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.

Support BSNL to come up – Forum asks Government

10 Friday May 2013

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS / ASSOCIATIONS

D-7, Telegraph Place, Gole Market, New Delhi – 110 001.

PressRelease                                                                                                                                                                             10th May, 2013

 On Revival of BSNL

 The Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations has submitted a Memorandum to the Group of Ministers appointed to look in to the revival of BSNL & MTNL, the Public Sector Telecom Companies.

Considering the fact that BSNL is a 100% govt. owned company, that the transition from a govt. department to a PSU where cut throat competition exists from the private operators resulting in financial difficulty as also that BSNL is the only telecom company providing the land lines and also majority of mobile lines in the lakhs of villages and remote areas which are loss making, as part of the govt. policy of providing universal services, the following proposals / demands have been included in the Memorandum.

The top management, which mainly belongs to the ITS officers are at present on deputation to BSNL. They should either be absorbed in BSNL or repatriated back to DoT to ensure efficient and committed leadership. Recruitment of capable management personnel as also promotion of efficient officers are required.

Compensation for loss-making rural services should be ensured. For this purpose, the ADC which was stopped some years back should be restored and liberal assistance from USO Fund should be provided.

The main reason for the loss for the last four years for BSNL is the equipment crunch. The cancellation of the 45.5 million mobile lines in 2007 was the starting point. Further, cancellation of 95 million lines, twice cancellation of 5 million lines etc. crippled BSNL in providing new connections. Had the mobile lines made available, BSNL could have well competed with private companies as it was doing well till 2007. Hence, it is necessary that a mechanism for procurement of equipment should be evolved enabling quick purchases, of course, ensuring accountability.

BSNL should be reimbursed the Rs.18,500 crore of licence fee charges for 3G and BWA spectrum, since it was imposed on BSNL without giving any opportunity to select the circles etc. It has already offered return of the BWA spectrum. The govt. should not wait for the re-auction for refunding the amount.

A very huge amount is collected by govt. for BSNL towards pension contribution. While the govt. had already issued orders to collect pension contribution based on the actual basic pay of the employee, pension contribution from BSNL is collected on the maximum of the payscale, which is unfair causing a huge burden on BSNL. This should be rectified and contribution on the actual basic pay only should be collected.

The govt. has collected interest at the high rate of 14.5% and penalty from BSNL towards a notional loan of Rs.7,500 crores (which was never given to BSNL). This should be refunded to BSNL and the injustice undone.

BSNL should be exempted from payment for the additional spectrum already granted. It should be mandatory for all Central, State govt. departments and PSU to take telecom services from the PSUs BSNL & MTNL as was directed in case of Air India. This will address the security concerns also.

The 7 telecom factories under BSNL should be modernised to manufacture telephone instruments modems, batteries, cables, optic fibre cables etc. so that the huge prices being paid to private companies can be reduced and the available staff in these factories can be fully utilised.

The Forum has also demanded that the Telecom Advisory Committee (TAC) at all levels be disbanded which has outlived its utility in the present competitive situation and is only causing huge expenditure to BSNL.

The Forum has expressed its strong protest against any proposal for disinvestment or for VRS, which will only destabilise the BSNL, as is clear from the experience of MTNL, where VRS and disinvestment have taken place more than once.

Many other suggestions for reviving the BSNL, improving its service and restoring its earlier position have been included in the memorandum. Copies of the memorandum has also been submitted to Prime Minister, all members of the committee including Communication Minister, Secretary DoT and CMD BSNL.

Forum of BSNL Unions / Association requests the Group of Ministers and the govt. to consider the above suggestions and take positive decisions so that BSNL will be revived and strengthened.

V.A.N.Namboodiri Convener

Mob: 9868231431

BSNL Unions/Assns call for strike on 78.2% IDA demand

10 Friday May 2013

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The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has decided to organise agitational programmes culminating in an Indefinite Strike with effect from 12th June 2013 demanding the implementation of the 2012 June Strike agreement on 78.2% IDA fixation. It is almost one year since the agreement has been made, but so far the orders have not been issued. Though the BSNL Board has approved, the delay is caused due to non-approval by DOT. BSNL Management has not made effective pressure to get it approved and orders issued.

The programme of actions include demonstrations on 22-05-2013, dharna on 05-06-2013 and Indefinite Strike w.e.f. 12th June on the exact date when the agreement was signed in 2012.

All the Unions/Associations have called upon the workers to implement the programmes effectively to compel the BSNL/DOT to issue the orders without any further delay.

Meeting of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations

03 Friday May 2013

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A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations was held on 2nd May at BSNLMS office. The main issue was about the revival and strengthening of BSNL. It discussed about the memorandum to be given to the Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister P.Chidambaram. A sub-Committee was formed to prepare the memorandum which will be finalised in the meeting of the Forum to be held on 7th May.  Further details of the meeting is being put on the BSNLEU website.

