14 Thursday May 2020
Posted in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners
The order issued by BSNL on 8th May 2020 curtailing existing provisions for medical reimbursement and Medical allowance for BSNL employees and pensioners are nothing but grave injustice. BSNL Management should issue orders restoring the earlier position.
14 Thursday May 2020
Posted in Sustained struggles
Strike on 11th July 2007 for 4.55 crore mobile lines
Despite the demand of the Joint Forum and agitational programmes, there was no move to purchase mobile equipment as per the tender approved. Justifying the decision to cancel the tender Communications Minister Sri A.Raja issued the following statement:
“I will not allow BSNL to purchase 4.55 million cellular lines at the rates quoted by the lowest bidder. The rates are too high. If BSNL goes ahead with the tender in the current form and award L-1, the APO will be paying close to Rs.10,000 crore more unnecessarily. A delay was unavoidable in the circumstances. It is important to correct mistakes at any stage even if it holds up development.
It is surprising Motorola, one of the leaders in the world Telecommunication equipments and a firm that supplies 2G and 3G equipments to MTNL, cannot qualify technically.”
The intervention to stop the tender by the Minister was completely unjustified and against the interest BSNL. Further there was no justification to compare the rates with that of purchased by MTNL, since the present tender were for equipments with higher technical standards.
If the tender was delayed or cancelled, BSNL will be out of race in the mobile market and will cause loss of many thousands of crores of rupees. In fact, BSNL will become almost irrelevant in the mobile sector.
Sensing the deep crisis going to follow, the Joint Forum met and decided to bring the same to the notice of the Government. Thousands of telegrams were sent to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister demanding immediate action to allow BSNL to purchase the equipments. It was also decided to organize the following action programmes culminating in strike, it suitable action is not taken by the government.
1. Badge wearing demonstration in front of exchanges / offices on 5th July 2007 onwards.
2. Massive Dharnas before offices/exchanges on 9th and 10th July 2007.
3. One Day Strike on 11th July 2007, which will be converted in to Indefinite Strike, if the issues are not settled.
The demonstrations and dharnas were enthusiastically and with maximum participation of workers, organized throughout the country. Workers rose to the occasion. It was a warning that if the issue is not settled workers will go on strike.
Strike Notice for 11th July 2007 was served on the BSNL Management and DOT signed by General Secretaries of the following unions/associations:
V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), Convener JF, M.B.Vichare (NFTE), K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU),S.V.S.Subrahmanyam(BTEU) and V.Subburaman (TEPU).
Meeting with the Minister on 9-10 July 2007.
Communications Minister, A.Raja met the JF leaders and had detailed discussions on 9th and 10th July on the demands of the unions. Secretary DOT, D.S.Mathur and CMD BSNL along with Board members were present. The Minister gave certain assurances and it was further assured that it will be conveyed to the Convener JF in writing.
But the letter received from the DOT dated 10th July to Convener JF vague and not satisfactory as can be seen below:
“Govt. of India, Ministry of Communications and IT, Department of telecommunications, 20 Ashoka Road, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi dated 10th July 2007.
To, Shri V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener of Joint Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives and General Secretary BSNL Employees Union, New Delhi.
Sub: Notice for Dharna on 9th and 10th July 2007 before offices/exchanges at all levels and one day strike on 11th July 2007.
1. This has reference to the meeting taken by Hon’ble MOC and IT on 10th July 2007 with the representatives of Joint Forum of BSNL on the above mentioned subject.
2. During the meeting, various concerns of BSNL employees were deliberated in detail. After the discussions, the following decisions emerged:
• BSNL will give its response to all the queries raised within a week’s time (This has already been communicated to you vide BSNL letter No. BSNL/39/7/SR/2007 dated 10th July 2007).
• MOC and IT expressed his concern about BSNL and assured that while taking a decision on response of BSNL, interest f BSNL will be protected.
• During the intervening period till receipt of supplies under the tender, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that BSNL does not suffer due to lack of new work capacity.
• Serious efforts will be made so that BSNL remain in full readiness to utilize the benefits of technological evolution in 2G/3G/Wi-Max etc.
• In view of the above, you are requested to withdraw the strike on 11th July 2007.
(Sd) D.S.Mathur, Secretary, DOT. “
The Forum was not satisfied with the letter, since no concrete decision was given to purchase the equipment on the basis of the tender and conveyed the same to the Minister.
Another meeting with the Minister.
The Minister held another meeting with the JF in the night of 10th July, only hours before the proposed strike, in an effort to resolve the issue. While the Minister stood by whatever was assured in the morning, but was not prepared to put in writing.
JF meets and decides for Strike
The JF met immediately in the late night and discussed the developments in detail. The Joint Forum decided to go ahead with the strike decision, since the demands have not been accepted. Immediately, the JF issued Circulars and press releases, which gave wide publicity to the strike. (To be continued)
13 Wednesday May 2020
AIBDPA/BSNLMRS/2020 May 13, 2020
To
Shri P. K. Purwar,
CMD, BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Bhawan
Janpath, New Delhi-110 001.
