The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed fine on three private airline companies for forming a cartel and raising freight charges. The CCI has alleged that these three airline companies have raised the ‘Fuel Surcharge’ in a concerted manner, and raised the freight charges. The CCI has fined Rs.39.8 crores on Jet Airways, Rs.9.5 crores on IndiGo and Rs.5.1 crores on Spice Jet, based on the complaint lodged by the Express Industry Council of India. It is not new that private companies form cartels among themselves, and raise prices and tariffs and thereby loot the public. This is the reason, why we are fighting for a strong and vibrant BSNL, so as to stop the looting by private telecom companies.

(Source : Times of India - 08-03-2018 )

The 6th meeting of the Joint Committee on wage negotiation of the Non-Executives, was held today. All the members of the Staff Side, as well as the Management Side, were present. Discussion continued on finalising the pay scales. Based on the live cases received by the Staff Side, demand was raised in today’s meeting, that the maximum of the NE-4 and NE-5 should be modified, so as to give the provision for one more increment. This is necessary to avoid stagnation. The Management Side accepted to examine the demand of the Staff Side. Further, the Staff Side demanded that, the agreement on pay scales can be signed and sent immediately, for the approval of the DoT. To this, the Management Side replied that, the inputs regarding the financial implication for revision of allowances and perks also has to sent to the DoT, along with the proposal of revision of pay scales. In view of this, it is decided to discuss the revision of allowances and perks in the next meeting to be held on 09.10.2018.

इंस्पेक्टर सुबोध सिंह की हत्या एक दुर्घटना थी, मॉब लिंचिंग नही- कहा योगी आदित्यनाथ, मुख्यमंत्री, उत्तर प्रदेश ने.

03.12.2018 को बुलंद शहर में भीड़ द्वारा की गई इंस्पेक्टर सुबोध कुमार सिंह की हत्या के संबंध में उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ ने कहा है कि यह महज एक दुर्घटना थी, न कि मॉब लिंचिंग (भीड़ द्वारा हत्या). 300 से 400 लोगों की भीड़ ने पुलिस स्टेशन पर हमला किया और इंस्पेक्टर की हत्या कर दी। यदि यह मॉब लिंचिंग नही है तो फिर मॉब लिंचिंग किसे कहेंगे ? मीडिया रिपोर्ट्स और साथ ही पुलिस द्वारा की गई जांच यही कहती है कि प्रमुख रूप से इस हिंसा का षड्यंत्र रचने वाले बजरंग दल के कार्यकर्ता योगेश राज है। यहां यह जानना जरूरी है कि ये वही इंस्पेक्टर सुबोध कुमार थे जिन्होंने दादरी के समीप मॉब लिंचिंग में मृत मोहम्मद अखलाक प्रकरण की जांच की थी। भीड़ द्वारा मोहम्मद अखलाख की हत्या उनके द्वारा गौ हत्या और अपने घर में गौ मांस रेफ्रीजिरेटर में रखने का आरोपित कर, कर दी गई थी। इस प्रकरण की गहन जांच पश्चात  यह तथ्य सामने आया था कि मोहम्मद अखलाक के घर मे रेफ्रिजरेटर में केवल मटन था, गौ मांस नही। यह भी जानना बेहद जरूरी है कि इंस्पेक्टर सुबोध कुमार इस प्रकरण की जांच से दूर रह सके यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए उनका स्थानांतरण भी कर दिया गया था। इसीलिए अब यह आरोप भी है कि मोहम्मद अखलाक की हत्या की जांच में इंस्पेक्टर सुबोध कुमार की भूमिका के चलते, उनकी हत्या की गई। ऐसे में, अब एक निष्पक्ष जांच से ही सच्चाई सामने आ सकती है। ऐसे वक्त में उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ ने कहा है कि यह महज एक दुर्घटना थी, न कि मॉब लिंचिंग। निःसंदेह मुख्यमंत्री का यह बयान जांच को भटकाने के उद्देश्य से दिया गया है। एक तरह से मुख्यमंत्री ने पुलिस को यह संदेश दे दिया है कि जांच के परिणाम क्या होने चाहिए।

