Category Archives: BSNL News

Forum Meeting with Secretary, DOT

04 Tuesday Mar 2014

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A delegation of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations met Shri M.F.Farooqui, Secretary, DOT and discussed about the BSNL-MTNL Merger and other issues connected with the viability of BSNL. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, Prahlad Rai, GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi, President, SNEA and K.Sebastin, GS SNEA were present.The meeting was held after a letter was submitted by the Forum opposing Merger of BSNL, without resolving the major issues connected with the same.

The Forum leaders expressed their great concern with regard to the proposed merger of BSNL and MTNL and formation of a tower company . There are serious issues to be resolved before the question of merger is to be considered. The difference in the payscales of BSNL and MTNL employees, MTNL disinvested about 465% while BSNL is a full govt. owned company, the huge liabilities etc. of MTNL are some of them. Bifurcation of BSNL and formation of a tower company will adversely affect BSNL.
The Secretary, DOT assured the leaders that before any merger decision is taken the unions will be taken in to confidence. A meeting with unions will be held by BSNL. The concerns of the unions will be taken in to consideration before any decision is taken. He also stated that immediate action may not be there.

The representatives wanted that the Rs.1,250 crores from USOF in lieu of ADC be released at the earliest which is pending with NIC. They also wanted that the pension contribution be only on the actual basic pay, instead of the maximum of the pay scale. Secretary DOT assured that these will be taken up with the concerned authorities.

The Secretary DOT stated that before taking any decision, the unions will be heard. The Secretary DOT expressed his concern about the BSNL services and wanted that it should improve much to the satisfaction of the subscribers. The union representatives shared the opinion and stated about the effort the Forum is making for a better service and efficiency.

The Secretary DOT patiently heard the unions and was very sympathetic with the issues raised by the unions.

Press Release on strike by Forum

03 Monday Mar 2014

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS / ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI – 110001
Press Release 03-03-2014
BSNL Employees to strike against Merger of BSNL and MTNL
Two lakh and fifty thousand workers of govt. telecom corporation, BSNL, will resort to Immediate Indefinite Strike if the government takes arbitrary decision on merger of BSNL and MTNL, and also on formation of a Tower company bifurcating BSNL. The Forum of BSNL Unions /Associations, which is the co-coordinating Committee of the Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives in BSNL, in its meeting held today, 3rd March 2014, has strongly opposed the move to merge BSNL and MTNL and formation of a Tower company, bifurcating BSNL, which will seriously and adversely affect the future of BSNL and its workforce.
It was only government that divided the DOT services in to three companies, MTNL, VSNL and MTNL, which the workers had opposed at that time. The bifurcation has seriously and adversely affected the growth of the PSUs. During these decades many changes have taken place on issues like disinvestment (MTNL is disinvested to the tune of 46.5%, while BSNL is 100% govt. company), Salary ( MTNL salary is one step higher than BSNL), Perks etc. The proposal of the government now for Merger of the two companies BSNL and MTNL (VSNL already privatised) and at the same time bifurcating BSNL by forming a Tower Company without solving the above issues will further complicate the situation and will seriously and adversely affect the future of BSNL and its workers. Despite the fact that the Forum has already expressed its strong protest at these arbitrary actions and asked to be heard, the government has not discussed the issues with the workers and their unions, who are most important stakeholders. The BSNL workers have already expressed their strong protest by organising massive demonstrations on 3rd March, despite at short notice.
It is reported that the government is proposing to take decision on these matters urgently and hastily before the declaration of the general elections, even without giving the unions/associations a chance to be heard. The workers are, naturally, very much restive and agitated about their future as well as the future of BSNL, if any arbitrary decision is taken on the above matters. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has taken a decision in its meeting on 03-03-2014, that if the government takes any decision for merger of BSNL and MTNL with out resolving the issues mentioned above, then the workers will resort to Immediate Indefinite Strike without further notice.
We demand the government not to precipitate the situation by taking any arbitrary decision on the merger of BSNL and MTNL as also in forming the Tower Company bifurcating BSNL.
V.A.N.Namboodiri
Convener Forum Mob: 9868231431

PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE INDEFINITE STRIKE TO SAVE BSNL AND WORKERS – FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS

03 Monday Mar 2014

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS / ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI – 110001
——————————————————————
IMMEDIATE INDEFINITE STRIKE
BSNL Workers will go on Immediate Indefinite Strike, if government takes arbitrary decision to merge BSNL and MTNL with out resolving the Disinvestment, HR and other connected issues as also on Bifurcation of BSNL by formation of a Tower Company.

