REVOLUTIONARY GREETINGS TO ALL COMRADES ON INTERNATIONAL WOMENS’ DAY ON 08-03-2018.

The atrocities against women is continuing globally, particularly in our country, it is alarmingly increasing. New resistance movements to fight against all types of attacks on women and to extend help to the victims are also coming up. “Me too” in USA is one among them. Empowerment of women in governance is a must to protect the rights of the women and it has to be ensured through the required legislation. The bill for 33% reservation in state assemblies and Parliament in our country is still in cold storage. The women workers and the poor, particularly Dailts are mostly  targeted.

So let us strive to fight against all types of atrocities, exploitation,discrimination and injustice against women and ensure them the protection.

Minutes of National Anomaly Committee Meeting

 

F.No.11/2/2016-JCA-I(Pt.)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel Training

North Block, New Delhi

Dated: 16 February, 2018

To

            Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra

            Secretary, Staff-Side

            National Council (Staff Side)

            Joint Consultative Machinery for, Central Government Employees

            13-C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-110001

Subject: Minutes of the Meeting held on 11.01.2018 to discuss the admissibility of the agenda items received from the Staff Side, NC (JCM) for discussion in the National Anomaly Committee (NAC) for the 7th Central Pay Commission.

Sir,

            Please find enclosed a copy of the Minutes of the meeting held under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Establishment) on Thursday the 11th January, 2018 at 1500 hours in Room No. 190, conference Room, North Block, New Delhi with the representatives of Staff Side, NC(JCM) for information and necessary action.

  1.  As per discussion in the above meeting, Staff Side may please reconsider their views on Item No. 7. A copy of the recording during the meeting enclosed for perusual.

Yours faithfully,

(D.K. Sengupta)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Tel. 23040255

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11.01.2018 TO DISCUSS THE ADMISSIBILITY OF THE AGENDA ITEMS RECEIVED FROM THE STAFF SIDE FOR DISCUSSION IN THE NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE (NAC) FOR THE 7th  CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION

            A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri G.D. Tripathi, Joint Secretary (Establishment), Department of Personnel & Training with the representatives of Staff Side of the National Anomaly Committee and senior officers from the other Ministries/Departments concerned at 3.00 p.m. on 11.01.2018 in Room No. 190, North Block, DoPT, New Delhi to consider the admissibility of the 18 itmes of anomaly forwarded by the Staff-Side of the National Council of JCM for settlement through discussion at the NAC constituted after the Seventh Central Pay Commission. The list of participants is at Annexure.

