GHS AND BSNL PENSIONERS.

Central Government Health Scheme ( CGHS ) was introduced by the Central Government with an aim to extend quality and hassle free medical facilities to the Central Government Employees and Central Government Pensioners. Unfortunately, based on the health policy being pursued by the Central Government, privatisation of health sector, there has been no significant progress in the functioning of CGHS, considering the vast number of CGHS beneficiaries spread over every part of the country.

Though BSNL was formed in 2000, initially BSNL absorbed retirees were not allowed to become CGHS members. It is also a fact that BSNL retirees were not that much eager to switch over to CGHS as the BSNL MRS was considered to be better. However, some of the BSNL retirees of metro cities raised a demand of switching over to CGHS and Pensioners Organisations, including AIBDPA took up the issue with Department of Telecommunications and the government. We argued that BSNL absorbed pensioners are drawing their pension from civil estimates of the Central Government as in the case of central government pensioners and hence they are also eligible for CGHS. After much pressure and Struggles the government agreed to the demand and orders in this regard was issued in 2016

.Still most of the BSNL absorbed pensioners preferred to continue in BSNL MRS for obvious reasons. However, there has been a change among the pensioners, when their medical benefits remaining unpaid for years together and the BSNL administration persuading the retirees to switch over to CGHS.CGHS has its advantages and disadvantages as well. The CGHS card holder is entitled to get outdoor treatment from any Wellness Centre of CGHS and cashless indoor treatment from any empanelled hospital in the country. BSNL absorbed pensioners with CGHS card and residing at CGHS uncovered area have also the option to avail monthly medical allowance of Rs.1000 in lieu of outdoor treatment.

A good number of BSNL absorbed pensioners have already switched over to CGHS. But the hesitation among the vast number of BSNL absorbed pensioners is due to the following disadvantages. (1) CGHS Wellness Centers are available in a limited number of cities in the country and the government is least interested in widening the functioning of CGHS. (2) There are no adequate number of doctors and para medical staff in many Wellness Centers and the pensioners have to wait hours to avail the services.(3) There are no sufficient number of empanelled hospitals under CGHS. For example, it is reported that there is not a single empanelled hospital in Mumbai. It is mainly due to the delay in payment of hospital dues by the government and the lower CGHS rates

.Further many of the absorbed BSNL pensioners find it unaffordable to pay one-time life membership to CGHS. AIBDPA had asked the BSNL management to pay the one-time membership amount of the willing retirees directly to CGHS. Though BSNL management was positive in this regard, may be due to some technical snag, this has not been implemented. Instead, the BSNL management has agreed to reimburse the amount paid to CGHS within one month.

In these circumstances, as an organisation, we can’t compel any pensioner to switch over to CGHS. On the other hand they may take a decision based on their medical requirements and the factors clarified here.

The Central Government is ought to provide better medical facilities to its employees and pensioners. First of all, the government should have a comprehensive scheme to identify the short comings and to take effective steps to resolve. Wellness centes have to be started in all the districts, regular doctors and para medical staff are to be posted and all medicines procured for OP treatment, prominent and speciality hospitals are to be empanelled, to attract such hospitals, the government should ensure periodical revision of CGHS rates and prompt payment of the hospital dues. After all, the government is not extending CGHS services free of cost to the Central Government Employees and pensioners. Huge amounts are being collected as subscription from the beneficiaries and therefore they are entitled to get quality and hassle free medical facilities.

Government should also implement the positive court judgments without limiting these to the particular individuals.We shall definitely continue our fight for allotment of sufficient funds for clearing the pending medical benefits. So also we are committed to fight for the improvement in the functioning of CGHS, particularly in the wake of the recommendations of the 110th Parliamentary Standing Committee.

