNL employees.

This was the end of 2011. In this year alone 25 meetings of the JAC were held and important decisions taken. (to be continued)

AIBDPA Kerala donated Rs. 42,19,928 to Chief Ministers Relief Fund – Congratulations!

04 Tuesday Aug 2020

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During his daily press conference on 03-08-2020, Shri.Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala has stated as follows;

“ All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association, Kerala Circle has donated Rs. 19,16,699 as its second installment to the Chief Minister’s Distress Releif Fund. They had earlir made a contribution of Rs.23,03,229 and thus the total contribution is Rs. 42,19,928.”

Com. N.Guruprasad, Circle Secretary, Kerala has furnished the breakup figures of each district.

Thiruvananthapuram Rs.5,06,000
Kollam Rs. 3,33,500
Pathanamthitta Rs. 96,500
Alappuzha Rs. 3,28,234
Kottayam Rs. 1,66,850
Ernakulam Rs. 4,23,477
Thrissur Rs. 2,21,812
Palakkad Rs. 2,17,611
Malappuram Rs. 1,29,834
Kozhikode Rs. 6,61,840
Kannur Rs.11,34,270
Total Rs.42,19,928.

CHQ heartily Congratulate all the comrades of Kerala, especially Com.N.Guruprasad for his relentless efforts, who made it possible (courtesy: Website AIBDPA)

Train Journey 26 – Com. Basudeb Acharia, Patron of Railways.

03 Monday Aug 2020

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When writing about train journeys, a prominent name always comes to my mind, that of Com. Basudeb Acharia, veteran leader of CPI(M) and 7 times Member of Parliament from W.Bengal. One of the best parliamentarians, he was Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways for a good number of years. Took up many issues of the railway workers and settled. He was always very helpful in taking up the issues of the P and T workers, BSNL and others. It was through his efforts that BSNLEU could meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and many Ministers of Communications several times. Whenever I went to his official quarters he was kind enough to meet immediately and do the needful. That was his usual method with everybody. Several times I approached him for getting VIP quota for train tickets since it was impossible to get reservation at short notice. Never the railways Ministry refused his recommendation.

Coming to the point. Com. Basudeb Acharia was not only the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Railways, but was also a person who used Railways as his journey mode, most of the time. He used to travel by train, instead of air travel which he is entitled to, when going to Delhi to attend Parliament and returning. Of course, it was also convenient to him since his constituency Bankura was on the way. I still remember the way how he reached Kannur to attend the All India Conference of All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association on 6th February 2013. He came from W.Bengal to Chennai by train, then came to Kannur by Chennai – Mangalore Mail which reached a bit late at about 10.30. He inaugurated the Conference, had a hasty meal and off to Chennai by Mangalore – Chennai Mail at 15.30 hours or so. That was Com. Basudev Acharia. He had arranged a meeting with the then Chief Minister of U.P. Shri Akhilesh Yadav to discuss about immediate action to be taken against the culprits in the gruesome murder of Com. Sukhpal Singh, our District Secretary Ghaziabad. When we went to receive Basudev Acharya at the Lucknow Railway station, we could see a large number of railway employees crowding near him and making all arrangements for him. He was so close to them.

Trains are the prime mode of travel in the country. It is comparatively cheap with even tickets for Rs. 10 which is the charge for platform tickets also. The move by the Modi government to privatise railways will be a disaster for the common man. All political parties and the nation as a whole has to come forward to stop this since, it adversely affects 95% of the population who use it mostly for their travels.

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 27 “Customer Delight Year 2011 – 12”

02 Sunday Aug 2020

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

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The meeting of the JAC held on 13th July 2011 discussed in detail about the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month”. The reports received from the General Secretaries showed that while in some centres, the observation has been effective, in many places the workers have not started the programme seriously. However, there have been improvement in almost all places. It was decided to extend the programme and convert it to “Customer Delight year 2011 – 12″. A Circular was issued in the mater signed by the Convener and all the General Secretaries.
The Director (HR) BSNL, Shri A.K.Garg issued a letter on 20th July 2011 to all the CGMs intimating that the JAC has decided to observe ” Customer Delight Year” and to ensure that all actions are taken to make the programme a success.