  1. The Chairman welcomed the representatives of the Staff-Side of the National Anomaly Committee and asked Deputy Secretary (JCA) to briefly inform the participants the purpose for convening this meeting.
  1. Deputy Secretary (JCA) informed that following the acceptance of the recommendations – to the extent they have been – of the 7th Central Pay Commission by the Government, the National Anomaly Committee has been constituted by DoPT. Subsequently, on receipt of a representation from the Staff Side, NC(JCM), the definition of what would constitute an anomaly has been revised and notified. Therefore, as per the revised scope of definition, anomaly will include the following cases;
  1. a) Where the Official-Side and the Staff-Side are of the opinion that any recommendation is in contravention of the principle or the policy enunciated by the Seventh Central Pay Commission itself without the Commission assigning any reason;
  1. b) Where the maximum of the Level in the Pay Matrix corresponding to the applicable Grade Pay in the Pay Band under the pre-revised structure as notified vide CCS(RP) Rules 2016, is less than the amount an employee is entitled to be fixed at, as per the formula for fixation of pay contained in the said Rules;
  1. c) Where the Official side and the Staff Side are of the opinion that the vertical and horizontal relativities have been disturbed as a result of the 7th Central Pay Commission to give rise to anomalous situation.
  1. Deputy Secretary (JCA) mentioned that a letter dated 16.08.2017 had been received from Secretary, Staff-Side proposing to discuss 15 items in the National Anomaly Committee (NAC). Subsequently, another letter dated 31.08.2017 was also received proposing 3 additional items. On examining these 18 items against the three (03) yardsticks as stated in para-3 above, it was felt that while some agenda items clearly fall within the definition of ‘anomaly’, there are a few which cannot be termed ‘anomaly’ as such, bordering more, as they are, on the side of ‘demands’. There are a few more which apparently by virtue of affecting the interests of one Department should rather be taken up at the Departmental Anomaly Committee. On sharing the findings of this Preliminary examination with the Secretary, Staff-Side, a communication was received from him suggesting inter-alia, besides giving their own reasons for retaining the same agenda – except one item – for the NAC deliberations, that a meeting be convened to discuss and finalize the items so as to to avoid delay in convening the NAC meeting.
  1. The Chairman then requested the leader of the Staff-Side and other members to put across their points of view on the issue.
  1. The Leader, Staff-Side, thanked the Chairman for convening the meeting at the suggestion of Secretary, Staff-Side and initiated the discussion by emphasising that the next meeting of the National Council under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary should be held urgently as more than 7 years have passed since the last such meeting was held. He referred to the background against which the JCM scheme has been institutionalized and stressed that the purpose of JCM is to avoid confrontation between the Government and its employees. He requested that the sentiments of the Staff-Side may be conveyed to the Cabinet Secretary so that the meeting of the National Council, JCM may be held without any further delay. He also suggested that the Cabinet Secretary should meet the Standing Committee of the National Council, JCM soon after the Republic Day celebrations so that the deliberations can be be held on all pending issues. The Leader, Staff-Side further stated that there are many issues arising out of the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendations which are still to be settled to the satisfaction of the Staff-Side. He particularly mentioned about the recommendations relating to New Pension Scheme, Minimum Pay, Fitment Formula, etc.
  1. Secretary, Staff-Side also expressed similar views about lack of interaction between the Official-Side and the Staff-Side. He mentioned that the institutions of JCM machinery has become defunct and stated that the meetings of the Standing Committee and the National Council, JCM should be called without any further delay. He also mentioned that the Group of Ministers had met the staff representatives and given some assurances for favourable consideration regarding the Minimum Pay and Fitment Formula. But even after 1-1/2 years, no decision has been conveyed by the Government. He regretted that inspite of the report submitted by NPS Committee, nothing fruitful has been done for bringing new pensioners under defined and guaranteed pension scheme. He stated that based on the assurance given by the group of Ministers, the Staff Side had deferred the call for strike but now it is getting very difficult for them to control the resentments of the staff. He stressed the need for frequent interactions so that each side can appreciate the other’s views. He also mentioned that no decision has yet been conveyed on the 6th CPC related unresolved anomalies which, the Staff-Side feels, should be sent for arbitration as the Staff-Side has recorded its dissatisfaction on them.

(Action: D/o Pension & JCA Division, DoPT)

  1. The Staff-Side members representing M/o Defence stated that they are on a hunger fast joining with the 4 lakhs Defence Civilian Employees to protest against the various decisions taken by Ministry of Defence against their interest. They lodged their protest aginst what they called ‘arbitary’ policy decisions made by the Government about outsourcing of jobs hitherto done in the ordince factories, converting Army Base Workshops to GOCO Model, closure of Station Workshops, Military Farms and Depots under Army Headquarters thereby rendering 31,000 Employees surplus including 9000 employees of Military Engineer Service, granting Uniform Allowance to the soldiers by stopping the practice of getting them stitched through almost 12000 Employees in 5 Ordnance Factories etc. This is against the assurance given by the Defence Ministry in the past to the Staff Side that the jobs being perfomed by ordnance factories would be outsourced. They also protested against the violation of the direction of Cabinet Secretary by the Ministry of Defence in that the Staff Side has not been consulted before deciding on outsourcing, closure, merger, declaring manpower surplus etc. They demanded that MoD may be directed to immediately hold discussions with the Staff Side and settle the issues in the interst of the Defence Industry and its employees

(Action: M/o Defence)

  1. The Staff Side also raised the following issues:-
  2. a) The demand of the Staff Side for extension of the date of option for switching over to 7th CPC Pay Scales from a date on which the employee got promotion/MACP is not yet settled. Necessary instructions may be issued in this regard.

(Action: Establishment Division, DoPT)

  1. b) The Report of the NPS Committee even though submitted to the Government in August, 2017 the Staff Side is not yet given a copy of the same. The same may be given to the Staff Side and a meeting may also be held with the Staff Side by the Government before taking any decision on the recommendations of the NPS Committee.

(Action: D/o P & PW)

  1. c) The Staff Side also pointed out what they felt arbitrariness of the decision of the Government to close down the various printing presses without even holding any discussion with the Staff Side. The employees have been asked to immediately get themselves, relived and join at faraway places. They added that assurances were given by the Cabinet Secretary at the National Council that the Government would discuss the problems faced by the staff and resolve the same in all cases when the Government decides to wind up any of its functions.

