The proposal for the Kundankulam Nuclear Project is stoutly opposed by almost the entire population near that area in T.Nadu. The recent nuclear catastrophe in Fukushima, Japan and the resultant deaths and radiation to large number of people has naturally raised doubts and fears in the minds of the people. It is near fishing waters and naturally any mistake may result in contamination of fish catching also which in turn will result in serious health problems.
The Tamilnadu Assembly has already passed resolution asking the Central Government not to proceed with the project till all the concerns are sorted out. The environmentalists and other social activists are also demanding the same. The fishing community has also strongly opposed.
But the Central Government is proceeding with its plan. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh stated that the project would go forward. The Government is not worried about the health concerns or danger involved, but is interested in continuing the project, whatever happens. It is completely insensitive to the issues raised by the people.
In the days to come, the protests are going to be intensified. The government should stop the project till all the concerns are addressed to.

The Global Rating Agency, Moodys has downgraded the creditworthiness of the biggest Bank in India, State Bank of India from ‘C-‘to ‘D +’. One of the reasons mentioned for the downgrading is the Non-Performing Asset (NPA).
NPA means the loans taken by the customers and not returned. It runs in to thousands of crores of rupees. While the Bank Managements take extra care and effort to get the loans taken by the common people got returned, the big fish like corporates and big business are capable of avoiding through many loop holes to delay refund of loans and some times not pay at all. The Bank Mnagements are also not taking serious efforts. This has put many PSU banks in the red in the past also.
Why can’t the Government and the Bank Management take necessary action to get these loans returned and avoid the downgrading and crises?

The protest against unemployment and inequality is strengthening in the USA, the capital of the of neo-liberalisation policies and the shining star of capitalism. The recession since 2007 has hit the people in US heavily and the common people are facing the pinch. While the corporates are bailed out and given all relief, the people has been left high and dry. The youths are demonstrating for the last few weeks since 17th September in Wall Street, the head quarters of the big business.
The workers unions are supporting this protest action of the youth and people. They are supporting with blood, money and goods to the youth who are camping in the street.
On 5th September the Union workers demonstrated in the Wall Street in thousands supporting the protesting youth. The support for the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement is increasing. A March to the New York Stock Exchange also was organised.
But the US government has not taken any action to settle the grievances. The protests are expected to strengthen.
If the US government thought that the protests are limited to Arabian Countries only, they are mistaken. Now it will engulf America and Europe also. Already the situation in Greece is very grave. The Euro countries are trying to bail out of this situation, but still the crisis continues.

One of the agreements made between India and Switzerland is about giving information on black money stashed in Swiss Banks by Indians. A new law is expected to be passed by the Swiss Parliament for information sharing on black money in Swiss Banks by Indians.Although very late, it is a welcome decision. It was reported earlier that more money have been put by the Indians in Swiss Banks compared to other countries. The neo-liberal policy had given more opportunity for black money and for depositing it in swiss and other foreign banks. Time is important in unearthing black money. If more time is given, these deposits will be transferred to other countries. Once the news spread, the black money holders will shift them to other countries. Since the Government also is half-hearted, you can not expect the exposure early. It may be got delayed.

The Communication Ministry is preparing the New Telecom Policy 2011 and the draft is expected to be released within a few weeks. I expect that it may be put before the people before finalising the same. We have seen from the earlier two NTPs – New Telecom Policy 1996 and NTP 1999, that the main provisions are intended to support the private telecom companies to take over the sector completely. All kinds of concessions and support were given to them.
Because of the exposure of the 2G Scam, many skeletons in the cup board has been exposed. The latest is the Finance Ministry Note which has pointed fingers at P.Chidmabaram, Home Minister for his role as Finance Minister at that time.
Despite all these exposure, government may continue their anti-PSU and pro-private policies. In order to focus over point of view, an alternate policy is required which will show the workers stand and the government’s. We are in preparation of the same. But we would also like to get suggestions and opinions from our leaders and workers, so that we could make it as best as we could.

It seems that in India the private telcos can violate any government law for their profit and the government will succumb to their pressure. Instances are many – BlackBerry still denying its encryption code to government, Reliance violation of international calls treated as local calls etc. In very rare cases only they are punished that too with a very meagre penalty.
The latest violation is on the 3G roaming. In the 3G auction, private companies were allowed to bid for circle of their choice. At the same time BSNL was asked to pay spectrum fee for al the circles at the rate of the highest bid for that circle.
Now a cartel agreement had been made by the private companies Air-Tel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular on 3G roaming so that all these companies can have pan India connectivity without paying spectrum charges.This is a serious violation of the rules as also a great discrimination to BSNL which was compelled to pay for 3G spectrum in all the circles.
These private companies should be taken to task and punished for these violations. Will the government take punitive action or dance to the tune of the private companies?

