The move to privatise the PSU, BEML,  is strongly opposed by workers. Massive protest demonstrations have taken place in Bengaluru, Palakkad, KGF etc.  where its factories are situated.

BEML has been  functioning well and has contributed much to govt. by way of dividend etc. The present move to privatise it is against the interest of the nation.

The Central Executive Committee meeting of the BSNLCCWF held at New Delhi on 19th April 2017 (with the participation of available members), has called upon the workers to organise May Day on 1st May 2017, by hoisting the red flag of the Federation and demanding the BSNL Management to urgently implement the increased wages for the casual and contract workers.

The wages of the Casual labour are to be paid at the rate of Rs. 18,000 per month as recommended by VII CPC and accepted by the government for the Group D employees. The contract workers are to be paid Rs. 350 to Rs. 693 per day ( different for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled and also for C class, B class and A class cities) as per the order dated 17-03-2017 issued by the Chief Labour Commissioner.  BSNLCCWF had already met the CLC and BSNL Management demanding early implementation.

Make maximum effort for making the May Day Programme a great success. Participate in the joint demonstration etc. with other trade unions.

8th April 2017 is the 160th year of martyrdom of Mangal Pandey, who fired the first shot at the British Officer, heralding the First War of Independence (Sepoy Mutiny). He was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry Regiment of the British East India Company, who shot at the british Officer on 29th arch 1857. He was only about 30 years old.

However he was caught and was executed by hanging on 8th April 1857 by the British officers. But within days the mutiny started and by weeks the entire north India, including Delhi, Meerut, Lucknow – all was under the control of the sepoys.

However, the difference of opinion among the princes/leaders of the mutiny, enhancement of British Army, the lack of uprising in Bengal, Punjab and South India, the changing of mind by the feudal lords and money lenders etc. that they will be more safe under British – all gave the British the upper hand and the ‘First War of Independence’ was crushed.  But within 90 years, the British had to go back and India got independence in 1947.

on this day, 8th April 2017, we remember and pay homage to the great martyr Mangal Pandey!

British effectively used the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy to continue its rule in India. After coming to India as traders, the British East India Company increased its influence to divide the kings/Nawabs/Princes and fight each other, supporting this side or that. It paid great dividends. Even in defeating the ‘First War of Independence – 1857’ or the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ as they called it, they managed to keep away the South, Punjab and Bengal from actively participating on the side of the Sepoys and kings. At a later stage they created differences between Hindus and Muslims and ensured India is divided in to India and Pakistan.

In recent UP elections, BJP got unprecedented success and has formed the government. As is well understood, it played the ‘religious and division card’ effectively. The success in UP will make it to think about the same in other states also. Statements of many of the top leaders of Sangh Parivar have already created serious disturbances. Dividing the society on religions and caste lines will seriously disturb the secular fabric of the country and create tension.

Isolate such forces creating disunity and religious conflicts.