 

As regards military expenditure, the USA takes first place (US $
732 billion), followed by China ($ 261 billion), India ($ 71.1 billion),
Russia ($ 65.1 billion), Saudi Arabia ($ 61.9 billion), France ($ 50.1
billion), Germany ($ 49.3 billion), UK ($ 48.7 billion), Japan ($ 47.6 billion), and South Korea ($ 43.9 billion). In 2019, total military spending of all 29 NATO member states was $ 1,035 trillion. ( WFTU Report)

NCCPA DEMANDS DAY ON 05-04-2022.

National Coordination Committee of Pensioners Associations had given a call to observe 5th April,2022 as Demands Day focussing only one demand, implementation of 110th Parliamentary Standing Committee Recommendations. The call was to organise demonstration at all levels and to send email to the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions for implementation of Parliamentary Committee recommendations on the following pensioners issues.

1. Grant of additional pension on attainment of 65 years.

2. Increase Fixed Monthly Medical Allowance to Rs.3000.

3. Starting of Wellness Centers at all the Districts.

4. Full reimbursement of the treatment at Non- empanelled hospitals.

5. Include Pensioners in CS (MA) Rules.

The program of agitation was a stupendous success in all parts of the country and AIBDPA salute and congratulate all the Pensioners for their massive participation.

CABINET APPROVES RELEASE OF AN ADDITIONAL INSTALMENT OF DEARNESS ALLOWANCE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND DEARNESS RELIEF TO PENSIONERS, DUE FROM 01.01.2022

Posted On: 30 MAR 2022 2:26PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2022 representing an increase of 3% over the existing rate of 31% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.

This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7^th Central Pay Commission.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs.9,544.50 crore per annum. This will benefit about 47.68 lakh Central Government employees and 68.62 lakh pensioners.

The two days General Strike on 28-29 March, 2022 called by the Central Trade Unions and Independent Federations has created a new history of the struggles in India. 25 crore workers are participating in the strike with enthusiasm, spirit, vigour and determination reflecting the protest and anger against the anti-people policies of the Modi government which has proved to be the government of the corporate, for the corporate and by the corporate.

All the sections of the workers, central government and state government employees, public sector, port, airports ,bank, insurance, transport, airlines, defense production, coal mines, steel, electricity, postal, BSNL, income tax, audit and accounts, asha and anganawadi workers, loading and unloading, construction , handloom, coir, rubber, fishing etc actively participated. The peasantry under the leadership of Samyukta Kisan Morcha has organised complete hartal in the villages in support of the strike.

In BSNL also the Strike is almost complete as the major unions, BSNLEU, NFTE and FNTO have joined the strike. AIBDPA comrades are also in the forefront in support of the strike and participated actively in the demonstrations organised by the striking unions. Earlier country wide Solidarity Dharna called the NCCPA was organised on 25-03-2022 in support of the strike. CHQ salute all the workers for their massive participation in the historic strike and congratulate AIBDPA comrades for the support and solidarity extended to the General Strike.

800 ഓളം വരുന്ന ജീവൻ രക്ഷാ മരുന്നുകൾക്ക് 10 ശതമാനത്തിലേറെ വില വർധിപ്പിച്ച കേന്ദ്രസർക്കാരിന്റെ നടപടിയിൽ സീനിയർ സിറ്റിസൺസ് ഫ്രണ്ട്‌സ് വെൽഫയർ അസോസിയേഷൻ ശക്തിയായി പ്രതിഷേധിക്കുന്നു. ഈ തീരുമാനം ഏറ്റവും പ്രതികൂലമായി ബാധിക്കുന്നത് പ്രായമായവരെയാണ്.വയോജനങ്ങൾക്കു നിലവിലുണ്ടായിരുന്ന റെയിൽവേ ടിക്കറ്റ് ഇളവുകൾ പിൻവലിച്ചതിന്നു പുറമേ, മറ്റൊരു കടുത്ത പ്രഹരം കൂടി ഏല്പിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ്. അടിയന്തിരമായും മരുന്നുകളുടെ വില വർദ്ധന പിൻവലിക്കണമെന്ന് എസ് സി എഫ് ഡബ്ല്യൂ എ ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്നു.

BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION – TWO DECADES OF HEROIC STRUGGLES.

(The 10^th All India Conference of BSNL Employees Union is scheduled to be held at Guwahati from 2^nd to 4^th April 2022. The period since its formation in 2001 has been full of struggles.  Strikes and Parliament Marches organised by BSNLEU /Joint Forum/ AUAB / Central TUs etc since formation are given below. As per decision of the BSNLEU,  BSNL employees participated in all the strikes called by Central TUs)

25-07-2001- One Day Strike against anti-worker policy of govt. called by Confederation.

• – Parliament March called by Central TUs

16-04-2002 – One day Strike called by the Central Trade Unions.

19-08-2002 -Notice for Indefinite Strike by BSNLEU wef from 19-08-2002 for orders on Wage Revision Ageement. Withdrawn as orders issued on 07-08-2002.

28-11-2002 – Parliament March and 2 crore signtures submitted to Parliament against Privatisation by BSNLEU

26-02-2003 – Parliament March called by Central TUs.

21-05-2003 – One Day Strike called by Central TUs against anti-worker policy.

21-12-2004 – Massive Parliament Rally at Delhi – Memorandum to Prime Minister

05-01-2004 – One Day Strike. Withdrawn after settlement of Demands

24-02-2004 – One Day General Strike as per call of Central TUs.

29-09-2005  –  General Strike as per call of Central TUs.

03-08-2006  –  March to Parliament by Joint Forum

11-07-2007  – One Day Strike by BSNL employees

26-02-2008 – Joint Forum – Strike withdrawn after settlement

26-03-2008 – One Hour Strike by BSNLEU

07-05-2008 –  CPSTU Strike. Deferred after settlement

20-08-2008 – General Strike called by Central TUs

11-12-2008 – Strike by Joint Forum – Deferred after assurances

18-02-2009 – Parliament March caled by Sponsoring Committee of TUs

19- 05-2009 – Two days Strike withdrawn after assurances.

 19/20-8-2009 – 2 days Strike on BSNL issues.

20-04-2010 – Indefinite Strike on BSNL issues. Withdrawn after two days.

07-09-2010 – General Strike called by Central Trade Unions

15-09-2010 –  March to Parliament by JAC of BSNL Unions

1-2-12-2010 – Two Days Strike by BSNL Emloyees

15-02-2011 – Strike by BSNL Employees

23-02-2011 – Workers March to Parliament called by Central TUs

28-02-2012 – General Strike called by Central TUs.

16-11-2012 –  One Day Strike demanding arrest of Adesh Kumar GM GZ for murder of DS GZ

22-11-2012 – Parliament March by JF for absorption of ITS

12-12-2013 – Parliament March called by CTUs

27-11-2014 – One Day Strike by Joint Action Committee

25-02-2015 – March to Parliament by BSNL employees for revival of BSNL

21,22 -04-2015 – Two Days Strike for Revival of BSNL

02-09-2015 – General Strike called by CTUs

02-09-2016 – General Strike called by CTUs

27-07-2017 – Strike by BSNL employees

12/13-12-2017 – Two day Strike by BSNL Employees

23-02-2018 – March to Parliament by   AUAB BSNL

18/20-02-2019 – Three Days Strike by BSNL Employees called by AUAB

05-04-2019 – Sanchar Bhawan March by AUAB

08-01-2020 – General Strike by Central TUs

26-11-2020 – General Strike called by Central TUs

28/29-3-2022 – BSNLEU workers will participate in the strike called by CTUs.

( In addition to these, Dharnas, Demonstrations, National Conventions, March to CGM/GM Offices etc. were organised several times to focus the demands and for settlement. In fact the entire period of 21 years after formation of BSNL Employees Union have been full of sustained struggles to achieve demands of the workers. BSNLEU ensured that each and every strike called by the Central Trade Unions are successfully organised in BSNL).                                                    

Remembering Com.E.M.S.Namboodiripad on his 24^th Death Anniversary !

