[17.05.2012]All Unions / Associations of BSNL meeting to be held on 23.05.2012

It is proposed to convene a meeting of all unions and associations of BSNL on 23.05.2012 at New Delhi. The meeting will discuss ways and means to improve BSNL's viability as well as finalise trade union actions necessary to compell BSNL management and the government in this regard.

[17.05.2012]Legal intervention by Union / Associations in the ITS repatriation issue

The Hon’ble Delhi High Court gave an order on 17.04.2012 in the ITS repatriation issue. The Hon’ble Court gave two weeks time to the ITS officers to exercise their option to get absorbed in BSNL/MTNL. If they do not opt for BSNL/MTNL, then they should be repatriated to the DoT within the next two weeks, said the Hon’ble Court. It is learnt that only one person gave option to join BSNL and the rest of the ITS officers have opted to go to DoT. Instead of repatriating all the non-optee ITS officers to DoT, the BSNL management has filed a petition in the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, seeking another 25 months for repatriating these ITS officers to DoT. By the next 25 months BSNL will be completely drowned, if the present situation of uncertainty continues. Hence, BSNLEU, SNEA and AIBSNLEA are filing a petition in the Hon’ble Delhi High Court to implead in this case. We will tooth and nail oppose BSNL management’s tricks to avoid repatriation of ITS officers to DoT.

[17.05.2012]Conciliation meeting held by CLC (C) with representatives of BSNL management and JAC

On the demands of the 15^th December, 2011 strike, the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) has arranged a conciliation meeting today (17.05.2012) with the representatives of BSNL management and JAC. The management representatives submitted their reply to the demands of JAC. The JAC representatives have not agreed with this reply. Thereafter elaborate discussion took place on the demands of “No VRS” and “Immediate Repatriation of ITS non-optees”. The discussion was inconclusive. Further discussion will take place in the next meeting to be held by the CLC (C) on 30.05.2012. The JAC convener Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri and leaders of JAC affiliated Unions/Associations have participated in the meeting. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS represented BSNLEU. Click here to see the reply given by the management.<<click here>> 

[16.05.2012]Pay Anomaly Committee meeting

Pay Anomaly Committee meeting is held today (16.05.2012). The committee reached a broad conclusion to recommend that the benefit given by the judgements of the CAT Ernakulam and the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala which was made applicable to the petitioners by the BSNL order dated 04.05.2012 has to be made applicable to all similar cases. The committee is likely to meet again on 06.06.2012 to finalise its report. Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri and Com. P. Asokababu represented the staff side in the committee.

[16.05.2012]TRAI recommendations on support to BSNL for Rural Wire-line Connections, installed before 01.04.2002<<click here>> 

[15.05.2012]Minimum qualification for Telecom Mechanic exam – Supreme Court dismisses BSNL’s SLP 

According to the Recruitment Rules of the Telecom Mechanic, 10^th standard qualification is necessary for a Regular Mazdoor to appear the Telecom Mechanic exam (LDCE). Whereas, there is no such condition for a Group ‘D’ employee to appear the said exam. BSNLEU has demanded the management to remove this discrimination. This issue was discussed in the last National Council meeting, but management did not settle the issue fully. Meanwhile, a Regular Mazdoor by name D. Veeramani, from Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu Circle, who does not possess 10^th std. qualification was permitted by the CAT Chennai Bench to appear the Telecom Mechanic exam. The official passed the exam and demanded posting as TM. But the management rejected his demand and appealed against the CAT order in the High Court, which was rejected. Finally management filed an SLP in the Supreme Court, against the CAT order. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the SLP filed by the management.

[15.05.2012]Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President met CMD and Director EB 

Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, met the CMD and Director EB on 14.05.2012. He insisted upon them to hold the National Council meeting on 24.05.2012, as had already been accepted and also to approve the modification for NEPP (incorporating NE 12 pay scale) in the Board meeting to be held on 21.05.2012. The officers responded positively to the demand.

[15.05.2012]Tamil Nadu conducts massive dharna on the issues of contract workers<<click here>>

[15.05.2012]Hon'ble CAT, Chennai Bench order of revaluation of answer paper of JAO exam<<click here>>

[14.05.2012]TRAI gets new Chairman 

Shri Rahul Khullar has taken over the charge today, the 14.05.2012, as the Chairman of TRAI. Shri J.S. Sarma, who had been the Chairman, demitted office on Sunday. Shri Rahul Khullar is an IAS officer of the 1975 batch. 

[14.05.2012]Air India and Indian Airlines merger has failed: admits Minister 

The merger of Air India and Indian Airlines is the main reason behind the failure of the Air India, which is a PSU. A parliamentary committee has already accused that at the time of the merger, prime routes were given to private companies. After all the damages are done to the Air India, now the civil aviation Minister Ajit Singh has admitted that the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines “did not work”. The Pilots Association of Jet Airways has also blamed that the merger as the reason for the present crisis of Air India. Meanwhile, the struggle of the pilots of the Air India is continuing, despite the ban order of the Delhi High Court.

[14.05.2012]CORRIGENDUM - BSNL Employees' Transfer Policy - Revised guidelines <<click here>>

[14.05.2012]Relaxation of the qualifying service to appear the TTA LDCE - CHQ writes to Corporate Office <<click here>>

[14.05.2012]CHQ thankfully acknowledges the receipt of donations and advertisements for souvenir, towards building fund, from the following comrades, as well as Circle and District Unions <<click here>>

[12.05.2012]BSNLEU-CHQ website ranked amongst top one per cent of worlds' 30 million (3 crore) websites!! Awarded 4 out of 5 stars rating !!! <<click here>>

[11.05.2012]General Secretary meets Director (EB) <<click here>>

[11.05.2012]CHQ writes to Director (HR) on holding of National Council meeting on 24.05.2012, as per the decision taken in the last meeting of the National Council<<click here>>

[10.05.2012]Supreme Court grants bail to Behura

After 15 months of his arrest, for his illegal role in the 2G scam, the former Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura was granted bail by the Supreme Court yesterday the 9^th May, 2012. The Supreme Court also upheld the bail granted by the trial court, to R.K. Chandolia, ex-private secretary of A. Raja.

[10.05.2012]Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU & BSNL CCWF met Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Labour Minister along with Com. Tapan Sen, M.P. and General Secretary CITU,  today, 10^th May 2012 and discussed about the issues of the Casual and Contract workers in BSNL. Regularisation of left-out casual labour and TSM, Wages of casual and contract labour, Implementation of Social Security measures like EPF, ESI etc – all the issues were discussed in detail. A memorandum detailing all the issues was presented to the Minister. Minister assured that he will positively consider the issues brought to his notice. <<see the letter>>

[09.05.2012]BSNL Employees' Transfer Policy - Revised guidelines <<click here>>

[09.05.2012]JAC letter to CMD BSNL on repatriation of DOT absorbed ITS Officers<<click here>>

[09.05.2012]Govt. decides to withdraw 2G review petition.

The Govt. has decided to withdraw it’s review petition on the judgment of the Supreme Court, on 2G licences. In last February, the Supreme Court cancelled 122 2G licences and directed the Govt. to allot spectrum through auctioning. In April, the Govt. filed a review petition to this judgment. Now, it is decided to withdraw this petition. However, the Presidential Reference, moved by the Govt. in the Supreme Court, for it’s opinion on similar issues, is still pending before the Court. 

[08.05.2012]JAC letter to CMD BSNL on supply of GSM lines, Cables, Broadband Modem and Telephone Instruments <<click here>>

[08.05.2012]Spectrum auction, compensation for the losses on rural wirelines and the financial viability of BSNL - JAC letter to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon'ble Prime Minister of  India<<click here>>

[07.05.2012]HRA Renewal Cases.

Due to the continuous efforts of our union, the cases for renewal of HRA for villages with in 8 KM of a town, which are pending with DoT will now be processed.  

[07.05.2012]Telephone Subscribers' Base in India for the month of March' 2012<<click here>>

[05.05.2012]80 lakh new customers added in the month of March.

Totally 80 lakh new customers have been added in the month of March. Airtel has added 25 lakh customers, Idea has added 20 lakh customers, Uninor has added 12 lakh new customers, Vodaphone has added 10 lakh new customers and BSNL has added 7.6 lakh new customers.  

[05.05.2012]BSNL is directed to install mobile equipment and towers in Naxal affected areas.

BSNL is directed by the Government to install mobile equipments and towers in 2,199 locations across 9 states. These locations are affected by Naxalite operations and currently do not have access to mobile services. Since no private operator is willing to provide mobile service in these locations, government has directed BSNL to install equipments and towers to provide mobile services. Already BSNL is providing land line services in the rural areas, due to which it is incurring an annual loss of Rs.10,000 crore. This loss is not being adequately compensated by the government. 

[05.05.2012]99% ITS officers decided not to get absorbed in BSNL/ MTNL - ITSA.

The Delhi High Court has given two weeks time to the ITS officers for giving fresh option, either to get absorbed in BSNL/ MTNL or to revert back to the government service. The two weeks time has expired on May 1^st. Under this circumstance, a spokesperson of the ITSA has told the Business Line that 99% ITS officers have decided against joining BSNL/ MTNL. If this is correct, then the management should take steps to repatriate them to the government.

[04.05.2012]Pay Anomaly at the time of conversion of CDA pay scale to IDA pay scale

Order was issued by Corporate Office today to CGMT Kerala to implement the judgment of CAT Ernakulam on pay anomalies to all the 192 officials of Kerala Circle who got such judgment. For all other similarly placed officials the pay anomaly committee has to recommend the procedure. The date for the meeting is likely to be fixed soon.

[04.05.2012]Parliament Question raised by Com. P.R. Natarajan, M.P., and reply by Minister of Communications on Number of Casual Labour in BSNL, Wages, Social Securities etc.<<click here>>

[04.05.2012]NE-12 pay scale

Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS met the Director (Ent.) Shri A.N. Rai  today the 04.05.2012 and requested him to see that the BSNL Board meeting scheduled on 21.05.2012 approves inclusion of NE-12 pay scale in the promotion policy order. The  Director (Ent.) responded positively and assured it.

[03.05.2012]May Day observed with renewed vigor in the United States

On May Day this year, the protestors of the Occupy Wall Street Movement took out massive rallies throughout the United States, including in cities like Washington, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, etc. Last year, the Occupy Wall Street Movement shook the entire US and the Europe. The Protesters raised their voice against the exploitation of 99% of the population, by the 1% rich people. They condemned the governments for helping the Corporates and the Multi National Companies to loot the vast majority of the people. In short, the Occupy Wall Street Movement is against the Capitalist exploitation. It was exactly against this capitalist exploitation that the May Day Martyrs fought against and sacrificed their lives 126 years ago. Hence, May Day this year is observed in a big way by the Occupy Wall Street Movement.

[03.05.2012]Felicitation to Com. Tarsem Singh, former Assistant Treasurer, AITEU-CL-III (CHQ) and DS, BSNLEU, Ferozpur (Punjab) on his retirement <<click here>>

[03.05.2012]BSNLEU Chandigarh Telecom District contributed Rs.5,00,000/- for AIC

BSNLEU Chandigarh Telecom District contributed Rs.5,00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakhs only) to the Reception Committee of the AIC to be held at Ludhiana (Punjab) from 25^th to 28^th September,2012.