(Action: M/o Urban Development)

  1. The Chairman stated that he has taken note of all the concerns expressed by the Leader, Staff-Side, Secretary Staff-Side and the other representatives of the Staff-Side. He stated that the work on finalizing the comments on the Agenda for the meeting with the National Council, JCM has been going on and another two weeks would be required to finalize the comments and thereafter the convenience of the Cabinet Secretary would be sought so that the meeting of the Standing Committee can be held in the month of February, 2018. He stated that the purpose of today’s meeting was to familiarize with the issues as well as to arrive at a mutually agreed decisions as to which of them should be taken up for discussion and settlement at the NAC so that the first meeting can be convened at the earliest. He further emphasised that the items on which the Government, has held a view different from that of the 7th CPC would not be taken up for discussion at the NAC since the Government decisions on them are well-thought-out and conscious ones. However, where there is a disagreement between what has been recommended and what the 7th CPC should have recommended as part of its policy/principles would figure in NAC discussion.
  1. It was seen that there are seven (7) proposed items which clearly fall within the definition of ‘Anomaly’. At the conclusion of the discussions, the following was agreed to in respect of the remaining eleven (11) items:
Item No. Description Decision
1 Anomaly in computation of minimum wage In view of the response of Secretary, Staff-Side, the JCA Division will re-examine.
2 3% Increment in all stages In view of the response of Secretary, Staff-Side, the JCA Divison will re-examine
6 Remove Anomaly due to index rationalization In view of the response of Secretary, Staff-Side, the JCA Divison will re-examine
7 Anomaly arising from the decision to reject option No.1 in pension fixation Sent back to Staff-Side for reconsideration of its views
10 Minimum Pension The Staff-Side will take up this issue with the Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare separately. This will not be treated as an anomaly.
11 Date of effect of Allowances-HRA, Transport Allowance, CEA etc Thil will be taken up separately as an item in the Standing Committee meeting
12. Implement the recommendation on Parity in Pay Scale between Sr. Auditors / Sr. Accountant of 1A & AD and organized Accounts with Assistant Section Officer of CSS. As this was already under examination in the Department of Personnel & Training it would not be taken up for discussion in NAC at this stage. If it remains undecided at the later stage, it will be included for discussion in NAC.
13 Parity in pay scales between Assistants/ Stenographers in field/ subordinate offices and Assistant Section Offices and Stenographers in CSS The Staff-Side, NC (JCM) will provide additional details
15 Technical Supervisors of Railways The Staff-Side, NC(JCM) will take up this issue at the Departmental Anomaly Committee of Ministry of Railways.
16. Anomaly in the assignment of replacement of Levels of pay in the Ministry of Defence, Railways, Mines etc in the case of Store Keepers. The Staff-Side, NC (JCM) will take up this issue at the Departmental Anomaly Committee of Ministry of Defence. JCA Division will write to Ministry of Defence in this regard.
18. Anomaly in the grant of DA instalment w.e.f. 01.01.2016 In view of the response of Secretary, Staff-Side, the JCA Division will re-examine.
  1. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE PRE-NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL (JCM) HELD ON 11/01/2018

S.No. Staff-Side Official-Side
1 Shri Shiv Gopal Misra Shri G.D. Tripathi
2. Shri M. Raghavaiah, Shri Amar Nath Singh
Shri Rakhal Das Gupta Shri Harjit Singh
Shri J.R. Bhosle Ms. Sujasha Choudhury
Shri Guman Singh Ms. Nirmala Dev.
Shri C.Srikumar Shri Jaya Kumar.G.
Shri K.K.N. Kutty Shri A.K. Jain
Shri Sankara Rao Shri Charanjit Taneja
Shri R. Srinivasan Shri Rajeev Kumar Bahree
Shri R.P. Bhatnagar Shri Ram Gopal

 

Pension Revision for BSNL Retirees –Creating confusion for whose interests?

