*The 8th AIBDPA District Conference of Asansol – a brilliant experience.*===========*(Subrata Misra, ACS)*

After a long time, I had the privilege of witnessing a truly remarkable conference. The success of a conference cannot be measured solely by the number of attendants, although the presence of over two hundred members at a district level conferences is no small feat. But success depends on many other factors. And that was evident in 8th District Conference of AIBDPA in Asansol held at GM Office, Asansol on 12-04-2025. Members aged from their early sixties to those over eighty attended the conference with enthusiasm. Some participants, currently living as far as 150 kilometers away from Asansol, left home at 4 AM to join. The most striking part was the presence of family pensioners, which reminded me of those colleagues who are no longer with us in this world. Punctuality was one of the key highlights of this conference. Most members had arrived by 10 AM. There were counters for pending donations and also for collecting copies of medical card  and life certificates for revalidation works. I noticed great sponteneity there as well.

I’ve always believed that in a successful conference, leaders should speak less, and general members should speak more. This conference fulfilled that objective beautifully. As a circle representative, I have highlighted all the essential issues but kept my inaugural speech brief. I successfully brought up the important points that needed to be emphasized within a short time, something even many of my senior comrades acknowledged. Former DGMs, CAOs, DETs and my former colleagues were all present. Many of them live in far-off places, so we rarely get to meet. This reunion made all of us happy and deeply moved. They were my constant companion back when we were regular employees and the organizers of the BSNL Employees Union. Seeing them again filled my heart with joy. We presented mementos to the members aged over eighty as a token of lifelong gratitude from the organization. It was a moment of great pride for us and deeply emotional for them. In trembling yet powerful voices, they chanted, “AIBDPA Zindabad”, that was a fantastic situation. Nine members participated in the discussion, not just participated, but truly  guided the organization in these challenging times. The biennial report presented by Com.Mridul Chatterjee, District Secretary stood out in its richness and relevance. The audited accounts were placed by Com.Dipak Chakraborty, Treasurer. The presidium Comrades N B Pal, Shyamal Ganguly and Sutapa Roy controlled the proceedings. Fraternal friends from other Pensioners’ Organizations, in their brief speeches, highlighted how the current Central Govt. is acting against the interest of employees and retirees. Similarly, the representatives from BSNLEU and BSNLCMU, which are part of our BSNL Co-ordination Committee, also congratulated the conference and briefly spoke on the acute problems we currently face. Finally a new team of office bearers was elected unanimously with Com.N B Pal (President) Com,Mridul Chatterjee (District Secretary) and Com.Dipak Chakraborty (Treasurer).

There was, however, one regret. Yesterday was also the day of BSNLCC state conference at Kolkata.I truly felt sad about not being able to attend it. I have mentioned this in my speech also. But this District Conference had been scheduled long ago, and all preparations were scheduled much earlier. All preparations were completed beforehand. Also the intense heat in Asansol was another reason why postponing the conference wasn’t an option. The temperature is already high and expected to rise in the coming days. Still, six delegates from here did manage to attend the BSNLCC Conference. In any case, yesterday’s 8th District Conference proved that the members’ faith in the organization remains unwavering. We still have a long way to go. The road ahead may be full of thorns, but there is no question of stopping.  There will always be disappointment over unresolved demands, but I didn’t see any expression of anger.These are my personal reflections on the conference. We must continue to move forward, clearing obstacles along the way, on a journey that stretches much further ahead. We shall overcome.

Com. K. G. Jayaraj, General Secretary has pursued the following issues at BSNL Corporate Office

.1.Claim for Exgratia compensation to the family of late Shri. R K Shrimali, Ex TT, Ahmedabad.

DoT vide letter dated 22-11-2023 sought the information whether Smt. Damayantiben R Shrimali is in receipt of family pension under CCS ( Extraordinary ) Pension Rules. The copy of this letter was forwarded to CGMT, Gujarat for confirmation. But the reply received didn’t contain the required information. So Corporate Office has again vide letter dated 25-09-2024 has asked to furnish the specific information. But there has been no response so far.

Regarding Compassionate ground appointment to Shri. Akash, son of the deceased, Shri. Sanjeev Kumar, AGM ( Estt) stated that there is no scope in the present situation

2. Grant of annuity ( pension ) to Smt. Sumitra Sahu, W/o late Shri. Abhay Kumar Sahu, Ex ATT, Dhenkanal, Odisha.

It has already been sent to LIC office, New Delhi with all the required documents for further necessary action by BSNL Corporate Office. General Secretary has collected the copy of this letter and will go to the LIC Office shortly

.3.Refund of the withheld amount of ₹2,16,300 from CELS towards recovery of excess payment of special compensatory allowance – case of Shri. Aboosala C N, Retd TT, Lakshadeep under Ernakulam BA

.The case is under process and a clarification sought from CGMT, Kerala is awaited.

