After the successful completion of the 3 day dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, from 21^st September, 2021, onwards, a meeting of the AUAB was held at New Delhi on 23^rd September, 2021. The meeting reviewed the 3 day dharna and passed the following resolution.

" This meeting of the AUAB notes with satisfaction that, the 3 day dharna programme, organised by the AUAB at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, from 21^st September, 2021, onwards, has become highly successful. Large number of employees and pensioners from Delhi, as well as from UP (West), Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and UP(East), have enthusiastically participated in this 3 day dharna programme. This meeting also notes with satisfaction that, this 3 day dharna programme has created a great amount of zeal and motivation among the BSNL employees and pensioners throughout the country. This meeting conveys it’s special thanks to all the employees and pensioners who have participated in the programme from Delhi, as well as from UP (West), Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and UP(East) and also puts on record, it’s appreciation to all the circle unions of the constituents of the AUAB, belonging to the aforementioned circles. Further, this meeting severely condemns the BSNL Management for issuing a very retrograde letter on 17.09.2021, to create a fear psychosis among the employees and to stop them from participating in this dharna. By issuing such letters, Management is only trying to snatch the democratic rights of the employees to protest, which we cannot be allowed. This meeting assures that, further struggles and movements will be organised in the days to come, demanding settlement of the issues contained in the charter of demands of the AUAB." 

Shri K. Rajaraman, has been appointed as the new Secretary, Telecom. The present Secretary, Telecom, Shri Anshu Prakash, is retiring on 30^th September, 2021. Based on the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), the government has appointed Shri K. Rajaraman, as the new Secretary, Telecom. Presently, he is working as the Additional Secretary, in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Shri K. Rajaraman, is a 1989 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

The AUAB has launched a 3 day dharna programme at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, demanding settlement of important demands relating to the revival of BSNL, as well as that of the employees. Jantar Mantar witnessed a very enthusiastic dharna on the first day, yesterday. Today, even more number of comrades have enthusiastically gathered at Jantar Mantar, especially from the nearby circles. Leaders addressing the dharna, declared confidently that they would ensure the revival of BSNL, by achieving the demands put forth by the AUAB. 

The  AUAB launched it's 3 day dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, today, demanding immediate launching of 4G by BSNL, payment of Rs. 39,000 crore outstanding dues by the DoT, timely disbursement of salary, settlement of 3^rd wage revision and other demands. A large number of employees are participating in this dharna. Com.Chandeswar Singh, Chairman, AUAB, delivered the presidential address. Com.P.Abhimanyu, Convenor, AUAB and Com. K. Sebastin, GS, SNEA, have so far addressed the dharna and explained about the demands. Address by other leaders is continuing. 

Charter of demands

The 53^rd anniversary of the historical one day strike of the Central Government employees, held on 19^th September, 1968, was observed as "Martyrs Day" at Calicut, Kerala circle, yesterday. A good number of employees participated in this programme, which was addressed by Com.V.A.N. Namboodiri, former General Secretary, BSNLEU, Com.P. Manoharan, Circle President, Com.C. Santoshkumar, Circle Secretary, and Com.M. Vijayakumar, AGS. The speakers vividly recollected the glorious 1968 strike, the sacrifices made by a large number of leaders, as well as the supreme sacrifice made by the martyrs. Homage was paid to the martyrs at the martyrs column.

BSNLEU organised a very impressive online Convention of young employees, yesterday the 19^th September, 2021. BSNLEU organised this Convention to educate the young employees about the wrong policies of the present-day government and the role of the trade union in safeguarding in the interests of the employees, as well as that of the Company.  575 young employees, mostly JEs, participated in the Convention. Com.Animesh Mitra, President, BSNLEU, presided over. Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, delivered the welcome address. Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, graced the Convention, by delivering the inaugural address. In his address, the Director (HR), explained about the present crisis being faced by the Company and the role to be played by the young employees in this situation. Com.Suresh Kumar, General Secretary, SNATTA, delivered a spirited special address. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, delivered the key-note address. He explained about the issues of the young employees being taken by BSNLEU and also the issues settled so far. He explained how the policies of the successive governments have pushed BSNL into a crisis. He recollected the role played by the trade union movement, in safeguarding BSNL and called upon the young employees to play an active role in strengthening the trade union. 28 young employees participated in the interactive session. They gave very good suggestions for the improvement of the services and in strengthening BSNL. Finally, Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, replied to the issues raised by the employees. Com.John Verghese, AGS, delivered vote of thanks and with that the Convention came to an end. The CHQ of BSNLEU heartly thanks all the young employees who participated and cooperated for conducting the Convention in a disciplined manner.

The Corporate Office has sent authorisation to the circles, for the payment of August, 2021, salary. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, spoke to the Sr.GM (CBB), BSNL CO., who informed that the funds for the payment of salary would be sent tomorrow. 

यह लोगों की सरकार है या कंपनियों की सरकार है ?

