Spectrum Auction – Telecom companies happy with 5% charges.

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in Telecom

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As was expected, none of the private telecom companies have withdrawn from the spectrum auction. All the companies which have registered for auction will participate.
They are Bharti Airtel Ltd, Vodafone, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, Idea Cellular Ltd, Telewings (Uninor), Reliance Communications Ltd, Tata Teleservices Ltd and Aircel Ltd. they are in race to bid for about 403 MHz of airwaves in 1,800 MHz band and 46 MHz spectrum in 900 MHz band.
The decision of the EGoM to charge 5% for the spectrum seems to have satisfied all. Compare this with the 3% recommended by TRAI. Almost all decisions of the TRAI seems to be pro-private.

Rajasthan also scraps FDI in multiple retail.

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in Neo-liberal policy

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Rajasthan became the second state to scrap the FDI decision in multiple-brand retail taken by the former Congress government. Delhi state government of AAP has already scrapped the FDI in multiple retail, immediately after it took over the reins.
The Rajasthan Government has written to Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma in this matter.
Anand Sharma, immediately after the Kejriwal Govt. has decided to scrap FDI has stated that the state government can not alter a decision taken earlier allowing FDI. Now that two states have scrapped FDI, it will have to be seen what decision the UPA government takes.
Though majority of the parties had opposed 51% FDI in multiple brand retail, the UPA government managed to get it passed in the Parliament. Now two state governments viz. Delhi ruled by AAP and Rajasthan ruled by BJP have scrapped the decision of the former congress governments. It is sure that more states may follow suit as it is well known that the retail merchants are strongly opposed to FDI as it will adversely affect about 4 crore of families.
It is better for the Central government to allow the state governments to take their own decision.

Forum Letter to Kapil Sibal, Communications Minister on Pension Contribution

31 Friday Jan 2014

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

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Copy of the letter sent by Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations to Communications Minister Shri Kapil Sibal is given below:

FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI – 110001
——————————————————————————————————————-
Forum/GL 31st January 2014
To
Shri Kapil Sibal,
Communications Minister,
Member, EGoM on Revival of BSNL and MTNL
New Delhi – 110001
Sub: Revival of BSNL/MTNL – Pensionary Contribution from BSNL/MTNL to be on the basis of actual pay instead of maximum of the pay scale – requested
Respected Sir,
We are happy that the Government has considered the question of revival of BSNL and MTNL and an EGoM has been appointed of which you are also an important member which is examining the various aspects of reviving the two ailing PSUs. In this connection we would like to bring to your notice one most important issue, which if favourably considered, will give much financial relief to the PSUs, BSNL and MTNL.
The issue is about the payment of pensionary contribution that is to be paid to the government by the BSNL and MTNL for the DOT employees who have been absorbed in BSNL and MTNL. In the case of BSNL employees, it was part of the agreement that pension will be paid by the Government and that pension contribution for the employees will have to be paid by BSNL to Government. In the case of MTNL absorbed employees, the government has now decided the same formula.
But the pension contribution to be paid by the BSNL and MTNL is calculated in an unjust manner. The BSNL and MTNL are directed to pay on the basis of the maximum of the pay scale of the employee, instead of his/her actual pay. In the case of government employees on deputation, the government orders are that the pension contribution is to be paid on the basis of the actual pay. This should be the criteria for the payment of pension contribution by BSNL and MTNL also. By paying on the maximum of the pay scale, these loss making PSUs are compelled to pay many hundreds of crores of rupees extra
In order to reduce the loss of the companies and also to equalise the pension contributions in the case of deputation of government employees, we request that the EGoM/Government may kindly take a decision to reduce the pension contribution by directing that it should be paid on the basis of the actual pay instead of the maximum of the pay scale.
An early favourable decision in the matter will be highly appreciated.
Thanking you,
Yours Faithfully,
sd/-
V.A.N.Namboodiri
Convener,Forum.

Best Wishes Com S.C.Bhattacharjee!

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in BSNLEU

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Com. S.C.Bhattacharjee, All India Treasurer and Circle Secretary Chhattisgarh of BSNLEU is retiring on superannuation on today, 31st January 2014. Joined in the P and T Department in February 1976, he has almost completed a meritorious service of about 38 years including both in DOT and BSNL.
His contributions to the All India Union as well as to the M.P. and Chhattisgarh Circle, as Circle secretary in the latter since its formation, are well known. He organised many struggles and led many struggles for the cause of the workers. He is loved by all for his simple life, friendship and progressive outlook.

Revolutionary Greetings and Best Wishes to Com.Bhattacharjee at the time of his retirement. This is a Reception to you for more activities in the days to come.

