Category Archives: BSNLEU

Forum writes to CMD BSNL regarding superannuation benefits to BSNL appointees

14 Friday Feb 2014

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Letter written by Forum to CMD BSNL on the superannuation benefits of BSNL appointed employees is given below:

FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS
D 7, Gole Market, New Delhi, 110001.
————————————————————————————————-
FORUM/BSNL 14th February 2014.
To
Sri R. K. Upadhyay ,
CMD, BSNL,
New Delhi – 110001

Sub: 30% Superannuation benefits for the employees recruited by BSNL
Even 13 years after formation of BSNL, the retirement benefits of the employees appointed by it, have not been finalised. The 2nd PRC recommended 30% superannuation benefit to all the direct recruit employees of BSNL and the Govt decided to implement this recommendation as a social security measure in all the CPSUs. As per DPE guidelines, an amount of 30% of the emoluments can be utislied towards retirement benefits, including GPF, Insurance etc. As per the agreement reached between the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations and the BSNL Management on 12.06.2012, the Management agreed to review their earlier decision against implementation of 30% superannuation benefit. Now the BSNL Management is limiting it to about 20% without any justification, causing great loss to this section of employees.
The Forum demands that immediate action be taken to ensure 30% retirement benefits to the BSNL recruited employees as this is related to superannuation and social security.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,

(sd)
(V A N Namboodiri)
Convenor, Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations.

Copy to:
1. Sri M. F. Farooqui, Secretary/DOT for information and necessary action pl.
2. Sri A. N. Rai, DIR(EB) for information and necessary action pl.
3. Sri Anupam Srivastava, DIR(F) for information and necessary action pl.

Forum Letter to PM on posting of CMD

14 Friday Feb 2014

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The letter written by the Forum to the Prime Minister asking not to extend the services of the present CMD after his superannuation in June 2014 and also demanding filling up of the posts of Directors is given below:

FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS
D 7, Gole Market, New Delhi, 110001.
————————————————————————————————-
FORUM/BSNL 14th February 2014.
To
Dr. Manmohan Singhji,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi – 110001

Sub: Do not grant extension of service to Shri R.K. Upadhyay, CMD BSNL after his superannuation in June 2014 and filling up of vacant posts of Directors of BSNL Board.
Respected Sir,
The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations is the Co-Ordination Committee of the Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives functioning in BSNL. The Forum has been making sustained efforts for the revival and strengthening of BSNL and improving its services to the customers. Forum desires to make the following submissions to the Hon PM.

1. The present CMD BSNL, Shri R.K.Upadhyay, is due for superannuation in June 2014. It is learnt that there is a proposal to seek extension of his service. The Forum is opposed to any such extension of service after superannuation. Further, Shri Anupam Srivastava, Director(CM), BSNL Board, has already been selected for the post. Hence the Forum demands that the post of CMD should be filled up by the selected officer, after the superannuation of the present incumbent. Favorable action in the above matter will be in the best interests of the company.
2. At present two posts of Directors of the BSNL Board are vacant, since posting has not been made after retirement of the incumbent officers. These include the important posts of Director (Finance) and Director (HR). Decision making and expansion in BSNL are heavily suffering due to the non-posting of Directors to these significant posts. The Forum requests that these vacant posts be filled up at the earliest.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
(Sd)

(V A N Namboodiri)
Convenor, Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations.
Copy to:
1. Sri Kapil Sibal, Hon MoC&IT for information and necessary action pl.
2. Sri V Narayana Swamy, MoS (Personnel), for information and necessary action pl.
3. Sri Ajith Kumar Seth, Cabinet Secretary for information and necessary action pl.
4. Sri M. F. Farooqui, Secretary/DOT for information and necessary action pl.

