WFTU Statement on the World Environment Day

 

In 1972 the UN agency United Nations Environmental Program declared June 5th as the World Environment Day.

Despite the action being undertaken for the protection of the Earth, various environmental problems are being exacerbating. The natural resources are not being used for water and food security for the peoples of Africa, of Asia etc, but they are being plundered by the monopolies. The rivalries between imperialist states for the control of natural resources often lead to armed interventions with destructive effects on the environment and the peoples of these countries.

The monopolies and the laws and directions that serve them, consider the environment to be a field of action to attract investments, to extract raw materials for the production of goods, and to dispose of the waste created by these activities. This means that large monopoly groups continue to destroy the environment in the hunt for profit.

In this framework, they prioritize the saving of water demand, instead of measures of enrichment of the underground aquifers in each water compartment. The developed countries send their worst kind of garbage to developing countries, where huge landfills are created. They exploit the forests and ecosystems by further commercializing forest land for tourism and investments on Renewable Sources of Energy. They give waste management to private companies which do not guarantee the proper conditions of waste treatment and cause new strains on the environment.

The devastating floods or accidents with serious environmental impact like the oil spills, reflect the policy of capitalist states, which do not protect nor the lives of citizens neither their environment, while the most poor population of each country is the first to suffer by the extreme weather phenomena.

The protection of the environment for the benefit of the people, demands today’s struggles of the working class, of the ordinary people against the commercialization of water, forests, natural resources, against the exploitation of nature for the capitalist profits, against the imperialist wars. The WFTU will continue fighting and promoting these demands that can assure improvement of the environmental problems and of life itself.

The Secretariat

Indian Dollar Millionaires increased by 20% in 2017.

As per the study of the French Tech Firm, Capgemini, the number of High Networth Individuals (HNI) in India has increased by 20% in the year 2017. An High Networth Individual is defined as the one who is having investable assets of over 1 million US Dollars. According to this report, the number of such Dollar Millionaires in India comes to 2.6 lakh people. Their asset worth is a whopping 1 trillion US Dollars! It is also worth mentioning here that, the International Rights Group, Oxfam, has reported that in India, 73% of the wealth created in 2017, has reached the hands of the top 1% of the population, whereas the bottom 67 crore Indians have got only 1% of this wealth. This is how the Narendra Modi government is serving the poor people of this country. (Courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Restoration of pension to Defence Service Personnel – MoD Order dated 20-6-2018

Restoration of pension to Defence Service Personnel who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Bodies — delinking of qualifying service of 33 years for revised pension with effect from 1.1.2006

No.1(04)/2007/D(Pen/Pol)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi,Dated:20th June,2018

To

The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

Subject: Restoration of pension to Defence Service Personnel who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Bodies — delinking of qualifying service of 33 years for revised pension with effect from 1.1.2006 reg.

Sir,

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter No.1(04)/2007-D(Pen/Policy) dated 18th Sept,2017 under which orders have been issued for restoration of full pension for those Defence pensioners who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous Bodies after expiry of commutation period of 15 years from the date of payment of 100% lump sum amount. The said order also allows revision of pension in accordance with the instructions issued from time to time in implementation of the recommendations of the Pay commissions including Seventh CPC.

2. Instructions were issued by this Ministry vide letter No 1(2)/2016- D(Pen/Pol.) dated 30.9.2016 to the effect that w.e.f.1.1.2006 revised consolidated pension and family pension of pre-2006 Armed Forces pensioners shall not be lower than 50% and 30% respectively of the minimum of the pay in the Pay Band plus Grade pay corresponding to the pre–revised scale from which the pensioner had retired/ discharged/ invalided out/ died including Military Service Pay and ‘X’ Group pay, if any, without pro rata reduction of pension even if they had rendered qualifying service of less than 33 years at the time of retirement.

3. Matter has been considered by the Government and it has been decided that while determining the revised pension of above said category of absorbee pensioners/ family pensioners with effect from 1.1.2006, the pension/ family pension shall also be revised in accordance with the provisions contained in this Ministry’s letter dated 30.9.2016 referred above.

4. The revised pension in terms of this order shall be revised by respective Pension Sanctioning Authorities suo-moto by issuing Corrigendum PPOs in all affected cases. No application in this regard shall be called for either from the pensioners or from the PDAs concerned.

5. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No.31(8)/09/Fin/Pen dated 23-05-2018.

6. Hindi version will follow.

S/d,
(R K Arora)
Under Secretary to the Govt. Of India

PENSION REVISION OF BSNL ABSORBED RETIREES WITH 15% FITMENT FROM 01-01-2017- CHQ URGES MEMBER (SERVICE) IMMEDIATE ACTION.

