A meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL-MTNL Pensioners Associations was held virtually on 15-06-2023.15 representatives of the eight constituent associations participated in the meeting. Com. V A N Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA presided.

The meeting dscussed the present status of pension revision of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners. Coms.K G Jayaraj General Secretary AIBDPA, G L Jogi General Secretary SNPWA, D D Mistry , General Secretary,BDPA(I), H F Chaudhari General Secretary, AICGPA HQ Pune, M R Das President, AIBDPA, R K Mudgil, General Secretary, MREWA, Rajender Prasad, General Secretary, MESA, D C Sharma, Vice President, SNPWA presented their views.

All the representatives felt that there has been no significant progress in processing the issue since the Joint Forum met the Member, (F ) and Member (S) on 21-03-2023. The crucial meeting , as stated by the Member(S), with the Minister of Communications by Secretary,DoT, Member (F) and Member (S) was to be held in the first week of April,2023 . But it has not yet taken place for reasons best known to themselves. Actually, Secretary DoT is sitting on the file idly for the last four months. The Hon’ble Minister of Communications, despite repeated assurances to various delegations that the issue will be settled shortly, is not intervening even after frequent requests.

In these circumstances all the constituent associations wanted to launch Agitational Program against the sheer neglect of the authorities in settling our most important and burning issue of pension revision.Finally the Joint Forum decided to conduct the following three phased agitational program demanding immediate action for settlement of pension revision of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners from 01-01-2017 with 15% fitment as per 3rd PRC, delinking wage revision .

1. BLACK DAY- 06-07-2023. Demonstration at all levels with Mass Letter Campaign to the Minister of Communications.

2. Dharna at SSA level and CCA offices – 31-07-2023

.3. 5 Days Dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi – 21st to 25th August, 2023..

The meeting decided to serve notice for the Agitational Program to the MOC and Secretary,DoT. Meanwhile efforts will also be made by the Joint Forum to meet the MOC and Secretary DoT.

The detailed circular will follow.

The second phase of the agitation by the Joint Forum of Non-Executive Unions and Associations of BSNL demanding wage revision, immediate launching of 4G /5G and implementation of new promotion policy, is the Raj Bhavan March on 14th June,2023. We have to ensure maximum participation of pensioners from the capital district and nearby places. All the Circle Secretaries and the respective District Secretaries are requested to take necessary action in this regard

.DELHI CHALO ON 07-07-2023.As the AIBDPA comrades have to participate in the Parliament March on 21-07-2023 called by NCCPA, there will be limitation for the pensioners from far away circles to participate in the Delhi Chalo program on 07-07-2023. Therefore, it is requested to Delhi and nearby circles to mobilize maximum pensioners for the Delhi Chalo program on 07-07-2023 so that it is made a grand success.

The 2nd District Conference of Koraput, Odisha Circle was held on 07-06-2023 at Koraput. Com. S C Bhattacharya, Circle Vice President presided over the conference. Com.Birabara Bhoi, District Secretary welcomed all and presented the report and accounts. Com.S C Bhattacharya in his presidential address explained the latest position on important issues like pension revision, medical benefits and the efforts being taken by AIBDPA for early settlemnt. The issues raised by the delegates were replied adequately by the District Secretary, Then the conference elected a new spirited team of office bearers unanimously with Com. S C Bhattacharya (President) Com. Birabara Bhoi (District Secretary) and Com.Pradip Kumar Mohanta (Treasurer).

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of Karnataka was held at Davangere on 28-05-2023. Com.R B Tatapati, Circle President presided over the meeting. Com. Muddaiah, Circle Secretary presented the report on the 4th Triennial AIC held at Mysuru on 20-21, December, 2022. He also gave a good account of the status of the important issues like pension revision, medical benefits, CGHS issues etc. Com.C G Annigeri, Circle Treasurer presented the audited accounts of the 4th triennial All India conference. Coms. H C Prakash, AGS and G G Patil, Ex AGS also addressed and spoke on the various issues. The report and accounts were adopted after discussion. The CEC meeting was concluded with vote of thanks by Com.Eranna, Circle Organising Secretary.

The first program of the three phased agitational program called by the Joint Forum of Non-Executive Unions and Associations of BSNL is the Human Chain at District level on 01-06-2023. The demands put forward are of paramount importance viz wage revision, immediate launching of 4G/ 5G and implementation of new promotion policy for the Non – Executives.CHQ has already declared total support and solidarity to the agitational program and all our units are requested to get in touch with constituent unions of the Joint Forum and ensure maximum participation of pensioners so that the Human Chain is made a resounding success.

The second phase of the agitational programme called by NCCPA demanding settlement of the 15 point charter of demands, including restoration of OPS withdrawing NPS, pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners with 15% fitment from 01-01-2017, delinking wage revision, immediate refund impounded three instalments of DR/IDA , revsion of bank pension, restoration of commutation after 12 years, restore rail concession to senior citizens , Dharna at state capitals on 23rd May, 2023 has been made successful with good participation of pensioners. In certain states aged pensioners participated braving inclement weather . CHQ heartily congratulate all the participants.