CEC meeting of AIBDPA Haryana Circle was held at Jat Bhawan Rohtak on 19th April,2025 under the Presidentship of Com. Ram Kumar Kalsi, Circle President. Com.Kuldeep Singh CS addressed the meeting.He spoke about various issues confronting Pensioners like Pension Revision, Payment of Medical Bills/Allowances, Revalidation of BSNLMRS Cards etc. He also highlighted the struggles launched by AIBDPA, Joint Form of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners Associations,NCCPA on Pensioners issues particularly Pension Revision and emphasized to enroll more members at district level to strengthen the organisation .Com. M.S.Kadian CS,BSNLEU also addressed the meeting.

Decision was taken that pensioners should be involved in May,20 nation wide strike called by all central trade unions except BMS. Com.Ram Kumar Kalsi offered to hold forthcoming circle conference at Ambala which was accepted by all. Date of Conference will be finalized as per convenience of our General Secretary Com. K.G. Jayaraj ji.Meeting came to end with vote of thanks by Com.Ram Kumar Kalsi.

017 Apr 2025 by central wftu

The International Class-oriented Trade Union Movement, the workers, and the militant unions all over the globe honor with struggles the 139th anniversary of the workers’ struggle in Chicago in 1886.  The World Federation of Trade Unions, the most historic international trade union organisation, representing more than 105 million workers all the length and breadth of the world, sends a cordial and militant message to all the workers and farmers, to the ordinary people of toil and labour, on the occasion of International Workers Day, which constitutes a lasting and bright milestone of struggle.

This year’s May Day coincides with the 80^th Anniversary of the WFTU, which was born in the ashes of the most destructive war in the history of humanity in the revolutionary fresh air of the great anti-fascist victory of the peoples with the Soviet Union at the forefront, and completes 8 decades of continuous and uninterrupted struggle for the rights of workers, for justice and social progress, against all forms of discrimination, against wars and imperialist interventions, against may by man exploitation.

Both the messages and demands of the Chicago pioneers of 1886 and the needs that inevitably led to the establishment of the WFTU remain relevant and necessary today. The crisis of capitalism deepens and is generalized. Social inequalities are widening dramatically. Democratic freedoms and trade union rights are under attack all over the world, and the imperialist wars and interventions are on the daily agenda.

The genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza and in the West Bank, the bombing in Lebanon and other countries of the wider Middle East region, with the support and encouragement of the USA, the EU, and their allies, continues, revealing in all its grandeur the hypocrisy, cynicism, and inhumane nature of imperialism.

At the same time, global defence spending rose to 2.46 trillion USD last year, with big budget increases in countries of Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.  Notably, there are examples of countries that are almost doubling their defence spending. At the same time, the USA President Trump calls for a minimum spending of 5% of GDP among NATO members, and the EU Commission Summit decided to finance 800 billion euros for military armament within the ReArm EUROPE project.

The shift towards a war economy is clearly a priority for the ruling circles of capitalism, as it incites profitability for multinational monopolies and the expansion of the geopolitical power of developed imperialist states.

These new massive increases in military spending, apart from being a threat to global peace and security, also mean even harsher austerity policies and widening social inequality. The resources that would be destined for families, workers, and ordinary people are cut and diverted to rearmament, and civil and social rights and liberties are placed under guardianship, because in the preparation for war, different opinion are not allowed.

The WFTU and the class-oriented trade unions strongly condemn the war preparations of the bourgeoisie.  The popular strata have nothing to expect from a new widespread and generalized war but death, poverty, destruction, refuges, and hardship.  We demand spending for the contemporary needs of the workers and the peoples. We demand adequate education and healthcare and not weapons.  We demand dignified working and living conditions and not ammunition and missiles.  We demand spending on culture, sport, and recreation, and not fighter aircraft and naval vessels.

We demand measures against rising inflation and living costs that erode living standards.  We oppose privatization, outsourcing, and flexible forms of work that intensify the precarious employment and exploitation, alongside extended retirement ages.

The Workers and social achievements are under relentless attacks and challenges undermining labor rights, collective agreements, and democratic freedoms. Workplace safety remains neglected, causing daily injuries and fatalities. Despite global challenges, workers do not passively accept the anti-labor offensive on their rights and freedoms. Millions mobilize worldwide for dignified work and the protection of trade union and social rights with the WFTU members to be firmly at the forefront of these struggles. The response of bourgeois governments to the just popular demands is the sharpening of state repression and authoritarianism. At the same time, employers and governments are attempting to manipulate labor struggles, betting on the role of yellow unions and compromised trade union leaders.

In our era it is obvious that the prerequisites for truly dignified working and social living conditions for all workers exist in abundance. The class-oriented trade union movement fights so that the huge productive capabilities are not utilized to increase the profits of capitalists and create unimaginable wealth for a few, but to ensure dignified living and working conditions for those who create and produce the wealth.

