BSNLEU and NFTE, the two recognised unions of the Non-Executives in BSNL, have jointly written to the CMD BSNL, demanding to immediately start the process for holding the 8^th Membership Verification. This letter is given in the backdrop of the Management’s purported move to postpone the 8^th Membership Verification, for a period of 6 months. Both, BSNLEU and NFTE, have opposed any postponement of the Membership Verification and have demanded that the notification for holding the same should be issued immediately.

Requests are being received from some circles, for bringing visitors to the Extended CEC meeting, to be held at Pune, from 29^th to 31^st July, 2019. As per the Union Constitution, only circle secretaries, central office bearers and district secretaries are eligible to attend the Extended CEC meeting. Hence, circle secretaries are once again requested to ensure that only district secretaries attend the Extended CEC meeting, apart from circle secretaries and central office bearers. If any district secretary is not able to attend, then the assistant district secretary should attend.

The Narendra Modi government has already taken decision to privatise the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), which is a huge profit earning PSU. Absolutely there is no need or justification to privatise it. Prior to 1971, BPCL was a multinational oil company. After the 1971 Indo- Pakistan war, this company was nationalised by the then Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi, because the Company refused to fuel Indian Air force's fighter jets, during India's war with Pakistan. It is unfortunate that the Modi government is reversing the history today and wants to hand over this Public Sector oil behemoth to some Indian or multinational corporates. This act of the government to privatise BPCL is nothing but anti- national. Those who preach about "Nationalism" from roof tops should make a self introspection and think how India's "national interests" are being compromised by the Narendra Modi government. The Central Trade Unions have called for a one day General Strike on 8th January, 2020, against the privatisation of the Public Sector by the Modi government. BSNLEU has also decided to join this General Strike. We call upon the BSNL employees to join this General Strike enmasse. If we remain as silent spectators any more, days will not be far away, when BSNL will also be handed over to Ambani or Adani.

In the meeting held on 24.02.2018, between Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and the All Unions and Associations of BSNL, it was agreed that the wage revision issue of BSNL employees would be taken to the approval of the Cabinet. It is nearly three weeks, since the meeting has taken place. Hence, with a view to ascertain the progress on the issue, Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS and Com. Ramesh Chand, Org. Secretary (CHQ), met Shri Pawan Gupta, Director (PSU), DoT, today, and discussed the issue. It is learnt that the matter is being processed for the approval of the DPE. Many more procedures are involved, before the file is sent for the final approval of the Cabinet. Hence, the Union representatives urged upon the Director (PSU) to get the processings done expeditiously.

On the first day of the 9^th All India Conference of BSNLEU, a successful seminar was organised on the revival of BSNL. Com. C.K. Gundanna, GS, Reception Committee, conducted the programme. Com. P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary, delivered the key note address, and explained at length the settlement reached between the AUAB and the Hon’ble MoS(C), based on which the indefinite strike has been deferred. The seminar was also addressed by Shri R. Mani, CGM, Karnataka circle, Com. Chandeshwar Singh, GS, NFTE, Com. K. Sebastin, GS, SNEA, Com. Prahlad Rai, GS, AIBSNLEA, Shri Manish Kumar, GM (Restg.), BSNL CO., Com. Suresh Kumar, GS, BSNL MS, Com. H.P. Singh, Dy.GS, BSNL OA, Com. Balbir Singh, President, Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, BSNLEU and Com. H.V. Sudharshan, Org. Secretary (CHQ), BSNLEU, addressed. Com. M.C. Balakrishna, Chairman, Reception Committee, addressed and proposed the vote of thanks. All the leaders hailed the settlement reached between the Hon’ble MoS(C) and the AUAB. The huge gathering assembled in the seminar greeted the leaders of the AUAB and hailed their unity. They cheered the leaders and reaffirmed their support to the leadership of the AUAB.

