The massive participation of pensioners in the Dharna in almost all SSAs in the country on 25-05-2017 is quite encouraging and instills great enthusiasm on every participant.
The first two phases were also conducted successfully throughout the country; viz Campaign in March/April, 2017 and Call Attention Day on 20-04-2017.
The Dharna was the third phase of the agitational programme decided by the Mysuru CEC held on 23,24 February, 2017 demanding settlement of the 18 point charter of demands, including Mandatory Pension Revision from 01-01-2017, 50% IDA merger, Grant Option 1 for pension revision, Scrap PFRDA Act, Grant 50% of the last pay drawn to the pre 2006 pensioners, Grant Rs.2000 monthly medical allowance. Meanwhile we could achieve three of the 18 demands; (1) Gratuity ceiling of Rs.20 lakh extended to the BSNL pensioners. (2) Quaterly Medical Allowance restored partially and (3) Free night call facility extended to the BSNL retirees.
But the other demands are more important and stronger struggles are imperative for the settlement. The pensioners have realised it and responded massively which made the Dharna memorable.
Some of the photos received are given here;
VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA CIRCLE.
KOLLAM,KERALA- COM.K.G.JAYARAJ , GENERAL SECRETARY INAUGURATING.
KOTTAYAM,KERALA; COM.T.R.RAGHUNATHAN, (CITU), INAUGURATING.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,KERALA- COM.PVC, PATRON, ADDRESSING.
KOZHIKODE, KERALA.
AHMEDABAD,GUJARAT.
PALAKKAD,KERALA- COM.V.A.N.NAMBOODIRI, ADVISOR INAUGURATING.
TIRUPATI, ANDHRA CIRCLE.
AMBALA,HARYANA CIRCLE.
MUZAFFARNAGAR,UP(W)
ERODE,TAMIL NADU.
PONDICHERRY, TAMIL NADU CIRCLE
TUTUCORIN,TAMIL NADU- COM.S.MOHANDOSS,CHQ VICE PRESIDENT INAUGURATING.
KALYAN, MAHARASHTRA.
KHAMGAON,MAHARASHTRA.
RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH
ERNAKULAM,KERALA
ALAPPUZHA,KERALA
PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA
KOLKATA TELEPHONES.
KHARAGPUR, WEST BENGAL
TIRUNELVELI, TAMIL NADU
JAMNAGAR,GUJARAT
MEHSANA, GUJARAT
SHILLONG,NORTH EAST I CIRCLE
SILCHAR, ASSAM