In the meanwhile, the BRPSE recommended implementation of VRS in BSNL, reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58, merger of ITI with BSNL etc. The meeting of the JAC held on 29-03-2011 unanimously decided to organise countrywide demonstrations on 5th April 2011 against these retrograde recommendations. They were effectively organised through out the country.

The Convener, JAC, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri addressed a detailed letter to Communications Minister Shri Kapil Sibal on 12-04-2011 with regard to the absorption of ITS officers in BSNL. Another letter was written on the same day to the Lok Sabha Secretariat submitting our suggestions on the allocation and pricing of telecom licences and spectrum to the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) appointed for the purpose and seeking a meeting.

In the meantime, NFTE and FNTO stopped attending the Forum meetings. The reason seemed to be the misunderstanding arisen due to the hectic campaign in the Membership Verification held in December 2010.

“Customer Delight Month”, “Employees Awareness Week”

JAC meeting held on 29th March  2011 decided to observe May 2011 as “Customer Delight Month” to educate and propagate  among the workers the need to serve the customers in a far better way so that the services will be better and there will be good feeling amongst the customers. The financial viability of the company was going down and the services were also not up to the mark. Hence the programme of ” Customer Delight Month”. There was general consensus in the meeting that ‘government mindset’ should be changed and the work culture should be improved. It was also decided to give wide publicity to the decision. In the same way, an “Employees Awareness Week” to be  observed from 24-04-2011. All these programmes were effectively organised.

A meeting was held with the JAC by Shri Gopal Das, CMD BSNL, on 20-05-2011 on the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month” in which the JAC gave a number of valuable suggestions. On the basis of these suggestions, BSNL issued several instructions to the field offices for taking specific actions to improve the services.

The JAC had another round of discussions on 03-05-2011 with the newly appointed CMD Shri R.K.Upadhyaya on the suggestions for improvement of the services and the implementation of the Customer Delight Month. All the directors were also present.

The JAC  decided to organise JAC  meetings in circles which should be attended by the leaders of Forum / General Secretaries of the affiliated unions. These meetings were effectively held.

JAC strongly objected the action of the DOT arbitrarily taking over the important BSNL buildings in many places and handing over them to CCAs etc. Resolution was adopted on the subject and forwarded to the Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL.

Meeting with Secretary DOT on strike issues

A meeting of the JAC with the Secretary DOT Shri R.Chandrasekhar was held on 06-02-2011 with regard to the implementation of the agreement made on 2nd December 2010 at the time of the strike.

ITS Absorption – Court case.

The meeting of the JAC held on 8th April 2011 decided to file a court case on the ITS absorption issue. The case will be  filed jointly by BSNLEU, SNEA(I) and AIBSNLEA. This as done.

Proposals for a New Telecom Policy were submitted to the Communications Minister Kapil Sibal on 06-06-2011 as per the decisions of the JAC. (To be continued).

Parliament March on 15-11-2010

In preparation for the three days strike from 1st  December 2010, the Joint Action Committee organised a massive Parliament March on 15th November. Thousands and thousands of BSNL employees participated in the March which started from Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, the corporate office of BSNL. The March was stopped at the Parliament Street by the police, where a huge rally was held with the workers sitting in the street. Com.Basudev Acharya, M.P., who was always in support of the BSNL workers inaugurated the March. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC spoke in detail about the details of the demands of the workers and against the anti-worker decisions of the government and the necessity of making the 3 days strike a complete success. Com.P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU) G.L.Jogi (SNEA), Prahlad rai (AIBSNLEA), C.Singh (NFTE) and others addressed.

Strike Notice issued.

The Strike included the following demands: 1. Refund of Rs.18,500 crores to BSNL paid to govt towards 3G and BWA Spectrum charges. 2. 78.2% IDA merger for wage revision wef 01-01-2007. 3. Immediate settlement of ITS Group A absorption issue. 4.No disinvestment / IPO of BSNL. 5. No VRS  6. Procurement of adequate mobile equipments. 7. No unbundling of last mile copper cable 8. Implement government’s commitments on financial viability of BSNL given at the time of corporatisation by continuing exemption from Licence Fee, and continuation of ADC, USO Fund. 9. Effective and expeditious implementation of programmes and projects like ERP, NGN etc. Immediate fool proof measures for smooth change over to CDR. 10. Government departments and PSUs should be mandated to to take telecom services from BSNL / MTNL only. 11. Revision of Pension on IDA along with wage revision. Immediate revision of Pension revision of pre – 2007 BSNL retirees.

