Respected President, Comrade Dimos Koumpouris, General Secretary Com. Quim Boix, other distinguished leaders on the dias, hosting Comrades of Greece and delegates participating from various countries representing numerous organizations both physically and on Zoom platform.

On behalf of AIBDPA, the militant and fighting organisation of Telecom pensioners of India, I have the privilege of extending Revolutionary Greetings to all of you. My hearty congratulations to our Greek comrades for hosting and holding this historic 3rd Congress at the capital city of Athens, which has the rich heritage of the famous ancient city, in a befitting manner.

I am extremely sorry for not being present physically among you and missing the great opportunity to see you all in person due to Visa problem. My hearty thanks to our beloved General Secretary Com. Quim Boix for extending the opportunity to participate in the 3rd Congress on the Zoom platform.

Comrades, we are having this 3rd Congress at Athens after five years since the 2nd Congress at Bogotá in 2019 and during these five years we have advanced and rejuvenated as the only world organization of the pensioners and retirees, thanks to our great and visionary leadership. But at the same time there are deficiencies and weaknesses, which warrant our serious attention and effective measures for resolution.

1. The main problem is lack of initiative in organising the pensioners and retirees in many countries even by WFTU affiliated trade unions in their respective countries. I am fully aware of the great efforts by our General Secretary Com. Quim Boix through the WFTU leadership in this regard.It is observed that in many countries the retired persons are continuing in the leadership of trade unions of workers wherever the rules permit it. WFTU had taken a decision to the effect that the vast majority of the workers are still unorganized and it is the duty of the organised section to organise the unorganized. Accordingly in some countries like India CITU took the initiative to organise the casual and contract workers and the pensioners and that is how AIBDPA, AIPRPA, AIITPA, AKBRF, AILICPA, AIAAPA,BSNLCCWF, AIPCWF etc were formed. We do not know the real position in this regard in other countries.
2. When we organised the 2nd Asia Regional Conference at Thiruvananthapuram on 1st October, 2023, the main problem we faced was lack of adequate representation from the Asian countries. Only three countries ie India, Nepal and Sri Lanka participated despite earnest efforts made by Comrade Quim Boix, General Secretary, Com. K. Ragavendran, Asia Coordinator and the Organising Committee. Barring this, the 2nd Asia Regional Conference was a grand success. The issues being faced by the pensioners and retirees were discussed in detail. The online speeches by Com. Pambis Kyritsis , General Secretary WFTU and Com. Quim Boix, General Secretary TUI (P&R) were highly appreciated.
3. There are instances wherein some of our affiliated organisations are toeing the line of the respective self styled “Social Democratic” governments, jeopardizing the basic principles of TUI (P&R).
4. Finance is very important for any organization for its effective functioning. But our leadership is burdened in this regard due to non -receipt of fees / yearly quota from many affiliates. In some countries like India, bank transfer has been made impossible, purposely by the government and the Indian affiliates were not able to remit their quota during the last five years. However, arrangements are now made for payment of quota directly during this 3rd Congress. But it is necessary to find out some alternate arrangement for timely remittances of yearly quota in future.
5. Lack of awareness or failure to understand the issues in proper and correct perspective may put the particular organization in difficulty. Therefore ideological updating is very much necessary and our TUI (P&R) leadership has taken adequate care to include it as one of the important tasks in the report.
6. We are all aged and most of us are ailing too. Therefore, burdening the General Secretary with each and everything is not at all desirable. In this connection, effective proposals are made in the report to share the responsibilities and also to replace an office bearer found to be inactive.
7. Women representation is another area that we should have a clear perspective and effective proposals. Unfortunately, much importance is not being given on this important issue by most of the organizations. TUI ( P& R) has to be a role model for empowering the women in all aspects and should guide the affiliated organizations to follow suit.

AIBDPA and it’s functioning.

All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association is an organization consisting of pensioners and family pensioners of the Department of Telecommunications and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd ( BSNL ) in India. It was formed in 2009 and due to its militant style of functioning, mainly organising struggles demanding settlement of important issues of the pensioners, AIBDPA has advanced as one of the major pensioners organisations in India. It is affiliated to NCCPA ( National Coordination Committee of Pensioners Association ) since its inception and continues to be one of the dominant affiliates. AIBDPA is part of TUI (P&R) since its first Congress held at Barcelona in 2014.

We have a website, aibdpa.com, being regularly updated with important developments, struggles and government orders. We also publish a quarterly journal, Tele Pensioner. Social media like WhatsApp and Face Book are also being utilised for campaigns.

