Despite the fact that lakhs of farmers on agitation demanding repeal of the three kisan acts passed by the Parliament which are against the interest of the farmers, the central government has not even come forward to discuss with them. This is most undemocratic and not is condemnable. Anyhow, the kisans’ organisations have decided to continue the agitation till their demands are met. All support nd solidarity to the kisans, who are the bread givers for the country.

BSNL Employees were agitating for getting their salary in time as earlier. For the past many months it was being delayed on the plea of short of funds. In the meeting with the All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) today, 28th October 2021, CMD has assured that it will be paid in the last working day of the month as early, from January 2022 onwards. The BSNL workers were on agitation for settlement of their urgent demands. Congratulations.

Concessions in Railway tickets were granted to senior citizens as a welfare measure for the last so many years. Women of age 58 and above were getting 50% concession, while men with 60 and above were getting 40% concession. The Senior Citizens Friends Welfare Association, Kerala, had demanded that men also should be granted 50% concession removing the discrimination.

Instead of removing the discrimination, the Railway authorities have withdrawn the concessions in February 2020 without any justification. This is a complete attack on the rights of the senior citizens. It seems that the concessions are withdrawn, in view of the proposed privatisation of Railways.

The senior citizens strongly protests against the Railway orders withdrawing the concession and demand that it should immediately be restored.

In preparation for the All India Conference of the AIBDPA, the conferences at the lower level ie. Area and District Conferences have started. Despite Covid situation, good number of pensioners are attending and participating in the discussions actively, maintaining covid protocol. Welcome reports are reaching AIBDPA CHQ from various states.

BSNL has issued the order for payment of IDA instalments of 01-10-2020, 01-01-2021 and 01-04-2021 which were frozen by the Modi government for a period from 01-10-2020 to 30-06-2021. BSNL Employees Union had filed a writ petition in the High Court of Kerala against the freezing of IDA instalments and got a favourable order. However , BSNL management was delaying its implementation on flimsy grounds. After much pressure exerted and struggle by BSNLEU has finally yielded the result. Hearty Congratulations to CHQ BSNLEU and all the beneficiaries.

AIBDPA had taken a clear stand that the freezing of IDA instalments is not applicable to BSNL absorbed pensioners and took up the issue with the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, DPE and DOT. When there was no positive action from the authorities, CHQ filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court and the Hon’ble High Court was pleased to issue an interim order in our favour on the same day of filing the case. However, both the DPE and DOT have not cared to implement the order. So , we are continuing our efforts to get a definite and final order from the High Court. (AIBDPA Website)

Petrol and Diesel prices are increased almost daily and the same has reached to more than Rs. 100. BJP has assured that if it comes to power, petrol prices will be reduced to Rs. 40/.. But during the last 5-6 years the BJP government has increased it up to more than Rs. 100. This is being done, while the price of the world crude oil has not been increased. Shame Modi government.

The three programmes, including the CGM Office March on 22nd October called for by the co-ordination committee of BSNLEU-AIBDPA-BSNLCCWF have been organised with massive participation keeping the Covid protocol. The issues raised are very important ones, including the revival of BSNL.

Committee will meet on 26th October 2021, since no issue is settled by the BSNL Management and the government.

DA for Central govt employees increased from the present 28% to 31% wef July 2021.What about the Dearness Relief to Pensioners wef July 2021?Also what about the DA due to BSNL employees and Dearness Relief to BSNL retirees from July and October 2021?During Covid period employees and pensioners were denied their DA and DR increases for long 18 months. Sustained struggle is the only way against this injustice.

The March to CGM Offices organised as per the call of the Co-Ordination Committee of BSNLEU-AIBDPA-BSNLCCWF organised on 22nd October 2021 on the major demands of the workers, pensioners and casual-contract workers have been a big success as per the reports from the various circles. The workers are very unhappy and restive that the government and BSNL management are not responsive to their reasonable demands including on revival of BSNL.

Co-Ordination Committee will have to meet and take suitable decisions for further programmes.

Workers in PSUs, including BSNL are eligible for increase of 3.3% increase in IDA from July and 5.5% from October 2021. But the government has not issued the orders so far. Usually it is issued by the first of July and October, but this time it is being delayed causing much hardship and anxiety to the workers. Already the workers have lost the arrears of DA for 18 months from January 2020 to  June 2021.  The negative attitude of the government is unpardonable. 

It is demanded that the orders for increased IDA are issued without further delay.