.Com. K. G. Jayaraj, General Secretary had a nice meeting with Shri. Anand Khare, Member ( Services ), Department of Telecommunications on 28-04-2025. The following issues were discussed.

1. Pension Revision of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners due from 01-01-2017 – an out of court settlement is the need of the hour.General Secretary brought to the notice of Member ( S) the plight of the BSNL MTNL Pensioners due to denial of pension revision for the last 8 years. The detailed letter in this connection was handed over to him. No body can predict as to when the court cases would be concluded finally. So General Secretary requested for an out of court settlement.

Member (S) stated that he has already seen the letter sent through email. Though he is sympathetic of the demand, he alone can’t take a decision and will examine.

2. Denial of retirement benfits to 170 ST VRS Retirees of Maharashtra- clarification issued by DoT to be reconsidered.The CHQ letter on the issue was handed over to the Member ( S). Actually BSNL Corporate Office, after continued persuasion, had issued a letter for releasing all the retirement benefits barring Ex Gratia to the ST VRS Retirees of Maharashtra strictly as per DOP&PW OM dated 30-11-2021. But CCA, Maharashtra sought a clarification from DoT and the clarification issued is not for the pointed matters but over and above a damaging one. General Secretary requested for a relook by the Member ( S).

Member ( S) responded positively and agreed to look into the issue

.General Secretary also met Smt. Roshni Sohni, DDG( Estt) and discussed both the above issues.

.Com. K G Jayaraj, General Secretary has met Shri. Rakesh Gupta, DDG( Accounts), Department of Telecommunications on 25-04-2025 and discussed the issue of delay in restoration of LPD of several retirees reduced unilaterally and arbitrarily by certain CCAs, particularly Tamil Nadu. General Secretary pointed out that it is a long pending issue and warrants early resolution.

DDG( Accounts ) stated that he is well aware of the issue and report has already been sought from CCA, Tamil Nadu. CCA has sent one vague report and has further sought detailed report. Meanwhile DDG also asked General Secretary to furnish specific cases with details for easy processing which was readily agreed. DDG( Accounts) assured to do whatever is possible at his end.

Meeting with Shri. Anilkumar, Director ( Estt ), Department of Telecommunications

.General Secretary also had a meeting with Shri. Anilkumar, Director ( Estt), DoT on 25-04-2027 and discussed the issue of unwarranted delay to grant of Lumsum Exgratia of Rs. 10 lakh to Smt. Damayantiben, widow of late Shri.R. Shrimali, who died while on duty at Ahmedabad. DoT vide letter dated 22-11-2023 had asked clarification from both BSNL and CCA, Gujarat whether Smt. Damayantiben is granted extraordinary pension or not. No specific reply has been received so far dragging the issue unnecessarily.

General Secretary told the Director that the CCA is the appropriate authority to give the report sought. He requested the Director to kindly take up the issue personally with CCA, Gujarat to avoid further delay. Director wholeheartedly agreed to do it.

3rd Shivamogga district conference of AIBDPA held on 24-04-2025 at Shivamogga.Com.T.S.Ramaiah District President presided the Conference. Com.Muddaiah Circle Secretary Com.L.D.Durgad Circle President attended the conference.Com.B.M.Shekharappa District Secretary submitted report and Com.Ganapathi.K.R. placed Audited Accounts. After discussion both report and Accounts approved by the House.

Com.Muddaiah CS spoke on Pension Revision and Medical bills/ Medical allowance.Com.L.D.Durgad Circle President spoke on the growth of AIBDPA in Karnataka and also in the country. Com. Basavaraj.H.Com.Nagaraj.Y.R. ex- District Secretaries of BSNLEU and Com.Abdul Hader former ACS of BSNLEU also addressed .Finanally the following Comrades are unanimously elected for the period 2025 and 2026.Com.Basavaraj.H:District President.Com.Y.R Nagaraj: District Secretary and Com.Ramanaik : District Treasurer. The conference concluded with Vote of Thanks by Com.Abdul Khader.

It is heartbreaking and shocking that 29 Innocent people are killed and more injured in the most heinous terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir on 22nd April, 2025. All of them were tourists enjoying their holidays

.We strongly condemns this cowardly attack by the terrorists and no doubt the country is together in this hour of grief.

We pays homages to the innocent people killed brutally and conveys our deep condolences to the bereaved families

.We also demands the government strong action against those who are behind this heinous crime.

.Dear Comrade,

Observe May Day on 01-05-2025

.The International Workers Day, May Day has to be observed befittingly at all levels. This time, there is much relevance to observe May Day in the wake of mounting attacks on the rights of workers and pensioners globally. So TUI P&R) also has given a call to celebrate the May Day. Whereever possible, May Day Rally be held jointly. Report and photos be sent to CHQ.

With warm Greetings,

K G Jayaraj General Secretary

.*CEC meeting of AIBDPA Gujarat Circle was held at BSNLEU ATD Union office Ahmedabad on 16th April,2025 under the Presidentship of Shri N.N.Patel.He wellcomed all and addressed. Shri M.B.Chaniyara, Circle Secretary addressed the meeting and he spoke about various issues confronting Pensioners like Pension Revision, Payment of Medical Bills/Allowances, Revalidation of BSNLMRS Cards, Payment of Benevolent fund , AIC delegate fee etc.He also highlighted the struggles conducted by AIBDPA, Joint Form of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners Associations,NCCPA on Pensioners issues particularly Pension Revision. Finally, he appeale to enroll more members at district level to strengthen the organisation.*

*Report from 16.04.2024 to 15.04.2025 was Presented by Circle Secretary and Accounts for year*2024-2025 was placed by Circle Treasurer Shri R.U.Anjariya. Both were adopted after discussion.*Circle President BSNLEU Circle Secretary, Treasurer Shri Amit Chauhan BSNLEU Gujarat Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF Shri Sunil J.Thakar Shri Amit Chauhan BSNLEU Gujarat Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF Shri Sunil J.Thakar addressed .D.S. BSNLEU Shri V.R.Parmar and Treasurer Shri Ishvarbhai Rathod also attended the meeting and all were honoured. Decision was taken to implement CHQ Programs.*Except Valsad All the Districts attended the meeting.*

Pope Francis who brought many progressive reforms in Christianity and raised his voice for upliftment of the poor, world peace and a green environment has passed away on 21-04-2025 at Vatican. He was the first Pope of the Roman Catholic from Latin America, Argentina. He always responded to any disaster or war in any part of the world. He did not hesitate to condemn the atrocities against innocent people , particularly women and children in Gaza. He was 88 and ailing for the last few weeks. AIBDPA mourns the sad demise of Pope Francis and pays rich tributes.

*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.