Category Archives: BSNL

Pension Revision – Detailed letter of AUAB to Secretary DOT

31 Thursday Jan 2019

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

≈ Leave a comment

The letter written by AUAB to Secretary DOT on Pension Revision is given below. The detailed letter put the demand very clearly for pension revision on the basis of IDA scales.

ALL UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS OF BSNL (AUAB)
No: UA/2019/ 31.01.2019
To
The Secretary (Telecom),
Department of Telecommunications,
Ministry of Communications,
Sanchar Bhavan, 20, Ashoka Road,
New Delhi-110 001.
Sub: Delinking of Pension Revision for the Pre-2017 BSNL retirees from the Pay
Revision of BSNL employees reg:
Ref: Assurance given by the Hon Minister and Secretary, DoT in the meetings held on
02.12.2018 and 03.12.2018 that Govt decided to delink the pension revision of
BSNL pensioners from the pay revision.
Respected Madam / Sir,
On the formation of BSNL, the employees working in DoT were absorbed in BSNL w.e.f
01.10.2000 with the assurance of better career prospects and payment of pension by the
Government of India. Accordingly Rule-37A was incorporated in CCS Pension Rules, 1972 to
ensure payment of pension on the combined service rendered in DoT and BSNL, on IDA
scales. On absorption, the employees were granted IDA pay scales w.e.f 01.10.2000.
Sub-rule 10 of Rule 37A of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, provides that “in addition to pension or
family pension, as the case may be, the employee who opts for pension on the basis of
combined service shall also be eligible to dearness relief as per Industrial Dearness Allowance
pattern”. Again as per Sub-rule 22 of Rule 37A of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, the pensionary
benefits, including family pension shall be paid by the Government.
In accordance with the above provisions, DoT revised the pension of pre-2007
pensioners/family pensioners of BSNL on 15.03.2011, who retired during 01.10.2000 to
31.12.2006. The pension revision followed the pay revision in BSNL as pay revision
implemented immediately after the DPE guidelines issued on 26.11.2008. Pension revision
implemented through Cabinet decision with 30% fitment, which took time with the fitment
allowed by the DPE for CPSUs.
The pension/family pension of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners were revised w.e.f. 01.01.2007
as follows by adding together:
i) The existing pension /family pension, including commuted portion of pension, if any.
ii) IDA 78.2% as on 31.12.2006.iii) Fitment of 30%, as per DPE guidelines.
On 03.08.2017, DPE issued guidelines for 3rd Pay revision with 15% fitment. Para 3 of the OM
under the heading Affordability provides that the revised pay scales would be implemented by
the CPSEs subject to the affordability of CPSE. BSNL and MTNL are unique CPSUs where
the retirees are paid pension by the Govt of India as per Rule 37A of CCS (Pension) Rules,
1972. In BSNL, the pay revision is not implemented due to the affordability clause.
The pension Revision of Govt pensioners retired from BSNL cannot be linked with the
pay revision of the serving employees due to the following reasons:
1. All the BSNL retirees were Govt servants, recruited by DoT and absorbed in BSNL. Their
pension is covered by CCS Pension Rules, 1972 as in the case of Central Govt employees.
2. Pension revision for Central Govt pensioners already implemented.

