Tag Archives: Forum

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 7 )

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

JF Protests Sharing of BSNL Towers with private operators 

Meanwhile, the Communications Minister announced that the BSNL towers would be shared with the private operators for the benefit of the latter. This was strongly opposed by the Joint Forum and a press statement was issued on 17-03-2006.

Press Statement against the proposal of the government for the unbundling of copper cables of BSNL was issued on 31-05-2006 by the Joint Forum.

Meeting with the Secretary DOT on 7th June 2006

A meeting was held with Dr.J.S.Sharma, Secretary DOT, on 7th June 2006. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF, Com. Nafe Singh and Com. Swapan Chakraborty also participated. The following issues were discussed:

Navaratna Status to BSNL: The Secretary DOT assured that the Navaratna Status will be conferred to BSNL next year after the fulfillment of obligatory provisions.

Unbundling of local loop: The apprehension of the workers on the formation of a sub-committee headed by the Secretary DOT on the issue was discussed and the Joint Forum strongly opposed the same. Secretary DOT assured that the commitment given earlier continued and no unbundling will take place.

Merger of BSNL and MTNL: Secretary DOT assured that the talk of merger is only speculation of the media and there is no decision for the same.

The Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations on 24th June 2006 addressed a letter to the Communications Minister Shri Dayanidhi Maran strongly opposing the proposal of unbundling the last mile copper and seeking a meeting to discuss the same.

The Joint Forum gave a call for Lunch hour Demonstrations at Circles and SSA levels on 27th July 2006 and telegrams to be sent to Prime Minister demanding “ No Disinvestment, No unbundling of local loop of BSNL & MTNL”. It was also decided to have a massive March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.

Meeting with the Minister of Communications on 12th July 2006.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener Joint Forum along with Com. Basudev Acharya, M.P. & Leader of the CPI(M) in Lok Sabha, met the Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran on 12-07-2006 and expressed strong protest of the workers on the proposals for unbundling. The Minister, while sharing the concerns of the unions expressed that there is no need to unbundle loops of BSNL & MTNL. He said that in USA also, there is no unbundling. He commented that both the PSUs will be finished if unbundled. Coms. Mihir Dasgupta AGS BSNLEU and Animesh Mitra, CS BSNLEU, W.B.Circle also participated in the discussions. Minister assured positively and later told the press that there was no need for unbundling.

Protest against increasing of FDI from 49% to 74 % in Telecom sector – Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions decides for agitational programmes.

Despite the discussions with the Communications Minister and assurances by DOT and CMD, the government was steadily moving to implement increased FDI in telecom, unbundling of last mile copper etc. as part of its neo-liberal policies. Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) was privatized and the shares of MTNL were being disinvested. The government and the TRAI were taking anti-BSNL/MTNL decisions one after another favouring the private telecom companies. Earlier, the USOF was only for the BSNL/MTNL but it was being extended to the private operators also. A committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DOT, with 9 members out of which 4 members were from various private telecom companies and one each from PMO and Planning Commission. The main issue was to unbundle the last mile copper of the telecom PSUs to benefit the private companies.

As such, the meeting of the Joint Forum held on 5th and 10th July 2006 after detailed discussion decided to organize agitational programmes on the following demands:

  1. No Disinvestment of BSNL/MTNL
  2. No unbundling of local loop
  3. No sharing of BSNL/MTNL infrastructure with private operators
  4. No increase in FDI
  5. No reduction in revenue sharing and ADC
  6. Immediate grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
  7. Grant autonomy to BSNL & MTNL
  8. Expand mobile and broadband services
  9. Early and amicable settlement of ITS absorption issue.

The following programmes  were also finalized:

  1. Joint Demonstrations to be organized at Circle/SSA headquarters on 27th July 2006. On the day, telegrams to be sent to the Prime Minister, New Delhi as follows:

“No Disinvestment, Unbundling of Local Loop of BSNL and MTNL”

  1. March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.
  2. Strike in September 2006, the date which will be decided later.