Revival of BSNL – Forum Letter to Prime Minister

14 Friday Feb 2014

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The letter written to the Prime Minister by the The Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations on the issues of Merger of BSNL and MTNL, Revival of BSNL and other connected issues are given below:

FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS
D 7, Gole Market, New Delhi, 110001.
————————————————————————————————-
FORUM/BSNL 14th February 2014.
To
Dr. Manmohan Singhji,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi – 110001

Sub: Proposed merger of BSNL and MTNL, formation of subsidiary companies and connected matters on the Revival of BSNL – Reg

Respected Sir,

The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations is the Co-Ordination Committee of the Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives functioning in BSNL. The Forum has been making sustained efforts for the revival and strengthening of BSNL and improving its services to the customers.
The Forum had submitted to the Prime Minister and to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) a ‘Declaration’ adopted in the National Convention of BSNL Workers held on 3rd August 2013 at New Delhi, with the proposals/suggestions/demands for the revival of BSNL (copy enclosed). In addition, the Forum has also submitted a detailed Memorandum to the EGoM (copy enclosed).
It is reliably learnt that certain decisions have been taken by the EGoM / DOT /BSNL Board which may adversely affect the BSNL and its future. At no level, the 2.5 lakh employees or their organisations have been consulted or taken in to confidence, before taking these decisions / proposals.
The meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations held on 13th February 2014, after detailed discussions had decided to bring these issues to the notice of the Hon Prime Minister and the EGoM for immediate consideration and favourable decisions.
1. Merger of BSNL and MTNL.
The employees/unions were completely against the trifurcation of the Department of Telecom into three corporations viz. VSNL, MTNL and BSNL, which process was completed by 2000. VSNL is already privatised. MTNL is disinvested above 46% and due to the strong resistance by the employees and their unions/associations, BSNL was not disinvested. The market liability of MTNL is huge, to the tune of Rs.12,000 crore. Different pay scales exist in BSNL and MTNL. The transfer liability and other service conditions including pension differ.
The Forum is of the strong opinion that unless these problems, complications and differences are removed and resolved, any merger of BSNL and MTNL will be counterproductive. The bitter experience of the merger of Air India- Indian Airlines is before us, which has resulted in continued agitations and negative growth. Such a merger will be disastrous for both BSNL and MTNL.
2. Formation of subsidiary companies of BSNL.
The Forum strongly condemns the decision of the Government / DOT / BSNL Board on the formation of a subsidiary company from BSNL by hiving off the tower assets. BSNL has got more than 62,000 towers, which in one of its biggest assets, like Optical Fibre /Copper Cable network. Taking away these huge tower assets will weaken BSNL and its huge business prospects. Further, transferring of thousands of staff to the proposed company will result in innumerable problems including transfer liability and pension issues.
The Forum demands that this proposal/decision be rescinded immediately and the tower assets be retained with BSNL and monetized effectively.
3. Compensation for Loss on landlines for rural / remote area service.
One of the main reasons for the loss of BSNL is that it is providing rural land-line services, which are loss-making, but is part of the social commitment of the government for universal service. The private companies seldom provide services in these areas. Services in the naxal-affected and border areas of the country are fully provided by BSNL, which are loss making and risky. At the time of disasters like landslides in Uttarakhand or cyclone in Odissa/A.P., it was BSNL alone which restored its services immediately which was appreciated by all. The loss for BSNL for these rural services comes to about Rs.12,000 – 13,000 Crores.
The Forum demands that this loss caused to BSNL for implementing the social commitment of the government be fully compensated.
4. Soft Loan to BSNL for expansion and development.
BSNL has been posting loss for the last four financial years coming to a total of about Rs.25,000 crore. Till 2008-09, it was posting profits totaling to about Rs. 47,000 crores. The loss has resulted mainly due to the extreme delay of 6-7 years in grant of mobile licence to BSNL after the same was granted to the private companies and the withdrawal/reduction of the ADC, USO Fund, and License Fee Reimbursement etc. which was assured at the time of corporatisation. Another and most important reason was the cancellation of the tenders for both 45 million, 93 million and 5 million mobile equipments which resulted in a grave situation disabling BSNL from expansion and development of its services.
BSNL at present does not have the funds required for fast expansion and development. The market share of BSNL has gone down and may reach one digit level at any time.
Hence, the Forum demands that BSNL be granted adequate soft loan for expansion, development and modernisation of its networks.
5. Condition of mandatory purchase of equipments from ITI to be scrapped.
BSNL is mandated to purchase 30% of equipments from ITI. There is much delay in supply of equipment from ITI, which has resulted in extreme delay in the expansion of services in the Western part of the country and loss of revenue. ITI has failed to supply equipments in time. Further it is understood that ITI is functioning as an agent by purchase and supply of equipments, instead of a manufacturer, resulting in the present unhappy situation.
The Forum demands that the decision of mandatory purchase from ITI be rescinded to enable BSNL to purchase from open market according to requirement.
6. Spectrum Liberalisation and Trading.
According to Govt decisions, the telecom companies who have been allotted spectrum through auction after 2010 can liberalise as also trade its airwaves. BSNL was allotted spectrum before 2010 and without auction. Hence, BSNL cannot liberalise or trade its spectrum like the private operators without making payment. This is putting BSNL to a great disadvantage. Without spectrum liberalizaion, BSNL cannot start 4G services.
Considering the financial condition of BSNL and the Govt’s resolve to revive BSNL, the Forum demands that BSNL also be allowed to liberalise and trade its spectrum for upgrading its services and enhancing revenue without paying extra charges.
The Forum requests the Prime Minister and EGoM to favourably consider the above demands and issue necessary instructions, which will help the revival of BSNL and ensure a better service to the nation. It is also requested that the Forum may kindly be granted a meeting with the Prime minister to present our case.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,