3. As per the terms and condition for absorption, BSNL absorbed employees would continue to
get pension from DoT irrespective of the status of BSNL. As per para 2(b) of DoT order No:
40-13/2013-Pen(T) dated 20.07.2016, it has been clarified that “The liability towards
pensionary benefits including family pension to the BSNL employees (except those
recruited after 01.10.2000), as per sub rule 22 of Rule 37A of CCS (pension) Rules, 1972,
lies with the Government of India”.
4. The Affordability clause mentioned in DPE guidelines is applicable only for the pay revision
of the serving employees, not for the Pension Revision.
5. Pension revision has to happen even in the cases of:
i) If BSNL is not there?
ii) If BSNL is not profitable and No Pay Revision is implemented in BSNL?
iv) 3rd PRC given different fitment for the serving employees depends on its affordability. This
fitment will be reviewed after every 3 years. If the fitment varies, it will create anomaly
among pensioners.
v) Non-Executives are not covered by the fitment and the pay scales notified by DPE vide
OM dated 03.08.2017. Non-Executives wage revision is as per the negotiated settlement.
In Coal India, Non-Executives signed wage revision agreement with 20% fitment for 5
years period where as DPE guidelines stipulates that if 5 year wage settlement is made,
the fitment has to be proportionately reduced. However for the purpose of uniformity, Non
Executives as well as Executives in BSNL are extended the same fitment from 2nd PRC
period onwards. BSNL is a unique CPSU in that respect also.
6. BSNL retirees are no way connected with the affordability or paying capacity of BSNL. Their
pension is to be paid by the Govt of India, not by BSNL.
7. BSNL has already paid the pension contribution in full to the Govt of India, for their entire
service period in BSNL.
Since the matter of pay revision of BSNL employees pursuant to 3rd PRC recommendation is
yet to be settled, the issue of revision of pension for the pre-2017 BSNL pensioners is required
to be delinked from the pay revision of BSNL serving employees. It is already assured and
announced by Hon MoSC and Secretary, DoT in the meetings held on 02.12.2018 and
03.12.2018 that Govt decided to delink the pension revision of BSNL pensioners from the pay
revision.
However DoT letter to DoP&PW does not reflect this decision and lack recommendation or
proposal of DoT for delinking pension revision from pay revision. Without a proposal from DoT,
DoP&PW is unlikely to give any opinion in this regard. As per DoP&PW, the methodology is to
be worked out and suggested by DoT.
The methodology may be recommended to DoP&PW for giving its approval on the
subject. To avoid an anomaly between serving and the retired employees prior to
01.01.2017, the following method suggested.
a) The pension/family pension of the pre-2017 BSNL pensioners will be revised w.e.f
01.01.2017 as follows by adding together:
i) The existing pension /family pension, including commuted portion of pension, if
any
ii) IDA as on 31.12.2016.
iii) Fitment of 15%.
b) For the serving employees, fitment will be calculated as 15% w.e.f. 01.01.2017 itself
and pension contribution will be paid accordingly by BSNL. However, payment of pay,
allowances and perks will be made by BSNL depending upon its affordability. In the
month of retirement, the payment will be made based on full 15% fitment (Atleast in the
last month, payment will be made based on full 15% fitment).
Anomaly which may arise if pension revision is done with 15% fixation and pay revision
is done with lesser fitment.
A pensioner retired on Oct 2016 with Rs 50,000 last basic pay is getting Rs 25,000 as basic
pension as on 1-1-2017. Now if his basic pension is revised as per PRC with 15% the revised
basic pension will be Rs 63,100 [ i.e. Basic Pension+119.5% DA as on 1-1-07 + 15% fitment]
His batch mate retired on March 2017. His basic pay was also Rs 50,000 on 1-1-17 and last
basic pay on March was also Rs 50,000. Now his pay on 1-1-17 is revised as per PRC with
10% (say) fitment. So his revised pay on 1-1-17 will be Rs 1,20,700. Accordingly his last basic
pay on March would also be Rs 1,20,700 and pension will be 50% of Rs 1,20,700 i.e. Rs
60,350. Thus he will be getting Rs 63,100 – Rs 60,350 = Rs 2750/- less pension compared to
his batch mate retired before 1-1-17 whose pension is revised to Rs 63,100 as per 15%
fixation.
How to solve this anomaly:
Method 1
Fix the pay of 2nd person notionally with 15% fitment but actually with fitment of 10% (say) till
last month of his retirement. The Basic Pay of the last month of his retirement may be restored
as per 15% fixation and pension will be paid on last pay drawn actually. Hence for January and
February his basic pay will be Rs1,20,700 and for March it will be Rs 1,26,200 and accordingly
pension fixed at Rs 63,100 which is equal to his batch mate retired before 1-1-2017.
Method 2:
Fix the pay of 2nd person notionally with 15% fitment but actually with fitment 10%(say).
Hence at the time of retirement his actual Basic Pay will be Rs 1,20,700 and notional Basic
Pay will be 1,26,200. Now calculate his Pension as per his last drawn notional pay and his
pension will be 50% of 1,26,200 i.e Rs 63,100/- which is equal to his batch mate retired before
1-1-2017.
NOTE: This system of fixing pension on notional last pay drawn is already in vogue for BSNL
pensioners retired between 1-1-2007 and 9-06-2013 while extending the benefit of 78.2 IDA
Merger. Their Pay has been notionally revised by merging 78.2% IDA from 1-1-2007 and
Revised pension is being paid on revised notional last pay drawn from 10-06-2013.
Yours Sincerely,