It is reported that many pilots are leaving Air India since they are afraid of their future in the company.It is true that for the last few months salaries are being paid late and it may continue for some more time also till it is revived.
Here the question comes. When one has to face crisis is it the best method to leave it and go away. Of course anybody thinking about personal benefits alone can do that. But are there not other methods. When one face some difficulties in the home, do every body leave it? No. The problems have to be found out and resolved. In the same way, even if the pilots are not the policy makers or the management who implements plans etc. the pilots can help to improve the company. A revival plan has started and the best option for the pilots according to me will be to help that process. Otherwise the company which has supported you for all these years by giving a better wage, facilities are all forgotten in one moment when the salaries are not paid in time.
The above issue has got a relevance to BSNL also. The management is offering sweets of VRS with the poison of privatisation process hidden in it. Shall we take this poison and help the privatisation of this orgnisation which has given us food and shelter all these years? Is it not our resonsibility and duty to bring back the strength and glory to this great organisation which has been built by our fore-fathers so that the people of this country will be able to get services cheap?
Yes, we have to face the crisis squarely and not run away from it.

Why we oppose VRS?
1. VRS is bad in theory and faile in pracice
2. Large scale removal of one lac employees will result in unsatisfactory service due to staff shortage
3. It is not actually VRS, but is CRS. Otherwise why should they mention the number they want to retrench through VRS?
4. After VRS, on the plea of staff shortage management will outsource most of the work.
5. VRS is to facilitate early privatisation.
6. Where is the money to the company for VRS which is posting loss already. If it is by loan from banks or loan from government, how the company will pay it back?
7. Workers will lose additional increments, promotion and higher salaray of the next wage revision and pension if they opt VRS. The loss will be heavy.
8. VRS is an attack on the workers.
( For details see the October issue of Telecrusader).
Oppose and Defeat VRS, which is against the workers and BSNL

Dear Comrades,
The JAC has decided for a strike on the major issues of the BSNL workers and the industry. The JAC wants the management to take immediate action for the financial viability of the company compelling the government to fulfill the commitments it had given to BSNL at the time of corporatisation.These include the restoration of ADC, reimbursement of licence fee etc. JAC also demands that the BWA spectrum charges should be given back to BSNL since it is of inferior quality and the DOT can take it back.Compensation for rural services should be given.
This time we had included the demands of the workers also. All unions are completely opposed to VRS. No VRS implementation in BSNL.Restore the benefits and facilities that have been cut.We should get Bonus. ITS absorption issue should be settled. And of course procurement of equipments is of utmost importance.

The JAC is committed to make all out efforts to improve the services and it had started the Customer Delight Year 2011-12 which had started yielding results. The last five months since the programme has started are examples having the negative trend turned to positive.

The strike was decided for 10th October 2011. It has now been postposed since the JAC wanted wider unity and wants all the existing unions to be a part of the struggle. JAC has already approached NFTE and FNTO to join the struggle and as a mark of adjustment has deferred the strike date, proposing to be in the first/second week of November.

We request all those unions, including NFTE and FNTO to join the mainstream of the workers and for a united struggle so that there is better chance of winning our demands. I have full faith in the workers and their unions that they will come forward for a completley united struggle in BSNL as we have done earlier.

With Fraternal greetings
Convener, JAC

JAC has deferred its decision to go ons strike on 10th October s given notice to management. It is not because the management requested. In the meeting with Director (HR) on 3rd, JAC has clearly told that it is not satisfied with the reply given by the management and the strike decision stands.
The deferment is to try for a united and joint struggle by all the workers belonging to all unions/associations. At present, two major unions, NFTE and FNTO are keeping aloof for their own reasons. Such isolation from the main stream will do no good to the common movement or to the respective organisations. JAc wants that these unions also to become part of the mainstream and party to the struggles.
I am happy to state that there is a chance for a united struggle as we had organised earlier. Discussions are going between the respective unions. I am sure that there is good scope for united struggle, united strike.
In the mean-time our responsiblity is to prepare and convince the workers to be part of this great struggle – the struggle for the existence of the company and its workers.