Press Release on strike by Forum

03 Monday Mar 2014

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS / ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI – 110001
Press Release 03-03-2014
BSNL Employees to strike against Merger of BSNL and MTNL
Two lakh and fifty thousand workers of govt. telecom corporation, BSNL, will resort to Immediate Indefinite Strike if the government takes arbitrary decision on merger of BSNL and MTNL, and also on formation of a Tower company bifurcating BSNL. The Forum of BSNL Unions /Associations, which is the co-coordinating Committee of the Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives in BSNL, in its meeting held today, 3rd March 2014, has strongly opposed the move to merge BSNL and MTNL and formation of a Tower company, bifurcating BSNL, which will seriously and adversely affect the future of BSNL and its workforce.
It was only government that divided the DOT services in to three companies, MTNL, VSNL and MTNL, which the workers had opposed at that time. The bifurcation has seriously and adversely affected the growth of the PSUs. During these decades many changes have taken place on issues like disinvestment (MTNL is disinvested to the tune of 46.5%, while BSNL is 100% govt. company), Salary ( MTNL salary is one step higher than BSNL), Perks etc. The proposal of the government now for Merger of the two companies BSNL and MTNL (VSNL already privatised) and at the same time bifurcating BSNL by forming a Tower Company without solving the above issues will further complicate the situation and will seriously and adversely affect the future of BSNL and its workers. Despite the fact that the Forum has already expressed its strong protest at these arbitrary actions and asked to be heard, the government has not discussed the issues with the workers and their unions, who are most important stakeholders. The BSNL workers have already expressed their strong protest by organising massive demonstrations on 3rd March, despite at short notice.
It is reported that the government is proposing to take decision on these matters urgently and hastily before the declaration of the general elections, even without giving the unions/associations a chance to be heard. The workers are, naturally, very much restive and agitated about their future as well as the future of BSNL, if any arbitrary decision is taken on the above matters. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has taken a decision in its meeting on 03-03-2014, that if the government takes any decision for merger of BSNL and MTNL with out resolving the issues mentioned above, then the workers will resort to Immediate Indefinite Strike without further notice.
We demand the government not to precipitate the situation by taking any arbitrary decision on the merger of BSNL and MTNL as also in forming the Tower Company bifurcating BSNL.
V.A.N.Namboodiri
Convener Forum Mob: 9868231431

PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE INDEFINITE STRIKE TO SAVE BSNL AND WORKERS – FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS

03 Monday Mar 2014

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS / ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI – 110001
——————————————————————
IMMEDIATE INDEFINITE STRIKE
BSNL Workers will go on Immediate Indefinite Strike, if government takes arbitrary decision to merge BSNL and MTNL with out resolving the Disinvestment, HR and other connected issues as also on Bifurcation of BSNL by formation of a Tower Company.

Dear Comrades,
The meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations held at New Delhi today, 3rd March 2014, after detailed discussion and taking all factors in to consideration has decided to go on Immediate Indefinite Strike, if the government takes arbitrary decision for merger of BSNL and MTNL, with out resolving the Disinvestment, HR and other related issues as also on the formation of a Tower Company, bifurcating BSNL.
It was only government that divided the DOT services in to three companies, MTNL, VSNL and MTNL, which the workers had opposed at that time. The bifurcation has seriously and adversely affected the growth of the PSUs. During these decades many changes have taken place on issues like disinvestment (MTNL is disinvested to the tune of 46.5%, while BSNL is 100% govt. company), Salary ( MTNL salary is one step higher than BSNL), Perks etc. The proposal of the government now for Merger of the two companies BSNL and MTNL (VSNL already privatised) and at the same time bifurcating BSNL by forming a Tower Company without solving the above issues will further complicate the situation and will seriously and adversely affect the future of BSNL and its workers. Despite the fact that the Forum has already expressed its strong protest at these arbitrary actions and asked to be heard, the government has not discussed the issues with the workers and their unions, who are most important stakeholders. The BSNL workers have already expressed their strong protest by organising massive demonstrations on 3rd March, despite at short notice.
While the government has sufficient time to meet the private companies/corporates and favourably consider their view points, there is no time to meet the workers and their unions/associations and also consider their views. The government is trying to take arbitrary decisions against the interests of BSNL and its workers just before the country goes to poll. Such hasty decisions will create havoc for both the telecom PSUs and their workers.
It is under such grave conditions that the Forum has taken decision to go on Immediate Indefinite Strike if the government takes decision on the merger of BSNL and MTNL and also on formation of Tower Company by bifurcating BSNL.
The Forum Calls upon each and every worker and all the unions/associations of non-executives and executives in BSNL to be ready for immediate action if the government takes its anti-BSNL decisions. The Immediate Indefinite Strike is to save BSNL and its workers from collapse and utter destruction.
Meet each and every worker and explain the grave situation and prepare for sustained struggle. Earlier we had stopped disinvestment, we have stopped VRS, through mighty struggles. Now it is our duty to wage another mighty struggle for the survival of BSNL. Wait for the Call from Forum.
UNITY FOR STRUGGLE! STRUGGLE FOR UNITY! UNITY AND STRUGGLE FOR SAVING BSNL!
Comradely,
V.A.N.Namboodiri New Delhi
Convener, Forum 03-03-2014

