In the all union / association meeting, called on by the Management yesterday, to discuss the ways and means to curtail wasteful expenditures, severe protest was expressed by the representatives of various unions and associations, for the steps being taken by the Management to curtail the existing medical facilities of the serving and retired employees. They asked whether medical facilities being given to the serving and retired employees are wasteful expenditures? In the face of stiff opposition from the unions and associations, the Management Side assured that the existing medical facilities would not be curtailed. They also assured that the medical allowance with out vouchers for the retired employees, due from 1st April 2018, would be processed.

ऑल यूनियन्स एंड एसोसिएशन्स ऑफ बीएसएनएल (AUAB)

आज 03.12.2018 को AUAB के चेयरमैन कॉम चंदेश्वर सिंह की अध्यक्षता में AUAB की मीटिंग सम्पन्न हुई। मीटिंग में माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री श्री मनोज सिन्हा से AUAB के साथ हुई चर्चा की समीक्षा की गई। मीटिंग के निष्कर्ष निम्नानुसार है।

(1) AUAB के कॉल को BSNL के सभी एग्जीक्यूटिव और नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव का अद्भुत प्रतिसाद (रिस्पांस) व सहयोग मिला।

(2) फलस्वरूप 02.12.2018 को AUAB और सेक्रेटरी, टेलीकॉम के बीच और आज 03.12.2018 को AUAB और माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री (स्वतंत्र प्रभार) के बीच गंभीरता के साथ चर्चा हुई।

(3) उपर्युक्त चर्चा के दौरान माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री और सेक्रेटरी, टेलीकॉम के द्वारा निम्न खुलासा किया गया।

  (a) बीएसएनएल को स्पेक्ट्रम आवंटन के लिए कैबिनेट के अनुमोदन हेतु प्रकरण यथाशीघ्र कैबिनेट को प्रस्तुत किया जाएगा। इस हेतु विभिन्न संबंधित मंत्रालयों (नोडल मिनिस्ट्रीज) से विचार विमर्श (interaction) के लिए DOT के वरिष्ठ अधिकारी को डेप्यूट किया जाएगा।
  (b) बीएसएनएल से रिटायर्ड कर्मियों के पेंशन रिवीजन को कार्यरत कर्मियों के वेज रिवीजन से अलग (delink) किया जाएगा और पेंशन का रिवीजन शीघ्र ही किया जाएगा। 
  (c)  बीएसएनएल द्वारा पेंशन कॉन्ट्रिब्यूशन के भुगतान हेतु गवर्नमेंट के नियम लागू किए जाएंगे।
  (d) बीएसएनएल के डायरेक्ट रिक्रूट कर्मचारियों के 30% सुपरएन्युएशन बेनिफिट्स के संबंध में CMD BSNL ने आश्वासित किया कि बीएसएनएल के डायरेक्ट रिक्रूट कर्मचारियों के पेंशन कंट्रीब्यूशन में 3% की वृद्धि मार्च 2019 तक की जाएगी और शेष 4% की वृद्धि अगले चरण में होगी। स्टैण्डर्ड पे स्केल के मसले पर AUAB ने BSNL के प्रस्ताव को लागू करने की मांग की। मंत्री महोदय ने इसे कंसीडर करने हेतु DOT के अधिकारियों को निर्देश दिए।
  (e) बीएसएनएल एम्प्लॉईज के 3rd PRC के मुद्दे पर AUAB की मीटिंग में महसूस किया गया कि इस मुद्दे के निदान हेतु DOT और बीएसएनएल मैनेजमेंट को कुछ और समय दिया जाए।

स्थिति की विस्तृत रूप से समीक्षा करने के बाद मीटिंग में सर्वानुमति से आगामी सूचना तक हड़ताल स्थगित करने का निर्णय लिया गया।

The AUAB of UP (West) circle organised an effective strike preparatory meeting at Ghaziabad on 12.02.2019. Com.Sompal Saini, CS, NFTE & Chairman, AUAB, UP(West) circle, presided over the meeting. Com. Upendar Singh Teotia, CS, BSNLEU & Convenor, AUAB, UP(West) circle, welcomed everyone and delivered the initial address. The meeting was addressed by Com.P. Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU & Convenor, AUAB, Com. Chandeswar Singh, GS, NFTE & Chairman, AUAB, Com. S. Sivakumar, President, AIBSNLEA, Com. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, AGS, SNEA, Com.Suresh Kumar, GS, BSNL MS and Com. H.P. Singh, Dy.GS, BSNLOA. The speakers explained about the status of the various demands, as well as the anti-BSNL approach of the DoT officers and urged upon the employees to effectively organise the 3 day strike, together with street corner meetings and rallies with family members. The success of today’s meeting indicates that the 3 day strike will be a total success in UP(West) circle.