Comrade E.M.S.Namboodiripad, internationally known Marxist Philospher,Former General Secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Former Chief Minister of Kerala, author of many books, passed away on 19^th March 1998, after an eventful revolutionary life.  Though born in an aristocratic rich land lord family, he left all these and plunged in to the Independence struggle while he was in college. Jailed mny times. Later became Socialist and then Communist. One of the founders of the CPI(M) in 1964 and PB member till his death. General Secretary of CPI(M) in its crucial times. Lived an austere and simple life. His write ups and articles have been published in 100 big volumes after his death by the Party. Fortunate to have been able to meet him several times and get his guidance and advices. Giving below a few instances of my meeting with him which I always cherish and keep in my memory with reverence. Red Salute to Com.E.M.S.Namboodiripad !

While proceeding to P &T House, Trivandrum  one day in 1978, after taking breakfast from Trivandrum Hotel, a car stopped near me. Com.E.M.S.Namboodiripad, former Kerala Chief Minister and PBM CPI(M), who was in the car asked me: “I am seeing you here for the last few days. What is the matter?” I told him about my shifting to Trivandrum, after being elected as Circle Secretary of the union (NFPTE). “Come to my house next Sunday” he said. Went to his house in Santhi Nagar Colony near exchange next Sunday. EMS was reading, sitting in his easy chair. He smiled asked about my stay at Trivandrum, told me to go inside. Spoke with Com.Aniyan, son of EMS, had tea and returned. I went a few times more and almost the same routine.

When Com.EMS was staying at Delhi as General Secretary of CPI(M), used to meet him at 14, Windsor Place, CC office, whenever I went to Delhi for Committee meetings, Conventions etc. He will ask why I had come to Delhi, enquire about my eldest brother, V.A.KesavanNamboodiri, Professor, Devagiri College Calicut and then return to his work. Not a single moment will be wasted by him. Once he entrusted me with a cassette to be handed over to the party leaders at Trivandrum, which was his speech to be delivered in election meetings, as he was unable to attend personally, as agreed upon earlier.

Once on our request, EMS agreed to address a meeting of NFPTE at Mangalore. He came by train from Trivandrum to Calicut in the early morning. He was accommodated in Railway Rest Room in the upper storey. All available morning papers were purchased and given. While watching him reading all of them quickly, a doubt rose in my mind. How is he managing this? Days later, the idea struck me. It might be that he has trained himself to grasp the important and required portion at a glance, just as we look at a photo and grasp the details. May be right, may be wrong. But there was some extra-ordinary capacity in him that allowed him to read lot of books and materials and remember them all and quote when necessary. It also came to my mind how Adi Shankara is reported to have dictated verses to four disciples at the same time one after another on four different matters. Remembered what Com.M.P.Veerendra Kumar, M.P. jokingly told me once: ‘Com.EMS is a human computer’.

Usually, food was being arranged from Kidson Tourist Home. But when tea was brought, owner of the Non- Vegetarian Restaurant requested that he may be allowed to arrange the breakfast for him. Agreed and reminded that no salt and oil, as advised by doctor. Within no time he came back with ordered items. While taking breakfast EMS told that a little bit of salt and oil are there. With a smile, he said that the restaurant owner might have thought that how a person can take food without salt.

After some time, we started for Mangalore by train. He was in First class. Myself, in ordinary compartment. When getting down at Mangalore, he entrusted me a cover addressed to Chintha Weekly for posting. It was his weekly article for Chintha, written in the train. Large number of P & T workers was present in the meeting held in Post Office, Mangalore. Inaugural speech was very educative as usual. There was a photo of BabuTarapada Mukherjee on the wall. On his asking, we told that it is the photo of the founder leader of Postal Union. ‘Good. You display union leaders’ photo in Post Offices?’