Sd/- P.Abhimanyu (Convener) C.Singh (Chairman)

Copy to: (1) The PS to Hon Minister of State for Communications, New Delhi – 01
(2) Member (Fin), Telecom Commission, DoT, New Delhi – 110001
(3) Additional secretary, DoT, New Delhi – 110001.
(4) The Chairman & Managing Director, BSNL, New Delhi – 110001.
(5) The Director (HR), BSNL Board, New Delhi – 110001
(6) The GM (SR), BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi – 110001

AUAB demands honouring of assurance on delinking of pension revision

31 Thursday Jan 2019

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

≈ 2 Comments

AUAB protests deviation from the assurance given by the Hon’ble MoS(C) on delinking Pension Revision from Pay Revision.
In the meeting held on 03.12.2018, between the Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and AUAB, it was assured that pension revision would be de-linked from pay revision. However, the officers sitting in DoT are trying to deviate from the assurance given by the Hon’ble MoS(C). For example, in the letter written by the DoT, to the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, the decision of Hon’ble MoS(C) was diluted. In that letter, the DoT had asked the DoP&PW, whether pension revision can be de-linked from pay revision. In yesterday’s meeting with the Additional Secretary also, the DDG(Estt.), DoT, was arguing that pension revision would be done only after pay revision is done. The representatives of the AUAB strongly protested this dilution and demanded that the assurance given by the Hon’ble MoS(C) should be implemented. On hearing both the arguments, the AS(T) directed that the AUAB and the DDG(Estt.) DoT, should hold further discussion on this issue. Accordingly, further discussion took place yesterday, between the representatives of the AUAB and Shri S.K. Jain, DDG(Estt.), DoT. The AUAB categorically told that the decision of the Hon’ble MoS(C) that pension revision would be de-linked from pay revision should be implemented. After observing the stiff resistance against dilution of the Hon’ble MoS(C)’s decision, the DDG(Estt.) assured that the issue would be further discussed with the AS(T). (Courtesy: BSNLEU Website)

CCWF struggles for payment of wages.

30 Wednesday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

≈ Leave a comment

As reported earlier, the wages of the contract workers are not paid for two months or more in all the circles. Despite taking up the matter with the CMD, the issue is not settled.

Hence struggles and strikes have started in many circles. While supporting the struggles, we demand that the BSNL Management take immediate action to make the payment to the contract workers with arrears.

What is happening to BSNL Circle administration?

28 Monday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU

≈ Leave a comment

On many issues on which the BSNLEU or other  unions take up some cases, the BSNL corporate office wants  the concerned details from the circles and direct them to provide the required information. But the direction from the corporate office is simply ignored by most of the circles or the information is not received in the C.O. and the issue  is not settled. In this way, the settlement is delayed for months and sometimes years, for no other reason.

The latest in this series is the details about the Telecom Mechanics promoted from the casual labour. Abut half of the circles have not given the information and some of the circles have given incorrect information. The delay causes undue difficulties to the concerned employee.

The Circle offices should supply the information without delay and the corporate office has to ensure that the information are got urgently.

Delay is Denial, also Danger

22 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL, General

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Any delay in the wage revision is danger and denial, since there is all chance that the election may be declared at any time. The government or rather Election Commission is only waiting for the correct time. Once election is declared all others go in to frozen state. Immediate steps are required to compel the government and management to implement the assurances given to the AUAB during strike talks. Wage and Pension Revision are most important as also allotment of 4G spectrum..

AUAB would be compelled to take recourse to strike – The AUAB cautions the Additional Secretary, Telecom.

