IIT- Madras compelled to lift ban on APSC – a success for freedom of speech

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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At last the IIT-Madras management has been compelled to lift the ban on Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC), a students group functioning there. It was banned a few days back by the management allegedly for criticising the Prime Minister and centre’s policies.

There have been strong protests through out the country against this unjustified attack on freedom of speech. In Delhi and many other centres, students protested and organised dharna, demonstrations etc. Many were arrested and detained.

The IIT-Madras Management was compelled to lift the ban facing the strong protest. After discussion with the students group, the ban has been lifted today.

Congratulations to the students bodies for their success in upholding the freedom of speech.

Protest against G-7 Summit at Munich, Germany.

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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The G-7 meeting of the big powers,  Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Japan,  United States and the European Union is being held in Germany.  Russia is not invited due to the issue of Ukraine, in which there is big difference between Russia and other countries.

The meeting is expected to focus on issues like climate change, the fight against pandemics, Middle East turmoil and an upsurge of violence in Ukraine.

 

But these great powers are not at all interested to discuss the issues of poverty, maximisation of profits by the MNCs and Corportes or other burning issues of the common people. Hence strong protest rallies are being held at the place where the G-7 summit is being held participated by thousands of workers and common people.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 4 )

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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Memorandum to CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL

A meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was held on 14-03-2005 at the office of the Staff Side, National Council, BSNL. The participants reviewed the meeting with the Prime Minister. It was decided to submit a Memorandum to the CMD BSNL and CMD MTNL after organizing demonstrations/rallies at All India/Circle/SSA. The same memorandum will be submitted at Circle/SSA levels also. The memorandum should include the issues of FDI, ADC, USOF, Outsourcing, BSNL/MTNL Merger, Absorption of ITS /Group A Officers, ILD, Cellular, Unbundling and Broad band.

The Memorandum was submitted by the Joint Forum leaders both to the CMD of BSNL and MTNL on 19-04-2005 demanding immediate steps for development and expansion of services as also on certain demands of the workers like pension. It was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener & GS,BSNLEU, O.P.Gupta, GS, NFTE, S.Basu, GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi, GS SNEA, K.Vallinyagam, GS FNTO, V.Naryana, GS BSNLMS, V.K.Tomar, GSMTNLEA, V.Subburaman, GS TEPU, Raj Kishore, GS BSNLWRU, Devender Singh, GS, MTNLOA, Vrijesh Upadhyaya, GS MTNLMS, K.M.Pillai, GS MTNLSWU and Umesh Tyagi MTNLKVS. The Unions/Associations in MTNL met the CMD MTNL and Unions/Associations of BSNL met the CMD BSNL and discussed the issues of the concerned PSUs. A meeting was also held with the Secretary DOT Shri Nripendra Mishra,  on 11-02-2005 and discussed the BSNL and connected issues.

Joint Rallies by the Joint Forum of Unions/Associations

On the common issues of BSNL and MTNL, two large rallies were held during this period by the executive and non-executive unions/associations.

Government Pension for BSNL retirees  – DOT Letter dated 15-03-2005

Shri Nripendra Misra, then Secretary, DOT, issued a D.O.letter to Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL vide D.O.No 1-45/2003-B dated 15 March 2005 on the status of the pension contribution to be paid by BSNL to the government. This letter assured that in respect of employees who were on deemed deputation to BSNL, as also those absorbed in BSNL, the pension liability will be met by the Government of India. BSNL on their part will pay pension contribution in respect of absorbed employees till their retirement and also those of on deemed deputation. The Finance and Accounts Wing would work out the modality for payment by BSNL towards pension. BSNL will be liable to pay pension contribution in accordance with FR 116 for the period they have worked in BSNL and contribution will be on the basis of the above decision. Thus the assurance on pension by Government to BSNL absorbed was reiterated.

Memorandum to the CMD BSNL on 19-04-2005

As per the decision of the Joint Forum, a Memorandum was submitted to the CMD BSNL on the various issues with regard to the development and expansion of BSNL. The memorandum was received by Shri S.K.Jain Director (HRD) since Shri A.K.Sinha,CMD BSNL was away from Delhi. Demonstrations were held in circles/SSAs and memorandum submitted to the CGMs / SSA Heads.

In the meantime, a detailed reply from Dr. J.S.Sharma, Secretary, DOT, dated 28th September 2005, was received with regard to the discussion   with the Prime Minister.  The main decision was that the PM assured that the recommendations of the TRAI for unbundling of the BSNL’s copper wire is not accepted. Other assurances were also given.

