ALL UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS OF BSNL (AUAB)

Dear Comrades,

All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB), for the last few years, pursuing the issues related to the growth of BSNL as well as the common HR issues of the BSNL employees. The DoT is putting all the hurdles in the revival of BSNL and settlement of the issues, inspite of the fact that, at the time of formation of BSNL, Govt declared that the financial viability of BSNL will be fully taken care of, better career prospects for the employees and guarantees Pensionary benefits to all. The Govt is so indifferent towards BSNL, even on growth related issues. Govt is creating innumerable hurdles, on each and every proposal of BSNL, practically interfering with the day to day affairs of the company. This lethargic attitude of the Govt compelled the employees to launch various Trade Union Programs, including strike.

In the meeting between AUAB and the Hon Minster of State for Communications held on 24.02.2018 and 03.12.2018, the Hon Minster was assured to settle the issues in a time bound manner. Especially on 3rd PRC, he assured to take it to Cabinet for relaxing the affordability clause and on 4G spectrum, he assured that will be allotted without any delay. Again, the abnormal delays on implementation of these assurances lead to the Indefinite Strike call from 03.12.2018. In this meeting also Hon Minister had given specific and categorically assures about the settlement of the issues and delinking of Pension Revision from Pay Revision. 

In the discussions with Additional Secretary (Telecom) [AS(T)], on 30.01.2019, DoT made an offer of 5% fitment for 3rd PRC and requested AUAB to accept it considering the present financial crisis. Further AS(T) said that in that case, pay revision also will be placed for the approval of the Digital Commission meeting, to be held on 05.02.2019 along with the 4G spectrum allotment, vacant land management policy and restructuring of BSNL and thereafter it would be taken for the approval of the Cabinet in February itself. On Pension Revision, DoT gone back from the assurance given by the Hon Minister to delink it from Pay revision and clearly taken a position that it can be done only after pay revision and with the same fitment offered for pay revision and 15% fitment is ruled out. The AUAB rejected the 5% fitment as it is very low and could not accept it. In the earlier meeting with AS(T), 0% fitment was offered by the DoT side. Thereafter, the AS(T) suggested that the AUAB representatives could discuss the issue with the CMD/BSNL and could come back to him within a day or two. In the very next day meeting, AS(T) told that even 5% fitment is difficult to consider and it is not able to consider in the DC meeting on 05.02.2019. AUAB is firm on our demand for 15% fitment, delinking of pension revision with 15% fitment and time bound approval by Digital Commission and the Cabinet.

Non-allotment of 4G spectrum, non approval of land monetization proposal submitted by BSNL in May, 2018, pension contribution on maximum of pay scales, denial of permission to avail bank loans for expansion of network, non filling of BSNL Director posts etc are deliberate attempt of the Govt to destabilize BSNL. The Niti Aayog and Finance Ministry is vehemently opposing any proposal for revival of BSNL like 4G spectrum allotment. The non settlement of HR issues like 3rd PRC is also part of the same game plan to create industrial unrest in the company and further weaken BSNL to facilitate other operators. Even Pension Revision is denied by the Govt. In this background AUAB decided to resume the agitational promgramms to settle the issues immediately prior to the notification of General Elections.

1. Implementation of 3^rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment.

At the time of formation of BSNL, as per the recommendations of Group of Ministers, Govt declared that it will ensure the financial viability of BSNL, better career prospects for the employees and payment of pension by the Govt. BSNL is a unique PSU where majority of the employees are recruited by Govt and absorbed in BSNL. BSNL could not make profit due to the wrong policies of the Govt. Last 3 years, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, BSNL performed in an outstanding manner and increased the operational profit, year after year till the entry of Reliance Jio. Govt and TRAI allowed policy violations and predatory pricing by Reliance Jio, which crippled the industry even though BSNL could withstand in comparison to private operators in an exceptional manner. All other operators, despite massive decline in their revenues, including R-Jio, are able to stay in the market only with the support of public financial institutions. BSNLs decline is due to the Govt, not by the employees. So there is no justification in denying the Pay Revision to BSNL employees. The Hon Minster was assured the AUAB on 24.02.2018 and 03.02.2018 that, for the relaxation of affordability clause for the 3rd Pay Revision of BSNL employees, relaxation of affordability clause will be sought from the Cabinet. However, the DoT, which is responsible for preparing the Cabinet Note, is dragging its feet and deliberately delaying the approval.

2. Allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by the BSNL Management.

In the meeting held on 24.02.2018, the Hon Minster was kind enough to state that, 4G spectrum would be allotted to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by BSNL in December, 2017. However, even after the lapse of one year, the assurances given by the Hon Minster are not implemented. Abnormal delay in the allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL is adversely affecting the financial revival of the Company. Niti Aayog and Finance Ministry, which dolled out huge concessions to bail out the private operators are opposing 4G spectrum allotment to BSNL.

3. Implement assurance of the Hon Minister for delinking pension revision from pay revision. Revise pension of BSNL retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017.

The BSNL retirees, who are absorbed from the DoT, are eligible for pension revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017. Both the BSNL retirees, as well as the Central Government retirees, are covered by the same rules, viz., the CCS Pension Rules 1972. Rule 37A has inserted for providing Government pension on IDA scales from the consolidated fund of India for the CPSU employees absorbed from Govt service by counting the combined service. While the Central Government pensioners have already got their pension revision, the BSNL pensioners are left high and dry. The DoT, which is responsible for the settlement of the pension revision of the BSNL retirees, has not taken any action in that direction. Pension revision is no way linked with the pay revision as the entire pension contribution was paid by BSNL. Even for BSNL Pensioners, DoT suggested less fitment than 15%, equivalent to Pay revision, citing the affordability of BSNL where as Pension is to be paid by the Govt.

4. Payment of pension contribution by BSNL as per the Government rule.

The Pension Contribution is to be calculated based on the actual basic pay, instead of maximum of the pay scales as per DoPT order dated 19.11.2009, under the provisions of FR 116. However, the DoT is collecting Pension Contribution from BSNL, based on the maximum of the pay scale of each BSNL employee, since 01.01.2007. In the meeting held on 24.02.2018, the Hon Minster was kind enough to direct the Secretary (T), that only the Government of India Rule should be made applicable to BSNL, in the matter of pension contribution. The DoT has so far not implemented the direction given by the Hon Minster. Settlement of this issue is having huge impact on the 3rd Pay Revision.

5. Settlement of the left out issues of the 2nd Pay Revision Committee.

CMD, BSNL given an assurance of 3% hike in the Superannuation benefits by March, 2019. 

However on the E2 and E3 Pay scale, no progress is there irrespective of clear direction by the Hon Minister in the meeting held on 03.12.2018.

6.    a) Approval for BSNLs Land Management Policy without any delay.

b) Expeditiously complete the mutation and the process of transferring of all assets to BSNL.

BSNL is having huge vacant land at prime locations scattered in 15,000 land parcels. The fair value itself is more than 1 lakh Crore. For the effective monetization of the vacant land by proposing to lease out to PSUs, Banks etc, BSNL submitted the Land Management Policy in May, 2018 for the approval of DoT. Huge amount, 1000 Cr to 5000 Cr is expected from this business itself. However, DoT is not taking any action on this proposal having huge potential.

7.    (a) Ensure financial viability of BSNL, as per the decision taken by the Group of

       Ministers, at the time of formation of BSNL.

(b) Issue letter of comfort for BSNLs proposals for taking bank loans.

(c) Expeditiously fill up all vacant post of BSNL Board of Directors.

At the time of formation of BSNL, Govt declared that the financial viability of BSNL will be fully taken care of. On the other hand, DoT is involved in paralyzing the growth of BSNL, policy makers in other crucial wings of the Government like Niti Aayog are colluding and conspiring to destabilize BSNL. All other private operators were adequately compensated to the tune of thousands of crores through unbelievable policy concessions, BSNL is even denied Letter of Comfort for availing Bank Loans, that also continuously for two years, 2017-18 and 2018-19. DoT, intentionally not allowing BSNL to avail Bank loans for expanding the network or to meet the urgent operational requirements. As per the data shared by the Govt in the Parliament recently, Reliance –Jio which entered into Telecom market just in Sept, 2016, Bharati Airtel, Vodafone Idea, RCom etc having a market liability of 6 lakhs Crores, even crossing the ceiling set by RBI for Telecom sector where as BSNL is having just 11,500 Crores. This whole amount from private operators is going to become NPAs. The details are shown below:

Private operators are indiscriminately extended financial assistance by the financial institutions, whereas BSNL is being deliberately forced to starve and eventually die by the policy makers at the highest levels of the Government. Non filling of key Director Board positions like Director (Finance) for the last 5 years etc are to be read together, clearly establishing the Govt role in weakening BSNL.