Our earlier write up on the issue has been much appreciated both from BSNL workers and BSNL pensioners since it is the logical and correct stand. We are thankful for their appreciation. But some comrades want to confuse the issue. Let us look in to point after point.
1. “We request the respected leaders of service unions to fight for their pay revision and leave the issue of Pension Revision. Our task has become much more difficult now.” This is one main issue that has been raised in the website of one of the pensioners’ associations. It means that the unions/associations of the workers need not worry about the pension revision and that their intervention has made the pension revision much more difficult. This statement is far from truth and is an accusation against the workers and their unions / associations. This reveals a certain mindset against the unity of the workers and the pensioners. Do they think that the workers and pensioners are enemies? The fact is that it is with the constant and united struggles of the workers and pensioners that the issues of the pensioners have been settled. Let us go through some of the experiences:
a) In the first wage revision w.e.f. 01-10-2000, with conversion from CDA to IDA payscales with point to point fixation, there were two opinions amongst the unions about the wage revision for BSNL absorbed DOT employees. Com.O.P.Gupta suggested that the CDA scale pay existing in DOT should continue with Rs. 1,000/Rs.1,500 extra, which was the Federations’ agreement with government at the time of the corporatisation. He had also pointed out that many PSUs including FCI are continuing in the Central government pay scales. (They continue as such now also). But all other unions demanded for IDA scale. This was in accordance with the Rule 37A as well as the relevant orders. Such an agreement was reached after much discussion and IDA scale was agreed with point to point fixation and implemented which was far more beneficial than the existing CDA scales. The workers got increase in wages and those who retired afterwards got increased pension than those who retired before 01-10-2000. It cannot be technically termed as pension revision, but it was an increased pension for all the BSNL retirees. The argument that 2000 wage revision did not get any benefit for the pensioners is far from truth. This benefit to the pensioners was got by the hard wage negotiation and struggle by the workers’ unions. In fact, there was no major pensioners organization at that time in BSNL. Not a single person, employee or pensioner opposed the wage settlement and pension increase on IDA scale for those retired after 01-10-2000. It was unanimous.
b) The second wage revision was w.e.f. 01-01-2007 after the II PRC recommendations were released and approved. Even after the wage revision agreement, the pension revision for the pre 2007 BSNL retirees was not implemented. It was through the continuous struggle of the workers and pensioners organizations that the same was approved by the government and implemented. This time also, it was on the basis of the II PRC and on IDA scales.
c) In the case of 78.2% IDA fitment also, struggle had to be organized both by employees and pensioners. This time also it was on the basis of the wage revision of the employees.
d) For the present wage negotiation w.e.f. 01-01-2017 also the united struggle of the workers and pensioners is necessary. Once again we reiterate that “ Today’s pensioners were yesterday’s workers and that today’s workers are tomorrow’s pensioners”. We are sure that the entire workers and pensioners will accept this position.

