As has already been informed, BSNLEU’s petition against freezing of three instalments of IDA for the Non-Executives of BSNL, came up for hearing today in the Hon’ble Kerala High Court. BSNLEU’s advocate, Shri V.V. Suresh, completed his arguments today. However, the Assistant Solicitor General, who appeared for the government, requested the Hon'ble Court to grant two days’ time, for submitting a written rejoinder. The Hon’ble Court has accepted this request. The case will again come up for hearing next week.

BSNLEU has filed a writ petition in the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, against the freezing of three IDA installments, for the Non-Executives of BSNL. The case came up for hearing today. The counsel for BSNL sought one week's time for the arguments. However, the Hon’ble Court did not accept that and decided that the hearing will take place tomorrow. Accordingly, the case will come up for hearing tomorrow.

Com.S.Hemavathi, Circle Treasurer, Chennai Telephones circle, retired on superannuation on 31.12.2020. She has donated Rs.10,000/- to the CHQ. The CHQ heartily thanks Com.S.Hemavathi and wishes her a long and active retired life.

BSNLEU has already written to the Management, seeking modifications in the Consolidation of Business Areas. BSNLEU has  demanded that, Cuddapha SSA should be brought under Chittoor SSA, instead of under the Ananthapur Business Area. Similarly, BSNLEU has  demanded that, Nagaon should continue as an independent SSA and should not be brought under the Tezpur Business Area. The Management has not taken any action on the demands of BSNLEU. Hence, BSNLEU has once again written to the GM (Restg.) BSNL CO., insisting to take action on the demands.

The Indian government has banned Chinese companies from supplying equipments to Indian telecom companies. Similarly, the Indian government has also banned numerous Chinese apps. However, it is astonishing to note that, a contract has been awarded to the Chinese firm, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company Ltd. (STEC) by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to build a 5.6 kilometre long underground tunnel stretching from New Ashok Nagar to Sahibabad. It is reported that this Chinese company has emerged as the lowest bidder in the tender. 

[Courtesy : India Times dt. 04-01-2021]

The Modi government is forcing BSNL to procure it’s 4G equipments only from Indian manufacturers. BSNLEU and the AUAB have been continuously maintaining that, the telecom equipments of Indian vendors will be costlier, which will increase the financial burden of BSNL in rolling out it's 4G network. This accusation of BSNLEU and AUAB has now been proved to be correct. The TEPC (Telecom Export Promotion Council) itself has now admitted that it’s equipments would be costlier compared to the equipments of multinational companies.

In a letter written to the Secretary, Telecom, Shri Sandeep Agarwal, Co-chairman of the TEPC has admitted that, Indian companies cannot match the pricing of multinational telecom vendors. The relevant portion of his letter is reproduced hereinunder.  

"We do understand that we, the Indian manufacturers having been always sidelined from the bulk of the 4G telecom business of Core and RAN, may not be able to match the pricing of the hugely competitive, subsidized, politically and militarily motivated technologies developed by the Chinese, Americans etc. 

[Source: Outlookindia.com dated 03^rd January, 2021]

It is needless to say that the pressure being exerted by the Modi government on BSNL, to procure 4G equipments only from Indian manufactures is nothing but a part of the conspiracy to weaken BSNL. 

A meeting of the Group Term Insurance (GTI) Committee was held in the Corporate Office yesterday, to discuss and finalise the terms and conditions of the GTI. From the Official Side, Shri Saurabh Tyagi, Sr.GM(Estt.), Shri A.M. Gupta, Sr.GM(SR), Shri Ashutosh Gupta, GM(Admn.), Shri P.D. Chirania, GM(Fin-CFA),  and Shri Trivedi, GM(Admn.),  participated. Representative of the LIC was also present in the meeting. Com.R.S. Chauhan, Vice President(CHQ), represented BSNLEU in this meeting and articulated the view points of the Union, with reference to the proposals made by LIC. 