[03.05.2012]JAC letter to Advisor (I&FN), TRAI on Comments on the consultation paper No.9/2012 of TRAI on support for rural wire line connections installed before 01.04.2012 <<click here>>

[03.05.2012]Cash Award to Sportspersons for excellence in National Tournaments/Meets. Calling of nominations<<click here>>

[02.05.2012]Conciliation Proceedings on 15 December  2011 Strike issues will be held on 17th May 2012 by Chief Labour Commissioner <<click here>>

[01.05.2012]

[30.04.2012]Observe May Day in a befitting manner

Dear Comrades, observe this year’s May Day in a befitting manner. Branches should conduct flag hoisting and gate meetings. Also Comrades are requested to conduct rallies wherever possible. In other places, our comrades can participate in meetings / rallies etc., together with other sections of the working class.

[28.04.2012]JAC letter to Secretary, DoT on Financial viability of BSNL and denial of due benefits to the staff <<click here>>

[28.04.2012]Bihar Circle Conference is being held at Mungher <<click here>>

 [28.04.2012]Central Secretariat constitutes Committee for constitution amendments.

The Central Secretariat meeting that was held on 25-04-2012, has constituted a committee for proposing amendments to our Union constitution. The proposals to be made by this committee will be duly considered by the All India Conference to be held in the month of September. The members of this committee are the General Secretary, President, Deputy General Secretary, com.J.Sampath Rao, com.Animesh Mitra, com.Swapan Chackraborthy, com. Muralidhran Nair and com.S.Chellappa. The General Secretary will be the convenor of this committee. The committee has been directed to finalise it’s report by 20th July,2012. Those comrades who want to propose amendments to the constitution are requested to send them to the General Secretary.

[27.04.2012]CMD meets JAC <<click here>>

[27.04.2012]Punjab gears up to hold the next All India Conference.

AS already informed, the next All India Conference of BSNL Employees Union will be held at Ludhiana, in Punjab circle, on 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th September, 2012. The venue of the conference is ‘Riviera Resorts’. The Punjab comrades, under the able leadership of Com.R.L.Moudgil, Circle President as well as AGS and Com.Balbir Singh, Circle Secretary, are taking all out efforts to make the conference not only a grand success but also a memorable one. The eligibility for delegates of each district union will be released by the CHQ shortly. Meanwhile, the Central Secretariat meeting, held on 25-04-2012, has decided to allow 50% of the delegates as observers. This will be in addition to the delegates. Comrades are requested to immediately make arrangements for reservation of tickets.

[26.04.2012]CHQ Writes to CMD on acute shortage of instruments, modems, equipments etc.<<click here>>

[26.04.2012]Those who preach should also practice.

BSNL is undergoing a severe financial crises. Demands of the workers are not being settled, citing the financial position of the company. Is the financial crises only for the workers and not for the top managers ? The CMD BSNL is on foreign tour, flying in Executive class, at least 15 days in a month. What is the purpose? Whose money is it? It is learnt that recently a GM in the Corporate Office travelled in the Executive class to Japan, together with the CMD. These officers should be made answerable to these reckless spendings.

[26.04.2012]BSNL takes bank loan for payment of bills

For the first time BSNL has taken a bank loan of Rs. 1340 crore. The borrowing is made from Union Bank of India, at the interest rate of 10.65%. It is learnt that the loan is taken to make payment of outstanding bills.

[26.04.2012]Standards & poors awards ‘Negative’ credit rating to India

Standards and poors, the global credit rating organization has awarded ‘Negative’ rating to Indian economy. This is a set back to India. Earlier, the Standards and poors had given ‘stable’ rating to India. It has also suggested the following remedies to improve India’s long term credit rating

1)     To reduce fuel and fertilizer subsidies being given by the government

2)     To introduce a nation wide goods and services tax.

3)     To remove restrictions on foreign ownership of sectors such as banking,  insurance and retail.

It must be understood that the remedies suggested by the standards and poors are nothing but the demands of the Developed Countries and their multinational companies.

[25.04.2012]Shri KCGK Pillai joins as Director (Finance) BSNL.

After a long legal battle, shri KCGK Pillai has joined as Director (Finance) of BSNL. CHQ congratulates shri KCGK Pillai.

[25.04.2012]Supreme Court extends dead line for auctioning 2G spectrum

The Supreme Court has extended the dead line for auctioning the 2G spectrum to 31st August, 2012. Earlier, the dead line was fixed as 2nd June, 2012. The Court also extended the validity of the 122 cancelled licenses till 7th September, 2012. The demand of the government to grant 400 days time to complete the whole process was rejected by the Court. These directions were given yesterday the 24th April, 212

[25.04.2012]Decisions of the JAC meeting held on 25-04-2012

A meeting of the JAC is held today, the 25-04-2012, under the chairmanship of Com. G.L. Jogi. The meeting took stock of the situation in respect of the issues connected with the viability of BSNL, including the ITS issue.  The meeting expressed it’s utter disappointment over the total inaction and lack of initiative on the part of the BSNL management to improve the company’s viability.

After thorough discussion the meeting decided to present a memorandum and discuss the issues with CMD within a day or two. The next course of action will be decided after the meeting with CMD. The meeting also decided to seek meetings with Secretary, DOT and with the Hon’ble Minister, Communications to discuss the burning issues. The meeting further decided to write to the Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Hon’ble Minister of Labour, regarding the non-conducting of conciliatory meetings by the Chief Labour Commissioner.

As regards the Customer Delight Year, the meeting of JAC decided to extend it   for one more year. The meeting also unanimously decided to admit NFTBE and FNTOBEA as the constituents of the JAC.

[24.04.2012]JAC meeting on 25.04.2012

A meeting of the Joint Action Committee is taking place tomorrow the 25.04.2012. The meeting is expected to take stock of the latest positions on various issues and to workout it's action programme.

[24.04.2012]Shri Mahendra Kumar Roy, M.P., Standing Committee, writes to Chairman, Standing Committee on Labour, on regularisation of 2270 left out casual labourers of West Bengal <<click here>>

[23.04.2012]Andhra Pradesh Circle Executive Committee meeting<<click here>>

[23.04.2012]GS attends Tamil Nadu Circle Executive Committee meeting<<click here>>

[23.04.2012]Office bearers elected in AIC of SEWA BSNL

Office bearers election took place on 21-04-2012, in the All India Conference of the SEWA BSNL, held at Chennai. The panel headed by com N.D.Ram as president and com.S.Ravindran as General Secretary, won the elections. CHQ heartily congratulates the newly elected office bearers.

[21.04.2012]CHQ Hindi Circular No.03 dated 18.04.2012 <<click here>>

[21.04.2012]President and General Secretary attend All India Conference of SEWA BSNL.

The All India Conference of SEWA BSNL is being held at Chennai on 20th and 21st April, 2012. Com.P.Abhimanyu,General Secretary and com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, attended and greeted the Conference on 20-04-2012. Com. P.Abhimanyu,General Secretary attended the inaugural session. He released the first issue of the journal of SEWA BSNL, and addressed the Conference. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri,President, attended the open session of the Conference and delivered his address. CHQ wishes the Conference all success.

[21.04.2012]Pay Anomaly Committee report is likely to be finalized on 23- 04-2012

The Pay Anomaly Committee (of the first wage revision) has been holding hectic discussions during the past couple of weeks, in the back drop of the court judgment. The Committee is expected to finalise it’s report on 23-04-2012. CHQ is taking all out efforts to settle this issue at the earliest.

[20.04.2012]Items for discussion in the 27^th Meeting of National Council <<click here>>

[19.04.2012]General Secretary attended Orissa circle executive committee meeting<<click here>>

[19.04.2012]Delhi High Court tells ITS officers should join BSNL/MTNL or should be repatriated within two weeks <<click here>>

[18.04.2012]Change of stewardship in FNTO

Com.K.Vallinayagam, has resigned from the post of General Secretary, on health grounds. The CEC meeting of FNTO which was held on 12^th & 13^th April, 2012, has accepted the resignation of com.K.Vallinayagam and has elevated com. K.Jayaprakash,AGS, as the new General Secretary. CHQ wishes good health to com.K.Vallinayagam and congratulates com.K.Jayaprakash.

[18.04.2012]CHQ Circular No.03 dated 18.04.2012 <<click here>>

[17.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on Promotion to the post of Sr.TOA – Implementation of the order of the Industrial Tribunal <<click here>>

[17.04.2012]Kapil Sibal’s love for private operators  - Editorial of TeleMessage May'2012 <<click here>>

[16.04.2012]Major fire in telephone exchange at Bhopal

A major fire had broken out in the Central Telephone Exchange building at Bhopal in the early morning of 13^th April, 2012. The fire had devastated the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th floors of the 5 storey building. 35,000 land lines, 12,000 Broad Band and a large number of mobile connections are affected. CHQ had written to the CMD BSNL to take measures on a war-foot basis to restore the services and also to enquire if any sabotage is there, behind the fire. BSNLEU, Madhya Pradesh circle had suggested that a day’s wages can be recovered, as employees contribution to restore the services.

[16.04.2012]The two day successful circle conference of UP (East) Circle at Gorakhpur

The UP (East) Circle Conference of BSNL Employees Union was successfully held at Gorakhpur, on 14^th and 15^th April, 2012. Com. P.Abhimanyu, GS, Com. P. Asokababu, Dy. GS and Com. K.R. Yadav, Vice-President (CHQ) took part in the Conference. Detailed deliberations by the delegates on various issues confronting the employees, as well as the company, took place. Unanimous elections were held. Com. D.N. Tripati and Com. R.K. Mishra are re-elected as president and Circle Secretary, respectively. The following are some of the views of the conference. <<click here>>

[16.04.2012]CHQ writes to CMD BSNL on Bhopal fire. <<click here>>

[13.04.2012]Clarification regarding applicability of GPF/EPF to Casual Labourers who has been conferred TSM Status on or before 30.09.2010 and regularised in BSNL on or after 01.10.2000 <<click here>>

[12.04.2012]Declaration of Holiday on 14^th April, 2012 - Birthday of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar <<click here>>

[12.04.2012]Minutes of the 26^th meeting of the National Council held on 27^th February, 2012<<click here>>

[12.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on restoration of Medical Allowance, LTC & LTC leave encashment <<click here>>

[12.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on insufficient allotment of funds made to the Circle Staff Welfare Boards <<click here>>

[12.04.2012]Telecom Revenue for the period April to December of 2011 compared to the same period of  2010 and the share of BSNL in it <<click here>>

[11.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on reinstatement of 52 TSMs at Chennai<<click here>>

[11.04.2012]CHQ writes to SNATTA and JTO(O) Association for a negotiated settlement of the court cases <<click here>>

[10.04.2012]BSNL Sports Calendar for All India BSNL Tournaments/Meets for the year 2012-13 <<click here>> <<click here>>

[10.04.2012]Meeting of the Anomalies Committee

A meeting of the Anomalies Committee took place yesterday the 09.04.2012. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS participated in the meeting. Discussions took place in the back drop of the recent decision of the Supreme Court. Some positive trends emerged in the discussion. A final decision is to be taken in the next meeting which will be held on 11.04.2012.