Accordingly notice was issued to the Secretary, DOT and CMDs of BSNL and MTNL. It was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU) & Convener JF, O.P.Gupta (NFTE), K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), T.Muthukrishnan (AISC/STTEWA), A.D.Patil (AIBCTES), V.K.Tomar (MTNLEA), Vrijesh Upadhyay  (MTNLMS) and A.K.Koushik (TEAM). A detailed letter was sent to the Sub Group on ‘Unbundling of local loop’ strongly opposing and demanding that no unbundling be decided.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 6 )

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

2006

Negotiations with Secretary DOT on 4th January 2006.

At the last moment, when the Joint Forum was meeting at about 07.30 PM on 4th January 2005 , just four hours before the start of the strike in the night of 4/5th January 2006, the Secretary DOT called the unions for a meeting. The Joint Forum, which was in session authorized Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU & Convener, JF, to conduct the negotiation, since it was felt that the last minute discussions were only meant to confuse and delay matters. The Communications Minister was abroad and the State Minister out of Delhi. After protracted discussion, the Secretary DOT gave written assurances as below:

Yashwant Bhave, Additional Secretary, Department of Telecommunications dated 04-01-2006

Dear Shri Sinha,

Mr. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary of the BSNL Employees Union met Secretary (Telecom) today on behalf of the Joint Forum and expressed the following concern to him in connection with the notice of the strike given by the union.

  1. Disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
  2. Unbundling of the local loop.
  3. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
  4. Views of the Union in connection with the proposed Telecom Policy

The Secretary has assured Mr. Namboodiri as under:

  1. That there is no proposal regarding disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
  2. That unbundling of the local loop is not under consideration
  3. That all efforts will be made towards obtaining the Navaratna Status toBSNL.
  4. That the views of the Union will be duly considered as and when the draft Telecom Policy is formulated.

Yours

(sd)

Yashwant Bhave

To

Shri A.K.Sinha,

CMD BSNL,

Statesman House,

Connaught Circus,

New Delhi- 110001

Copy to

Shri V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union

Strike Deferred on assurance from Secretary, DOT

The written assurances given by the Secretary, DOT were discussed by the Joint Forum which was in session and which unanimously decided to defer strike on the basis of the assurances.

Unity Strengthened, Gun Powder Kept Dry

The assurances given were very important, since for the first time, it was made clear that there is no proposal for disinvestment. The Navaratna status was assured. It was also assured that there is no proposal to unbundle the last mile copper cables of BSNL. The unions will be consulted on National Telecom Policy -2005. These written assurances were a big victory for the BSNL workers. The workers all over the country were jubilant that the Joint Forum has been able to get such vital assurances. The Joint Forum congratulated the workers whose determination and preparation for the strike compelled the government to come to the negotiating table and give assurances.

Protest Demonstration on 1st March 2006 against reduction in ADC and changing of connectivity charges to Revenue Sharing Scheme for Private Telecom Operators.

The TRAI, the telecom regulator, once again showed its partiality to the private telecom operators by drastically reducing the Access Deficit Charges (ADC) to be paid by them to BSNL for providing loss making connections in rural areas, which are financially unviable, but socially essential to fulfill the commitment of the government for universal service.

Instead of calculating the ADC on the basis of the period of talk (per minute) for STD and local calls as earlier, the procedure for payment of ADC is calculated as only 1.55% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) which will reduce the ADC from Rs. 5300 crore to about Rs. 2,000 crore, adversely affecting the development plans of the BSNL. The ADC for the ILD (International calls) continued, but it was reduced for incoming calls from Rs. 3.20 to Rs. 1.60 and for outgoing calls from Rs. 2.50 to Rs. 0.80 per minute. These were all done to favour the private telecom companies.

Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 01-03-2006

The Joint Forum strongly opposed the same and issued a press statement. The meeting of JF also decided to agitate against the order. Lunch our demonstrations were organized on 01-03-2006 throughout the country and in front of corporate office with massive participation.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 2 )

05 Friday Jun 2015

Posted by in Forum

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

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

The BSNL employees as per the call of  the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives have gone on a complete Two Days Strike on 21-22 April 2015 demanding Revival of BSNL and for strengthening BSNL and for providing a better service to the customers. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives (earlier called the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations) has been continuously taking up the issues connected with the growth of BSNL and major issues facing BSNL workers and had organised several struggles including Strikes. It will only be appropriate at this stage to go to the background how the unions/associations in BSNL came together to fight for BSNL and defended BSNL.