Delay in orders on 78.2% IDA – a credibility loss to DOT/Management

29 Monday Apr 2013

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The undue delay in issue of orders on the 78.2% IDA fixation for BSNL employees as per the agreement with the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations, has put the credibility of the BSNL Management as also DOT in question. it is more than 10 months after the strike agreement was signed on 12th June 2012.

At least at this late stage, let them issue the orders immediately, failing which the workers will be left with no other alternative but to implement the deferred programme of action. Any sensible management would avoid such a situation.

BSNL must have a capable efficient management prepared to discuss with the workers

29 Monday Apr 2013

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BSNL is in loss for the last four years. While it is mainly the anti-PSU and pro-private policy of the government responsible for the present unhappy situation, the top management is also responsible. It has to be pondered as a company functioning in the fast growing telecom sector, whether the management, within its limitations of course, has been able to introduce and implement new projects, new areas of growth or expand its functioning in the heartlands of the country as required? Instead of motivating and utilising its experienced workforce effectively,by providing them training and retraining continuously on the new technologies and business methods, the management has been converting them ineffective. Many of the top management functionaries  feel that the non-executive workers are a nuisance than an effective and vibrant work-force. Maximum time of these top officers are spent on their own career prospects than the interests of the company.

Towns/cities are growing in every part of the country. Lakhs and crores of telephones/mobiles are required. In fact the people want BSNL connections compared to that of private companies. But what is the actual position? BSNL is providing 3 to 4 lakh of mobile connections, while each of the private companies on an average provides above 20 lakh connections monthly. Is there any dearth of staff here? Leave alone the non-executives, who are treated as a burden to the company. There are about 60 thousands of well-trained engineers including the 1400 ITS officers. Is there any mobile company having so much highly skilled engineers? The top management has utterly failed to utilise the executives and the non-executives.

BSNLEU after much persuasion made the BSNL Management to form Works Committees at all SSAs as a Forum for discussion between the Unions and the local management to improve and expand the services. After two-three years, almost all the GMs have arbitrarily stopped holding the meetings of the committees. They do not want to benefit from the long experiences of and suggestions from the local work-force to develop the services. The management has again utterly failed to contact with the public, understand their requirements and act accordingly. Of course, there are some good field level management officers, and the best results are there to see.

A good number of SSAs are not having any head ie.GM at present, while many GMs are kept idle in the Circle headquarters. What is the idea is known only to the BSNL Management. Is it purposely starving the SSAs of their heads? Of course, shortage may be there. The fact is well-known years back. Why no recruitment at the top-level posts have not been done? Why it has been postponed year after year? It is only complete negligence to look after matters of the company.

The decision-making has been at the lowest. It takes months and months to take any decision at both the field and top-level. It seems that nobody is interested in taking decisions. In a sector like telecom, where fast developments take place, this is to say the least, suicidal.

The Corporate office always say that the circles are not giving the inputs, particulars etc. that are called for by the former. Whose fault it is? Those who are not implementing the directions of the C.O. should certainly be pulled and fixed responsiblity. But nothing ever happens like that.

A complete overhaul of the top management is required. BSNL management always complains to the unions about the increasing % of salary bills of the employees compared to the private companies. It is not the increasing of the salary bill, but it is the reducing of the revenue that has increased the %. The business is completely managed by the top management, even the suggestions of the workers are ignored and hence the entire responsiblity for the very low growth of the company or rather the decline compared to the past is of the management.

Whether the  BSNL Management is prepared to discuss the entire matter with the Unions and the workers as demanded by the latter and find out methods to improve and expand the services to the people. Whether the top management is prepared to stand with the unions and staff to pressurize the government to change its anti-BSNL policies and fight for the revival of the company. If they are prepared, there is very good chance of reviving the company and bringing it to its formal glory. Of course, the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations will make all out efforts for improving BSNL and its services, whether the management co-operates or not.

Forum of BSNL Unions/Assns meet on 2nd May 2013

27 Saturday Apr 2013

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Due to the VI Membership Verification for electing the recognised unions of the non-executives in BSNL, the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations could not meet for a few weeks. Now the same will meet on 2nd May at 03.00 PM at the BSNLMS Office, New Delhi.

The meeting has got some serious issues to discuss and take decisions. The delay in issue of the orders on 78.2% IDA fixation is one. Even 10 months after the agreement between the management and the Forum, it has not been implemented. It is the responsibility of the BSNL management to ensure that the agreement is honoured. It has to pressurise the DOT to approve the same early.