[10.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on 50% IDA merger <<click here>>

[10.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on wage revision <<click here>>

[10.04.2012]CHQ writes to management on revision of allowances <<click here>>

[10.04.2012]Loop Telecom to shut it’s business

Loop Telecom has asked it’s subscribers to migrate to other operators, using the mobile number portability. Loop Telecom bagged pan-India license in 2008, issued by the then Minister A. Raja. Subsequently it was cancelled by the Supreme Court. This is the third company to close down it’s business, following STel and Etisalat DB, as a result of the cancellation of 122 licenses by the Supreme Court.

[09.04.2012]We inform with deep grief that the father of Com. S.P. Kalairajan, Circle Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar, has passed away on 08.04.2012. CHQ offers heartfelt condolences to Com. S.P. Kalairajan and members of his family.

[09.04.2012]CHQ writes to Corporate Office on fixation of pay under FR 22 (i) (a) (ii) for the upgradations after 01.01.2007 <<click here>>

[09.04.2012]CHQ writes reminder to Corporate Office on New Recognition Rules <<click here>>

[09.04.2012]CHQ writes to CMD on VRS proposal in the MoU signed between BSNL and DoT <<click here>>

[07.04.2012]Revised norms for provision of vehicles in BSNL field units <<click here>>

[07.04.2012]Settlement of claims under CGHS package rates for the overstay period of patient in the hospital in excess of days prescribed in package rate <<click here>>

[07.04.2012]TTA/Sr.TOA/RM recruited after 1-1-2007 - Issue of grant of 30% fitment benefit or grant of additional increments to them - Information required 

CHQ is requesting for the information as detailed below, to take further necessary action on this issue: 

(a)   Cases where the senior joined in BSNL in 2006 and the junior in 2007, along with their date of appointment (Both the senior and junior should belong to the some cadre).

(b)   Cases where both the officials were selected against vacancies of the some year or selected vide the same order, before 1-1-2007, but one of them was appointed before 1-1-2007 and the other among them was appointed on or after 1-1-2007. (The officials should belong to the same cadre.) 

All the Branch/ District/ Circle Secretaries and all the office-bearers of the Union at all levels are requested to take initiative to find out such cases and send the information to the CHQ with all the details. Matter may please be treated as URGENT.

[07.04.2012]BSNL's viability and the MoU signed between the Government of India and BSNL <<click here>>

[07.04.2012]Workman and principal employer: Delhi High Court delivers important judgement <<click here>>

[07.04.2012]Supreme Court rejects 2G operators review petition.

On 04.04.2012, the Supreme Court rejected review petitions filed by 7 private telecom companies, whose 2G licenses were cancelled in February. The companies which had filed review petitions are Vedeocon, STel, Idea Cellular, Tata Teleservices, Unitech Wireless, Sistema Syham and Etisalat DB. In February last the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgement, canceling 122 2G licenses, declaring them illegal.

[07.04.2012]Plea against P. Chidambaram: Supreme Court directs investigation.

2 petitions, seeking to investigate the role of P. Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum case, were taken up for hearing by the Supreme Court on 04.04.2012. One of the petitions filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), seeks the Supreme Court’s direction to the CBI, to conduct a through investigation into the role of the then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum case. The Supreme Court has directed the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department to investigate the case and file a report within three weeks.

[07.04.2012]Anomalies Committee meeting to be held on 09.04.2012

BSNLEU is continuously taking up the anomalies case, which has arisen in the first wage revision. The Committee which was formed to discuss the issue, is meeting on 09.04.2012. Recently Supreme Court has dismissed the SLP filed by BSNL management, against the judgement of the Ernakulam CAT, which has stated that the pay of the seniors should be stepped up at par with their juniors.

[04.04.2012]Suggestion to break the JTO LICE stalemate 

BSNLEU is taking all out efforts to ensure that the JTO LICE is held early, so that thousands of DR TTAs will get benefited. But unfortunately, due to unnecessary court cases the JTO LICE is getting horribly delayed. Similarly, BSNLEU has taken steps to settle the problem of officiating JTOs. But their problem also could not be solved due to court case. Court cases are the stumbling-block in the career progression of both the DR TTAs and officiating JTOs today. Hence, Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, has suggested to Com. Dharmendra Verma, GS, SNATTA and to Com. N. Kabeer Das, GS, JTO[O] Association, BSNL, India, that both sides could sit and discuss the matter, so that the court cases could be withdrawn. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, has pointed out that only such an exercise will help thousands of employees who are unnecessarily suffering now. Both sides have agreed to consider the suggestion. We hope the stalemate will break soon.

[03.04.2012]General Secretary attends the Rajasthan Circle Executive Committee meeting<<click here>>

[02.04.2012]CHQ's letter to BSNL on Modification to the RR-2005 of Rajbhasha Adhikari <<click here>>

[02.04.2012]IDA remains the same 

There is no change in IDA rate. Neither increase nor decrease. It will remain at 56.7% during April, 2012 to June, 2012.

[31.03.2012]Resolutions passed in the CEC meeting held at Delhi on 22^nd & 23^rd March, 2012 <<click here>>

[30.03.2012]Considering vacancies upto 31.03.2012 for JTO LICE – CHQ discusses with management

The question of considering vacancies upto 31.03.2012, for the forth coming JTO LICE, was discussed today with the management by Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS. A letter on this demand is also handed over today. The response of the management is positive to our demand. However, they said that the opinion of the legal cell would also be sought on this. CHQ will continue to persue this case further.

[30.03.2012]CHQ's letter to BSNL on Provision of pre-paid SIM with a talk time of Rs.200/- pm to Non-Executives – problems faced <<click here>>

[30.03.2012]JTO LICE - CHQ writes to BSNL to consider vacancies upto 31.03.2012<<click here>>

[29.03.2012]No decision yet on FDI limit in pension sector: Says Finance Minister 

The Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has told the Parliament in a written reply on 27^th March, 2012 that the government has not taken any decision yet on the limit of FDI in the pension sector.

[29.03.2012]Developed nations have unleashed a ‘monetary tsunami’: Says Brazilian President 

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has told that the Developed Nations have unleashed a ‘Monetary tsunami’. She told this while accepting a honorary degree of doctor from the Delhi University. She has told that the economic crisis started in the Developed Countries and it has triggered a monetary tsunami which has led to a currency war.

[29.03.2012]Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri’s elder sister passed away

CHQ informs with profound grief, that Shrimati Shridevi Andharjanam, the elder sister of Com.V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, passed away yesterday, the 28.03.2012. CHQ conveys heartfelt condolences to Com.V.A.N. Namboodiri, as well as to the members of his family.

P. Abhimanyu,

General Secretary

[28.03.2012]Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women employees at Work Place <<click here>>

[28.03.2012]Revision of pay of Non-Executive Employees in BSNL w.e.f. 01.01.2007 - Clarification <<click here>>

[28.03.2012]JAC meets CMD BSNL <<click here>>

[28.03.2012]BSNLEU Ludhiana organised 6^th voluntary Blood Donation Camp dedicated to 11^th foundation day of BSNLEU <<click here>>

[26.03.2012]Inaugural function of K.G. Bose Bhavan 

The inaugural function of K.G. Bose Bhavan successfully took place on 22^nd March, 2012. Com. A.K. Padmanabhan, President, CITU, inaugurated the building. Prominent leaders of the BSNL unions and associations, as well as Central Govt. Employees Unions, participated and graced the function. BSNLEU sincerely thanks all those who participated in the function.

[24.03.2012]CEC meeting of BSNLEU held

 The CEC meeting of BSNLEU was held at New Delhi on 22^nd and 23^rd March,2012. Com VAN Namboodiri, President, presided over the meeting. It congratulated the CHQ for purchasing a building within a short period and also successfully conducting the inaugural function. After elaborate discussions, the CEC meeting decided to conduct struggle on the pending staff issues. The meeting decided that the Customer Delight Year to be continued to be observed even beyond March,2012. On the question of viability of BSNL, including the ITS issue, the meeting decided to conduct struggle programme, together with the JAC. As regards the issue of Proportionate Representation, the meeting directed the CHQ to pressurize the management to accept the same. The meeting also passed many resolutions on important issues.

[23.03.2012]Notification of Room Rent for indoor treatment under BSNLMRS <<click here>>

[23.03.2012]Issue of Presidential Order to Casual Labours who have been conferred temporary status on or before 30.09.2000 and regularised in BSNL on or after 01.10.2000 <<click here>>

[23.03.2012]Furnishing of information regarding Direct Recruit TTAs for the Recruitment year 2008 <<click here>>

[23.03.2012]Sanction of Welfare fund for various circles <<click here>> <<annexure>>

[23.03.2012]Views of K.G. Bose Bhawan inauguration <<click here>>

[22.03.2012]Views of K.G. Bose Bhawan inauguration <<click here>>

[21.03.2012]BSNLEU's response to the TRAI's Consultation Paper No.4/2012 dated 07.03.2012 on the auction of spectrum as per the Supreme Court's judgement <<click here>>

[21.03.2012]Montek Singh Ahluwalia has done a magic. The number of poor people in India has come down. 

The planning commission has done a magic. As a result, the number of poor people has come down drastically. What Montek Singh Ahluwalia has done is that, he has created a new poverty line. According to this new criterion, those who earn Rs.29 per day in the urban area and those who earn Rs.22 per day in rural area are considered to be above the poverty line. What a wonderful way of eradicating poverty !

[21.03.2012]DoT to claim damages from new 2G operators 

The DoT has decided to recover damages from the 2G operators, whose licenses were cancelled by the Supreme Court. DoT has decided to take this punitive action, since the 2G operators had not rolled out their network. The DoT has asked it’s finance wing to encash the bank guarantees deposited by those 2G operators. The 2G operators had submitted bank guarantees ranging from Rs.2 crore to Rs.20 crore, depending upon the area of operation.

[20.03.2012]File for modification of NEPP, to incorporate NE 12 pay scale, has gone to the Management Committee

BSNL is on the job of amending the NEPP, for incorporating the NE 12 pay scale. (Without making amendment to NEPP, NE 12 pay scale cannot be implemented). Now, the file has gone to the Management Committee, for it’s approval, for making amendments to the NEPP. After approval by Management Committee, the file will go for the approval of the BSNL Board. In any case, we have been assured that 22.02.2012 shall be the date of effect for the NE 12 pay scale. 

[20.03.2012]Implementation of the court order on anomaly 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, met the GM (Estt.) today the 20.03.2012 and requested him to implement the order of the Hon’ble CAT Ernakulam Bench on anomaly. This is in the light of the dismissal of the BSNL’s SLP, by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Hon’ble CAT Ernakulam has ordered stepping up of the pay of the senior, at par with the junior.