(signed)
(V A N Namboodiri)
Convenor, Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations.

Copy to:
1. Sri P. Chidambaram Hon Finance Minister & Chairman, EGoM on revival of BSNL & MTNL.
2. Sri Kapil Sibal, Hon MoC & IT for information and necessary action pl.
3. Sri Anand Sharma, Hon Minister for commerce and industry & Member, EGOM.
4. Sri Montek Singh Aluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission & Member, EGoM.
5. Sri V Narayana Swamy, MoS, for personnel, public grievance and pensions & Member, EGoM for information and necessary action pl.
6. Sri Manish Tiwari, Hon Minister for Information and Broadcasting & Member, EGoM.
7. Sri Ajith Kumar Seth, Cabinet Secretary for information and necessary action pl.
8. Sri M. F. Farooqui, Secretary/DOT for information and necessary action pl.
9. Smt Rita Teaotia, Additional Secy/DOT for information and necessary action pl.
10. Smt Annie Moreas, Member(F)/DoT for information and necessary action pl.
11. Sri Anil Kaushal, Member(T)/DoT for information and necessary action pl.
12. Sri S C Mishra, Member(S)/DoT for information and necessary action pl..
13. Sri. R. K. Upadhyay, CMD/BSNL for information and necessary action pl.
14. Sri A. N. Rai, DIR(EB/HR)/BSNL for information and necessary action pl.
15. Sri Anupam Srivastava, DIR(CM)/BSNL for information and necessary action pl.
16. Sri N. K. Gupta, DIR(CFA)/BSNL for information and necessary action pl.
17. Sri Neeraj Verma, GM(SR) BSNLCO for information pl.

Govt. gets Rs. 62,000 crores through Spectrum Auction

13 Thursday Feb 2014

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The ten days spectrum ( 900 MHz and 1800 MHZ) auction which ended today, 12th February has made the government richer by Rs.61,162 crores. The bidding was aggressive and saw one of the most competitive auction.
As per the auction condition, the payments can be made in instalments. Accordingly, the government is expected to get about Rs.16,000 crores this year. The budget estimate for this year was only Rs. 11,343 crore.
The private companies may try to increase the charges on the plea of higher value of spectrum, but this can not be accepted. There should be no increase in the charges.

BSNL and its Workers face multiple challenges

13 Thursday Feb 2014

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The decisions of the EGoM on Revival of BSNL, the proposal for Merger of BSNL and  MTNL, formation of subsidiary companies from BSNL for land assets and towers etc. are new challenges for BSNL and its two and half lakh workers. The UPA government in its last phase is taking decisions one after another, probably thinking that it will not get another chance after the election for taking these policy decisions which are in tune with the anti-worker  neo-liberal policies which it has been continuing for the last many years.

The Unions/Associations in BSNL and have to seriously think about the situation and take suitable decisions to ensure that the interest of BSNL and its workers are safeguarded in addition to the interests of the Nation. The Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations will meet urgently to discuss these issues and take appropriate decisions.

Messages and Greetings to BSNLEU CEC by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President.