18 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL

≈ 2 Comments

As per the decision taken in the AUAB meeting held yesterday, representatives of the AUAB, viz., Com. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU & Convenor, Com.Chandeshwar Singh, GS, NFTE & Chairman, Com. K. Sebastin, GS, SNEA and Com. Prahlad Rai, GS, AIBSNLEA, met Shri Anshu Prakash, Additional Secretary, Telecom, today. The representatives conveyed him the decision of the AUAB meeting held yesterday. They told the Additional Secretary, Telecom, in no uncertain terms that, the employees are unhappy that not much progress is made in the 3rd Pay Revision issue. They also informed him that the AUAB will be compelled to give call for the strike, since not much time is left for the Parliament elections. The Additional Secretary, Telecom, informed that he would hold a meeting with the AUAB next week in which crucial discussion would be held in respect of the issue of 3rd Pay Revision. (bsnleu.in)

Letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on non-payment of wages to contract labour for one year in U.P.

13 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU

≈ Leave a comment

Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji,

In your own constituency Varanasi and in most districts of U. P. where your party runs the Government, BSNL contract workers are being paid a monthly wage of Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 only, whereas the minimum wage prescribed by the central government is Rs. 10,500. But the most pitiful fact is that they have not been paid even that meagre amount for the last one year, though they continue to work. Their families are starving for months. Continuous representations, including by the unions, did not achieve any fruitful result.
I sent your kind self a letter months back and I got acknowledgment also, but the miserable condition continues.
I would request your kind self once again to urgently look in to the matter and ensure justice to them by getting full wages paid to them with arrears for the whole period.

Yours Sincerely,
V. A. N. Namboodiri
President, BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation, at Kozhikode -673011.

(Prime Minister Office Acknowledgement No. PMOPG/E/2019/0021697 dated 13th January 2019)

Niti Ayog objects to E G Spectrum being allotted to BSNL, MTNL – It is against Minister’s assurance to the AUAB

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL

≈ Leave a comment

The government think tank Niti Aayog have objected the proposal of preferential equity infusion in the two PSUs — BSNL and MTNL — amounting to nearly Rs 14,000 crores for acquiring 4G spectrum observing that the returns on such high investments from them are almost nil and it is not essential.

The department of telecom (DoT) had sought Niti Aayog’s views on the 4G spectrum allocation proposals for PSUs — BSNL and MTNL — that might cost the exchequer about Rs 14,000 crore.

A senior DoT official said that the Aayog has not favoured giving spectrum to BSNL (and MTNL) mentioning it is not essential and private players are already offering the same services. “Even in the rural areas BSNL’s hold as a public telephony operator has been on the decline, he added.

Earlier, finance ministry was reluctant to spare that huge amount for the proposal while department of expenditure

saw no immediate benefits from the move.

The DoT proposal based on the individual board DPRs (detailed projects re­p­orts) of BSNL and MTNL — both declared incipient sick PSUs by the department of public enterprises — seeks to allocate 4G spectrum to them to match private competition and be in the fray amid cut-throat competition. The government owned entities do not participate in auction but they match the highest bid for the band they seek to buy.

While for MTNL it has been an arduous journey for survival as it is now even not able to pay salaries but BSNL is a comparatively better managed PSU given the limitations it has to face. The loss has doubled in last fiscal to Rs 8000 crore at a time when due to Reliance Jio’s cheap tariffs each operator like Airtel and Vodafone-Idea has suffered and has gone into either red or has seen shrunk profits. But BSNL has managed to keep floating.

The consultation was part of communication to various ministries for inter-ministerial feedbacks on the capital infusion proposal.

BSNL, which reported a loss of Rs 4,786 crore in 2016-17 and is estimated to have doubled the losses for FY18 at Rs 8,000 crore and is struggling without 4G services. Its income stood at Rs 32,411 crore (FY16), Rs 31,533 crore (FY17) and Rs 27,818 crore (FY18). MTNL, the other state-run telecom firm, reported a loss of Rs 2,971 crore in FY18. This was against a similar amount in FY17 and Rs 2,006 crore in FY16. )News report)

Two Days Strike on 8-9 January 2019

01 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU, CG Employees, PSU

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

New Year 2019 is opening with a massive strike of more than 20 crores of workers on 8-9 January 2019 on 12 demands. All Central Trade Unions except BMS are part of the struggle. Central, State government employees, PSU workers and all other sections of workers are participating. BSNL Employees Union along with other unions have also given call. BSNLCCWF has also given call for strike.

AIBDPA, the biggest organisation of the BSNL-DOT Pensioners has extended all support and solidarity to the strike.

Let us make the strike a complete success!