[20.03.2012]Government order on GPF interest rate <<click here>>

[19.03.2012]General Secretary addressed massive meeting at Coimbatore on 16.03.2012 <<click here>>

[19.03.2012]Pay Anomaly - Supreme Court dismissed the SLP filed by BSNL

On the issue of junior getting more pay than the senior, on account of wage revision w.e.f. 01.10.2000, the Hon’ble CAT, Ernakulam Bench gave the judgement that senior’s pay should be stepped up at the par with the junior. After the Hon’ble Kerala High Court confirmed this judgement, BSNL filed an SLP against it in the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in its order dated 16.03.2012, has dismissed the SLP filed by BSNL. We welcome this order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

[17.03.2012]Income Tax exemption limit raised to Rs.2 lakh

In the budget presented by shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Income Tax exemption limit has been raised to Rs.2 lakh from the present limit of Rs.1.80 lakh. As regards the subsidy for fuel, it is cut down by Rs.25,000 crore. The direct taxes being paid by the rich is reduced by Rs.4,500 crore.

[16.03.2012]DoT letter on Transfer requests of BSNL Executives / Non-Executives<<click here>>

[16.03.2012]Com. R. Venkataraman's mother passes away 

The CHQ of BSNLEU informs with grief, that the mother of Com. R. Venkataraman, Working President, TEPU, expired last night. CHQ conveys it's heartfelt condolences to Com. R. Venkataraman and his family.

[15.03.2012]Kerala circle to observe March 22^nd as Anti-Corruption Day 

The Kerala Circle Union of BSNLEU has decided to observe March 22^nd, which is the foundation day of BSNLEU, as anti-corruption day, by holding demonstrations throughout the Circle. CHQ congratulates Kerala Circle. 

[15.03.2012]CEC members to Note please 

The venue of the forth coming CEC meeting to be held at New Delhi, on 22^nd & 23^rd March, 2012 is the Gardwal Bhawan, near Jandewalan Metro Station. Accommodation for the stay of the CEC members is also arranged in the same place. Circle Secretaries are requested to immediately inform the number of comrades coming from their circle, for attending the inauguration of K.G. Bose Bhawan.

[15.03.2012]A note from Andhra Pradesh Circle Union on NEPP 

It is mentioned in the website of NFTE CHQ that many officials have got recovery in NEPP at CGMT Office Hyderabad. The actual picture is that, the Sr.TOA's who got BCR Promotion in 2007/2008 and who opted for NEPP, their promotion under NEPP is preponed to 01.10.2004 in 7800 scale. All these officials got a recovery of Rs.9000/- to Rs.17000/-. But it may be remembered that if they continue in OTBP/BCR scheme, only 10% of them will get 8570 scale. But as per NEPP, all these officials have already got 8570 scale as on 01.10.2011 by getting 3% increment. They will get a pensionary benefit of lakhs of rupees by this 3% increment. The increase in the monthly salary of these officials is about 1800/- per month w.e.f. 01.10.2011. If they have no benefit why they are opting for NEPP? They can continue in the old BCR scheme.

[14.03.2012]Com. K.G. Bose - A Revolutionary Leader <<click here>>

[13.03.2012]Views of West Bengal Circle Conference <<click here>>

[13.03.2012]All pending cases for issuing of Presidential Order to be sent to Corporate Office by 31.03.2012 - Corporate Office letter <<click here>>

[13.03.2012]Corporate Office letter on relieving JTO's on temporary transfer <<click here>>

[12.03.2012]5^th West Bengal Circle Conference of BSNLEU

The 5^th West Bengal Circle Conference of BSNLEU is being held at Bankura from 11^th to 14^th March, 2012. Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary is attending the conference. The conference started yesterday, the 11^th March, with a massive rally. Com.Basudev Acharya, Vice-President, CITU and who is the MP from Bankura constituency, inaugurated the conference. In the open session that took place in the afternoon, Com.Tapan Sen, General Secretary, CITU and Member Parliament, Com. P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary and Com. Animesh Mitra, Circle Secretary addressed. Thereafter, the subject committee started. A women’s convention will take place today.

[10.03.2012]Raise income tax exemption limit to Rs.3 lakh – recommends Parliamentary Committee 

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, headed by Shri Yeshwant Sinha, has recommended to raise the income tax exemption limit, from the present level of Rs.2 lakh to Rs.3 lakh. The Standing Committee, in it’s report on the Direct Taxes Code Bill, has also suggested that higher exemption limit may be considered for women and senior citizens. 

[10.03.2012]Planning Commission suggests sharing of unused spectrum 

The Planning Commission has suggested that a mechanism should be put in place, whereby companies without spectrum should be able to utilize unused spectrum of licensed operators. Called dynamic spectrum access, the technology determines locally unused spectrum in real time and then makes it available for re-use by another operator. It is reported that DoT is looking into this suggestion.

[09.03.2012]Telephone Subscribers' Base in India for the month of January'12<<click here>>

[09.03.2012]International Women’s Day observed in Punjab Circle <<click here>>

[09.03.2012]International Women’s Day observed in Kerala Circle <<click here>>

[09.03.2012]International Women’s Day observed in Raigad SSA of Maharashtra Circle<<click here>>

[09.03.2012]NEPP is a landmark achievement <<click here>>

[09.03.2012]Building Fund 

The Bangalore Telephones District Union has sent an amount of Rs.25,000/- to CHQ, towards Building Fund. CHQ heartily congratulates the BGTD District Union. The AIBDPA, Karnataka Circle has sent a donation of Rs.5000/- towards Building Fund. CHQ heartily congratulates the AIBDPA, Karnataka Circle Union.

[07.03.2012]Inauguration of K.G. Bose Bhavan – Circle Secretaries to note please:- 

The inaugural function of “K.G. Bose Bhavan” is taking place on 22^nd March, 2012 at New Delhi. Some comrades, other than the CEC members, may also like to attend the function. Circle Secretaries are requested to inform the CHQ immediately, the number of such comrades coming to attend the inaugural function.

[07.03.2012]Invitation for the inaugural function of K.G. Bose Bhavan <<click here>>

[07.03.2012]International Women’s Day observed in CGM Office, Chandigarh <<click here>>

[06.03.2012]TRAI suggests Rs.600 crore aid for BSNL 

TRAI has told the DoT to provide an adhoc subsidy of Rs.600 crore to BSNL. This amount will be paid from the USO Fund. BSNL is spending around Rs.9000 crore per year as operational expenditure to run its rural landline services. To make good this loss, BSNL has sought government’s support. As per reports, TRAI will study BSNL’s demand and will decide on the annual subsidy. 

[06.03.2012]Auctions for awarding 4G spectrum to be held this year 

The Empowered Group of Ministers have decided yesterday, the 05^th March, 2012, to earmark the 700 Mhz band spectrum for offering 4G mobile services. As a result of this more spectrum will now be available for high speed video and data services. Communications Minister, Shri Kapil Sibal has stated that auctions for awarding 4G Spectrum will be held this year.

[05.03.2012]Observe International Women’s Day on 8^th March 

International Women’s Day falls on 8^th March. It is requested that special meetings / seminars be organized on that day. Reports / Photographs of such meetings may be sent to CHQ for printing in our journal. 

[05.03.2012]Issue of order on NE 12 pay scale is likely to be delayed 

Issuing of order by Corporate Office, on NE 12 pay scale, is likely to be delayed. The DoT, while giving approval, has stated that the pay scale can be introduced after making necessary modification in the Promotion Policy. Since the Promotion Policy (NEPP) has been implemented with the approval of the Board of Directors, any modification to the Promotion Policy, should also be approved by the Board of Directors. Hence, issue of order on the NE 12 pay scale is likely to be delayed. However, we have been told that date of effect of the NE 12 pay scale will be 22.02.2012, i.e., the date on which DoT approved the pay scale. CHQ is taking efforts, to release the order as early as possible.

[03.03.2012]Government seeks review of 2G ruling

The Central Government has urged the Supreme Court yesterday the 02-03-2012, to review the 2G judgment. The Government has stated that auctioning of 2G licenses would adversely affect and hamper the objective of promoting teledensity in semi-urban and rural areas. It has also stated that the ‘first come first served’ policy had the twin objective of a level playing field as well as providing affordability.

[03.03.2012]Government receives Rs.9,029 crore as dividend in Q3, from 14 PSUs.

The Government has received Rs.9,029 crore as dividend from 14 Public Sector Companies for the quarter ended in December, as against Rs.6,467 crore received in the same period last year. This is an increase of 40%. ONGC topped the list with a payment of Rs.3,996 crore. This was followed by NTPC with Rs.2,439 crore.

[02.03.2012]UPA Govt. sells 5% shares in ONGC.

Unmindful of the strong protests from the Indian working class, the UPA Government has sold 5% shares in the ONGC, yesterday the 01-03-2012. ONGC is a highly profit earning PSU of the GOVT. of India. Govt. has sold 29.22 crore shares and has mobilized an amount of Rs.8,500 crore. However, the dream of the Govt. to mobilize Rs.12,000 crore from the sale  of ONGC shares did not materialize.

[02.03.2012]Allow officiating JTOs in the 33% SDE exam to be held on 04.03.2012

CHQ wrote a letter dated 02.03.2012 to the GM (Rectt.) BSNL CO requesting for allowing all the officiating JTOs in the 33% quota SDE (Telecom) exam to be held on 04.03.2012, provisionally, subject to the final order of the CAT Jabalpur in the O.A. No.333/2010.

[01.03.2012]BSNL guidelines for Special Drive for Up-dation of Service Records (Phase-I) <<click here>>

[01.03.2012]NEPP - A Great Achievement or “Sufferings and hardships beyond description” ? <<click here>>

[29.02.2012]Revision of DA for Casual and Contract Labour <<click here>>

[29.02.2012]Notification for holding Central Executive Committee meeting <<click here>>

[29.02.2012]Contract Labour as Regular Workforce?

The following is part of a debate that is published in the Economic Times dated 29.02.2012, on whether contract workers should be regularised or not <<click here>>

[28.02.2012]A report on the 26^th National Council meeting held on 27.02.2012 <<click here>>

[28.02.2012]Hearty congratulation for conducting successful one day General Strike 

Today’s General Strike is very successful in most of the Circles in BSNL. CHQ heartily congratulates every one for the successful strike. It also appreciates the good work done by the Circle / District Secretaries and office-bearers for successfully organizing the strike. CHQ also hails the unity of the Non-Executive Unions and Associations which conducted joint campaign programme to organize the strike.

[28.02.2012]Building Fund from Karnataka Circle 

On the occasion of the visit of Com.P. Asokababu, Dy.GS, BSNLEU for the convention organized by the BSNLEU, Karnataka Circle at Bangalore on 17^th February, 2012 on NEPP and February 28^th General Strike, the following amounts were handed over to him towards building fund: 

(1)    Building Fund given in cash by Harihara Branch, Chitradurga SSA          – Rs.5,000/-

(2)    Towards advertisements in the Souvenir (3 advertisements Rs.5000/-

       + Rs.2000/- + Rs.1500/-) from Davangere SSA                                         –  Rs.8,500/-

(3)    Towards advertisement in the Souvenir, from BSNLEU,

                 Dakshnia Kannada SSA                                                       – Rs.5,000/-

[28.02.2012]Building Fund Received

[28.02.2012]Convention at Patna on the General Strike on 28.02.2012 <<click here>>

[27.02.2012]Make the 28^th February strike a historic success 

The Indian working class is all set to go on a strike tomorrow, which is going to be the biggest strike the country has even witnessed. The strike will also be a very big success in BSNL, which will start from 0000 hrs on 28.02.2012 and will end at 0000 hrs on 29.02.2012. Comrades are requested to make last minute mobilization to make the strike a grand success.

