SAVE BSNL, SAVE NATION (3) – No Merger of BSNL and MTNL

27 Friday Mar 2015

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

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The Government is proposing to merge BSNL and MTNL. It had already formed a committee for the purpose of examining the issues connected with the merger. Months back, the government has stated that the merger will take place by June 2015, and before that a meeting with the unions will be held. It means that the government on their own will take the decision; after that a meeting will be held with the union to convey their decision. The workers and their unions do not agree to this.

The MTNL was formed in the 1980s bifurcating from the DOT. Nobody wanted the bifurcation. BSNL was formed in 2000 against the strong opposition of the workers. These two companies were formed to reduce the strength of government sector and to gradually privatise both. The method was to reduce the staff strength through VRS and also by disinvestment of shares, thus reducing the govt. share and hand over to private company as it has done in the case of Maruti Udyog Limited which became Suzuki and VSNL which became Tata Communications.

It is because of this, BSNL Employees under the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee/Forum strongly opposed both VRS and Disinvestment and organised sustained struggles, including strike, which compelled the government not to impose both. Of course, still the recommendations are there to retrench 70,000 workers through VRS.

By merger of BSNL and MTNL, government is trying to kill both with one stroke, as they tried with Air India – Indian Airlines Merger.

In this connection, our demand is that before any discussion on merger of BSNL and  MTNL, three conditions should be fulfilled. (1). The 46.5% shares disinvested by MTNL should be bought back (2) There are liabilities to the MTNL to the extent of Rs. 20,000 crore; this should be waived / paid by the government and (3) the HR issues including different pay scales should be settled.

These are only but very reasonable and also unavoidable conditions. Otherwise keep the merger proposal in abeyance. BSNL employees can not agree to any merger without fulfilling these conditions.

 

JCM Staff Side Circulation on Meeting with VII CPC

27 Friday Mar 2015

Posted by in CG Employees, VII CPC

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Print allThe JCM Staff Side Circular issued by Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary Staff Side is reproduced below:
The 7th CPC had asked the JCM Staff Side to present their case before the Commission for wage revision on 23rd and 24th March 2015. Accordingly, the Standing Committee of the Staff Side met on 22nd March and again 23rd March 2015. The presentation was made on 23rd and 24th March 2015 before the Commission.
We have discussed the memorandum, chapter wise and the Commission made a very patient hearing and interacted with us seeking clarifications on certain matters. It is not possible to provide a detailed account of the discussions. However, we are to inform you that we came out of the discussion with a very good impression and satisfaction.
1. The Commission will adopt Minimum Wage Concept(Dr. Aykhrod Formula) as the principle of wage determination. They will however, collect the retail rates of the commodities that go into the basket.
2. We have pleaded for the adoption of the best international practices while fixing the highest salary.
3. On the demands for Interim Relief and Merger of DA, the Commission finally said that those can only be considered if Terms of Reference are amended.
4. The Commission agreed that there had been reduction in the sanctioned strength and working strength over the years despite the increased workload.
5. They have also noted that there was substantial reduction in percentage terms of the expenses on salary and wages over the years.
6. The Commission enquired, as to how multiplication factor of 3.7 was arrived at. The same was explained in detail.
7. Fitment Formula and the demand on Fixation of Pay on Promotion, were appreciated as the rationale was explained.
8. Date of effect: No commitment or comment was made by the Commission. The Staff Side explained, as to how they compromised by shifting the date from. 01.01.2011 to 01.01.2014.
9. The institution of Special Pay, especially in the wake of de-layering was explained.
10. Common Categories: We have requested the upgradation and amalgamation of the cadres of LDC with UDC and the need for bringing about parity in pay scales of the Subordinate Offices with the Central Secretariat. The problems of Staff Car Drivers were also elaborated. The contractorisation and casualisation at lower level positions and the consequent exploitation of the labour were discussed at length. The Commission has made a proposal to do away with the contractorisation/casualisation. Staff side will discuss the proposal and will send its views to the Commission in due course.
11. Classification of Posts: Our proposal has not been found favour.
12. GDS: While sympathizing with the Staff Side, the Commission wanted them to approach the Government with a view to amend the Terms of Reference.
13. Allowances and Advances: Detailed discussions were held on HRA, CCA, Transport Allowance, CEA and Special Allowance for personnel posted at North East Region. Chapters dealing with the facilities was also discussed at length, including compassionate appointment. On holidays, we have requested to include May Day in the list of holidays. The background of observance of May Day was enquired by the Commission and explained.
14. Pension and Retirement Benefit – NPS: Commission stated categorically that NPS being an Act of Parliament, they will not make any comment thereon.
Pension Computation: The rationale of 67% was explained and appreciated.
 