8. Scrap BSNLs outsourcing for the operation and maintenance of its mobile towers.

The BSNL Management has planned to outsource the maintenance of BSNLs towers for exorbitant rates, for which huge amount have to be paid annually. At the beginning itself, the AUAB has opposed this. But, the BSNL Management is going ahead with the agenda. Absolutely there is no need for the Company to spend such a huge amount, more importantly at a time when it is facing a serious financial crisis.

Comrades, the strike from 18.02.2019 onwards has to send loud and clear message to the Government as well as the Telecom Policy makers at the highest level, that the employees are fully determined to expose and defeat sinister policies of the Government to weaken, destabilize and finally privatize BSNL and that we are ready to fearlessly tread miles and miles to safeguard our beloved company from disintegration.

First thing first ...

Let all know that BSNL is not closing down ...

Do press conferences, meet customers, meet retail chain and most importantly vendors and business partners, distribute pamphlets ... Whatever you do this should be most important job today .....

Anupam Shrivastava CMD BSNL.

MAKE EXTENSIVE PREPARATIONS FOR 3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019 BY AUAB

AUAB rejects the appeal of the Management to withdraw the strike from 18.02.2019:

MAKE EXTENSIVE PREPARATIONS FOR 3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019 BY AUAB

The GTI option window will be opened depends on the ERP black out. Some clarifications sought by the ERP regarding the implementation which will be replied today. Option for both schemes for Rs 50 lakhs and 20 lakhs are available for those above 50 years 5 months and 29 days as on 01.03.2019 and change of option will be available.

GS discussed with GM(SR) regarding the cancellation of transfer of Com Anil Dubey, DS/Circle office Maharashtra to a far off place, Bhandara SSA. GS demanded that his earlier transfer to Kalyan SSA to be implemented instead of transfer to Bhandara SSA. GM(SR) assured to discuss with Maharashtra Circle.

3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019 BY AUAB

For further mobilization for the strike, AUAB decided to conduct a march on 15.02.2019, Friday by all the family members of BSNL employees.

A combined meeting of AUAB will be held at Gaziabad, UP(West) on 12.02.2019 at 11 am and Rohtak, Haryana on 13.02.2019 at 11 am. A lunch hour meeting will be held at BSNLCO for BSNLCO and Delhi Circle on 14.02.2019 at 01.30 pm. All Circle Office bearers, SSA Secretaries and activists to participate and motivate the employees for the 3 days strike from 18.02.2019. AUAB CHQ leaders will be addressing the meetings.

Conduct combined meetings at Circle/SSA/Branch level. 

Meeting with Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD, BSNL on 08.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met CMD and held discussions on the acute financial crisis in the organization. We appraised CMD about the situation in the field units which is affecting the services and gradually affect the revenue also. Since DoT is not given the letter of comfort, taking bank loan also delayed, CMD informed us.

Notification of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as assured by the management: All the promotions are held up due to non-availability of posts, court cases and reservation issue. The reservation policy and the seniority related dispute created deadlock in JTO to SDE promotion. In other streams non-availability of vacancies is the main problem. BSNL is following the post based promotions followed in Govt Depts which is the main reason for creating such situation. This created huge disparity in promotions which resulted in resentment among the Executives especially the major wing, Engg wing. As a solution to all the issues, the new promotion policy is approved by the BSNL Board in line with the promotion policy followed in all CPSUs. It is to be implemented immediately, w.e.f 01.07.2018, we demanded.

Assn is not able to contain the resentment among the Executives waiting for promotion and will be compelled to start agitations in short notice, we informed. CMD reassured to notify the policy at the earliest. 

Meeting with Shri Arun Kumar, PGM(Pers) on 08.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met PGM(Pers) and held discussions on i) DE to DGM promotions: We strongly objected to the abnormal delay in issuing promotions. The DPC work abruptly stopped without any reason. The list is already approved by the competent authority and utilised twice in 2016 and 2017 for DGM promotions. 1966 seniority etc do not have any relevance now as matter is subjudice. Similar delay on review DPC for SDE to DE promotion based on Hon SC judgment on Rule 206 is hampering the regular promotion to DGM grade. PGM(Pers) assured to expedite the process and some line of action is worked out for DGM promotion. In the HOCC meeting also, CGMs severely complained about the acute shortage of DGMs in the field units. 

ii) JTO to SDE promotion: The opinion on reservation policy is sought from the SG. The legal opinions from two BSNL counsels were contradictory which prompted management to get the opinion of ASG but ASG declined to give the opinion, which shows the confusion in the legal circles on this important issue.