At the same time, the government and the management was moving for implementation of the various decisions they have taken against BSNL to check its advancement so that the private sector can get much benefit. It was reported in the press that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs have approved disinvestment of six profit making Non-Navaratna PSUs, including BSNL. It was also reported that the government has decided for sharing of infrastructure of BSNL with private telecom operators in rural areas. It was clear that these are pre-meditated attacks for privatization of BSNL. Despite a waiting list of 13 lakhs for mobile connection, BSNL failed to provide the same. The Non-absorption of ITS officers in BSNL was another reason for the non-development and expansion. Though eligible, BSNL was not granted Navaratna status. The status would have resulted in more autonomy for the company for purchase of equipment etc.

NRI Remittance to Kerala crosses Rupees one lakh Crore.

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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It is well known that large number of Keralites are working in other countries and they are also remitting money back to their families. But the latest report shows that the amount is not small, but considerable.

According to a report in the press, the NRI remittances to Kerala has crossed Rs. 1 Lakh crore. This includes not only Gulf Countries, where maximum NRIs are there, but other countries like UK, US etc.

Despite, certain restrictions for expats in some countries, the remittances have only increased. Congratulations to the hard working Kerala expats!

‘One Day, One Employee, One Subscriber’ – Action Programme

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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I had suggested that an action programme to connect with all the subscribers in BSNL can be orgnaised to win the support and instill confidence in both the employees and also the subscribers.

There are about 1.5 crore land line connections with BSNL. The company has got about 2,20,000 workforce including ITS, Executives and Non-Executives. For convenience, let us take 2,00,000 workers for a calculation. Let us also take that there are about 20 working days in a month. In such a situation, if the action programme ‘One Day. One Employee, One Subscriber’ is implemented, within 3 months, the employees can approach each and every landline subscriber in the country. I know this is not easy as to say or write. But, it is not impossible to work out. Much greater work could be done, if there is determination and mindset to organise the same. Teams with 3 or 4 members can visit 3 or 4 subscribers in a day as a practical method.

The ‘09.00 PM- 07.00 AM Free  Call’ Scheme by BSNL and the ‘Free Roaming’ scheme are a chance to meet the subscribers and convince them to retain their landline phones and also to take new connections by others. BSNL Management also is doing its bit in providing equipment and other material. The Communications Minister is issuing statements almost daily that he wants to improve BSNL and MTNL and make them profitable. There never was such a situation earlier.

This is a golden opportunity to revive BSNL. For that subscriber support and confidence are required. Meeting the subscribers and convincing them about the benefit of BSNL services is a must. If the BSNL Management and the employees make an action programme for the same, I have no doubt that we will win. Not only new connections can be added, but the many subscribers who surrendered their phones will come back.

Are we prepared to make a start?

CPI(M) CC Meeting on 6-7 June

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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The meeting of Central Committee of CPI(M) is being held today and tomorrow at AKG Bhavan  New Delhi. This is the first meeting of CC after the Party Congress at Visakhapatnam. Hence many organisational matters will be discussed.
On this occasion, I could meet many senior leaders and convey to them the developments in BSNL and seek their guidance and help. Many of these comrades had much helped the BSNL workers in their struggles. The  book on the struggles organised by Joint Forum/ JAC/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations was also handed over.

Meeting of Casual and Contract Workers in Pune

06 Saturday Jun 2015

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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A meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers is being arranged in Pune on 8th June 2015. CITU leaders, Com. Nalwade, CS BSNLEU and other leaders will be attending the meeting. BSNLCCWF has demanded for implementation of Minimum Wage and EPF, which is yet to be implemented. Best Wishes for the Convention!

Restore the Medical Allowance to BSNL Pensioners.

06 Saturday Jun 2015

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLEU

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Pensioners belong to the weaker section. They require continuous care and medical treatment to keep up their health. It is with this concern that  it was decided that Medical Allowance with out voucher will be paid to the employees as well as pensioners.

But in the name of loss to the company, BSNL has stopped this allowance arbitrarily, three years back. The Forum of BSNL Unions/associations, as well as BSNLEU, had taken up the case of restoration of this allowance, both to employees and pensioners. As a first step, the staff side in the National Council as also AIBDPA demanded that at least the medical Allowance to the Pensioners be restored. A sympathetic attitude was expected from the BSNL Management. But so far, nothing has moved in this respect.

We demand that the BSNL Management should take immediate action to restore the Medical Allowance to the Pensioners.

Bank Employees get Paternity Leave

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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As per the new wage agreement, Bank Employees will get paternity leave up to 15 days to look after the new born child or before the delivery of the spouse. Paternity Leave is already in existence in the Central Services as per the recommendations of the VI CPC. The Paternity Leave system should be extended to all PSUs and private companies, wherever it has not been  implemented so far.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 3 )

06 Saturday Jun 2015

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2005

Agitation against FDI in Telecom – Protest Demonstrations on 08-02-2005

In the meanwhile, government decided to increase the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in telecom from 49% to 74%. The increase in FDI meant that foreign companies will take over the Indian companies. Further, inducting huge money in the private telecom companies will adversely affect the prospects of BSNL and MTNL. Hence, this was opposed by the Joint Forum which  organised strong protest demonstrations on 8th February 2005.