We have achieved many demands through sustained struggles. We were denied medical benefits for about four years and had to organise continuous struggles, even during the Covid 19 pandemic. Finally a mammoth march of pensioners at New Delhi was organised on 24th August, 2022 after which the medical benefits were paid with arrears. This has boosted the confidence of our Comrades and attracted more pensioners to our fold. It also compelled the government of India to hold a discussion on 17th October, 2022 on the long pending issue of pension revision due from 01-01.2017. But the issue is still pending unresolved, though we organised several agitations not only by AIBDPA but also under the banner of Joint Forum of 8 Pensioners Associations. NCCPA also included the pension revision in its charter of demands on which a four phased struggle, culminating in a powerful Delhi March on 12-07-2023 was organised .

We are thankful to TUI(P&R) for supporting our struggles and also for circulating to all the affiliates with multiple translation and publication of these on the website.

Attacks on pension.

The first attack started against the defined and statutory benefit pension scheme which ensured 50% of the last salary as pension by replacing it with a contributory pension scheme called National Pension Scheme. It has since been proved to be a No Pension Scheme against which sustained joint struggles are launched unitedly by the organizations of Central government employees, state government employees and that of the Public Sectors and pensioners as well . This has its impact with some of the state governments deciding to restore the Old Pension Scheme. The Indian government also was compelled to appoint a Secretary level Committee to examine the possibility of any positive change within the frame work of NPS. But we cannot expect anything favourable from this Committee.

Another pension scheme made applicable for the vast majority of workers including for the private sector workers, is EPF Pension Scheme which is most retrograde and by which only a very meagre amount of pension is being paid . The government is trying to deny even a slight increase, as eligible as per the verdict of the Supreme Court of India.

The Indian government under Narendra Modi is pursuing aggressively the neoliberal policies by which the Corporates are given undue concessions while the common people are burdened with the record unemployment and unbearable price rise of essential commodities. The gap between the rich and poor is alarmingly widened. In addition, the government is trying to divide the people in the name of caste and religion. Also the government has started to show it’s fascist tendancies resorting to pressure tactics on all the constitutional institutions to toe the government line. Though the general elections is round the corner, the government did not care to concede even smaller and long pending issues of the pensioners including restoration of railway travel concession to the senior citizens withdrawn during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Kerala shows the alternative.

In sharp contrast to the policies of Narendra Modi government, the left Democratic government of Kerala is implementing so many schemes for the welfare of the common people without compromising on modern developmental activities. Kerala is implementing a pension scheme, called the social welfare pension to all weaker sections, ₹1,600 is being paid to more than 60 lakh people every month.

Comrades, our moto, Universal Pension, has to be made a reality for which we all have to strive hard to replace our class enemy, the capitalism with progressive left / socialist governments. It is not an easy task but not impossible too. So let us strengthen our own organisations, strengthen our TUI(P&R) and organise struggles unitedly with working class to acheive the goal.

Long Live TUI (P&R)
Long Live WFTU
Long Live the 3rd Congress.

Thank you Comrades.

Prior to the 3rd Congress ,the Executive board was met at the venue of the congress, Novotel Hall, Athens brieflly at 4PM on 14th April, 2024. Com.Dimos Koumpouris, President presided.Com.Quim Boix General Secretary briefed on the report, amendments to the statutes, resolutions and the proposal for the office bearers for next five years. All the documents ,already circulated were approved so also the proposals for office bearers.

The Congress kick statrted with the WFTU anthem and followed by three songs presented by the Music group of Greece which enthralled all the participants. Thereafter Coms. Dimos Koumpouris, President, Pambis Kyritsis, General Secretary, WFTU, George Mavrikos, Honorary President, WFTU, George Perros, Deputy General Secretary, Executive Secretariat of PAME and Quim Boix, General Secretary addressed the Congress. All the leaders severely condemned the barbaric genocide in Gaza by Israel killing several thousands of innocent civilians, mostly women and children. The attacks on pension by various governments world over where ever capitalist forces are in power and the struggles being launched were highlighted.

Thereafter the documents of the Congress were presented. Com. Dimos Koumpouris, President presented the document on global developments. Com.Lisimaco Velasco presented the amendments to the statutes and Com.Quim Boix the report and work plan.

The discussion started with the Indian delegate Com.A K Ghosh, Coordination Committee of CGPA, West Bengal . Other Indian delegates, Coms. K Ragavendran, Secretary General, NCCPA and D K Debnath, General Secretary, AIPRPA also spoke on the first day itself. Com.K G Jayaraj, Genral Secretary, AIBDPA who could not participate physically due to visa problem and attended through video conference also took part in the discussion. The Indian delegates presented the important issues of struggles for restoration of Old Pension Scheme, BSNL pension revision, Bank pension updation, NPS, EPF pension and the struggles being waged jointly with working class. The peculiar political situation in India due to the pro corporateaggressive neoliberal policies of the authoritarian government were also highlighted.