Sir,
Sub: – Curtailment of outdoor medical benefits- modification sought- – reg.
Ref: – BSNL CO Office Order No.BSNL/Admn-1/15-12/18 dated 08-05-2020 on procedure for outdoor medical claim for BSNL Employees (Serving / Retired).
Medical benefits, outdoor, of BSNL employees and retirees are curtailed drastically vide office order referred to above.
Of course, you had given some hints during our discussion with you on 16-12-2019 that BSNL can’t afford the BSNL MRS in the present form. You had suggested switching over to CGHS and uniform monthly allowance.
We had responded with our reservations on CGHS as the dispensary/ wellness centers are available in limited cities only. However we assured you that maximum pensioners belonging to places where CGHS facilities are available, would be advised to switch over, provided that onetime payment for CGHS membership be reimbursed by BSNL timely. You were quick to reply that those joining CGHS, the amount being paid by the pensioner will be reimbursed next month itself. We are sorry to point out that this assurance is yet to be implemented.
Regarding monthly flat medical allowance, we had demanded Rs.2,000. But as per the above mentioned office order, the monthly allowance of Rs.1000 is quite insufficient to meet the requirements in the wake of higher consultation fee of the doctor and exorbitant prices of the medicines.
Regarding with voucher, the present calculation of 23 day’s pay at the time of retirement is drastically reduced to 15 and worse, the IDA of every corresponding April is changed to IDA at the time of retirement. This amounts to a double blow and gross injustice to the pensioners.
Therefore we seek your kind intervention for necessary modifications in the office order as follows;
Option.
2) With voucher it should be same as before. No change should be made.
3) Without voucher monthly medical allowance flat Rs.2,000.
Further, we are constrained to point out that any order would be meaningless, if not implemented in its true sense. We have brought to your notice in person and through a number of letters about the sufferings and distress of the Pensioners due to non payment of medical bills, both indoor and outdoor, quarterly medical allowance and amount paid for CGHS membership for the last two years. You had assured that fund could be allocated once the financial position improve during the post VRS scenario. But to our dismay, even after three months of VRS, no fund is allotted to mitigate the miseries of the Pensioners. A few of our fellow Pensioners have already lost their lives due to non consumption of life saving medicines. And we are afraid that more lives may be lost particularly during this period of Covid-19 unless relief is extended in the form allocation of sufficient funds to clear the pending medical claims.
Awaiting early positive response and action.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
K G Jayaraj
General Secretary
13 Wednesday May 2020
Posted in BSNLEU
Tags
The All India Conference of AITEE Union Class III (N) at Erode from 13th to 17th May 1999 was one of the biggest and most important conferences in participation, discussion and decisions taken. More than 3,000 delegates participated. No AIC could be held for long 5 years due to the court cases imposed upon us by the revisionist group on membership verification, all kind of attacks from the DOT, including creating difficulties in publication of journals etc.
The Reception Committee with Com.S.Mohan Doss as President and Com.S.Chellappa, Circle Secretary as Convener, had made excellent arrangements for accommodation, food and conduct of the Conference. Coms. K.Adinarayana, Secretary General NFPE, John Moses, General Secretary, Janatha Dal, S.K.Vyas, Secretary General Confederation, Moni Bose, former General Secretary, E.III Union, P.S.Raman Kutty, GS T.III Union, K.Ramani, former M.P., Brinda Karat, K.Noorjehan, PMG, R.N.Goyal, Member (Telecom Production), DOT, V.R.Chandrasekharan, GS, ITEU, R.S.Yadav, Veteran leader from U.P., P.Abhimanyu, AGS, Viduthalai Virumbi, M.P. and many other leaders addressed. Com.K.D.M.Tripathy, President, presided. About 60 delegates participated in the discussion.
A grand reception was given to the former office-bearers of the Union, including Com.Anantha Bhattacharjee, J.Renganathan etc. Com.KDM Tripathy was elected as President and Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri as General Secretary.
The AIC also finalized the Charter of Demands including ‘No Privatisation’ and decided on the agitational programmes.
It was a wonderful Conference
12 Tuesday May 2020
Posted in Sustained struggles
Indian Telegraph Act 1986 amended to favour private telecos.
As per ITA 1986, only the government is entitled to provide telegraph (later telecom) services. Private telecom companies have already appeared in the field after amendment. In order to give licences to them to get assistance from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which was only being paid to BSNL and MTNL, the Act was again amended. It has been later proved that a major portion of USOF went to the private telcos. Telecom Unions strongly objected the amendment.
Agitational programmes on sharing of BSNL and MTNL infrastructure.
The JF of BSNL and MTNL Unions / Associations organized a Telegram campaign by sending thousands of telegrams by its units all over the country to the Prime Minister on 26-04-2007 demanding that TRAI recommendations on sharing of BSNL and MTNL infrastructure to the private companies should be dropped and not implemented. Massive protest demonstrations were organized on 04-05-2007 on the same issue at divisional levels.