The court cases against promotions made management very cautious for future promotions, and management want to make it sure that no fresh litigations are arisen after giving promotions, PGM(Pers) informed.

iii) Notification of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as assured by the management. Since the reservation policy and the seniority related disputes again started creating deadlocks and the non-availability of vacancies, the new promotion policy is to be implemented immediately, w.e.f 01.07.2018.  

iv) Restoration of Circle break in Soft tenure policy also discussed.

Meeting with Shri A M Gupta, GM(SR) on 08.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met GM(SR) and held discussions on i) notification of CPSU Cadre Hierarchy as assured by the management and ii) office accommodation at Circle and SSA level. Assn is not able to contain the resentment among the Executives waiting for promotion and will be compelled to start agitations in short notice, we informed.

Meeting with Shri Saurabh Tyagi, PGM(Estt) on 07.02.2019: GS, President, AGSs Com P P Rao and Sanjeev Sharma and Jt Sec(S) Com A Chandrasekhar met PGM(Estt) and held discussions on approval for E1A and E2A scales notionally from 01.10.2000 for JTO/SDE/PA/PS etc cadres in Civil/Elect/Arch/TF/PA/PS cadres. DoT opposed the proposal on the plea that the status as on 01.10.2000 cannot be changed. Further the presidential order issued on 01.10.2000 for individuals on absorption is sacrosanct and the pay scales cannot be changed. On DoT objection, the proposal withdrawn from the Board agenda earlier. To overcome this objection of DoT, we suggested to consider some other cut off date after 01.10.2000 so that the issue can be resolved. 

Group Term Insurance (GTI):

Last chance to exercise option or change of option allowed. ESS- ERP portal opened for exercising options --- last date is 11.02.2019. (From 12.02.2019 onwards, ERP portal will be shut down for maintenance).

This may be given vide publicity among all the Executives so that they can exercise their option on or before 11^th.

AUAB SERVED NOTICE FOR 3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019

Make extensive preparations at Circle/SSA/Branch level by conducting combined meetings and door to door campaign.

Demands

(1)   Implementation of 3rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment.

(2)   Allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by the BSNL Management.

(3)   Implement assurance of the Hon Minister of State for Communications for delinking pension revision from pay revision. Revise pension of BSNL retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017.

(4)   Payment of pension contribution by BSNL as per the Government rule.

(5)   Settlement of the left out issues of the 2nd Pay Revision Committee.

(6)   a) Approval for BSNL’s Land Management Policy without any delay.

b) Expeditiously complete the mutation and the process of transferring of all assets to BSNL, as per the Cabinet decision taken on the eve of the formation of BSNL.

(7)   (a) Ensure financial viability of BSNL, as per the decision taken by the Group of Ministers, at the time of formation of BSNL.

(b) Issue letter of comfort for BSNL’s proposals for taking bank loans.

(c) Expeditiously fill up all vacant post of BSNL Board of Directors.

(8)   Scrap BSNLs outsourcing for the operation and maintenance of its mobile towers. 

Group Term Insurance (GTI): Finally the initiative taken by SNEA is becoming a reality.

The Committee meeting today finalized the GTI scheme and the policy documents. MoU will be signed next week. It is decided between LIC and us that

1. Coverage will be effective from 01.03.2019 and payment will be made on 28.02.2019 or 01.03.2019.

2. There will be two schemes with 50 lakhs coverage and 20 lakhs coverage.

3. For 50 lakhs coverage, premium will be annual. Separate premium will be applicable for those upto 50 years (plus 5 months 29 days as on effective date 01.03.2019) and above 50 years.

4. Another scheme with 20 lakhs coverage will be there for those above 50 years with quarterly premium.

5. Those who are above 50 years they can opt for either 50 lakhs or 20 lakhs scheme. For both 50 lakhs and 20 lakhs, rate of premium will be same and total amount will be proportionate.

6. Option will be opened for two days, mostly on 11^th and 12^th Feb. There will be an option to change also.

This information may be given vide publicity so that all Executives that they can exercise their option on 11^th or 12^th.