The 3rd Congress is continuing and will conclude on 16th April, 2024.

Com. N N Patel, Circle President inaugurated the 3rd Palanpur District Conference al Jalram Hall on 13-04-2024. Com. B A Panchivala presided over the conference as Com. N M Parmar could not participate due to illness. In his inaugural address, Com.N N Patel stressed to stregthen the organisation to face the challenges ahead. Com.S C Soni welcomed one and all.Com.V M Darji, District Secretary presented the report and Com. R P Khasetia, Treasurer submitted the accounts.

Com.M B Chaniyara, Circle Secretary and CHQ Vice President delivered the keynote address and explained all the issues. Com. C D Ratho, Retd OS and Chief Guest donated Rs.20,000 to the District Branch towards the conference expenditure. Com.G B Darji, District Secretary, Mahesana, Coms.D B Raval and Com. A Y Ghori,District President and District Secretary BSNLEU addressed.The pensioners who crossed 75 years were honoured.

Office bearers were elected unanimously with Com. L D Deria (Patron), Com.S C Soni (President), Com.V M Darji (District Secretary) Com.R P Khasetia (Treasurer)

The 3rd Congress of Trade Union International (Pensioners & Retirees) is being held at the historic ancient city of Athens in Greece on 14-18 April, 2024. Arrangements were made for the participation of seven comrades from India. Coms.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary, AIBDPA & Executive Board Member of TUI(P&R), K Ragavendran, Secretary General, NCCPA & Asia Coordinator of TUI(P&R), A K Ghosh (Coordination Committee of CGPA,West Bengal) & Member , Financial Committee of TUI(P&R), D K Debnath, General Secretary, AIPRPA, M.Suresh Kumar, General Secretary, AKBRF, Swastika Dasgupta, CHQ Vice President, AIBDPA & Member, Womens Committee of TUI(P&R) and Mihir Dasgupta, ACS, Kolkata of AIBDPA.

Unfortunately, Coms K G Jayaraj and M Suresh Kumar could not get the Visa, though they attended the interview at Kochi on 22-03-2024. Com. Swastika Dasgupta was admitted in a Kolkata hospital on 10-04-2024 in a critical condition due to heart ailment and both Coms.Swastika and Mihir had to cancel their tickets. And as such only three comrades, K Ragavendran, A K Ghosh and D K Debnath are participating in the 3rd Congress. It is the first time that AIBDPA is not represented in the TUI(P&R) Congress. Com.V A N Namboodiri, Advisor had attended the first Congress at Barcelona in 2014 and Com.K G Jayaraj participated in the 2nd Congress at Bogota in 2019. However, Com.Quim Boix has assured to make necessary arrangements for the participation of Com.K G Jayaraj through video conference.

The 3rd Congress will discuss seriously the important issues of the pensioners and retirees globally and take appropriate decisions. Three documents will be presented to the Congress for discussion and adoption. Delegates from 90 countries are expected to participate and delegates from 20 countries through video conference also will participate.

संसद चुनाव और हमारे कार्य

चुनाव आयोग ने 18वीं लोकसभा के लिए आम चुनाव की घोषणा कर दी है, और ये 19 अप्रैल से 1 जून, 2024 तक विभिन्न राज्यों और केंद्र शासित प्रदेशों में सात चरणों में आयोजित किये जाने है।

जहां तक ​​हमारे देश का प्रश्न है, यह बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण चुनाव है। बेशक, हम किसी दलीय राजनीति में नहीं हैं, लेकिन हम अपने पेंशनभोगियों के हितों का ख्याल रखने के लिए बाध्य हैं।

पेंशनभोगियों के मुद्दों पर मोदी सरकार की क्या नीति रही है?