Congress Party President, Rahul Gandhi, announced yesterday that, he would scrap the Niti Aayog and would bring back the Planning Commission. After independence, the Planning Commission was created in 1950, for developing the economy of the country in a planned manner. However, after coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister, Naredra Modi, abolished the Planning Commission and created the Niti Aayog. After it’s creation, the Niti Aayog has been entrusted with the one point programme of dismantling the Indian Public Sector. It is very important to recollect that, the Niti Aayog had already recommended the closing down of BSNL and MTNL. Further, the Niti Aayog had also rejected allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL. The Niti Aayog had asked, what is the use is allotting 4G spectrum to BSNL when all the private telecom companies are already providing 4G service? The Niti Aayog is 100% anti-public sector and pro-corporate. Under these circumstances, BSNLEU welcomes the announcement of Congress President Rahul Gandhi that, Niti Aayog would be scrapped and the Planning Commission would be brought back, if Congress Party comes to power.

CHQ is in the process of printing the Constitution of the Union, with the amendments as approved in the 9^th All India Conference held at Mysuru. CHQ has already requested the circle secretaries, to inform the CHQ about the number of Constitution copies required by them. So far, only the circles of Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kolkata, J&K, NE-II and Jharkhand have informed the CHQ about their requirement. Since the new Constitution copies will be made available in the Pune Extended CEC meeting, the remaining circle secretaries are also requested to immediately inform about their requirement to the CHQ.

As a part of election campaigning, a meeting was organised at Kanpur on 09-09-2019, by the UP (E) Circle union. It was presided over by Com Ravindra Kumar. Com. D N Tripathi, DS, Kanpur and Circle President, UP (E) Circle welcomed all. Com Prakash Sharma, Assistant General Secretary addressing the meeting, explained in detail on the issues of VRS, reduction in retirement age, reasons for continued loss of BSNL,  motives behind land monetisation, demand of capital infusion by Govt in BSNL, soft loan etc. Com Sharma informed the gathering as to how our vigilant General Secretary issued a very boldly drafted press note which foiled the management's plan to sell the land of BSNL at the rates far below the market value. Com Sudama Prasad Mishra, Circle Treasurer elaborated on various achievements of BSNLEU. Com Meera Shukla, District Office Bearer also delivered a very brief but impressive speech. Com Dr D N Tripathi conducted the proceedings. 

25-11-2019 को भूख हड़ताल- प्रबंधन से हुई वार्ता विफल...

आज डायरेक्टर (HR) और BSNLEU, BTEU, FNTO, BSNL MS, ATM और BSNL OA के महासचिवों/प्रतिनिधियों के बीच भूख हड़ताल हेतु प्रेषित नोटिफिकेशन पर चर्चा हुई।GM(Estt.) और GM(SR) भी उपस्थित थे। महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दों पर कोई सहमति नही बनीं। विशेष रूप से VRS ऑप्टीज के लिए पेंशन  कम्युटेशन के मुद्दे से जुड़ी समस्याएं व 3rd पे रिवीजन का लाभ बाबद मैनेजमेंट द्वारा कोई आश्वासन नही दिया जा सका। मैनेजमेंट ने, अक्टूबर के वेतन भुगतान, रिकवरीज का प्रेषण और कॉन्ट्रैक्ट वर्कर्स के वेजेस हेतु भी कोई आश्वासन नही दिया। अतः यह निर्णय लिया गया कि 25-11-2019 को भूख हड़ताल का कार्यक्रम जारी रखा जाए। चर्चाओं पर विस्तृत नोट कल वेबसाइट पर अपलोड किया जाएगा। सर्किल व डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरीज इस कार्यक्रम को वृहद रूप से सफल बनाने हेतु हर संभव प्रयास करें।

While concerns are being expressed over the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and the proposed NRC (National Register of Citizens), Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, has stated that he is concerned about the above mentioned new laws. He has stated that it is necessary to do everything to prevent “statelessness” when a national law is changed.