According to the decision taken in the Ghaziabad CEC meeting, BSNLEU has to independently conduct the "Save BSNL - Save Nation" campaign. During this campaign, handbills are to be distributed among the general public, explaining about the problems related to BSNL's revival. CHQ has prepared the matter for the handbill. This matter has to be translated into all the languages. They should be printed in thousands and should be distributed among the people. These handbills may be widely circulated among the employees also. CHQ will get it translated in Hindi also.

कल दिनांक 03.07.2019 को सम्पन्न AUAB की मीटिंग में लिए गए निर्णय....
AUAB की मीटिंग कल दिनांक 03.07.2019 को सम्पन्न हुई। मीटिंग की अध्यक्षता कॉम के. सेबेस्टियन, GS, SNEA ने की। BSNLEU, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, BSNL MS और ATM के जनरल सेक्रेटरीज मीटिंग में उपस्थित रहे। मीटिंग में, DoT द्वारा ALTTC और BSNL की अन्य प्रॉपर्टीज पर कब्जा किए जाने पर पुरजोर तरीके से रोष व्यक्त किया गया। मीटिंग में BSNL की रिक्त भूमि, टॉवर्स और ऑप्टिकल फाइबर के मुद्रीकरण (मोनेटाइजेशन) में हुई प्रगति पर भी चर्चा की गई। गहन चर्चा पश्चात सर्वानुमति से निम्न निर्णय लिए गए। 

1. BSNL के रिवाइवल और अन्य मुद्दों पर चर्चा के लिए नवागत CMD से मुलाकात की जाए।
2. "BSNL आपके द्वार" अभियान के तीव्रता के साथ क्रियान्वयन हेतु सभी एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज और नॉन  एग्जीक्यूटिव्ज से अनुरोध किया जाए, जिससे कि BSNL के राजस्व में वृद्धि हो सके।
3. BSNL से BBNL का मेंटेनेंस कार्य छीन लेने के विरोध में DoT को पत्र लिखा जाए।
4. माननीय संचार एवं प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्री और सेक्रेटरी, टेलीकॉम को AUAB को मीटिंग देने हेतु स्मरण पत्र दिए जाएं।

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of BSNLEU, Telangana Circle, along with a seminar on VRS 2019 - it's impact, was held on 15th November, 2019.   Com.K.Yadaiah, circle president, presided over. Com. J.Sampath Rao, AGS & Circle Secretary, initiated the proceedings.  He reported on the decisions taken in the Ghaziabad CEC meeting and the present situation prevailing, regarding the VRS. He also spoke on the organisational tasks before the Union, the All India General Strike to be held on 8th January,   making it successful in the circle and the call of the AUAB for 3 days relay Hunger fast. A seminar was also conducted on VRS 2019 - it's impact. Com. M.Saibabu, General Secretary, CITU, Telangana, Com.M.Thirupathaih, leader, AI IEEA, Hyderabad and Com.J.Venkatesh, CITU addressed the seminar. They gave valuable information on VRS. Thereafter Deliberations by the District Secretaries took place, based on this, the CWC unanimously resolved that the 3 days relay hunger strike should be made a grand success in Telangana circle.

Com.Animesh Mitra, President and Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, met Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR) today, and discussed the following issues:-

1. JTO LICE held on 26.05.2019 - Granting of full marks to the questions with multiple correct answers.

In the earlier meeting held with the Management, the Director (HR) has kindly consented to consider the demand of BSNLEU, for giving full marks to the questions with multiple correct answers, in the JTO LICE, held on 26-05-2019. However, no improvement has come in this regard. The issue was once again raised today and the Director (HR) informed that the needful steps would be taken expeditiously.

2. Non-declaration of results of JTO LICE – case of Punjab circle.

In the earlier meeting, the Director (HR) told that legal options would be look into, to come out of the deadlock created by the judgment delivered by the Hon'ble Chandigarh CAT. Since no improvement has come, the issue was once again raised with the Director (HR) today. He assured that the matter would do the needful.

3. Holding of the JE LICE.

The JE LICE, notified to be held in April, 2019, had been postponed. BSNLEU has already demanded that the exam should be conducted as an ‘off-line’ exam without delay. This issue was discussed with the Director (HR) today and he agreed to do the needful.

4. Reconstitution of the National Council.

It was pointed out that the National Council has not yet been reconstituted after the 8th Membership Verification. The Director (HR) was urged upon to ensure the early reconstitution of the National Council, as well as the holding of the National Council meeting without further delay. The Director (HR) assured to do the needful.