Dear Comrades,
The meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations held at New Delhi today, 3rd March 2014, after detailed discussion and taking all factors in to consideration has decided to go on Immediate Indefinite Strike, if the government takes arbitrary decision for merger of BSNL and MTNL, with out resolving the Disinvestment, HR and other related issues as also on the formation of a Tower Company, bifurcating BSNL.
It was only government that divided the DOT services in to three companies, MTNL, VSNL and MTNL, which the workers had opposed at that time. The bifurcation has seriously and adversely affected the growth of the PSUs. During these decades many changes have taken place on issues like disinvestment (MTNL is disinvested to the tune of 46.5%, while BSNL is 100% govt. company), Salary ( MTNL salary is one step higher than BSNL), Perks etc. The proposal of the government now for Merger of the two companies BSNL and MTNL (VSNL already privatised) and at the same time bifurcating BSNL by forming a Tower Company without solving the above issues will further complicate the situation and will seriously and adversely affect the future of BSNL and its workers. Despite the fact that the Forum has already expressed its strong protest at these arbitrary actions and asked to be heard, the government has not discussed the issues with the workers and their unions, who are most important stakeholders. The BSNL workers have already expressed their strong protest by organising massive demonstrations on 3rd March, despite at short notice.
While the government has sufficient time to meet the private companies/corporates and favourably consider their view points, there is no time to meet the workers and their unions/associations and also consider their views. The government is trying to take arbitrary decisions against the interests of BSNL and its workers just before the country goes to poll. Such hasty decisions will create havoc for both the telecom PSUs and their workers.
It is under such grave conditions that the Forum has taken decision to go on Immediate Indefinite Strike if the government takes decision on the merger of BSNL and MTNL and also on formation of Tower Company by bifurcating BSNL.
The Forum Calls upon each and every worker and all the unions/associations of non-executives and executives in BSNL to be ready for immediate action if the government takes its anti-BSNL decisions. The Immediate Indefinite Strike is to save BSNL and its workers from collapse and utter destruction.
Meet each and every worker and explain the grave situation and prepare for sustained struggle. Earlier we had stopped disinvestment, we have stopped VRS, through mighty struggles. Now it is our duty to wage another mighty struggle for the survival of BSNL. Wait for the Call from Forum.
UNITY FOR STRUGGLE! STRUGGLE FOR UNITY! UNITY AND STRUGGLE FOR SAVING BSNL!
Comradely,
V.A.N.Namboodiri New Delhi
Convener, Forum 03-03-2014

Consumer Price Index Coming down? Less IDA for BSNL Employees from April 2014?

03 Monday Mar 2014

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I am reproducing a report from BSNL Tele Services, which reports that the IDA for BSNL employees may come down from April 2014 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2013 and January 2014, unless increased in February 2014. It says that “BSNL Employees Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) Rates from April 2014 may sharply be decreased in 2014-2015”.

“Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates of April 2014 are based on All India Consumer Price Index(IW) issued by the Department of Labour Bureau on average for the specified months of December-2013 and January, February 2014.

Now according to the Index numbers issued by Department of Labour Bureau for the month of December-2013, CPI for Industrial Workers(IW) decreased to 239 from 243 and for January 2014 it stood at 237, a decrease of 6 points in CPI which will be taken for April 2014 Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates.

If there is an increase by 9 points in CPI index for the month of February 2014, then the IDA rates from April 2014 will be increased, otherwise the IDA rates of BSNL employees from April 2014 will sharply decrease – even by around 2% from present Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates @ 90.5% from 01.04.2014, have a look about Old Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates of BSNL Employees from 1st January 2007.

If the IDA rates of BSNL employees decreased from present rates, this is the first time decrease after pay revision from 01-01-2007. According to the Consumer Price Index(IW), there is a chance – mostly for decrease of IDA rates from 1st April 2014. (Courtesy: BSNL Teleservices)

Protest Demonstration against merger of BSNL and MTNL

01 Saturday Mar 2014

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PTI Report

New Delhi, February 27: V.A.N.Namboodiri , Convener, Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations has issued the following statement:

BSNL Employees will hold Protest Demonstrations on 28th February 2014 at Corporate /CGM / SSA offices protesting against the proposal of the government for merger of BSNL and MTNL without settling the conflicting issues between the two PSUs. The pay-scales in the two PSUs are different, the Pension formula is different, and the promotions are also different, which may create lot of complications and agitations in the future as happened in the case of Air-India – Indian Airlines merger. While MTNL is disinvested to the tune of 46.5%, BSNL is not at all disinvested due to the strong protest of the unions.

It is also understood, that while merger proposal of BSNL and MTNL is on one side, on the otherside, BSNL is proposed to be bifurcated by forming new corporation for towers. This will adversely affect the revenue of BSNL which is already in loss.

On all these issues, Memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister and all Ministers in the EGoM, but there has been no response from the government. It is reported in the press that the Cabinet which is meeting on 28th February may take certain decisions in these respects, which may be counter productive and adversely affecting the growth of BSNL and its employees.

