The All India Centre meeting of BSNLEU has decided that the Executive Committee meetings of all the Circles should be conducted online. So far, Kerala and Tamil Nadu circles have completed holding their online Circle Executive Committee meetings. Karnataka, Maharashtra and NE-I circles have fixed dates for their Executive Committee meetings. The CHQ requests that all other circles should also fix the dates for holding their Executive Committee meetings immediately. Due notice, according to the Constitution, should also be given for holding the meetings. The link for holding the online meetings will be provided by the CHQ, soon after fixing the dates. Special Casual Leave is entitled for holding online meetings also.

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, com. S. Chellappa, AGS and com. Ramesh Chand, Org. Secretary (CHQ), met shri A.M. Gupta, GM (SR) today and discussed the following issues.

Releasing of the National Council minutes on time.

The Union representatives urged upon the GM (SR) to release the minutes of the adjourned 35th meeting of the National Council, held on 13.11.2017. It was pointed out that releasing of the minutes of the meeting held on 11.05.2017, was considerably delayed as a result of which, the decisions taken in that meeting were not implemented on time. The GM (SR) assured that the minutes would be released on time.

Issuing of notice for pre-mature retirement to 6 officials of Faridabad SSA.

BSNLEU has already written to the CMD BSNL and Director (HR), vide letter no. BSNLEU/310 (HAR) dated 02.11.2017, opposing the pre-mature retirement notice issued to 6 officials of Faridabad SSA, and has demanded withdrawal of the notices. The Union representatives enquired about the status of this case. The GM (SR) informed that the case is being amicably settled.

Preparation of a false minutes of the Designations Committee meeting.

BSNLEU has already protested that the Management Side had inserted in an unfair manner, certain portion, which is not part of the discussion that took place in the meeting of the Joint Committee for Change of Designations of the Non-Executives, held on 26.09.2017. The Union representatives requested the GM (SR) to intervene in this matter, for which he responded positively.

As per the Act, the wages of the contract workers should be paid by the 7th of every month. But, in no circle this is being implemented. Payment of wages on time is one of the important demands of the BSNL Casual Contract Worker’s Federation. The wages for the month of December,2017, is still not paid in Tamil Nadu circle. The issue was discussed many times with the circle administration, by BSNLEU and the Tamil Nadu Telecom Worker’s Union. Since, no breakthrough came, both the organisations conducted a two day “Day and Night Dharna” at the SSA level, on 27^th and 28^th December. It is understood that certain “procedural wrangling” is the reason behind the non-allotment of funds by the Corporate Office. Com.P.Abhimanyu,GS, took the issue to the notice of the Director(HR) and the GM(BFCI). We hope that the problem would be sorted out early. CHQ heartily congratulates both the BSNLEU, Tamil Nadu circle and the TNTCWU for organising the struggle.

In the recent past two GMs are posted to the Establishment Branch of Corporate Office, and are subsequently changed. Recently, Shri Saurabh Tyagi, has taken over as the GM (Estt.), BSNL CO. There is discontinuity of the issues so far discussed with the previous GMs (Estt.). Hence, Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. Ramesh Chand, Org. Secretary (CHQ), met Shri Saurabh Tyagi, GM (Estt.), yesterday, and apprised him of the following outstanding issues, pending with the Establishment Branch. Shri Sheo Shankar Prasad, DGM (Estt.) was also present.

1. Settlement of pay anomaly arisen due to point to point fixation, at the time of conversion to CDA to IDA pay scale.

The Union representatives expressed their anguish on the inordinate delay in the settlement of this issue. The entire background of the case was explained to the GM (Estt.). It was demanded that BSNL should expeditiously reply to the query raised by DoT, and thereby help early settlement of the case by the DoT.

2. Stopping recovery of employees contribution of EPF arrears.

The representatives apprised the GM (Estt.) about the discussion taken in the 35^th meeting of the National Council, as well as in the formal meeting held between BSNLEU and the Director (HR) on 08.01.2018. It was also pointed out that the union had already handed over a copy of the order issued by the EPF Commissioner, Bhopal, against recovery of employee contribution of EPF arrears. The representatives urged upon the GM (Estt.) to expeditiously settle the issue.

