Category Archives: Forum

BSNL Management states adequate equipment are supplied

08 Monday Jun 2015

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BSNL Management has issued a circular noting the equipment, like cable, drop wire, modem etc. supplied to the circles, which shows at least some equipment are available. But the report from the workers in many centres is that sufficient equipment are not available. This seems to be contradictory.

It is the immediate task of the leaders of the unions/associations and also Forum to find out the veracity of the statement by BSNL Management that equipment are available in all the circles. Circle Secretaries can immediately meet the CGM and find out in which SSAs these have been allotted and supplied.

Today, 8th June 2015, the one month programme to Save BSNL has been started by the BSNL employees as per the call of the Forum. It is necessary that the workers should be able to show much improvement in this period. The co-ordination between the Management and the employees will increase the effectiveness of the programme.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 4 )

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL

A meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was held on 14-03-2005 at the office of the Staff Side, National Council, BSNL. The participants reviewed the meeting with the Prime Minister. It was decided to submit a Memorandum to the CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL after organizing demonstrations/rallies at All India/Circle/SSA. The same memorandum will be submitted at Circle/SSA levels also. The memorandum should include the issues of FDI, ADC, USOF, Outsourcing, BSNL/MTNL Merger, Absorption of ITS /Group A Officers, ILD, Cellular, Unbundling and Broad band.

The Memorandum was submitted by the Joint Forum leaders both to the CMD of BSNL and MTNL on 19-04-2005 demanding immediate steps for development and expansion of services as also on certain demands of the workers like pension. It was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener & GS,BSNLEU, O.P.Gupta, GS, NFTE, S.Basu, GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi, GS SNEA, K.Vallinyagam, GS FNTO, V.Naryana, GS BSNLMS, V.K.Tomar, GSMTNLEA, V.Subburaman, GS TEPU, Raj Kishore, GS BSNLWRU, Devender Singh, GS, MTNLOA, Vrijesh Upadhyaya, GS MTNLMS, K.M.Pillai, GS MTNLSWU and Umesh Tyagi MTNLKVS. The Unions/Associations in MTNL met the CMD MTNL and Unions/Associations of BSNL met the CMD BSNL and discussed the issues of the concerned PSUs. A meeting was also held with the Secretary DOT Shri Nripendra Mishra,  on 11-02-2005 and discussed the BSNL and connected issues.

Joint Rallies by the Joint Forum of Unions/Associations

On the common issues of BSNL and MTNL, two large rallies were held during this period by the executive and non-executive unions/associations.

Government Pension for BSNL retirees  – DOT Letter dated 15-03-2005

Shri Nripendra Misra, then Secretary, DOT, issued a D.O.letter to Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL vide D.O.No 1-45/2003-B dated 15 March 2005 on the status of the pension contribution to be paid by BSNL to the government. This letter assured that in respect of employees who were on deemed deputation to BSNL, as also those absorbed in BSNL, the pension liability will be met by the Government of India. BSNL on their part will pay pension contribution in respect of absorbed employees till their retirement and also those of on deemed deputation. The Finance and Accounts Wing would work out the modality for payment by BSNL towards pension. BSNL will be liable to pay pension contribution in accordance with FR 116 for the period they have worked in BSNL and contribution will be on the basis of the above decision. Thus the assurance on pension by Government to BSNL absorbed was reiterated.

Memorandum to the CMD BSNL on 19-04-2005

As per the decision of the Joint Forum, a Memorandum was submitted to the CMD BSNL on the various issues with regard to the development and expansion of BSNL. The memorandum was received by Shri S.K.Jain Director (HRD) since Shri A.K.Sinha,CMD BSNL was away from Delhi. Demonstrations were held in circles/SSAs and memorandum submitted to the CGMs / SSA Heads.

In the meantime, a detailed reply from Dr. J.S.Sharma, Secretary, DOT, dated 28th September 2005, was received with regard to the discussion   with the Prime Minister.  The main decision was that the PM assured that the recommendations of the TRAI for unbundling of the BSNL’s copper wire is not accepted. Other assurances were also given.