Formation of BSNL on 01-10-2000

The employees in the Department of Telecom were completely against corporatisation of telecom services.  Despite sustained struggles/strikes by employees , the government ordered corporatization and formed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on 01-10-2000, with the assurance of government pension to the BSNL absorbed employees from the consolidated fund of India, Regularization of left out casual labour / TSM, Adequate financial assistance to BSNL etc.

Formation of Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions and Associations.

Within a short time, it became clear that corporatisation of BSNL was the first step towards its privatisation. The government wanted retrenchment of workers through Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), disinvestment, unbundling of copper cables etc. in preparation to privatization. BSNL was not being allowed to procure the required equipment for providing a better service and expansion of services.

A joint effort by all the unions and associations was required to fight against these attacks on BSNL. As soon as BSNL Employees Union got recognition in 2004 after the Second Membership Verification, it took the initiative to form a co-ordination committee of all unions/associations in BSNL and MTNL. Accordingly the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations was formed in 2004 with Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union, as Convener. Thus started the process of   a joint union movement and struggles in BSNL.

Massive March to the Communications Minister and Rally against Reduction of ADC on 21st December 2004.

The recommendation of the TRAI to reduce the Access Deficit Charge (ADC) to be collected from the private operators and paid to BSNL was  clearly to favour the private companies. The Joint Forum BSNL/MTNL strongly opposed the move and  organized a huge March to the Communications Minister’s office on 21st December 2004. More than 2,500 workers participated. From the BSNL Corporate Office alone, about 250 workers participated. The March was blocked by the police on the Parliament Street, where a rally was held. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), V.K.Tomar(MTNLEA), K.M.Pillai(MTNLSWU) and other leaders addressed. A Memorandum on the demands was presented to the Prime Minister, not to reduce the ADC and to transfer the TRAI Chairman, Pradeep Baijal, who was openly favouring the private operators and trying to destabilize BSNL and MTNL. The Joint Forum leaders met CMD BSNL, Shri A.K.Sinha and other Directors and urged to pressurize DOT and Government to withdraw from the move  to reduce ADC.

Book on “Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL” released

25 Monday May 2015

Posted by in BSNL News, Forum, PSU, SAVE BSNL CAMPAIGN, Telecom

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

,

The book ” Struggles by workers to defend and Save BSNL”, on the sustained struggle by the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations of Non-Executives and Executives from 2004 to 2015, written by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Founder Convener of JF/JAC/Forum was released today, 25th May 2015, by Com. C.Singh, President of Forum by handing over the same to Com.P.Abhimanyu, Convener Forum.

It details the continuous struggles waged under the Forum for the last 11 years, including 5 successful strikes, 5 parliament Marches, three All India Conventions, discussions with the Prime Minister, Communication Minister, Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL etc. The united strength of the BSNL Employees could stop disinvestment of BSNL. VRS in BSNL, unbundling etc. Its effort to improve the services is also mentioned. It is the fighting history of the BSNL workers for the last 11 years.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri was appreciated by the meeting of the Forum held today for preparing and publishing the book, which is part of history of the BSNL and its workers. The book is priced at Rs.50/- and will be dispatched on requisition.

Contempt case at Hon Delhi High Court on ITS deputation

21 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in Forum

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Contempt case at Hon Delhi High Court on ITS deputation:

The case was listed for hearing today. In the contempt matter, DoT submitted an undertaking to the Hon Court to correct its earlier order and implementing the judgment in a phased manner. Full details of the submission will be received by evening from our lawyer. We opposed the proposal and informed the Hon court that the rights of the absorbed officers and employees are affected due to the continuation of the unabsorbed officers in BSNL. The Hon HC judgment has to be implemented in letter and spirit. Hon HC posted the matter to 31.07.2015, after the vaccation giving another opportunity to the Govt to comply with the original order. (Courtesy: SNEA Website)

 

 

Cabinet Note on 78.2% being finalised

21 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, Forum

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, ,

The discussion of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations in connection with the two days strike with the Secretary, DOT with all the Members and top level officers of DOT on 1st May 2015 had its effect. As assured by the Secretary, DOT, the file has started moving. The note prepared by Estt. is approved by the Finance and the final Cabinet note is being prepared. It may take a few days. The it will be sent to the other connected departments  viz. Finance (Expenditure), Law, DPE, and pension. Once their approvals are received the file will go the Minister and then to the Cabinet.