2. We are glad that our friends, who wanted to have the CDA pension revision as per the VII CPC has now at least shifted to the position that they want pension revision in the IDA itself, but with the fitment recommended by the VII CPC. Without going in to the complicated calculations and intricacies, let us make the point clear. The fitment recommended by the VII CPC is based on the wages  on CDA scales. The pay scales in CDA as also the fitment is based on the 2016 CDA which is different from the IDA wages and IDA. The fitment is intended for CDA scales at 2016. The fitment recommended for IDA scales by II PRC is entirely different. The cost of living index calculated for IDA and CDA are different as also the period in which it is paid ie. Half yearly in the CDA and quarterly for the IDA. Pension revision for BSNL retirees in 2007 was made on the basis of the II PRC in IDA and not on the basis of the VI CPC recommendations with effect from 2006. Nobody at that time asked for CDA wage revision on the basis of VI CPC and w.e.f. 2016.  They demanded the pension revision on the basis of VII CPC on CDA scales, when they suspected that there may not be any wage revision in BSNL w.e.f. 01-01-2017. In fact these friends were cursing ” BSNL is sinking and even god cannot revive it.”  They put so many justifications to the point that there may not be wage revision and hence no pension revision also. When on an occasion, the CMD ,BSNL stated that there will not be wage revision until BSNL achieve profit, these friends got jubilant.  These friends have completely lost faith on workers and the struggles. Thus the basis of demanding CDA pension revision on the basis of VII CPC was understood by all.
3. The mighty two days struggle on 21st and 22nd May 2015 as also the discussion with the DOT Secretary on 1st May 2015 as well as further discussion by the Joint Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations, which resulted in the removal of 60:40 condition and grant of 78.2% IDA fixation is also ridiculed as of no consequence. Well, that is their tradition to ridicule and dismiss the workers’ struggles. These friends, instead of supporting the struggles, used to have conferences and inaugurations on the same day when the strike and struggles used to take place. Naturally they are not in support of struggles, but depend on submissions and supplications. They have forgotten the legacy of Com.K.G.Bose, ‘Unity for Struggle and Struggle for Unity’.
4. These friends correctly have stated that in many PSUs, pension revision is made on the basis of the CPCs. Correct. These are organisations like Door Darshan, FCI etc. which have opted for the CPC CDA scales from the initial stage itself
5. Let us assume that the government accepts pension revision of BSNL retirees on the basis of VII CPC CDA scales instead of III PRC IDA scales. From which date it will be implemented, from 2016 or 2017?
6. Any fixation on VII CPC fitment will result in further discrimination. Already there is discrimination between the DOT Pensioners and the BSNL Pensioners. Another anomaly will arise between those retired before 2016/2017 and those retired after. Those who retired before 2016/2017 will get CDA pension revision as per VII CPC, while those who retire after 2016/2017 will get pension on the basis of their salary in the IDA scales. This will be a very serious anomaly, which will divide the entire BSNL pensioners.
7. Have these friends ever thought that what will happen if pension revision on VII CPC CDA scale is implemented. Notional calculation of pension w.e.f. from 2000 onwards on the basis of the V, VI CPC and again on the VII CPC will seriously and adversely affect the existing pensioners.
8. The latest diversion these friends have made is that they are not demanding pension revision on CDA but only on IDA, but on the basis of VII CPC. VII CPC never recommended any pension revision on IDA. Now they say that it is only the fitment factor that they have demanded. How is the fitment calculated? It is on the basis of calculating the fitment factor based on the price index for the CDA. The fitment for the PSU workers is calculated on the price index for the IDA. The years are different, the percentage is different and the salaries are different. When the demand is raised on the basis of the pension revision on CPCs, what will happen to the pension increase in 2000 and pension revision in 2007, which have been much beneficial to the pensioners? The pension and pension revision is granted on the basis of CCS Pension Rules 1972 and for BSNL employees and pensioners amended Rule 37A is also to be considered. As per Rule 37A, recommendations 0f CPC like pension fixation formula, minimum pension, commutation, gratuity, additional pension after 80 years etc. are applicable, except pension and medical allowance. Before Rule 37 A Amendment, CG employees absorbed in PSUs had two options. They can opt for higher pay scales in PSU and opt for CDA Pension. In that case, for the pension purpose, they will be brought back to CDA scale notionally and fix pension accordingly. There is no provision for granting CDA fitment as per CPC to IDA scales.

9. When the massive  March to Sanchar Bhawan by the BSNL Unions and Associations which was participated by hundreds of pensioners of AIBDPA on 23rd February 2018 was going on these friends wrote: “In effect, the government has rejected both pay revision and pension revision”. They were under the impression that the government will never agree for wage revision in BSNL. But the situation has now changed. The sustained struggle by All Unions and Associations made compulsions and the Communications Minister has assured as follows as per the post of the Unions and Associations:
“3rd Pay Revision: So far, the DoT has been maintaining that BSNL employees are not eligible for 3rd Pay Revision. In today’s meeting the Hon’ble Minister agreed that the issue of 3rd Pay Revision of BSNL employees would be processed and would be taken for the approval of the DPE and the Cabinet.” On the pension Revision also the position is the same. It is not rejection now as these friends thought, but processing of the matter.
10. So the question of criticizing and attacking the workers and their organisations is fully unjustified.
11. Now coming to the demand. AIBDPA as well as National Co-ordination Committee of Pensioners Association (led by late Com.S.K.Vyasji and at present by Com.K.K.N.Kutty) has demanded that BSNL wage revision should take place, but the government should order pension revision of BSNL retirees on the basis of the recommendations of the III PRC on the IDA scale. What are the justifications? Consider the following points:
a) Pension increase was ordered in 2000 on the basis of the wage agreement on IDA scale
b) Pension Revision was made w.e.f. 2007 on the basis of the wage agreement on IDA( not on the basis of the fitment formula of VI CPC from 2006)
c) Later, after serious struggle, the 60:40 condition on payment of pension has been removed and the full responsibility for payment of pension to BSNL absorbed DOT retirees have been taken over by the government. Hence on the basis of the III PRC, Pension Revision should be ordered with 15% fitment, without waiting for the wage revision. Such a pension revision will be on the basis of IDA pattern, will be similar to the pension increase in 2000 and pension revision in 2007 and will not create the large number of serious anomalies.
d) The next point raised is that BSNL may be privatized and then what will happen? Whether there will be any wage revision? So far it has not been privatized and even disinvestment could be stopped by the united struggles of the workers. If at all, such a situation comes, it is not only pension issue but about loss of jobs and many other issues. The workers and pensioners will have to organize serious struggles to tide over the crisis.
“UNITY FOR STRUGGLE, STRUGGLE FOR UNITY AND UNITY and STRUGGLE FOR PROGRESS”

BILASPUR DISTRICT CONFERENCE HELD BEFITTINGLY.