The Strike Notice was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), C.Singh (NFTE), Suresh Kumar (BSNL MS), N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), S.C.Gaur (BSNLOA), Anil Kumar (BSNL ATM), K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Raj Kishore (WRU), R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL). A circular with details of the demands were circulated.Wall posters were printed and circulated in large numbers. Parliament members raised questions in the Parliament on the various issues mentioned in the strike notice. Press releases were issued by JAC which were prominently focussed in the news papers.

Historic Strike – Magnificient Achievement.

The 3 days strike started on 1st December 2010. BSNL offices and exchanges in the country were closed without any body attending. It was a complete strike. The press gave good publicity. Sister  unions like Confederation, NFPE, AIIEA, BEFI and others expressed solidarity and support. BSNL workers going on strike to defend the company was well received by the public.

BSNL Management as well as the government did not expect such a full strike. The Secretary DOT called the unions for discussion on 2nd December, the second day of the strike. CMD BSNL was present. After the discussion with DOT a meeting was held with the BSNL management. Agreement was reached on the demands at about 21.30 hours on the same day.

The official minutes of the meeting and the agreement are given below: (BSNL No. BSNL/7-15/SR/2010 dated 02-12-2010). Representatives of BSNL Unions / Associations met with Secretary (Telecom), DOT today where CMD BSNL was also present. A follow up meeting with BSNL Management under the chairmanship of CMD, BSNL  Shri Gopal Das was also held at 15.00 hours on 2nd December 2010 in representatives of JAC as well as from the management were also present.

In the course of the meeting, the unions emphasised on the following issues: Procurement of GSM equipment. Benefit of 50% IDA merger in pay fixation.

The Management side clarified that action is under way for procurement of 5.5. million lines to meet the immediate demand  for North and East Zones. In addition, a proposal is also being considered to procure 15 million lines for the next year.

On the issue of benefit of 50% IDA Merger in pay fixation (effectively amounting to 78.2%) CMD BSNL informed that the case has been deliberated in the 130th meeting of the Board held on 25-08-2010 wherein the Board taking in to account all the pros and cons decided to defer the implement of the benefit of 50% IDA merger for pay fixation till the company’s financial position improves considerably and there is  visible signs of recovery. On further insistence by the JAC members, CMD requested the union leaders to provide fresh inputs on this issue which could be examined by the management before submitting the case to BSNL Board for its consideration. On the remaining issues, the position is given in Annexure – 1

With this , CMD BSNL again requested the JAC members to withdraw its ongoing strike, to which the JAC members agreed.

The main point of the agreement were as follows: 1. No disinvestment / IPO for the present. 2. No unbundling of last mile copper. 3. Pension Revision note will be resubmitted to Cabinet for decision immediately. 4. ITS Absorption issue – Cabinet Note circulated to related Ministries. 5. Adequate procurement of mobile equipment will be expedited. 6. 78.2% IDA fixation will again be discussed in BSNL Board. 7. Projects and Programmes of development will be taken up. 8. Commitment of financial viability will be taken up with the government.

The agreement was signed by all the General Secretaries and Convener JAC, who have given the strike notice. Thus the historic strike was called off after the second day. The BSNL workers were happy that the management and DOT was compelled to agree to most of the demands raised by the JAC. A circular was issued by the Convener JAC and General Secretaries congratulating the workers for the excellent strike and assuring that JAC will continue the struggle for implementation of the agreement.  (To be continued).

JAC Revives Agitational Programmes.

The Joint Action Committee which met on 9th June 2010 reviewed the latest developments including the assurances given by the Communications Minister, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL on the strike agreement on 20-04-2010. The meeting expressed its utter disappointment at the lethargic manner in which the issues were being dealt with. Instead of 93.3 million GSM tender, only 5.5 million tender was floated. BSNL was compelled to pay spectrum charges of Rs. 10,186 crore and BWA spectrum charges of Rs. 8,313 crore. This will take away almost all the cash reserve of BSNL. 78.2% IDA was not paid to staff, though that was part of the agreement. Revision of Pension for BSNL pensioners with effect from 01-01-2007 also was not settled. Under these circumstances, the JAC decided to revive the agitational programmes. Accordingly the following programmes were decided:
1. Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 14-06-2010
2. Dharan at C.O/Circle/SSA levels on 16-06-2010
These programmes were effectively implemented.