Consumer Price Index Coming down? Less IDA for BSNL Employees from April 2014?

03 Monday Mar 2014

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I am reproducing a report from BSNL Tele Services, which reports that the IDA for BSNL employees may come down from April 2014 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2013 and January 2014, unless increased in February 2014. It says that “BSNL Employees Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) Rates from April 2014 may sharply be decreased in 2014-2015”.

“Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates of April 2014 are based on All India Consumer Price Index(IW) issued by the Department of Labour Bureau on average for the specified months of December-2013 and January, February 2014.

Now according to the Index numbers issued by Department of Labour Bureau for the month of December-2013, CPI for Industrial Workers(IW) decreased to 239 from 243 and for January 2014 it stood at 237, a decrease of 6 points in CPI which will be taken for April 2014 Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates.

If there is an increase by 9 points in CPI index for the month of February 2014, then the IDA rates from April 2014 will be increased, otherwise the IDA rates of BSNL employees from April 2014 will sharply decrease – even by around 2% from present Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates @ 90.5% from 01.04.2014, have a look about Old Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates of BSNL Employees from 1st January 2007.

If the IDA rates of BSNL employees decreased from present rates, this is the first time decrease after pay revision from 01-01-2007. According to the Consumer Price Index(IW), there is a chance – mostly for decrease of IDA rates from 1st April 2014. (Courtesy: BSNL Teleservices)

Forum Meets on 3 March on BSNL-MTNL Merger issue

02 Sunday Mar 2014

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The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations will meet on 3 March 2014 to chalk out future programme of action protesting proposal for BSNL-MTNL merger, without first settling the HR, Wage, disinvestment issues etc. The Revival of BSNL and our task in the matter will also be discussed as usual.
The BSNL Management has proposed VRS, formation of a tower company etc, which are not in the best interests of the company and workers.These also will be discussed.

Chennai Airport Privatisation – Madras HC declines to extend stay

02 Sunday Mar 2014

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CHENNAI, MARCH 1:
The Madras High Court has declined to extend the stay on the privatisation of Chennai airport.

Justice R Subbiah granted the interim injunction on January 29 based on a petition filed by Airports Authority Employees’ Union against the Airports Authority of India seeking Request for Qualification from private parties to manage the airport. The AAI filed a counter affidavit and P Wilson, Additional Solicitor-General, in his representation insisted on an early hearing of the injunction application.

On Thursday (February 27) when the petitioner’s counsel requested adjourning the matter to next week, Justice Subbiah adjourned the case to March 5 and stated that the interim injunction will not be extended further. Arguments in the case will start on March 5.

Companies such as GVK, IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd and Essar Projects (India) Ltd have evinced interest in the privatisation of operations. The union claimed that since over ₹2,000 crore was spent on construction, privatising the airport will push up the user-development fee. (Courtesy: Business Line)

General Elections may start by second week of April 2014

02 Sunday Mar 2014

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Indications are that the General elections will start by second week of April 2014 and will be completed in 5-7 phases. Last General elections were in 5 phases.
It is expected that the election notification may be issued shortly. However, all the political parties have started their propaganda and election campaign weeks before.
Till a few weeks back, the thinking was that it will be a bi-polar election, the fight mainly between the Congress and BJP. But at present, there is a third alternative for the voters. The Left and the Regional Parties together is a third alternative. AAP also may get some seats all over India.