He firmly argued that the condition stipulated by LIC that, at least 70% of the Non-Executives should join this GTI scheme, should be removed, since practically 70% of the Non-Executives will not join the scheme. Com.R.S. Chauhan, also pointed out at the disparity between the premium prescribed for the Executives and Non-Executives and demanded that  the same should be removed. He demanded that the premium of the Non-Executives also should be fixed at Rs.1.60 per 1,000, instead of Rs. 1.80 per 1000. Further, Com.R.S. Chauhan, demanded that, after joining the GTI, if a Non-Executive gets promoted as an Executive, then, he should be permitted to migrate to the GTI scheme of the Executives. All the view points of BSNLEU, placed before the Committee, by Com.R.S. Chauhan, Vice President (CHQ), were appreciated by the Management Side. It is also decided that, expeditious steps would be taken, so as to implement the GTI scheme to the Non-Executives, w.e.f. 01^st March, 2021.

One of the senior leaders of the Congress Party, as well as former Home Minister, Shri Buta Singh, passed away yesterday. He was 86 years old. Shri Buta Singh, a prominent Dalit leader served as the Home Minister in the Rajeev Gandhi cabinet. He had also served as Minister of Agriculture, as well as Communications. Shri Buta Singh had been in coma stage since October last. BSNLEU pays it’s respectful homage to the departed leader. 

01.10.2020 से 5.5% IDA और 01.01.2021 से 6.1% IDA का नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज को भुगतान नही-  BSNLEU ने सेक्रेटरी, DPE को पत्र लिखा...

DPE द्वारा IDA की किश्तें फ्रीज करने हेतु दिशा निर्देश जारी किए गए हैं। बहरहाल, DPE के दिनांक 19.12.2020 के आदेश में स्पष्ट रूप से उल्लेखित है कि तीन IDA फ्रीजिंग केवल एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज और नॉन यूनियनाइज्ड सुपरवाइजर्स पर ही लागू होगा। इसका आशय यह है कि 3 IDA फ्रीजिंग नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज पर लागू नहीं होगा।  किन्तु, DPE द्वारा अभी तक 01.10.2020 से देय हो चुके 5.5% IDA के नॉन  एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज को भुगतान किए जाने हेतु निर्देश जारी नही किए गए हैं। BSNLEU द्वारा केरल के माननीय उच्च न्यायालय में प्रकरण दर्ज किया ही जा चुका है। इसके साथ ही, BSNLEU ने सेक्रेटरी, DPE को  01.10.2020 से 5.5% IDA और 01.01.2021 से 6.1% IDA के नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज को भुगतान करने हेतु त्वरित दिशा निर्देश जारी करने की मांग करते हुए पत्र लिखा है। 

BSNL Management has called for the EoI (Expression of Interest), for the procurement of around 57,000 4G sites. The 14 page document issued yesterday the 1st January, 2021 says that, the eligibility of bidders, will be based on the spirit of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative. It also says, “preference to Make in India” shall be made applicable in the forthcoming 4G tender. 

It is sad to note that, all the conditions stipulated by the DoT, for the denial of level playing ground to BSNL, in the matter of procurement of equipments, have been accepted by the BSNL Management. Most importantly, the document says that, the CORE equipment should be Indian Manufactured. While private operators procure equipments from MNCs, why BSNL should be discriminated? Secondly, the document says that, "System Integrators" can also participate in the tender.  BSNLEU and AUAB have already opposed this, since it will escalate the cost.

The AUAB of Aurangabad, together with AIGETOA and SEWA BSNL, organised an impressive meeting yesterday, in support of the ongoing Farmers’ Agitation. Noted social activist, Shri Vishu Dhoble, advocate, presided over the meeting. Around 100 employees participated.  CITU leader, Dr. D.L. Karad and Bank Employees leader Com.Devidas Tuljapurkar, addressed the meeting and explained about the pro-corporate Farm Acts, as well as about anti-worker and anti-people economic policies of the government. Com.Ranjan Dhani, CS, NFTE, delivered the introductory speech. Com.John Verghese, AGS, BSNLEU, delivered the concluding speech. The CHQ of BSNLEU heartily congratulates the AUAB of Aurangabad for organising this impressive programme.

In a surprising move, the DoT has ordered that, BSNL will manage MTNL's mobile networks, on an outsourced basis. The DoT has issued a letter to this effect on 31.12.2020. More surprising is that, the DoT has stated in it’s letter that, this decision is taken based on a letter given by the BSNL on 27-10-2020. 