The Defence of Stalingrad – The Defeat of Nazi Army

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in General, History

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31 January 1943 will not be forgotten by anyone who has gone through the history of II World War. It was on this day that Hitler had his first major defeat in the II WW and which changed history and saved the world from the scourge of nazism and Fascism.
The axis forces of Hitler of Germany, Emperor Hirohito of Japan and Mussolini of Italy were advancing everywhere against the allied forces of US, Britain and USSR. The start of the IIWW saw Hitler attacking the nearby countries, the Britain and France etc. But the main enemy of the axis forces was the socialist country USSR. The German Army with lakhs of military and air force attacked USSR and captured a large portion of the country. The Red Army and the people fought with all their might.It was in Stalingrad that the most fiercest battle was fought. Major portion of Stalingrad was taken by the German Army.
Losing Stalingrad would have been a crucial victory for Germans and certain defeat for the young socialist country. The German military was far superior in numbers, equipment, armour and firing power. More than 2 lakh military and Air force personnel were employed by Hitler. Reinforcement was coming from the back lines. Though in lesser numbers and less armour The Red Army was committed and determined to fight to the last man, the last drop of blood to defend their beloved country. The people also was determined to defend their Soviet Country. Inch by inch, street by street they fought with the enemy and pushed them back. The defence of Stalingrad continued for months. At last the German army was surrounded. In these few months alone more than 2 lakh soldiers from both sides were killed in action. At last on 31st January, the German Army at Stalingrad had no other course, but to surrender.
It was the turning point in the II World War. The Red Army recaptured the soviet land, which has been captured and ravaged by the German Army and pushed them back to Germany and at last to Berlin, the capital of Germany. On 2n May 1945, the Red Army captured Berlin and hoisted the Red Flag there. The world was saved from the Nazi terror.
We can not imagine, what if the Nazi army was not defeated at Stalingrad! On this day, 71 years after the historic Defence of Stalingrad, my Red Salutes to the lakhs of Red Army and ordinary people who through their ultimate sacrifice have saved the world.

BSNL Tower Business should not be made separate company

31 Friday Jan 2014

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

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It is reported that the Government is proposing to form a separate company for its tower business. BSNL has at present 61,622 towers scattered all over the country, which is the second largest. More towers are expected to be installed. The move is intended to probably to give it on rent/sharing and get some revenue.
This move will clearly reduce the revenue of the company. Another matter is about the employees. Many employees in BSNL will be required to be transferred to the new company. Most of them will be DOT employees already once transferred/absorbed in BSNL and whose service conditions etc. are changed once. Another transfer will create further trouble.
Further no discussion has taken place with the recognised unions or the Forum of the BSNL Unions/Associations in this matter. The move to form a tower company bifurcating will be suicidal for BSNL and its employees.
This proposal has to be opposed and defeated.

BSNL proposes to encash its land assets.

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in BSNL News, Telecom, TU News - Telecom specific

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It is reported that BSNL is proposing to monetise its land assets in Mumbai and Delhi and other parts of the country to make up for the loss of last four years and for development and expansion. Immediately the proposal is with regard to the 37 acres in Borivali, 6.63 acres in Santa Cruz, 25.5 acres in Deonar (all in Mumbai) and 1.48 acres in Sector -33, Noida and 0.84 acres in Sector-18 Noida (all in Delhi). BSNL projects to use these for housing and commercial purposes.
According to the reports, the assets of the BSNL land all over India comes to about Rs. 13,500 crores. (This can not in any way be correct. BSNL has land all over India, in all places in the centre of the towns/cities. The land value will be more than 10 times more than this at the least).
The question is how these lands will be used? Whether lease it or sell it? Or whether develop by BSNL and rent it?
We are of the strong opinion that these issues should be discussed with the recognised unions/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations, before embarking on the project. The pros and cons of the entire project is to be decided and if it is to be implemented, it has also to be ensured that it has to be done in a very transparent way to avoid corrupt practices.

Teledensity increases to 73.69% in November 2013

31 Friday Jan 2014

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

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The TRAI has stated that the Teledensity in the country increased to 73.69% by the end of November 2013.
The mobile connections have increased from 875 million in October to 881 million in November 2013. Out of this BSNL and MTNL together hold only 11.57%. The private companies together have a market share of 88.43% with Bharti Airtel 22.31%, Vodafone 17.94 and Idea with 14.57%.
The neo-liberal policies of the government which promote and favour private corporates against the PSUs as also the inefficient BSNL Management are the causes for this down fall of the PSUs.

Godman Asaram has assets of Rs.10,000 crore, Land value not counted

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by in General

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The Godmen in India are not the poor sanyasins of the old, who sacrificed all material benefits and are stated to have lived for the benefit of the mankind and to guide the people for the right living. The present so called godmen are super rich and are covered with all material benefits like big ashrams, vast acres of land, latest technological arrangements and also getting huge donations coming to hundreds of crores. Many of them are involved in criminal cases of land grabbing,assault, rape etc.
Now take the case of Asaram. He is accused of rape of young girls and the charge sheet is issued. He is having assets worth more than Rs.10,000 crore. It is without taking the land asset of thousands of acres in various places. Even all the documents have not been examined, which will increase the assets.
Many of these godmen promotes superstition and creates communal tensions to suit their own benefits.
Usually no taxes to the government are paid by these godmen on the plea of religious institution. Political bigwigs of the ruling and opposition parties as well as big corporate people are their disciples, so that no case will launched against them so long as they don’t cross swords with the former.
An enquiry is to be conducted in the wealth etc.of these so called godmen and take necessary steps as per the law of the country.

Belgaum Contract workers will start hunger strike on 3rd February

30 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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Against the non-implementation of the agreement by the BSNL Management for taking back the 284 contract workers retrenched earlier, the BSNLCCWF Belgaum unit has decided to go on Hunger strike w.e.f. 3rd February 2014. The BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF as also CITU are fully supporting the agitation. BSNLCCWF CHQ demands the BSNL Management to urgently take back the retrenched workers and engage them for work. Already the BSNL services have been adversely affected due to the retrenchment. BSNLCCWF fully supports the struggle and demands the management to settle the issues urgently.