 

AIBDPA/DOT- PEN RVN/ 2018                                                                           17th june, 2018

Shri. Prabhash Singh,

Member (Technology & Service)

Department of Telecommunications,

Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road,

New Delhi- 110001.

Sir,  

        Sub: Pension revision of BSNL absorbed retirees with 15% fitment from 01-01-2017- reg

This is in continuation of the discussion, the undersigned along with Shri.V.A.N.Namboodiri and Shri. G.L.Jogi, had with your goodself in the presence of Shri.S.K.Jain, DDG (Estt), DoT at your chamber on 31-05-2018 on the above referred subject. At the outset, we express our gratitude and appreciation for your positive response on the issue. As required by the DDG (Estt), we are furnishing here under the relevant points which justify immediate pension revision of BSNL absorbed retirees with 15% fitment from 01-01-2017, without waiting for wage revision in BSNL.

  1. As you are aware the employees working in the Telecom department were enmasse absorbed in the newly formed BSNL on 01-10-2000 with the central government’s promise of better prospects and pension from the consolidated fund of the government of India. Accordingly they were granted upgraded IDA pay scales and Rule 37 A was incorporated with CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to ensure pension. Hence BSNL retirees are eligible for all pensionary benefits like qualifying service, method of pension revision, minimum and maximum pension, gratuity, commutation, additional pension etc barring pension, DR and medical facilities which are on IDA pattern. As such, the 6th Pay Commission benefits were extended to the BSNL absorbed employees and retirees at the time of 2nd Pay Revision in CPSEs in 2007. The Pension was also revised with 30% fitment benefit to the pre 2007 BSNL retirees and subsequently pension revision on the basis of 50% IDA merger, effectively 78.2% IDA fitment was also granted to them.
  2. The 60:40 condition stipulated by the government for the payment of pensionary benefits to BSNL absorbed retirees has since been annulled by the central cabinet vide No. 40-13/2013-Pen (T) dated 20-07-2016. It is stated in the order, Para 2 (b) that “ The liability towards pensionary benefits including family pension to the BSNL employees (excepting those recruited after 01-10-2000), as per sub rule 22 of Rule 37-A of CCs (Pension) Rules, 1972, lies with the government of India.”
  3. The 3rd PRC has recommended 15% fitment which was approved by the government and the wage revision in BSNL is being delayed due to the affordability conditions laid down by the 3rd However, the affordability conditions are not applicable for pension revision as it has nothing to do with BSNL’s finance, the entire liability being that of the government. The central government pensioners have got their pension revised from 01-01-2016 as per the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission. So it will be a great injustice to delay pension revision to the BSNL absorbed retirees any further.
  4. The anomaly, if any, that may be caused to the post 2017 retirees due to the pension revision without wage revision, can be resolved by giving them the same fitment.
  5. The problem of granting more than 50% of the last basic pay drawn when the fitment is given to the post 2017 retirees also could be solved by giving them the benefit of pension revision on a subsequent date. Such a formulation may be incorporated in the cabinet note being prepared for the pension revision.

In view of the foregoing, it is requested that  action may please be caused to revise the pension of the BSNL absorbed retirees with 15% fitment from 01-01-2017 at the earliest.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

 

K.G.Jayaraj

General Secretary.

CC :  Shri. S.K.Jain, DDG (Estt), Department of Telecommunications, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001

COM.M.P.KUNHANANDAN, FORMER CHQ TREASURER REMEMBERED.

Image may contain: 4 people, people standing and indoor

Image may contain: 9 people, indoor

Kozhikode District Branches of AIBDPA, BSNLEU & CCLU have oraganized a well participated meeting in connection with the 2nd death anniversary of Com.M.P.Kunhanandan, former CHQ Treasurer on 18-06-2018. Com. V,A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor delivered the commemorative address. Com. B.Suresh Babu (State Library Council) spoke on the subject , ” Left alternative against globalisation “. Com.M.Vijayakumar, National Organising Secretary, BSNLEU controlled the proceedings.Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, District Secretary, AIBDPA welcomed the participants. Com.P.P.Asokan, District Secretary, CCLU proposed vote of thanks. Com.P.K.Vineetha,wife of Com. Kunhanandan and family members were present.

 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR SETTLEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS OF PENSIONERS.

