Conspiracy to deny 4G equipment supply to BSNL – AUAB writes to the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention..

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, AUAB, BSNL, BSNLEU

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The TEPC (Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council), an association of the Indian Telecom Equipment Manufactures, has complained to the government that, BSNL has violated the “Make in India” policy, in the procurement of 4G equipments. In the 4G tender floated by BSNL on 20.03.2020, the BSNL is laid down the following two conditions.

The bidding company should have the previous experience of providing 20 million 4G line network.
The bidding company should have Rs.8,000 crore turn over in the previous two financial years.

Both these conditions are very much required to ensure the quality of 4G equipments and also their prompt supply. Based on the complaint of the TEPC, the Commerce Department and the DoT have objected to BSNL’s tender. The whole intention of the TEPC is to see BSNL does not start it’s 4G service. If BSNL does not launch it’s 4G service expeditiously, naturally it is the private companies like Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea which are going to get benefitted. So, we can understand whose hands are there behind the complaint of TEPC. Similar conspiracies have been hatched earlier also, to kill BSNL. Now, it has become the duty of the unions and associations of BSNL to ensure that BSNL gets 4G equipments from this tender. As a first step, the AUAB has written to the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention. If necessary, the AUAB has to take more serious steps to ensure that, BSNL gets 4G equipments. (courtesy: bsnleu website.)

Blocking BSNL 4G Tender – PM, Communications Minister should intervene.

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNL, General

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History is repeating.

After the declaration of the  Communications minister on BSNL Revival, BSNL management has started preparation for 4 G introduction and called for global tenders. But again the private telecom companies through various sources are trying to to stop it and  on the complaint of the TEPC, the tender is being delayed or dropped. This is a repetition what happened earlier when BSNL called for tenders for 4.5 crore and 9 crore mobile equipment.

All Unions Associations of BSNL has written to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister to seek their intervention for clearing the tender and stopping unnecessary intervention by private companies etc.

The Government should act quickly to save BSNL.

Historic Railway Strike 1974 – A saga of struggle and sacrifice.

06 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Railway, Railway

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There is no parallel for the historical and glorious strike of the Railway workers in May 1974, which continued for more than three weeks. The strike was to start from 8th May 1974, but the arrest of top leaders including Com. George Fernandez, Secretary General of AIRF, resulted in the strike a few days earlier. The entire railways system collapsed due to the strike. Thousands of trains were stranded due to the strike.

The government used all its repressive machinery against the workers. 5 comrades became martyrs. Lakhs of workers were arrested, jailed, dismissed and terminated. Railway colonies were closed, family members evacuated, electricity cut and even women and children attacked. It was a saga of struggle and sacrifice.

P and T Employees and other central government employees in Kerala, Bengal etc. participated for three days, but could not continue due to repression.

8th May 2020 is the 46th anniversary of this great struggle. On this day we remember those martyrs and other comrades who challenged the government and fought for their rights including Bonus!

I am giving below how Com. A.K.Gopalan, M.P., the veteran workers leader, reacted when he was informed of the cruel treatment of the Railway workers and families at Calicut during the strike:

It was during the 1974 Railway Strike demanding Bonus. The strike was to start from 8th May but due to mass arrest of the leaders and workers and victimisation, it started two days earlier. The Central government met the strike with utmost cruelty and vengeance. Tens of thousands of workers were arrested and jailed. Railway Quarters were searched and even the family members were beaten and harassed not finding the striking workers. In many staff quarters water connection, electricity connection etc. were cut. In Calicut, the procession organized in support of the strike was attacked and people beaten and two news paper reporters also badly beaten and hospitalised. It was terror unleashed for the railway workers and their families.

It was at this time that Com. AKG along with Com. Suseela Gopalan arrived at Calicut. He was not at all well and the doctors advised complete rest. When I reported to him about the serious situation, he wanted to go to the railway quarters immediately. Though we tried to stop him going, he was adamant. We started for the Railway Colony. He stepped out from the car at the entry to the colony and told that we will walk. Com.A.Kunhiraman Nair, veteran NGO Union leader and some other comrades also reached by the time. We were about 6-7 people and led by Coms AKG and Suseela we started slowly walking in to the colony through the small road. Women and children who were alone in the houses saw AKG and started joining us. Within a few minutes, it became a jatha and culminated in the school premises inside the colony. By the time, police also came to the spot. Party comrades also reached. A loudspeaker was brought and Com.AKG started speaking. One police official, without knowing who it was speaking, came forward and threatened to arrest. AKG told him that ‘I am AKG and you can arrest me’. The poor policeman was dumbfounded and became silent. By that time, senior police officers came and the situation became normal. AKG spoke consoling the families of Railwaymen and told that nothing will happen to them, and also warned the police officers that he will come and sit there in dharna if the harassment continues. Within a few minutes the meeting was over after Com. Suseela Gopalan also addressed.After this incident, there was a halt to the harassment of the families in the colony.

Pension Revision unduly delayed.