BSNL is in loss for the fourth consecutive year. The efforts of the Forum to implement the “Subscriber Delight” programme has been partly successful. But the revenue has not increased as required. How to change the anti-PSU policy of the government, how to make the management to work and how to motivate the workers for better service to the people are issues which had to be discussed and decided. The present position, in any way, has to be improved.

Strengthening the Forum bringing all the unions/associations, still out of the Forum, is an important task. To plan and implement programmes for the growth of BSNL, this is necessary. FNTO is still keeping out. They should be part of the Forum. It is good that the AIGETOA has joined the Forum and has been participating in all the programmes effectively. SNATTA, though a cadre association, should not keep away from the common movement. AIGETOA and SNATTA consist of new recruits, whose future depends upon the continuation and strengthening of BSNL. Both of them have to take active part in the Forum.

Forum should be made stronger and its activities spread all over the country. The government has formed a panel of Ministers with P.Chidambaram, Finance Minister, as Chairman to ‘revive’ BSNL and MTNL. From the past experiences, such ‘revival’ means implementation of VRS, Disinvestment etc. and further weakening of the PSUs. This can not be allowed. The government should be compelled to honour its commitments made to BSNL at the time of corporatisation for its financial viability. The management should be efficient. The permanent deputation of ITS officers to BSNL is not the best option for improving BSNL. Through new recruits at the top management level and also promotion from the eligible executives, a capable management should be reconstructed. The workers should be given continued training to cope up with the latest technology and services.

These are some of the issues that will be discussed in the Forum. The Forum should be made an effective platform for effecting improvements for BSNL and its workers. All the unions/associations should co-ordinate and jointly work for the same.

Ministers Panel set up for revival of BSNL – MTNL

22 Monday Apr 2013

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The government has set up a panel of Ministers probably headed by Finance Minister P.Chidambaram to make suggestions for the revival of BSNL and MTNL. It is reported that other members of this panel will be Communications Minister Kapil Sibal, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, Dy. Chairman Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Information Minister Manish Tewari and Minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension V.Narayana Samy. The Panel of Ministers is given three months time to submit the report. Further details are awaited.

It is only due to the anti-PSU policies of the government that the present situation has arrived. It is the responsibility of the government to make the company financially viable.

The Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations will be meeting on 2nd May to discuss and plan our priorities and prepare the memorandum to be submitted to the Committee.

Post Verification scene – Unite the workers and fight for the rights

21 Sunday Apr 2013

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The results of the membership verification in BSNL is over and the results have been declared on 18th April 2013.

There might have been bitterness, while the election campaign was going on. Now that the election is over and the results are out, all the unions and their leaders have to think about the post-verification situation. BSNL is struggling to survive. In 2012-13, for the fourt consecutive year, it is in loss and the loss is expected to be more than last year. Survival of BSNL is of utmost importance to all the workers and their unions as also for the country. This PSU can not be left to be disinvested and privatised. It has to be strengthened and the services have to be improved. It is not an easy task, especially when the its owner, the Government itself is acting against it.

The main reason for the present situation is the neo-liberal and anti-PSU policy being implemented by the government. The MNCs and corporates are given all benefits and privileges at the cost of BSNL and MTNL.The management has been completely inefficient. The unions and workers have to understand this completely hostile situation and prepare for a sustained and long struggle to change the situation.

Unity of the workers and their unions is very much necessary. All have to bury the hatchets and come together to strengthen BSNL. The struggles organised under the leadership of the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee/Forum of BSNL Unions – Associations have been able to achieve certain demands of the workers. But that is not sufficient. The most important task is revive the company, which is our bread and butter. Each and every worker has to rise to the occasion.

There may be some reservations for joint actions and working immediately after the contest. We have to go beyond the verification and start joint effort.

I hope that all the unions/associations will take the lead in educating their workers and prepare for joint struggles to save BSNL.

Refund of Spectrum Charges to BSNL – Delay is unacceptable

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

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Yesterday, 19th March, along with other comrades, I have gone and met Shri Umashankar, Joint Secretary (T), DOT to enquire about the refund of the BWA spectrum charges, since the spectrum has already been vacated by BSNL. We were told that the government (means Finance) has not taken any decision so far despite requests for the same by the DOT. In the same way, the allotted amount of Rs. 1500 crore in lieu of ADC also has not been released by the Finance Ministry despite demand from the USOF and the DOT. This is the information that we could understand from our meetings with the Administrator USO Fund as also from the Additional Secretary, DOT a few days back.

Why Finance is sitting tight on the funds? It is the fund that is to be paid to the BSNL. BSNL is in financial difficulty. Even GPF Advances are being delayed. There is difficulty for procuring equipments. In such circumstances the casual way in which the Finance Ministry is dealing with the issue is completely unacceptable.

The Finance Minister has to immediately look in to the matter and release the funds for he BSNL, before the Financial year is over.

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.