1. पेंशन संशोधन, बीएसएनएल/एमटीएनएल पेंशनर्स का वैध अधिकार, जो कि दिनांक 01-01-2017 से देय है, पिछले 87 महीनों से विश्वासघातपूर्वक नकारा जा रहा है।
2. कोविड महामारी के दौरान जब्त की गई महंगाई भत्ते / महंगाई राहत की तीन किश्तें वापस नहीं की गईं बल्कि न्यायालय के अनुकूल आदेशों के बावजूद खारिज कर दी गईं।
3. मोदी शासन के दौरान “एनजेसीएम” और “स्कोवा” का मजाक उड़ाया जा रहा है ।चिरकाल से लंबित किसी भी मांग पर कोई समझौता नहीं किया गया है, यथा: 12 वर्ष पश्चात कम्यूटेशन की बहाली, एक वर्ष की सेवा पूरी कर वेतन वृद्धि प्राप्त करने से पूर्व सेवानिवृत्त होने वालों को पेंशन के लिए एक काल्पनिक वेतन वृद्धि, ₹ 3,000 का निश्चित चिकित्सा भत्ता, संसदीय स्थायी समिति की एकमात्र अस्वीकृत मांग, 7वें वेतन आयोग द्वारा अनुशंसित विकल्प 1 का कार्यान्वयन, कोविड महामारी के दौरान वापस ली गई रेलवे रियायत की बहाली और 8वें वेतन आयोग की नियुक्ति पर किसी भी प्रकार का निर्णय नहीं।
4. पुरानी पेंशन योजना की बहाली पर कोई निर्णय नहीं हुआ क्योंकि “एनपीएस” पहले ही से “कोई पेंशन नहीं” योजना साबित हो चुकी है। मोदी सरकार द्वारा नियुक्त सचिव स्तरीय समिति से कुछ भी अपेक्षित नहीं है क्योंकि हमने कुछ राज्य सरकारों, जिन्होंने ओपीएस को बहाल किया, के प्रति मोदी सरकार का शत्रुतापूर्ण रुख भी देखा है।
5. संसदीय समिति की निम्नलिखित सभी सिफारिशों को मोदी सरकार ने सिरे से खारिज कर दिया है:

(क) 65 वर्ष की आयु में 5%, 70 वर्ष की आयु में 10% और 75 वर्ष की आयु में 15% अतिरिक्त पेंशन।
(ख) देश के समस्त जिलों में सीजीएचएस वेलनेस सेंटर की स्थापना।
(ग) सीजीएचएस वेलनेस सेंटर्स में पदों के औचित्य के अनुसार डॉक्टर, पैरामेडिकल स्टाफ और नर्स की तैनाती।
(घ) वेलनेस सेंटर्स में पर्याप्त दवाइयों की आपूर्ति सुनिश्चित करना।
(ङ) गैर-सूचीबद्ध सीजीएचएस अस्पतालों में इलाज के लिए पूरी राशि की प्रतिपूर्ति।

मोदी की गारंटी और वास्तविकता

इस चुनाव के दौरान भी प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी द्वारा बहुत सारी गारंटीज दी जा रही है। आइए देखें कि अतीत में दी गई निम्नलिखित “गारंटियों” का क्या हुआ?

गारंटी 1: विदेशी बैंकों में जमा किए गए काले धन की बड़ी मात्रा को वापस लाया जाएगा और भारत के प्रत्येक नागरिक को 15 लाख रुपये दिए जाएंगे।

और हुआ क्या?: कुछ नहीं बल्कि काले धन की ताकतें पहले से कहीं ज्यादा फल-फूल रही हैं।

गारंटी 2: देश में बढ़ती बेरोजगारी को दूर करने के लिए प्रतिवर्ष 2 करोड़ नौकरियां पैदा की जाएंगी।

और हुआ क्या?: रेलवे सहित केंद्र सरकार के कई क्षेत्रों में 10 लाख से ज्यादा रिक्तियां हैं, जिन्हें भरा नहीं जा रहा है। एक निश्चित अवधि के बाद रिक्तियों को रद्द कर दिया जा रहा है। सिर्फ अनुबंध आधारित और आकस्मिक नौकरियां दी जा रही हैं। अग्निपथ के नाम पर सशस्त्र बलों में भी नियुक्तियां अनुबंध पर की जा रही हैं। नतीजतन, देश में बेरोजगारी इतनी बढ़ गई है कि 83% बेरोजगार शिक्षित युवा हैं।

गारंटी 3: पेट्रोल की कीमत 50 रुपये प्रति लीटर हो जाएगी और एलपीजी की कीमत भी कम होगी।

और हुआ क्या?: 2014 में पेट्रोल की कीमत 70 रुपये थी और अंतरराष्ट्रीय बाजार में एक बैरल कच्चे तेल की कीमत 136 डॉलर थी। इसी तरह से एलपीजी की कीमत 410 रुपये थी।

अब कच्चे तेल की कीमत गिरकर 86 डॉलर प्रति बैरल पर आ गई है। लेकिन देखिए पेट्रोल की कीमत ₹110 प्रति लीटर हैं। क्या कमाल है? जब कच्चे तेल की कीमत में करीब 40% की कमी आती है, तो पेट्रोल की कीमत में 57% की बढ़ोतरी हो जाती है। यह कैसे हुआ? पेट्रोल और डीजल पर लगाया जा रहा कुल कर 66% है, जो दुनिया में सबसे ज़्यादा है। इसमें से ₹33 अतिरिक्त उत्पाद शुल्क और विशेष अतिरिक्त उत्पाद शुल्क का योग है, जिसे राज्य सरकारों के साथ साझा ही नहीं किया जा सकता।

मोदी सरकार ने लोगों की इतनी क्रूर लूट क्यों की?

