| [16.07.2015]Core Committee of the Forum meets Secretary, DoT.Members of the Core Committee met Shri Rakesh Garg, Secretary, DoT today, and ascertained the steps taken by the DoT on the important demands of the Forum, with regards to the revival of BSNL.
(1) Payment of Rs.1,250 crore to BSNL as subsidy from USO Fund.
The Secretary, DoT informed that the Telecom Commission has already approved this and now it will go for the approval of the Cabinet.
(2) 78.2% IDA merger to the pensioners.
It was brought to the notice of the Secretary, DoT that the Department of Expenditure has not so far sent its comments on the Cabinet note. The Secretary, DoT directed the Member (Finance) to send a letter to the Secretary, Department of Expenditure immediately in this regard. He also assured that the Note will be sent to the Cabinet expeditiously.
(3) Refund of BWA spectrum charges.
The Core Committee members expressed their concern on the delay in getting the refund of BWA spectrum charges. The Secretary, DoT replied that the issue is being taken up with the Finance Ministry, by the Honb’le Minister of Communications. (Subsequently the Core Committee members came to know that an amount of Rs.830 crores will be refunded to BSNL, being the Licence Fee paid by the Company in 2013-14.)
(4) Calculation of pension contribution.
It was pointed out to the Secretary, DoT that this demand is not yet settled and that pension contribution is still being calculated on the maximum of the pay scale, instead of on the basic pay. The Secretary replied that it would be looked into.
(5) Transfer of assets.
It was pointed out to the Secretary that not much development has taken place on this issue, since the discussion that took place on 01.05.2015. The Core Committee members also complaint that the DoT is taking over BSNL’s buildings and lands in many places. They also demanded all needful steps should be taken for the immediate transfer of entire assets to BSNL. Secretary, DoT assured needful would be done.
(6) Repayment of salary paid to the employees deputed to Term Cell.
The Core Committee members told the Secretary that the salary paid by BSNL, to the employees deputed to the Term Cell, is not yet refunded by the DoT. Secretary, DoT assured needful would be done.
(7) Merger of BSNL and MTNL.
DOT Secretary said that final decision will be taken only by the government.
( BSNLEU website) |