[27.02.2012]CBI files case against Kuldeep Goyal, former CMD BSNL 

CBI has filed a case against Kuldeep Goyal, former CMD BSNL. The CBI has also filed cases against three more BSNL officers, viz., R.K.Agarwal, Director, Consumer Mobility, Pradeep Narang, the then General Manager and Anil Kumar, the then DGM, (Strategic Planning). These officers have allegedly caused a loss of Rs.535.50 crore to BSNL. It is alleged that these officers entered into a criminal conspiracy and abused their official position and facilitated the award of Leased Service Area (LSA) contract for development of WiMax services to StarNet Communications, considered to have close links with A.Raja. It is alleged that StarNet Communications did not have the required qualification of Rs.100 crore turnover for the last 2 years.

(Source: The Hindu dated 26-02-2012)  

[27.02.2012]BSNL will introduce 3 tablets. 

BSNL has announced that it will introduce 3 tablets, in partnership with Penta, a Noida based company. Of the three, the cheapest tablet will be sold for Rs.3250. It will be sold along with special data plans and 3G services from BSNL. The other two tablets are priced at Rs.10,999 and Rs.13,500.

[25.02.2012]28^th February strike convention at Pune  <<click here>>

[25.02.2012]Cancellation of 122 licenses: Foreign telecom companies close down their Indian operations 

UAE based Etisalat has announced that it was shutting down it’s Indian operations, following the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel 122 2G licences. Etisalat is having a joint venture with Dynamix Balwas group. It is having 16.17 lakh customers in 15 circles. Earlier, Bahrain Telecom (Batelco) had announced it’s decision to quit STel, which is a joint venture company with Sivasankaran group. STel has asked it’s customers to switch over to other mobile companies, using mobile number portability. Similarly, Telenor has also decided to dump it’s joint venture with Unitech. However, it has announced it will float a new company and will bid for 2G spectrum in the forthcoming auction. 

[25.02.2012]Etisalat sues promoters of Swan telecom for 2G fraud 

Etisalat has initiated legal proceedings against promoters of Swan Telecom for fraud and misrepresentation, leading to the cancellation of it’s 2G licences. Etisalat’s ease is that it was induced into it’s investment in Swan, without any disclosure of the matters that are now alleged by the CBI, which has resulted in the cancellation of the 2G licenses.

[25.02.2012]CHQ's letter on amendment of TTA Recruitment Rules  <<click here>>

[25.02.2012]PIL filed in Supreme Court, seeking CBI investigation on P. Chidambaram 

An NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) has filed a PIL on 23^rd February, 2012, in the Supreme Court, seeking it’s direction to the CBI to conduct an investigation into the role of Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, in the 2G spectrum case.

[25.02.2012]DoT's approval letter for NE 12 pay scale <<click here>>

[25.02.2012]CHQ's letter regarding the date of effect of NE 12 pay scale <<click here>>

[25.02.2012]CMD's appeal to ITS officers <<click here>>

[25.02.2012]BSNL guidelines for reimbursement of cost of oxygen concentrator <<click here>>

[23.02.2012]DoT issued order on approval of NE-12 pay scale 

DoT has issued order, granting approval for the NE-12 pay scale. CHQ will now ensure releasing of order by BSNL at the earliest. 

[23.02.2012]Meeting with Executive Director (CA) 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. Adhir Kumar Sen, Vice-President-CHQ, met Shri N.N. Gupta, Executive Director (CA) and discussed about the problems being faced by the Telecom Stores Organisation. The ED (CA) assured to do his best on this matter.<<click here>>

[23.02.2012]Meeting with CMD BSNL on the issues of Telecom Factories 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. Adhir Kumar Sen, Vice-President, CHQ, met Shri R.K. Upadhyay, CMD BSNL and discussed about the issues of the Telecom Factories. CMD BSNL explained to the Union Representatives, about the various measures being taken by BSNL management to strengthen the Telecom Factories. <<click here>>

[23.02.2012]Meeting with Director (HR) on the victimizations in Varanasi SSA 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, Com. K.R. Yadav, Vice-President and Com. R.K. Mishra, CS, UP(East) met Shri A.N. Rai, Director (HR) and explained to him about the victimizations being let loose by the GM, Varanasi, on the functionaries of BSNLEU. They requested the Director (HR) to immediately put an end to the victimizations. Director (HR) assured to intervene and do the needful.

[23.02.2012]Proposals of the Designation Committee meeting held today the 23.02.2012 <<click here>>

[23.02.2012]28^th February Strike - appeal by BSNL management <<click here>>

[23.02.2012]Reliance Communications to buy equipment worth $600 million from Hua Wei and ZTE. 

Reliance Communications is all set to buy network equipments for $600 million from the Chinese companies HUA Wei and ZTE. These influential Chinese telecom companies have helped Reliance Communications to secure $925 million loan from the state owned Chinese banks. This loan which has seven year maturity, bears 5% rate of interest. Utilising this loan, Reliance Communications will buy telecom equipment worth $600 million  from Hua Wei and ZTE.

[22.02.2012]Chief Justice of India in conflict of interest – Public Interest Litigation filed in Supreme Court 

A Public Interest Litigation is filed in the Supreme Court, seeking review of the court’s judgement, which quashed the Rs.11,000 crore income tax demand on Vodafone. The judgement was delivered by a three judge bench, headed by Justice S.H. Kapadia, the Chief Justice of India. In delivering the judgement in favour of Vodafone, the bench had considered a due diligence report filed by Ernst & Young, a global tax consultancy firm. The petitioner of the PLI has stated that Hoshnar Kapadia, son of Justice S.H. Kapadia has been working as Senior Manager in Ernst & Young, since 2008. Hence, the Chief Justice was in conflict of interest in dealing with the case, says the petitioner.

[22.02.2012]Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour seeks information on deployment of Contract / Casual Workers for perennial nature of jobs <<click here>> <<enclosure>>

[21.02.2012]Notification for 17^th meeting of the Standing Committee of National Council <<click here>>

[21.02.2012]CHQ writes to BSNL CO, seeking amendment to TTA RR <<click here>>

[21.02.2012]CHQ writes to BSNL CO, to enhance the quantum of Natural Calamity advance to the staff of Cuddalore and Pondicherry SSAs  <<click here>>

[21.02.2012]BSNL Casual and Contract Workers' Federation joins 28^th February Strike <<click here>>

[21.02.2012]Corporate Office guideline for mutual transfer <<click here>>

[18.02.2012]Conduct joint campaign for the 28^th February strike

Circle and District secretaries are requested to note that the Non- Executive Unions and Associations are jointly conducting campaigning for the 28^th February strike. (FNTO is not part of this joint campaign, except in West Bengal). Joint campaign meetings are being conducted at Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and at Patna, in which, CHQ leaders are addressing. However, leaders from the CHQ cannot go to all Circles, for want of time. So, our Circle and District Secretaries are requested to coordinate with the leaders of other unions and associations of Non-Executives and conduct joint meetings etc. and to organize workers for the strike. If any difficulty is experienced, comrades are requested to immediately contact the General Secretary.

[18.02.2012]A very successful campaign meeting held at Chennai on 16.02.2012<<click here>>

[18.02.2012]Centre seeks review in the Supreme Court, in the Rs.11,000 crore tax dispute with Vodafone.

Central Government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, in the Rs.11,000 crore income tax dispute with the Vodafone. Earlier, Supreme Court has rejected Government’s direction to Vodafone, to pay Rs.11,000 crore as income tax, for it’s over seas dealing with Essar Group. 

[18.02.2012]Study to examine impact of radiation from cell phone towers on birds.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has commissioned a study on the impact of radiation from cell phone towers on birds. This study has been set up because, an earlier study has said that the radiation from cellphone towers affect the bees very badly.

[17.02.2012]28^th February Strike - BSNL Non-Executives Convention at Calicut <<click here>>

[17.02.2012]NE-12 Pay Scale file approved by DoT

A very good news: NE-12 pay scale is approved by Secretary, DoT. Orders will be issued by DoT on Tuesday. Our sincere thanks to all the officers in DoT, who helped to take expeditious decision.

[16.02.2012]Joint campaign meeting at Chennai today.

Campaign meeting, for organizing the 28^th February strike, is being held at Chennai today. Non-Executive unions and associations of Tamil Nadu and Chennai circles are organizing the meeting. It is being held in the sprawling hall of Raja Annamalai Mandram.

[16.02.2012]A very successful meeting at Hydrabad on 15-02-2012 <<click here>>

[15.02.2012]Prime Minister talks about making changes in Labour Laws

After launching the Neo-Liberal economic policies, the government is consistently trying to change the existing Labour Laws, in favour of the corporates and multi national companies. This could not be achieved due to stiff opposition from trade unions. Strict implementation of the existing Labour Laws, is one of the demands on which the 28^th February strike is also going to take place. Under this circumstance, the Prime Minister has once again talked about bringing changes to the Labour Laws. Addressing the Indian Labour Conference on 14-02-2012, the Prime Minister has said “The view among investors and industry that the existing policies unduly protected the interests of the currently employed and hindered the creation of the new jobs.” By joining the 28^th February strike enmasse, let us tell the Prime Minister, in no uncertain terms that we will not allow our hard won rights be taken away. 

[15.02.2012]Massive campaign meeting at Hyderabad today.

A massive campaign meeting is taking place at Hyderabad today, the 15-02-2012, to organize the 28^th February General Strike. Those who address the meeting include Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, BSNLEU, Com. Chandeswar Singh, Secretary General, NFTE, Com. V.Subburaman, General Secretary, TEPU, etc. All Circle and District Secretaries are requested to take all out efforts to ensure the success of the strike.

[14.02.2012]Massive rally at Kolkata on 13.02.2012 <<click here>>

[14.02.2012]Mammoth rally at Portugal 

To tide over the economic crises, governments in the European countries give bail outs to the corporates and impose austerity measures on the workers. Austerity measures means, wage cut, pension cut, retrenchment, imposing work load etc. etc. Against such measures, more than 3 lakh workers conducted a powerful rally at Lisbon on 11^th February, 2012.<<click here>>

[13.02.2012]BSNLEU meeting at BSNL Bhavan, vijayawada on 9.2.2012 <<click here>>

[13.02.2012]Strike notice for 28^th February strike <<click here>>

[13.02.2012]Joint circular for the 28^th February strike <<click here>>

[13.02.2012]Joint hindi circular for the 28^th February strike <<click here>>

[11.02.2012]Ensure prompt quota remittance to CHQ 

It is observed that from many SSAs, quota remittance to CHQ is not being made every month. Instead, DDOs are remitting CHQ quota, once in three or four months. This is not a proper practice. All the District Secretaries are requested to keep a watch on this and to ensure that the DDOs send quota to CHQ every month. From April, 2012 onwards, the validity of cheque will be only for 3 months. Hence, this warrants dispatching of the cheques immediately to the CHQ.

[10.02.2012]TTA pre-qualifying test 

BSNLEU CHQ has long been pressing upon the management to incorporate an amendment to the TTA Recruitment Rules, for conducting a pre-qualifying test for the non 10+2 candidates. We hope a favourable decision in this regard may come from the management soon. 