2014 में कॉर्पोरेट टैक्स 30% था। वर्ष 2019 से मोदी राज में कॉर्पोरेट टैक्स की दर सिर्फ़ 15% है। नतीजतन, सरकार की राजस्व आय में भारी गिरावट आई और इस नुकसान की भरपाई के लिए मोदी सरकार ने आम लोगों को लूटना शुरू कर दिया।

जैसा कि आप जानते हैं, एलपीजी की कीमत भी ₹1,100 तक बढ़ गई है। इससे भी बुरी बात यह है कि बिना किसी सूचना के सब्सिडी भी वापस ले ली गई।

गारंटी 4:महिला सशक्तिकरण और सुरक्षा।

और हुआ क्या?: कई राज्यों में नाबालिग लड़कियों, खास तौर पर दलितों के साथ बलात्कार और हत्या की घटनाएं आम हो गई हैं तथा पीड़ितों और गवाहों पर हमला करके उन्हें मार दिया जाता है। निहित स्वार्थों द्वारा जानबूझकर किए गए मणिपुर दंगे मई, 2023 से लगातार जारी हैं। कई महिलाओं को नंगा करके घुमाया जाता है, बलात्कार किया जाता है और उनकी हत्या कर दी जाती है।

गारंटी 5: “मेरी सरकार भ्रष्टाचार मुक्त होगी।”

और हुआ क्या?: सुप्रीम कोर्ट द्वारा चुनावी बॉन्ड को संविधान विरोधी घोषित करते हुए रद्द करने और उसके परिणामस्वरूप एसबीआई के खुलासे से मोदी और भाजपा का असली चेहरा उजागर हो गया है। चुनावी बॉन्ड और पीएम केयर्स फंड सबसे बड़े घोटाले हैं, जिनके ज़रिए भाजपा ने अवैध रूप से हज़ारों करोड़ रुपए कमाए हैं।

नोटबंदी, हिमालयी भूल

दिनांक 08-11-2016 को नरेंद्र मोदी ने नकली, काले धन और आतंकवादी गतिविधियों पर लगाम लगाने का दावा करते हुए ₹1000 और ₹500 की मुद्राएँ बंद कर दीं।

इसके क्या परिणाम हुए? लोगों को एक वर्ष तक परेशानी और कष्ट सहना पड़ा। हज़ारों छोटे उद्योग बंद हो गए और लाखों मज़दूर बेरोज़गार हो गए। राष्ट्रीय अर्थव्यवस्था मंदी की चपेट में आ गई।

क्या लक्ष्य हासिल करने में सफलता मिली?

नहीं, एक बड़ा शून्य। भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक के अनुसार, 99% मुद्राएँ वापस आ गईं।

सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों पर हमले

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के अनुसार, सार्वजनिक उपक्रम मरने के लिए पैदा होते हैं। लगभग सभी सार्वजनिक उपक्रम, जिनमें नव रत्न का दर्जा प्राप्त लाभ कमाने वाले उपक्रम भी सम्मिलित हैं, को बहुत कम कीमत पर कॉरपोरेट्स को सौंप दिया जा रहा है। राष्ट्रीय मुद्रीकरण प्रक्रिया के नाम पर, रणनीतिक क्षेत्रों सहित राष्ट्रीय संपत्ति भी कॉरपोरेट्स को दी जा रही है।

बीएसएनएल को विकसित नहीं होने दिया जा रहा है

बार-बार “पुनरुद्धार पैकेज” की घोषणा के बावजूद 78,569 कर्मचारियों की छंटनी के अलावा कुछ नहीं हुआ। विदेशी कंपनियों से उपकरण खरीदकर बीएसएनएल को अपनी 4जी सेवाएं शुरू करने की अनुमति नहीं है, जबकि निजी दूरसंचार कंपनियों पर ऐसा कोई प्रतिबंध नहीं है। इसलिए लाखों ग्राहक बीएसएनएल को छोड़ रहे हैं और इसके अस्तित्व को गंभीर खतरा पैदा कर रहे हैं। मोदी सरकार का असली इरादा बीएसएनएल को खत्म करना और इसकी लाखों करोड़ रुपये की संपत्ति अंबानी या अडानी को सौंपना है और उन्हें दूरसंचार सेवाओं के लिए अत्यधिक दरों पर लोगों को लूटने की अनुमति देना है। बीएसएनएल कर्मचारियों की कोई गलती नहीं होने के बावजूद उन्हें दिनांक 01-01-2017 से देय उचित वेतन संशोधन से वंचित किया जा रहा है।

