Category Archives: BSNL

Conspiracy to deny 4G equipment supply to BSNL – AUAB writes to the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention..

07 Thursday May 2020

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

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The TEPC (Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council), an association of the Indian Telecom Equipment Manufactures, has complained to the government that, BSNL has violated the “Make in India” policy, in the procurement of 4G equipments. In the 4G tender floated by BSNL on 20.03.2020, the BSNL is laid down the following two conditions.

The bidding company should have the previous experience of providing 20 million 4G line network.
The bidding company should have Rs.8,000 crore turn over in the previous two financial years.

Both these conditions are very much required to ensure the quality of 4G equipments and also their prompt supply. Based on the complaint of the TEPC, the Commerce Department and the DoT have objected to BSNL’s tender. The whole intention of the TEPC is to see BSNL does not start it’s 4G service. If BSNL does not launch it’s 4G service expeditiously, naturally it is the private companies like Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea which are going to get benefitted. So, we can understand whose hands are there behind the complaint of TEPC. Similar conspiracies have been hatched earlier also, to kill BSNL. Now, it has become the duty of the unions and associations of BSNL to ensure that BSNL gets 4G equipments from this tender. As a first step, the AUAB has written to the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention. If necessary, the AUAB has to take more serious steps to ensure that, BSNL gets 4G equipments. (courtesy: bsnleu website.)

Blocking BSNL 4G Tender – PM, Communications Minister should intervene.

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNL, General

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History is repeating.

After the declaration of the  Communications minister on BSNL Revival, BSNL management has started preparation for 4 G introduction and called for global tenders. But again the private telecom companies through various sources are trying to to stop it and  on the complaint of the TEPC, the tender is being delayed or dropped. This is a repetition what happened earlier when BSNL called for tenders for 4.5 crore and 9 crore mobile equipment.

All Unions Associations of BSNL has written to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister to seek their intervention for clearing the tender and stopping unnecessary intervention by private companies etc.

The Government should act quickly to save BSNL.

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL -6 Protest Demonstration on 01-03-2006 on ADC and Revenue Sharing

29 Wednesday Apr 2020

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

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Protest Demonstration on 01-03-2006 on ADC and Revenue Sharing

Despite assurance by the government, the ADC to be paid by the private operators was reduced as per the decision of the TRAI, which was always partial to the private operators. The ADC being paid by the private telecoms is to be paid to the PSUs to compensate for their loss in providing universal connectivity. As per the decision of the TRAI, the net result was that the due payment to be made by the private telcos to the tune of Rs. 5,300 crores was reduced to Rs. 2,000 crore. Amount from the revenue sharing was also reduced causing loss to the government.
As per the decision of the Joint Forum, Protest Demonstrations were organized in all SSAs which were addressed by the leaders of various unions who are part of Joint Forum.
Meeting with the Secretary DOT on 7th June 2006
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JF, along with other members met Shri J.S Sharma, Secretary DOT and had detailed discussions on the major issues confronting BSNL. The following were the issues discussed:
1. Navaratna status to BSNL: The Secretary DOT assured that the Navaratna status will be conferred to BSNL next year after fulfillment of the obligatory provisions.
2. Unbundling of local loop: The apprehension of the workers on the formation of a sub-committee headed by the Secretary DOT on the issue was discussed and the JF strongly opposed the same. Secretary assured that the commitment given earlier continued and no unbundling will take place.
3. Merger of BSNL and MTNL: Secretary DOT assured that the talk of merger is only speculation of the media and there is no decision for the same.
The Joint Forum addressed a letter to Shri Dayanidhi Maran, Communications Minister, on 26th June 2006, strongly opposing the proposal for unbundling the last minute copper and sought for a meeting.
The JF in its meeting on 5th and 10th July 2006 decided to organize agitational programmes on the following issues:
1. No disinvestment of BSNL / MTNL.
2. No unbundling of local loop.
3. No sharing BSNL / MTNL infrastructure with private operators.
4. No increase in FDI
5. No reduction in Revenue Sharing and ADC
6. Immediate grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
7. Grant of autonomy to BSNL and MTNL
8. Expand mobile and broadband services
9. Early and amicable settlement of ITS absorption.
The following are the programmes:
1. Joint lunch hour demonstrations to be organized on 27 July 2006 at Circle/SSA levels and also send telegrams to the Prime Minister demanding “NO DISINVESTMENT, NO UNBUNDLING OF LOCAL LOOP OF BSNL MTNL”.
2. March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.
3. Strike in September 2006, the date of which will be decided later. (to be continued)

Press Statement by AIBDPA on freezing of Dearness Relief by Central Government.

