The Circle Executive Committee meeting of Assam circle was held at Silchar on 29.09.2018, presided over by Com. B.K. Kakati and Com.B.C. Roy. Com.Bijoy Deka, circle secretary, presented the report on activities and initiated the discussion of the subjects committee. In connection with this circle executive committee meeting, a mass meeting was also organised at Silchar on 29.09.2018. It was addressed by veteran leader Com.M.R. Das, Com. Gakul Borah, Treasurer (CHQ) and Com.Bijoy Dekha, circle secretary. Com.Gakul Borah, Treasurer (CHQ), explained the latest developments related to the wage revision, Subsidiary Tower Company, 4G spectrum issue, pension revision and pension payment on actual basic pay. He also explained about the achievements of BSNLEU in settling the issues of the Non-Executives, such as promotion to the E1 pay scale, relaxation for JE LICE, gratuity to casual labourers, change of designations, undoing the downgradation of Sr.TOAs from 7100 to 6550 pay scale, one time relaxation of the 10th standard qualification for appearing in the Telecom Technician LDCE, etc. Further, he called upon the executive committee members to actively take part in the “BSNL At Your Doorstep” movement, called on by the AUAB.

The AUAB, in it's meeting held on 11-12-2018, has decided to call upon the circle and district level AUABs, to organise "Joint General Body Meetings", during the period from 26th to 29th December,2018. Yesterday, the AUAB has issued circular, containing the details of the settlement reached in the meeting held on 03-12-2018, with the Hon'ble MoS(C), and the consequent deferment of the indefinite strike. The details contained in this circular should be explained in the "Joint General Body Meetings". CHQ calls upon the circle and district unions to take the initiative to organise the "Joint General Body Meetings" and to explain the contents of this circular in those meetings.

The AUAB in it’s meeting held yesterday has decided to organise a March to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on 06.03.2019. It is also decided in the meeting that the March is to be organised by mobilising the Executives and Non-Executives from the circles near Delhi. The CHQ of BSNLEU calls upon our comrades from UP(West), UP(East), Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab to participate in this March massively. Since the time at our disposal is very less, the circle secretaries of these circle unions are requested to immediately take steps for the mobilisation and to make the March a success.

अभी तक BSNL ने 4G सेवा शुरू क्यों नही की - चेन्नई हाइकोर्ट ने डॉट को नोटिस जारी किया...
चेन्नई हाइकोर्ट की मदुरै बेंच ने डॉट को नोटिस जारी कर पूछा है कि BSNL ने अपनी 4G सेवा क्यों शुरू नही की है। तमिलनाडु के विरुधु नगर के किसी वेंकटेश ने इस संबंध में याचिका दायर की थी। उन्होंने कहा है कि सभी निजी दूरसंचार कंपनियों ने 4G सेवा शुरू कर दी है किंतु BSNL को अभी शुरू करना है। याचिका कर्ता ने आरोप लगाया है कि BSNL द्वारा 4G सेवा शुरू करने में हो रहे विलंब की वजह से निजी कंपनियां लाभान्वित हो रही है। उन्होंने कोर्ट से प्रार्थना की है कि वह केंद्र सरकार और BSNL को 4G सेवा की शीघ्र शुरुआत हेतु आदेश जारी करें। याचिका कर्ता द्वारा की गई पहल की हम सराहना करते हैं।

A massive election campaign meeting was held at Nasik on 13-09-2019. Com.Rajendra Lahane, presided, Com.Anil Patil, DS, Nasik welcomed all. Com.John Verghese, AGS, spoke on VRS, which is CRS in disguise, Reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58, overall situation of BSNL with facts and figures, assets of BSNL and the liabilities compared to other telecom operators. BSNL has the biggest assets in the country next only to railways and this assets are being eyed by the corporates, Com.N.K.Nalawade, Vice President (CHQ) and CS, Maharashtra, spoke at length about BSNL's present crisis, non-payment of salary of employees and contract labour wages and other issues. He highlighted that, BSNLEU remains in the forefront for uniting all the unions and associations for fighting unitedly against the wrong policies of the Government. Every one promised to massively vote for BSNLEU.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Hon'ble Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has informed the Parliament on 27.11.2019 that, the government has no proposal to decrease the retirement age of government employees from 60 to 58 years. This categorical reply given by the Hon’ble Minister in the Parliament has nailed down the lies being spread by mischievous elements in BSNL that, the government is going to reduce the retirement age of the government employees from 60 to 58.

At a time when the announcements of the government on the revival of BSNL remain on paper, and at a time when the employees are facing extreme hardship due to non-payment of salary and non-remittance of deductions made from their salaries, the AUAB has organised a very successful hunger strike throughout the country yesterday, drawing the attention of the government and the BSNL Management. Executives and Non-Executives have massively responded to the call of the AUAB and have made the programme successful. Here are some of the views of hunger strike.