3. Grievances related to the implementation of NEPP.

In the 35^th National Council meeting, as well as in the formal meeting held with the Director (HR) on 08.01.2018, it has been decided that the outstanding grievances related to the implementation of NEPP were to be discussed with the GM (Estt.). Accordingly, a brief discussion was held yesterday. The representatives informed the GM (Estt.) importantly about downgradation of Sr.TOAs from 7100 pay scale to 6550 pay scale, as well as treating the TTAs pay scale upgradation w.e.f. 01.10.2000, as the first promotion under NEPP.

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

The representatives pointed that BSNLEU has long been urging upon the Management to give a one time relaxation to such of those RMs, who are not possessing 10^th standard qualification, for appearing in the Telecom Technician LDCE. The GM (Estt.) was requested to consider this case on a humanitarian basis.

5. According of Group B status and upgradation of pay scale to Senior Accountants.

On this issue also, the GM (Estt.) was apprised of the discussions and decisions taken in the 35^th National Council meeting as well as in the formal meeting held with the Director (HR) on 08.01.2018. However, it was informed by the DGM (Estt.) that the Hon’ble High Court had already given stay to the verdict given by the Hon’ble CAT, Lucknow Bench, on conferment of Group B status, as well as upgradation of pay scale of Senior Accountants.

6. Reduction of ceiling for medical reimbursement, with voucher, from 25 days to 23 days.

The representatives pointed out that the Director (HR) has already agreed to review the decision taken to reduce the ceiling from 25 days to 23 days. It was replied by the DGM (Estt.) that the matter is being processed.

The GM (Estt.) attentively listened to the views expressed by the Union representatives. He assured that needful action would be taken on these issues.   

BSNLEU is trying it’s best to get justice to the candidates of the JE LICE. The issue was raised vociferously in the 36th meeting of the National Council, held on 12-06-2018. Thereafter, BSNLEU has submitted an expert opinion to the Management, provided by an academician, explaining how many of the questions are flawed. In continuation of this, Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS and Com. Animesh Mitra, Vice-President(CHQ) met Ms. Samita Luthra, GM (Rect.) today and discussed the issue. The representatives emphatically demanded that the injustice can be done away with, only by granting relaxation, as demanded by the Union.

The BSNL Board of Director’s meeting was scheduled to be held today. However, the same has been postponed, due to unavoidable reasons. We reliably know that, two issues of the Non-Executives, viz., One extra increment to the left out Non-Executives and Promotion to the Non-Executives in E1 pay scale, and also the issue of Gratuity to the casual labourers, are in the agenda of this Board meeting. We are hopeful that these issues would be duly considered, when the Board meeting takes place next.

माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री के निजी सचिव को ज्ञापन दिया गया।

नई दिल्ली में AUAB द्वारा आज निकाली गई रैली को पुलिस द्वारा पार्लियामेंट स्ट्रीट पर रोक दिया गया। इसके बाद AUAB के पांच प्रतिनिधियों को माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री के नाम लिखा गया ज्ञापन सौंपने के लिए संचार भवन ले जाया गया। ज्ञापन देने गए प्रतिनिधि मंडल में कॉम पी अभिमन्यु, कन्वेनर, AUAB, कॉम चंदेश्वर सिंह, चेयरमैन AUAB, कॉम के सेबेस्टिन,GS, SNEA, कॉम प्रह्लाद राय, GS, AIBSNLEA एवं कॉम सुरेश कुमार, GS, BSNL MS,  शामिल थे। मंत्री महोदय संचार भवन में उपलब्ध नही होने से ज्ञापन माननीय संचार राज्य मंत्री के निजी सचिव श्री साकेत कुमार, IAS को सौंपा गया। प्रतिनिधियों ने मुद्दों पर प्रकाश डालते हुए AUAB द्वारा जारी संघर्ष की जानकारी उन्हें दी। श्री साकेत कुमार, आईएएस ने प्रस्तुत मुद्दों को ध्यान से सुनने के बाद आश्वस्त किया कि प्रकरण मंत्रीजी के संज्ञान में लाया जाएगा।

Vodafone Idea has approached the government, seeking a 2 years moratorium for the payment of annual spectrum charges of Rs.10,000 crore. The Company has explained that this moratorium is being sought, in view of the financial stress that it is facing. The Cellular Operator Association of India (COAI) has already sought a 2 years’ moratorium for the payment of spectrum charges. It is also to be noted that Assocham has already placed a similar demand before the government.