Press release issued by AIPCOC in connection with the PRIME MINISTER OFFICE March on 04.02.2019.

HISTORIC MARCH TO PRIME MINISTERS OFFCIE BY AIPCOC

All India Public Sector and Central Govt officers Confederation (AIPCOC) hit the streets of New Delhi on 04.02.2019 with more than 10,000 officers from Public Sector Banks, CPSUs and Central Govt Depts marched to the PRIME MINISTERS OFFCIE, making the march one of the historic one in the history of AIPCOC, NCOA and SNEA demanding:

1. Removal of affordability clause for Pay Revision in CPSUs.

2. Wage settlement in Public Sector Banks.

3. Allot 4G spectrum to BSNL & MTNL.

4. Stoppage of all moves towards Privatization.

5. Govt support for revival of CPSUs.

6. Ensure Assured Pension for all.

March started at 10.30 am even before the scheduled time as police forced to start the march early. Earlier Police denied permission and tried to shift the venue to Ramlila Maidan which AIPCOC did not agreed. Police stopped the march at Jantar Mantar.

Hundreds of SNEA comrades from various Circles, AP, BSNLCO, Delhi,  Gujarath, J&K, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, UP(W), UP(E), Uttarakhand participated in the march. The participation by Rajasthan and Punjab Circles was excellent and requires special appreciation. Due to heavy fog, in north India, all the trains were running vary late and lot of comrades could not reach for the march. CHQ congratulate all the comrades, especially the CSs for making the march a grant success.

Hundreds of Executives from different parts of the country from various CPSUs, with huge number from MTNL, participated in the march making big presence of NCOA and AIPCOC.

Com Tapan Sen, Hon MP and General Secretary/CITU, Com N K Premachandran, Hon MP, Com Sanjay Singh, Hon MP addressed the march at Jantar Mantar.

GS, President, AGSs Com Chandrasekhar and Com Jagdish Rout, CS/UP(E) Com Ajay Trivedi, CS/AP Com Umamaheshwar Rao, CS/J&K Com P K Bali, CS/TL Com Ramesh, DS Jhansi Pavitra Singh from UP(East) Circle met Shri Saurabh Tyagi, PGM(Estt) and held discussions on the pay loss issue of post 2007 JTOs especially those 2007 & 2008 and approval of E2, E3 pay scales. Various options like allowing them to continue in the pre-revised scale of 9850-16400 till the approval of standard pay scales of E2 and E3, giving additional increment from the existing pay to compensate the pay loss etc discussed.

PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE MARCH

by NCOA, AIPCOC and AIBOC on 04.02.2019:

About 15,000 Officers/Executives from all the sectors, Banking, Telecom, Oil, Power, Insurance, Central Govt Officers etc are expected to participate in the March.

The main demands are:

1. Remove affordability clause for Pay Revision in CPSUs.

2. Wage settlement in Public Sector Banks.

3. Allot 4G spectrum to BSNL & MTNL.

4. Stoppage of all moves towards Privatization

5. Govt support for revival of CPSUs..

6. Ensure Assured Pension for all.

March starts from Model School, Barakhamba Road, Nr Barakhamba Metro station at 11 am.

JOIN ENMASSE AND MAKE IT A BIG SUCCESS

Editorial

It is the question of Survival now.

Gripped by worst ever crisis that is induced and stage managed by the policy makers at the highest echelons of the Government, BSNL’s growth hits rock bottom, raising looming existential crisis. Time apt and high enough to reconcile to and get engaged into enforce sweeping, tough and radical reforms in terms of drastic restructuring, weeding out the non-performing, going ahead with fatally delayed and ruthless extensive redeployment, paving the way for the  best amongst us to lead, downright pruning the heavy weight, modelling the Company on emerging business scenarios to induce competitive resilience, waging a ruthless war against corruption and finally, last but not the least and the most significant and critical one, engaging in a sustained and fearless struggle to defeat well calibrated and sinister moves and devilish designs of the political masters to Privatize our beloved company. And the mightiest challenge for Trade Unions is to speak just in single breath, regardless of compulsions and sectarian considerations, to wage the war in total unison to save the organization from collapsing.