1) Com. N.P. Patange, rtd OS, Belgavi TD - Rs.2,000/-

2) Com. C. D. Kolkar, Belgavi - Rs.2,000/-

3) Com. A.Y. Nayak, OS rtd, Belgavi - Rs.1,000/-

4) Com. B.A. Beesako, OS, Belgavi - Rs.1000/-

5) Com. A.S.Koulge, OS, Belgavi - Rs. 1,000/-

6) Com. Naresh Reddy, CWC member - Rs.1,000/-

7) Com. Shivanna, JE, BGTD - Rs.1,000/-

8) Com. Meenakshi, TT, BGTD  - RS.1,000/-.

9) Com. C. G. Prashanth, Belgavi - Rs.500/-

10) Com. B. M. Kamble, TT, Belgavi - Rs.500/-

11) Com. Ashok Kamble, Belgavi - Rs.500/-

12) Com. S. B. Kamble, OS, Belgavi - Rs.500/-

13) Com. Y. N. Patil, TT, Belgavi - Rs.500/-

BSNL’s 4G tender has ultimately been cancelled today. The BSNL Corporate Office has issued the notification for this. Vested interests have been trying for cancellation of BSNL’s 4G tender, on the plea that it has violated government’s “Make in India” policy. Based on it, the government put BSNL’s 4G tender on hold. Ultimately it has been cancelled today. Once again, the private lobby has succeeded in blocking BSNL’s 4G network roll out, with the blessings of the Modi government.

It is alarming that India’s GDP growth has steeply fallen during the 1^st quarter of the current financial year (from April to June, 2020). The GDP growth has declined by 23.9%.  Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, has already declared that the country’s economy is suffering due to the act of god. She has referred the COVID-19 as an act of god.

But the Finance Minister and the Modi government should accept that Indian economy was seriously affected even before COVID-19 came. The mindless demonetisation done by the government, as well as the introduction of the GST, have seriously affected the micro, small and medium industries (MSM sector). To come out of this situation, the Modi government gave Rs.1.4 lakh crore to the Indian corporates, by cutting down the wealth tax. However, this did not work at all. Even before India was attacked by the COVID-19, the economy of the country was badly affected by the mismanagement of the Modi government, as a result of which domestic demand shrunk and millions of jobs were lost. The government should not hide behind the COVID-19, but should take appropriate steps to increase the purchasing power of the working people. The Central Trade Unions have demanded a cash  payment of Rs.7,500/- every month, for 6 months, to all the families which are not paying income tax. Only such meaningful steps will bring the Indian economy back on the track, by increasing the purchasing power of the working masses.

The original date for the March to Sanchar Bhawan was fixed as 28-02-2018. Subsequently, it is changed to 23-02-2018, in view of the Holi festival. This is already intimated through our website updating. Since the notice for the agitation was prepared before the change of date and many General Secretaries had already signed it. That is why date of the March to Sanchar Bhawan is mentioned as 28.02.2018 in the notice. Necessary correction in this regard has already been made. March to Sanchar Bhawan will be held only on 23-02-2018. Circle Secretaries are requested to immediately inform CHQ, the number of comrades coming from each circle.

The kisan rally that ended in Mumbai yesterday, is unique in many ways. It was a grand success. The Maharashtra government agreed in writing, to settle their important demands, like giving lands pattas to the adivasis. But, the most important feature is that the kisans won over the hearts of Mumbaikars. On Sunday evening, the kisans reached the outskirts of Mumbai, after walking 180 Kms for 6 days in scorching Sun. They were completely exhausted. Still, they walked 20 Kms in the same night, and reached the Azad Maidan. This was to avoid any problem to the students on Monday, the day on which school public exam started. The kisans behaved in a very disciplined manner, which surprised the Mumbaikars. As a result, the people of Mumbai came out in support of the kisans. They offered food, water, medical treatment, and even chappals to those who were wearing torn chappals. This is a new experience. We, the working class, have to learn how the kisans won over the hearts of Mumbaikars and to follow it.

As per the decision of the Agartala CEC meeting, Com. Moni Bose Memorial Lecture is being organised on 19.05.2018, which is the 8^th death anniversary of our beloved leader Com. Moni Bose. Two lectures are being organised on that day. The lecture on Neo-liberal policies will be delivered by Dr. Satyaki Roy. The lecture on Communal harmony will be delivered by noted social activist, Com. Prabhir Purkayasta. This programme will be held in Com. K.G. Bose Bhawan, New Delhi. Comrades from the Northern circles are participating in this programme.

