Despite a meeting with the Director (HR), critical issues affecting Non-Executives remain unresolved. Com. Animesh Mitra, President, Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, and Com. C.K. Gundanna, AGS, met with Ms. Anita Johri, CGM(SR), to express their dissatisfaction with the management's lack of urgency in addressing these concerns. Key issues such as promotions for sports personnel, Rule 8 transfers, welfare meetings, and EPF deductions in the Odisha Circle were highlighted. The CGM(SR) assured the union leaders that she would convey their concerns to the Director (HR) and strive to organise a meeting to resolve these matters promptly.

Despite the Government of India's directive on 3rd June 2024, the BSNL Management has yet to issue the office order for the payment of DA to casual labourers. BSNLEU raised the issue and submitted the government's order copy to the PGM (Estt.) on 24th July 2024. Unfortunately, the Corporate Office has not yet released the order, resulting in casual labourers being denied the DA amount with their salary this month. On 24th July, Com. Animesh Mitra, President and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary met Shri S.P. Singh, PGM (Estt.) to conveyed our strong dissatisfaction. While the PGM (Estt.) cited administrative difficulties for the delay, he assured prompt action to address the issue.

The BSNL Corporate Office has issued letter, endorsing the DPE order for increase of the IDA from the present 216.8% to 217.8%, w.e.f. 01-07-2024. The Corporate Office letter is enclosed.

BSNLEU representatives, including President Com. Animeh Mitra, Acting General Secretary Com. John Verghese and AGS Com. C.K. Gundanna, recently met with CGM(SR) to address the urgent need for a regular CGM in the West Bengal Circle. The circle has been functioning without a regular CGM for the past four months. Despite the Corporate Office appointing a CGM, the order was recently cancelled or postponed, resulting in a collapse of the operational situation and severely affecting development and maintenance activities. In response to this critical issue, BSNLEU, West Bengal Circle Union, initiated a week-long agitation starting on 16.07.2024, demanding the appointment of a permanent CGM. During the meeting, the matter was highlighted to CGM(SR), who assured that further action would be taken after consulting with the Director (HR).

Both recognised Non-Executive Unions, BSNLEU and NFTE, represented by Com. Animesh Mitra, President and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary of BSNLEU and Com. C Singh, GS of NFTE BSNL, met CMD BSNL Shri Robert Jerard Ravi on a courtesy visit. They emphasised the urgent need to address the pending 3^rd PRC and Stagnation issues. CMD BSNL responded positively, indicating a commitment to resolving these critical concerns for the workforce.

We are pleased to share that the General Secretaries and CHQ office bearers of BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, AIGETOA, BTEU, SEWA, and AIBSNLEA warmly welcomed our new CMD, Shri Robert Jerard Ravi. During the meeting, Mr. Ravi emphasised BSNL’s role in servicing MTNL areas, particularly in Mumbai and Delhi, which generate the highest revenue. He set an ambitious target of capturing a 25% market share and ensuring company viability by March, addressing HR and 3rd PRC issues. Union representatives expressed full support but stressed the importance of resolving pending HR issues including 3^rd PRC. Mr. Ravi assured that Management is open to settling the 3^rd PRC and related issues. Under Mr. Ravi's leadership, we are confident that BSNL will reach new heights. Com. Animesh Mitra, President and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, represented BSNLEU.

The DPE has issued order for IDA increase w.e.f 01-07-2024. As already informed by BSNLEU, the new IDA rate payable w.e.f 01-07-2024 is 217.8%. Copy of the DPE letter is enclosed for the information of the comrades.

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of NE-I was held online on 20-07-2024. Com. M.V. Mawkhiew, Circle Vice President, presided over the meeting. Com. Shivjee Ray, Circle Secretary, welcomed everyone and presented the report on activities. Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, addressed the meeting and discussed several important current issues, including:

• Wage Revision
• New Promotion Policy
• Revival of BSNL
• Issues related to Rule-8 of DR JEs

Members deliberated on various issues such as the 3rd PRC, IDA freezing during the COVID period, stagnation, and the 16th February Strike. After thorough discussion, it was unanimously decided to hold the next Circle Conference jointly with NE-I, NE-II, and Assam Circle.

To protect the interests of the Executives and Non-Executives working in BSNL, the leaders of the recognised Unions / Associations i.e., BSNLEU, NFTE BSNL, SNEA, AIGETOA, and who were part of official negotiations, have identified a superior GHI Policy option. This comes in response to the high premium rates of the BSNL-approved GHI policy from M/s Oriental Insurance Company, which also includes stringent conditions.