It seems that the NDA / BJP government at the centre and in the states are in competition to construct huge statues. The 182 metre high Statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel was inaugurated by the Prime Minister a few days back. Now Chief Minister, U.P. Yogi Adityanath has declared that he will construct a statue of Ram with 151 metres high. Many leaders may be thinking of constructing their own statues! (Mayavati and some others have done it earlier).

When the country is facing grim financial crisis and the prices are rising almost every day furthering the misery of the people, this huge amounts for construction of statues should have been used for the benefit of the people. Of course nobody will be against honouring the leaders of the country, but such huge expenditure can not be borne by the country.
It is also to be noted that when Kerala has faced unprecedented floods,landslides etc and has suffered a loss of more than Rs. 40,000 crores, the central government has only given help of Rs. 600 crore only.

Though BSNL (absorbed from DOT) retirees are eligible for pension revision w.e.f. 01-01-2017, no orders have been issued so far. The III Pay Revision Committee has already submitted its report with 15% fitment, although with certain conditions like affordability clause. The pension is being paid by government and the government is taking pension contribution from the BSNL (for the maximum of the pay scale instead of the actual pay) which is much higher. Hence, there should be no delay in the pension revision. The BSNL employees are on struggle to get wage revision which is their due, waiving the unnecessary and unwanted conditions.

AIBDPA is on continuous struggle for getting the pension revision. Well attended dharna has been organised and thousands of Post Cards with the demand have reached the DOT from the AIBDPA members. We demand that the DOT / Government take immediate decision and pay the pension revision to the pensioners on the basis of 15% fitment as recommended by the III PRC on IDA scales.

The pollution in Delhi reached its highest at 397 in the season on Tuesday as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Seventeen areas of the national capital recorded severe air quality, the data said.A thick haze due to smog continued to hover over the national capital, authorities said.

There are already reports about closing of the schools as also prohibiting private cars on the road. Morning walks are unhealthy, people have been advised.

This is a man made crisis. The central as well as the State government have to take immediate steps to change the situation for better.

In almost all important centres, throughout the country, well attended Press Conferences were organised by the All Unions and Associations of BSNL, explaining its decision to go on agitational path on the important demands raised it long back and on which the Communications Minister has assured favourable consideration, but did not implement. The details given by the AUAB was heard by the Press with importance. It is expected that wide publicity will be given to the same in tomorrows news.

Massive Dharna will be organised by AUAB on 30th October on the same demands.

The government has given aerodrome licence for the opening of Kannur Airport. This is the final approval. The Kannur Airport is becoming a reality after a long wait. Congratulations !

BSNLCCWF has been continuously demanding for implementation of gratuity to the casual and contract labours. This was raised in the Parliament Standing Committee on Labour. The matter was discussed with the Chief Labour Commissioner also. The CLC asked the management representatives why it is not implemented and stated that as per rules gratuity is to be paid.

It is understood now that BSNL Board today has approved gratuity for casual labours. Already much delay has happened. The management should issue orders early.

In a landmark judgment, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had ordered US to lift its sanctions on Iran on humanitarian grounds. US had imposed the sanctions on Iran in May this year without any justification.

But whether US will implement or ignore is as in the past?

The central Cabinet has approved redevelopment of a large number of railway stations by leasing out the same for 99 years to private players. The Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation( IRSDC) will be the nodal agency.

This is part of the move to privatise Railways step by step. There is very chance that, as in the case of privatisation of airports, all the prices of services in the Railway stations will increase. The central govt. continues its gift to corporates one after another. It has to be protested and defeated.