Attention All Participants of 4th AIC at Jaipur! 

Please SMS to Reception Committee AIC at Jaipur (9079228058 /9413401776 /8560906922) immediately about number of delegates reaching Jaipur with time and number/name of train / flight  with your contact numbers – also to know that comrades by train to reach Jaipur Rly Junction PF No1 RMS office for Reception Committee comrades to guide – This is most important to avoid any possible inconveniences to all of you – KKN Kutty SG NCCP

PRESS RELEASE

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for revival of BSNL and MTNL by administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services, debt restructuring by raising of bonds with sovereign guarantee, reducing employee costs, monetisation of assets and in-principle approval of merger of BSNL & MTNL.

The following was approved by the cabinet:-

1. Administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services to BSNL and MTNL so as to enable these PSUs to provide broadband and other data services. The said Spectrum will be funded by the Government of India by capital infusion in these PSUs at a value of Rs 20,140 Cr in addition; the GST amount of Rs 3,674 Cr to this spectrum value will also be borne by the Government of India through Budgetary resources. By using this spectrum allotment, BSNL and MTNL will be able to deliver 4G services, compete in the market and provide high speed data using their vast network including in rural areas.
2. BSNL and MTNL will also raise long-term bonds of Rs 15,000 Cr for which sovereign guarantee will be provided by the Government of India (GoI). With the said resources, BSNL and MTNL will restructure their existing debt and also partly meet CAPEX, OPEX and other requirements.
3. BSNL and MTNL will also offer Voluntary Retirement to their employees, aged 50 years and above through attractive Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), the cost of which will be borne by the Government of India through budgetary support. The ex-gratia component of VRS will require Rs. 17,169 Cr in addition, GoI will be meeting the cost towards Pension, Gratuity and Commutation. Details of the scheme will be finalised by BSNL/MTNL.
4. BSNL and MTNL will monetise their assets so as to raise resources for retiring debt, servicing of bonds, network upgradation, expansion and meeting the operational fund requirements.
5. In-principle merger of BSNL and MTNL

It is expected that with the implementation of said revival plan, BSNL and MTNL will be able to provide reliable and quality services through its robust telecommunication network throughout the country including rural and remote areas.

*****

DOP&PW has issued the order for  5% increase in dearness relief to Central Government pensioners from 01-07-2019 and the total DR will be 17%.

VIEW THE ORDER.42_04_2019_PPW_D_21102019

Com.V A N Namboodiri, Advisor and Com.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary have met Shri.Aravind Vednerkar, the newly appointed Director (HR), BSNL on 23-10-2019 and congratulated him for assuming charge and wished success. 

The representatives then brought to his notice the burning issue of nonpayment of medical bills and quarterly medical allowances for the last one year or more and the sufferings being faced by the retirees. It is heart breaking that even those chronic patients of cancer, heart and kidney ailments for which a sizable amount has to be incurred every month are the worst affected. They also brought to his notice that the one time deposit for migration to CGHS , paid by the retirees, is also not being reimbursed by BSNL. The Director had a patient hearing and expressed his inability to give a categorical assurance in the wake of the present financial crisis of BSNL. 

Com.Susanta  Ghosh, CHQ Vice President inaugurated the 4th biennial District Conference of Purulia with a detailed speech covering the issues confronting the pensioners and the ensuing Circle Conference at Asansol. A presidium consisting Coms.Dhruba Pada Singh and Ganesh Ramgupta controlled the proceedings. Leaders of various organisations including CGPA, Joit Forum of Pensioners,CORTO, BSNLEU greeted the conference.

The biennial report and audited accounts presented by the District Secretary were adopted after discussion.

Office bearers with Coms. Druba Pada Singh (President), Laxmi Kanta Bag (District Secretary) and Mohan Lal Choudhary (Treasurer) were elected unanimously.

The government and the ruling party are claiming that the country is fast emerging as a 5 trillion economy. But in every world social index, India is being ranked almost at the bottom of the table.

Now, in the Global Hunger Index, India is ranked below our neighbouring countries, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh, 102 among 117 countries. India had ranked 83 out of 113 countries in 2000.

Com. K G Jayaraj, General Secretary has joined CHQ on 18-10-2019 and will be available in Delhi for 40 days.

The hunger strike on 18-10-2019,called by AUAB has been deferred following the discussion had with the BSNL management on 17-10-2019. CMD, Director (HR) and Director (CM)  participated in the discussion and assured salary payment by 23rd October, 2019. They also informed that the  the cabinet is likely to take a decision on BSNL revival package within a week and requested AUAB to call off the hunger strike on 18-10-2019. The AUAB leaders participated in the discussion decided to defer the hunger strike for the timebeing.

Next meeting of AUAB will be held on 30-10-2019 to review the situation and decide on future course of action.