Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA visited Sanchar Bhawan on 03-05-2016 to ascertain the progress regarding the 78.2% IDA merger issue. He wanted to meet the Secretary, DoT but was not available. How ever his PA told Com.Namboodiri that the covering letter for the cabinet note has been signed by the Secretary, DoT and the file sent to the Member (Finance) for further action. Com.Namboodiri asked him why should it be sent to Member (Finance) instead of the Establishment section. The PA replied as per procedure, the file has to be sent from where it is initiated. Thereafter Com.Namboodiri met Ms. Annie Moreas, Member (Finance) and discussed the issue who assured immediate action.

Now, Internal Finance has to sent the file to the Establishment section who in turn will forward it to the Cabinet Secretariat for final approval.

Utilising the opportunity of Com.VAN Namboodiri’s visit to Nagpur in connection with the membership verification in BSNL, the AIBDPA held a meeting at the BSNLEU office premises on 02.05.2016. Veteran leader Com. Dakhtod presided. Com. Namboodiri, Patron NCCPA and Advisor AIBDPA spoke about the issues of the pensioners like 78.2% IDA pension fixation, Restoration of Medical Allowance and other issues. He also spoke about the Strike proposed by the Central government employees against the retrograde recommendation of the VII Central Pay Commission. The doubts raised by the members were explained by Com. Namboodiri. Many comrades subscribed to the ‘Telepensioner’ on the spot.

Com. Namboodiri visited Com. B.P.Petkar, Circle Secretary of AIBDPA and convener Co-ordinating Committee of Pensioners’ Associations at his residence. Com.Petkar is resting at home after heart operation and discussed association issues. We wish him early full recovery.

Com. K.G. Jayaraj, General Secretary has contacted  Shri.Prachish Khanna, Director (Estt), DoT today, 3rd May, 2016 and gathered the following information.

The covering letter of the cabinet note is yet to be signed by the Secretary, DoT  .Probably, the Secretary, DoT is expected to sign it today. The Director assured that once it is signed and got back, it will be forwarded to the Cabinet Secretariat promptly.

It is reported that the government is proposing another VRS for employees of the MTNL. About 5,300 of the existing 46,000 employees are proposed to be given the VRS, who are about 20% of the staff and aged 50 and above. This is the 4th VRS being implemented in MTNL.

The government is also proposing to sell the assets of MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai.

But these measures have proved to be futile in reviving the MTNL.