Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor and Com.K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary had a serious discussion on 21-12-2015 with Shri.Rakesh Garg, Secretary, DoT on 78.2% IDA merger to BSNL Pensioners. The representatives of AIBDPA  conveyed strong dissatisfaction in dealing with the file in DoT as if there is no accountability. The Secretary, DoT stated that there were some adverse comments by the legal advisor (later we came to know that these were irrevelent and baseless; “BSNL is providing bad services, BSNL has enough surplus land” etc.) and there fore the file is sent to the Department of Law for vetting. As all the points raised by the Department of Expenditure have been explained, the Secretary said that on receipt of the file from the Department of Law it will be directly submitted to cabinet for approval.

Earlier, the Member (Finance) had also stated that the file after complying with the clarifications sought by the Department of Expenditure will be submitted to the cabinet. But the Member (Services) wanted the file to be sent to the Department of Expenditure again. This has also caused much delay. Now, the Secretary, DoT has decided to send the file to the cabinet. CHQ is watching the progress and will pursue further.

The decision of the Forum of BSNL unions to organize Black Badge demonstration on 22-12-2015 against the undue delay in extending the benefit of 78.2% IDA merger to BSNL pensioners and the big success of the program throughout the country will definitely has its effect.