11 Tuesday Feb 2014

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The following Greetings and Message was sent by Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, to the CEC Meeting of BSNLEU which was held on 7-9 February 2014 as it was expected that he will not be able to attend the same as he had been asked to attend the Foundation Congress of Trade Union International of WFTU held at Barcelona, Spain, on 5-6 February.

Message to the CEC of BSNLEU at Rajkot on 7-9 February 2014
Dear Comrades,
First of all, I greet you all, who have come to attend the Central Executive Committee of BSNLEU being held at Rajkot on 7-9 February 2014. My Revolutionary Greetings to all of you!
I would have been present in the CEC meeting as usual, in my capacity as the All India President of the Union. But being invited to attend the Formation Conference of Trade Union International of Pensioners and Retirees (TUI of P&R) to be held at Barcelona, Spain, on 5-6 February 2014 and attending on behalf of the AIBDPA, it is not possible for me to attend the CEC. Please excuse me. In case it is possible to come there, after reaching India, I will certainly attend the CEC, on the last day.
This is the first time that I am missing the CEC meeting after formation of BSNLEU in 2001. BSNLEU has grown during the last 13 years and is the recognised union since 2004, after the II Membership Verification. In all consecutive verifications including the VI Membership Verification we have been elected as the majority and representative Union. At the same time on our initiative, a second union, NFTE, is also recognised. Now the recognised unions represent more than 80% of BSNL workers between them, and theoretically represent all the workers. Our role in getting recognition for another union is appreciated by all, although certain tensions still exist at the local levels. We have to strive for close co-ordination for settlement of the workers issues.
One important agenda before the CEC is the settlement of the issues which has been raised in the deferred October Strike on which the CHQ is continuously pursuing with the management. All the issues are very important and have to be settled at the earliest. At the same time, extra effort is required where the workers are losing their salary as in the case of stagnation of majority of RMs and the loss in the wage of officials, mainly TTA, recruited after 2007.
BSNLEU has grown in numbers. It is mainly because we have been taking the issues of the workers with sincerity and dedication and had settled many important issues including a good wage revision and Promotion Policy. The bread and butter issue is most important and is the basic demand of the trade unions. But that is not sufficient. We have to move ahead. We are part of the trade union fraternity, national and international. We cannot be indifferent to the crucial developments taking place around us.
The neo-liberalisation policy being implemented by the government has put misery after misery on the people. The Government has deserted the policy of Socialist Pattern of Society, which the then government proclaimed in the 1950s, and also the Pro-PSU policy. Attack on the workers continues with even taking away many of the rights earned after heroic struggles. Recruitment is almost stopped in Government and PSUs, which was the main source of employment. Retrenchment/VRS is taking place in many PSUs despite strong opposition from the unions. The sustained struggles on the issues organised as per the call of the 11 Central trade Unions have made an impact, but yet the government is delaying action on those. BSNLEU has always been part of this great struggles and will continue so.
Communalism is raising its ugly head. Communal forces are utilsing every opportunity to divide the people and cause communal riots as happened in Muzafarpur etc. We have to expose and fight communalism and make all efforts for communal harmony. It is the working class which can take an effective role in the same.
Attack on women and even young girls are reported every day. The crime against women is not an issue of women alone. The entire society has to move to put an end to these attacks and gender discrimination.. BSNLEU will also join this struggle to liberate the woman and to end the attacks and discrimination. More woman cadres have to be developed in the union.
The attack on the left movement and cadres in W.Bengal continues with govt. Support. Hundreds of left leaders and cadres have been murdered by the Trinamool goondas. BSNLEU fully supports and give solidarity to the struggles of the W.Bengal comrades to restore democracy and defeat the attacks on the left and democratic forces.
The General elections are only months ahead. Both the UPA and NDA governments had continued with the anti-workers policies. Corruption has been institutionalized by them. There has been no limit to the corruptions exposed like 2G scam, Coalgate scam, CWG, Adarsh, Augusta and many others. The ruling parties are selling the national wealth like water, coal, minerals, spectrum etc. to the corporates for paltry sums and get kickbacks out of the same. There should be zero tolerance against corruption.
BSNL is posting loss for the last 4 years due to the anti-PSU policy of the government, which is part of the neo-liberal polices being implemented both by the Congress and BJP during the last more than 20 years. Revival of BSNL and strengthening it for a better service to the nation is most important. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations, the umbrella organisation, has been making all out efforts in this respect. Many struggles have been organised and maximum pressures are being put on the government and management in this connection. At the same time, as workers, we have to ensure a better and cordial service to the customers.
The Casual and Contract workers engaged for years together in DOT/BSNL are inhumanly exploited. They are neither paid their due wages nor social security measures implemented for them. Regularisation of left out casual labours are pending. Casual/Contract workers are facing harsh victimisation and retrenchment for their trade union activities. It is our duty to get them justice and to ensure that they are part of the BSNL fraternity.
AIBDPA is the pensioners organisation formed at our initiative. Today’s workers are tomorrow’s pensioners. We have to take up their issues and also to strengthen the AIBDPA.
Most of the BSNL absorbed DOT employees will retire by 2020-25. It will only be new recruitees of BSNL who will be there for the service as also for running the union. We have to bring the new generation to the leadership now to enable them to take over at the appropriate time.
Next All India Conference of BSNLEU will be held by the end of this year. We have to ensure that maximum issues are settled and the organisation is strengthened.
I hope that these and other relevant issues will be discussed in the Rajkot CEC and important decision taken.
Once again My Greetings to all of you.
With Revolutionary Greetings,
Yours Comradely,
V.A.N.Namboodiri
President.