A meeting of the Re-designation Committee is held today, to finalise the new designation for the 19 left out cadres, belonging to the NE-I, NE-II and NE-III pay scales. These cadres are Ayah, Bearer, Beldar, Chowkidar, Cleaner, Duftary, Farash, Khalasi, Lady Chowkidar, Mali, Office Peon, Peon, Safaiwala, Shramik, Sweeper, Washboy, Dish Cleaner, Waterman and Gateman. Earlier, in the Re-designation Committee meeting held on 31.05.2018, decision was taken to accord “Telecom Attendant” designation to these cadres. However, it was not accepted by the Management Committee. In today’s meeting, both BSNLEU and NFTE demanded that the designation of MTS (Multi Tasking Staff) should be given to these cadres. However, the demand was rejected by the Management Side, on the plea that it will involve change of pay scale, as well as duties and responsibilities. After prolonged discussion, it was decided to accord “Attendant” designation to these 19 left out cadres..

एक्सटेंडेड सीईसी मीटिंग में किसी भी विजिटर को अनुमति नही दी जाएगी.
कई सर्कल्स द्वारा, पुणे में 29 से 31 जुलाई 2019 तक आयोजित होने वाली एक्सटेंडेड सीईसी मीटिंग में विज़िटर्स को भी शामिल होने के लिए अनुमति दिए जाने हेतु निवेदन किया जा रहा है। यूनियन के संविधान के अनुसार एक्सटेंडेड सीईसी में शामिल होने की पात्रता केवल सर्किल सेक्रेटरीज, सेंट्रल ऑफिस बेयरर्स और डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरीज को ही है। अतः सर्किल सेक्रेटरीज से एक बार पुनः अनुरोध है कि वें सुनिश्चित करें कि एक्सटेंडेड सीईसी में  सर्किल सेक्रेटरीज और सेंट्रल ऑफिस बेयरर्स के अलावा केवल डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरीज ही शामिल हों। यदि किसी डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरी के लिए उपस्थित होना संभव न हों, तो असिस्टेंट डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरी अटेंड करें।

Voting is completed in the great democratic exercise of 8th Membership Verification in BSNL. The polling has been by and large peaceful. BSNLEU heartily thanks the voters who have participated in this democratic exercise. BSNLEU also thanks the Management for successfully organising the polling. Lastly, CHQ heartily congratulates all the leaders and cadres of BSNLEU, who have toiled hard in this 8th Membership Verification.

Salary for the month of October 2019 was not paid. Today is 30th November and the salary for the month of November, 2019 is also not paid. In the talks held with the AUAB on 18.11.2019, The Director (HR) assured that the October salary would be paid on 28.11.2019. However the Management has not honoured this assurance. It is not known when these two months' salary would be paid. What has been happening in the MTNL has started happening in BSNL also, especially after the new CMD has taken over the charge. The salary is not being paid, only to create a scare and to compel more employees to go on VRS. BSNLEU strongly condemns this attitude of the BSNL Management. BSNLEU will take recourse to suitable action, in consultation with other Unions and associations.

The CHQ has received intimation that Com.Mukesh Kumar, contract worker, manning the Rajatalab BTS, in Varanasi SSA, was killed in a road accident today, while going for the duty. Com.Mukesh Kumar is a young worker and has met an untimely death. The CHQ of BSNLEU pays homage to Com.Mukesh Kumar and conveys it’s heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has angrily reacted to the criticism that the Indian economy is slowing down. There is no use in becoming angry, but needful actions, to put the economy on the right track, are required to be taken. Narendra Modi came to power, by assuring to create 1 crore jobs. It was not achieved. To the contrary, the Demonitisation and introduction of GST have killed a large number of jobs. Some details are as follows:-

• 67 textile units are shut down between 2015 and 2017, which have resulted in the loss of 17,600 jobs.
• L&T has laid off 14,000 staff in the first 2 quarters of 2017.
• HDFC Bank’s net jobs losses in 2017 are 3,230.
• During the first 3 months of the Financial year 2017-18, TCS work force went down by 1,414; Infosys went down by 1,811 and Tech  Mahindra went down by 1,713.
• Suzlon Energy Ltd, ReGen retrenched over 1,500 workers in the last 6 months.
• 212 start up companies are closed down in 2016.