[10.02.2012]Holding of one more JAO exam, in the old syllabus 

CHQ has tried hard to get relaxation / grace marks for the JAO part II exam that has been held last. Our attempts in this regard did not succeed. However, it is now reliably learnt that one more JAO exam will be conducted in the old syllabus. The employees will be greatly benefited due to this. CHQ is taking all efforts to hold the exam early.

[09.02.2012]President and General Secretary meet Member (Finance), DoT regarding NE-12 pay scale

Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President and Com. P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary, met the Member (Finance), DoT, today the 09.02.2012 and requested her to expeditiously approve the NE-12 pay scale. The Member (Finance), assured to look into the matter and to do the needful. CHQ is taking all out efforts for getting the approval of NE-12 pay scale by DoT, without delay.

[09.02.2012]Representation of Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNL Casual & Contract Workers Federation <<click here>>

[09.02.2012]House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per 6^th CPC on Government Pattern <<click here>>

[09.02.2012]Notification for National Council meeting <<click here>>

[09.02.2012]CHQ Hindi Circular No.02 dated 08.02.2012 <<click here>>

[09.02.2012]BSNLEU writes to Corporate Office on seeking modifications to the order for allotment of quarters to BSNL/DoT retirees <<click here>>

[08.02.2012]CHQ Circular No.2 dated 08.02.2012 <<click here>>

[08.02.2012]Massive meeting at Kolkata on 13.02.2012, to organize 28^th February strike.

A massive meeting is being held at Kolkata, on 13.02.2012, to organize the 28^th February strike. Com. Shyamal Chakraborthy, West Bengal State President of CITU, Com. Romen Pandey, West Bengal State Working President of INTUC, Com. Animesh Mitra, Com. Adhir Kumar Sen and Com. Saibal Sen Gupta (BSNLEU) Com. Alok Nandi (FNTO) and Com. Shyamal Gosh (NFTE) are addressing the meeting.

[07.02.2012]Dates for Standing Committee and Designations Committee meetings 

The Standing Committee meeting will be held on 22.02.2012. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the Designations Committee meeting is postponed to 23.02.2012. Members of the respective committee are requested to make note of these dates.

[07.02.2012]Organise the 28^th February strike vigorously 

This is the first time in the history of the country, that all the trade unions are waging a struggle against the anti-people and anti-worker economic policies of the government. All the Circle and District Secretaries are requested to take all out efforts to make the 28^th February strike successful.

[06.02.2012]Early approval of NE-12 pay scale – General Secretary discusses with DOT officers

The NE-12 pay scale file is being processed in DOT for necessary approval. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, today met and discussed the issue with the DDG (Estt.) and DDG (Accounts) of the DOT and has urged upon them to finalise the case at the earliest.

[06.02.2012]Meetings at Hyderabad and Chennai to organize the February 28^th Strike

In accordance with the decision taken in the 3^rd February meeting, held at New Delhi, it is decided that massive meetings will be organized at Hyderabad on 15.02.2012 and at Chennai on 16.02.2012. Leaders of Non-Executive Unions and Associations, including BSNLEU, NFTE, FNTO etc., will address these meetings. BSNLEU Circle Secretaries are requested to co-ordinate with the Circle Secretaries of other unions and associations, and to organize these meetings in a massive way.

[06.02.2012]BSNLMRS - Guidelines for regulation of expenditure on Indoor treatment - cases where no CGHS rates are prescribed for any treatment/procedure <<click here>>

[06.02.2012]Let us believe that P. Chidambaram is innocent!!! <<click here>>

[04.02.2012]6^th Punjab Circle Conference of BSNLEU <<click here>>

[04.02.2012]Minutes of the meeting held on 03.02.2012 regarding 28^th February strike <<click here>>

[03.02.2012]Non-Executive Unions / Associations of BSNL decide to successfully conduct February 28^th strike <<click here>>

[02.02.2012]Corporate Office letter on holding of LDCE for TTA under 40% quota for the recruitment year 2011 <<click here>>

[02.02.2012]National Council meeting to take place on 27.02.2012

The 26^th meeting of the National Council will take place on 27.02.2012. As a prelude to this, the pre-National Council Staff Side Meeting will take place on 26.02.2012. All National Council members are requested to make note of this. 

[02.02.2012]Date of the meeting of the Designations Committee changed

Due to administrative reasons the date of the meeting of the Designations Committee has been changed from 09.02.2012 to 15.02.2012. All Designation Committee members are requested to make note of this.

[02.02.2012]Building Fund received 

[02.02.2012]2G - Historical verdict of Supreme Court - JAC press release <<click here>>

[02.02.2012]Supreme Court cancels all the 122 2G licenses granted by A. Raja – A major blow to the UPA govt.

In a major blow to the UPA government, the Supreme Court has ordered cancellation of all the 122 2G licenses issued by A. Raja, in January, 2008. The Supreme Court has observed that the licenses were granted in “arbitrary and unconstitutional” manner. The Court has asked the TRAI to recommend a new process of allocation of licenses, along with guidelines for auctioning the spectrum. The Supreme Court has left it to the trial court to decide, whether P. Chindambaram should be investigated by the CBI or not.

[02.02.2012]BSNLEU does not believe in mudslinging.

BSNLEU is for greater unity. But it does not mean that it should allow false propaganda. When a picture is painted that workers are leaving BSNLEU in big number, it is our right to expose the false propaganda. BSNLEU never believes in mudslinging and character assassination. The leadership of NFTE should make a self introspection, as to who is indulging is mudslinging and character assassination, and should come forward to correct them.

[01.02.2012]Maharashtra Circle Executive Committee meeting <<click here>>

[01.02.2012]Telephone Subscribers' Base in India for the month of Dec' 2011<<click here>>

[31.01.2012]Conciliation meeting with CLC

Conciliation meeting, called on by the Chief Labour Commissioner, took place today. The JAC leader, including Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU and Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, participated in the meeting. However, shortly after the meeting started, the CLC had to leave, due to unavoidable circumstance. Hence, the meeting is postponed to 01-03-2012.

[31.01.2012]Tall claims of new members.

NFTE, in it’s website updating on 19-01-2012, has claimed that 194 new members have joined that union at Indore, in Madya Pradesh. Now, subscription deduction has taken place from the salary for the month of January, 2012. Subscription has been deducted from the salary of only 120 employees in favour of NFTE at Indore. At the same time subscription has been deducted from the salary of 574 employees in favour of BSNLEU. If 194 new members have joined NFTE in the month of January, then why subscription has been deducted only from 120 members?

[31.01.2012]Size of the govt. employees: Myth and the truth <<click here>>

[30.01.2012]Conciliatory meeting with Chief Labour Commissioner tomorrow 

The Chief Labour Commissioner will hold a conciliatory meeting tomorrow, the 31.01.2012, between the JAC, BSNL management and the DOT. This meeting is the continuation of the one held on 22^nd December, 2011. The issues contained in the Charter of Demands of the JAC, for the 15^th December, 2011 strike, will come up for discussion in the meeting.

[30.01.2012]Interpretation of dependency criterion for grant of two family pensions - Corporate Office Order <<click here>>

[30.01.2012]BSNL initiates recruitment for Senior Management level posts 

BSNL management vide letter no.400-125/2011-Pers-I dated 27^th January, 2012, has initiated the process for the recruitment ITS officers to the post of Sr.DGM, GM, PGM and CGM.

[28.01.2012]Implementation of FR 22 (i) (a) (i) for officiating JTOs - CHQ writes to Corporate Office <<click here>>

[28.01.2012]FR 22 (i) a (i) to officiating JTOs: GS and Dy.GS meet Director (HR) 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS met Director (HR) yesterday the 27.01.2012 and discussed with him the issue of FR 22 (i) a (i) to officiating JTOs. They requested the Director (HR) to accept the court judgement on granting FR 22 (i) a (i) to the officiating JTOs and not to go on any appeal in the Supreme Court. The Director (HR) assured to look into the matter.

The GS and Dy.GS once again requested the Director (HR) to take an early decision for conducting prequalifying test for the TTA LDCE. The Director (HR) assured to look into this issue also.

[27.01.2012]Revised scheme and syllabus issued for LICE for junior hindi translator, BSNL Corporate Office order <<click here>>

[27.01.2012]Bhopal Gas Tragedy’s Shadow over 2012 Olympics.  <<click here>>

[25.01.2012]Exemption from levying fee by certain local bodies in Tamil Nadu: Shri P.R. Natarajan, M.P. writes to the Chairman of Standing Committee on Information Technology <<click here>>

[24.01.2012]GS and Dy.GS met Member (Services), Telecom Commission 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS, met Shri S.C. Misra, Member (Services), Telecom Commission, today the 24.01.2012, and requested his intervention for the early approval of the NE-12 pay scale, by the DOT. The Member (Services) assured to ensure early approval of the NE-12 pay scale.

[24.01.2012]Holding of prequalifying test for 40% TTA LDCE

It is well known that BSNLEU is continuously and consistently pressing upon the BSNL management for holding pre-qualifying test in respect of the non 10+2 candidates, for the TTA 40% LDCE. Under this circumstance, as per the direction of the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, Corporate Office has issued order for holding 40% TTA LDCE. But, there is no provision in the order, for holding prequalifying test for the non 10+2 candidates. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, and Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS, once again met the GM (Estt.) today and insisted for taking necessary steps to ensure holding of prequalifying test for the non 10+2 candidates. We hope that BSNL management will take a decision soon on this issue.

[24.01.2012]Corporate Office order on holding of LDCE for TTA 40% quota for the recruitment year 2011 <<click here>>

[24.01.2012]Building Fund received 

CHQ thankfully acknowledges the receipt of Building Fund, as per details mentioned below: 

[23.01.2012]Circle Conference of Telecom Stores <<click here>>

[23.01.2012]Circle Conference of Telecom Factory, Kolkata <<click here>>

[23.01.2012]Media offering opium to masses : Justice Markandey Katju <<click here>>

[23.01.2012]264 new members join BSNLEU in UP (East) Circle 

264 new members have joined BSNLEU, quitting NFTE and WRU, in UP (East) Circle. In Allahabad, Com. Harbans Singh, District President, NFTE, has joined BSNLEU with 65 members. Further, 83 new members at Lucknow, 40 at Kanpur and 20 at Gorakhpur have also joined BSNLEU. 

In Kolkata Telephones Circle 63 new members have joined BSNLEU. 31 new members have joined BSNLEU at Bhubaneswar. CHQ welcomes all the new members.

[21.01.2012]West Bengal Circle executive committee meeting- 20-01-2012.<<click here>>

[20.01.2012]Remembering the glorious general strike of 19^th January, 1982.<<click here>>

[20.01.2012]Andhra Pradesh consolidates: 480 new members join BSNLEU.

480 new members have joined BSNLEU in Andhra Pradesh Circle. The break up figures is as follows: - Hyderabad-100, Vijayawada-75, Ananthapur-72, Tirupati-55, Adilabad-37, Rajahmundry-25, Ongle-30, Guntur-20, Nellore-15, Eluru-15, Nizamabad-11, Karimnagar-11, Srikakulam-8, Vijayanagaram-6. CHQ congratulates the AP Circle union as well as the District Unions and welcome the new members.