बैंक पेंशनर्स
निधि की उपलब्धता के बावजूद गत 30 वर्षों से पेंशन में कोई संशोधन नहीं

बैंक पेंशनर्स के लिए 30 वर्ष पूर्व जब से पेंशन प्रारंभ हुई है तब से लेकर आज तक सेवारत कर्मचारियों के वेतन का द्विपक्षीय समझौते के तहत पांच बार वेतन पुनर्निर्धारण हो चुका है परंतु लगातार मांग के बावजूद आज तक पेंशन में संशोधन नहीं हो पा रहा है।

इसमें भी आश्चर्य की बात यह है कि यह तब हैं जबकि बैंक पेंशनर्स को पेंशन खजाने से नहीं मिलकर उनके स्वयं के फंड से मिल रही है और वर्तमान में इस फंड में लगभग एक लाख करोड रुपए का इतिशेष है तथा इस जमा इतिशेष पर ब्याज के साथ ही साथ कर्मचारी एवम् बैंक का हिस्सा जो इस पेंशन फंड में प्रतिवर्ष जमा हो रहा है उसके मुकाबले पेंशन पर व्यय आय से कम हैं। इससे इस फंड मे हर वर्ष वृद्धि हो रही हैं

इन समस्त सकारात्मक तथ्यों के बावजूद भी आखिर क्यों सरकार इस मुद्दे पर सेवानिवृत्त कर्मचारी ऐसोसियेसनो से वार्ता तक करने को तैयार नहीं है, यह विचारणीय प्रश्न है। कहीं ऐसा तो नहीं कि सरकार इस फंड को भी उसके हकदारों का मुंह मार के अपने औद्योगिक मित्रों के सुपुर्द करने की कोई योजना पाले हुए हैं?

सीजीएचएस और आभा
स्वास्थ्य अभिलेख लाभार्थी का व्यक्तिगत अधिकार परंतु सरकार का मंतव्य कहीं इसे अपने औद्योगिक मित्रों को व्यावसायिक उद्देश्यों से उपलब्ध कराने का तो नहीं

सीजीएचएस लाभार्थी संख्या को “आभा” से जोड़ने के प्रकरण में जनवरी 2023 में सीजीएचएस द्वारा जारी आदेश में यह स्पष्ट कहा गया था कि सीजीएचएस लाभार्थी यदि अपनी लाभार्थी संख्या को “आभा” से जोड़ने के लिए इच्छुक हो तो इस प्रक्रिया में भाग ले सकता है और स्वेच्छा से अपनी “आभा” आईडी बनाने का विकल्प चुन सकता है।

इसके पश्चात उक्त आदेश की भावना के विपरीत जब सीजीएचएस द्वारा लाभार्थियों पर व्यवहारिक रूप से यह दबाव बनाना प्रारंभ किया गया कि वे अपनी लाभार्थी संख्या को आभा से जोड़े तो ज्ञात हुआ कि सरकार की इस योजना का अंतिम लक्ष्य सीजीएचएस सेवाओं को समाप्त करते हुए इसके लाभार्थियों को आयुष्मान भारत योजना, जो कि इस सरकार की अतिमहत्वाकांक्षी योजनाओ में से एक है, के तहत ले आना हैं।इस पर विभिन्न संगठनों द्वारा जब इस दबाव का भारी विरोध किया गया तब सरकार द्वारा यह स्पष्ट किया गया था कि यह योजना स्वेच्छिक है, अनिवार्य नहीं।

परंतु सीजीएचएस संबंधी कई और विभिन्न तथा मुंहबाये खड़ी समस्याओं पर ध्यान देने की बजाय, इस मामले में कुछ अंतराल की चुप्पी के पश्चात सरकार द्वारा अब एकाएक रूप से हाल में दिनांक 28 मार्च 2024 को जारी आदेश के तहत सीजीएचएस लाभार्थी संख्या को “आभा से जोड़ना बलपूर्वक अनिवार्य करते हुए 30 अप्रैल 2024 तक इस कार्य को पूरा करने की सीमा तक तय कर दी गई है।

इस आदेश का भी वर्तमान में विभिन्न संगठनों के स्तर पर एक बार पुनः भारी विरोध किया जा रहा है परंतु सरकार, जिसने इस सेवा के बदले लाभार्थियों से करोड़ो रुपए वसूल रखे हैं, यह आश्वासन तक देने को तैयार नहीं है कि सीजीएचएस सेवा को आयुष्मान भारत के अधीन नहीं लाया जाएगा और सीजीएचएस लाभार्थियों को आयुष्मान भारत योजना के लाभार्थियों के समकक्ष नहीं रखा जायेगा।