Minimum Pension: our demand for 2/3rd of the Minimum Wage was also explained.
Parity in pension of past and present pensioners was fully explained, linked with one rank -one pension scheme for Defence Personnel. We have pleaded that Civilian Pensioners should not be discriminated against. Demand for Additional Pension for both Pensioners and Family Pensioners was explained. All matters concerning Family Pension were also discussed. So also, gratuity to be computed in accordance with the Gratuity Act.
There was good response for the demands from the Commission.
Restoration of commuted value of pension: The Commission will enquire the views of the Government as to what is their objection to the demand.
Medical facilities for pensioners and discrimination between Pensioners in CGHS area and CCS(MA) Area as also the Postal Pensioners was brought home including the higher Fixed Medical Allowance for ESI persons.
Certain clarifications/elucidations have been asked for by the Commission. To provide such clarifications, another meeting with the Commission might be held after the Commission’s interaction with other organizations. The Staff Side may meet the Commission after their interaction with the other organizations are over.
With greetings,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary/Staff Side NC JCM

Memories of “Draconian Emergency” of 1975-77

27 Friday Mar 2015

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It is with a sign of relief that the people of India heard the announcement on 27th March 1977, that the draconian Emergency which was imposed on the country by the Congress Government led by Indira Gandhi was withdrawn. For 21 months since 25th June 1975, the people have been living as in a subjugated country. There was no freedom of speech, leaders, including MPs of all other political parties, except that of Congress, were arrested and put in jail. The Press was censured and without the approval of the officer appointed for the purpose, no news could be published. All kinds of protests and agitations were suppressed with an iron hand. Many trade union leaders, including that of P and T, were imprisoned. It was terror let loose.

In the 1977 General Elections that followed, the Congress party was decimated. In UP, where Indira Gandhi Prime Minister contested, the Congress could not get even a single seat.  The people gave a suitable reply to those who imposed the Emergency on the people.

The people of India will never allow any  repeat of such draconian orders.

RESERVATION FACILITIES TO SENIOR CITIZEN AND FEMALE PASSENGERS INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN 2015-03-25

27 Friday Mar 2015

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Benefits/Concessions for Senior Citizens and Women in Railways Reservation
With a view to facilitating provisions of lower berths to senior citizens and female passengers, following facilities are available:-
(i) There is a provision in the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) to allot lower berth automatically to male passengers above the age of 60 years and female passengers above the age of 45 years subject to availability of the same at the time of booking of ticket.
(ii) A combined reservation quota of two lower berths per coach is earmarked in Sleeper, AC 3Tier and AC 2Tier for following category of passengers when travelling alone:
a. Senior citizens;
b. Female passengers 45 years of age and above; and
c.  Pregnant women.
(iii)Instructions are also there to assist senior citizens and physically handicapped persons who have been allotted middle/upper berths by allotting them vacant lower berths available in the train by the ticket checking staff on first come first served basis (after making necessary entry in the reservation chart).
(iv)A six berths compartment in Sleeper Class is also earmarked in long distance Mail/Express trains for female passengers.
(v) It has now been decided that:-
•The existing combined quota of  two lower berths per coach in Sleeper class earmarked for senior citizens, female passengers 45 years of age and above and pregnant women (when travelling alone) may be enhanced to four lower berths per coach.  There will, however, be no change in this quota being earmarked in 3A and 2A classes.
•The scope of instructions regarding assisting senior citizens and physically handicapped persons in getting lower berths in the train has been expanded to include pregnant women also.  Hence, onboard ticket checking staff are now authorised to allot vacant lower berths available in the train to senior citizens, physically handicapped persons and pregnant women (who have been allotted middle/upper berths), on approach, on first come first served basis after making necessary entry in the chart.
•It has also been decided that the existing reservation quota of six berths for female passengers being earmarked in long distance Mail/Express trains should be in the middle of the coach and also to the extent feasible, the senior citizen quota should be earmarked in the middle of the coach. (PTI)

Government will get Rs. 29,000 crore by March 31 from Telecom companies towards spectrum charges

27 Friday Mar 2015

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The government is going to get Rs. 1,09,874.91 crore from the spectrum auction. Out of this Rs. 28,872.77 crore will be received by the Government by the end of this month. The allotment is for 20 years and the balance amount will be collected in installments.

As demanded earlier, the telecom PSU, BSNL, should be allotted a portion of this, say about Rs.10,000 crore for providing universal service, which is loss making and which is not provided by the private companies.

 

 

Spectrum auction results can be declared – SC

26 Thursday Mar 2015

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New Delhi, Mar 26 : The Supreme Court today lifted its embargo and allowed the government to finalise the result of the just-concluded biggest and “fiercest” auction for telecom spectrum, fetching a whopping revenue of Rs 1.09 lakh crore. (PTI)

The result of the spectrum auction was not declared due to an earlier order of the court. Now it has been removed.

SAVE BSNL, SAVE NATION – (2) – Compensation for loss making connections

26 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU, Forum

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At the time of the corporatisation of DOT services to BSNL in October 2000, the government gave three main assurances to ensure its financial viability. (1) Access Deficit Charges (ADC) will be collected from the private telecom companies and the same will be paid to BSNL (2) BSNL have to pay licence fee just like other telecom companies, but the same will be refunded to it and (3) There will be liberal support from the USO Fund for providing universal service (means providing telephone connections in the village and rural areas as part of the governments commitment to provide universal service).  It was also declared at the time of inauguration of BSNL by the then Communications Minister Ram Vilas Paswan that BSNL will be granted the status of Maharatna, which is above Mini Ratna and Navaratna status.