Again during the period from 12th 18th June 2007, one week relay dharna was organized with good participation in all places.
Memorandum to the Communications Minister
A Memorandum was submitted by the Joint Forum to Shri A.Raja, Communications Minister, on the major issues like immediate tender for mobile lines and improving the services of BSNL and MTNL. It also demanded that the tender for 4.55 crore mobile lines which was pending due to court cases filed by the private telecom companies like Motorola and which has now been cleared by the court should be immediately acted upon and the mobile lines purchased. Advance Purchasing Order can be issued in this matter. If the government was going to cause delay in the matter, the unions/associations will be compelled to go on continued agitation.
The Memorandum was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU) and Convener of JF, M.B.Vichare(NFTE), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), G.L.Jogi(SNEA), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), S.V.S.Subramanyam(BTEU BSNL), Dhiraj Chaudhary(SNATTA),Satyavir Singh(MTNL MKU), Ram Prasad(MTNL KU),R.C.Chadha(MTNL SC/ST TEWA), Inder Dev Singh(MTNL MS) and S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU).
(To be continued)
12 Tuesday May 2020
Posted in General
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA ISSUES STANDARD OPERATING PROTOCOL (SOP) TO FACILITATE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS BY TRAIN
Posted On: 11 MAY 2020 2:41PM by PIB Delhi
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to facilitate movement of persons by train.
Movement of passengers to & fro and entry at the railway station would be permitted only on confirmed e-ticket. There would be compulsory medical screening of all passengers. Only asymptomatic persons would be allowed to board the train. During the travel and at the railway stations, Strict adherence to Health/hygiene protocols and social distancing.
All passengers would be provided with hand sanitizer at entry and exit points at station and in coaches. Further, it would be ensured that all passengers wear face covers/ masks at entry and during travel. On arrival at their destination, the traveling passengers would have to adhere to such health protocols as are prescribed by the destination State/ UT.
Movement of trains shall be permitted by Ministry of Railways (MoR), in a graded manner, in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and MHA.
12 Tuesday May 2020
Posted in General
12 Tuesday May 2020
Posted in General, Uncategorized
Today International Nurses Day. Thanks to the millions of Nurses who give solace and life to the humanity in its most difficult times! It is specially significant that this day is observed on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who was role model of modern nursing and that today it is her 200th birth anniversary.
But did fair play and justice ensured to these dedicated angels of the earth in their wages, working conditions and of course their respect in the society?
At times of natural calamity, epidemics & pandemics, accidents etc. they are glorified, but quickly forgotten. We experience their total dedication, assistance and sympathy while lying helpless in hospital, but forget them altogether afterwards.
They serve delicately in all parts of the world whether in time of peace or war. They are also victims of war and epidemics. They do not have any boundary. They were with you at the time of your birth and most probably will be at the time of your last days.
They are not limited to their own family. The entire humanity is their family. But do not forget that they are also human beings and have an existence of their own – with difficulties, pain, joy and ambitions for a happy life.
While celebrating International Nurses Day today let us wholeheartedly thank them and also make all out efforts to ensure justice and a happy life to these angels of the earth!
11 Monday May 2020
Posted in General
Tags
It is 163 years back, on 10th May 1857, that the Sepoy Mutiny started at Meerut, which transformed in to the First War of Indian Independence.
The war continued for more than one year. The entire North Indian belt was captured or rather liberated by the sepoys and their leaders including many common people who took to arms. But it was difficult to hold the position before the mighty striking force of the British and their tactics of dividing the Indian rulers.
The valour of the leaders of the War of Independence like Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, Tantia Topi, Kunwar Singh and others are even now sung in ballads in the north.
The end of the war saw the end of the rule of the East India Company and the direct rule of the British colonialists. The Mughal and Maratha empires were liquidated.
The Indians were defeated. But it was the start of a bigger war. Within 100 years, in 1947, British were compelled to leave India resulting in the Independence of the Country.
There are a large number of books written on the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence analysing the background, the actual war and the after-effects. That was the biggest military attack on the British colonialism by one of their colonies. While the Indians treated the war prisoners including women honourably to an extent, the British after their victory brutally shot and hanged thousands of the sepoys and the commoners who supported them. Even in the British Parliament, it had its ramifications.
On this day we remember those heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.
11 Monday May 2020
Posted in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, BSNLEU
Despite the assurance of the DOT and BSNL Management that the payment of salary etc. will be normalised once VRS is implemented, the payment of salary to employees is still a question mark. The April salary has not been paid, though it is 11th May today. The society dues deducted from the ex-gratia and leave encashment from the VRS pensioners are yet to be paid to the co-operative societies causing much financial difficulties to the societies as well as the pensioners.
BSNL should take immediate action to settle the above issues.
Excellent yeomen service by Postman even during Covid 19 period. Food, Saving Bank, Medicine, IFPB apps, Pension, Letters and what not!( Courtesy : NFPE website)
VAN Namboodiri's Blog 