NFTE and FNTO requested to come back to JAC
As per the decision of the JAC, letters were addressed to NFTE and FNTO to come back to JAC. Discussion also took place. They stated that they will put the issue before their respective working committees.

JAC meeting with Secretary DOT on 04-08-2011
The JAC leaders met Shri Chandrasekhar, Secretary DOT on 04-08-2011 and discussed some of the issues raised by the JAC. Shri S.C.Misra, Member (Services) was also present. The following issues were discussed.
1. Absorption of ITS officers. 2. Against retaining of BSNL buildings with DOT. 3. National Broadband Network to be entrusted to BSNL. 4. Cancellation of licence of errant companies 5. Delay in payment of Revision of Pension from 01-01-2007 and its arrears. 6. BSNL’s pension contribution to be on the actual basic pay instead of on the maximum of the payscale.
Secretary DOT assured to consider all the matters positively.

Withdrawal of Medical Allowance, LTC, Leave encashment etc.
BSNL started posting loss from 2009 – 10. It was more loss in 2010 – 11. In this circumstance, instead of expanding the business, the BSNL management in the name of reducing expenditure issued orders withdrawing Medical Allowance without voucher , restrictions on LTC, curtailing leave encashment at the time of availing LTC etc. Further, the management did not take any action to pay bonus. This was done while the employees under the leadership of JAC were making all out efforts to improve the services and to make BSNL financially viable.

Dharna on 14th September 2011
The meeting of the JAC held on 7th September 2011 discussed the matter and decided to organise dharna on 14th September in SSA/Circle/Corporate office. A meeting was called by PGM(SR) to discuss the above issues. But there was no result. The dharna programme as decided was organised effectively with massive participation in all centres. This was a warning call to the government. (To be continued)

AIBDPA CALLS FOR COUNTRYWIDE PROTEST STANDING DHARNA ON 19-08-2020 AGAINST NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS & ALLOWANCES

02 Sunday Aug 2020

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COUNTRYWIDE PROTEST STANDING DHARNA ON 19-08-2020 AGAINST NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS & ALLOWANCES.

BSNL pensioners are suffering a lot due to non-payment of medical bills, both indoor & outdoor and medical allowance since 2018-19. CHQ has taken up the issue with the BSNL management several times, we wrote to the Hon’ble Minister for Communications and Hon’ble Prime Minister but of no avail. Meanwhile the BSNL management made payment of medical bills upto September, 2019 to the employees along with the June, 2020 salary. This is the first time that retirees are completely neglected and rather discriminated. In the past, the retirees were given priority in medical bill payments. We deserve to be treated at par , the least. This development has naturally created much anger and anguish among the pensioners. On 30-07-2020, Com.V A N Namboodiri, Advisor has brought the issue to the notice of the CMD, BSNL over telephone. But the CMD was not prepared to give any concrete assurance. So Comrades, we have no other alternative other than an agitation against this gross injustice and discrimination.

We are quite aware that the situation in the country is not conducive for conducting an agitation, particularly by the elders. Unfortunately, we are compelled and pushed to the streets by the BSNL management.

The Protest Action should be from 1100 to 1200 on 19-08-2020 by standing with placards before the BSNL offices by all our units. The programme should be held strictly to the Covid-19 protocol, keeping social distance and wearing masks. The participation be limited to 5 to 7 comrades in each centre. Only nearby comrades be organized and those staying far away should not be disturbed. Exemption may be given to areas where prohibitory orders are in force, triple lockdown declared etc. Detailed report and photos be sent to CHQ.

AIBDPA writes to CMD BSNL on provision of FTTH at the residences of retired BSNL employees with concession.

22 Wednesday Jul 2020

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AIBDPA/ BSNL-FTTH/2020 22nd July, 2020

To

Shri P.K. Purwar,

CMD, BSNL,

Bharat Sanchar Bhawan,

Janpath,

New Delhi -110 001

Sir,

Sub: – Provision of FTTH at the residences of retired BSNL employees with concession – reg.