When Organizations are hit by worst ever crisis that threatens to shake their foundations and tear apart their very existence, for whatever reasons, as is the case for BSNL at the moment, Trade Unions have to respond honestly, fearlessly and very boldly, eschewing the hitherto deeply embedded notions of protective conservatism. This approach of accepting and embracing bold reforms to save organizations from total collapse, undoubtedly invites the wrath of the majority, for obvious reasons, but then that should not deter one from moving forward in the direction of saving the organization from getting sunk deep down where nothing is visible, even the remnants of the organization. This does not surely mean saying good bye to our fundamental responsibility and commitment to protect the basic rights of the work force by making it vulnerable to exploitation and deprivation. It means readying the entire workforce to say goodbye to established dogmas and move forward boldly, instead, in the direction of embracing radical pragmatism to stave off the impending disaster.

To begin with, we need to grasp some elementary facts. The financial position of the Company, today, has reached a stage where the revenues generated are quite insufficient to meet our wage bill, let alone incurring expenditure on growth. The electricity payments, labour payments, vendor payments etc are delayed for months together. The expansion works and future growth plans are virtually stalled. Non-maintenance of the network due to shortage of funds is further deteriorating the services which is resulting in continuing decline in revenues. How long this can continue in a gigantic organization like BSNL is the question naturally haunting everyone and where we are headed towards, if this continues?

Undoubtedly, policy makers at the highest political level allowed Reliance-Jio to indulge in worst ever witnessed predatory pricing that has left Telecom sector crippled, and, even though BSNL could withstand in comparison to private operators in an exceptional manner, yet the havoc it wrecked on BSNL is crippling its growth. Looking at the predatory pricing let loose by the Govt and closely analysing its impact in destabilizing Telecom sector, one cannot escape concluding the dubious intentions of the Government are to finish BSNL. All other private operators were adequately compensated to the tune of lakhs of crores through unbelievable policy concessions, BSNL is blatantly denied even letter of comfort for availing bank loans, that also continuously for two years, 2017-18 and 2018-19, non allotment of 4G spectrum for more than two years for launching 4G services to compete with the other operators, non filling of key Director Board positions like Director (Finance) for the last 5 years etc are to be read together, clearly establishing the Govt role in weakening BSNL. All other operators, despite massive decline in their revenues, including R-Jio, are able to stay in the market only with the support of public financial institutions. With a liability of more than 5 lakh crores towards PSBs, even crossing the ceiling imposed by RBI, private operators are freely and indiscriminately extended financial assistance by the financial institutions, whereas BSNL, with negligible market liability of just 15,000 cores, is being deliberately forced to starve and eventually die by the policy makers at the highest levels of the Government. Not only is DoT involved in paralyzing growth of BSNL, policy makers in other crucial wings of the Government like Niti Aayog are colluding and conspiring to consign BSNL to flames. The developments in the last few years give clear indication that DoT and the political class is trying its level best to paralyse BSNL. This may be the hidden agenda of the Govt, to weaken BSNL, destabilize it, declare it sick and not revivable and go for privatization.

Within the Organization, it is a deadly and disappointing scenario; staleness, complete inertia, desolateness, deserted picture prevailing all-around. This is what happens when the primary stakeholders, instead of facilitating and acting as enablers of reforms, become impediments. Otherwise, how is it that company today faces worst kind of mid level leadership crisis? And this level of leadership is key to the growth of the Company. This time we ought to have had at least a thousand best from amongst us occupying crucial decision making positions. Top Management has had never any interest but we too lacked vision and created huge hurdles in putting in place a sound and talented pool of people leading us and driving the growth of the Company. And the more we delay in filling up this deadly leadership vacuum we are only accelerating the demise of the Company. Extensive and rapid redeployment, cutting down the fat of the Company, weeding out non performers and moving forward performers, regardless of the obsolete seniority concept, to make the Company resilient to respond to emerging challenges that are going to get intense as the day passes are some of the big bang reforms to be pushed through as quickly as possible. It is not the time to play to the galleries simply to get their applause. I know this is not going to go down well with many of us but as the custodian of this organization entrusted with the huge task of safeguarding the interests of the Organization and the people, this is how I perceive the whole scenario unfolding in coming days, unless we respond in a big way and decisively, and thus, from the highly valued and credible desk of General Secretary, I don’t hesitate very frankly sharing all this with you all.  