मार्च टू संचार भवन को जबरदस्त रूप से सफल बनावें...
जैसा कि पूर्व में सूचित किया जा चुका है, AUAB द्वारा 05.04.2019 को भव्य पैमाने पर मार्च टू संचार भवन आयोजित किया जा रहा है। इस रैली की सफलता के लिए BSNLEU और साथ ही AUAB के सभी घटक ज्यादा से ज्यादा प्रयास कर रहे हैं। CHQ  का सभी सर्किल यूनियन्स से अनुरोध है कि वें  मार्च टू संचार भवन की ऐतिहासिक सफलता के लिए भरसक प्रयास करें और अधिक से अधिक संख्या में अपने साथियों को लेकर आवें।

The Public Enterprises Selection Board [PESB] has recommended Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, for the post of Director(HR). The selection for the post of Director (HR) of BSNL was held yesterday the 14.06.2019.  Shri Vadnerkar, who is presently the PGM of Pune, is known for his honesty and commitment to the Company. BSNLEU heartily congratulates Shri Arvind Vadnerkar.

BSNLEU, Ludhiana SSA, organised a huge election campaign meeting at Bharat Nagar Chowk Ludhiana, on 28th August, 2019. Com. Paramjit Singh, Vice President, presided over the meeting. Com. Avtar Singh Jhande, District Secretary, welcomed all and addressed the meeting. Com. Balbir Singh, Vice President(CHQ) and CS, Punjab, , explained in detail about the present financial crisis of BSNL, it's reasons, and the role played by the union to safeguard BSNL. He also explained that in the name of revival, the government wants to loot the assets of BSNL. He also explained about, Land monetisation issues, VRS and reduction in retirement age and our achievements after the last verification. . Com. Budh Singh, Circle Treasurer, Com. Balwinder Singh, ADS, Com. Mangla, also addressed the meeting.

A meeting was held today, between Shri Anshu Prakash, Secretary, Telecom and the representatives of the unions and associations of BSNL. Shri P.K. Purwar, CMD BSNL and Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, was also present in the meeting. Com.Animesh Mitra, President, represented BSNLEU. At the outset, representatives of the unions and associations thanked the Secretary, Telecom, for his efforts to get BSNL’s revival plan approved by the Cabinet. The Secretary, Telecom, stated that the BSNL’s revival package approved by the Cabinet has sent the right message to the market, as a result of which the EB customers are showing their interest to avail BSNL’s services and also banks will hereafter come forward to extend loans to BSNL. He also explained about the salient features of the VRS. As regards, the monetisation of BSNL’s assets, he stated that efforts should be taken to generate maximum revenue by renting out BSNL’s fibre, towers, buildings, etc. Replying to the query raised by the representatives about the 3rd Pay Revision, the Secretary, Telecom, replied that the Company’s financial position has to be improved, so that a settlement on the 3rd Pay Revision could come. At the same time, he stated that pension revision is not possible without pay revision.

Mobile numbers in India may become 11 digits soon. The TRAI has released it’s recommendations for developing a unified numbering plan. This is to ensure the availability of adequate numbers for fixed line and mobile services in the country. This will lead to a change in the current phone numbers. As per the proposals, “Zero” should to be prefixed for calling mobile numbers from landline connections. 

[ Source: gadgets.ndtv.com dt. 29-05-2020] 

AIBDPA, Chennai circle distributed relief to the contract workers at Chennai. The programme was organised yesterday the 05-08-2020, in the Anna Road, Telephone Exchange Complex. Com.E. Manibalan, Circle Vice President of AIBDPA, presided over the programme. Com.V.Kuppan, Circle Secretary, AIBDPA, as well as many leaders of the AIBDPA, and BSNLEU, participated in the programme. An amount of Rs.45,000/- was distributed as relief to the contract workers.

Senior journalist, Shujaat Bukhari, was gunned down by terrorists at Srinagar yesterday. Shri Bukhari was 49 years old, and was the editor-in-chief of the english daily, Rising Kashmir. This killing, which is an act of cowardice, has taken place even when the cease fire announced by the government was in force. BSNLEU strongly condemns this murder and conveys it’s heartfelt condolences to the family members of the slain journalist.

