Category Archives: BSNL – Better Service to the Nation

The BSNL Employees under the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations are making all out efforts to ensure a better service to the customers. It has given a detailed Memorandum to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL etc. with proposals for improvement and strengthening the company. The issues coming in this category are connected with the same.

Meeting of EGoM on Revival of BSNL/MTNL on 27th January 2014

26 Sunday Jan 2014

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The EGoM on Revival of BSNL and MTNL is scheduled to meet tomorrow, 27th January. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations have written several times to the Chairman of the EGoM about the urgency of taking favourable decisions in this respect. The Declaration adopted at National Convention on Revival of BSNL/MTNL was forwarded with request to concede the important demands. Out of that some issues have been settled.The Rs. 1,500 crore from USOF is already paid; but the Rs.1,250crore from USOF is pending due to some report from BSNL is to be received by DOT/USOF.The mandating of BSNL/MTNL services for ll central/state establishments is reported to have been recommended for decision.
Now one important decision the EGoM has to take is changing the criterion for payment of pension contribution to the government by BSNL. At present it is on the basis of the maximum of the pay scale. This is unjust. It should only be on the basis of the actual pay. This is not settled so far. On the contrary, now when it has been decided that MTNL employees are also granted Pension as in the case of BSNL, the contribution on the basis of maximum is insisted.

The Forum has again written to the Finance minister that this injustice should be removed and the pension contribution should only on the basis of the actual pay. Copy of the letter is given below:

FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI – 110001
——————————————————————————————————————-
Forum/GL 25th January 2014
To
Shri P.Chidambaram,
Finanace Minister & Chairman,
EGoM on Revival of BSNL/MTNL,
North Block Central Secretariat,
New Delhi – 110001
Sub: Revival of BSNL/MTNL – Pensionary Contribution from BSNL/MTNL to be on the basis of actual pay instead of maximum of the pay scale – requested
Respected Sir,
We are happy that the Government has considered the question of revival of BSNL and MTNL and the EGoM appointed under your chairmanship is examining the various aspects of reviving the two ailing PSUs. In this connection We would like to bring to your notice one most important issue, which if favourably onsiderd, will give much finanacial relief to both the PSUs, BSNL and MTNL.
The issue is about the payment of pensionary contribution that is to be paid to the government by the BSNL and MTNL for the DOT employees who have been absorbed in BSNL and MTNL. In the case of BSNL employees, it was part of the agreement that pension will be paid by the Govenment and that pension contribution for the employees will have to be paid by BSNL to Govenment. In the case of MTNL absorbed employees, the government has now decided the same method.
But the pension contribution to be paid by the BSNL and MTNL is caculated in an unjust manner. The BSNL and MTNL are directed to pay on the basis of the maximum of the payscale of the employee, instead of his/her actual pay. In the case of government employees on deputation, the government orders are that the pension contribution is to be paid on the basis of the actual pay. This should be the criteria for the payment of pension contribution by BSNL and MTNL also. By paying on the maximum of the payscale, the PSUs are compelled to pay many hundreds of crores of rupees from the loss making companies.
In order to reduce the loss of the companies and also as equalising the pension contribution as in the case of deputation of government employees, we request that the EGoM/Government may kindly take a decision to reduce the pension contribution by directing that it should be paid on the basis of the actual pay instead of the maximum of he pay scale.
An early favourable decision in the matter will be highly appreciated.
Thanking you,
Yours Faithfully,
sd/-
V.A.N.Namboodiri
Convener.

TRAI Recommends Spectrum Trading

23 Thursday Jan 2014

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The recommendation of the TRAI to allow the private companies to trade and sell the spectrum will be considered by Empowered Group of Ministers(EGoM) on Telecom headed by Finance minister P.Chidambaram. This has been the demand of the private telecom companies, which was accepted by the TRAI and forwarded to DoT. TRAI Chairman Rahul Kullar had met the telecom corporates on this issue and accepted their demand. This recommendation will now be considered by the EGoM, which is meeting on 27th January.
It is significant that the issue is being finalised on the eve of the spectrum action. If it is allowed there will be a lot of adjustments and formation of cartels to take undue benefit out of the decision.
It should be remembered that even when there was no provision for spectrum sharing,the private companies have indulged in the same. But no serious action wa taken against the culprits. On the contrary, the private companies are going to be allowed the spectrum trading.
All these have serious consequences for the PSUs BSNL and MTNL.

