A meeting of the All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) was held yesterday the 04-07-2018, under the chairmanship of Com.Prahlad Rai, GS, AIBSNLEA. The meeting seriously discussed about the steep fall in the revenue collection of the Company, due to the predatory pricing of Reliance Jio. It is felt that this is an undesirable situation, especially when the employees are awaiting the 3^rd wage revision. Hence, the meeting seriously felt the need to take urgent steps, to immediately boost the sales and revenue collection of the Company. The meeting decided to take the following steps, to implement the call.
 

1. To call upon the employees to observe "BSNL AT YOUR DOORSTEP" movement, till the end of the current financial year, to reach out to the public, for boosting BSNL's sales and revenue.

2. To form separate committees, consisting of the employees at circle and district levels, for intensifying the marketing of FTTH, broadband, leased lines, and mobile.

3. To call upon each employee (other than those who are posted in the marketing), to dedicate at least a day in a week, for marketing activities.

All circle and district secretaries of BSNLEU are requested to take immediate steps, in coordination with the other constituents of the AUAB, for the immediate implementation of the above stated decisions. Meeting of the AUAB must be convened immediately at all circle and district levels, and the decisions should be implemented vigorously.

Some of the candidates who have direct degree qualification from Open University, without 10+2, were allowed to appear in the TTA LICE held on 07.06.2015 based on an interim order of the CAT, Hyderabad. While in it’s final order, the CAT dismissed the OA. The candidates appealed to the Hon’ble High Court of Hyderabad and the court directed to select those candidates as TTA if found otherwise eligible. The CGM, Telangana circle has written letter to the Corporate Office on 28.06.2018, seeking guidelines in this regard. Earlier the Management instructed the AP circle to file an SLP in the Supreme Court. But due to the efforts taken by BSNLEU, in taking up the issue with the Director (HR), Sr.GM(Estt.) and also taking up the issue in the forthcoming 37th meeting of the National Council, the Management has finally decided to withdraw the proposal of filing SLP. As a result, the qualified candidates will now be promoted to JE.

The AUAB of AP Circle organised a strike campaign meeting at Vijayawada on 29.11.2018. 500 employees have attended from Vijayawada SSA and neighbouring SSAs. Com. Ch. Chandrasekhara Rao, Circle AUAB Chairman & CS NFTE presided. Com.S.Chellappa, AGS, BSNLEU, Com.K.S.Seshadri, Dy.GS, NFTE, Com B. Srinivasulu Reddy, AGS, AIBSNLEA, Com.S.S.T.Sayi, Circle Treasurer, SNEA, Com. Fazal Ahmad, CWC Member, AIGETOA, Com S.M.Ali, AGS, BSNL ATM, Com. P.Asokababu, Convener, Circle AUAB & CS, BSNLEU, Com. J.S.Anwar Basha, DS, SNEA, Com. A. Koteswara Rao, CS, AIBSNLEA, Com.Ch.Venkateswarlu, CS, FNTO and Com P.Koteswara Rao, CS, BSNL ATM, addressed the gathering and explained the necessity to make the indefinite strike 100% successful and also the necessity to go to the people meeting them at street corners, offices, parks etc and get their support for our struggle  to save BSNL and to settle our demands. The meeting was enthusiastic and expressed determination to make the indefinite strike a grand success.

CHQ wishes to caution our comrades about the rumours being spreaded by mischievous elements. Many rumours are being floated by these miscreants, against the AUAB, demands and the strike. The intention of these black-legs is to sabotage the united movement, which is mobilising the employees for the strike. CHQ fervently appeals to our comrades not to help these miscreants, in spreading rumours. Any message which is not sent by the district, circle unions or the CHQ, should not be forwarded to anyone.  If this is followed strictly, the mischief mongers will fail in spreading the rumours. CHQ requests all the comrades to kindly cooperate.

Mighty demonstrations are taking place throughout the country in BSNL today, against the arbitrary decision of the government to retrench BSNL employees in the name of VRS. BSNLEU, NFTE, AIBSNLEA,BSNL MS, BSNL ATM, TEPU and BSNL OA have given the call for this demonstration. All circle and district secretaries are requested successfully or to send reports and photos of the programme.

