CHQ notes with joy and satisfaction that AUAB, strengthened with almost all the unions of Executives and Non-Executives, has held a physical meeting in New Delhi on 1st July, 2021 and taken encouraging and important decisions to protect BSNL and achieve the genuine demands of employees and pensioners. AIBDPA wholeheartedly congratulates the AUAB and welcome the decisions. CHQ request all our units to get in touch with the AUAB counterpart to ensure our maximum participation in all the programme of struggle and make it a grand success.

The details are available in the Circular issued by the AUAB is given below;

ALL UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS OF BSNL (AUAB)

: UA/2021/25 03.07.2021

Circular

To

General Secretaries, Constituents of the AUAB.

Dear comrades,

A physical meeting of the AUAB was held at New Delhi on 01.07.2021. The AUAB has invited all other applicant Unions and Associations also for this meeting. Totally, General Secretaries/Representatives of 13 Unions and Associations attended this meeting. Many Unions and Associations have expressed their inability to attend this physical meeting, due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The list of participants are as follows: – BSNLEU: Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS & Convenor, AUAB. NFTE: Com. Chandeshwar Singh, GS & Chairman, AUAB. AIGETOA: Com.Md. Wasi Ahmed, GS. SNEA: Com. K. Sebastin, GS. AIBSNLEA: Com. S. Sivakumar, GS. SEWA BSNL: Com.N.D. Ram, GS. BSNL MS: Com. Suresh Kumar, GS. SNATTA: Com.Deepak Sharma, Dy.GS. AITEEA: Com.Manoj Singh, GS. BSNL ATM: Com. Rewati Prasad, AGS. TEPU: Com. Rashid Khan, AGS. BSNL OA: Com.H.P. Singh, GS. BEA: Com.Ghanshyam Ahirwar, GS.

Com.P.Abhimanyu, Convenor, AUAB, welcomed everyone and explained about the background in which the meeting was being conducted. Com.Chandeswar Singh, Chairman of the AUAB presided over the meeting and delivered his presidential address. Serious discussions took place on the revival of BSNL. All the representatives expressed their deep concern over the anti-BSNL policies of the Government, as well as the total failure of the BSNL Management to take effective steps for the revival of the Company.

After detailed deliberations, the meeting decided to organise phased agitational programmes / campaigns, demanding immediate steps for the revival of BSNL and also for the redressal of the grievances of the employees.

Charter of demands

(1) Immediate launching of 4G service by way of upgradation of the BTSs and also steps for moving towards the launching of 5G service.

(2) Immediate disbursement of the salary for the month of June, 2021 and also disbursement of salary on the last date of every month.

(3) No Monetisation of BSNL’s Towers and optical fibre as is being planned by the Finance Ministry / Government of India.

(4) Immediate settlement of the dues to BSNL, amounting Rs.39,000 Crore, by the DoT. (5) Immediate steps to off-set BSNL’s debt, through the Monetisation of lands.

(5) Immediate settlement of the dues to BSNl, amounting to Rs.39,000cr by DoT.

(6) Complete review of the Cluster based Outsourcing System.

(7) Immediate settlement of 3 rd Pay Revision, pension revision and Enhancement of Superannuation Benefits (SAB) to 30% of the Directly Recruited Employees.

(8) Speedy measures to improve the quality of BSNL’s FTTH service.

(9) Prompt maintenance of BTSs, proper up-keep of the power plants, as well as availability of Batteries.

(10) Strengthen the transmission networks.

Programme of Action.

(1) Immediate submission of Memorandum to the MPs by the District Secretaries of AUAB.

(2) An immediate meeting is to be sought by the AUAB with the Secretary, Telecom.

(3) Placard Showing Programme in front of Sanchar Bhawan, by the General Secretaries on 15.07.2021. This programme is to be simultaneously organised at the Circle, BA and SSA levels also.

(4) Hunger Strike at Corporate Office, Circle and SSA levels on 28.07.2021.

(5) Further action will be decided by the AUAB after the above mentioned programmes.

The meeting decided to seek the support of the BSNL Pensioners’ Organisations for the programmes to be organised for the revival of the Company.

The meeting also held serious discussions on a number of issues, connected with the Company and the employees. It was decided to take up the following issues with the Management and the Government, by writing letters. (1) After delaying for more than one and half years, the BSNL Management has finalised it’s proposals for the Restructuring of Manpower. The proposals are detrimental to the future of the Executives and Non-Executives.

(2) Despite the unanimous insistence of all the Unions and Associations, demanding Compassionate Ground Appointments to the dependents of the Covid victims, the Management is shirking it’s responsibility in this regard. Only provision of CGA will give permanent relief to the families of the Covid victims.

(3) Non-settlement of the E2 and E3 pay scales of JTO/JAO and SDE/AO equivalent grade (part of 2 nd PRC) by the Management and the DoT, is causing extreme hardships to the employees. Steps should be immediately taken to settle this issue without further delay.