CC Meeting of CPI(M) – Press Statement

02 Sunday Mar 2014

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New Delhi, March 2: The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi on March 1 & 2, 2014. It has issued the following statement:

No Ordinances

The Central Committee strongly opposed the UPA government’s move to pass a number of ordinances on Bills it was not able to get passed in parliament. With the Lok Sabha having concluded its last session and on the eve of the election announcement, passing of such ordinances is not only undemocratic but unconstitutional. The UPA government is passing these ordinances just for electoral gains. All such legislation can be taken up only after the new Lok Sabha is constituted.

Big Mobilisation

The Central Committee congratulated the West Bengal Left Front for the mammoth rally at the Brigade Parade Ground on February 9. This record breaking rally was a striking illustration of the mass support enjoyed by the CPI(M) and the Left Front despite the terror tactics and suppression of democratic rights by the ruling Trinamul Congress.

The Central Committee appreciated the success of the Kerala Raksha March which was conducted for 26 days in Kerala by the Party. Lakhs of people attended the meetings across the length and breadth of the state during the march displaying their support for the slogan “Secular India, Developed Kerala”.

Election Preparations

The Central Committee discussed the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in all the states. It approved the first list of seats and the candidates of the Party. (list attached)

Manifesto

The draft of the Election Manifesto of the Party was discussed by the Central Committee. It authorized the Polit Bureau to finalise the manifesto and issue it at the appropriate time.

First List of Seats to be Contested by the CPI(M) in the
Lok Sabha Elections

Sr
State
Seats
Candidate
1.
Assam
Barpeta
Uddhab Barman
2.

Tejpur
Khemraj Chetry
3.

Silchar
Rejamond Ali
4.
Gujarat
Dohad (ST)
Singhjibhai Katara
5.
Haryana
Hisar
Phool Singh Sheokand
6.

Sirsa (SC)
Ram Kumar Bahbalpuria
7.

Bhiwani Mohindergarh
Master Sher Singh
8.
Himachal Pradesh
Mandi
Kushal Bharadwaj
9.

Shimla (SC)
Jagat Ram
10.
Jharkhand
Rajmahal (ST)
Jyotin Soren
11.

Ranchi
Rajinder Singh Munda
12.
Karnataka
Chikballapur
Srirama Reddy

Mangalore
Yadav Shetty
13.
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep
Dr. Muneer
14.
Madhya Pradesh
Gwalior
Akhilesh Yadav
15.

Jhabua-Ratlam (ST)
Lata Bharbore (W)
16.
Maharashtra
Palghar (ST)
Ladak Kharpade
17.

Dindori (ST)
Hemant Waghere
18.

Nashik
Tanaji Jaybhave
19.
Odisha
Berhampur
Ali Kishor Patnaik
20.
Punjab
Anandpur Sahib
Balbir Singh Jadla
21.

Ludhiana
Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon
22.
Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi
Hiralal Yadav
23.

Moradabad
Nafeesuddin
24.
Uttarakhand
Tehri
Shiv Prasad Deoli

First Congress of the Comintern 2-6 March 1919.

02 Sunday Mar 2014

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The First Congress of the Communist International, also called Comintern, was held at Moscow on 2-6 March 1919. After the 1917 October Revolution in Russia, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union(CPSU) took initiative for the Communist International Congress and formed the same. Communist parties of many countries participated. It was under the leadership of V.I.Lenin, that the Comintern was formed. The Comintern continued till 1935 Congress.

It is almost one hundred years after Comintern was formed. These years saw the rise and growth of USSR, its collapse in the 1980s and the developments in the Communist movement world over. The Communist Parties are in power in Vietnam, Cuba, China and N.Korea at present. There are many countries in Latin America included, which have Left or Left of the centre governments. In Russia, the Communist Party is the second largest party.

Who is the Richest Person in India? Of course, Mukesh Ambani!

02 Sunday Mar 2014

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Who is the richest person in India? No doubt, it is Mukesh Ambani,Chairman of Reliance Industries, the elder of the Ambani brothers. With $ 18 million fortune, he continues as the richest in India.He is the 41st richest in the world, which list is led by Bill Gates, worth $68 billion.
This is according to the China based Research institute Hurun’s Global Rich List.

India Posts starts ATM

01 Saturday Mar 2014

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India Posts has started ATM for their SB Accountees. 2 ATMs have been opened in Delhi on 1st March. 2800 ATMs will be opened by 2015 all over India.

It is a good decision. But immediately Department of Posts will have to pay a good amount to other Banks, since the P.O. Account holders will be using the ATMs of other banks as the ATMs of P.O. are very less for some time.