Once Com. EMS was addressing a largely attended public meeting at Mudalakkulam Maidan, Calicut. All of a sudden, large number of lathi – wielding police in mufti from the nearby police colony came rushing and started beating people. There seemed to be some local trouble earlier. A few police men were climbing to the stage also. There was complete pandemonium. I was sitting in the maidan with another comrade. We just ran to road when police came running to beat us. Advocate P.K.Kunhirama Poduval stopped his car near me and said in agitation that EMS is not seen. He had gone to the stage to take him to his room in Rest House, but he was not there. People were fully crowded on the road. Then he told, let us go to the Rest House, W.Hill, where EMS was staying. When we reached there, EMS was sitting alone in the room.For the first time, I saw him much agitated and probably angry. We came to know that one comrade has immediately taken EMS in his car and brought to Rest House and saved him.

All India Conference of E.III Union (NFPTE) was held at Trivandrum from 9th to 13th April 1994. Com.E.M.S.Namboodirpad, while inaugurating the conference made an important point. He stated that both the workers, who do physical work as well as mental work, are workers and joint effort is required to improve the industry as well as to achieve their demands. It can be seen later that E.III union made all out efforts and was successful in bringing executives and non- executives together in the path of struggle.

Another incident comes to my mind. Com.EMS had come to Calicut and was taking rest at Rest House, W.Hill. I went there to meet him. His driver called me aside and confided that EMS’s shirt is torn, but he is managing with the same old one. He asked me to speak to EMS for getting a new shirt. I told him that I am not capable for that task. By the time Com.M.K.Kelu( Keluettan), District Secretary CPI(M) and veteran comrade, reached there. Spoke to him about the torn shirt. He went to the room, took the torn shirt from the hanger and told EMS, as a matter of fact,” Com.EM, I am taking your shirt and going to purchase two shirts”. EMS understood that the driver has told Keluettan. But he was unable to say ‘ no’ to Keluettan, whom he respected much. We went to town, purchased shirts from the Handtex and gave to EMS.

When I got down at Gauhati Railway Station in the early morning of 20th March 1998, comrades who came to receive gave the shocking news that Com. EMS has passed away on the earlier day. I could not get any information while in train. No mobile phone with me.  I wanted to immediately start for Trivandrum to see a last glance of the great leader and my inspiration. But workers were very particular that I attend their conference. Even otherwise, there was no immediate flight. Could do nothing more. His mortal remains were consigned to flames in the electrical crematorium at Trivandrum in the presence of thousands of leaders and people who loved him as one of them.

Com.Harkishan Singh Surjeet, General Secretary CPI(M) stated : “ Com. EMS was to me what he was to millions of others in Kerala and outside, a dear and near one. He was one of my closest friends and colleagues. To millions of ordinary people in Kerala, EMS as he was popularly known was an icon. No other single individual has made as immense a contribution as EMS has in shaping the destiny of both Kerala and the Communist movement in the country. …He was an internationalist in the true sense of the term….”

How true! The international known Communist ideologue and voracious reader, writer and great organiser was no more. Kerala wept for their former Chief Minister, who was an epic himself. It will be difficult to find such an all-round personality easily.

Red Salute to Com. EMS on his 24^th Death Anniversary!

BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION – ALL INDIA CONFERENCES – 5

ALL INDIA CONFERENCE AT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – 2010

The Fifth AIC of BSNL Employees Union was held at Com.Jyothi Basu Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram from 12^th to 15^th May 2010. The Reception Committe with Com. Anavoor Nagappan as Chairmn, Com.R.Muralidharan Nair, AGS as Working Chairman and Com. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary as General Convener made excellent arrangements for the conduct of the Conference.

The National Flag was hoisted by All India President Com.J.N.Mishra and the Union Flag by Com.V.A.N.Nambodiri, General Secretary. All comrades paid homage at the Martyrs Column.

Com.M.K.Pandhe, Vice President CITU inaugurated the AIC. He emphasised the need for the joint struggles by PSU Unions/Associations against the attack on the PSUs by the Centre.

The delegates session started with J.N.Mishra, President in the chair. More thn 3,000 delegates attended. Report and Accounts were presented by the General Secretary and Treasurer respectively. 79 delegates and office-bearers participated in the discussion. The report and accounts were adopted unanimously.