 [Courtesy: Indian Express, dt.03-10-2017]

Moving aggressively ahead, to implement it’s agenda of disinvestment / privatisation of the Public Sector Undertakings, the Central Government has decided to raise Rs.30,000 crore, through disinvestment of the shares of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL). With this the disinvestment target of the government for the current year is expected to reach Rs.90,000 crore. Last year, the government realised Rs.46,000 crore through disinvestments. Media reports say that the government may fix a target to get Rs.1 lakh crore through disinvestments in the next financial year. It may also be noted that the government is going ahead with the sale of Air India, despite objections raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport.

In a brief discussion held with Shri A.M. Gupta, GM (SR), today, Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS and Com. Ramesh Chand, Org. Secretary (CHQ), drew his attention to the following issues:-

1. To consider the letter given by BSNLEU, on the issue of formulating guidelines for immunity from transfers to the office bearers of Recognised Unions.
2. To conduct the 36^th meeting of the National Council without delay.
3. SR Cell has informed that only 14 items can be taken up in each meeting of the National Council. It was requested to accept all the items submitted for the next meeting of the National Council and that a decision could be taken, with mutual consent, regarding the future meetings.

After completion of today’s Joint Committee meeting, the Staff Side members of the Committee, met and discussed about the strategy to be adopted, for finalising the wage settlement within the shortest possible time. It was unanimously decided that, both the Recognised Unions should work in close coordination to finalise the wage settlement within the shortest possible time, and with the maximum benefits to the employees. The various aspects connected with the construction of the new pay scales are discussed in this meeting. It is decided that, both the Recognised Unions should hand over a joint proposal to the Management, on the new pay scales, in the next meeting of the Joint Committee, to be held on 09.08.2018. To finalise this proposal, a meeting of the Staff Side members will be held at 10:00 AM on 03.08.2018, at NFTE’s office.

The delegates session of the 9th All India Conference of BSNLEU, being held at Mysuru, started today. Com. Balbir Singh, President, is presiding over the session. Condolence resolution was moved by Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS. The house stood in silence for a minute and paid homage to the martyrs and also to the leaders who have passed away since the last All India Conference. Thereafter, Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, presented the report on activities. In his presentation, the General Secretary highlighted the background in which the indefinite strike was deferred, the settlement reached in the meeting held with the AUAB and the Hon’ble MoS(C), settlement of the issues of the Non-Executives, etc. Thereafter, deliberation by the delegates started and is going on.

The AUAB has given the call for submitting memorandums to the MPs. Copy of the memorandum to be submitted is uploaded on CHQ website and also already sent to the CEC members. According to the decision of the AUAB, submission of the memorandums is to be completed by 28-02-2019. So far, memorandums are submitted only to a few MPs. CHQ calls upon the circle and district unions to coordinate with the other constituents of the AUAB and to complete the task of submitting the memorandum immediately, and before 28-02-2019.