Bilaspur District Branch has held its 2nd biennial Conference on 18-02-2018 at Khuntaghat (Ratanpur) under the presidenship of Com. L.N.Tiwari, Circle President. Inaugurating the conference Com.R.P.Atmapoojya, Circle Secretary, Chhattisgarh explained the current position of our important issues, particularly , pension revision and the struggle being conducted by the All Unions and Associations supported and participated by AIBDPA. The report and accounts presented by Com.Omkar Nath, District Secretary and Com.N.S.Kahyap, Treasurer respectively were adopted after discussion.

The conference, then elected the office bearers unanimously and the following are the important functionaries.

President : Com.P.K.Agarwal, District Secretary ; Com. Omkar Nath and Treasurer : Com. N.S.Kashyap

BSNL Workers and pensioners have to fight unitedly – their future is connected

We are surprised to see a demand in the website of one pensioners association as follows:

“We request the respected leaders of Service Unions to fight for their pay Revision and leave the issue of Pension Revision. Our task has become much for difficult now. “

The above association completely forgets that it is mainly because of the continuous struggle of the BSNL Unions associations/Forum/Joint Forum representing the BSNL employees that the wage revision in 2000 was settled which benefitted the BSNL pensioners. It was again, the struggle of both the employees as well as the pensioners that the wage and pension revision were settled in 2007 which again benefitted workers and pensioners. The glorious struggle for settlement of 78.2% IDA fixation as well as pension fixation has not been forgotten by the pensioners. It was in the meeting of the DOT with the Forum/Joint Forum that the break through came for cancellation of the 60:40 ratio and the government took the full responsibility for the pension to BSNL retirees. Now also it was after the massive demonstration of Parliament March by the employees and Pensioners which compelled the DOT and Minister to meet and discuss the issues and the present positive development came. The serious discussion with both DOT and Minister is given in the websites of the unions and it can be seen how much they were compelled to go back from their tough stand and negotiate with the employees.

In the same way the Medical Advance without voucher was restored to pensioners, only after the unions in the National Council agreed that, the same be restored to pensioners first and they have no objection to it.

It has become the habit of certain pension associations to criticise the service unions for non-settlement of issues and when the issues are settled by the struggle of the workers, shamelessly claim the credit for the same. Wonderful!

Let nobody forget that ” Today’s pensioners were yesterday’s workers and that today’s workers are tomorrow’s pensioners”

PENSION REVISION – BSNLEU REPLIES TO THE VEILED CRITICISM.

Pension Revision – Unwarranted criticism.

Some of our comrades have drawn our attention to a veiled criticism, that has been made about the handling of the pension revision issue, by All Unions and Associations of BSNL, in the meeting held with the Hon’ble MoS(C) on 24.02.2018. All knows that the AUAB is fighting not only for the 1.85 lakh serving employees, but also for the 2 lakh BSNL retired employees. It was only through the two day strike conducted by the unions and associations of BSNL on 21st & 22nd April, 2015, that the 60% ceiling imposed by the government, on it’s limit to pay pension to BSNL retirees, was broken.

 

As regards revision of pension from 01.01.2017, DoT’s stand is that, pension revision would be done, only if wage revision is completed. This was conveyed in DoT’s letter no.24-1/2018/SR dated 21.02.2018 also. (On the eve of the meeting with the Hon’ble MoS(C), this letter was withdrawn). It is nothing but total denial of pension revision. However, due to the mighty struggles of the AUAB, the Hon’ble MoS(C) has now conceded the demand for pension revision.

 

Perhaps, this settlement has disturbed some, whose only contribution to the pensioners is, giving ‘lip-service’ and making ‘time-pass’, by criticising others. Settlement of pension revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017 is the immediate goal of AUAB. At the same time, the AUAB will also find a permanent solution to the pension revision issue, as it has solved the 60% ceiling issue. Hence, the ‘arm-chair critics’ need not get disturbed, and can take rest.

[Date : 26 – Feb – 2018]