उम्र के इस पड़ाव में पेंशनर्स, जिन्हें गुणवतापूर्ण स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं की सबसे अधिक दरकार रहती है, के साथ इस प्रकार के दुर्व्यवहार के साथ सरकार ने मानवीय संवेदनाओं तक को तिलांजलि दे दी है।

बताने को तो यह कहा जा रहा है कि आपके स्वास्थ्य अभिलेख तक आपकी ही पहुंच रहेगी परंतु पिछले महीनो में अखिल भारतीय आयुर्विज्ञान संस्थान के सर्वर से रोगियों का डेटा किस प्रकार से गायब होकर कहां गया होगा, इसे समझने भर की आवश्यकता मात्र है।

असमानता खतरनाक रूप से बढ़ गई है

मोदी सरकार के 10 साल के शासन के बाद, इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं है कि भारत में अरबपतियों की संख्या में आश्चर्यजनक वृद्धि हुई है, जिसका श्रेय कॉर्पोरेट समर्थक नीतियों को जाता है। साथ ही, अमीर और गरीब के बीच असमानता भी बहुत बढ़ गई है। गरीबी सूचकांक में भारत 123 देशों में से 111वें स्थान पर है, जबकि 1% अति-धनवानों ने राष्ट्रीय संपत्ति का 40% हिस्सा हथिया लिया है।

इन सब बातों को छोड़ भी दें, तो भी सत्ताधारी पार्टी द्वारा अपनाई जा रही नफरत और दीनता की राजनीति ही हमारी स्वतंत्रता, शांति, लोकतंत्र, धर्मनिरपेक्षता और हमारे महान संविधान के लिए असली खतरा है।

इसलिए हमें गंभीरता से सोचना चाहिए और आगामी चुनावों में सोच-समझकर मतदान करना चाहिए।

On 4th April, 2024 a Trade Union Class was organised by AIBDPA WB circle at CTO Union Office, Kolkata. Com Asis Das, Circle Secretary welcomed all the members present and breifed on the necessity of Trade Union Class.

Com Dhananjay Ganguly, Veteran leader of the Telecom movement spoke on the issue of “Communalism, Separatism and Present Society”. In his speech he illustrated the issue and clarified how the communal forces in the country are poisoning the people to divide them on the basis of caste and religion.

The other speaker was Com Subhash Mukherjee, President CITU West Bengal. He spoke on the issue ” The duties and responsibilities of the employees including the Pensioners in the present situation” . In his speech he criticised the BJP govt for their anti people, anti worker policy. He said both the Modi Govt. in the centre and Mamata Govt. in the state are trying to break all the democratic norms in the country. He said that Trinamool is the brain child of RSS. This RSS led BJP Govt. is trying to implement fascism in our country. They are trying to divide people in the name of religion, race etc.and trying to demolish our constitution. Com Mukherjee also criticised the TMC govt for their enormous corruption, favouritism, nepotism and unemployment issues. He appealed to the audience present the TU class to make an end to it and for this we have to interact with our family members our neighbours and our friends. He said a great chance has come before us to end the jungle raj in the state as well as in the entire country. And for this we have to play an effective role in favour of left and democratic forces in the coming days.

Com Sujoy Sarkar, Circle Secretary BSNLEU WB conveyed his best wishes for this initiative. Com Omprakash Singh Circle President was on the chair. 60 members were present from 16 districts.

PARLIAMENT ELECTION AND OUR TASKS.

The General Elections to the 18th Lok Sabha has been declared by the Election Commission, and is scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from 19th April to 1st June, 2024 in various states and Union Territories.

This is a very crucial election as far as our country is concerned. Of course, we don’t have any party politics, but we are bound to take care of the interests of our pensioners. What have been the policy of Modi government to the pensioners issues.

1. Pension Revision, the legitimate right of BSNL/ MTNL Pensioners due from 01-01-2017 is being treacherouly denied for the last 87 months.
2. Three instalments of IDA/ DR impounded during the Covid pandemic not refunded and rather rejected despite favourable court orders.
3. NJCM and Scova are being made a mockery during Modi regime, no settlement on any of the long pending demands, viz Restoration of commutation after 12 years, one notional increment for pension to those who completed full one year service but retired before drawal of increment, Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs. 3,000, the only non -rejected demand of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, implementation of Option 1, recommended by the 7th Pay Commission, Restoration of Railway concession withdrawn during the Covid pandemic and no decision on appointment of 8th Pay Commission.
4. No decision on Restoration of Old Pension Scheme as NPS has already been proved to be a No Pension Scheme. Nothing is expected from the Secretary level Committee appointed by Modi government as we have seen the hostile stand of Modi government towards certain state governments which restored the OPS.
5. All the following recommendations of Parliamentary Committee are rejected outrightly by the Modi government.