Guidelines for settlement of Medical claims of pensioners and others

Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
EHS Section

No; Z.15025/51/2018 /DIR,/CGHS/EHS

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 6th June , 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Guidelines for settlement of Medical claims of pensioners and others-

With reference to the above subject the undersigned is to draw attention to the reused timelines and constitution of High Powered Committee in compliance of the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in their Judgement in the WP(Civil) NO 694 Of 2015 between Shiva Kant Jha Vs 001 delivered on 13th April 2018 and to state that it has been decided to issue guidelines to the Additional Directors of CGHS for implementing these decisions. The new guidelines are enclosed for perusal and compliance.

(Dr.D.C Joshi)
Director.CGHS

GUIDELINES TO PROCESS THE REQUESTS FOR SETTLEMENT OF THE MEDICAL CLAIMS

1. New Timelines for settlement of the Medical Claims

The new timelines prescribed for settlement of normal medical claims are 30 days from the date of submission to the payment by Pay & Accounts Office. Every effort must be made to avoid delay at any stage. Proper calculation sheet must be prepared in the file, so that the same could be shared with the beneficiaries, if there are requests for reasons for the deductions.

2. Full reimbursement case /Cases for relaxation of Rules

As per the new guidelines they fall into two categories

(a) Full reimbursement – Non-HPC (Non- High Power Committee) cases
(b) Full reimbursement – HPC (High Power Committee) cases

a) Full reimbursement – Non-HPC cases

The following cases fall under this category;

i) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency and the patient was admitted by others when the beneficiary was unconscious or severely incapacitated and was hospitalized for a prolonged period.

ii) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency and was admitted for prolonged period for treatment of Head Injury, Coma , Septicemia, Multi-organ failure , etc.

iii) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency for treatment of advanced malignancy

iv) Treatment was taken under emergency in higher type of accommodation as rooms as per his/her entitlement are not available during that period.

v) Treatment was taken in higher type of accommodation under specific conditions for isolation of patients to avoid contacting infections

vi) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency when there is a strike in Govt. hospitals.

vii) Treatment was obtained in a private unrecognized hospital under emergency while on official tour to non-CGHS covered area.

Although the new OM has not mentioned about STC recommendation, it is advisable to have expert Committee meetings under the Chairperson of Addl. DGHS (as in the case of earlier STC meetings) in respect of item Nos. i), ii),iii) and v) before arriving at a decision. The conditions mentioned at Nos. iv),vi) and vii) are administrative in nature and do not require meetings of expert committees and may be recommended by Addl. Director, if conditions are satisfied.

In Delhi the expert committee meetings shall be organized by respective CMO(R&H) and by AD(R&H) in case of claims of serving employees of Delhi. Such meetings in respect of other cities shall be organized by Sr. CMO in the office of Addl.DDG(HQ).

The requests for full reimbursement as examined by Additional Director (HQ)/ Addl. DDG(HQ), in consultation with expert committee meetings, wherever deemed necessary and recommended for full reimbursement shall be submitted to Director, CGHS and concurrence of IFD may be obtained after approval of AS&DG, CGHS before the seeking the approval of Secretary for reimbursement in excess of CGHS rates.

If the above criteria are not satisfied (including the regrets by expert committees) the requests may be regretted by Addl. Director of concerned City, with a covering letter explaining the reasons and referring to the concerned OM.

In case there is a representation to consider as a special case then only it may be placed before the High Power Committee.

Addl. Directors shall prepare a self-contained note giving details of case and submit the files with relevant documents to Director, CGHS though AD(HQ)/Addl. DDG(HQ)

If the proposal is approved by AS&DG,CGHS , concurrence of IFD and approval of Secretary , Health & Family Welfare are solicited for reimbursement in excess of approved rates.

b) Full reimbursement – HPC cases

The Composition of High Power Committee, shall be as under:

1. Special Director General — Chairperson
2. Directorate General, CGHS or his Nominee — Member
3. Additional Director, CGHS(HQ) / Addl. DDG(HQ),CGHS — Member
4. Addl. Director, CGHS(R&H) — Member Secretary
5. One Government Specialist (of concerned Speciality)—Member

The High Powered Committee shall consider the representations of only those CGHS beneficiaries having a valid CGHS Card.

The High Powered Committee shall consider representations received from CGHS beneficiaries holding valid CGHS cards only at the time treatment, in respect of the following conditions:

1. Approval for air-fare with or without attendant on the advice of treating doctor for treatment in another city even though he is not eligible for air travel / treatment facilities are available in city of residence

2. Representations from CGHS beneficiaries seeking full reimbursements under special Circumstances.

3. Relaxation of Rules

High Powered Committee shall meet once in a month and action on the decisions taken shall be completed within seven days of meeting, with the concurrence of the IFD , wherever , it is deemed necessary.

