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.

A massive Convention was held in Kolkata on 12th April, 2025 at CTO Telegraph Institute Hall under the banner of BSNL Coordination Committee to make the Brigade Rally by “Shramik, Krishak and Khet Majur” on 20th April and  All India Strike on 20th May, 2025 a grand success. A good number of employees, pensioners and casual/contract workers assembled in this convention. The main speaker was Com Tapan Sen, General Secretary, CITU. The convention was inaugurated by Com Abhsh Roy Chowdhury, Vice President, CITU, West Bengal. The speakers pointed out how the Modi Govt is trying to curtail the rights of the working class thorough various black bills like labour codes etc. This Government is trying to privatise the Government sectors under name of NMP. It was mentioned by Com. Tapan Sen that it is possible to halt the process of handing over the Alipore Telecom Factory to the private. He called upon all the members of constituent of BSNLCC to fight unitedly and if required resist physically. He opined that the All India Strike on 20th May is the beginning of the fight and we have to move further to protect the rights of the working class and the people of our country as a whole.

Com Animesh Mitra, Secretary, BSNCC, WB placed the report of activities during the past two years. Com Asis Das, Circle Secretary, AIBDPA , WB in his speech narrated the attacks of the Govt during last 25 years, after formation of BSNL and struggle of the Unions/Association to protect BSNL and rights of the Workers. Com Sujoy Sarkar, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, WB and Com Akhilesh Banerjee, Asstt Circle Secretary, BSNLCMU, WB addressed the house. The convention decided unanimously to make all out efforts to make the All India Strike on 20th May,2025 a grand success.

Thereafter a committee of 13 members led by Com Asis Das (AIBDPA), President, Com Animesh Mitra, Convenor, Com Sujoy Sarkar (BSNLEU), Joint Convenor and Com Tarak Kundu (BSNLCMU), Treasurer was formed by the house unanimously. The Presidium consisting of Com Pijush Chakraborty, Com Omprakash Singh, Com Banani Chatterjee and Com Tapash Ghosh controlled the Convention.

Guntur District Conference has been held on 09-04-2025 at Jashua Vignana Kendram Hall, Guntur. Com.D Mariyadas, District President presided. Com. K Nageswara Rao, District Secretary welcomed all and presented the report on activities. Com. P Sambasiva Rao, Treasurer placed the audited accounts.

Com.K S Lakshman Rao, Ex MLC inaugurated the conference and explained the national situation and the struggles on pensioners issues. Coms. K S C Bose, Circle Advisor, N Rama Rao, Circle Secretary, N S Sai Babu, ACS, L Krishna Balaji, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, L Ramesh Babu, District Secretary, Krishna, K Prabhakara Rao, General Secretary, BSNLCCWF, N Nageswara Rao, State Secretary, AIPRPA addressed the conference.

The following are the important functionaries elected unanimously; Com.Guravaiah (President) Com.Chandrasekar Rao (District Secretary) Com.P Sambasiva Rao (Treasurer).

Scrap the Draconian Amendments made in CCS (Pension) Rules included as Part IV of Finance Act 2025.

Widespread protests have erupted among the pensioners , employees and their organisations after the government brought out amendments in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules and incorporated it as Part IV of the Finance Bill 2025. Named Validation of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules and Principles for Expenditure on Pension Liabilities from the Consolidated Fund of India, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have passed it despite stiff opposition from MPs on 25th and 27th March, 2025, respectively. The government has been very prompt to get it notified in the Gazette as Finance Act, 2025 on 29th March, 2025.

Let us examine the provisions of the Act to have an idea about the far reaching consequences;

147- This Part shall come into force and shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of June, 1972.149 (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of the pension rule, the Central Government shall have the authority to establish distinctions among pensioners as a general principle.

(2) Having regard to the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission, and subject to such norms, principles and method as may be determined by the Central Government , a distinction may be made or maintained amongst the pensioners, which may emanate from the accepted recommendations, and in particular a distinction may be made on the basis of the date of retirement of a pensioner or the date of operationalization of an accepted recommendations of the Central Pay Commission.

(3) The Central Government may from time to time lay down such norms, principles and method in regard to acceptance of the recommendations of the Central Pay Commissions including, among other things, distinction among pensioners that may arise out of the acceptance of such recommendation and in particular pension claims and liabilities.