06 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, Pension

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Granting pension revision to BSNL retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017 is delayed for more than three years. There has been no increase in pension for last 13 years except increase of due DA. (It is also being denied to a section of pensioners).

Many pensioners have passed away since 2017 without getting their pension revision. Centre continuously speaks about the need to look after the aged people, especially during Covid 19. After meeting more than 200 Members of Parliament including Central Ministers by AIBDPA leaders, many of the concerned M.P.s have raised the matter in Parliament and also with Prime Minister.

It is unfortunate that the govt. is sitting tight on the issue without issuing orders. There is no other way but to continue our efforts as also struggles.

We demand the government to issue orders on Pension Revision with 15% fitment without any further delay. (AIBDPA website)

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL -6 Protest Demonstration on 01-03-2006 on ADC and Revenue Sharing

29 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in BSNL, BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, History

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Protest Demonstration on 01-03-2006 on ADC and Revenue Sharing

Despite assurance by the government, the ADC to be paid by the private operators was reduced as per the decision of the TRAI, which was always partial to the private operators. The ADC being paid by the private telecoms is to be paid to the PSUs to compensate for their loss in providing universal connectivity. As per the decision of the TRAI, the net result was that the due payment to be made by the private telcos to the tune of Rs. 5,300 crores was reduced to Rs. 2,000 crore. Amount from the revenue sharing was also reduced causing loss to the government.
As per the decision of the Joint Forum, Protest Demonstrations were organized in all SSAs which were addressed by the leaders of various unions who are part of Joint Forum.
Meeting with the Secretary DOT on 7th June 2006
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JF, along with other members met Shri J.S Sharma, Secretary DOT and had detailed discussions on the major issues confronting BSNL. The following were the issues discussed:
1. Navaratna status to BSNL: The Secretary DOT assured that the Navaratna status will be conferred to BSNL next year after fulfillment of the obligatory provisions.
2. Unbundling of local loop: The apprehension of the workers on the formation of a sub-committee headed by the Secretary DOT on the issue was discussed and the JF strongly opposed the same. Secretary assured that the commitment given earlier continued and no unbundling will take place.
3. Merger of BSNL and MTNL: Secretary DOT assured that the talk of merger is only speculation of the media and there is no decision for the same.
The Joint Forum addressed a letter to Shri Dayanidhi Maran, Communications Minister, on 26th June 2006, strongly opposing the proposal for unbundling the last minute copper and sought for a meeting.
The JF in its meeting on 5th and 10th July 2006 decided to organize agitational programmes on the following issues:
1. No disinvestment of BSNL / MTNL.
2. No unbundling of local loop.
3. No sharing BSNL / MTNL infrastructure with private operators.
4. No increase in FDI
5. No reduction in Revenue Sharing and ADC
6. Immediate grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
7. Grant of autonomy to BSNL and MTNL
8. Expand mobile and broadband services
9. Early and amicable settlement of ITS absorption.
The following are the programmes:
1. Joint lunch hour demonstrations to be organized on 27 July 2006 at Circle/SSA levels and also send telegrams to the Prime Minister demanding “NO DISINVESTMENT, NO UNBUNDLING OF LOCAL LOOP OF BSNL MTNL”.
2. March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.
3. Strike in September 2006, the date of which will be decided later. (to be continued)

CONFEDERATION CALLS FOR OBSERVING MAY DAY 2020.

29 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, CG Employees, CITU

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OBSERVE MAY DAY
HOLDING PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS
IN FRONT OF OFFICES
AGAINST DA & DR FREEZING
———————————————-
Confederation National Secretariat calls upon the entirety of Central Government Employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks and also Central Govt. Pensioners to observe MAY DAY (01.05.2020) holding protest demonstrations in front of offices with placards against the unilateral decision of the Central Government to freeze DA & DR due from 01.01.2020 to 30.06.2021.

While conducting protest demonstrations , it should be ensured that all instructions of Central and State Governments during lock down period such as social distancing , wearing of masks , limiting the number of participants to permissible minimum (not more than the number permitted by District Collector or local police authorities) should be strictly observed . Don’t violate any COVID – 19 related precautionary measures and instructions of the District Collectors and Police.(Confederation website)

Press Statement by AIBDPA on freezing of Dearness Relief by Central Government.