BSNL is struggling to maintain it’s own mobile networks. BSNL’s mobile customers are extremely unhappy that the Company has not yet started it’s 4G service. BSNL is fighting a losing battle with the private operators in the mobile segment in it’s own service area. 

MTNL's mobile networks are already in shambles. BSNL has to invest a huge amount to bring it back to order. What will BSNL do for the money? These are all the disturbing questions. It appears that, this is the decision of the government. In that case, suitable financial assistance should be provided by the government. Otherwise, BSNL’s condition will become precarious.

01.01.2021 से  6.1% IDA देय हो गया है - BSNLEU इसका भुगतान सुनिश्चित करेगी....

लेबर ब्यूरो द्वारा जारी नवीनतम अखिल भारतीय उपभोक्ता मूल्य सूचकांक  (All India Consumer Price Index - IW) के आंकड़ों के अनुसार  01.01.2021 से  6.1% IDA देय हो गया है। ज्ञातव्य है कि  01.10.2020 से  5.5% IDA पूर्व से ही देय हो चुका है, जिसका भुगतान अभी तक नही हुआ है। अब,  01.10.2020 से पूर्व से देय और 01.01.2021 से अतिरिक्त रूप से देय हो चुके IDA को मिला कर कुल  11.6% IDA देय हो गया है। BSNLEU द्वारा माननीय केरल उच्च न्यायालय में प्रकरण पहले ही दायर किया जा चुका है, इस दावे के साथ कि DPE द्वारा आदेशित IDA फ्रीजिंग नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज पर लागू नही होता है। BSNLEU, यह 11.6% IDA  का भुगतान BSNL के  नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज को हो, यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए हर जरूरी कदम उठाएगी।

{जानकारी (इनपुट्स) कॉम मिहिरदास गुप्ता, पूर्व AGS, BSNLEU द्वारा प्रदत्त } 

As per the latest All India Consumer Price Index (IW) numbers, released by the Labour Bureau, 6.1% IDA has become due w.e.f. 01.01.2021. It may be recollected that, 5.5% IDA has already become due w.e.f. 01.10.2020, which has not yet been paid. Now, the additional IDA that has become due  from 1st October, 2020 and 1st January 2021 comes to 11.6%. BSNLEU has already filed a case in the Hon’ble Kerala High Court, claiming that the IDA freezing, ordered by the DPE does not apply to the Non-Executives. BSNLEU will take all necessary steps to ensure that this 11.6% IDA is paid to the Non-Executives of BSNL.

[ Inputs by Com.Mihir Dasgupta, former AGS, BSNLEU ]

BSNL Management has constituted a Committee for finalising the Group Term Insurance (GTI) to the Non-Executives. A meeting of this Committee has been fixed to be held today. However, the Management has informed that, this meeting has been postponed and will be held on 04.01.2021.

अलविदा 2020, स्वागतम 2021 .... !

वर्ष 2020 खत्म होने जा रहा है। किंतु इसे मानवता के इतिहास में एक स्याह (black) वर्ष के रूप में याद किया जाएगा। ऐसा इसलिए, क्योंकि इस वर्ष, सम्पूर्ण विश्व भयावह कोरोना वायरस की बीमारी से त्रस्त रहा। 8 करोड़ से अधिक लोग संक्रमित हुए। 18 लाख लोगों ने अपनी जान गंवाई, जिसमें अधिकांश कार्यरत थे। दुनिया अभी भी इस वायरस की गिरफ्त से बाहर नही हुई है। बहरहाल, कई वैक्सीन्स मार्किट में आने की शीघ्र संभावना  है। इस पृष्ठभूमि में, दुनिया नववर्ष में प्रवेश करने जा रही है। वर्ष 2020 भले ही चला जाए, किन्तु, उसके द्वारा प्रदत्त अनुभव बरकरार रहेंगे। वे हैं :- 
 