At the same time, the government and the management was moving for implementation of the various decisions they have taken against BSNL to check its advancement so that the private sector can get much benefit. It was reported in the press that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs have approved disinvestment of six profit making Non-Navaratna PSUs, including BSNL. It was also reported that the government has decided for sharing of infrastructure of BSNL with private telecom operators in rural areas. It was clear that these are pre-meditated attacks for privatization of BSNL. Despite a waiting list of 13 lakhs for mobile connection, BSNL failed to provide the same. The Non-absorption of ITS officers in BSNL was another reason for the non-development and expansion. Though eligible, BSNL was not granted Navaratna status. The status would have resulted in more autonomy for the company for purchase of equipment etc.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 2 )

05 Friday Jun 2015

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Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL  (2004 – 2015)

The BSNL employees as per the call of  the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives have gone on a complete Two Days Strike on 21-22 April 2015 demanding Revival of BSNL and for strengthening BSNL and for providing a better service to the customers. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives (earlier called the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations) has been continuously taking up the issues connected with the growth of BSNL and major issues facing BSNL workers and had organised several struggles including Strikes. It will only be appropriate at this stage to go to the background how the unions/associations in BSNL came together to fight for BSNL and defended BSNL.

Formation of BSNL on 01-10-2000

The employees in the Department of Telecom were completely against corporatisation of telecom services.  Despite sustained struggles/strikes by employees , the government ordered corporatization and formed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on 01-10-2000, with the assurance of government pension to the BSNL absorbed employees from the consolidated fund of India, Regularization of left out casual labour / TSM, Adequate financial assistance to BSNL etc.

Formation of Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions and Associations.

Within a short time, it became clear that corporatisation of BSNL was the first step towards its privatisation. The government wanted retrenchment of workers through Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), disinvestment, unbundling of copper cables etc. in preparation to privatization. BSNL was not being allowed to procure the required equipment for providing a better service and expansion of services.

A joint effort by all the unions and associations was required to fight against these attacks on BSNL. As soon as BSNL Employees Union got recognition in 2004 after the Second Membership Verification, it took the initiative to form a co-ordination committee of all unions/associations in BSNL and MTNL. Accordingly the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was formed in 2004 with Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union, as Convener. Thus started the process of   a joint union movement and struggles in BSNL.

Massive March to the Communications Minister and Rally against Reduction of ADC on 21st December 2004.

The recommendation of the TRAI to reduce the Access Deficit Charge (ADC) to be collected from the private operators and paid to BSNL was  clearly to favour the private companies. The Joint Forum BSNL/MTNL strongly opposed the move and  organized a huge March to the Communications Minister’s office on 21st December 2004. More than 2,500 workers participated. From the BSNL Corporate Office alone, about 250 workers participated. The March was blocked by the police on the Parliament Street, where a rally was held. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), V.K.Tomar(MTNLEA), K.M.Pillai(MTNLSWU) and other leaders addressed. A Memorandum on the demands was presented to the Prime Minister, not to reduce the ADC and to transfer the TRAI Chairman, Pradeep Baijal, who was openly favouring the private operators and trying to destabilize BSNL and MTNL. The Joint Forum leaders met CMD BSNL, Shri A.K.Sinha and other Directors and urged to pressurize DOT and Government to withdraw from the move  to reduce ADC.

Forum decides for massive campaign and hard work to increase landlines.

25 Monday May 2015

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The meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations held today has decided to organise massive campaign to increase the landlines of BSNL utilising the new scheme announced by BSNL providing free calls from 09.00 PM to 07.00 AM. It has requested the BSNL Management and all employees to unitedly and aggressively make all out efforts for increasing the connections and improvement of the services.

The details will be published in the websites of BSNLEU and unions/associations.

Book on “Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL” released

25 Monday May 2015

Posted by in BSNL News, Forum, PSU, SAVE BSNL CAMPAIGN, Telecom

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The book ” Struggles by workers to defend and Save BSNL”, on the sustained struggle by the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives from 2004 to 2015, written by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Founder Convener of JF/JAC/Forum was released today, 25th May 2015, by Com. C.Singh, President of Forum by handing over the same to Com.P.Abhimanyu, Convener Forum.

It details the continuous struggles waged under the Forum for the last 11 years, including 5 successful strikes, 5 parliament Marches, three All India Conventions, discussions with the Prime Minister, Communication Minister, Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL etc. The united strength of the BSNL Employees could stop disinvestment of BSNL. VRS in BSNL, unbundling etc. Its effort to improve the services is also mentioned. It is the fighting history of the BSNL workers for the last 11 years.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri was appreciated by the meeting of the Forum held today for preparing and publishing the book, which is part of history of the BSNL and its workers. The book is priced at Rs.50/- and will be dispatched on requisition.

DOT should immediately pay USO Fund and reimbursement of Charges for spectrum surrendered

24 Sunday May 2015

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BSNL is in financial difficulty to purchase equipment for providing new connections, for which requests are coming in large numbers all over the country after the scheme for free night calls has been announced by BSNL. But the connections could not be given due to shortage of equipment like cable, drop wires etc.

