With extreme sadness, CHQ wishes to inform that Com.Sisir Battacharji, veteran leader of the Indian P&T trade union movement, passed away in a Kolkata hospital this evening. He was 95 years old, and had been unwell for some time. BSNLEU leaders of West Bengal and Kolkata circles were with him, when the leader breathed his last. It is pertinent to mention that Com. Sisir Bhattacharji had worked shoulder to shoulder with Com.K.G.Bose and other stalwarts. He had immensely contributed not only to the telecom trade union movement, but to the  P& T trade union movement as well. BSNLEU dips it's banner and pays it's respectful homage to the departed leader. It conveys it's heartfelt condolences to  the family members and relatives of Com.Sisir Bhattacharji. Branches are requested to fly the Union Flag on half-mast for three days, as a mark of respect to the leader.

The AUAB meeting held yesterday the 26.06.2018, noted with serious concern that the facilities of the lower level employees are being withdrawn by the Management, citing the financial crisis that the Company is undergoing. At the same time, the luxuries being availed by the top officers of the Company, and also the lavish expenditures being incurred by them, are not being restricted. Any austerity measure or restriction in facilities, should be implemented right from the top upto the bottom. It is unfair that the facilities of the lower level employees are curtailed, while the top officers continue to enjoy all the luxuries and indulging in lavish expenditures. This has to be stopped. Hence, as a first step, the AUAB meeting, has decided to give a letter to the BSNL Management, demanding immediate implementation of austerity measures for the top officers. If this is not done, the AUAB will take recourse to other measures.

1. Implementation of 3^rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment.
2. Allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by the BSNL Management.
3. Implement assurance of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications for delinking pension revision from pay revision. Revise pension of BSNL retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017.
4. Payment of pension contribution by BSNL as per the government rule.
5. Settlement of the left out issues of the 2^nd Pay Revision Committee.
6. a) Approval for BSNL’s Land Management Policy without any delay.

b) Expeditiously complete the mutation and the process of transferring of all assets to BSNL, as per the Cabinet decision taken on the eve of the formation of BSNL.

7. (a) Ensure financial viability of BSNL, as per the decision taken by the Group of Ministers, at the time of formation of BSNL.

(b) Issue letter of comfort for BSNL’s proposals for taking bank loans.

(c) Expeditiously fill up all vacant post of BSNL Board of Directors.

8. Scrap BSNL’s outsourcing for the operation and maintenance of it’s mobile towers.

A formal meeting was held between BSNLEU and Ms. Sujata T. Ray, Director (HR), today. From BSNLEU, Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, Com.Animesh Mitra, President and Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, attended. From the Management Side, Shri Saurabh Tyagi, Sr.GM(Estt.), Shri A.M. Gupta, GM(SR) and Ms. Samita Lutra, GM(Rectt.) were present.

1. Resuming the wage negotiation of the Non-Executives.

BSNLEU strongly demanded that the wage negotiation of the Non-Executives, which had been discontinued, should resume. GM(SR) replied that  the Corporate Office had written to the DoT, seeking some clarifications, which had not come so far. The Director (HR) directed the GM(SR) to write to the DoT, stating that the BSNL Management wants to resume the wage negotiation with the Recognised Unions of the Non-Executives.

2. Settlement of the downgradation of of the Sr.TOAs from 7100-200-10100 to 6550-185-9325.

BSNLEU strongly demanded that the BSNL Corporate Office should offer one more opportunity to the affected Sr.TOAs for giving a fresh option for promotion under NEPP. Serious and prolonged discussion took place on this issue. Finally, the Director (HR) rejected the demand of the union, stating that 3 extensions had already been given to the Sr.TOAs for giving / changing their options, and that no more option could be given. They argued that if the union’s demand is accepted, it will result in increased expenditure to the Company on account of increase in payment of pension contribution, which cannot be accepted in the present financial crisis being faced by the Company.

3. Holding the JE LICE under 50% quota, as an ‘off-line’, instead of ‘on-line’ and to notify the date of the exam.

BSNLEU had already informed through the website that it’s demand for holding the JE LICE as ‘off-line’ exam had already been accepted. In today’s meeting, BSNLEU demanded that the ‘off-line’ exam for JE LICE should be held expeditiously. The Director (HR) accepted this.