Organization and struggle is the only path that can overturn the existing realities of misery, exploitation, and social injustice. The weapon of workers everywhere is solidarity and internationalism.  The WFTU remains firmly committed to these principles.  It continues its 80-year path with the same vision that inspired its founding: for a world without wars and imperialist interventions, without exploitation and discrimination.  A world where work will be permanent, stable, regulated, and safe.

On the occasion of May Day 2025, the WFTU calls upon the class and militant trade unions around the world to take initiatives and organize this year’s campaign and activities under the slogan:

Their profits or Our lives – Hope lies in peoples’ struggle

ΝΟ to war economies

YES to the class struggles:

-against the imperialist wars and interventions,

-against capitalist exploitation,

-for the satisfaction of the workers’ contemporary needs.

Let the WFTU flag proudly wave along with the flags of the militant trade unions in the uninterrupted class struggle for stable work with rights, social security, free public, and universal health and education, a dignified life. This will be the highest and proper celebration of the glorious 80-year course of struggles, sacrifices, and dignity of the international class-oriented trade union movement.

LONG LIVE MAY DAY!

LONG LIVE INTERNATIONALIST SOLIDARITY!

LONG LIVE 80^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WFTU!

The National Executive of NCCPA was held on 19-04-2025 at AIRF Office, New Delhi. Com. Shivagopal Mishra, President delivered the opening address. Com. K Ragavendran, Secretary General welcomed one and all and presented the agenda items, mainly memorandum to the 8th CPC and further struggle on the Finance Bill, 2025.

Com. K G Jayaraj, General Secretary and Com. Manisha Biswas, Organising Secretary, NCCPA represented AIBDPA and presented their views. Almost all the comrades representing various organisations spoke. A four phased agitational program against the new attack on pension was decided and maximum pensioners organizations are to be consulted to ensure huge mobilization of pensioners. Therefore the dates will be decided later.

Nine new organizations including SNPWA, AIRBSNLEWA, MREWA were given affiliation.

Circle Executive Committee Meeting of Madhya Pradesh was held at City Telephone Exchange Hall, Bhopal on 16-04-2025. One minute silence was observed in memory of Com.S C Bhattacharjee who passed away on 02-04-2025. Com.B K Parsayi, Circle President presided. Com.H S Thakur, Circle Secretary welcomed and presented the report and Com.A K Jain, Circle Treasurer placed the accounts. Com.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary in his inaugural address highlighted on the organisational weaknesses in the circle and urged for early corrective action at every district . General Secretary shared the inspiring experience of certain circles where the “Meet the Pensioner” campaign was implemented. The new onslaught of Modi government in the form of Finance Act, 2025, Pension Revision, Medical, 8th CPC, Commutation and the necessity to support the General Strike on 20-05-2025 were also explained. Com. B S Raghuvanshi, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU also addressed and assured all the cooperation in strengthening AIBDPA.

District Secretaries and Circle Office bearers actively participated in the discussion and the issues raised were replied by General Secretary. With vote of thanks by A K Jain, the CEC was concluded at 1730hrs.

Gaya district conference was held on 15-4-2025 under the presidentship of Com B N Singh District President. Com N K Srivastva, Circle secretary inaugurated the open session and explained on penssion revision, medical issues etc. In the delegates session office bearers were elected unanimously with Presdent :Com B N Singh, District Secretary: Com Ganesh Paswan and Treasurer: Com Birendra Kumar Singh.

The first award in memory of Com.R Aravindakshan Nair, notable leader of NFPTE, BSNLEU and CHQ Treasurer of AIBDPA who passed way in 2023 was presented to Com.V A N Namboodiri, Veteran Leader in a touching function at K G Bose Centre, Kollam on 12-04-2025. Dr. P K Gopan, President, District Panjayath, Kollam inaugurated the meeting and presented the award. The award consisted a shawl, Rs.10,000 and a citation. The cash of Rs.10,000 was instantly handed over to Dr.P K Gopan to be donated to the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund by Com.V A N.

Com.K Sukumaran Nair, District Secretary, AIBDPA, Kollam and Chairman, Memorial Committee presided. Com. K Mohanan Pillai, District President and Patron Memorial Committee welcomed one and all. Com.V A N in his address recalled the difficult situation prevailed in the department in the past and the numerous struggles by which we reached to the improved position. The challenges before us are of very serious and warrants united and sustained struggles. Coms.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary, N C Pillai, Circle President, AIPRPA, Radhakrishna Kurup, District President, CGPA and C Santhoshkumar, ACS,AIBDPA also spoke. Coms.V A Gireesh and Gayathri ,son and daughter of Com.R Aravindakshan Nair proposed vote of thanks. Com.Suseela, wife of Com.R A Nair also participated.