AIBDPA and Forum are trying their best to speed up the matter so that the pensioners will get the 78.2% IDA pension fixation at the earliest.

Thank You Comrades for your kind words and love.

14 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in Forum

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Yesterday night and today, I have been getting a lot of SMSs, telephone calls and  e-mails with regard to my decision to step down from the post of Convener of the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations. Many comrades conveyed their disapproval stating that I should have continued, since the present situation require the leadership. Some others have asked why a personal  decision has been taken without wider discussion in the organisation. Some comrades have appreciated the work done by the Forum for the last many years and also congratulated for having taken a decision for a generation change. Some comrades who contacted were emotional and very unhappy at my decision.

I express my sincere thanks to all these comrades who appreciated and wanted me to continue. Such opinions and pleading are all natural. Change is also natural and is necessary for the progress and advancement. This basic understanding is most important.

Why I wanted to be relieved from the post of Convener, Forum? First of all, I have been the Convener of the Joint Forum/JAC/Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations from its formation in 2004. Name of the organisation  has changed, but I continued. It is more than 10 years and that is an adequate time to be in a post. Secondly and generally I have not continued in the important posts more than 4 terms, whether it was Branch Secretary, District Secretary, Circle Secretary, Asst. General Secretary or General Secretary. Every time, it has been on my insistence that a change has taken place, despite the fact that most comrades did not want a change. Then why a different criteria for this post?

Further, during this period almost all unions and associations have become part of the Forum and it has strengthened. The smooth functioning of the Forum is expected to continue. This is the time when there should be a change.

A very successful strike has taken place on 21-22 April 2015 on the demand of revival of BSNL and Better Service to the people. Though the demands are yet to be achieved, this is a special occasion after a good strike and naturally the time for a change.

The last 10 years have been a period of struggle and agitations of all sorts by the BSNL Employees,which was heralded by the JF/JAC/Forum. Ten strike calls were given out  of which five fruitifed in to complete successful strike, while the others were deferred after successful agreement. 5 Parliament Marches were organised with thousands of participants. Three All India Conventions were held in Delhi which were addressed by the veteran trade union leaders and Parliament members who supported our programme and agitations. Savingram, Telegram, Signature, Black Badge and  Post Card campaigns were conducted effectively. During this period of 10 years about 80 dharnas,  protest demonstrations were organised. Almost all these were for the cause of the telecom PSU, BSNL. For some period, joint programmes were organised with MTNL also. The JF/JAC/Forum met the Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT etc. several times to ensure that the workers demands are settled.

Because of the unity of the workers and united struggles, we were able to stop disinvestment, VRS, Unbundlement of cables and privatisation. We have also been able to stop further attacks on the workers.

These 10 years was a period of continued struggle with the full support of the workers and leaders alike. All the unions/associations stood together to defend the workers and the company. I am really proud that we all together could do all these, which was an impossible task. Yes Comrades, we have done the impossible for the workers and the company.

Hence it is with full satisfaction that I  have stepped down from the post of Convener. During this joint functioning many veteran leaders like Comrade O.P.Gupta were part of this joint movement. All the leaders of the various unions/associations have jointly built this umbrella organisation and the credit for the same goes to every body, not to the Convener or Chairman alone. If, during these activities or discussions, I have  caused any displeasure or harm to any body, it may kindly be excused. I thank all of our comrades for the support and solidarity given to me in running the organisation.

The coming days are  more difficult. There are many challenges which we have to face. Though I may not be Convener or office-bearer, I am always with all of you and any task allotted to me will be sincerely attended to.

I once again thank all of you for your appreciation and kind works. We shall march ahead with dedication and determination.

 

Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU is the new Convener, Forum.

13 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in Forum

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

,

Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, BSNLEU, has been unanimously elected as the new Convener of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations in its meeting held today, 13-05-2015.