[Source: Times of India dated 20.02.2020]

The online Circle Executive Committee meeting of Madhya Pradesh is successfully held today. Totally, 36 comrades participated in the meeting.  Com.B.S. Raghuwanshi, Circle President, presided over.  Com.Prakash Sharma, CS & AGS, welcomed everyone and briefly presented report on activities. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, inaugurated the meeting  and spoke at length  on the functioning of the CHQ, issues taken with the Management,  the status on  BSNL’s 4G and Revival, the devastating attacks on the Public Sector and on workers’ right and the need to unitedly fight against the government policies to safeguard BSNL, were explained by the General Secretary. Com.John Verghese, AGS,  addressed the meeting and spoke on the financial crisis being faced by India. 25 comrades participated in the discussion that ensued. Fruitful decisions are taken to implement the decisions of the CHQ and also to strengthen the movement in MP circle. The CHQ heartily congratulates Madhya Pradesh circle union for  organising a perfect online meeting and making the programme highly successful.

Leaders of BSNL unions and associations, submitted memorandum to Hon’ble MPs, shri K.R.P. Prabakaran, Thirunelveli, shri C. Mahendran, Pollachi and shri S.R. Balasubramanian.

A meeting of the representatives belonging to the Working Women's Coordination Committees of CITU, CCGEW, AIIEA, BSNLEU, BEFI and FMRAI was held today, at CITU’s office in New Delhi. BSNL Working Women's Coordination Committee is represented by Com. Chandra Prabha Muchhal, member of the committee from Haryana. Com. Ramesh Chand, Org. Secretary (CHQ) also attended the meeting. The meeting has held discussions on holding joint campaign on women’s issues. Other issues discussed include sexual harassment against women in work places and observing international women’s day on 08^th March, 2018, to highlight women’s democratic rights. The meeting has also decided to plan a joint national campaign on violence against women, along with women’s organisations and other mass organisations.   

As per the call of the AUAB, a very enthusiastic demonstration was organised at BSNL Corporate Office today, demanding implementation of the assurances given by the Hon’ble MoS(C), on wage revision, 4G spectrum, pension contribution and pension revision issues. A large number of employees of the Corporate Office participated in this demonstration. This programme was conducted throughout the country yesterday. However, it is organised in the BSNL Corporate Office only today, in view of the Sanchar Shri award giving ceremony held at the Corporate Office yesterday. Both the GS,BSNLEU and the Dy.GS, BSNLEU are out of Delhi, and Com.Ramesh Chand, Organising Secretary(CHQ) participated.

It is learnt that IDA will increase from 128% to 135.6%, w.e.f.1^st October 2018. Thus, the net increase in IDA will be 7.6%.

BSNLEU condoles the death of around 290 people, who were killed in bomb blasts in Sri Lanka last night. Among the killed, 30 are foreigners. More than 500 people are also injured. Eight bombs went off in churches, hotels, etc. BSNLEU strongly condemns this brutal attacks on innocent people.

The Extended Circle Executive Committee meeting of Andhra Pradesh circle is held at Vijayawada today. Com.J. Sampath Rao, AGS, hoisted the National Flag and Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, hoisted the Union’s red flag. The session started after paying homage to the departed leaders. Com. Prabakar Rao, Circle President, presided over the meeting. Com. P.Asoakababu, Circle Secretary, welcomed everyone. The Extended Circle Executive Committee meeting was inaugurated by Com.Gafur, General Secretary, CITU, Andhra Pradesh state. Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, addressed the meeting and explained at length about the ongoing developments connected with the revival of BSNL. He explained how the anti-BSNL measures taken by the government ruined BSNL and called on the employees to be prepared for united struggles, combined with massive campaigns among the public, to safeguard BSNL and to ensure it’s revival. The meeting was also addressed by Com.J. Sampath Rao, AGS and Com. Rama Devi, Vice President (CHQ).  The participants enthusiastically responded to the speeches of the leaders. The subjects committee meeting is taking place after the lunch.