25 Saturday Apr 2020

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Press Statement dated 25-04-2020 by AIBDPA

AIBDPA oppose unjustified Dearness Relief cut by Central Government

All India BSNL – DOT Pensioners Association representing more than one lakh of pensioners retired from Department of Telecom and BSNL strongly opposes the drastic decision of the Central Government freezing Dearness Allowance / Dearness Relief due from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 to the central and BSNL pensioners, in the name of financing Covid 19 situation.
The BSNL – DOT Pensioners as per the call of the Association has already donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund or the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund according to their ability and about Rs. 50 lakh has already been paid through the Association or directly. In Kerala alone, Rs. 20 lakh has been paid to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Pensioners and family pensioners are dependent upon their meagre pension and they are completely at the mercy of others having been restricted at home during lock down period. Many of these pensioners draw minimum pension which is insufficient even for day to day expenses, leave alone for purchase of medicines etc. BSNL Management has stopped medical allowance and reimbursement of medical treatment expenses for the last two years on the plea of lack of funds. It is at this crucial time that the decision to freeze DR for 18 months has been issued. The DR cut will be about Rs. 17,000 or more for a pensioner getting about Rs. 10,000 monthly pension, ie. about double of his monthly pension. This amount will increase according to the increase in pension which will put the pensioners to extreme difficulty.
It is to be noted that the same government, which wants to freeze the DA and DR of the low paid employees and pensioners, has been giving unjustified reduction in tax, relaxation in payment of dues to the government, writing off of NPAs etc. to the big corporates, amounting to lakhs of crores of rupees.
Under these circumstances, AIBDPA expresses its strong protest and demand the government to withdraw the order and continue to grant eligible DA /DR in due time. The Association has appealed to the Honourable Prime Minister to concede our demand and withdraw the unjustified order.

K.G.Jayaraj,
Secretary General, AIBDPA

Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 5 Issues settled; Strike on 5th January 2005 deferred.

23 Thursday Apr 2020

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

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Issues settled; Strike on 5th January 2005 deferred.

Full preparations went on for the One Day Strike on 5th January 2005. Protest demonstrations, rallies etc were held and workers energized for the strike.
The Joint Forum leaders were meeting at FNTO Office at about 19.30 to finalise last minute preparations for strike. While proceedings were going on, call came from Secretary DOT intimating a meeting at his office to discuss the strike issues immediately. JF was skeptic about meeting with DOT in the last minute and especially when neither Communications Minister nor State Minister was in Delhi. Hence, JF decided that only Convener need to go.
Though it was about 21.00 hours when I reached Sanchar Bhawan, the security directly took me to the Secretary’s room. Shri J.S.Sharma, Secretary, DOT was alone. He asked me what are the important demands for the strike and I explained briefly and gave him a copy of the strike notice. He gave certain assurances, but I wanted it in writing. He called the Additional Secretary, Shri Yashwant Bhave and dictated the following letter and gave me a copy:
The letter was addressed to Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL. The full letter is given below:
Dear Shri Sinha,
Mr. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary of the BSNL Employees Union met Secretary (Telecom) today on behalf of the Joint Forum and expressed the following concern to him in connection with the notice of the strike given by the union.
1. Disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
2. Unbundling of the local loop.
3. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL.
4. Views of the union in connection with the proposed Telecom Policy.
The Secretary assured Mr. Namboodiri as under:
a) That there is no proposal regarding disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
b) That unbundling of the local loop is not under consideration
c) That all efforts will be made towards obtaining the Navaratna status to BSNL
d) That the views of the union will be duly considered as and when the draft Telecom Policy is formulated.
Yours (sd) Yeshwant Bhave.
Copy to: Shri V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union.
The JF considered the letter and the strike was deferred as per unanimous decision. It was a great success since the disinvestment and unbundling was stopped. (to be continued)

Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 4 Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL on urgent issues

22 Wednesday Apr 2020

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Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL on urgent issues