Addl Directors shall submit the files with relevant documents to the AD(HQ) / Addl. DDG(HQ) for placing the representations before High Power Committee.

AD(R&H) shall be Member Secretary , who shall with the help of Sr. CMO of the Office of Adl.DDG(HQ) shall issue meeting notices including notices to concerned Govt. Specialists and organize meting for the Meetings of High Power Committee.

The requests received upto the 15th of the month shall be placed before the Committee.

If the High Power Committee does not recommend the regret letters shall be issued explaining the reasons.

If the High Power Committee recommends full reimbursement / relaxation of rules, Concurrence of IFD and approval of Secretary (H&FW) shall be obtained within 7 days.

3. In addition there are expert committees to consider several cases

Expert Committee meetings for other purposes shall continue to be held as in the past in the following cases:

Expert Committee meetings for Consideration of Liver Transplant cases, Bariatric Surgery,

Bone-marrow / Stem Cell Transplant, Justification of treatment / Implants in selected cases shall continue as before.

Standing Committee meetings for Cochlear Implant shall continue as before.

Expert Committee meetings for approval of Drugs , etc., shall continue.

Click to View the Order

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT FOR 100% DISINVESTMENT IN AIR INDIA.

Air India – Instead of disinvestment / sale/ privatisation, upgrade and strengthen the National Carrier.

The Modi government is selling PSUs, one after another, to get some paltry amount as also to benefit the corporates to increase their assets and profits. It is almost as the PSUs are gifted
to private considering the total asset value of the PSU, its bank balance, huge area of land in prime cities etc. But the corporates want the prices to be reduced further more. The fact that no corporate was there for purchasing 76% shares of Air India, underlines this trick. And, as desired by the corporates, the government is reported to be ready for 100% disinvestment in Air India.

Instead of disinvestment, sale or privatisation, what is required is to modernise Air India, streamline the functions, take the employees and workers in to confidence and stop the favouritism to private airlines. It is nothing less than a national crime to sell, the pride of the nation, ‘the temples of modern India’ as the first Prime Minister called the PSUs, to the greedy corporates for increasing their profits. The huge bills due by the central government for using the AI by the Ministers, high level officers etc. should be paid immediately.

The political parties and trade unions have a responsibility to ensure that no more PSU is closed or sold or disinvested during the last one year period of the Modi government.

CMD, BSNL’s APPEAL TO ALL STAKE HOLDERS FOR BAILING OUT BSNL FROM SERIOUS CRISIS.

Each and every employee of BSNL has to become a sales and marketing man- says the CMD BSNL.

Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD BSNL, held a meeting yesterday with the Core Committee, consisting of the General Secretaries of BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA and AIBSNLEA. Salient points in the presentation to the CMD BSNL are as follows:-
BSNL is facing a severe crisis in cash flow, due to the disruptions made by Reliance Jio. At least, 40% revenue is lost in the mobile segment and 3 times of the new connections are getting disconnected in the broadband segment. Payment of salaries has become a problem. The Company cannot go to the government for financial help to pay salaries, especially when the Company is recommending wage revision.

Hence, ways and means to step up the sales of BSNL in a big way, and thereby to increase the revenue collection substantially, is the need of the hour. The following are the important steps that BSNL is going to take to boost it’s revenue collection.
CFA Segment:-

So far as broadband segment is concerned, 3 times of the new connections given, are being disconnected. Broadband connection on copper cable has speed limit. Still, by offering 70 GB data per month, we have to encourage customers to avail it.
Secondly, BSNL is going to provide broadband connections with 100 mbps speed by deploying wireless and also by having tie up with cable TV operators. Through this arrangement, BSNL has planned to increase it’s broadband target by 20 times. To achieve this, each and every employee of BSNL has to become a sales and marketing man.
CM Segment:-

To overcome the challenge of Reliance Jio, BSNL has planned to increase it’s marketing aggressively. To achieve this, the Company has planned to give 12% discount to the retailers, for 3 months. Presently, Jio is giving 9% discount and Airtel is giving 5% discount.

EB Segment:-

EB Segment saved the Company last year, when it faced severe erosion in revenue. Maximum number of leased lines were given. However, Jio is going to enter this Segment also in a big way, within the next 7/8 months. This year the Company has planned to increase the revenue from EB by Rs.500 crores. To achieve this, the Company is going to engage franchisees.
Finally, the CMD BSNL said that each and every employee of BSNL has to become a sales and marketing man.
The Core Committee responded by saying that it would soon meet and chalk out suitable action programme for boosting BSNL’s sales and marketing.

(BSNLEU Website)