Allot vacant quarters to Casual and Contract workers

20 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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In many places, BSNL Quarters are kept vacant for want of occupants. This is more with the officers’ quarters.these vacant quarters, due to non-use and non-cleaning quickly becomes damaged, dirty and a health risk.
BSNLEU and Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations had demanded that such vacant quarters can be bulk-allotted to other central governments /state governments /PSUs etc. after a making agreements with them. In some places, this system has already been implemented getting some money through rent and resulting in keeping the quarters in good condition.
We took up the ase for allotment of vacant quarters to retired officials. This has been agreed, although the rent is on the higher side and has to be reduced.
Now there is one more scope if the quarters are still vacant. A demand has come in the CEC meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation meeting that vacant quarters be allotted to BSNL Casual/Contract workers. This demand is reasonable and can be agreed by the BSNL Management. These workers have been serving DOT/BSNL for the last 20 years or so.
We will take up the matter with the Management for a favourable decision.

Private Telecom Companies oppose proposal to mandate government connections for BSNL, MTNL

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

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The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the organisation of the private GSM Operators has opposed the proposal of the GoM on Revival of BSNL, MTNL to mandate the Central and State Governments and their PSUs to compulsorily use the PSU telephones.
There is no logic in their opposition. The private companies are continuously seeking all kinds of relaxation whether it is on tax, licence charges or revenue sharing. In addition, they manipulate the accounts to pay less to the government. A large number of cases are pending in this way. They want all benefits, but they oppose even a small benefit for the telecom PSUs.
The Government should immediately take decision on the proposal of the GoM and make it compulsory for all the Governments and PSUs compulsorily take the BSNL MTNL telephones and telecom services for their use.

GoM decides Refund of Spectrum Charges to BSNL, MTNL

10 Friday Jan 2014

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The Group of Ministers(GoM) on Revival of BSNL which met yesterday, 9th January 2014, presided by Finance Minister P.Chidambaram, decided to refund the Spectrum Charges to BSNL and MTNL. BSNL will get a refund of Rs. 6,724.51 crore and MTNL Rs. 4,533.97 crore.
The charges are being refunded for the surrender of spectrum by BSNL for Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kolkata and both Delhi and Mumbai for MTNL.
This has been one of the long pending demand of both the PSUs since the spectrum allotted to them was not technically and financially viable in the above areas.
“The refund will be made to ensure support for the revival and revitalisation of BSNL and MTNL in the competitive telecom sector. It shall also help these PSUs to arrange finances to meet basic financial commitments such as operation and maintenance of their telecom network,” the GoM stated.
The Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations has been continuously pressurising the DOT and the Government to refund these charges, which will help the PSUs to reduce their loss and utilise the funds for development. It had also submitted detailed memorandum to the GoM on this subject.
This is not charity, but only refund of the money for the surrender of the airwaves, which the government can again auction for mopping up funds.
The GoM has to take decisions still on the demand of the Joint Forum to mandate all the Central and state Governments and their PSUs that they should use BSNL/MTNL services. The proposal is already with the Government. Another major demand is to waive the Licence Fee for these government companies.
Our pressure should continue in these matters.

Transformation of BSNL – Appreciation from a Journalist

05 Sunday Jan 2014

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Our sustained effort for a Better Service to the Customer is yielding results. Service is improving! I am giving below an appreciation from Shri R.Dinakaran, a senior journalist published in the Business Line.

TRANSFORMATION OF BSNL
By R.Dinakaran
For over a decade, I kept away from PSUs as much as I could. I had had bad experiences with both BSNL and a PSU bank, and I swore I would never ever have anything to do with PSU telecom companies and banks.

But I kept hearing about how the two PSU behemoths were changing…and adapting to the times.

My experience at Valparai, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, forced me to get a BSNL SIM card. I had to be without even basic mobile connectivity for two full days at Valparai, as only BSNL had services there. Our family had four SIM cards of three private telecom service providers but they were of no use.