A large number of urgent problems were pending, which required immediate attention of the government, DOT and the BSNL Management. These included the issues of No FDI, ADC, USOF, No Outsourcing, No MTNL – BSNL Merger, Absorption of ITS officers, No unbundling, Broadband etc.
The JF which met on 14th March 2005 decided to submit a memorandum to the CMD on the above subjects and the same was handed over to the CMDs on 19th April 2005. It was signed by all the General Secretaries and they also participated in the meetings with CMDs.
The JF leaders had met Secretary, DOT Shri Nripendra Mishra on 11th February 2005 and requested for early action at the government level. On 15th March 2005, DOT issued letter ensuring government pension to BSNL retirees, which gave a big relief to the workers and pensioners. Another letter was also received on 28th September 2005 from Shri J.S.Sharma, Secretary DOT that the Prime Minister has intimated that the recommendations of the TRAI to unbundle cables has not been accepted. This again was another victory.
Meeting with Communications minister on 25th November 2005.
Since other issues were still pending settlement, the Joint Forum Convener V.A.N.Namboodiri and other leaders met Communications minister Shri Dayanidhi Maran on 25th November 2005 and had a long discussion, but no decision was reached. DOT Secretary was also present.
Agitational Programmes
The JF of BSNL Unions had a 5 days marathon meeting from 20th November and decided for agitational programmes including one day strike on the following demands:
1. No disinvestment in BSNL.
2. No Increase in FDI
3. 3No opening of last mile copper.
4. No reduction in Revenue sharing and ADC
5. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL.
6. Expand mobile and Broad band services
7. Grant autonomy to BSNL
8. Absorb Group A / ITS Officers.
As part of the agitational programmes, Lunch hour demonstration on 8th December, and Dharna on 21 December 2005 was organized at SSA levels all over the country. Notice for One Day Strike on 5th January 2006 was issued to DOT and BSNL Management. (to be continued)

Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 3 Meeting with the Prime Minister on 2nd March 2005.

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

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Meeting with the Prime Minister on 2nd March 2005.

Either the government was not taking any decision on many of the urgent issues or it was unduly delaying matters as in the case of USO Fund, ADC, Pension from government etc. In this connection, a meeting was arranged with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the instance of Com. Basudeb Acharya, senior Member of Parliament on 2nd March 2005 in the Parliament building. Members of the Joint Forum viz. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener and GS BSNLEU), O.P.Gupta GS NFTE, S.Basu GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi GS SNEA, K.Vallinayagam GS FNTO, V.Narayana GS BSNLMS, V.K.Tomar GS MTNLEA, S.D.Sharma GS BSNLWRU, Vrijesh Upadhyaya GS MTNLMS, V.Subburaman GS TEPU, K.M.Pillai GS MTNLSW, Umesh Thyagi GS MTNLKVS, Sathish Kumar GSMTNLWU and Devender Singh GS MTNLOA were present along with Members of Parliament Coms. Basudeb Acharya and Neelotpal Basu.
The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the decision to pay government pension and also pension contribution by BSNL as per FR and SR. Prime Minister stated that cabinet decision is already taken in both these cases and will be implemented without delay.
On the issue of increasing the FDI from 49% to 74% in telecom sector, the Prime Minister addressed the concern of the workers on the risk to security of the Nation as well as take over by the MNCs, stating that the government has taken sufficient steps to ensure the security. He also stated that BSNL and MTNL were capable of competing with MNCs and the government will provide help to the PSUs.
The PM’s attention was drawn by the Forum to the unwarranted decision of the TRAI to reduce the ADC, which was a compensation for BSNL and MTNL for providing landline services below cost. Forum wanted to continue ADC as before. The Forum also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that though funds were available with the USOF due amount is yet to be paid to BSNL and MTNL. While the loss to BSNL for providing rural connections in 2003-04 was Rs. 9528 crore, the refund was only Rs. 2522.77 crore through reimbursement licence fee and allotment from USO Fund. It was also pointed out that unnecessary outsourcing of work was being resorted to by management of both PSUs, draining their funds. Prime Minister assured to look in to these matters.
It is worth mentioning that despite Parliament was in session, Prime Minister was kind enough to spend about half an hour of his valuable time to hear the points raised by the representatives. The M.P.s present also put in certain valuable suggestions during the discussion.
The government started a move to merge BSNL and MTNL. The Forum expressed its strong view that the merger can be considered only after the MTNL shares sold are bought back. The protest had its effect. The move was stopped for the time being. ( to be continued)

Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 2 Formation of Joint Forum of BSNL – MTNL Associations

20 Monday Apr 2020

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Sustained Struggles to Save BSNL – 2