It is the time for the government to assist BSNL. The refund of spectrum charges for the spectrum surrendered coming to more than Rs. 4,700 crores ( it is stated by the DOT that Rs.2000 crore out of Rs. 6,700 crores have been adjusted in the licence fee to be paid by BSNL) should be paid to BSNL without any adjustment. In the same way Rs. 1,250 crore allotted  from USO Fund for 2012-13 should also be immediately paid so that BSNL can buy necessary equipment. Any adjustment can be made later, but not now, when BSNL is in urgent requirement of funds.

The Communications Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Government are continuously declaring that BSNL will not be allowed to die and that it will be strengthened. This is the time  for the same.

The Forum of BSNL unions/associations should unitedly make the government to pay the above dues immediately, which the DOT has agreed to pay in the strike discussions on 1st May 2015.

Local struggles for development, expansion and improvement of BSNL services

24 Sunday May 2015

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Many comrades spoke to me and wrote stating that the recent schemes of the BSNL, like free calls in the night from BSNL land lines, have resulted in a good flow of applications for new land line connections. However, BSNL is not equipped to provide these connections due to shortage of cables, telephone equipment, drop wire etc. They told that a great opportunity is being missed. BSNL employees have no other way but to apologise to the applicants, stating that there are no equipment.

How to improve the situation? The BSNL Management at all levels should be approached for providing equipment immediately.

In case, the equipment ate not made available by the management as required, the workers can not sit idle and accept the same saying it is the fate. The workers and their unions/associations have to act and act immediately.

What is to be done? Give wide publicity among the people through Press Release, pamphlet etc. that the connections are unable to be given due to shortage of equipment and the management is not providing the same even after request. Meet / address to the MLA, MP, Municipal Corporation / Panchayat, NGOs, prominent citizens, Central trade unions, other service organisations and make the same a very big issue. Utilise every opportunity to focus the issue among the people. This will certainly create a situation  where the management will be compelled to act.  This is a method successfully utilised against victimisation and other issues in Kerala Circle earlier. This will get support from the people and will also raise the status of the workers amongst the public and customers.

Start from today. The result will come tomorrow!

Total Broadband connections reach 100 millions – BSNL at third place

23 Saturday May 2015

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The TRAI has released the statistics of the broad band connections as on 31st March 2015. According to the same the broadband connections in India  have crossed 99.20 million. BSNL which was in the first position in broadband for a very long period has now been relegated to the third place with 18.88 million connections. The top five positions in broadband are given below:

1) Bharti Airtel – 22.01 million 2) Vodafone – 19.37 million 3) BSNL – 18.88 million 4) Idea Cellular – 14.52 million 5) Reliance Communications – 7.94 million.

There are many applications pending for broadband connections with BSNL in almost all cities. Why BSNL is not able to give these connections? Forum leaders at field level should take up the issue urgently with the management. If it is due to lack of equipment, the BSNL management should be pressurized to purchase them immediately. Bring these problems to the notice of the All India Unions. We can not allow BSNL position going down and down.

Contempt case at Hon Delhi High Court on ITS deputation

21 Thursday May 2015

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Contempt case at Hon Delhi High Court on ITS deputation:

The case was listed for hearing today. In the contempt matter, DoT submitted an undertaking to the Hon Court to correct its earlier order and implementing the judgment in a phased manner. Full details of the submission will be received by evening from our lawyer. We opposed the proposal and informed the Hon court that the rights of the absorbed officers and employees are affected due to the continuation of the unabsorbed officers in BSNL. The Hon HC judgment has to be implemented in letter and spirit. Hon HC posted the matter to 31.07.2015, after the vaccation giving another opportunity to the Govt to comply with the original order. (Courtesy: SNEA Website)

 

 

Cabinet Note on 78.2% being finalised

21 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, Forum

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The discussion of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations in connection with the two days strike with the Secretary, DOT with all the Members and top level officers of DOT on 1st May 2015 had its effect. As assured by the Secretary, DOT, the file has started moving. The note prepared by Estt. is approved by the Finance and the final Cabinet note is being prepared. It may take a few days. The it will be sent to the other connected departments  viz. Finance (Expenditure), Law, DPE, and pension. Once their approvals are received the file will go the Minister and then to the Cabinet.

AIBDPA and Forum are trying their best to speed up the matter so that the pensioners will get the 78.2% IDA pension fixation at the earliest.