[20.01.2012]Haryana circle treasurer of NFTE join BSNLEU with 100 members

Com.L.S.Nirwal, Haryana Circle Treasurer of NFTE, as well as a veteran leader of that Union, has joined BSNLEU. Under his leadership, 100 members of NFTE, have joined BSNLEU at Faridabad. CHQ heartily welcome Com. L.S.Nirwal and the new members.

Similarly, 83 new members have joined BSNLEU at Lucknow. Out of this 50 members are from NFTE and 50 members are from other unions. Further, 22 new members have joined BSNLEU at Darbhanga, in Bihar circle. CHQ heartily welcomes these comrades also into BSNLEU.

[19.01.2012]Punjab marches ahead: 165 new members join BSNLEU.

As per the report received from Circle Secretary, Punjab, 165 new members have joined BSNLEU in the month of January, 2012.  The break up figure is as follows: - Jalandhar-52, Ferozpur-30, Bathinda-31, Chandigarh-23, Ludhiana-8.  Patiala–21. CHQ congratulates Punjab Circle union as well as the District unions and welcome all the new members to BSNLEU.

[19.01.2012]K.G. Bose Bhavan inauguration on 22^nd March, 2012 

The Central Secretariat meeting held today the 19.01.2012, has decided to conduct the inaugural function of K.G. Bose Bhavan on 22^nd March, 2012. The meeting decided that Com. A.K. Padmanabhan, President, CITU will inaugurate the building. 

[19.01.2012]Central Executive Committee meeting to be held at New Delhi on 22^nd and 23^rd March, 2012 

The Central Executive Committee meeting of BSNL Employees Union will be held at New Delhi, on 22^nd and 23^rd March, 2012. All CEC members are requested to make note of this and book their journey tickets well in advance. 

[19.01.2012]Gujarat creates history : 862 new members join BSNLEU

862 new members have joined BSNLEU in Gujarat Circle. The break figures are as follows:- 

Ahmedabad–210, Nadiad–171, Baroda–170, Rajkot–110, Mehsana–70, Valsad–61, Junagad–28, CGM(O)–11, Himmat Nagar–8, Amreli–7, Baruch–7, Palanpur–5, Surendranagar–4. CHQ congratulates Gujarat Circle Union as well as the District Unions and heartily welcomes the new members.

[18.01.2012]Declaration (English) of the convention of the Public Sector Trade Unions held at Bangalore on 13.01.2012 <<click here>>

[18.01.2012]Declaration (Hindi) of the convention of the Public Sector Trade Unions held at Bangalore on 13.01.2012 <<click here>>

[18.01.2012]Corporate office issued order for 4.7% IDA increase w.e.f. 01.01.2012 <<click here>>

[17.01.2012]TRAI releases proposals for new license 

The TRAI has released proposals for new telecom license, completely overhauling the present system. According to the new proposals, the license will be technology neutral, i.e., the holder of the license can provide any service, like land line, mobile, internet, long distance, DTH, etc. At present, separate licenses are required for providing each of these services. More over, license is separated from spectrum. This means, the licensee has to purchase spectrum through auctioning. Another important aspect is, the license can be taken for any level, i.e., National level, circle level and even for district level. The price for national level license is fixed as Rs.20 crore.

[17.01.2012]CHQ thankfully acknowledges receipt of the following Building Fund donations:-

[17.01.2012]As already informed through our website on 11.01.2012, BSNL Corporate Office has issued order for provision of prepaid SIM with Rs.200/- free talk time to Telecom Mechanics / Regular Mazdoors, who undertake outdoor duties and to select Non-Executives, on the basis of functional need. This is in implementation of the decision taken in the 25^th National Council Meeting.<<click here>>

[17.01.2012]DPE issues order on IDA increase

DPE issued order increasing IDA rate on Revised (2007) Pay / Pension by 4.7% w.e.f. 01.01.2012 to 56.7% vide F.No.2(70)/2008-DPE (WC)-GL-I/2012 dated 16.01.2012.

[16.01.2012]Telephone Subscribers' Base in India for the month of November 2011<<click here>>

[16.01.2012]Standard & Poors downgrades nine European countries

It may be remembered that a few months back, USA’s AAA credit rating was downgraded by the Standard and Poors. Now, nine European countries have been downgraded by the Standard & Poors. Especially, France has been downgraded from AAA rating. These countries have been following anti worker measures, such as job reduction, wage cut, curtailment of retirement benefits, etc, to come out of their economic problems. At the same time, these governments have been giving huge bail-outs to the corporates. Working class is conducting massive struggles throughout Europe, against these anti worker and pro corporate measures. Now, it is proved that the economic policies being followed by these countries cannot resolve the economic crisis.

[13.01.2012]Highly successful convention of Public Sector Trade Unions at Bangalore.

The one day convention of the Public Sector Trade Unions held at Bangalore today, the 13-01-2012, was highly successful. The convention was called on by the Central Trade Union Organisations, to organize the one day strike on 28-02-2012. Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, represented BSNLEU in the convention. The convention was inaugurated by Dr.G. Sanjeeva Reddy, President, INTUC. Other leaders who  addressed the convention were, com. Baidyanath Rai, GS,BMS, com. Gurudas Dasgupta,GS,AITUC, com. Tapan Sen,GS,CITU, com.R.A.Mittal,GS,HMS,etc. Com.P.Abhimanyu,GS, participated in the discussion and spoke on the anti-BSNL policies of the UPA govt. and announced that BSNLEU will join the strike. The convention unanimously decided to join the one day strike on 28-02-2012.

[12.01.2012]Problems related to QA Kolkata - CHQ writes to Director (HR)  <<click here>>

[12.01.2012]Building Fund received in Joint Circle conference of Assam, NE I and NE II

The following amounts were handed over to Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, at the time of the Joint Circle Conference of Assam, NE I and NE II, held from 6^th to 8^th January, 2012. CHQ heartily thanks all the comrades.

[12.01.2012]Information on HRA - Corporate Office sends reminder to CGMs <<click here>>

[12.01.2012]13^th January last date for submission membership forms 

Since 14^th and 15^th January happen to be holidays, the last date for submission of membership forms is 13^th January, 2012. All are requested to make not of this and submit the forms on 13^th January itself.

[12.01.2012]Designation Committee reconstituted 

Based on the decision of the National Council, a Joint Committee was formed for Change of Designations of the Non-Executives. However, management stopped holding meetings of this committee. Now, based on our complaint given to the Director (HR), this committee has be reconstituted. We hope that meetings will now take place and new designations will be finalized soon. 

[12.01.2012]Standing Committee meeting to be held on 24.01.2012 

Standing Committee of the National Council will meet on 24.01.2012. The items already discussed in the National Council will be reviewed and also follow up action will be monitored by this committee. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS and Com. V. Subburaman, GS, TEPU are the Staff Side members in the Standing Committee.

[12.01.2012]Holding of JAO 40% quota exam - CHQ writes to Corporate Office <<click here>>

[11.01.2012]Sim Card with Rs.200 free talk time to be provided to employees who were earlier provided with WLL hand sets 

In the 25^th National Council meeting, held in June 2011, Staff Side demanded supply of mobile hand sets to all the Non-Executive employees. In view of BSNL’s deteriorating financial position, this demand was not accepted. However, in that meeting it was decided to provide a sim card with free talk time worth Rs.200/-, to such of those employees who were earlier provided with WLL hand sets. Now, Management Committee has given approval for this, and Corporate Office is likely to issue order soon.

[11.01.2012]BSNL’s revenue increases by 4.56% 

The revenue of BSNL has increased by 4.56% for the period from April to December 2011, compared to the period from April to December 2010. It is a good news that the erosion in BSNL’s revenue has been checked, and a slight increase has been made. This gives hope to us, that if all of us make sincere efforts, BSNL will definitely become a profit making company once again. Let us strive for it.

[11.01.2012]Gujarat Circle Union sends Rs.2,53,333 towards CHQ building fund 

Gujarat Circle Union has sent an amount of Rs.2,53,333 towards CHQ building fund. CHQ sincerely thanks the Gujarat Circle Union, as well as the District Unions which have given the building fund. The break-up figure of the donation is given below: 

[11.01.2012]Compensation for BSNL’s rural operations

The following is the reply given by Shri Milind Deora, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, on 21^st December, 2011, to the questions raised by Shri P.R. Natarajan, MP and Shri M.B. Rajesh, MP.

BSNL has sought support of Rs.9306 crores per annum from USOF towards the Rural Direct Exchange Lines (R-DEL) on expiry of the current subsidy support of Rs.2000 crores per annum given to BSNL for the period of three years from 19^th July, 2008 to 17^th July, 2011. After consideration, TRAI has been requested on 14.09.2011 to give its recommendations regarding continuation of support for rural wire line connection installed before 01.04.2002 from USOF on phasing out of ADC, beyond three years and the amount/period thereof. The TRAI recommendation in this regard is awaited. 

[11.01.2012]Pre qualifying test for TTA LICE: GS and Dy. GS meet Director (HR)

Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. P. Asokababu, Dy. GS, met Shri A.N. Rai, Director (HR) and discussed the TTA LICE issue. The leaders strongly demanded that a pre-qualifying test should be conducted in respect of the candidates who do not possess 10+2 qualification, and those who pass the test should be permitted to appear the TTA LICE. Director (HR) assured to look into this issue. We are hopeful that a positive decision in this regard would be taken soon.

[11.01.2012]Tamil Nadu Cyclone: Media appreciates BSNL's service <<click here>>

[10.01.2012]Untruths, half truths and blatant lies of FNTO <<click here>>

[10.01.2012]There is nothing new in BSNL's circular dated 05.01.2012. No second union is recognised <<click here>>

[10.01.2012]100% privatization of BALCO to take place

51% of the shares of BALCO was sold to Sterlite Company for a meager amount of Rs.551.50 crore, by the Vajpayee govt. in the year 2001. 49% of the shares of BALCO is still with the govt. of India. Now govt. of India is getting ready to sell the remaining 49% shares also to Sterlite, which is agreeable to purchase the same. An empowered Group of Ministers has asked Sterlite to make the offer. If Sterlite purchases the remaining 49% shares, then BALCO will be privatized 100%.

[Source: Economic Times dated 09.01.2012]

[10.01.2012]Issues related to Casual and Contract Workers - Reply to Shri R. Natarajan, M.P., given by Hon'ble Minister of State <<click here>>

[09.01.2012]Conduct demonstrations tomorrow the 10.01.2012 

Conduct protest demonstrations on 10.01.2012, as per the call of the JAC, 

(a)   to demand severe action on the 5 private operators who cheated government and provided 3G service in circles where they have not acquired 3G spectrum, and thereby caused heavy loss to the govt.

(b)   to demand immediate refund of BWA spectrum amount. 

Send report and photos to the CHQ.

[09.01.2012]The former Telecom Minister Sukhram is sent to jail

At last, former Telecom Minister Sukhram is sent to jail on last Saturday, to serve his three year jail term. Sukhram is convicted in a 1993 corruption case, in which he had entered into a criminal conspiracy with a Hydrabad based private company. Accordingly, Sukhram awarded a telecom equipment supply contract to the private company, which supplied inferior quality goods, at higher rate, to the DoT. Together with Sukhram, former DoT officer Runu Ghosh and the private company managing director, P.Ramarao, were also sent to jail.