Taking a close look at revenues in general, profits from a few Circles is not going to help, and, with that BSNL cannot survive, and this is time when we are talking about the very survival, not even revival. Drastic business decisions are to be taken to close down the loss making businesses, without any fear or other considerations. CGM and GM posts have to be filled by high end performers, who generate revenue for BSNL, keeping seniority aside. And this is going to be really tough because of huge resistance that we are definitely going to counter from ITS. Nonetheless, we have to get it enforced, and once this is successfully implemented at the top level, it will be very easy to percolate it down the level. Implementation of this crucial decision will be a game changer since it will be a stepping stone towards transformation of BSNL from a redundant and counterproductive seniority based concept led Management to a performance and growth driven Management, paving the way for transforming the very landscape of the Company.

And finally multiple Associations and Trade Unions pulling strings in different directions have to realize and understand that time has come for them to forge a never seen before kind of unity to sail the company to the safe shores from deep sunken waters. Highest level of maturity and great amount of exercise of restraint is the need of the hour. Time and situation demands that Trade Unions get fully involved in generating such signals of unity and building an ominous environment of united struggle that sends shivers down the spine of the bureaucracy in DOT and the policy makers at the highest level. This is from where the Trade Unions will have to pick up the thread from and move forward. A very serious, mindboggling, soul searching, honest and threadbare introspection is the need of the hour to sink the differences and immediately get down to what would really and truly be a do or die struggle. And every Trade Union is committed to ensure this is accomplished under all circumstances. It is high time for all of us to come out of petty interests, focus on larger goal and fully devote ourselves for the survival. No excuses, whatsoever. All negative and counterproductive forces and sections, working against the BSNL interest or not bothered about the growth of BSNL are to be identified and sidelined. 

To begin with, complete success of the rally at New Delhi on 04.02.2019 from the platform of NCOA, AIPOC and AIBOC and the strike from 18.02.2019 from the platform of AUAB assume huge significance so as to send loud and clear message to the Government that we are fully prepared and geared up to pay any price to safeguard CPSEs in general and BSNL in particular from being annihilated. And to the Telecom Policy makers at the highest level, the message to be conveyed is that we are fully determined to expose and defeat sinister policies of the Government to weaken, destabilize and finally privatize BSNL and that we are ready to fearlessly tread miles and miles in the most turbulent circumstances and virulent situations to safeguard our beloved company from disintegration.

AUAB SERVED NOTICE FOR 3 DAYS STRIKE FROM 18.02.2019

Demands

(1)   Implementation of 3rd Pay Revision with 15% fitment.

(2)   Allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, as per the proposals submitted by the BSNL Management.

(3)   Implement assurance of the Hon Minister of State for Communications for delinking pension revision from pay revision. Revise pension of BSNL retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017.

(4)   Payment of pension contribution by BSNL as per the Government rule.

(5)   Settlement of the left out issues of the 2nd Pay Revision Committee.

(6)   a) Approval for BSNL’s Land Management Policy without any delay.

b) Expeditiously complete the mutation and the process of transferring of all assets to BSNL, as per the Cabinet decision taken on the eve of the formation of BSNL.

(7)   (a) Ensure financial viability of BSNL, as per the decision taken by the Group of Ministers, at the time of formation of BSNL.

(b) Issue letter of comfort for BSNL’s proposals for taking bank loans.

(c) Expeditiously fill up all vacant post of BSNL Board of Directors.

(8)   Scrap BSNLs outsourcing for the operation and maintenance of its mobile towers.

Pension revision, Pension for the retirees after 01.101.2017 and 30% Superannuation Benefits should be according to 15% fitment. 

PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE MARCH

by NCOA, AIPCOC and AIBOC on 04.02.2019:

About 15,000 Officers/Executives from all the sectors, Banking, Telecom, Oil, Power, Insurance, Central Govt Officers etc are expected to participate in the March.

The main demands are:

1. Remove affordability clause for Pay Revision in CPSUs.

2. Wage settlement in Public Sector Banks.

3. Allot 4G spectrum to BSNL & MTNL.

4. Stoppage of all moves towards Privatization

5. Govt support for revival of CPSUs..

6. Ensure Assured Pension for all.

March starts from Model School, Barakhamba Road at 11 am.

JOIN ENMASSE AND MAKE IT A BIG SUCCESS

Two welfare claims received by CHQ against the nominees of Late Com Davinder Kalra, PB Circle and late Com Asisha Kumar Mohanty, OD Circle settled in favour of the nominees for Rs 1,00,000 each. All the welfare claims received at CHQ is settled.