Proposal for Merger of BSNL and MTNL

The government started a move to merge BSNL and MTNL. For synergizing the merger, a consortium including ICICI Securities, ABM Amro, N.M.Rothchild, A.F.Fergusan, Desai & Dewanji was appointed. The Forum expressed its strong view that the merger can be considered only after the MTNL shares sold are bought back by the government/MTNL.

USO Fund allotment insufficient to meet the losses incurred by BSNL

Though it was the commitment of the government that the losses incurred by BSNL for providing rural connections will be compensated by allotment from USO Fund, the implementation was faulty and only a part of the loss was made up. The following statistics from a reply given in Parliament will make it clear:

Loss of BSNL for rural connections    Reimbursement of licence fee etc.    From USO Fund   Total

2000-2001    Rs. 2587.72 crore          Nil                                                                      Nil

2001-2002    Rs. 6913.16 crore             Rs. 3020 crore                                       Nil                          Rs. 3020 crore

2002-2003   Rs. 7960.80 crore         Rs. 2300 crore                                  Rs. 297.23 crore     Rs. 2597.23 crore

2003-2004   Rs. 9528.88  crore        Rs. 2300 crore                  Rs.  222.77 crore    Rs. 2522.77 crore

It is to be noted that the USOF was having more than Rs. 10,000 crore balance at this time. BSNL was cheated out of its due from the USOF without any justification. The latest reports have also shown that the USOF was utilized for other purposes.

Protest Demonstration against FDI hike in telecom – 08-02-2005

As per the call of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions, protest demonstrations were held all over the country on 8th February 2005 against the increase in the FDI from 49% to 74%. The call was signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), O.P.Gupta (NFTE), S.Basu (BSNLEA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA(I), V.K.Tomar(MTNLEA), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), S.D.Sharma(BSNLWRU) and V.Subburaman(TEPU). At Delhi, the demonstration was held at Eastern Court, the offices of NTR,  after starting the march from the Statesman House, where BSNL Corporate office, was functioning at that time.

Meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on 02-03-2005

Since the government was implementing anti-PSU decisions one after another, which was seriously and adversely affecting BSNL and MTNL, the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions /Associations sought for a meeting with the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh. At the initiative of Com.Basudeb Acharya, MP  & Leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha, the meeting took place on 2nd March 2005. A Memorandum signed by the leaders of the Unions/Associations was submitted to the Prime Minister. The Memorandum was signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri Convener & GS BSNLEU, O.P.Gupta, GS, NFTE, S.Basu, GS, AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi, SNEA(I), K.Vallinayagam GS, FNTO, V.Narayana, GS, BMS, V.K.Tomar, GS, MTNLEA, S.D.Sharma, BSNLWRU, V.Subburaaman, GS, TEPU, Vrijesh Upadhyaya, GS MTNLMS, K.M.Pillai, GS MTNLSW, Umesh Thyagi, GS MTNL KVS, Sathish Kumar, GS MTNL WU and Devender Singh, GS MTNLOA. Almost all the unions in BSNL/MTNL were represented in the delegation. Com.Neelotpal Basu, M.P., a telecom expert who was also present, helped in presenting our case.

At the outset, the delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the decision of the Cabinet which reiterated its earlier decision to pay government pension to BSNL employees and also pension contribution by BSNL as per FR and SR. The delegation was informed about the cabinet decision to this effect that was taken three weeks back and was being implemented.

The delegation conveyed to the Prime Minister that the decision of the government to hike FDI from 49% to 74% in telecom would be detrimental to the security of the nation as well as to the interests of BSNL & MTNL.  Prime Minister replied that the government had taken sufficient steps to safeguard the security issue. As regards BSNL & MTNL, he stated that they were capable of competing with MNCs and assured that the government would provide all help to the PSUs in this regard.

The PM’s attention was drawn to the decision of the TRAI to reduce the ADC, which was a compensation for BSNL and MTNL, for providing land line services below cost. JF wanted that it should continue. The Prime Minister was also told that an amount of Rs. 5,000 crore, due to BSNL from the USO Fund, had not yet been transferred to it. It was also pointed out how the funds of BSNL and MTNL were being drained out by way of outsourcing works.

It is worth mentioning that for the first time, the representatives of the unions/associations in BSNL/MTNL together have met the Prime Minister. The PM, even while the Parliament session was going on, was kind enough to spare some time to meet the JF delegation and to have a patient hearing. ( to be continued)