25 Saturday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, Pension

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Press Statement dated 25-04-2020 by AIBDPA

AIBDPA oppose unjustified Dearness Relief cut by Central Government

All India BSNL – DOT Pensioners Association representing more than one lakh of pensioners retired from Department of Telecom and BSNL strongly opposes the drastic decision of the Central Government freezing Dearness Allowance / Dearness Relief due from 1st January 2020, 1st July 2020 and 1st January 2021 to the central and BSNL pensioners, in the name of financing Covid 19 situation.
The BSNL – DOT Pensioners as per the call of the Association has already donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund or the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund according to their ability and about Rs. 50 lakh has already been paid through the Association or directly. In Kerala alone, Rs. 20 lakh has been paid to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Pensioners and family pensioners are dependent upon their meagre pension and they are completely at the mercy of others having been restricted at home during lock down period. Many of these pensioners draw minimum pension which is insufficient even for day to day expenses, leave alone for purchase of medicines etc. BSNL Management has stopped medical allowance and reimbursement of medical treatment expenses for the last two years on the plea of lack of funds. It is at this crucial time that the decision to freeze DR for 18 months has been issued. The DR cut will be about Rs. 17,000 or more for a pensioner getting about Rs. 10,000 monthly pension, ie. about double of his monthly pension. This amount will increase according to the increase in pension which will put the pensioners to extreme difficulty.
It is to be noted that the same government, which wants to freeze the DA and DR of the low paid employees and pensioners, has been giving unjustified reduction in tax, relaxation in payment of dues to the government, writing off of NPAs etc. to the big corporates, amounting to lakhs of crores of rupees.
Under these circumstances, AIBDPA expresses its strong protest and demand the government to withdraw the order and continue to grant eligible DA /DR in due time. The Association has appealed to the Honourable Prime Minister to concede our demand and withdraw the unjustified order.

K.G.Jayaraj,
Secretary General, AIBDPA

AIBDPA writes to Prime Minister on Freezing of DA to CG Employees and DR to CG Pensioners at current rates till July, 2021.

25 Saturday Apr 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, CG Employees, NCCPA

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AIBDPA/DA-PM/2020 April 25th, 2020

To,

Shri Narendra Modi Ji

Hon’ble Prime Minister,

Government of India

South Block, Raisina Hill

New Delhi – 110 001

Respected Sir,

Sub: – Freezing of Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government Pensioners at current rates till July, 2021 – reg.

Please refer to the O.M. No. 1/1/2020-EII (B) dated 23rd April, 2020 issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance in view of the crisis arising out of the pandemic Covid -19, ordering that the Dearness Relief to Central Government Pensioners will be frozen at the current rates till July, 2021.

In this connection, we on behalf of the All India BSNL – DOT Pensioners Association submit the following for your kind consideration and early necessary action.

Immediately on your appeal for donation to combat the spread of the pandemic Covid-19, the BSNL – DOT pensioners of more than two lakhs had voluntarily contributed to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund or the respective Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the best of their ability. About Rs. Fifty lakh have been donated by pensioners belonging to our association, through the association or directly, to these relief funds, including about Rs. Twenty lakhs to Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief Fund alone. Pensioners, as you are aware, are senior Citizens mostly inflicted with several diseases and physical debilities and are presently directed by the authorities to be confined to their homes. They are prohibited to go out and are depended upon others for their daily needs. Pension being only 50% of the last drawn salary or even less, they are seldom able to make both ends meet. The condition of the family pensioners are worse.

The above cited order of the Government of India has been a bolt from the blue for many pensioners. Since they are depended upon others for all their needs, the procurement of medicines, visiting hospitals, collecting groceries etc, they have to spend more. The expenditure has become more than what it was a few months back. In fact, presently they are in dire need of extra allowances to pull on. They, along with the millions of people all over the world, want the pandemic to end and therefore, support every decision of the Government especially the restrictions imposed on their movement and donation to PM CARES Fund etc.

The decision of the Government to freeze the Dearness Relief which had become due on 1st January, 2020 is unprecedented. We earnestly feel that the country’s economy has not reached such a situation that the Government needs to curtail the meagre pension of the old people. Never in the history of the country, even when it’s very existence was threatened by external aggression or during the worst financial crisis of 1990s, had the Government resorted to confiscate the pension income of senior citizens. No doubt, our country like many other Nations of the world is fighting to wipe out the pandemic, and the Lock Down has halted all economic activities. We feel that our country’s economy is comparatively robust and is capable of facing the challenges without resort to pauperizing the pensioners. While benefit packages are extended to considerably well to-do segments in the society, the denial of the due entitlements to the pensioners is extremely painful.

From the order it is seen that the Government has not only decided to freeze the DR entitlements but would also not release the arrears even after the normalcy in the economic activities is restored.

It would, therefore, be appropriate that the pensioners are excluded from the purview of the O.M.cited above. The decision to impound the arrears of Dearness Relief till July,2021 is extremely harsh on low income pensioners and family pensioners. Impounding the Dearness Relief, in our opinion, is not legally tenable without the consent of the concerned pensioner. The Finance Ministry is well aware of the rule that the entitled pension cannot be curtailed. Whoever has advised the Government that the Dearness Relief on pension should not be construed as pension is wrong and their interpretation is not at all tenable.

The Prime Minister himself has several times mentioned about the vulnerability of the senior citizens and the need to protect them and help them by the society, which has been completely ignored by the Finance ministry, while issuing the order.

We, therefore, appeal to your kind self that, for the reasons stated by us in the preceding paragraphs, the order issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure cited, may be directed to be withdrawn forthwith.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

K G Jayaraj

General Secretary.

(from AIBDPA website)