Shri P.K.Purwar, has taken over as the CMD BSNL today. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, Com.Animesh Mitra, President, Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS and Com.John Verghese,AGS, met him and extended warm welcome on behalf of BSNLEU. The representatives assured the new CMD BSNL, the fullest cooperation of BSNLEU, for the early revival of BSNL. Shri P.K.Purwar fondly recollected his earlier association with BSNL and assured his full involvement for the betterment of the Company and the employees. Further, the new CMD BSNL also assured that he would take the unions and associations together, for bringing BSNL's turn around. The meeting took place in a very cordial atmosphere.

A huge election campaign meeting is held at Meerut today, addressed by Com.P.Abhimanyu,GS. Com.Ram Swaroop, District President, presided. Com. Satish Sharma, Circle Vice President, welcomed everyone. Com.Virendar Sharma, circle Organising Secretary, was also on the dias. Com.Naresh Pal, Organising Secretary (CHQ), as well as District Secretary, Meerut, addressed the meeting and explained about the past achievements of BSNLEU. In his detailed address, the General Secretary explained about BSNL’s present financial condition, government's anti - BSNL policies, and the ways and means of it’s revival and the settlements made after 7^th Membership Verification. He appealed to the gathering to massively vote for BSNLEU.

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of Punjab circle was held at Ludhiana on 13.11.2019.  Com.Balbir Singh, Circle Secretary, welcomed everyone and addressed the meeting. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, addressed the meeting and explained about the decisions taken in the Ghaziabad CEC meeting. He also explained about BSNL’s revival package, VRS, one day General Strike on 08.01.2020 and other issues. 

AUAB का आंदोलन शुरू करने का निर्णय...

AUAB की मीटिंग आज सम्पन्न हुई , जिसकी अध्यक्षता कॉम चंदेश्वर सिंह, चेयरमैन ने की। आज की मीटिंग में AUAB के सभी घटक उपस्थित थे। कॉम पी अभिमन्यु, संयोजक ने सभी का स्वागत किया और विचारणीय एजेंडा पर संक्षिप्त में प्रकाश डाला। मीटिंग में गहन चर्चा पश्चात निम्न मांगों को ले कर आंदोलन कार्यक्रम शुरू करने का निर्णय लिया गया।

1. माह दिसंबर, 2019 और जनवरी, 2020 के वेतन का तत्काल भुगतान और साथ ही प्रत्येक माह वेतन का तत्परता से भुगतान
2. कर्मचारियों के वेतन से काटे जा चुके ड्यूज का त्वरित निपटान (clearance)
3. BSNL 4G सेवाओं की शीघ्र शुरुआत
4. BSNL बॉन्ड्स जारी करने हेतु सॉवरिन गारंटी की तत्काल प्रदत्तता
5. FR 17 (A) के तहत जारी नोटिसेस की तत्काल वापसी
6. VRS के लागू होने के परिणामस्वरूप कर्मचारियों के मनमाने तरीके से स्थानांतरण न हो

आंदोलन कार्यक्रम

1. भोजन अवकाश के दौरान प्रदर्शन 11.02.2020 को
2. सभी स्तर पर भूख हड़ताल  24.02.2020 को 

The contract workers in BSNL are not paid wages for more than 10 months now. The BSNL Casual Contract Workers Federation (BSNL CCWF) has written to Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Communications, seeking his intervention for the payment of wages. The various instructions issued by the Labour and Finance Ministries, with regards to the payment of contract workers' wages are cited in the letter. 

After taking decision to hold the Central Secretariat meeting through video conferencing, CHQ approached the Free Software Movement of India (FSMI). The overwhelming support from the FSMI enabled us to hold the meeting successfully on the digital platform. Com.Bhuvan of the FSMI, personally monitored the holding of the meeting yesterday. Further, Com.John Verghese, AGS, spent many days in familiarising the Central Office bearers to the procedure of holding this meeting. The CHQ heartily thanks Com.Bhuvan of FSMI and Com.John Verghese, AGS.