4. Relaxing the 10th standard qualification condition for candidates to appear Telecom Technician LDCE.

BSNLEU is continuously demanding that a one time relaxation should be given to the non-10^th standard candidates to appear in the Telecom Technician LDCE. In today’s meeting, this was strongly insisted. The Director (HR) finally agreed to study the judgement of a related court case and then take a final decision.  

5. Inordinate delay in holding the Standing Committee meeting

BSNLEU had already written to the Management to immediately hold the Standing Committee meeting since it is not held after August, 2018. This issue was discussed in today’s formal meeting. Since, there is urgency to hold a National Council meeting by the end of April, 2019, it was agreed to hold the Standing Committee meeting in May.

भारतीय रेलवे का निजीकरण..

नरेंद्र मोदी सरकार द्वारा, अपने पूर्व कार्यकाल में, भारतीय रेलवे के निजीकरण हेतु आवश्यक जमीनी कार्यवाही की जा चुकी हैं। अब सत्ता प्राप्ति पश्चात अपनी दूसरी पारी में इस प्रक्रिया को तीव्र गति से पूर्ण किया जा रहा है। 100 दिनों की अवधि में सरकार ने कम से कम 2 निजी ट्रेन शुरू करने की योजना बनाई है। हम, CITU द्वारा सरकार की कोशिश के विरोध में जारी प्रेस विज्ञप्ति प्रस्तुत कर रहे

On 1st September, 2019, the 8th Membership Verification campaign programme was held at GM Office, Golmuri Telephone Exchange, at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand circle. 25 members were present there in the meeting. Veteran leader Com.Krishna Singh presided over the meeting. Com.Bijoy Paswan, DS Ranchi, Com. Binod Singh, Vice President,  Com. Ram Naresh District Secretary, addressed the meeting. Com. Animesh Mitra, President, narrated the main issues related to the 8thMembership Verification in detail and also about the current position of the important issues.  Meeting started at 11:30 am and concluded at 02:30 pm. it is reported that discussion on election preparation has already started at Ranchi and Jamshedpur.

As regards the verification of the caste certificates of the ST employees of Maharashtra circle is concerned, the Director(HR) assured in the Formal Meeting held with BSNLEU on 14-01-2020 that, the direction of the DoP&T letters on the subject would be implemented. Accordingly, direction was given to the CGM, Maharashtra that, the task of verification of caste certificates should be taken up with the District Collectors / Magistrates, by the BSNL Management itself. In the meanwhile, the Establishment Branch of the Corporate Office issued a letter on 20-01-2020 stating that, the ST employees who had opted for VRS, should approach the Scrutiny Committees for the verification of their caste certificates. This letter naturally created a confusion among the affected ST employees. Hence, Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, telephonically raised this issue with Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), who is in Chennai. The Director (HR) categorically told that, the Establishment Branch letter is applicable only to the VRS optees. He also clarified that this direction became unavoidable, since the VRS optees have to be relieved on 31-01-2020.

The Barrackpur district union of Kolkata Telephones circle distributed food materials to 35 contract workers at Telephone Exchange, Kalyani. Together with food materials, a sweet packet and Rs.100/- cash were also distributed. Com.Ramsunder Basu, ACS, Com.Arup Sarkar, CS, CTTMU, Com.Tapan Biswas, District Treasurer, Com.Ajoy Chakraborty, AIBDPA and Com.Indrani Chakraborty, SNEA, participated in the programme.

BJP के सांसद श्री अनंतकुमार हेगड़े द्वारा सभी BSNL कर्मियों को देशद्रोही (traitors) निरूपित किए जाने पर, BSNLEU द्वारा कड़ी भर्त्सना....
कर्नाटक से BJP के सांसद श्री अनंतकुमार हेगड़े ने BSNL कर्मियों के खिलाफ जहर उगला है। उन्होंने कहा है कि सभी BSNL कर्मी देशद्रोही (traitors) हैं।  कर्नाटक राज्य के उत्तरा कन्नडा में आयोजित एक कार्यक्रम में उन्होंने कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री ने BSNL को धनराशि और तकनीकी (funds and technology) उपलब्ध करवाई है, किन्तु कर्मचारी काम ही नही करना चाहते हैं। श्री अनंतकुमार हेगड़े ने कहा कि “BSNL सम्पूर्ण देश पर एक बदनुमा दाग बन चुका है और हम उसे खत्म कर देंगे।" सभी 88,000 BSNL कर्मियों को नौकरी से बाहर कर दिया जाएगा और  सरकार BSNL का निजीकरण कर देगी, श्री अनंतकुमार हेगड़े ने कहा। 

