Some old revolutionaries, now very much in the company of very old revisionists, are allergic of agitations. They are in the fools paradise to believe that what ever is granted by the government to the pensioners is out of charity or due to the lip service of these people. The desperation and jealousy of these people are quite understandable, that these people had proposed a ‘Delhi March’ in October, 2013 on the issue of 78.2% IDA merger and shamelessly withdrew stating ‘file is moving’. Now, AIBDPA’s Sanchar Bhawan March,participated by about 1000 comrades from all parts of the country (we have not claimed any where ‘thousands of’) becoming a resounding success, these people have become in defensive, so the outbursts.

We have been demanding Rs.2500 as Fixes Medical  Allowance to DOT pensioners, among other demands, since formation of our AIBDPA ( now 2000+DA as demanded in the common memorandum to the 7th Pay Commission) and several agitations were conducted, the last being the Sanchar Bhawan March on 20th November,2014 and notice for the same was served well in advance to the authorities.

Every agitation has its effect and impact, sooner or later.

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The Joint Action Committee of BSNL Unions has  decided to go ahead with the one day STRIKE on 27th November, 2014 on the 30 point demands including  pension revision to BSNL pensioners based on 78.2% IDA merger. BSNL management  invited only the two recognized unions for a talk on the demands of the strike on 21st November,where as the strike notice was served by JAC, comprising all the non executive unions. The meeting of the JAC rejected the invitation as it amounts to a calculated move of the management to break the unity of the unions.

CHQ calls upon all the AIBDPA units to extend full support to the strike and organize solidarity demonstrations at all levels on 27th November.

The central government has issued order enhancing the Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs.300 to Rs.500 with effect from 19-11-2014 to central government pensioners and family pensioners residing out of CGHS covered areas.

Our demand is for FMA of Rs.2000 + DA and Rs.500 is quite insufficient, considering the exorbitant prices of the medicines.

However it is because of the strong agitations, including the Sanchar Bhawan March, that the  government is compelled to increase the FMA, though marginally. We have to continue the fight until the demand is met reasonably.

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In the discussion, the delegation of Sanchar Bhawan March had with Ms.Annie Moreas, Member (Finance), it was revealed that the Secretary, DOT is yet to give his consent to prepare the cabinet notes on extending the benefits of 78.2% IDA merger to BSNL pensioners as we had reported earlier. He has asked the Member (Finance) to discuss the isuue in person and this was noted in the file which was shown to the delegation. How ever some disgruntled  people had spread the news that cabinet note was prepared by DDG (Estt) and put up for approval.The Member(Finance) has assured the delegation of AIBDPA that she will take  the earliest opportunity to discuss the issue with the Secretary, DOT and move forward in the matter.

Definetly, the huge participation in the Sanchar Bhawan March will have its impact on the government and the bureaucrats.

BSNL DOT pensioners have created  another golden chapter in the history of pensioners movement in the country. The Sanchar Bhawan March held today, the 20th November, 2014 was massive with about  1000 pensioners participating from all parts of the country,  overwhelming the expectations of the organisers, impressive and disiciplined . The March started at 1030hrs from the Eastern Court and moved towards Sanchar Bhawan with almost all the participants carrying flag/banner/placard and shouting slogans on the important demands.The  March was blocked by the police at the Parliament Street where the meeting was held.

Com. A. K. Bhattacharjee, President presided and Com.K. G. Jayaraj, General Secretary welcoming the participants explained the important issues , the present position in respect of 78.2% IDA merger and exposed the double standard being adopted by the government. Com. S. K. Vyas, Secretary General, BCPC anc NCCPA inaugurated with his brief but matter some speech,criticizing the government for not granting merger of DA and Interim Relief. Com. V. A. N. Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA came down heavily the central governments anti-PSU policies , the crisis being faced by BSNL and the indefinite strike proposed by the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations. Com. Balbir Singh, President,BSNLEU assured all the cooperation to achieve the pensioners issues. He also pointed out that the one day Strike on 27th November by the JAC of BSNL Non Executive Unions is also for the settlement of 78.2% IDA merger. Com.K.Sebastin, General Secretary, SNEA and Com.K.KN.Kutty, President, Confederation of Central Govt.Employees & Workers also addressed. The anchor role was effectively managed by Com. R.S.Chauhan, CHQ Organising Secretary, BSNLEU. Com.Saibal Sengupta, CHQ Treasurer,BSNLEU was present.

A delegation  comprising, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Com.A.K.Bhattacharjee and  Com.K.G.Jayaraj meanwhile went to the Sanchar Bhawan and presented the memorandum to the Private Secretary to Secretary,DOT, as he was away with the minister. A copy of the memorandum was given to the Member(Finance) and also discussed the issues briefly who assured speedy action.

The BSNL DOT pensioners are determined to make the Sanchar Bhawan March on 20th November a historic event. The participants from far off  states have started reaching New Delhi as early on 17th November. The accommodation for these comrades are arranged at Chug Dharmsala, Garhwal Bhawan and New Delhi Kalibari. The participants from nearaby Circles,viz; UP(EAST), UP(WEST), Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan will arrive on 20th morning. The Sanchar Bhawan March is sheduled to start at 10AM on 20th November from Eastern Court. Prominent leaders of pensioners and employees organisations will address the March.