BSNL के वित्तीय उन्नयन (रिवाइवल) के लिए सरकार द्वारा पूंजी लगाना सुनिश्चित करना जरूरी क्यों ?
BSNLEU मांग करती है कि सरकार पूंजी लगा कर BSNL का वित्तीय उन्नयन सुनिश्चित करे। मीडिया में इस बात पर बहस हो रही है कि कर दाताओं का पैसा सरकार BSNL और MTNL की मदद करने में क्यों जाया करें। यह एक सच्चाई है कि अपने अस्तित्व के 18.5 वर्षों में BSNL को वित्तीय सहयोग के रूप में कर दाताओं का एक नया पैसा भी प्राप्त नही हुआ है। किन्तु, इसके साथ ही, टाइम्स ऑफ इंडिया ने अपने 17 जुलाई 2019 के अंक में रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत की है कि वर्ष 2018-19 और 2019-20 में सरकार ने पब्लिक सेक्टर बैंक्स में 2.69 लाख करोड़ की पूंजी डाली थी। यह पूंजी उन पब्लिक सेक्टर बैंक्स को सहयोग करने हेतु डाली गई थी जिन्होंने करोड़ों रुपयों का बैड लोन राइट ऑफ किया था। यहां ध्यान देने योग्य तथ्य यह है कि बैड लोन का बड़ा हिस्सा कॉर्पोरेट्स का था जो उनके द्वारा चुकाया नही गया था। कैपिटल इंफ्यूजन के माध्यम से सरकार द्वारा पब्लिक सेक्टर बैंक्स को मदद इसलिए दी गई थी कि वें पुनः बड़े कॉर्पोरेट्स को नए सिरे से लोन दे सके। अतः, जब सरकार पब्लिक सेक्टर बैंक्स में रु 2.69 लाख करोड़ की पूंजी डाल सकती है और वह भी 2 वर्षों की अवधि में, तो फिर BSNL के आर्थिक उन्नयन के लिए BSNL में पूंजी क्यों नही लगाई जा सकती है? हमारी मांग ज्यादा वाजिब इसलिए भी है कि केवल सरकार द्वारा उठाए गए  एन्टी BSNL कदमों की वजह से ही BSNL की दुर्दशा हुई है।

The VRS window closes on 03.12.2019. There are only a few more days for it. The BSNL Management and the DoT have not come forward to clear some crucial uncertainties connected with the VRS-2019.  Hence, it has become clear that neither the BSNL Management, nor the DoT, are going to ensure the following safeguards, being demanded by the unions and associations.
 

(1)    Commutation of Pension.

Amendment to the Pension Commutation Rule 1981 to ensure safety measures to the employee who go on VRS. This is demanded because, according to the Commutation of Pension Rule 1981, an employee has to apply for pension commutation within one year of his retirement. Whereas, according to the VRS-2019, Pension Commutation will be given to the VRS optees only when they complete the age of 60 years.

According to the present rules, all those who apply for their Pension Commutation after one year of their going on VRS, will have to undergo a medical examination, which will create unnecessary complications and problems to a large section of the employees.

Further if any of the VRS optee expires before attaining the age of 60, his family will not get the benefit of pension commutation, which will be a huge loss to that family. This is a provision contained in the present rule. The unions and associations have demanded that, relaxation should be given to the VRS optees as a special case, from the above clause.

Both the above relaxations can be given only by amending the Commutation of Pension Rules 1981, by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare. Any oral or written assurance given by the DoT or BSNL Management will not serve the purpose. However, it is unfortunate that neither the BSNL Management nor the DoT has taken any step to ensure necessary safety to the VRS optees.

(2)     Eligibility for 3^rd PRC.

The Supreme Court judgement says that an employee who goes on VRS is not entitled for Wage Revision, implemented subsequently and retrospectively. As per the provision of the VRS-2019 also, employees who go on VRS are not entitled for 3rd Pay Revision. Para 8 (viii) of VRS 2019 Rule reads as follows:-

“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 means, the exgratia being paid to the VRS optees is the full and final settlement and thereafter, they are not entitled for the 3rd PRC, when implemented later on and retrospectively.

The unions and associations demand that the BSNL Management should give an assurance that, the VRS optees would be made eligible for the 3rd PRC. However, the BSNL Management has not taken any action to give this assurance. This clearly shows that the VRS optees are not going to get the benefit of 3rd PRC.

Under the above mentioned circumstances, those employees who have already given option for VRS, are requested to think twice and take a wise decision before the VRS window closes on 03.12.2019.