जब जब देश में तूफान, बाढ़ आदि नैसर्गिक आपदाएं आई है, BSNL हमेशा लोगों की सहायता के लिए तत्पर रहा है, जबकि निजी कंपनियां ऐसी आपदा के समय अपनी सेवाएं बंद कर देती है। BSNL कर्मियों ने सेवाओं में सुधार और ग्राहक संतुष्टि के लिए "कस्टमर डिलाइट ईयर ", "सर्विस विथ अ स्माइल ", "BSNL एट योर डोर स्टेप ", जैसे कई कार्यक्रम चलाए हैं।  श्री अनंतकुमार हेगड़े, एमपी BSNL कर्मियों के समर्पण और निष्ठा भाव से किंचित भी भिज्ञ नही हैं। BSNLEU, श्री अनंतकुमार हेगड़े के बौखलाहट भरे बयान की भर्त्सना करती है। 

The All Unions and Associations of Bihar circle conducted an inspiring meeting yesterday, to mobilise the employees for the human chain and two day strike. A large number of comrades attended the meeting. Com.B.P.Singh, CS, BSNLEU, presided over the meeting. Com.Animesh Mitra,VP(CHQ), BSNLEU, com.Chandeswar Singh,GS, NFTE, com.K.Sebastin,GS,SNEA, com.Prasun Mukopadyay, Org.Secretary, AIBSNLEA, com.Washi Ahmed, Dy.GS,AIGETOA, and com.Ajay Singh, President, BSNL MS, addressed. CHQ of BSNLEU heartily congratulates the Unions and Associations of Bihar circle, for conducting this successful meeting.

In the last National Council meeting, the Director (HR) directed the Management Side to implement the provisions of EPF Act on the matter. However, thereafter a dispute arose between the Establishment and the CA Branches, as to which Branch should handle the case. BSNLEU has already made a complaint to the GM (SR), regarding the non-implementation of the National Council decision. In today’s meeting with BSNLEU’s representatives, the GM (SR) stated that the CA Branch has been directed by the Director (HR) to implement the decision of the National Council.

Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS and Com.John Verghese, AGS, met Shri S.K.Sinha, GM(Admn.) today and insisted the early issuing of letter by the Corporate Office, for the extension of payment of Medical Allowance, Without Voucher, to the BSNL retirees. They also insisted upon the GM(Admn.) to expeditiously implement the Rs.429 mobile plan to BSNL employees, in lieu of the Rs.200/- SIM, as has already been agreed in the 35th meeting of the National Council. The GM(Admn.) assured that the needful would be done.

On the occasion of May Day, BSNLEU salutes the May Day martyrs. BSNLEU dips it's banner and pays it's respectful homage to all the comrades who had laid down their lives, in the struggle against exploitation.  Capitalist and imperialist forces are intensifying their exploitation of the working masses. "Fixed Term Employment", by the Narendra Modi government, is the latest of such offensives against the Indian working class. While conveying it's revolutionary May Day greetings to all the comrades, BSNLEU reaffirms that it will continue to remain in the forefront of all struggles against exploitation.

India is considered to be the most dangerous country in the world for women, according to a survey conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. This report was published on 19^th June, 2018. The survey says, India is more dangerous for women then Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria. The Foundation got the views of 548 global experts on women’s issues. Among them, 43 experts belong to India. They were asked questions on health care, access to economic resources and discrimination, customary practices, sexual violence, non-sexual violence and human trafficking. India is considered to be worst overall, and specifically worst for sexual violence, human trafficking and in relation to cultural, religious and tribal traditions. It is very important to note that in the survey conducted by the same Thomson Reuters Foundation in 2011, India was ranked 4^th and was ahead of Pakistan. However, this time Pakistan is in 6^th place and is considered to be safer for women, then India. In a country where human beings are being mercilessly killed, in the name of giving protection to cows, and when the government is remaining as a silent spectator, how can we expect safety for women?

