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AT LAST THE GOVERNMENT, AFTER MUCH DELAY AND UNCERTAINTY , APPROVES THE BSNL REVIVAL PACKAGE.

PRESS RELEASE

Union Cabinet approves revival plan of BSNL and MTNL and in-principle merger of the two

Spectrum of 4G to be allocated to the Telecom PSEs

Funding through capital infusion of over Rs 20,000 Crore

Sovereign guarantee for long term bonds of Rs 15,000 Crore

Union Government to bear cost of attractive VRS

Posted On: 23 OCT 2019 4:58PM by PIB Delhi
 

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.

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NON PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS/ALLOWANCE- MEETING WITH DIRECTOR(HR)

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. 

PURULIA DISTRICT CONFERENCE HELD BEFITTINGLY.

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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 EMERGING 5 TRILLION ECONOMY” RANKS 102 AMONG 117 COUNTRIES IN GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX.

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.

 

AUAB HUNGER STRIKE ON 18-10-2019 DEFERRED.

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.

AIBDPA completes fruitful 10 years on 21st October 2019 – Celebrate the Foundation Day – V A N Namboodiri

All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) completes fruitful activities of 10 years on 20th October 2019 and to celebrate the 11th Foundation Day on 21-10-2019

Formation.
AIBDPA was formed on 21st October 2009 in an All India Convention of BSNL – DOT Pensioners held at Garhwal Auditorium in New Delhi with the active co-ordination and assistance of BSNL Employees Union (BSNLEU), the recognised union of BSNL employees. Comrades A.K.Bhattacharjee, P.V.Chandrasekharan and J.N.Mishra, veteran leaders of the telecom movement, presided. Com. V.A.N.Nambodiri, General Secretary of BSNL Employees Union, who took initiative for holding the Convention welcomed all and presented the draft background report. Com. M.K.Pandhe, CITU President, inaugurated the Convention. In his address, he congratulated the BSNL DOT pensioners for holding the convention for forming an all India association for the BSNL DOT Pensioners. Com. S.K.Vyas, the undisputed leader of the the CG Employees and Secretary General of National Co-Ordination Committee of Pensioners Association (NCCPA), greeted the convention and expressed his happiness for forming the association. .

The hundreds of delegates attending the Convention from almost all the circles approved the formation of the AIBDPA with thunderous applause. The Constitution, presented by Com. P V Chandrasekharan was adopted. The office-bearers with Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri (Advisor), P.V.Chandrasekharan (Patron), A.K.Bhattacharjee (President), K.G.Jayaraj (General Secretary) and M.L.Tiwari (Treasurer) were unanimously elected.
BSNLEU gave a donation of Rs. 50,000 for the initial expenses, which was much appreciated by the house. Thus the AIBDPA was born.

During the last ten years of its existence, AIBDPA has grown as the biggest organisation of the BSNL DOT Pensioners as also one of the biggest affiliates of the NCCPA. Advisor of AIBDPA V.A.N.Namboodiri is the Patron and K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary, AIBDPA, the Asst. Secretary General of NCCPA. KGJ is also the Executive Board Member of the Trade Union International (Pensioners and Retirees) which is affiliated to the World Federation of Trade Unions(WFTU).

Since its inception, AIBDPA has been continuously taking up the issues of the BSNL DOT pensioners with the authorities, including CMD BSNL, Secretary DOT etc. On important issues, it met the Communications Minister also and discussed the issues which paved way for settlement. The issues of the BSNL DOT Pensioners were raised in the Parliament through MPs. In settling the Pension Revision due from 2007, 78.2% IDA fixation, removal of 60:40 ratio issue, restoration of Medical Allowance, increasing of medical allowance etc. AIBDPA was always in the forefront.

AIBDPA along with NCCPA were the first to be invited for discussion by the VII Pay Commission, before which the major issues of BSNL DOT pensioners were presented by V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor.

AIBDPA organised several agitational programmes, March to Parliament, Dharna etc. for settlement of various issues. All these were well participated. It supported and participated in the programmes organised by BSNLEU and AUAB on the issues of revival of BSNL and on other demands. AIBDPA office-bearers are actively participating in the Pension Adalat and other forums for settlement of grievances.

AIBDPA CHQ publishes one quarterly journal ‘Telepensioner’ for the benefit’of its members, which is widely circulated.

AIBDPA is a democratic and progressive organisation of DOT BSNL Pensioners. It will continue to serve the BSNL DOT pensioners and organise struggles to achieve their genuine demands.

The tenth anniversary of AIBDPA is approaching when the BSNL is in severe crisis. The pro-corporate and privatisation policy as well as the anti-PSU policy have made the healthy and profitable BSNL to loss making and weak. Contract workers have not received wages for the last 10 months. Pension Revision for BSNL pensioners as per III PRC wef 01-01-2017 has not been granted so far. Salaries are delayed for executives and employees. 4G Spectrum is not allotted to BSNL. Govt is openly supporting Reliance Jio and other private companies. The All Unions and Associations of BSNL have given call for struggle on the issues. AIBDPA fully support the struggles.

AIBDPA has given call to observe and celebrate the 10th anniversary of AIBDPA in a befitting way. Organise conventions, GB Meetings, demonstrations etc. and explain the past achievements and the struggles for the present demands. Take this opportunity to enroll more members.

Warm greetings to all on the 10th anniversary of AIBDPA!

CELEBRATE THE 11TH FOUNDATION DAY IN A BEFITTING MANNER.

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AIBDPA, the mighty organization of BSNL DOT Pensioners is completing 10 years. The ten year period , as you all aware of, was a saga of struggles to achieve the genuine dmands of the pensioners. We can be proud that with the help of BSNL staff unions, we could achieve the pension revision for the pre 2007 pensioners, 78.2% IDA fixation, annulment of 60:40 condition, restoration of medical allowance etc. But we are facing more challanges such as negative stand of the government on pension revision from 01-01-2017 with 15% fitment, delinking wage revision and anti-BSNL policy of the government which has pushed back BSNL to financial crisis leading to non payment of salary to employees, wages to the contract workers and medical bills/medical allowance to pensioners.

Let us be confident that we shall overcome all these hurdles and come victorious through our traditional path of struggle. 

Let us unitedly strenthen the organization further to take up the challanges ahead.