(4) The norms, principles and method of pension revision, as per accepted recommendations of a particular Central Pay Commission, shall be effective from such date as may be determined by the Central Government and the benefit of such accepted recommendation shall not be given effect from an earlier date.

150. Notwithstanding anything contrary contained in any judgment , decree or order of any court , tribunal or authority and notwithstanding anything contained in the pension rules;(a) It is hereby clarified that the Central Government has the authority and shall always deemed to have had the authority to classify its pensioners and may create or maintain distinction amongst pensioners as deemed expedient for implementing the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission under this Part.(b)

It is also clarified that the date of retirement of pensioners shall be the basis of distinctions and for classification in regard to pension entitlement.

So the intention of this government is crystal clear that they do not want to extend any benefit to the past pensioners. This is certainly contrary to the landmark judgment of the Constitution Bench of Hon’ble Supreme Court in D S Nakara case in 1982. The Supreme Court in no uncertain term had ordered that differentiating the pensioners on the basis of artificial cut off dates is absolutely illegal and violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.

Having armed with such a dangerous, draconian and most retrograde act, clarification by the hon’ble Finance Minister and Secretary, DoP&PW that it will no way affect the pensioners is nothing but befooling the pensioners. So we have to fight it out tooth and nail until and unless the anti-pensioner draconian act is withdrawn.

K G Jayaraj

The 7thCircle Conference of Assam was held at Dibrugagarh on 5-6, April,2025 in a befitting manner. Com. D N Baishya, Circle President controlled the proceedings. Com.Mohan Bhuragaohain, Chairman ,Reception Committee welcomed one and all. Com.D K Debnath, General Secretary, AIPRPA inaugurated the conference with a spirited speech He highlighted the need of united struggle in the wake of new onslaught in the form of amendments to CCS(Pension)Rules, empowering the government to deny any benefits to the pensioners. Com.M R Das, CHQ President delivered the keynote address and explained the issues of the pensioners in detail. Com.Bijoy Deka, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, Com.Upen Das (AIPRPA) and a host of leaders addressed the inaugural session.

Com.S N Sarma, Circle Secretary presented the biennial report and Com. P C Dawka, Treasurer placed the audited accounts. Com.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary inaugurated the subject session. General Secretary dealt on almost all the issues, including pension revision, 8th CPC, CGHS, BSNL MRS, Meet the Pensioner campaign, Revalidation of Pension Rules . He also gave a good account of the recent developments at International and National level highlighting the alternative policies of LDF government in Kerala. 19 comrades actively participated in the discussion that followed. The issues raised were replied by both General Secretary and Circle Secretary.

Election of office bearers was held unanimously with Com. D N Baishya (President) Com.S N Sarma (Circle Secretary) Com.P C Dawka (Treasurer). The Reception Committee headed by Com. Mohan Bhuragaohain, Chairman and Com.Shymal Bhattacharjee, General Secretary made excellent arrangements for the successful conduct of the conference.

With profound grief, it is reported that Com. S. C. Bhattacharjee, Assistant General Secretary, AIBDPA has passed away at 1145AM on 2nd April, 2025. He was under treatment at the Raipur hospital due to multiple ailments for the last few weeks.

Com. S C Bhattacharjee was one of the most committed and sincere leaders of the P&T Trade Union movement in the country. He has served the our organisations in various capacities. He has held All India Office bearership of AITEEU Class III, BSNLEU & AIBDPA. So simple and humble was Com. S C Bhattacharjee but strong in progressive ideology.

Com. S C. Bhattacharjee was actually improving a little according to the report of his son, just four days ago. But the situation worsened and had a massive heart attack on today morning and breathed his last. The cremation is scheduled to be held today evening.

The demise of Com. S C Bhattacharjee is a great loss to our organization and the progressive movement.

AIBDPA pays respectful homages to Com. S C Bhattacharjee and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and comrades of Chhattisgarh.

Red Salute Com. S. C. Bhattacharjee.

According to the Consumer Price Index released by Labour Bureau of India, IDA for the 2007 pay scales from 01-04-2025 will be 226.5%. That means a decrease of 2% (228.5%- 2%= 226.5%)