The purchase and activation process of the BSNL SIM card was, to my surprise, a smooth and pleasant experience. First, the process of getting a number of your choice – online. I got mine within minutes. I was told to go to the BSNL office to submit the KYC documents. The process was over – again within minutes, and the SIM went live in just an hour!

Yesterday, I went to BSNL’s online portal to recharge it. When I proceeded to register for the prepaid recharge, I had mentally prepared myself for a tough experience. The reason: I had heard horror stories of how public sector portals functioned. But, I was once again surprised. The registration was a breeze.

Now came the best part – the recharge process itself. As I logged in and selected the recharge voucher, the screen showed the full details of the recharge, including validity. The next screen showed my pre-paid balance and other details. The recharge was done within minutes.

I had recharged an ISD pack. When I tried calling the international number, the call did not get through. The recorded voice asked me to contact BSNL.

Now, I had to speak to a ‘live’ person in BSNL for the first time! After going through the usual IVR process, I selected the number for ‘Agent’ and was once again surprised when the call got connected to a ‘live’ person in just one ring. I was told to send an SMS for activating the ISD service. I asked her when it would be activated. She had the usual reply, “Within 24 hours.”

I did not even had to wait for 24 seconds. The ISD service was activated immediately.

We assume public sector companies will be sloppy and expect a bad experience. Of course, there were days when people dreaded entering PSU offices. My experience with BSNL a decade ago was what had prompted me to keep away from PSUs. It is heartening when we realise their level of transformation. In fact, the private sector telecom players can learn a thing or two from BSNL’s online portal.

WE THANK SHRI DINAKARAN FOR HIS APPRECIATION!

Whether we are punctual to our duties? Punctuality makes a big difference in improving efficiency and a better service

03 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, Uncategorized

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Whether we are working indoor or outdoor or in shift duties or fixed duties, a time is usually fixed to start our duty and the time for off duty. This is necessary to ensure that the tasks entrusted to us are attended in time and the work finished as early as possible. There are certain targets fixed also to complete the work.

There was a time when the P and T Department was considered as the most efficient Department. The P and T workers were appreciated for their dedication, commitment and excellent service. Telecom was part of this, and the service with all the limitations was considered as excellent.

Now BSNL is in a difficult situation. Financial viability has gone down and this PSU in loss for the last four years. There are a lot of complaints of delay in repair of faults, delay in providing connections etc. It is true that BSNL, a PSU, can not function like a private company. BSNL is a fully government owned company and there are many rules and regulations of the government to be complied with. Some delay of course take place due to these constraints.

Yet our services can be improved if we are determined. Here, I am only pointing about one thing, the need to be punctual and committed to our duties, whichever be the cadre, whether ITS, Executives or Non-Executives. Everybody has got their duties defined.

Some in the management side will say that the employees are not punctual. The same complaint is about the management officers also. Blame Game does not reach us anywhere.

What is required is action. If all of us from the top management to the lowest paid worker decide that we all will work with determination and full commitment, there surely is going to have a big change for the better.

And towards this better efficiency, one of the prime ingredient is the punctuality in attending to office/our duties.This will certainly make a big difference. If the management and workers in private companies can attend to their duties in time,can’t the management and workers in BSNL do the same or better. I am not forgetting that even now, a large number of workers are punctual. But we want all our workers and officers at their posts in time.

Are we all capable of fulfilling this responsibility? I am sure we are. Let us make maximum efforts to ensure our punctuality which will go in a big way to improve our services better and better.

BSNL FOR A BETTER SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE!