1. सुपर पॉवर अमेरिका, जिसके पास दुनिया को कई बार नष्टप्राय करने के लिए कई परिष्कृत (sophiscated) हथियार है, कोरोना वायरस को मात नही दे सका है। यह भी एक विडंबना ही है कि, विश्व में अमेरिका कोविड 19 का सबसे बड़ा शिकार बना है। 
2. अमेरिका और अन्य पाश्चात्य देश, जो कि विश्व में बेहद सम्पन्न और आधुनिक राष्ट्र माने जाते हैं, कोरोना वायरस के सर्वाधिक शिकार हुए हैं। इसकी वजह, इन देशों में स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं का पूर्ण निजीकरण होना है।
3. दूसरी ओर, चीन, क्यूबा और वियतनाम जैसे समाजवादी देश अपने नागरिकों की सुरक्षा करने में सफल रहे हैं। इन देशों में लोगों की मृत्यु भी कम हुई है। समाजवादी व्यवस्था, पूंजीवादी व्यवस्था की तुलना में बेहतर साबित हुई है।
4. विश्वभर में कार्यरत लोग बुरी तरह प्रभावित हुए हैं। वहीं, कॉर्पोरेट्स ने अपनी संपदा में, कोविड 19 महामारी की स्थिति में भी, उल्लेखनीय वृद्धि की है। ऐसा केवल पूंजीवादी देशों की कॉर्पोरेट समर्थक नीतियों की वजह से ही हो सका है।
5. भारत में, 14 करोड़ प्रवासी वर्कर्स नौकरी और आश्रय विहीन हो गए और सड़क पर ला दिए गए। किन्तु, इस दौरान ही, अडानी और अम्बानी जैसे कॉर्पोरेट्स की संपत्ति कई गुना बढ़ गई। इस समयावधि में ही, मुकेश अम्बानी विश्व के 5वें अमीर व्यक्ति बने।
6. भारत में, "निजीकरण", मोदी सरकार का "मूलमंत्र" हो गया है। स्वास्थ्य सेवाएं, रेल्वे, बैंक, बिजली, टेलीकॉम और बीमा जैसे विभिन्न  जनोपयोगी क्षेत्र निजी क्षेत्र को सौंपे जा रहे हैं। लेकिन हमें यह नही भूलना चाहिए कि कोविड 19 से लोगों की सुरक्षा में सरकार द्वारा संचालित हॉस्पिटल्स ने ही अहम भूमिका निभाई है। धन की लालसा में लिप्त कॉर्पोरेट हॉस्पिटल्स अभी तक इस परिदृश्य में कहीं भी नजर नही आए हैं।   

The Year 2020 is coming to an end. But, it will go down as one of the blackest years in the history of mankind. This is because, the entire world is rattled by the dreaded Corona Virus Disease. 8 crore people were infected. 18 lakh people, mostly working people, have lost their lives. The world has not come out of the grip of this virus. However, numerous vaccines are likely to hit the market soon. It is in this backdrop, that the world is going to step into the New Year. The year 2020 may go. But, the experiences it gave, will remain. They are :-

1. The super power United States, which is having sophisticated weapons to destroy this world many times, could not defeat the Corona Virus. It is an irony, that the US became the biggest victim of the COVID-19 in the world. 
2. The US and the European countries, which are the most wealthy and advanced nations in the world, have become the biggest victims of Corona Virus. This is because, the total privatisation of the health care system in those countries.
3. On the other hand, Socialist countries, like China, Cuba and Vietnam safeguarded the people successfully. Death of people in these countries, is very minimal. The Socialist system has proved to be superior to the Capitalist system. 
4. The working people throughout the world, suffered severely. At the same time, the corporates increased their wealth remarkably, even during this COVID-19 pandemic situation. This is only because of the pro-corporate policies of the Capitalist countries. 
5. In India, 14 crore migrant workers were rendered jobless, homeless and were thrown onto the streets. However, it is during this period, corporates like Adani and Ambani multiplied their wealth. It is in this period, Mukesh Ambani became the 5th richest man in the world.
6. In India, "privatisation" has become the 'mantra' of the Modi government. All utilities, like health care, railways, banks, electricity, telecom, insurance, etc., are being sold to the private. However, we should not forget that, only the government run hospitals played a major role in safeguarding the people from COVID-19. The money minting corporate hospitals were not in the picture, till recently.

31^st December, 2020, had been announced as the last date for filing Income Tax returns. However, yesterday, the government has extended this ultimatum to 10^th January, 2021. This extension of date is applicable to BSNL employees as well as pensioners.