(4) BSNL Management is making indiscriminate and arbitrary deployment of more and more ITS officers in BSNL. Many big BAs are remaining without a GM. At the same time, concentration of ITS officers are there in smaller BAs.

(5) Delayed remittance of SAB Pension Contribution by the BSNL Management is causing a permanent loss to the employees due to lost interest of the period. As of now, SAB Pension Fund contribution pending since Apil-2020.

. Chandeshwar Singh P.Abhimanyu

Chairman, AUAB Convenor, AUAB

As per the Consumer Price Index released by Laour Bureau of India, the IDA will increase by 3.2% from 1st July, 2021. So the total IDA as on 01–07-2021 will be 173.6%. ( 170.4% on 01-04-2021 + 3.2% = 173.6%).

But we are not getting IDA due from 01-10-2020 ,01-01-2021 and 01-04-2021based on the so called freezing of IDA by the government vide DPE OM dated 19-11-2020. AIBDPA has rightly taken a stand that the IDA freezing is not applicable to BSNL pensioners as the OM does not cover non-executives and pensioners of CPSEs. CHQ took up the issue with the Hon’ble Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises for intervention for payment of the IDA installments. Kerala High Court in a writ petition filed by FACT Employees Association, after hearing the Assistant Solicitor General that DPE OM is applicable only to Executives and Non-Unionised Supervisors of CPSEs, gave a positive order directing the FACT management for payment of IDA to the workmen. This has clearly vindicated our stand and we again wrote to the Minister for necessary action by DPE. However, DPE forwarded the letter to DoT, being the administrative Ministry for further action. But nothing happened and therefore we filed a writ petition in the High Court of Kerala and got an interim order on 26-02-2021. The order was dult sent to both DPE and DoT but to no avail. We again moved the High Court for the final judgment and the court ordered on 30-04-2021 that no further order is required at this juncture.

Due to the pandemic situation and the resultant lockdown, the High Court has limited its functioning by hearing only important cases of urgency. Still our Advocate is trying to get the case posted for final judgment.

Meanwhile, the DPE as stated in the OM dated 19-11-2020, has to resume the IDA from 01-07-2021, without arrears. We may have to wait for sometime for the order of DPE in this regard.

Regarding the Dearness Relief of Cental government pensioners which has to be subsumed from 01-07-2021, the government has not yet taken a decision. The reply given by the official side in the National JCM meeting held on 26-0602021 is that the Expenditure Department will try to get the approval of the Cabinet for resumption of DR.

26.06.2021 JCM National Council Minutes

 NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

OF PENSIONERS ASSOCIATIONS.

(Registered undder the T.U. Act.No. RTU01/2021.Dated.7.01.2021

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

13.c Feroze Shah Road,

New Delhi. 110 001

PRESIDENT:       COM.SHIV GOPAL MISHRA.(97176 47594)

SECy. GENERAL:          COM.K.K.N.KUTTY. (98110 483030)

Dated: 26^th June, 2021.

Dear Comrades,

              The 48^th meeting of the National Council JCM was held today under the  chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary.  As a member of the  Standing Committee, National Council, the undersigned participated in the meeting.  The decisions taken on various issues raised are contained in the letter of the Secretary, Staff Side, JCM, Com.Shiv Gopal Mishra, who is also our President.  On expenditure department related items, the official side has offered to hold a bilateral discussions with the Staff Side.  As you are aware, most of the issues are pending disposal at their end. 

              The question of DA/DR was raised by the Staff Side expecting some positive response from the Government.  As expected the orders, if at all agreed by the Cabinet, will only be issued in September 2021 as I s the practice with the release of July related Dearness allowance/Relief. The Health Ministry has promised to hold a bilateral discussion with the staff side in the matter of health insurance scheme.  Now that our proposal is with the government we may expect a fruitful discussion on the issue.

              With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Sd/- 

K.K.N.KUTTY

No. 1(4)/2021-P&PW(H)-7223
भारत सरकार /Government of India
कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत और पेंशन मंत्रालय
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
पेंशन और पेंशनभोगी कल्याण विभाग/Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare

8 वीं मंजिल, बी-विंग, 8th Floor, B-Wing,
जनपथ भवन, जनपथ, Janpath Bhawan, Janpath,
नई दिल्‍ली – 110001 /New Delhi-110001
Dated: 22nd June, 2021

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Issue of Pension slip by Pension Disbursing Banks on monthly basis.

In order to ensure “Ease of Living’ of the Pensioners, a meeting was held with the CPPCs of Pension Disbursing Banks on 15.06.2021, wherein the issue of providing the breakup of monthly pension to the pensioners was discussed. The banks were impressed upon to undertake this welfare measure, as this information is required by pensioners in connection with Income Tax, Dearness Relief payment, DR arrears etc. The banks welcomed the idea and expressed their willingness to provide the information.