सरकार ने राहत पैकेज-Relief Package के जरिए वोडाफोन आइडिया-Vodafone Idea को बचाया है। *”दूरसंचार सुधार-Telecom Reforms”* के नाम पर सरकार ने 1.31 लाख करोड़ रुपये का भुगतान चार साल के लिए स्थगित कर दिया है। इस रकम का भुगतान एयरटेल, वोडाफोन आइडिया और जियो को करना है। यह भारत के सुप्रीम कोर्ट के आदेश के खिलाफ है।इस भुगतान को स्थगित करने की प्रार्थना सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने पहले ही ख़ारिज कर दो थी जो निजी टेलीकॉम कंपनियों-Private Telecom Companies ने दिया था । इस तरह सरकार सुप्रीम कोर्ट के आदेश को दरकिनार करने, निजी टेलीकॉम कंपनियों की मदद करने की हद तक जा रही है। 

हालांकि, वही सरकार बीएसएनएल-BSNL को 4जी-4G सेवा शुरू करने की अनुमति नहीं दे रही है । इसके अलावा सरकार ने बीएसएनएल-BSNL और एमटीएनएल-MTNL के 14,197 मोबाइल टावरों-mobile towers को भी बेचने का फैसला किया है। सरकार ने ये कदम सिर्फ बीएसएनएल को कमजोर करने के लिए उठाया है। स्वाभाविक रूप से सवाल यह उठता है कि यह किसकी सरकार है ? क्या यह कारपोरेट की सरकार है या जनता की सरकार ? 

कहां है आत्मनिर्भर भारत ???  

एक तरफ सरकार कहती है कि वह "आत्मनिर्भर भारत" बनाना चाहते है। इसका अर्थ है, "आत्मनिर्भर भारत" का निर्माण करना। इसका मतलब है, भारत को विदेशों पर निर्भर किए बिना अपने पैरों पर खड़ा करना ।  

दूसरी ओर, सरकार विदेशी कंपनियों के लिए मार्ग प्रशस्त कर रही है जिससे विदेशी कम्पनियाँ पूरे दूरसंचार क्षेत्र पर क़ब्ज़ा कर लें । हाल ही में घोषित "दूरसंचार सुधार" में सरकार ने स्वचालित मार्ग के माध्यम से 100% प्रत्यक्ष विदेशी निवेश (FDI) की अनुमति दी है। इसका अर्थ है, दूरसंचार क्षेत्र में 100% एफडीआई की अनुमति देने के लिए मौजूदा प्रतिबंधों को हटाना। प्रतिबंधों को हटाकर सरकार ने विदेशी बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनियों-multinational companies को भविष्य में भारतीय निजी टेलीकॉम कंपनियों-Indian Private Telecom Companies को अपने कब्जे में लेने का मार्ग प्रशस्त किया है। इसके साथ ही सरकार बीएसएनएल-BSNL और एमटीएनएल-MTNL को बंद करने के लिए हर कदम उठा रही है। यह कुछ भी नहीं है, लेकिन विदेशी कंपनियों को पूरी तरह से भारतीय दूरसंचार उद्योग-Indian Telecom Industry को अपने हाथ में लेने में मदद कर रहा है ।   हम सिर्फ सरकार से एक सवाल पूछना चाहते हैं, कहां है आत्मनिर्भर भारत ? 

On the one hand, the government says that it wants to create an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. It means, creating a “Self-Reliant India”. It means, making India to stand on it’s own legs, without depending on foreign countries.  

On the other hand, the government is paving the way for the foreign companies, to take over the entire telecom sector. In the recently announced “Telecom Reforms”, the government has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), through the Automatic Route. It means, removing even the existing restrictions for allowing 100% FDI in the telecom sector. By removing the restrictions, the government has paved the way for the foreign multinational companies to take over the Indian private telecom companies in future. Simultaneously, the government is taking every step to close down BSNL and MTNL. This is nothing but, helping the foreign companies to take over the Indian telecom industry. We just want to ask the government, where is the Atmanirbhar Bharat? 

The government has rescued Vodafone Idea through a relief package. In the name of “Telecom Reforms”, the government has postponed payment of Rs.1.31 lakh crores, for four years. This amount is to be paid by Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Jio. This is against the order of the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court had already rejected the prayer of the private telecom companies, to postpone this payment. Thus, the government is going to the extent of by-passing the Supreme Court order, to help the private telecom companies. 

However, the same government is not allowing BSNL to launch it’s 4G service. Further, the government has also decided to sell out 14,197 mobile towers of BSNL and MTNL. The government has taken these steps only to weaken BSNL. Naturally, the question arises, as to whose government is this? Is it the government of the corporates or the government of the people? 

In the name of “Telecom Reforms”, the Union Cabinet has announced a bailout package for the private telecom companies. It has been announced only to bailout Vodafone Idea which is in the verge of bankruptcy. There is nothing in the package for the ailing BSNL and MTNL. The CITU has strongly denounced this so called “Telecom Reforms” announced by the government. The statement of CITU is enclosed.