The JAC leaders met the Secretary DOT Shri P.J.Thomas on 18th June 2010 and discussed, but none of the issues was solved. JAC met the full BSNL Management Committee on 21-06-2010 and had detailed discussion. No results.

Under these circumstances, the Joint Action Committee met again on 21-06-2010 and decided to ensure that maximum efforts should be made to save BSNL. The following action programmes were decided:
1. Post Card campaign – All employees should send Post Card to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister with the following demands written on it:
Respected Sir,
Kindly ensure financial viability of BSNL by reimbursing 3G and BWA Spectrum charges of Rs. 18,500 crores paid by BSNL to enable it to implement the socio-economic commitment of the Central Government.
Yours Faithfully, Name, Designation, Signature.
These cards should be sent by all the employees by 5th July 2010, so that more than 3 lakh Post Cards will reach the Prime Minister.
2. A National Convention to be held at New Delhi on 21st July with massive participation of employees. The JAC decided to hold similar conventions in major cities also.
3. Meetings with Finance Minister, Communications Minister and Prime Minister to be sought for pressing our demands.
4. JAC should be formed at Circle, SSA and Branch levels immediately to organize the progammes effectively and successfully.
A detailed circular was issued by the JAC signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener), P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), (FNTO), (NFTE), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), Rana Pratap (BEA BSNL), R.S.Yadav((ATM), N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL) and Ram Kishun Ram (BTU BSNL)

Meeting with Communications Minister A.Raja on 24-06-2010 at Coimbatore

With a view to stop BSNL’s actual payment of Rs. 8,313 crore towards BWA Spectrum charges, the JAC leaders held an emergency meeting with Communications Minister A.Raja, who was attending the World Tamil Conference at Coimbatore on 24-06-2010. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA) and Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA) attended. The following issues were discussed.
1. Procurement 10 million mobile equipment
2. Reimbursement of Rs. 18,500 crore to BSNL which was the charges paid by it to Government for allotment of 3G and BWA Spectrum charges.
The meeting was cordial and the Minister agreed to favourably consider the same. (To be continued).

ITS Absorption, Anti-Disinvestment Agitation

The non-absorption of ITS Officers in BSNL is one of the major issues connected with the functioning of BSNL. As per the decision of the Joint Forum, demonstration and black badge wearing were organized on 24-02-2009 demanding immediate absorption of ITS officers in BSNL. This was followed by one day dharna on 17-03-2009. The strike call given for 25-03-2009 was deferred after discussion with CMD on 16-03-2009 in which the management assured to take necessary action for the absorption.
The joint Forum strongly protested against the government guide lines increasing the FDI in the telecom, Insurance, Defence sector etc.
Anti-Disinvestment / IPO agitation
During the period, the government was moving for disinvestment of BSNL through IPO route. The JF met on 8th June 2009 and decided to organize protest action against the same. A strong resolution against IPO/Disinvestment was adopted. An “Anti-Disinvestment Day” was organized on 22-07-2009 by holding rallies and sending telegrams by all the SSAs and Circles to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister. Tens of thousands of messages were sent. A meeting with the CMD was held on 16-07-2009 in which the absorption of ITS, opposition to IPO/disinvestment and other issues were discussed. (To be continued).

Meeting with CMD BSNL on 27-05-2008 on future of BSNL

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri Convener, JF along with representatives of 13 unions/associations in BSNL met CMD BSNL Kuldeep Goyal on 27-05-2008.
At the outset, the Convener expressed the JF’s grave concern over the undue delay in the supply of GSM equipment, due to which BSNL is unable to provide new connections and also the quality of services of BSNL is sharply coming down. Market share of BSNL has sharply declined from 47.69% to 24.74% from 31-03-2005 to 31-03-2008. Immediate purchase of GSM equipment is required.