[07.01.2012]Joint Circle Conference of Assam, NE-I and NE-II, being held at Silchar, Assam.<<click here>>

[06.01.2012]NE-12 Pay Scale 

BSNL Board approved NE-12 pay scale (Rs.16390-33830) and sent it to DOT for its approval. Today Com. P. Asokababu, Dy.GS met Director (PSU) in DOT and requested for immediate processing of the case for approval.

[06.01.2012]CHQ Hindi Circular No.01 dated 04.01.2012 <<click here>>

[06.01.2012]CHQ Circular No.01 dated 04.01.2012 <<click here>>

[05.01.2012]Admissibility of full pension after 10 years of qualifying service in Government - DoP&T order <<click here>>

[05.01.2012]Work Orders for contact centre services for wireline - broadband and associated VAS - CHQ writes to Corporate Office <<click here>>

[05.01.2012]NE 12 pay scale file sent for DOT’s approval 

BSNL has sent the NE 12 pay scale file to the DOT, for it’s approval. CHQ is following up the case, to get early approval of the DOT.

[05.01.2012]Conduct demonstrations on 10.01.2012 

The JAC has given call to conduct demonstrations on 10.01.2012 on the issues of 3G roaming and refund of BWA spectrum amount to BSNL.

It is known to every one now, that Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Tata Teleservices and Aircel were providing 3G services in circles where they have not acquired 3G spectrum. They were providing the service by sharing each others spectrum. This is violation of license conditions and caused huge loss of revenue to the govt. DOT banned this 3G intra circle roaming. One estimation is that, this 3G intra circle roaming has caused Rs.20,000 crore loss to the government. This looting by private companies has to be exposed among the people of this country. 

BSNL has surrendered its BWA Spectrum in most of the circles. Govt. dumped this non-standard spectrum on BSNL. Now money should be refunded to BSNL for the spectrum that BSNL has surrendered. It is expected that BSNL may get around Rs.7000 crore as refund. Both these issues are very important. Circle and District Secretaries are requested to organize the demonstrations powerfully.

[05.01.2012]Reduction in salary - case of the TTA, Sr.TOA, RM etc. recruited after 01.01.2007 - CHQ writes to Corporate Office <<click here>>

[05.01.2012]Corporate Office order on Revision of pay of Board level and below Board level Executives w.e.f. 01.01.2007 - reduction of emoluments of directly recruited JTOs of 2007 and 2008 Batch & directly recruited JAOs in respect of whom result was declared in April-10 <<click here>>

[05.01.2012]Pension contribution in case of BSNL employees deputed to DOT Cells - CHQ writes to Corporate Office <<click here>>

[05.01.2012]Where a govt. dictates terms to Multi National Companies 

Venezuela has won an important legal battle against the US Multi National Oil giant, Exxon Mobil Corporation. In 2007 the Venezuelan govt. nationalized the assets of Exxon Mobil. This nationalization became necessary since Exxon Mobil refused to accept the conditions laid down by the Venezuelan govt. Thereafter Exxon Mobil filed a case in the International Chamber of Commerce, and claimed a compensation of 12 billion US dollars. The International Chambers of Commerce has now given a verdict that Exxon Mobile can get a compensation of only 907 million dollars, which is only 10% of what the company originally claimed. Before the Leftist govt. under Hugo Chavez came to power in Venezuela, Multi National Companies like Exxon Mobil looted the oil resources of that country. But Hugo Chavez took many decisions in the interest of Venezuela and brought the multi national companies under control. In Venezuela, the govt. dictates terms to the Multi National Companies. But in India, MNCs like WalMart dictate terms to the government.

[Source: The Hindu dated 04.01.2012]

[04.01.2012]JAC press release on Lunch Hour Demonstration  by BSNL Workers on 10^th January, 2012 <<click here>>

[04.01.2012]Govt. to intensify privatization of PSUs 

The Union Cabinet is likely to take up the Finance Ministry’s proposal to go ahead with disinvestment in several PSUs. The UPA govt. has proposed to raise Rs.40,000 crore in this financial year by way of selling shares in various PSUs. However, govt. has so far been able to raise only Rs.1,145 crore through selling shares. So, UPA govt. is likely to go in the offensive to restart disinvestment of PSUs. The working class has to counter this move in the appropriate manner.

 [Source: Economic Times – 04.01.2012]

[04.01.2012]Expose the fraud of the private telecom companies

On 23.12.2011 DOT directed Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Tata Teleservices and Aircel to cancel their intra circle roaming agreements for providing 3G services. These companies have cheated the govt. thousands of crores of rupees, by providing 3G services in circles where they have not taken license for the same. However, on 24.12.2011 the TDSAT stayed DOT’s order. The next date for hearing in the TDSAT is on 09.01.2012. Meanwhile BSNL has requested the TDSAT to allow it to implead in the case. Now, DOT has challenged the authority of the TDSAT to stay it’s order. There is necessity for trade unions to expose among the people the massive fraud committed by these private companies. Hence, BSNLEU has requested the JAC to give call for some programme of action on this issue.

[04.01.2012]DOT plans to impose Rs.1,594 crore penalty on 6 private companies

The DOT is proposing to impose penalties totalling Rs.1594 crore on 6 private telecom companies. These companies are Airtel, Reliance, Vodafone, Idea, Tata Tele Services and Tata Communications. These companies have understated their revenue in the years 2006-07 and 2007-08 for the purpose of license fee. Thereby these companies have cheated the govt. a huge amount towards license fee. As of now companies are paying 6% to 10% of their revenue as license fee. Minister Kapil Sibal will take a decision on 13^th January, 2012, on the DOT’s decision to impose penalty.

[04.01.2012]What Ms. Mamata Bannerjee told and forgot to tell

“The Centre had decontrolled the price of fertilizer in 2010, but not giving any subsidy to farmers for purchasing fertilizer. The farmers in our state too are now being forced to purchase fertilizer at a higher price. We are not responsible for this”.

 - Ms. Mamata Bannerjee, CM of West Bengal

Source: Economic Times 04.01.2012 

Thanks to Ms. Mamata Bannerjee for making this confession. In persuit of it’s Liberalisation policies, the UPA government is curtailing the subsidies given to the poor farmers. This is also one of the reason for 2,50,000 farmers committing suicide in the last 16 years. But what Ms. Mamata Bannerjee has not told is that the same UPA government is giving tax concessions to the corporates at the rate of nearly Rs.5 lakh crores every year. Still Manmohan Singh is claiming that his is the government of “Aam admi”.

[04.01.2012]Decline of Indian technology – Manmohan Singh sheds crocodile tears<<click here>>

[03.01.2012]Leaders of BSNLEU & BSNL Casual & Contract Workers Federation meet Parliament Standing Committee on Labour on 2^nd January’2012. <<click here>>

[03.01.2012]DOT’s approval for NE-12 pay scale 

After approval of the NE-12 pay scale by the BSNL Board, approval of the DOT is necessary for it’s implementation. CHQ is trying to send the file to DOT, within a day or two.

[03.01.2012]Kind Attention Of Circle/District/Branch Secretaries-Please see that the option for switching over to revised pay scale from the date of promotion falling between 1-1-2007 to 7-5-2010, instead of from 1-1-2007, is exercised by all the concerned officials for whom it is beneficial—Last date 21-01-2012—This is an important order achieved due to the continuous efforts of our Union—for the detailed note on this issue <<click here>>

[31.12.2011] IDA 4.7% HAS BECOME DUE: - According to our Information, 4.7% IDA has  become due w.e.f. 01-01-2012

[30.12.2011]Corporate Office order on Special Lateral Direct Recruitment Rules for the recruitment of Sr.DGM, GM, PGM and CGM <<click here>>

[30.12.2011]Corporate Office order on allotment of vacant quarters to retired employees <<click here>>

[30.12.2011]BSNL CCWF letter to Chief Labour Commissioner - Non-implementation of labour rules, non-payment of minimum wages etc. in case of casual and contract labours engaged in BSNL <<click here>>

[30.12.2011]CHQ writes to Corporate Office on upgradation of pay scale of Sr.TOAs <<click here>>

[30.12.2011]CHQ writes to Corporate Office on reduction in salary of the TTA, Sr.TOA, RM etc., recruited after 01.01.2007 <<click here>>

[30.12.2011]CHQ writes to Corporate Office on sending qualified candidates of Himachal Pradesh circle for the JTO training <<click here>>

[29.12.2011]General Secretary met Director (HR) 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary, met the Director (HR), Shri A.N. Rai, today the 29.12.2011 and requested him to immediately cause to conduct the Designation Committee meeting, which has been stalled by the Corporate Office. He apprised the Director (HR) that it was the decision of the National Council, to bring in new designations to the Non-Executives, and that the decision should be honoured by the management. Director (HR) assured to do the needful in this regard.

[29.12.2011]CHQ writes to Corporate Office on Change of designation of the Non-Executives - Violation of the decision of the National Council <<click here>>

[29.12.2011]CHQ letter to PGM (SR) on 26^th Meeting of National Council - Additional items for discussion <<click here>>

[29.12.2011]Building Fund received by CHQ.

CHQ congratulates and heartily thanks all the donors.

[28.12.2011]CHQ Building - An appeal to the Circle and District Secretaries 

CHQ has taken possession of the newly purchased Union Building on 08.12.2011, after making payment of the balance amount of Rs. One crore forty lakh. Registration of this building in the name of K.G. Bose Memorial Trust is completed on 27.12.2011. CHQ has planned to hold the inauguration of the building on 22.03.2012, which is also the Foundation Day of BSNLEU. Thus, our long time dream of purchasing a building in the National Capital has come true. At the same time, our comrades should not forget, that the union has taken a bank loan of Rs. One crore forty lakh, for making the final payment. Central Secretariat has given an appeal that each district union should send to CHQ, an amount of Rs.5000/- towards advertisement for the souvenir, to be released at the time of the inauguration of the building. Only very few district unions have so far responded to this appeal. All Circle and District Secretaries are called upon to immediately arrange to send the advertisement amount.

[28.12.2011]BSNL to re-employ ITS officers

It is learnt that BSNL is considering re-employment of some 700 ITS officers, through an emergency recruitment process. These ITS officers will resign from DOT and will get re-employed in BSNL. But there will be a condition that these officers should have atleast 2 years for service for retirement. In that case the nearly 44 ITS officers in the rank of CGM, may not be considered for such re-employment, since they have less than two years of service for retirement. Hence, senior officers from finance as well as civil and electrical engineering wings may get a chance, to be posted as CGMs.

[28.12.2011]CHQ writes to Corporate Office on New Recognition Rules <<click here>>

[27.12.2011]CHQ letter to Director (HR) on reconstitution of Standing Committee <<click here>>

[27.12.2011]Union Building’s registration done 

With great pleasure and joy, CHQ informs that the registration of our Union Building, purchased at West Patel Nagar, New Delhi, is done today. CHQ congratulates all our leaders and members who helped the CHQ to fulfill this dream.

[26.12.2011]CHQ building inauguration to take place on 22^nd March, 2012