For a few years, ADC was collected and paid to BSNL. Later it was topped. In lieu of it an amount of Rs.1,500 crore was sanctioned and paid in 2011-12 and  an amount of Rs. 1,250 crore was allotted for 2012-13. But so far this latter amount is not paid to BSNL. ADC is completely stopped also.

In the same way, for a few years, the Licence Fee paid by BSNL was refunded. Now the refund is not given.

Though USO Fund was being paid to BSNL, it was far less than required. Approximately an amount of about Rs. 3,000 crore was being received by USOF from all the telecom companies together, but only about an amount of Rs. 200-300 was being paid to BSNL. The fund got accumulated to more than Rs.20,000 crore. Now all the companies are made eligible for USOF and BSNL is getting only a small portion.

With regard to grant of Maharatna, BSNL is granted only Mini Ratna, which in fact, is an insult to such a big company.

By going back from the assurances on financial viability and grant of Maharatna status, which gives more power to the PSU to take decisions etc., the government was making BSNL a loss making company. BSNL is in loss of about Rs. 10,000 crore for providing services in the interior and difficult areas. If the government fully compensate this loss, then the company will be in profit.

The Forum demands that the Government should honour its assurances and continue the support already assured at the time of the formation of BSNL. This is a major demand of the Forum included in the notice for Strike on 21-22 April 2015.

Meeting of the Forum on 25 March 2015

25 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners

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The meeting of the BSNL Unions and Associations held on 25th March 2015 at BSNLMS Office has reviewed the preparations for the strike and decided to hold state level conventions wherever it was not conducted and also to hold SSA level conventions at all places. Massive campaign should be organised for getting support from the people.

Government gets over Rs. 1lakh crore from spectrum auction

25 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, PSU, SAVE BSNL CAMPAIGN, Telecom

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The spectrum action is over after a very long 19 days. The government will get Rs. 1,09,874 crores from the auction of 800 MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum. This is the biggest auction of spectrum so far. There has been stiff competition to get the spectrum by the private companies.

We demand that from the spectrum sale, at least Rs. 10,000 crore should be paid to BSNL as immediate assistance to purchase equipment for expansion and maintenance.

 

SAVE BSNL, SAVE NATION – What are our Demands?(1) Procurement of Equipments

25 Wednesday Mar 2015

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The 2.25 lakh executives and non-executives are going on Two days Strike on 21-22 April 2015 demanding that the government takes necessary measures to revive BSNL and strengthen it. The strike notice signed by the General Secretaries of the unions/associations have been served on the CMD BSNL and Secretary DOT with copy to the Hon’ble Communications Minister on 12th March 2015. Neither the DOT nor the BSNL Management has called the Forum of Unions/Associations to discuss the demands so far.

As per the call of the Forum, a massive Parliament March, participated by thousands of BSNL employees, Pensioners and casual Contract workers was organised on 25th February 2015 as a prelude to the Strike. Earlier a three days dharna was organised on 6-8 January 2015. Circle level conventions have been organised in many circles with the General Secretaries participating and preparing the workers for the strike. Call has been given for holding SSA level conventions as part of the SAVE BSNL Campaign. Serious campaign is going on in preparation for the strike. This is a “DO OR DIE” battle and every employee should be part of it.

What are the main demands raised by the Forum? Let us examine one by one.

1. Immediate Procurement of Equipments

One of the main reason for the present unenviable situation of BSNL is the lack of equipments. The mobile lines, Broadband Modem, Drop wire, telephone instruments, cables etc. are in acute shortage, which are required for the expansion and maintenance of service. Since 2006, this shortage continues,resulting blockade of advancement. While the private companies are free to purchase equipment without tender, BSNL has to go through a series of procedures before any purchase has to be made. Secondly, there is no fund with BSNL. When funds were available, the government did not allow purchase. The government should  now allow BSNL to take loans from Banks with its guarantee, otherwise banks will not give loans.

While the private companies are allowed to purchase from the Chinese companies which are comparatively cheap and efficient, BSNL is denied permission for the same citing national security. This should be cleared.

Management is purchasing towers from private companies, while the Telecom Factories of BSNL are producing the same, citing low cost for the private towers. This should be stopped. The towers manufactured in Factories should be made cost-friendly and the same should be purchased by the  BSNL, which can save a lot of money.

Many equipment could be manufactured in the Telecom Factories. (It is better to call them BSNL Factories instead of TFs.) These would be of good quality and cost-friendly and suitable for the BSNL network.

The undue and unnecessary delay being caused by the Quality Assurance in checking the equipment manufactured by the BSNL Factories should be reduced, so that equipment are made available quickly.