17 - Sep - 2020

If coal workers and trade unions can achieve, why can’t BSNL employees and the unions / associations?

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 2nd to 4th 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?