Odisha Circle Conference was held at Conference Hall of GMTD, Bhubaneswar on 07-05-2023. The conference was held in the absence of Com.Sahdeb Biiswal, Circle President and Com. S R Das, Circle Secretary both being ill for sometime long. Com.A Dhupal, veteran leader and CHQ Vice President took all out efforts to convene the conference and organised it in a befitting manner. Com.Sk Hoshen, Working President controlled the proceedings. Com.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary inaugurated the conference and explained the issues of the pensioners including the status of pension revision, medical benefits and the efforts taken by CHQ to get a good clarification from the Corporate office on submission of option, CGHS issues and the agitational programme of NCCPA. General Secretary cautioned the delegates against the concerted attempts of sanghparivars to divide the people in the name of caste and religion and the attacks against the minorities and dalits. Com.A Dhupal presented a brief report orally and well prepared accounts for the period under review. 13 comrades participated in the discussion and the iuues raised were replied appropriately by Com.A Dhupal and General Secretary.

Com. Santosh Kumar Ray, Assistant Circle Secretary, BSNLEU greeted the conference. Shri. P K Mohapatra, General Manager (HR) who participated on behalf of the CGMT assured all the cooperation in settling the issues of the pensioners. Thereafter a new set of 25 office bearers were elected unanimously with Com. P K Nayak (President) Com. P K Panigrahy (Circle Secretary) and Dhaneswar Nayak (Treasurer). 110 delegates from all the districts enthusiastically participated in the conference and decided to strengthen the organisation further.

Com.K G Jayaraj General Secretary and Com.A Dhupal, CHQ Vice President visited ComSahdeb Biswal, veteran leader of the Telecom Union of Odisha and founder Circle Secretary, AIBDPA , Odisha on 7th May, 2023 at his residence in Telecom Colony, Bhubaneswar. Com.S.Biswal is unwell for sometime long and confined to his home. General Secretary honoured him with a bouquet and shawl. We shared the latest status of pension revision and the proceedings of the Circle Conference held today.

GUWAHATI.

CHQ had written to GM(Admn) on 27-03-2023 about the difficulties being experienced by the BSNL retirees due to wrong interpretation of the Office Order dated 19-06-2020 issued by the BSNL Corporate Office by certain Circles/BAs resulting in denial of without voucher medical allowance to many retirees. The issue was discussed in person by the General Secretary with GM(Admn) on 06-04-2023 and the GM had agreed to issue necessary clarifications in this regard. When it was delayed CHQ once again wrote to the GM(Admn) on 26-04-2023 urging early action. CHQ is thankful to the GM(Admn) that necessary clarifications have been issued vide office order dated 02-05-2023. It is also asked to make immediate payment to those pensioners who were denied medical allowance due to non-submission of option every year.

HIMMATNAGAR

Let us observe May day on 1st May,2023 jointly with other trade unions/ associations by hoisting flags and organising rallies/ meetings.

This time the observance of May Day has more importance as the working class and pensioners are subjected to severe attacks globally from the forces of world capitalism, in the form of neo-liberalism. It is an encouraging development that struggles against such attacks are also gaining momentum in many countries

.In India also the rights of the workers are curtailed by replacing the hard won labour laws with four labour codes. Contrctual appointments are made applicable even to the armed forces.

The assets of the country are being handed over to the corporates for throw away prices in the name of National Monetisation Pipeline, in addition to the privatisation of Public Sector Undertakings. The wealth of the country is cornered by the super rich, widening the gap between the rich and poor.

The pensioners are also facing serious challenges. The Central Government, despite strong demand and struggle to scrap the NPS and restore OPS is continuing it’s negative stand. The appointment of a Secretary level committee to suggest any improvement in the NPS and it’s terms reference are nothing but a farce, only with an eye on the 2024 general election.

The pension revision of BSNL absorbed pensioners is unnecessarily and unjustifiably being delayed. The order of the Supreme Court for higher pension for the EPF pensioners is not being implemented by insisting for refund of huge amount for submission of option. The Central Government has not made any increase in the social welfare pension of Rs.200 since 2014 while very lavish in granting concessions to the corporates.

The most worrisome fact in the country is the attempts by Sangh Parivar, supported by the ruling class, to divide the people in the name of caste and religion. A sense of terror is rampant threatening the very existence of our constitution and democracy. The intolerance of the government against those who oppose it’s policies have come into fore in several cases in the recent past, the latest being the derecognition of NFPE.

The historic Worker -Peasant Rally on 5th April, 2023, participated by lakhs of workers, farmers and many other sections, in New Delhi has reflected the determination of the toiling masses to resist the onslaught of the government.

In Kerala,the only left democratic government in the country, has shown its commitment to the poor people by giving Social Welfare Pension to 65 lakh people @ Rs.1600 per month without compromising on the developmental projects

.So comrades, let us reaffirm on the occasion of the May Day to continue our fight against all injustices and for the resolution of our just and genuine demands to ensure a decent and dignified life at the fag end of our life

.Long live May Day

.Long live workers unity

Long live workers and pensioners unity

Revolutionary May Day Greetings