Today is the 129^th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of mother India. Being a great social reformer, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar taught us to fight against all kinds of social and economic inequalities. Being the architect of the Indian Constitution, he has gifted a secular and democratic constitution to our nation. On this day of his birth anniversary, BSNLEU resolves to rededicate itself in the struggle to eradicate all kinds of social and economic inequalities. BSNLEU also vows to protect the secular and democratic characters of our Constitution.

The Narendra Modi government has taken decision to allow 100% FDI in the Coal Sector. Based on this, the government has allowed Coal mining by multinational companies and Indian corporates. This is nothing, but reversing the nationalisation of Coal mines done in the 1970s. Protesting the attempts of the government to handover the entire Coal mines to the looting by multinational companies and Indian corporates, all the Federations and Unions in the Coal Industry are going on a 3 day strike from 2^nd to 4^th July, 2020. BSNLEU supports this strike and expresses it’s solidarity with the fighting Federations and Unions of the Coal Industry. BSNLEU demands the government to reverse it’s policy of privatising the Coal mines.

The Modi government has launched a vigorous drive for the privatisation of the entire public sector. Indian Railways, Defence production factories, Petroleum (BPCL), Electricity, Banking, LIC, etc., etc. 

As regards, coal mines, Modi government decided to hand over 41 coal blocks throughout the country, to the Indian and Foreign corporates. The entire trade unions in the coal sector opposed this privatisation. They massively campaigned among the general public against this privatisation. Thereafter, the entire coal workers went on a 3 day strike from 2^nd to 4^th July, 2020. The strike was total. 

As a result of this militant strike by coal workers, it has now become difficult for the government to privatise the coal mines. Twice, the government notified auctioning of the 41 coal blocks. But, no one came forward to participate in the bidding. Hence, the government has postponed the auctioning to October / November, 2020. The trade unions in the coal sector are also proposing to go on strike in November, 2020. 

If the coal workers and trade unions can fight to stop privatisation, why can’t BSNL employees and unions / associations fight for starting 4G service immediately and to stop BSNL from becoming a sick PSU?

The CMD BSNL held a meeting today, with the major unions and associations. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, com. K. Sebastin, GS, SNEA and com. Prahlad Rai, GS, AIBSNLEA attended. Com. Chandeswar Singh, GS, NFTE is out of Delhi. The following issues were discussed.  

CMD BSNL should present the flood relief amount to the CM, Kerala.

The AUAB has already requested the CMD BSNL to deduct one day’s basic pay from willing officials. In today’s meeting the representatives requested that the deducted amount should be handed over by the CMD BSNL, to the Chief Minister of Kerala. They told that, this would give a very good publicity to BSNL. The CMD BSNL agreed to look into this.

“BSNL At Your Door steps” will be launched on 24.09.2018.

The AUAB has already taken decision to conduct “BSNL At Your Doorsteps" movement, to boost BSNL’s revenue collection, by stepping up sales and marketing of the Company. The AUAB has also desired that, this movement should be jointly launched by the AUAB and the Management. This issue was discussed in today’s meeting.

 
Finally, the following decisions are taken.

1. “BSNL At Your Doorsteps” will be jointly launched by the AUAB and the Management.

2. The inauguration of this movement will take place at BSNL Corporate Office on 24th September, 2018 evening. All the CGMs will also participate in this launching. (HOCC is taking place in Corporate Office on 24th & 25thSeptember, 2018).

Delay in allotment of 4G spectrum.

The representatives expressed their concern over the undue delay in the allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL and also over the network congestion prevailing in many parts of the country. They drew the attention of the CMD to media reports, which have quoted the Hon’ble MoS(C) as saying that, 4G spectrum would be allotted to BSNL only in December, 2018. The CMD BSNL told that, he is taking all out efforts for the early allotment of 4G spectrum.

Little scope for Subsidiary Tower Company.

The AUAB is opposing the Subsidiary Tower Company tooth and nail. Decision has been taken to stall the Board meeting, and also for total walk out by the Executives and Non- Executives, in case Board meeting is scheduled, for giving approval for the appointment of CMD of Subsidiary Tower Company. This issue came up for discussion today.

Consolidation is taking place in a big way in the telecom industries. All the small operators have closed down their business. After the recent merger of Vodafone and Idea, there are only 4 operators in each circle. BSNL, Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone - Idea. Under these circumstances, there will be very less business for the Subsidiary Tower Company. The BSNL Management has informed this to the government, through it’s letter, written a week ago. This was disclosed by the CMD BSNL in today’s meeting.

 
Outsourcing of passive maintenance of BSNL’s towers.