1. Accordingly, the undersigned is directed to request all Pension Disbursing Banks to issue pension slip to pensioners after credit of pension on their registered mobile numbers through SMS and email (wherever available) also. Banks may also use social media apps whatsapp etc in addition to sms and email. The pension slip should provide complete details of monthly pension paid along with break-up of the amount credited and tax deductions etc. if any.
2. The CPPCs of Pension Disbursing Banks are requested to ensure compliance of the above instructions for improving the “Ease of Living” for pensioners.

(Naresh Bhardwaj)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Encouraging meeting of the AUAB held online yesterday.An encouraging meeting of the AUAB was held online on the 21.06.2021. General Secretaries / leaders of BSNLEU, NFTE, AIGETOA, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, SEWA BSNL, BSNL MS, BSNL ATM, TEPU and BSNL OA participated. Non-disbursement of salary on the due date, heavy delay in BSNL’s 4G launching, issues related to BSNL’s revival and other issues of the employees were discussed. It is decided to convene one physical meeting of the AUAB at New Delhi on 01.07.2021 for finalising the charter of demands and programme of action. It is also decided to invite all the applicant unions and associations for that meeting. The circular issued by AUAB on yesterday’s meeting is enclosed herewith.

View circular

( BSNLEU Website)

Padma Shri Milkha Singh, the great athlete and legendary sprinter has passed away on 18-06-2021. He was battling Covid 19 for the last one month and the end came in a Chandigarh hospital. He was 91 and his wife had died just a few days ago, also due to Covid-19 complications. Milkha Singh, nicknamed “Flying Sikh” has won many medals for India and he reached 4th place in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He was a source of inspiration for many atheletes.

AIBDPA pays respectful homage to Shri. Milkha Singh and conveys heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

AGENDA ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN

26^th JUNE NC JCM MEETING

The DOPT has sent the list of Agenda Items to be discussed in the 48^th meeting of National Council JCM convened on 26.06.2021. The Agenda Items are reproduced (Captions only) for the information of our Comrades. Comrade KKN Kutty is also participating as a member of NC JCM and Standing Committee and Comrade Shiva Gopal Mishra the President of NCCPA is participating as the Staff Side Secretary of NC JCM – KKN Kutty Secretary General NCCPA.

1.      Reimbursement of expenses on indoor treatment to Pensioners living in Non-CGHS towns.

2.      Grant of Medical Advance to the Central Government Employees.

3.      Reimbursement of additional charges paid on account of overstay in the hospitals.

4.      Hospital Patient Care Allowance for C.G.Employees working in Hospital.

5.      Statement of following COVID-19 related issues.

6.      Evolve a Health Insurance Scheme for all employees and pensioners to cover up all pensioners who are outside the ambit of CGHS.

7.      Revival of all PSUs closed down or privatized, which are capable of manufacturing vaccine in the background of acute shortage of vaccine and oxygen units.

8.      GPF for those who have been recruited on or after 1.1.2004.

9.      Introduction of productivity linked bonus in place of Adhoc Bonus: Raising the minimum ceiling for the purpose of payment of Bonus to 18,000 in accordance with 7^th CPC.

10.  Revision of Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme.

11.  Withdrawal of orders of DA / DR Freeze.

12.  Option to switch over to 7^th CPC from a date subsequent to 25^th July 2016 on the ground of lock down due to COVID-19.

13.  Settle all 7^th CPC Anomalies represented by Staff.

14.  Grant of Compassionate Allowance to the widow of Employees dismissed / removed from service.

15.  Withdrawal of New Pension System (NPS) and restoration of Defined Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the employees who are recruited on or after 1.1.2004 at par with Armed Forces Personnel.

16.  Exempt transport / running allowance from income-tax.

17.  Exemption from payment of income-tax  to Pensioners who have attained the age of 80 years or more.

18.  Policy formulation for direct appointment of Trained Trade Apprentices of Central Government Industrial Establishments like Railways, Defence etc.

19.  Withdraw the decision to Corporatize the Railway Production Units and Ordnance Factories.

20.  Grant of Gazetted Status to Senior Section Engineers of Ministry of Railways.

21.  Grant Recognition to all employees organizations fairly and transparently – restore function of departmental and office councils in terms of the JCM Scheme.

22.  JCM Coverage to all PB-1 and PB-2 Officials by treating them as deemed Group C only.

23.  Litigation cases on service matters to be extended to all.

24.  Eradication of injustice to Casual, Contract and Outsourced workers: providing them the right to form a Union in terms of Article 19. 1(C) of the Constitution of India.

25.  Fill up all vacant posts in all grades.

26.  Grant of 5 (five) effective upgradation to all Group B&C employees in entire service life.

27.  Undertake cadre review of all Groups – B&C Cadres in every five years before the cadre review of Group A Cadres.

28.  Grant of Risk Allowance to the Employees involved in permanent and perennial recognized Risk Operations.

29.  Grant of Night Duty Allowance in 7^th CPC scale without any basic pay ceiling limit.