HIGHLIGHTS

v     In Wireless (GSM + CDMA) segment, BSNL registered highest net addition of Subscribers in September’10 i.e. 2284627 (3%) in respect to August’10 figures. Even after loss of Wireline Subscribers numbering 237745, combined (wireless + wireline) growth comes to 2046882, which is 2^nd only to Bharti Airtel by about 14K lines.

v     Amongst BSNL Circles, Kerala recorded highest Wireless Subscribers’ growth of 4.32 lac followed by Andhra Pradesh 2.38 lac in September 2010.

v     Not all Wireless Subscribers are active – out of 68.77 Cr Wireless Subscribers, only 48.29 Cr (about 70%) were active on the last day of the month i.e. 30.09.2010. This is a new input which had been apprehended for long time and has to be watched closely. A poorer picture in this respect has been shown by BSNL (59%) & MTNL (36%) vis-à-vis Airtel (89%), Vodafone (75%).

Analysed by:

Mihir Dasgupta

Kolkata, 05.12.2010 

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Kapil Sibal, the new Communication Minister, is reported to have stated that Auction is not the best way to award Spectrum in future. It is not understood what is the basis for this new line of thought. Any way, this will certainly bring the issue in to a new focus. Whether it is intended to help th private telcos or whether it is to ensure that the telecom tariffs are not hiked. You may give your opinion.

December 9th , today, is observed as the Interntional Anti-Corruption Day. What about India?  India is completely shadowed by the dark clouds of corruption and deep rooted corruption. The unholi nexus of MNCs, big business, contractors, corrupt politicians and bureaucrats are looting the people, the Nations’ wealth.

The government is deeply sunk in the dark pond of corruption. Despite the Parliament has been non-functional for the last more than two weeks, it is not prepared to order a JAC probe even after its allies also have put pressure. At least today, the International Anti-Corruption Day let them take the right decision. But will they take ?

The Central  Trade Unions and Federations of service unions which met today at Delhi decided to make the Parliament March scheduled to be organised on 23rd February 2011 a historic one with maximum participation. This March is being organised in continuation of the 7th September 2010 strike demanding the five point charter including stop price rise, opposing privatisation etc. etc.

The TRAI report on the active mobile subscribers has shown the ballooning the mobile numbers by certain private telcos.  Bharti has got 14.33 crore connections, but there are only 12.80 active subscribers ie. 89%. Vodafone claims 11.56 crore subscribers, but only 7.85 crore active subscribers ie. 75%. Tata’s active subscribers are only 45.1%. Other companies have only less % of active subscribers. Very interesting. What is the active connections of BSNL is not stated. We hope it is better.

Com.C.Chandran Pillai, former Secretary General of NFPE, Chairman, Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers and General Secretary of RMS Union Class III has shifted from Delhi to Kerala on 5th December 2010 after being at HQ for a period of 16 years. He joined at Delhi in 1994 as the General Secretary of the RMS Class III Union.

For the last 16 years in Delhi he was a leading light in the Central Govt. employees movement. At present, after retirement from service he was functioning at Delhi as Working Committee member of CITU. He has shifted to Kerala  for treatment of his wife.

His near and dear comrades gave him an emotional farewell. We wish him all success in his future activities  and also good health. I will  personally miss a close friend and comrade at Delhi who was with me for the last 16 years. I am sure Com.Pillai will continue his TU and political activities in Kerala.

After the meeting with the Secretary DOT on 2nd December 2010 during the strike, the Pension Revision file has started moving again. It has now been forwarded for approval to the Minister since after the last aproval, certain clarifications are included as per the directions from government. As soon as the Ministers approval is received it will be forwarded to Cabinet.

The move from certain quarters in the management to harass and victimise the workers who struck work and actively participated in the demonstrations in Corporate office Delhi has been defeated by the timely intervention of JAC. The GM(Admn), Corporte Office put some photographs of the demonstration on the notice board with unnecessary and unwarranted comments. Further he displayed the mob pushing the closed gates etc. in the closed circuit TV in the corporate office since morning of 6th December till evening.

The JAC which met in the evening strongly condemned this provocative act , met the CMD and demanded the suspension of the GM(SR). CMD immediately directed the display to be stopped. He also assured that there will be no victimisation of the employees for participation in the strike.

The united Forum which has won in the last three Membership Verification is unitedly preparing for the Fifth Membership Verification to be held in February 2011. In the meeting of the UF held on 4th December, the alliance unions have decided to stand together. Due to the settlement of the Wage Revision which has benefitted the workers in a big way and the implementation of  the  Policy, the workers are happy and give their full support to the UF.

Despite the falling revenue and other adverse conditions, the United Forum through sustained struggles have been able to get these great achievements. The correct line taken by the UF has been much appreciated by the workers.

Further many unions including NUBSNLW FNTO has declared their intention to fight the battle alone, thus the earlier BSNL Workers Alliance has become defunct. Com. R.K.Kohli has  formed a new union, which will weaken NFTE.

But it is not in the weakness of others that UF wants to win. It is through its correct line and serving the workers that BSNLEU and United Forum wants to win.  Not only winning but at least getting 60% is our target.

Meet each and every worker and ensure that he votes and votes for UF.

BSNL Workers strike has been deferred after discussions and agreement with DOT and BSNL Management by midnight of  2nd December 2010.

The complete participation of the workers under the united leadership of the Joint Action Committee paralysed the telecom services. In many circles even top officers could not enter the offices. In the corporate office there was a mass upsurge and even traffic was blocked in the main Janpath Road for almost an hour. The strike got complete support from all sister unions and Central Trade UNions, especially, CITU, Confederation of CG Employees, AISGEF, AIIEA, BEFI and others. Com. Basudevacharya, MP and leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha intervened to ensure effective dialogue.

The DOT and Management was compelled to assure that there is no proposal for Disinvestment or VRS in BSNL. Even the committee of the top officials in Telecom, IT, Planning Commission, Industry & Finance which met on 30th December to take decision on Disinvestment of BSNL and VRS could not take any decision due to the strike threat. It is a victory for the workers.

The management was compelled to assure that procurement of 5.5 million equipment will be immediately done and that another 15 million also will be procured. There will be no unbundling of last mile copper cables. DOT will resubmit the Cabinet Note after the required corrections immediately for cabinet for decision. The Cabinet Note for ITS absorption has already been circulalated to concerned departments and will be submitted to Cabinet after receipt of the feedback. On the committment of the government for financial viability of BSNL, our suggestions and proposals will be duly taken up with the Government.

This is a magnificent strike which has compelled the government at least to stop disinvestment & VRS at present. It is part of the sustained struggle against the neo-liberal policies of the Government. We have been able to maintain and strengthen the unity of the workers and the unions in the JAC, which itself is a great achievement.

Revolutionary Greetings to the workers.