CMD BSNL stated as follows: Total connections in the country are 310 million, out of which BSNL share is 76 million. BSNL share comes to 24%. 2.2 million landlines of BSNL were surrendered in the last financial year, which is 7.5% of its total landlines. BSNL has given 7.8 million mobile connections, 1 million WLL connections and more than 1 million Broadband connections in the last financial year. Out of the 3.8 million Broadband connections in the country 2 million are BSNL connections. Last year, BSNL has increased its market share In BB from 42% to more than 50%. As regards this year’s expansion of GSM lines, supply of equipment for 35 million lines has already started. Out of this North, West and East zones will get 10 million lines each and South zone will get 5 million. A new global tender is already floated to procure 93 million GSM lines. The tender bids will be opened on 15th July 2008. Out of this, North, West and South zones will get 25 million lines each and East zone will get 18 million. These 93 million lines will cater the requirement of BSNL for the next three years.

Surrender of Landlines

CMD BSNL also informed the JF leaders that 2.2 million landlines were surrendered in the last financial year, which comes to 7.5% of BSNL’s total landlines. He also pointed out that no landline is being surrendered in China which is having 10 times of connections that India has. Even in our country, in places like Kerala and Bangalore, no landline reduction is taking place. He further pointed out that in 45 SSAs, we have 1+ lakh capacity which should be utilized for our landline growth.

In response to the remarks of the CMD, the JF leaders made the following suggestions: 1. The tariff for our landline service should be revised. The present tariff of 3 minute per call can be revised to one minute per call. This will help to arrest the surrender to a great extent. For instance, the surrender of BSNL’s PCOs has been stopped with the change in tariffs, at par with the private companies. 2. The quality of our landline instruments is not good compared to the instruments of private operators. Hence, the present instruments should be replaced with good quality instruments. 3. The quality of our landline service is badly affected due to the damaging of our cables by the private operators. To tide over the problem, the CEO of the company which damages the cable should be sued against. 4. To boost up BSNL’s marketing, door to door canvassing should be done by BSNL employees. Such an aggressive marketing should be organized in every SSA by the local administration.
CMD BSNL appreciated the above proposals and assured that needful will be done. (To be continued).

Protest against abolition of ADC

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been continuously and arbitrarily reducing the Access Deficit Charge (ADC) which is the collection from the private telecom operators and to be given to BSNL for loss making connections in the villages as per the assurances of the government at the time of corporatization. Year after year the ADC was being reduced and the same was completely stopped from 01-04-2008 on the pressure from the private operators. This reduction was certain to seriously and adversely affect the financial viability of BSNL. Hence the Joint Forum strongly protested the TRAI decision and organized demonstration on 3rd April 2008 all over India, demanding restoration of ADC.

Merger of 50% IDA with pay – Lunch hour demonstrations

Even after the IDA crossed 50%, it was not merged with pay as required. As per the call of the Joint Forum, Lunch Hour demonstrations were held on 13-05-2008 at Circle, SSA levels and corporate office demanding immediate merger of IDA.

Meeting with Secretary DOT on 22-05-2008

The Joint Forum leaders met Secretary DOT Sidharth Behura on 22-05-2008 and discussed the following issues:
ITS Absorption: The delay in the absorption of ITS officers was pointed out by the JF leaders. Secretary DOT replied that the Cabinet Note on this issue has been returned with some queries. The matter will be seriously perused.
BSNL’s Pension Contribution (60% – 40% issue): DOT Secretary agreed with the Forum that such conditions are not necessary. He stated that a Cabinet Note on the same is approved by the minister and will be submitted to the cabinet.
Restoration of ADC: Secretary DOT stated that DOT is taking action for changing the guide lines of the USO Fund to give financial assistance to BSNL to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crore per annum, as has been recommended by the TRAI, in lieu of ADC.
Navaratna Status to BSNL: The JF leaders expressed their concerns on the extreme delay in awarding Navaratna status to BSNL. Secretary DOT stated that DPE has already recommended and the issue is waiting for the final decision of the apex body.
Allotment of 3G Spectrum to BSNL: Joint Forum demanded that BSNL should be allotted 3G Spectrum on priority basis as has already been stated by the Communications Minister. Secretary DOT stated that as per the assurance of the Minister, BSNL will be allotted with one slot in the 3G Spectrum.
Delay in 50% IDA Merger: The JF leaders drew the attention of the Secretary to the undue delay in issuing the orders on the IDA merger with pay by the BSNL even after the approval by DOT. Secretary DOT assured that he will speak to CMD BSNL. (To be continued)