BSNLEU is observing the birth centenary of Com.K.G. Bose for one full year. BSNLEU has already organised a programme on Facebook on 09.08.2020, in which Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, addressed in English. The All India Centre meeting held today, decided to organise a Facebook live programme on 12.09.2020, in which Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, will address in Hindi. This programme will be held at 8:00 pm.

BSNLEU has sought for a formal meeting with the Director (HR) to discuss some burning issues and also some outstanding issues, lying pending for a long time. The meeting is held today in the chamber of the Director (HR). Com.P.Abhimanyu,GS and Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS participated in the meeting. From the Management Side, Ms.Sujata Ray, Director (HR), Shri Keshav Rao,GM(Estt.), Shri A.M.Gupta, GM(SR), Shri Ashuthosh Gupta,GM(Restg.), Shri P.D. Chirania, GM(CA) and Shri S.K.Sinha,GM(Admn.) and Shri Sunil Kumar,GM(FP).

The following issues, which are already notified to the Director (HR), were taken up for discussion:-

1. Formation of Joint Committee for negotiating wage revision.

BSNLEU has been demanding that the Joint Committee for wage negotiation should be formed, subsequent to the releasing of guidelines by the DPE, for revision of wages of the Non-Executives. The Director (HR) stated that BSNL had already written to the DoT, for the issuing of necessary clearance by the Administrative Ministry. It was further stated that, BSNL would once again send a reminder to the DoT.

2. Stopping recovery of employees’ contribution of EPF arrears.

BSNLEU bitterly complained that the decision taken in this regard, in the National Council meeting held on 11.05.2017, is yet to be implemented. The Director (HR) assured that the new GM (Estt.) would take immediate action on this issue. BSNLEU was requested to handover a copy of the letter of the EPF Commissioner, to the Management.    

3. Non-settlement of the grievances related to the implementation of NEPP.

It was stated by the Director (HR) that the Company is undergoing a severe financial crisis and that the financial year 2018 is going to be very tough. In view of this, it would be extremely difficult for the Management to accept any demand which would result in substantial financial outgo, said the Director (HR). She directed the GM (Estt.) to discuss the grievances with BSNLEU, keeping the overall financial condition of the Company into consideration.

4. Giving one time relaxation to the RMs without 10^th std. qualification, for appearing in the Telecom Technician LDCE.

The Director (HR) directed the GM (Estt.) to collect the requisite inputs from the circles expeditiously, say within a period of 10 days. After collection of the inputs, Management will take decision on the demand of BSNLEU.

5. Conferment of Group B status and upgradation of pay scale to the Sr. Accountants, as per the CAT order.

BSNLEU is continuously pursuing this case. The DoT, vide it’s letter no.37-25/2016-SEA-(Legal) dated 31.10.2017, has informed BSNL that the Senior Accountants should be conferred with Group B status. In today’s meeting BSNLEU demanded that the Management should immediately take action to confer Group B status and to give upgraded pay scale to the Senior Accountants. The Director (HR) stated that the GM (FP) would do the needful speedily for the implementation of the demand.

6. Extension of Rs.429/- mobile plan to the Non-Executives.

The GM (Admn.) stated that only a week back he has received necessary communication from the SR Branch, with regards to the decision of the National Council on the subject. He stated that extension of Rs.429/- mobile plan to the Non-Executives is under process and would be done within 10 days.

7. Non-releasing of the minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee on Change of Designation, that was held on 26.09.2017.

BSNLEU bitterly complained that the Management Side had unethically included certain aspects in the draft minutes, which were actually not accepted by the Staff Side in the meeting. These details are already given on our website. In today’s meeting, the Director (HR) assured that the corrected draft minutes would be released within a week’s time.  

BSNLEU heartily thanks the Director (HR) and the officers present in today’s meeting for taking positive decisions to resolve the pending issues.