(a) Aditional pension of 5% at 65, 10% at 70 and 15% at 75.

(b) CGHS Wllness Centres in all the districts in the country.

(c). Post justified doctors, paramedical staff and nurses at the CGHS Wellness Centres.

(d) Ensure supply of sufficient medicines to the Wellness Centres.

(e) reimbursement of the full amount for treatment at the non – empaneled CGHS hospitals.

MODI GUARANTEES AND THE REALITIES.

So many guarantees are still being lavishly given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during this election also. Let us examine what happened to the following ” Guarantees ” given in the past.

1. The huge amount of black money siphoned off and deposited in the foreign banks will be brought back and Rs. 15 lakh each will be given to each and every citizen of India.

Nothing happened and the forces of black money are flourishing than ever.

1. 2 crore jobs will be generated every year to address the growing unemployment in the country.

The available vacancies in the Central government sector including Railways, more than 10 lakhs are not being filled up. The vacancies, after a specific period is being cancelled. Only contract and casual jobs are given. In the name of Agnipadh, even postings in the armed forces are made contractual. As a result the unemployment in the country has become alarmingly high that 83% of the unemployed are the educated youth.

1. Petrol price will be reduced to ₹ 50 per litre and LPG price also will be reduced.

In 2014, the petrol price was ₹70 and the cost of one barrel crude oil at international market was $ 136. LPG price was ₹410.

Now the crude oil price has fallen to $ 86 per barrel. But see the petrol price ₹110 per litre. What a wonderful magic? When the price of crude oil is reduced by about 40%, the petrol price hiked by 57%. How it happened? The total tax being levied on petrol and diesel is 66%, the highest in the world. Out of this ₹33 is the total of Additional Excise duty and Special Additional Excise duty which are not sharable with state governments.

Why Modi government resorted to such a cruel looting of the people?

In 2014, the Corporate Tax was 30%. In 2019,the rate of Corporate Tax under Modi regime is only 15%. As a result, the revenue income of the government fell sharply and to compensate this loss, Modi government resorted to looting the common people.

As you know, the LPG price also went high upto ₹1,100. Worse , the subsidy was withdrawn without intimaion.

1. Women empowerment and safety.

Rape and murder of even, minor girls, particulary belonging to dalits have become rampant in many states and the victims and the witnesses are allowed to be attacked and killed. The Manipur riots purposely perpetuated by the vested interests is continuing unabated since May, 2023. Several women are paraded naked, raped and murdered.

5 ” MY GOVERNMENT WILL BE CORRUPTION FREE.”

With the Supreme Court, cancelling the Electoral Bonds declaring it anti – constitutional, and the resultant revelation of SBI, the real face of Modi and BJP is exposed. The electoral bonds and the PM Cares Fund are the biggest scams through which BJP got thousands of crores, illegally.

Demonetisation, the Himalayan Blunder.

Currencies of ₹1000 and ₹500 were cancelled by Narendra Modi on 08-11-2016 claiming to contain counterfeit, black money and terrorist activities.

What were the consequences? People were put to distress and sufferings for an year. Thousands of small scale induustries were closed and lakhs of workers rendered jobless. The national economy put under doldrums.

Whether succeeded in achieving the aims?

No, a big zero.
According to RBI, 99% of the currencies were returned.

Attacks on PSUs.

According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PSUs are born to die. Almost all the PSUs, including profit making PSUs with Nava Retna status are being handed over to the corporates at throw away prices. In the name of National Monetisation Pipeline, national assets including those in the strategic sectors are also being given to the corporates.

BSNL not allowed to develop.

Despite declaration of repeated ” revival packages”, nothing happened other than retrenchment of 78,569 employees. BSNL is not allowed to launch its 4G services by procuring equipments from foreign companies while there is no such ban to the private telecom companies. So lakhs of customers are deserting BSNL posing serious threat to its very existence. The real intention of Modi government is to eliminate BSNL and hand over its assets worth rupees lakhs of crores to Ambani or Adani and allow them to loot the people with exorbitant rates for telecom services. For no fault of the BSNL employees, they are being denied the rightful wage revision due from 01-01-2017.

Inequality widened alarmingly.

After 10 years of Modi rule, no doubt, the number of billionaires in India has increased in a stunning pace, thanks to the pro corporate policies. At the same time inequality between the rich and poor has widened steeply. India ranked 111 out of 123 countries in the poverty index, while 1% of the super rich cornered 40% of the national assets.

Leave alone all these, the politics of hatred and humility being pursued by the ruling party is the real threat to our freedom, peace,democracy, secularism and our great constitution.

So let us think seriously and vote conciously in the forthcoming elections.