Formation of Joint Forum of BSNL – MTNL Associations

BSNL Employees Union got recognition in December 2004. The immediate danger hanging upon the workers was the acceptance of the earlier recognized union to the Voluntary Retirement Scheme proposed by the management in the National Council meeting of JCM held on 17th June 2004. BSNLEU in the first meeting of NC after second verification on 25th January 2005 demanded that the decision for VRS should be dropped which was agreed.
In order to safeguard the interests of the workers of both the telecom PSU and their workforce as also for a better service to the people, it was necessary that a united forum is unavoidable. As General Secretary of the recognized union, I took the initiative to form a coordinating committee representing all the unions of non-executives as well as associations of executives. Discussions were held and the ‘Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was formed. ITS Association was also approached, but they were not interested since they were not absorbed in BSNL/MTNL. Initially all the unions/associations were not part of JF. Probably because I took the initiative, the mantle of Convener of Joint Forum fell upon me.
The first issue to be tackled was the recommendation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to reduce the Access Deficit Charge (ADC) to be collected from the private operators and to be paid to BSNL and MTNL. The move was clearly to favour the private telcos and against the telecom PSUs.
March to Communications Minister’s office on 21st December 2004.
A massive March to the office of the Communications Minister was organized participated by more than 2,500 workers. From the Corporate office alone about 250 participated. As usual, the March was blocked near the Parliament Police Station, where a huge rally was held which was addressed by the Joint Forum leaders, Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), V.K.Tomar (MTNLEA), K.M.Pillai (MTNLSWU) and others. A Memorandum was presented to the Prime Minister demanding not to reduce the ADC and transfer of TRAI Chairman Shri Pradeep Bajpai, who was openly supporting the private telecom companies. The Joint Forum also met CMD BSNL Sri A.K.Sinha and other Directors and urged to take up the matter with the government, which they agreed.
Agitation against increase of FDI in telecom
Government in the meanwhile decided to increase the FDI in telecom from 49% to 74%. This was against the interest of the nation, telecom PSUs as well as the workers. Hence the Joint Forum organized strong protest demonstrations at the divisional level all over the country. (to be continued)
– V.A.N.Namboodiri –

No Proposal for reduction of Pension – Govt clarification.

19 Sunday Apr 2020

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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued a press statement stating that there is no proposal for reduction of pension. The full statement is given below:

19 APR 2020 12:38PM by PIB Delhi
It has come to the notice of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare of the Union
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension that in the wake of the current pandemic,
Covid-19 and the ensuing economic scenario, many rumours are afloat that the Government is
contemplating a reduction/stoppage of Pension which has become a source of worry for the
Pensioners.
As clarified earlier, it is being reiterated that there is no such proposal for reduction of pension
and no action is contemplated by the Government in this respect. Instead, the Government is
committed for the welfare and well being of the pensioners.

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – An Introduction

19 Sunday Apr 2020

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Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – An Introduction

BSNL was formed as part of the neo-liberalisation policy adopted by the government of India since the 1980s. It was a well-planned move. The P and T Budget was stopped, Department of Posts and Telegraphs was divided in to Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunications, private companies were given licence to provide telecom services which was the sole monopoly of the government, and New Telecom Policy was adopted all of which were intended with the same aim – hand over the telecom services to the corporates.
BSNL was formed on 1st October 2000. It was planned to be formed on 1st April 2001, in the new financial year, but the agreement, with certain safeguards, with the recognized Federations, made it possible for the government to start it earlier. The strong protest and struggles organized by some of the affiliated unions were not able to stop corporatization. BSNL became a reality.

The formation of new unions in BSNL changed the scenario. First two three years were full of united efforts and negotiations by the unions to finalise the conversion from CDA to IDA pay scale, absorption issue etc. etc.

In the first membership verification of the non-executive unions, NFTE won, but with small margin. The recognized union was not prepared to fight with the management on crucial issues, as can be seen from the fact that it agreed for VRS, when the management brought the agenda in the BSNL Joint Consultative Machinery. However, the tables turned in the next verification and BSNL Employees Union, with alliance, won with a thumbing majority and became the recognized union. It was in December 2004.
BSNLEU as the biggest and recognized union, without any delay, took the responsibility of co-coordinating all the unions of non-executives and associations of executives together for strengthening BSNL and defending the PSU from the government conspiracy to weaken it and privatize or close. Major issues of the workers, who numbered more than 3.5 lakhs, who were earlier central government employees, also had to be addressed.

Unity was most important to face the complicated situation with about more than 15 unions in the field with different ideologies and priorities. This was a Herculean task, but not impossible. As I was the Convener of the Joint Forum, Joint Action Committee, Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations etc. (names changed to suit certain unity requirements from time to time) from 2004 to 2015, I can state with satisfaction that all the Unions and associations and their leaders have done marvelous work in defending the interests of the PSU, that of the workers and the people as a whole in this noble task.

From the next installment, I will write about the major developments, struggles, negotiations etc. which had taken place during the period mentioned above. It will be inspiring and interesting to the old generation which participated in these struggles and also to the new generation of workers who have been recruited later and fighting the present battle for survival and revival of BSNL and its workers, especially after the Voluntary Retirement of 78, 569 workers from the PSU.

I will be posting it in my blog vannamboodiri.com, since long articles in Face-book may not be appreciated.

V.A.N.Namboodiri.