The Extended Circle Executive Committee meeting of NE-II circle was held on 28.09.2018, at the Dimapur. The union red flag was hoisted by Com.Pradip Deb and floral tributes were paid at the martyrs column. A minute’s silence was observed to the departed leaders. Com.K. Sahib Singh, Circle Secretary, welcomed everyone. He presented the report on activities and initiated the discussion of the subjects committee. Com. Gakul Borah, Treasurer (CHQ), addressed the meeting and explained the recent struggles on the issues of wage revision, Subsidiary Tower Company, pension revision, allotment of 4G spectrum and payment of pension on actual basic pay. He called upon the Executive Committee members to actively participate in the “BSNL At Your Doorstep” movement, called on by the AUAB. The meeting seriously deliberated on the agenda items and took decisions to strengthen the organisation and to successfully implement the call of the AUAB.

BSNLEU has been accusing the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) of showing favouritism to Reliance Jio. The order given by the TDSAT(Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) yesterday,  has proved that what we have been alleging is true. The TRAI had not only stopped the predatory pricing (offering services below cost) of  Reliance Jio, but also issued a new regulation to help Jio. According to the regulation issued by the TRAI, any company, which is not having 30% market share, can adopt predatory pricing. This order was issued by the TRAI, only to help Reliance Jio. However, the TDSAT has struck down this order.

06.03.2019 को पीएमओ (प्रधानमंत्री कार्यालय) पर मार्च...

AUAB की कल सम्पन्न मीटिंग में 06.03.2019 को प्रधानमंत्री कार्यालय (PMO) तक मार्च निकालने का निर्णय लिया गया है। मीटिंग में यह भी निर्णय लिया गया है कि यह मार्च नई दिल्ली के करीबी सर्कल्स के एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज व नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज को संगठित कर निकाला जाए। CHQ, BSNLEU का यूपी (वेस्ट), यूपी (ईस्ट), हरियाणा, राजस्थान और पंजाब के कॉमरेड्स से अनुरोध है कि इस मार्च में अधिक से अधिक संख्या में शामिल हों। हमारे पास उपलब्ध समय बेहद कम है, अतः इन सर्किल यूनियन्स के सर्किल सेक्रेटरीज से निवेदन है कि वें मोबिलाइज करने व मार्च को सफल बनाने के लिए तत्काल आवश्यक कदम उठाएं।

The All India Centre meeting of BSNLEU, held today, discussed about the Management’s proposal to postpone the 8^th Membership Verification. The meeting came to the conclusion that, the 8^th Membership Verification should be conducted immediately after the conclusion of the Parliament elections. Postponement of the Membership Verification, citing the financial condition of the Company, cannot be accepted. Union Recognition is very essential to forcefully take up the issues of wage revision, pension revision and financial revival of BSNL, with the new government. At the same time, the All India Centre also decided to seek the opinion of the circle secretaries and central office bearers on this issue, before writing letter to the Management. Hence, all CEC members are requested to convey their views immediately to the General Secretary through Whatsapp and e-mail.

Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, addressed the circle executive committee meeting of BSNLEU at Srinagar yesterday. Today, he addressed a meeting of the active workers in the Union office at Srinagar. A good number of workers attended the meeting. The General Secretary spoke on financial condition of BSNL, the government's approach towards the revival of BSNL and the role to be played by the trade union movement.

A DO letter, sent by the Director (CM) on 03rd September, 2019, addressed to all the CGM’s of the territorial circles, has created a furore in the entire BSNL. The wordings of the letter have undoubtedly deeply hurted the employees. The letter says that, the employees are sleeping while on duty. Further, the letter has also directed to cut one week's salary of the under-performing Heads of SSAs. Certainly, this letter is a step in the wrong direction. The Executives and Non-Executives of BSNL are known for their positive role, in improving the financial condition of the Company. Without any request or direction from the top Management, the Executives and Non-Executives of BSNL, on their own, have organised many movements, like “Customer Delight Year” and “Service With A Smile”, to improve the quality of BSNL's services. Voluntarily, the employees have involved themselves in marketing activities, which have greatly improved BSNL's financial position. However, the actions being taken by the DoT and the Management, have greatly demoralised and demotivated the Executives and Non-Executives of BSNL. Denial of 3rd Pay Revision, threat to roll back the retirement age from 60 to 58, etc., have totally frustrated the employees. Apart from these, the employees are facing adverse working conditions at the field level. At this juncture, threatenings and penal actions by the top Management, will further deteriorate the situation. The earlier top Management used to meet the representatives of the unions and associations frequently, and had productive interactions. However, the present top Management is not keen to do that. BSNLEU demands that, the above mentioned letter of the Director (CM) needs to be withdrawn. The top Management should immediately hold discussions with the unions and associations to ensure ways and means to improve the situation.

Com.P.Shanmugam, Hon'ble MP and General Secretary of the LPF has raised in the Parliament yesterday, the issue of Wage Revision to BSNL employees w.e.f 01-01-2017. The Hon'ble Minister of Communications has replied that Wage Revision is an available option and that it would be explored once BSNL is revived. It is needless to say that this is a positive response from the Hon'ble Minister of Communications on the issue of Wage Revision to BSNL employees.