BSNLEU, Haryana circle organised election campaign meetings at Rohtak and Hisar on 9th September 2019. The 1st meeting was at Rohtak, presided over by Com.Rajender Man, District President. Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS and Com.M.S.Kadian,CS, spoke on issues related to verification. Com.Rajender Julka, District Secretary gave vote of thanks. At Hisar, the meeting was presided over by Com.Suresh Kumar, senior leader of BSNLEU. Com.Naresh Kumar, Circle President and District Secretary of  Hisar welcomed all. Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, in his speech explained elaborately about the struggles for Revival of BSNL and against the conspiracy of the government to kill the company. Com.M.S.Kadian,CS,BSNLEU and Com.Kuldeep Singh, CS, AIBDPA also address the meeting.

Talks were held yesterday the 22.11.2019, between Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR) and the General Secretaries / Representatives of BSNLEU, BTEU, FNTO, BSNL MS, ATM and BSNL OA. The details of the discussions are as follows:-

1. Problems related to commutation of pension to VRS optees.

As per VRS-2019, commutation of pension to the VRS optees, will be allowed only when they attain 60 years of age. However, as per existing rules, a retiree has to apply for pension commutation within one year of his retirement. If not, he has to undergo medical examination, which may create many unwanted problems to the VRS optee. Further, if the VRS optee dies between the date of his going on VRS and the date of his attaining 60 years of age, the family of the VRS optee will not get the benefit of pension commutation. This will result in a huge loss to the family of the VRS optee. Hence, the unions demanded that necessary amendments to the Commutation of Pension Rules should be made, to avoid the above stated sufferings to the VRS optees. However, the Management Side could not give any concrete solution to this problem.

2. Eligibility of 3rd PRC to the VRS optees.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement says that, an official who goes on VRS, is not entitled for Pay Revision implemented retrospectively. Further, it is also categorically stated in the VRS-2019 that “the benefits payable under this scheme shall be in full and final settlement of all claims of whatsoever nature, whether arising under the scheme or otherwise.” This provision in the VRS 2019 makes it very clear that the VRS optees will not be allowed the benefit of 3rd PRC. Hence, in view of the Supreme Court judgement and also the provision contained in VRS-2019, the unions demanded that BSNL Management should give a categorical commitment that the VRS optees will get 3^rd PRC, when implemented retrospectively. However, the Management could not give any commitment in this regard.

3. Implementation of commitment given at the time of formation of BSNL on the age of retirement.

BSNL Management vide it’s letter number BSNL/4/SR/2000 dated the 2nd January, 2001, has given an assurance that the age of retirement (superannuation) for the employees absorbed in BSNL will be regulated in accordance with government rules. However, contrary to this order, employees are being threatened that the retirement age of BSNL employees would be reduced to 58. Hence, the unions demanded that the Management should give a commitment that the assurance given in the above mentioned letter should be honoured. However, due to obvious reasons, the Management Side avoided giving any categorical commitment on this issue.

4. Transfers and roadmap to cop with the workload, in the post-VRS scenario.

The unions bitterly complained that the top officers of BSNL are involved in threatening the employees that they would be transferred if they do not go on VRS. The unions even mentioned the names of the top officers who involved in such threatenings and demanded a commitment from the Management that employees would not be transferred vindictively. On this issue, the response of the Management was positive.

5. Payment of salary, remittance of recoveries and contract workers wages.

The unions demanded that the October salary should be paid immediately, and also the recoveries made from the employees' salaries since May, 2019, should be remitted to the concerned organisations without delay. They also demanded that the 10 month wage arrears of the contract workers should be paid at once. However, on these issues the Management Side was not able to give any assurance.

6. 3^rd PRC and Pension Revision.

The unions demanded that these issues should be settled without further delay. However, the Management Side stated that these issues need to be discussed with the Secretary, Telecom, for which a meeting would be arranged by the BSNL Management at the earliest.

7. Launching of 4G service.

The unions demanded that 4G service should be launched immediately, utilising the spectrum that has been allotted by the government. On this issue the Management Side stated that BSNL’s 4G service would be launched before 31^st March, 2020. 

The discussion lasted for more than 2 hours. At the end of the meeting, the representatives who participated in the discussion reviewed the outcome of the meeting. All the representatives were of the unanimous opinion that the response of the Management Side was unsatisfactory and decided to organise the hunger strike as per schedule.