In order to express their strong protest, the employees, as per the call of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations will be organising lunch hour demonstrations in front of all SSA/Circle offices on 28th February.

The Forum demands the government to discuss these issues with the Unions/Associations and refrain from taking any hasty decisions, which may adversely affect BSNL and its employees.(Courtesy: PTI)

BSNL increases Landline, Broadband charges.

28 Friday Feb 2014

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India’s largest state-owned telecommunications service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has decided to increase the landline and broadband monthly tariff from March 1 across the country.

“One India monthly plan for landline will be revised from Rs 180 to Rs 195,” BSNL CGM (Kolkata) Gautam Chakraborty told PTI.
(PTI)

ORGANISE MASSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS TODAY, 28 FEB. TO SAVE BSNL

28 Friday Feb 2014

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All BSNL Employees, DOT-BSNL Pensioners and BSNL Casual and Contract workers are requested to participate in the Lunch Hour demonstrations to day, 28 February given call by the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations against merger of BSNL and MTNL and also against bifurcation of BSNL in to a Tower company, which will adversely affect BSNL and its growth. The future of BSNL and its employees as also the services to the subscribers are at peril. We have to protest strongly.

The Forum has already sent letters to the Prime Minister, all ministers in the EGoM and top officers of the DOT demanding that the proposal for merger be stopped till the conflicts and problems of the merger are resolved and the employees’ concerns are attended.

Send the reports of the demonstrations to the All India Unions and the Forum.

Letter to Prime Minister on Merger of BSNL and MTNL

27 Thursday Feb 2014

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS /ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI- 110001
___________________________________________________________________
To
Dr. Manamohan Singh,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi.
Sub: Decision to organise Protest Demonstration by BSNL employees against proposal of Merger of BSNL & MTNL and on formation of PSUs bifurcating BSNL – Reg.
Ref: Our Memorandum dated 14th February 2014 on the above matter.
Respected Sir,
Kindly refer to our memorandum dated 14-02-2014 submitted to you on the above issues, requesting for favourable consideration and decision. As mentioned already in the Memorandum, the proposal on merger of BSNL and MTNL is to be taken only after the conflicting issues between MTNL & BSNL on the Disinvestment of shares, Pension, Payscale and other issues are sorted out failing which the merger will be counter-productive. In the same way the Forum has also pointed out that the bifurcation of BSNL and formation of new companies for towers, land assets etc. may weaken BSNL, which is already in loss. The employees as per the call of the Forum are making all out efforts to improve the services and financial position of the BSNL, but the bifurcation may result against the interests of BSNL.
We did not receive any rsponse to our memorandum so far and it is reported in the press that the Cabinet may take decisions on these issues in the meeting to be held on 28th February 2014.
In such a situation, the Forum has decided to call upon the BSNL employees to organise Lunch Hour Demonstration on 28th February to express their protest.
The Forum, once again submits to the respected Prime Minister to consider our viewpoints/suggestions favourably and refrain from taking any decision which may adversely affect the future of BSNL and its employees.
Yours Sincerely,

V.A.N.Namboodiri New Delhi
Convener, Forum 27-02-2014

FORUM CIRCULAR DATED 27-02-2014 – ORGANISE DEMONSTRATION ON 28-02-2014

27 Thursday Feb 2014

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS
Organise Lunch Hour Protest Demonstration on 28 February 2014 against proposal of Merger of BSNL & DOT and Formation of Companies bifurcating BSNL
The Meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations held today, 27th February 2014, presided by Com. Suresh Kumar, GS, BSNL has decided to organise Lunch Hour Demonstrations at C.O/Circle/SSA level offices protesting against the proposal of the Government for merger of BSNL and MTNL without solving serious issues like Disinvestment, Pension, Payscales and other HR issues as also on the formation of companies out of BSNL, like tower, land assets etc. The Forum had already given a detailed letter on these issues to the Prime Minister with copy to the Ministers of the EGoM, Secretary DOT and others concerned , but so far no response has been received.
This decision for immediate action is taken in view of the reports that the meeting of the Cabinet scheduled for tomorrow, 28th February, may discuss and take certain decisions. The decision of the Forum is being intimated to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Communications Minister and others today itself. A meeting of the Forum will again be held at 04.00 PM on 3rd March, Monday, at BSNLMS Office.
Organise the Lunch Hour Demonstration effectively and in all places.
V.A.N.Namboodiri New Delhi
Convener, Forum 27-02-2014

Cabinet meet on 28th February may take important decisions on BSNL, MTNL issues.

26 Wednesday Feb 2014

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The meeting of the Cabinet scheduled to be held on 28th February is expected to take important decision with regard to many issues including restructure of BSNL, MTNL, financial assistance etc.
The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has already submitted its suggestions/Demands/proposals in this matter to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL and others.
In case issues are not settled, there is no other go but to resort to agitational programmes.