Ref: (1) BSNL CO No.2-7/2007-PHA dated 20-07-2007.

(2) BSNL CO No.2-6/2005 dated 03-06-2011.

We wish to bring to your kind notice the following issue for favourable consideration.

BSNL Retirees have been provided with rent free residential land line connection and granted broadband with concession vide orders referred to above.

You may be aware of the fact that in many places landline phones are not being maintained due to shortage of staff and lack of accessories. As such the services are virtually denied to the retirees. In the case of broadband, the assured speed of a particular plan opted is not at all available in the sub premises.

Now, BSNL is concentrating on FTTH and many broadband subscribers, including pensioners are switching over to FTTH. So, we request you to kindly grant concession to Retirees in FTTH, as in the case of broadband.

It is regretted to point out that our repeated requests to grant concession in broadband to DOT Retirees are yet to be considered. We would request you once again to extend the same concession being given to BSNL retirees to the DoT Retirees also.

Awaiting early positive action and

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

K.G. Jayaraj

General Secretary

CC: (1) Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi-110 001

(2) Shri S.K. Gupta, Director (Finance), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001

(3) Shri Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

(4) Shri Ashutosh Gupta, GM (Admn.), BSNL CO., Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

(from AIBDPA Website aibdpa.com)

AIBDPA writes to Hon’ble Prime Minister on denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018-

17 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, Pension

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AIBDPA writes to Hon’ble Prime Minister on denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018- measures initiated by BSNL management to make payment of medical reimbursement only to the BSNL employees ignoring the retirees – urgent intervention sought.
AIBDPA/ MED-PM/2020 16th July, 2020
To
Shri Narendra Modi Ji
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
Government of India,
South Block,
New Delhi – 110 001
Respected Sir,
Sub: Denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018- measures initiated by BSNL management to make payment of medical reimbursement only to the BSNL employees ignoring the retirees – urgent intervention sought- reg.
We may kindly be permitted to bring to your notice one of the genuine and burning issues of the BSNL retirees for early intervention and redressal by your kindself.
We have great appreciation of your concern for the welfare of the senior citizens which have been expressed on several occasions. We take this opportunity to quote one such statement by your goodself. “One of our key priorities is the welfare of senior citizens and ensuring a good quality of life for them.”
In sharp contrast to your clear vision on the welfare of the senior citizens, the BSNL management is putting the BSNL retirees to utter distress by denying payment of their due medical claims for the last two years. This Association has taken up the issue with the CMD, BSNL several times through bilateral discussions and letters, but of no avail.
The sufferings of the retirees are beyond imagination, particularly during this difficult period of Covid-19. Pension Revision, due from 01-01-2017 is denied to BSNL retirees while their counterparts in central government have got two pension revisions according to 7th Pay Commission recommendations. You may kindly think about the plight of the hapless BSNL retirees who find it absolutely unable to purchase life saving medicines with the meager pension.
Meanwhile, the BSNL management made another attack on the BSNL retirees by curtailing the eligibility ceiling drastically for outdoor medical facilities through an Office Order dated 08-05-2020. The ceiling limit was reduced from 23 days pay + DA as on 1st April of the year of claim to 15 days pay + DA at the time of retirement. Despite opposition from all the organizations, both serving and retirees, the BSNL management was not even prepared to accept reasonable modifications of the Office Order. The worst affected are the past pensioners, particularly, pre 2007 retirees, as their DA at the time of retirement only is taken which is very meager.
Now, BSNL management has given instructions to add reimbursement of medical claims upto September, 2019 of BSNL employees with salary of June, 2020. Accordingly, pay slips are prepared and may be paid on receipt of the fund. We wholeheartedly welcome this move by the BSNL management. But at the same time we are at a loss to understand as to why retirees are ignored. What mistake these elders have committed for such a harsh, cruel and discriminatory treatment.
Respected Sir, there are BSNL pensioners suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, kidney and heart ailments. So also pensioners with geriatric ailments. They have to take medicines regularly and some of them have already died due to discontinuation of medicines. We do not know whether the BSNL management wants more such tragic incidents.
Therefore, we request the intervention of your kindself, to cause necessary action for payment of all pending medical claims, both indoor and outdoor, pending medical allowances ,onetime payment made for CGHS membership and to rescind the anti-pensioner office order dated 08-05-2020 by BSNL so that the hardships of BSNL pensioners are mitigated to a certain extent.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
K G Jayaraj
General Secretary
CC: (1) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Communications & IT, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
(2) Shri Anshu Prakash, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
(3) Shri Kshtrapati Shivaji, Secretary, Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, Janpath Bhawan, B Wing, 8th Floor,New Delhi-110001.
(4) Shri P.K. Purwar, CMD BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi-110001.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING OF NCCPA HELD ONLINE ON 16-07-2020.