A Seminar on “ Challenges Faced by BSNL” was held and inaugurated  by Com.Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Home Minister Kerala. The paper was prsented by V.A.N.General Secretary. Leaders of sister unions participated and presented many suggestions. Com.Tapan Sen, General Secretary, CITU gave a very impressive speech on the subject.

An Open Session was held which was inaugurated by Com.V.S.Achuthanandan, Chief Minister, Kerala. He congratulated the BSNL workers for their achievements on various fronts. He was crtical of the centre’s policy on privatisation of PSUs. His speech in Malayalam was translated in Hindi by General Secretary.

Kerala Finance Minister Com. Thomas Issac gave a valuable presentation on the Alternative Economics Policies, which was keenly heard by the delegates.

Resolutions on important matters and on demands of the workers were aopted. The AIC ratified the Bhopal CEC decision to construct a union office building at New Delhi and to collect donations from the members at the rate of Rs. 300. An amount of Rs. 3,70,900 was collected on the spot. Monthly subsciption to union was increased from Rs. 15 to Rs. 20.

Office-beers were elected unanmously with  Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri (President), P.Abhimanyu (General Secretary), P.Asoka Babu (Dy. General Secretary) and S.C.Bhattacharya (Treasurer).

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, who was the Founder General Secretary, reliquished the post of General Secretary and made way for the younger generation, despite fervent requests from the delegates to continue.  

The Thiruvananthapuram was a another landmark AIC in the  forward march of BSNLEU.

V.A.N.Namboodiri

BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION – ALL INDIA CONFERENCES – 4

Mumbai All India Conference  – 2008

Fourth All India conference of BSNLEU was held in Mulund, Mumbai, the financial capital of India, from 13th to 16th February 2008. A record number of delegates (1359) and observers (2109) participated. Despite this unusual number which created a difficult situation, the Reception Committee headed by Mayor of Mumbai Smt. Dr. Shubha Raul as Chairman and Com. G.Mathpati as General Secretary, managed the arrangements comfortably.

CITU President, Com.M.K.Pandhe, inaugurated the conference. Com. J.N.Mishra, President, presided. Com. Pandhe spoke about the international and national situation and the present task of the workers. Shri A.Raja, Communications Minister, attended and explained the various actions being taken to improve BSNL. It was for the first time after many years that a Communications Minister attended the AIC. There were many top officers of DOT and BSNL accompanying the Minister.

International delegates Comrades Dulsi Desilva (Srilanaka), Vice-President of WFTU and Gopal Dhakal (TEAN), (who was later appointed as Director of Nepal Communications) with his team attended and addressed, explaining the situation in their countries. Shri Arvind Sawant, M.P. (later Central Minister) also addressed. He stated that he is under treatment in the hospital but had come to address as he could not reject the invitation from Com.Namboodiri. It is to be mentioned here that I had visited him earlier, before the verification of membership and a very friendly reception was given to me.

A seminar on ‘BSNL Vision – 2010’ was organised. The subject was presented by General Secretary. S/Shri S.D.Saxena, Director (Finance), Gopal Das, Director (HRD), Chief General Managers of Maharashtra, Telecom Factory , WTP and WTR also addressed and elaborated on the subject.  General secretaries of sister unions in BSNL also addressed.

Discussion took place on the Annual Report and Accounts as also on various issues. About 80 delegates including office-bearers participated and enriched it.  Reports from Circle Secretaries showed substantial increase in membership.

Although a  huge procession workers was decided to be  organised , but was cancelled in the last moment due to the arrest of Raj Thackeray and consequent banning of all processions by the police.

Many resolutions on important issues were adopted as also decisions on the organisational matters.

Coms.J.N.Mishra, V.A.N.Namboodiri, P.Abhimanyu and S.C.Bhattacharjee were elected as President, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and Treasurer  respectively.

V.A.N.Namboodiri