Don’t cancel the Waiting List, Wipe out them by providing connections

03 Friday Jan 2014

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As per reports received from many SSAs at the time of my visits there, it is reliably learnt that the BSNL Management is cancelling the Waiting List for landline telephones after one month or so, recording that it is not feasible to provide the same. Hundreds of applicants are denied connections this way in each SSA.
It is true that there may not be cable lines laid to that particular area or stores may not be available with the SSA etc. But cancelling the Waiting List is not the remedy. It is a negative action, which BSNL should not do.
BSNL is the telecom PSU fully owned by the Government. The policy of the government is to provide connections through out the country, both in urban and rural areas, even to the remotest and interior parts. The private telecom companies are only interested in profits and not in connectivity all over the country. That is the job of BSNL. Profit is important, so is full connectivity.
When DOT was the only telecom service provider, the applications for telephone connections were pending for years, due to lack of equipment, funds and infrastructure. When funds,equipment, infrastructure etc. became available connections were provided. There was no arbitrary cancellation of the waiting list by the DOT. It is not understood that on what basis the BSNL field units are cancelling the waiting lists. The BSNL Corporate Office does not give give a clear answer why such negative actions are being taken.
Any institution / organisation which wants to grow and be of service to the people does not not act this way. It thinks positive, act positive. Then only there will be growth, progress. BSNL has to think, plan and act only on this line.If cables have not been laid, plan for laying cables. If equipment are not available, purchase/obtain them. That is the job of Management. Workers are ready to work.
In the present circumstance of BSNL, the employees/workers are not only to do the work ordered by the higher ups, but have the responsibility to think, find out ways to improve/expand the services and pressurise the management to proceed in the matter. Discussions with the Management and taking correct decisions are important. The Works Committee is a suitable forum.
As far as this particular issue of cancelling the Waiting List of applicants for land line telephones is concerned, the union should press the management to keep the same pending and find out concrete ways to provide the connections as early as possible. Land lines are most important to BSNL for its growth. Private telecom companies / corporates have already started pressurising the government to put an end to the landline connections, as it has done in the case of Telegraph services, stating that the mobile connections only are required in the present scenario. Putting an end to land lines will lead towards the end of BSNL. That is why the corporates are on the move to see the end of landlines.
The union at Circle/SSA levels should take up the issue seriously with field level management and ensure that the waiting list is wiped out by providing the connections. That is the positive way to act.
BSNL FOR BETTER SERVICE TO THE NATION.

Are the telecom scraps still unsold in your SSA?

02 Thursday Jan 2014

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Telecom is a fast growing industry, with technological changes taking place continuously. Within about seven-eight decades, the telephone technology has changed from magneto to CB, auto, electronic and so on. The telephone and telegraph posts which one could see through out the city/town and on the roads to villages standing like sentinels are no more there. The large auto exchanges which can cover space of for more than two badminton courts, with continuous noise of the rotating switches have vanished. The foundry items for the fixing of posts are no more required. These are all dumped somewhere in the stores rooms or in the compound. Pieces of the copper/iron wires which are unusable are also there. Telephone posts of all varieties, old generators, batteries, faulty telephone equipments and such other unusable equipment are all dumped in the large store-rooms or are sprawled over the vacant spots in the exchange/office compound.
In the case of the Telecom Factories and Telecom Stores, the situation is much more worse. The compounds of the TFs, having space of thirty- forty acres, even up to more than hundred, are all full of the scrap materials, which are no more useful. Zinc ash and other such chemical waste are also hazards of health to the workers.
These scraps are to be sold. Not only the company will get a good amount, but the exchange/office and premises will become clean and neat. Each and every SSA may get lakhs or even crores of rupees from the sale of these scraps. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has been demanding he management to sell these scraps at the earliest and get good money. In those SSAs, where it was sold, lakhs and crores have been received according to the stock and condition of the stores. But in the majority SSAs, TFs and Stores, these are yet to be sold. Of course, the usual process of tender etc. will have to be processed. But sufficient time is already passed.
Let the Forum/BSNLEU take the lead in discussing the matter with the local management and ensure that the scraps are sold without any further delay, so that good money is received for the financially troubled company.

Have you approached your MP on BSNL Revival?

01 Wednesday Jan 2014

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Dear Comrades,
You are well aware that the National Convention on Revival of BSNL held on 3rd August 2013 at New Delhi had adopted a Declaration on the Revival of BSNL spelling out the actions to be taken for strengthening BSNL and providing a better service to the people.The Declaration has been published in the union journals. It was also decided that wide publicity should be given to these points and that all the Members of Parliament should be approached at their constituency by the local comrades requesting them to take up the issues for settlement with the Prime Minister/ Finance Minister/ Communications Minister. At the all India level, the Forum leaders have met some of these MPs. But meeting at local level will be more fruitful, especially in this general election year.
Kindly meet the MP of your constituency and request him to take up the demands with the Central Government, with information to the General secretaries/Convener Forum.