CLARIFICATION ISSUED. View File

The government has decided to provide 4G spectrum and Financial Assistance for the revival of BSNL. We must understand that these are not windfall gains for BSNL, but hard won demands of the unions and associations. The unions and associations of BSNL, initially under the banner of the Forum and presently under the banner of the AUAB, have conducted heroic strikes and various other campaigns, almost for the past four years, demanding steps for the revival of BSNL. The officers and employees of BSNL have massively participated in all these struggles, braving wage-cuts and other threatenings by the BSNL Management and the government. We cannot forget the fact that the government invoked ESMA to crush the 3 day strike of the BSNL employees, organised from 18th to 20th of February of this year. On it’s part, the BSNL Management issued charge sheets and FR 17As to the leaders of the AUAB, to crush our struggles. The employees are threatened of disciplinary actions by the Management, even for participating in demonstrations and dharnas. However, withstanding all the repressions, the officers and employees of BSNL showed like rock-like determination and massively participated in all the united struggles and campaigns. Through the programmes like street corner meetings, rallies and human chains, the unions and associations massively campaigned among the people also, which won public sympathy for the revival of BSNL in a big way. Whatever is achieved now for the revival of BSNL, is undoubtedly the reward for the sustained and united struggles of the officers and employees of BSNL.

(BSNLEU WEBSITE)

BSNL REVIVAL PACKAGE:

CMD and all BSNL Board of Directors met All the Unions and Associations in BSNL ON 24-10-2019 to explain the BSNL Revival package approved by the Union Cabinet on 23.10.2019. A presentation was given.

Hon Minister stated that this is the last opportunity given to BSNL for Revival as Finance Ministry, NiTi Ayog etc want to close down BSNL. For Revival, BSNL has to improve the work culture and bring professionalism in the organization.

Highlights of BSNL Revival Package:

1. 4G spectrum will be allocated administratively through equity infusion on 2016 price (Rs 14,155 Cr).

1.i) 4G allotment by this calendar year as and when our network is ready.

1.ii) 80,000 to 1 lakh sites to be made ready in 12 to 15 months for an expenditure of Rs 15,000 Cr.

2. 18% GST of Rs 2540 Cr will be borne by the Govt.

3. Sovereign guarantee bond for Rs 7,500 Cr (Rs 15,000 Cr for BSNL & MTNL). Existing liability is 15,000 to 16,000 Cr.

4. Ex-Gratia payment of approx. Rs 14,800 Cr for about 80,000 employees will be borne by the Govt.

5. Monetization of selected land/building for Rs 20,000 Cr (Rs 38,000 Cr for BSNL & MTNL) in 4 years for i) debt and associated interest payment and ii) funding for CAPEX/OPEX. Existing loan is Rs 20,722 Cr.

6. Details of VRS package which is very attractive comparing to the VRS packages implemented in other sectors so far:

6.i) Employee cost for 2018-19 is Rs 14,492 Cr.

6.ii) Likely savings through VRS for about 80,000 employees is Rs 7500 Cr.

6.iii) VRS formula: (Salary means Basic + IDA of the last month in service)

6.iii).a) 35 days salary for each completed year of service.

6.iii).b) 25 days salary for each remaining year of service.

6.iii).c) Salary for the remaining service.

6.iii).d) Ex-Gratia due = [a) +b)] OR c) whichever is less.

6.iii).e) Pension for the remaining period upto 60 years of age based on the full pension (w/o commutation) of the retiring month.

6.iii).f) Ex-Gratia due+ Pension OR Ex-Gratia alone for BSNL DRs.

6.iii).g) 125% of the salary for the remaining service calculated based on the salary of the retiring month.

6.iii).h) VRS package = f) OR g) whichever is less.

6.iii).i) Ex-Gratia amount to be paid = h) minus e).

6.iii).j) Ex-Gratia will be paid in 2 instalments, 1^st instalment in 2019-20 and 2^nd instalment in the 1^st quarter of 2020-21.

6.iv. Gratuity will be paid on attaining 60 years of age OR after 5 years of retirement (for those below 55 years of age) whichever is earlier with GPF interest rate. In case of death, gratuity will be paid immediately.

6.v.  Commutation of Pension will be allowed on attaining 60 years of age OR after 5 years of retirement whichever is earlier. Till that time full pension will be paid.

6.vi. For the deferred payment of Gratuity and Commutation of Pension, relaxation in the CCS Pension Rules, 1972 is approved by the Cabinet which will be separately notified.

6.vii. VRS option will be opened for a period of 30 days through ERP.

6.viii. E/L and HPL settlement as per Rule.

7. BSNL and MTNL merger in 18 to 24 months after addressing all the contentious issues like debt, delisting of MTNL, pay & pay scales, promotion etc. Initially MTNL will become a subsidiary of BSNL.

8. Reduction of retirement age from 60 to 58: It was part of the proposal but final decision is not known. CMD hinted that if VRS is successful then there is no need for reduction of retirement age, otherwise Govt will implement 58.

9. CMD expressed the hope that the entire VRS process can be completed by 31.12.2019.

10. BSNL will go for massive restructuring and a performance oriented mechanism will be evolved. Those having personal/ family problems has to avail this opportunity of VRS. Transfer will become inevitable and compulsory. The additional 25% payment, advance payment of Ex-Gratia and interest on Gratuity may take care of the future increments.

Finally CMD and Directors requested all the Unions and Associations their full cooperation and support in the implementation of the Revival package.

(COURTESY: SNEA WEBSITE)

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.