After the start of the meeting of the Forum today, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum reported about the developments after the strike. The strike has been very successful. The meeting with the DOT is also positive. We have to think about our future action plans.

Further he pointed out that he has been continuing as the Convener of the Joint Forum/JAC/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations since its inception in 2004 and wanted to be relieved. He briefly mentioned about the strikes organised, the All India Conventions, Parliament Marches, discussion held with Prime Minister and Ministers,other programmes etc. It has been a continued period of agitations and actions without any break on the demands of the workers and the company. He thanked all the comrades for the co-operation extended and proposed that Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU be elected as Convener.

Almost all the comrades wanted Com.Namboodiri to continue, but the latter was firm in handing over. At last decision was unanimously taken electing Com. P.Abhimanyu as the Convener, Forum.

Best Wishes to Com.P.Abhimanyu in the new responsibility!

Market Share, Profit/Loss of BSNL Circles – Review Necessary

07 Thursday May 2015

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

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

,

The loss/profit and marker share of  each circle of BSNL have been published in this blog and also are well known to the leaders of the Forum at Circle/SSA levels. In some circles, the market share is even low up to 5 to 3%. This means that out of 100 telephones provided in the circle only 5 to 3 telephones only are from BSNL. Is it not a pathetic situation? Expenditure has not come down any where. In fact, it might have increased also.

The Forum leaders at Circle level should sit together and discuss why this has happened, and how it can be improved within the limitations the company and workers are in. Even a slight increase in the market share will be a matter of pride. BSNL workers have to show that they are not behind any body in their duties and they are doing everything to improve services to the customer.

Any suggestion from any visitor will be much appreciated.

Meeting of Secretary DOT with Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations on 01-05-2015

02 Saturday May 2015

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

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

, ,

FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS

D-7, Telegraph Place, Gole Market, New Delhi –

A Brief Report of the Secretary DOT’s Meeting with the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations held on 1st May 2015 on the 21-22 April  strike issues

A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations with the Secretary DOT, Shri Rakesh Garg, was held on 1st May 2015 at the Committee Room of Sanchar Bhawan to discuss about the issues raised in the Two Days Strike of BSNL employees on21-22 April 2015.

In addition to the secretary DOT, Special Secretary (T) Smt. Rita Teotia, Member (Finance) Smt. Annie Moraes, Member (Services) Shri N.K.Yadav, Administrator USOF Smt. Aruna Sunderarajan, Joint Secretary(T) Shri V.Umashankar, Director(PSU) Shri Sanjeev Gupta and other officers were present from DOT. BSNL was represented by CMD Shri Anupam Shrivastava, ED(Finance) Smt. Sujata Ray, Sr.GM(SR) Shri Shamim Akhtar and other officers.

From the Forum side Coms. C.Singh (NFTE) Chariman, V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener Forum, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Sebastin (SNEA), S.V.S.Subrahmaniam(BTEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), Rasheed Khan(TEPU), H.P.Singh(BSNLOA), Sunil Gautam (SNATTA), R.P.Sahu (AIGETOA), Rakesh Sethi (AIBSNLOA), Hari Singh(BTU BSNL), Rana Pratap(BEA) and S.Raveendran(SEWA BSNL) participated.

The meeting started at 17.15 hours. Secretary DOT welcomed. All the participants introduced themselves. Convener Forum thanked the Secretary DOT for holding the meeting, though only after the strike. He conveyed May Day Greetings to all the participants. He also mentioned about the statements of the Communications Minister regarding his concerns for the revival of BSNL, which is a good sign. Then the issues connected with the strike issues were discussed, a brief report of which is given below:

  1. 1. Financial Assistance from Government and implementation of assurances given at the time of Corporatisation of BSNL

The Forum leaders pointed out that at the time of Corporatisation, the then Communications Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, had assured full support for the new entity and orders were issued to financially assist BSNL through payment of ADC, Reimbursement of Licence Fee and also liberal subsidy from the USO Fund. Within a few years, all these have been discontinued creating a heavy financial burden of the BSNL resulting in loss for the last five years. The Forum representatives demanded that all these assurances be implemented/ restored.