Circle Executive Committee Meeting of Uttarakhand, Circle was held at Dehradun on 06.05.2018.  The meeting was presided over by Com. Ganesh Prasad Kala, Circle President.  Com. K.S Soun, presented the report on activities and explained about the implementation of decisions of AIC Chennai, CEC meetings of Trivandrum and New Delhi. Com. Balbir Singh, President, explained the decisions of Agartala, CEC, meeting and briefed the further agitational programmes. The sustained struggle against the subsidiary "Tower Company of BSNL" and for wage revision of BSNL Employees were also explained. He called upon the comrades to conduct the Massive campaign against formation of Tower Company from May 7th to 11th, 2018.The CEC, seriously noted that the Uttarakhand, Circle Management is indulging in wasteful expenditures. Uttarakhand comrades assured to implement all the agitational programmes of BSNLEU and the AUAB. Com. P.B Dobhal, former CHQ office bearer also addressed the meeting.  Com.J.P.Kothari, Vice President gave vote of thanks.

In the meeting with the CMD BSNL on 11-06-2018, the General Secretaries of BSNLEU, NFTE,SNEA and AIBSNLEA bitterly complained that many of the top officers, at the circle and district levels, are not going out of their offices, for the purpose of marketing. They pointed out that marketing by top officers is very much required for roping in high-end customers. The CMD BSNL fully agreed with this view, and told that there is a need to implement a “KAMRA CHHODO ANDOLAN”( Quit the office room movement), by the top officers at the circle and district levels. The AUAB meeting held yesterday, has decided that the spirit of the CMD BSNL’s call for “KAMRA CHHODO ANDOLAN” should be implemented at the circle and district levels, especially when the Non-Executives and Executives are taking efforts to boost the sales and revenue collection of the Company. The AUAB at the circle and district levels should meet the top officers, and urge upon them to go out and carry out marketing activities.

5^th meeting of the Wage Revision Committee held today. Chairman of the Committee, Shri H.C. Pant, presided over. All the members of the Joint Committee are present in the meeting. Discussion took place on the new pay scales which were proposed by the Management Side in the last meeting. The Staff Side told the Management Side that, they have made detailed study of the new pay scales, with live cases, and that the pay scales are broadly acceptable to them. However they requested that they should be given a week's time, to suggest changes to the pay scales if any, based on the live cases that may be received by the Staff Side. The Management Side agreed to this demand.  It was decided that the next meeting of the Joint Committee would be held on 28.09.2018. Thereafter, a meeting of the Staff Side was held. Discussions took place with regards to the other items to be discussed in the next meeting of the Joint Committee. It is decided that one more meeting of the Staff Side shall be held on 25.09.2018, to discuss about the future course of action.

The Andhra Pradesh circle union of FNTO has decided to join the indefinite strike from 03.12.2018. Com.Ch. Venkateswarlu, Circle Secretary, NUBSNLW (FNTO), vide his letter no.NUBSNLW/A.P./2018/5 dated 28.11.2018 has written to the CGM of Andhra Pradesh circle union stating that, NUBSNLW (FNTO), Andhra Pradesh circle union is joining the indefinite strike from 03.12.2018 as per the strike notice issued by the AUAB vide it’s letter no.UA/2018/44 dated 15.11.2018. Com. Ch. Venkateswarlu, has stated in his letter that he is joining the strike since the demands are common to all BSNL employees and retirees. BSNLEU heartily congratulates Com.Ch. Venkateswarlu. It is important mention that Com.Ch.Venkateswarlu participated in the strike preparatory meeting held at Vijayawada on 29.11.2018.

Shri Elamaram Kareem, MP, raised issue about BSNL’s critical financial condition in the Rajya Sabha, yesterday the 01.07.2019. He mentioned that BSNL’s financial condition is precarious and is deteriorating day by day. He pointed out that BSNL is not even in a position to pay it’s electricity bills and that wages of the contract workers was not paid for the past 6 months. The Rajya Sabha member from Kerala, demanded that BSNL needs short term, as well as long term capital infusion by the government. Responding to Shri Elamaram Kareem, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, observed that it is an important issue and assured that a discussion will take place on it in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Communications and IT.