The representatives expressed their concern at the outsourcing. The CMD BSNL replied that at present the “uptime” of BSNL towers is only 80% - 85%. The uptime will increase to 97%, due to this outsourcing. Further, BSNL will save Rs.100 crore by way of maintenance expenditures. While the active maintenance of towers would be continued to be done by BSNL, only the passive maintenance, including provisioning  of batteries, engine alternators, diesel, payment of EB bill, etc., would be done by the outsourced party. The total payment for this will be Rs.6, 633 crores. The CMD BSNL further told that, the cases filed in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court, against this outsourcing, by vested interests, are already dismissed.

BSNL’s CSCs to be used by UIDAI

The CMD BSNL informed that the UIDAI has decided to utilise BSNL’s CSCs for Aadhaar authentication. For this, the UIDAI will give money for Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX) to BSNL. The CMD BSNL told that this would help BSNL.

As has already been intimated, the indefinite strike from 03.12.2018 has been deferred. The strike call has compelled the Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications to hold talks with the representatives of the AUAB and to settle the issues. Undoubtedly, the strike call has resolved many major demands of the AUAB, which are as follows:-

1. Allotment of 4G spectrum.

The non-allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL has been a major handicap for BSNL. The assurance given by the Hon’ble MoS(C) in this regard in February, 2018, was not implemented. In yesterday’s meeting, the Hon’ble MoS(C) intimated that the Cabinet Note on the allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL is already circulated to other ministries. He also assured to depute a senior officer of the DoT to those ministries to quicken the process. Once this process is completed, the Hon’ble MoS(C) assured to take up this issue in the next Cabinet meeting itself. It is assured now that BSNL is going to get 4G spectrum shortly. This is a major break through in the financial revival of BSNL, and undoubtedly a very big achievement of the AUAB.

2. Pension revision of the retirees.

So far, the DoT has been linking pension revision with the pay revision of the employees. They have taken a firm stand that pension revision could be done only when pay revision is done to the serving employees. However, in the meeting held with the Secretary, Telecom on 02.12.2018, and also in the meeting with the Hon’ble MoS(C) on 03.12.2018, the AUAB is informed that pension revision of the retirees is now delinked from the pay revision of the employees. This is a very big achievement of this strike call. AUAB will continue to take all out efforts to ensure that the revision of pension is done at the earliest.

3. Implementation of government rules in the payment of pension contribution by BSNL.

The Hon’ble MoS(C) categorically told that government rule will be implemented, according to which BSNL has to pay pension contribution, based on actual basic pay. A letter has already been gone to the finance ministry, with the recommendation of the DoT. Settlement of this issue, is also a boost for the financial revival of BSNL.    

4. Left out issues of the 2^nd PRC.

The BSNL Management has long been demanding that Management should fulfil the recommendation of the 2^nd PRC, that 30% of the pay should be contributed by the Management towards superannuation benefits of the Directly Recruited employees. On this issue, the CMD BSNL has assured, in the meeting held with him on 02.12.2018, that BSNL’s contribution towards pension contribution will be increased by another 3%, by March, 2019, and the remaining will be increased thereafter in one go. Thus, the non-implementation of the recommendation of the 2^nd PRC, in respect of superannuation benefits is also resolved.    

5. 3^rd Pay Revision of employees.

No final settlement is reached in respect of the 3^rd Pay Revision of the employees. It was told in the discussion by the Hon’ble MoS(C) as well as by the Secretary, Telecom, that pay revision of the employees would be done, but 15% fitment cannot be given. The AUAB representatives gave a detailed presentation to the Hon’ble MoS(C), justifying pay revision with 15% fitment. However, it was not accepted. The AUAB feels that this issue needs to be further persued with the DoT, for which some more time needs to be given.

The leaders of the AUAB, in the meeting held after talks with the Hon’ble MoS(C), appreciated the fact that the strike call has brought major gains to the employees, and that these gains have got to be consolidated, by way of implementation of the assurances / issuing of letters. As regards the wage revision is concerned, the AUAB has decided to give some more time to the DoT to sort out the matter. However, struggles become inevitable, if the persuasions of the AUAB fail.

0% फिटमेंट के साथ भी 3rd पे रिवीजन DoT को स्वीकार्य नही....