PS: Fortunately, Com. Namboodiri was able to reach Rajkot on the last day of the CEC and presided over the same on 9th February. He also addressed the Open Session organised in the afternoon of 9th itself.

Greetings to the CEC of BSNLEU

07 Friday Feb 2014

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The CEC Meeting of BSNLEU will be held at Rajkot on 7-9 February. Since Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU is attending the International Congress of the Pensioners and Retirees at Barcelona, he may not be able to attend the CEC this time. However, all efforts are being made to attend at least on the last date.
Com. Namboodiri sends his Greetings and Best Wishes for the success of the CEC. He conveys Revolutionary Greetings to all participants.
A detailed message has been sent to the CEC by the President.

BSNL-MTNL Merger

07 Friday Feb 2014

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It is reported that DOT has appointed a Committee to examine the Merger issue of BSNL and MTNL. Unions in BSNL and MTNL have been asked to intimate their opinions within 3 days.

This is a very complex issue and requires discussion by the unions internally and jointly by the unions and hence sufficient time is required.

The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations will be meeting immediately after Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, returns to Delhi after attending the International Conference of Pensioners and Retirees being held at Barcelona, Spain. In the meantime the CEC Meeting of the BSNLEU is taking place at Rajkot on 7-9 February.

Best Wishes Com S.C.Bhattacharjee!

31 Friday Jan 2014

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Com. S.C.Bhattacharjee, All India Treasurer and Circle Secretary Chhattisgarh of BSNLEU is retiring on superannuation on today, 31st January 2014. Joined in the P and T Department in February 1976, he has almost completed a meritorious service of about 38 years including both in DOT and BSNL.
His contributions to the All India Union as well as to the M.P. and Chhattisgarh Circle, as Circle secretary in the latter since its formation, are well known. He organised many struggles and led many struggles for the cause of the workers. He is loved by all for his simple life, friendship and progressive outlook.

Revolutionary Greetings and Best Wishes to Com.Bhattacharjee at the time of his retirement. This is a Reception to you for more activities in the days to come.

Com.P.Abhimanyu GS and Com. R.L.Moudgil AGS felicited

28 Tuesday Jan 2014

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A largely attended meeting at Chandigarh on 27th January 2014felicitated Coms. P.Abhimanyu GS and R.L.Moudgil AGS who have retired on superannuation from service on 31st December 2013.
The meeting was held at Bhakna Bhawan auditorium which was full with comrades who have come from all parts of Punjab.
The retired leaders were felicitated by garlanding and offering shawls and presents. Com. Balbir Singh, Circle secretary, BSNLEU, Punjab, welcomed all.
Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, Raghunath Singh, General secretary CITU Punjab, Swapan Chakraborty, Shri Julka, CGM Punjab and other leaders addressed. Coms. Abhimanyu and Moudgil thanked all for the grand felicitation.
Com.Balbir Singh, Circle Secretary BSNLEU Punjab and other leaders have organised the programme successfully.