The Union Cabinet has approved certain reforms for the telecom sector. It includes nine structural reforms and five process reforms, mainly intended to help the three private telecom companies.

Vodafone Idea, one among the three major private telecom companies, is in the verge of a collapse. It must be understood that, the telecom reforms have been announced urgently, only to  salvage Vodafone Idea.

All the three private telecom companies are badly hit by the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court of India last year. There was a long standing dispute between the government and the private telecom companies, as to whether the ‘non-telecom revenues’ should be included for calculating the payment of License Fee and Spectrum Usage Charge. The Supreme Court delivered the judgement in favour of the government. As a result of this, all the three private telecom companies have been compelled to pay an amount of Rs.1.31 lakh crores. The Supreme Court has ordered that this amount should be paid over a period of ten years.

However, through the decision taken in the Cabinet, the government has deferred the aforementioned payment, for a period of four years. Even after the expiry of four years, the private companies need not compulsorily pay the amount. This is because, as per the decision of the Cabinet, the government can convert this outstanding amount into equity.  The government companies of BSNL and MTNL are not benefited by this decision.  

As a result of this decision, hereafter, the telecom companies need not pay License Fee or Spectrum Usage Charge for their Non-Telecom Revenues. However, this decision will benefit BSNL and MTNL only in a very small way, since their Non-Telecom Revenues are negligible.

Until now, the spectrum allotted to the telecom companies through auctioning, is for a period of 20 years. Hereafter, this tenure will be for 30 years. Again, this will only help the private telecom companies, because the spectrum being allotted to BSNL and MTNL  are for free.

Further, until now, only 49% FDI has been allowed under the Automatic Route. Any amount of FDI, beyond this limit, had to go through the Government Route. But, now, the Union Cabinet has decided to allow 100% FDI, under the automatic route. This decision of the government is detrimental to the security of the nation, since, this has opened the doors for the multinational companies to completely take over the Indian private telecom companies.

 The government is already trying it’s best to kill BSNL and MTNL. In case BSNL and MTNL are closed down in future, then the entire telecom operations will go into the hands of foreign companies. Telecom sector is considered to be the second line of defence. Hence, the decision of the government to allow 100% FDI under the Automatic Route is detrimental to the safety and security of the nation.

Above all, the so-called telecom reforms approved by the Union Cabinet, do not have much to offer to the ailing BSNL and MTNL. BSNL is already crippled because, the government is not allowing BSNL to procure 4G equipments. Private companies are procuring their equipments from global vendors. However, BSNL has been mandated to procure it’s 4G equipments only from domestic vendors. No Indian company is having proven 4G technology. Thus, the government has wantonly created road-blocks in the launching of 4G services by BSNL. Further, the government has to pay outstanding dues to BSNL, to the extent of Rs.39,000 crore. Timely repayment of this amount by the government will enable BSNL to invest in the expansion of it’s networks. However, it is regrettable that, the Union Cabinet has not taken any decision to allow BSNL to come out of it’s crisis. 

BSNLEU is organising a “Young Employees Convention” on 19.09.2021. This online convention will start sharply at 10:30 am. Com.Animesh Mitra, President, BSNLEU, will preside over the convention. Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, will deliver the inaugural address on the topic of “the role of young employees in BSNL”. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, will deliver the key-note address on the topic of “the role of trade union in safeguarding the interests of the young employees and BSNL”. Com.Suresh Kumar, General Secretary, SNATTA, has kindly consented to deliver the special address. BSNLEU cordially invites the young employees to participate in this convention. Link for the convention will be sent through Whatsapp shortly.

The CHQ has directed the circle unions to send the list of young employees, who will participate in the “Young Employees Convention”, to be organised online on 19.09.2021. It is regrettable to note that, only Haryana, UP(West) and Madhya Pradesh circles have sent the list so far. Today, i.e., 14^th September, 2021, is the last date for sending the list to the CHQ. Hence, the remaining circles are requested to immediately send the list. 

Massive demonstrations were organised throughout the country today, as per the call of the Co-ordination Committee of BSNLEU, AIBDPA and BSNLCCWF. Thundering slogans were raised demanding settlement of 3^rd Wage Revision, Pension Revision and other important demands. This is the first of the three staged agitational programme, that has been called on by the Co-ordination Committee. CHQ heartily congratulates all the circle and district unions which have successfully organised today's programme.

BSNL Corporate Office at New Delhi, witnessed a spirited demonstration today, organised by the Co-ordination Committee of BSNLEU, AIBDPA and BSNLCCWF. The demonstration was organised at the main gate of the Corporate Office. The privatisation of Public Sector, the selling out of BSNL’s mobile towers, were condemned. Thundering slogans were raised, demanding immediate settlement of 3^rd Wage Revision, Pension Revision, settlement of medical bills, holding of the LICEs, etc. Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, addressed the gathering and condemned the privatisation of PSUs and selling out of BSNL’s towers. He demanded immediate settlement of all the demands. He also thanked the Corporate Office, NTR circle, UP(West) and Haryana circle unions for making the demonstration a grand success.