17 Friday Jul 2020

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NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING OF NCCPA HELD ONLINE ON 16-07-2020.

The National Executive of NCCPA has been held through video conferencing on 16-07-2020. Com.Shiv Gopal Mishra, President presided over the meeting. Com.K K N Kutty, Secretary General briefed on the agenda items. Out of 32 invitees, 23 comrades participated. Coms.V A N Namboodiri (Patron), K G Jayaraj (Deputy Secretary General) and H S Thakur (Organising Secretary) participated from AIBDPA.

Com.K G Jayaraj raised the issues of pension revision of BSNL pensioners and denial of Medical facilities to BSNL retirees for the last two years and wanted to be taken up by NCCPA.

The email to Prime Minister demanding the order on freezing the DA/DR has to be sent by all units without further delay.

The detailed minutes/ circular of NCCPA wil be published. (from AIBDPA website)

AUAB DECISION FOR OBSERVANCE OF BLACK DAY ON 16-07-2020- AIBDPA FULLY SUPPORTS AND EXTENDS SOLIDARITY

10 Friday Jul 2020

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AUAB DECISION FOR OBSERVANCE OF BLACK DAY ON 16-07-2020- AIBDPA FULLY SUPPORTS AND EXTENDS SOLIDARITY AND REQUESTS ALL THE UNITS TO PARTICIPATE, WHEREVER POSSIBLE ACCORDING TO LOCAL CONDITION..

The AUAB meeting held yesterday the 06.07.2020 has decided to call on the BSNL employees to organise lunch hour black flag demonstrations on 16.07.2020. It is also decided that the employees should wear black badge on that day. The following are the agitational programme and charter of demands, as decided in yesterday’s meeting.

Agitational programme.

All the employees are called upon to wear black badge on 16.07.2020. Black flag demonstrations are to be organised by the employees during lunch hour on 16.07.2020, against the cancellation of BSNL’s 4G tender and against the road blocks being created in the rolling out of BSNL’s 4G services.
A memorandum is to be submitted to all the MPs during the period from 13.07.2020 to 31.07.2020, urging upon them to intervene in favour of BSNL’s expeditious rolling out of 4G network, as well as the early revival of BSNL.
Twitter campaign is to be organised on 05.08.2020, demanding immediate rolling out of 4G network by BSNL and implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package.

Demands:

BSNL should immediately be allowed to roll out it’s 4G Services.
BSNL should take immediate actions to upgrade the 4G compatible BTSs.
Add on order for 4G equipments as per Phase VIII.4 tender should be issued immediately.
In the matter of procuring new equipments and upgrdation, there should not be any discrimination, between BSNL and other private telecom service providers.
The Government should immediately implement the decisions contained in BSNL’s Revival Package, like extension of Sovereign Guarantee for the issuing of Bonds.
Urgent measures should be undertaken by the BSNL Management for immediately improving the quality of service.
The Management should ensure that the salary payment of the employees is made on the last working of every month.
The Management should immediately take steps to ensure that the employees get cashless treatment from empanelled hospitals during Covid 19 pandemic. The Management should pay Rs.10 lakh to the family of the employees who die due to COVID-19. Based on the instructions issued by the DoT, the Postal Department has already introduced such a scheme to it’s employees.
(BSNLEU WEBSITE)