The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced introduction of ‘One Employee – One EPF Account’ system from 1st May 2016. As per this, the various/ multiple EPF accounts of the same employee will be put in one account. The employee will thus be enabled to operate his accounts without checking / transferring the accounts on transfer etc. This will also help him operate these effectively and consolidate his EPF accounts.

May Day was observed with massive participation through out the world. The mighty rally held in Spain is shown below:

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA visited Sanchar Bhawan on 03-05-2016 to ascertain the progress regarding the 78.2% IDA merger issue. He wanted to meet the Secretary, DoT but was not available. How ever his PA told Com.Namboodiri that the covering letter for the cabinet note has been signed by the Secretary, DoT and the file sent to the Member (Finance) for further action. Com.Namboodiri asked him why should it be sent to Member (Finance) instead of the Establishment section. The PA replied as per procedure, the file has to be sent from where it is initiated. Thereafter Com.Namboodiri met Ms. Annie Moreas, Member (Finance) and discussed the issue who assured immediate action.

Now, Internal Finance has to sent the file to the Establishment section who in turn will forward it to the Cabinet Secretariat for final approval.

Utilising the opportunity of Com.VAN Namboodiri’s visit to Nagpur in connection with the membership verification in BSNL, the AIBDPA held at meeting at the BSNLEU office premises. Veteran leader Com. Dakhtod presided. Com. Namboodiri, Patron NCCPA and Advisor AIBDPA spoke about the issues of the pensioners like 78.2% IDA pension fixation, Restoration of Medical Allowance and other issues. He also spoke about the Strike proposed by the Central government employees against the retrograde recommendation of the VII Central Pay Commission. The doubts raised by the members were explained by Com. Namboodiri. Many comrades subscribed to the ‘Telepensioner’ on the spot.

Com. Namboodiri visited Com. B.P.Petkar, Secretary of AIBDPA and convener Co-ordinating Committee of Pensioners’ Associations at his residence. Com.Petkar is resting at home after heart operation and discussed association issues. We wish him early full recovery.

In all the Membership Verifications, except the first one in 2002, BSNL Employees Union got more than 50% of the polled votes and was number one union with recognition. Let us see how much BSNLEU got in each verification from second:

2nd Verification: 53.6 %, 3rd: 61.06%, 4th: 52.97%, 5th : 49.62%, 6th: 51.45%. This time, the expectation is between 55% to 58%.

NFTE never got more than 38% of the polled votes. Mostly it got around 35% only.

The Red Flag of BSNLEU fluttered far above than rival unions! This time also it will flutter in the same way!

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA, met Shri Samir Gupta, Dir(Estt.) today, 27th April 2016 and enquired about the latest position of the 78.2% IDA pension fixation issue of BSNL etirees. Dir(Estt.) stated that the files are almost ready and will be forwarded to Cabinet Secretary after signing by the Secretary DOT. It is expected by this or next week that the Cabinet Note will be forwarded to Cabinet Secretary.

Certain changes require to be made in the Recogntion Rules of non- executive unions after the present verification:
1. The % of votes to the unions should be calculated on the basis of polled votes and not on total number of voters as at present. In Parliament, Assembly elections, this is the system.
2. The issues on which there is no agreement in the council should be sent for arbitration.
3. The recognised union/unions should be allowed to nominate any employee to the Councils at all levels, since the recognised union/s represent all employees. This was the system till VI membership verification.
4. The leader and secretary of the councils should be democratically elected as was done before the VI membership verification.
These suggestions are based on time-tested practices and democratic processes.