 [Source: Times of India dated 26.06.2018]

The meeting of the AUAB, held at New Delhi on 20.11.2018, made serious discussions, in respect of organising the indefinite strike from 03.12.2018 very effectively. Many important decisions are taken in the meeting. All circle and district secretaries of BSNLEU, are requested to go through the circular and implement the decisions meticulously.

मांग पत्र (चार्टर ऑफ डिमांड्स)

(1)   15% फिटमेंट के साथ 3rd पे रिवीजन का निराकरण ।
(2)   बीएसएनएल मैनेजमेंट द्वारा प्रस्तुत प्रस्ताव अनुसार बीएसएनएल को 4G स्पेक्ट्रम का आवंटन। 
(3)  माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री द्वारा पेंशन रिवीजन को पे रिवीजन से पृथक करने के आश्वासन का क्रियान्वयन किया जाए। 01.01.2017 से बीएसएनएल रिटायरिज का पेंशन रिवीजन करें।
(4)     गवर्नमेंट के नियम अनुसार बीएसएनएल द्वारा पेंशन कॉन्ट्रिब्यूशन का भुगतान।
(5)     2nd पे रिवीजन कमिटी के शेष मुद्दों का निराकरण। 
(6)     a) बीएसएनएल की भूमि प्रबंधन नीति (Land Management Policy) का बगैर देरी किए शीघ्र अनुमोदन।  

b)   बीएसएनएल की स्थापना के समय लिए गए निर्णय अनुसार नाम परिवर्तन (mutation) की और  सभी संपत्ति (assets) बीएसएनएल को स्थानांतरित करने की कार्यवाही त्वरित पूर्ण की जाए। 

(7)     a)बीएसएनएल की स्थापना के समय ग्रुप ऑफ मिनिस्टर्स द्वारा लिए गए निर्णय अनुसार बीएसएनएल की वित्तीय जीवंतता सुनिश्चित करें।

b) बीएसएनएल के बैंक से ऋण लेने के लिए प्रस्ताव हेतु "लेटर ऑफ कम्फर्ट" जारी किया जाए। 
c) बीएसएनएल बोर्ड ऑफ डायरेक्टर्स के सभी रिक्त पदों पर शीघ्र नियुक्ति की जाए।

(8)     बीएसएनएल के मोबाइल टॉवर्स का आउटसोर्सिंग के माध्यम से संचालन व रखरखाव का प्रस्ताव रद्द (Scrap) किया जाए।

The recognition period of both BSNLEU and NFTE came to an end on 18.05.2019. Thereafter, the Corporate Office issued letter, granting trade union facilities to the applicant unions on 21.06.2019. Utilising the gap between the date expiry of recognition and the date of extension of trade union facilities, steps are being taken in some places, to transfer the leaders of BSNLEU, under the pretext that they do not have immunity from transfers. BSNLEU has already applied for participation in the Membership Verification. Hence, the Union is eligible for trade union facilities, including immunity from transfers. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, met Shri Sheetla Prasad, Director (HR), yesterday and discussed this issue. The General Secretary informed the Director (HR) about the specific cases, wherein BSNLEU leaders are being transferred. The Director (HR) assured that needful action would be taken in this regard.

A meeting with an appreciable gathering was organised at Durg in Chhatisgarh circle. Meeting was presided over by Com S H Dani, Circle President, CG Circle. Com R S Bhatt, Circle Secretary welcomed all. Com Prakash Sharma, Assistant General Secretary addressed the gathering and elaborated on the causes behind the present worsening situation in BSNL. While throwing light on the motive behind Government's revival plan for BSNL, Com Sharma categorically told that BSNLEU will not allow to grab the BSNL's land at throw away rates in the name of revival. He also told that VRS/58 proposal is nothing but a well thought plan to downsize the strength of BSNL to pave the way for smooth privatisation. He further said, at this juncture, to cope with cash crunch, BSNL needs soft loan for maintenance/expansion of the services. Comrades present in the meeting, lent a patient hearing & appreciated the speech. CG comrades, including a big number of youngsters, assured to pour in their best to garner maximum votes in forthcoming verification. Com Atmpuje, CS, AIBDPA also spoke. Com P K Ujwane conducted the program & Vote of thanks was given by Com C S Gupta, DS, Durg. After attending meeting at Durg, Com Prakash Sharma came to Raipur and visited Late Com Ravi Kumar Nagarchi's home and consoled the family on behalf of CHQ. Com Nagarchi was expired during CEC Pune.