The amount of Rs. 1,250 crore recommended from the USOF in lieu of ADC for 2012-13 is not yet paid to BSNL. It needs to be paid urgently and such allotments should be made for next years also. BSNL is having a loss of about Rs.10,000 crore yearly for providing rural connections etc. as per the universal service  policy of the government, which should be fully compensated by the Government.

Further, the Forum demanded that refund of charges for the BWA spectrum surrendered by BSNL coming to about Rs. 6,700 crore be paid without any further delay.

BSNL is eligible for refund of Income Tax paid, considering its payment to DOT on various counts. This may come to about Rs. 7,000 crore. This should be refunded.

By making payment of pension contribution on the basis of the maximum of the pay scale, BSNL was compelled to pay about Rs. 2,400 crore extra, which may be refunded. The government order on payment of pension contribution on the actual basic pay should be implemented in the case of BSNL.

The salary of the employees in the TERM CELL, which is part of DOT, is being paid by BSNL, which should be repaid to BSNL.

Further for immediate purchase of urgently required equipments, the DOT may give a soft loan of about Rs.10,000 crore to BSNL.

The Secretary DOT stated that the amount in lieu of ADC from USOF is given as per recommendations of TRAI and DOT will do accordingly in future also. Process for payment of Rs. 1,250 crore allotted has started and will be paid early.

The refund of charges of BWA Spectrum is being considered. The reconciliation for the refund of the Income Tax paid has started and will be finalised soon. The issue of payment of pension contribution on the basis of the actual pay will be taken up with the government. The question of repayment of payment  made to TERM CELL on salary etc. also will be considered. With regard to Soft Loan of Rs. 10,000 crore, Secretary DOT stated that BSNL can take loan from banks.

He further stated that the government has to provide level playing field to all operators to which the Forum leaders pointed out that in fact the private players are being favoured as in the case of giving earlier licence for mobile services.

  1. 2. Revision of Pension of BSNL Retirees and orders for 78.2% IDA Pension fixation for pre-2007 and post 2007 retirees up to June 2013:

The Forum leaders expressed strong resentment at the undue delay in issue of orders on 78.2% IDA Pension fixation for the BSNL retires up to June 2013. Those who retired after June 2013 have already received the same. The pensioners are put to much loss in their pension. Already it had been delayed for years and early orders are required. They also demanded that Pension Revision should be made whenever there is a wage/pay revision for employees. They also demanded that the condition of 60%-40% condition on payment of pension is unjustified and should be done away with.

The Secretary DOT agreed to take up the matter of Pension revision with the government. He assured that the Cabinet Note of 78.2% is being prepared and will be finalised soon. With regard to removal of 60% :40% condition on pension payment, the earlier DOT orders mentioned by the Forum will be  examined.

  1. No Merger of BSNL and MTNL:

The Forum demanded that before any merger decision is taken, the liabilities of MTNL to the extent of Rs. 20,000 crore has to be waived, the disinvested shares to be purchased back and HR issues settled. Secretary DOT told that no decision has been taken and the concerns raised by the Forum will be attended to before any decision is taken.

  1. 4. Filling up of Posts of Directors in BSNL.

To the demand of the Forum for filling up posts of Directors in BSNL, Secretary DOT stated that government is taking action in the matter.

  1. 5. Transfer of all assets to BSNL

Forum demanded that all the assets of BSNL should transferred to it without delay. Further, the representatives stated that many BSNL buildings are being taken by CCA etc arbitrarily. This should be stopped.

DOT stated that the demarcation between the DOP and DOT are still pending in some places. This has to be identified. The transfer of assets to BSNL is being examined.

  1. BSNL Service to be mandatory to Central/State governments and PSUs

The demand of the Forum for making that the BSNL services should be made mandatory for the governments etc. is not accepted. There are a lot of complaints about BSNL services and in this situation, the government will not accept any such proposal. The Forum leaders explained the reasons for the present position of inefficiency and intimated that suggestions for improvement of the same have been made by them.

Other issues like 30% of superannuation benefits to BSNL recruited officials, reduced pay scales etc. were raised, but the Secretary DOT stated that these are in the domain of the BSNL.

The meeting ended at about 19.00 hours, after vote of thanks to the Chair and to all. The Convener, Forum proposed that such meetings should be held in future also to sort out pending issues.