कल AUAB और बीएसएनएल मैनेजमेंट के मध्य हुई मीटिंग में DoT के पास वर्तमान में लंबित 3rd पे रिवीजन की स्थिति बाबद जानकारी चाही गई। प्रबंधन की ओर से प्राप्त जवाब से यह प्रतीत होता है कि DoT 0%फिटमेंट के साथ भी 3rd पे रिवीजन के लिए तैयार नही है। इससे DoT की बीएसएनएल विरोधी और कर्मचारी विरोधी सोच स्पष्ट रूप से परिलक्षित होती है। अतः, अब हमारे पास व्यापक रूप से हड़ताल करने के अलावा और कोई विकल्प शेष नही है।

The Ghaziabad CEC meeting decided that BSNLEU should organise a "Save BSNL - Save Nation" campaign, under it's own banner. According to the decision, BSNLEU should organise street corner meetings throughout the country, meet the people, and explain how BSNL is being systematically weakened by the government, to benefit Reliance Jio. BSNLEU should also seek the support of the people for the revival of BSNL. The Ghaziabad CEC meeting also decided that this movement should start on 13th April, 2019, which is the Centenary of the Jallianwala Bhagh massacre. CHQ is glad to note that the" Save BSNL - Save Nation" movement has started in right earnest in many parts of the country. CHQ heartily thanks all those circle unions and calls upon the other circles also to immediately launch the movement with full vigour.

In a question raised in the Lok Sabha on 26^th June, 2019, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister  for Communications & IT, has replied that BSNL has provided 8,02,58,007 mobile connections in the financial year 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 and upto 31^st May, 2019. The question and answer are enclosed.

The All India Centre meeting of BSNLEU, held on 11.02.2020, discussed about the functioning of the BSNL Working Women’s Co-ordination Committee. Already some of the Committee members have retired on superannuation. In addition to this, some more Committee members have availed the VRS. This has affected the functioning of the Committee. In view of this, the All India Centre has taken the decision to re-constitute this Committee. Accordingly, the All India Centre has directed the circle unions to drop all the retired Committee members (both on superannuation and on VRS) and to nominate serving woman employees in their place, to the Committee. As regards, Tamil Nadu and Chennai, the circle convenors of BSNL WWCC are inducted as members of the All India Committee. The next meeting of the BSNL WWCC is being held at Vadodara on 05.03.2020.

(1) Com. Gopika Ranjan Ray, D/S, Silchar – Rs.1,000/-

(2) Com. S.N. Sharma, C/S, AIBDPA - Rs.2,000/-

(3) Com. Prabod Taluker, Retd. - Rs.1,000/-

(4) Com. Bhumidhar Deka, ATT - Rs.1,000/-

(5) Com. Gobinda Barman, ATT - Rs.1,000/-

(6) Com. Janmi Ram Baishya, B/S - Rs.500/-

(7) Com. Ravi Kumar, TT - Rs.500/-

(8) Com. Amarjyoti Yang, TT - Rs.500/-

(9) Com. T.C. Brahma, TT - Rs.500/-

(10) Com. Chandan Sarkar, TT - Rs.500/-

(11) Com. Bhupen Deka, B/S - Rs.500/-

(12) Com. S.P. Rabha, ATT - Rs. 500/-

(13) Com. Dilip Basumataty,TT - Rs.500/-

(14) Com. K. Sharma, TT - Rs.500/-

The circle union of BSNLEU, Kerala circle, organised it’s Executive Committee meeting on 20.06.2020, through video conferencing. Com.P.Manoharan, Circle President, presided and Com.C. Santhosh Kumar, Circle Secretary, presented report on activities. Com.Vijayakumar, AGS and Com.P.Parameswaran, Org. Secretary (CHQ), briefed on the decisions of the Central Secretariat meeting on 15.06.2020. After detailed discussion, the meeting has taken important decisions which includes: -

1. Organising the dharna called on by the CHQ on 26.06.2020 at least in 5 stations in each SSA.
2. To successfully organise the demonstrations called on by the Central Trade Unions on 03.07.2020.
3. To organise lunch demonstrations on 23.06.2020, against the atrocious hiking of the prices of petrol and diesel.
4. To organise a dharna on 09.07.2020 against indiscriminate outsourcing of works.
5. To celebrate the birth centenary of Com.K.G. Bose on 07-07-2020, by donating gadgets at the cost of Rs. one lakh, to poor students, to enable them to participate in online classes.

CHQ heartily congratulates the Kerala circle union, for organising a productive Circle Executive Committee meeting on the digital platform. 

The Narendra Modi government is moving fast to hand over the wealths of the nation to Indian and Foreign corporates. In this direction, the government has decided to hand over 6 Airports viz., Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati to Adani Group.

 In this connection, Com.Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala, has urged upon the Prime Minister to intervene and reconsider the handing over of the management and operation of the Thiruvananthapuram airport to the Adani Group. The Chief Minister of Kerala has also stated that it would be difficult for the state government to co-operate in implementing the handing over Thiruvananthapuram airport to Adani Group.