The Tamil Nadu circle union enthusiastically conducted it’s executive committee meeting at Madurai today. Com.S.Chellappa, circle president and AGS, delivered the presidential address. Com.Babu Radhakrishnan, CS, welcomed everyone and presented the report on activities. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, elaborately addressed the executive committee meeting, and explained about the issues on which the 5th September ‘Mazdoor Kisan Sangarsh Rally’ is taking place at New Delhi. He also explained about the current issues of wage revision, pension revision, subsidiary tower company, pension contribution on actual basic pay and allotment of 4G spectrum. The issues of the Non-Executives, which are currently under settlement, were also explained by the GS. Thereafter, the circle executive committee members participated in the deliberations. It is revealed from the deliberations that 260 comrades are attending the 5th September Delhi rally from Tamil Nadu. The meeting also resolved to send 30 comrades for the All India Young Workers Convention, to be held at Bhopal.

दीर्घ अवधि की अनिश्चितकालीन हड़ताल के लिए तैयार रहें - AUAB के चेयरमैन व कन्वेनर का कर्मचारियों से आव्हान

आज नई दिल्ली में रैली खत्म होने के बाद पार्लियामेंट स्ट्रीट पर हुई मीटिंग में AUAB द्वारा अनिश्चितकालीन हड़ताल पर जाने के AUAB के निर्णय की घोषणा AUAB के चेयरमैन व कन्वेनर द्वारा की गई। दोनों ही लीडर्स ने दीर्घ अवधि की अनिश्चितकालीन हड़ताल हेतु कर्मचारियों से तैयार रहने का आव्हान किया। हड़ताल लंबी अवधि तक चलने की संभावना है। कॉम पी अभिमन्यु, कन्वेनर ने विश्वास जताया कि BSNL कर्मी दीर्घकालीन हड़ताल करने में सक्षम है। उन्होंने उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करते हुए बताया कि पूर्व में कर्मचारी 3 नवंबर, 1990 से 21 दिन की हड़ताल कर चुके हैं। इसी प्रकार 03 दिसंबर 2018 से शुरू होने वाली हड़ताल भी लंबी अवधि की होगी,कन्वेनर ने कहा। कॉम चंदेश्वर सिंह, चेयरमैन, AUAB ने कर्मचारियों से अनुरोध किया कि वेज रिवीजन व पेंशन रिवीजन के माध्यम से अपने भविष्य को बेहतर बनाने के लिए ज्यादा से ज्यादा दिनों के वेतन नुकसान के लिए कर्मचारियों को तैयार रहना चाहिए।

On the eve of the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos, the Oxfam International has released it’s report, explaining how drastically the gap between the rich and the poor had widened in India in the year 2018. The report says that 18 new dollar billionaires have come up in 2018. With this the total number of dollar billionaires in India has gone up to 119. Everyday, the wealth of the Indian billionaires has grown by a staggering Rs.2,200 crores in 2018, says the report. It further points out that, the wealth of Indian dollar billionaires was $3.25 billion in 2017, and it increased to $440.1 billion in 2018. This is the single largest annual increase since the world economic crisis started in 2008, says the report.

05.04.2019 को होने वाले मार्च टू संचार भवन में शामिल होने वाले साथियों की वेतन कटौती नही की जा सकती है...
बीएसएनएल कॉर्पोरेट ऑफिस के एस आर ब्रांच  द्वारा 26.03.2019 को सभी CGMs  को मार्च टू संचार भवन में शामिल होने वाले कर्मचारियों पर " नो वर्क नो पे " लागू करने के निर्देश जारी किए गए हैं। रैलीज में शामिल होने पर वेतन कटौती करने का BSNL में कोई नियम नही है। 28.03.2019 को CMD BSNL और डायरेक्टर (HR) के साथ सम्पन्न AUAB की मीटिंग में इस संबंध में चर्चा की गई थी। डायरेक्टर (HR) ने AUAB के प्रतिनिधियों को बताया कि पत्र उनके संज्ञान में लाए बगैर जारी  किया गया है। CMD BSNL और डायरेक्टर (HR) ने आश्वस्त किया है कि इस प्रकरण का संज्ञान लिया जाएगा। अतः, CHQ द्वारा सभी साथियों को सूचित किया जाता है कि मार्च टू संचार भवन में सम्मिलित होने पर कोई वेतन कटौती नही होगी।