The reports released on 26th March, 2024 by ILO ( International Labour Organization ) and IHO( Institute of Human Development ) says the employment situation in India has slipped to a record high. For example, unemployed youth in India has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.

The report further says that youngsters account for 83% of India’s unemployed workforce. The educated youngsters experienced much higher levels of unemployment during the period.

Also, almost 90% of workers remain engaged in informal work, while the share of regular work, which steadily increased after 2000, declined after 2018.

There are widespread livlihood insecurities with only a small percentage being covered with social protection measures, precisely in the non-agriculture, organised sector. Worse, there has been a rise in contractualisation, with only a small percentage of regular workers covered by long-term contracts, the report said.

The lack of quality employment opportunities reflected in the high level of joblessness among young people, especially those who have achieved higher education

The country is also facing the challenges of a substantial gender gap in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation, the report said.

Throwing light to the growing inequalities, the report said despite tall claims of affirmative action, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes still lag in terms of access to better jobs. They continue to be engaged in low paid temporary casual wage work and informal employment. Despite improvement in educational attainment among all groups, the hierarchy within social groups persists, the report added.

( source : The Hindu )

Let us realise the realities under Modi government, who came to power promising 2 crore jobs every year.

22 Mar 2024

Once again, the imperialist circles, led by the United States, are defiantly attempting to exploit the discontent of Cuban citizens about shortcomings in the country’s internal market. They are attempting to do so, in order to escalate their attacks again and to undermine in every way the Cuban people’s revolutionary choice for their socialist future.
The World Federation of Trade Unions expresses its solidarity with the struggling people and the government of Cuba, who are once again being subjected to the consequences of the murderous embargo imposed on the country and the attempts for external intervention.

It is obvious that the well-known circles, those who are trying in every way to overthrow the Cuban revolution, are trying to take advantage of the reactions of dissatisfaction by the citizens because of the shortcomings that exist, in order to exert pressure and intensify the attacks on the socialist state of Cuba.

It is unacceptable that those responsible for the shortages and the situation, due to the criminal blockade imposed, now try to pretend the protectors of the heroic Cuban people.

The class-oriented trade union movement stands firmly in solidarity with Cuba, and supports its people’s non-negotiable right to decide for themselves for the present and future. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the anti-democratic, anti-people blockade, which for more than 6 decades is hindering the access to essential resources, limiting economic development, and impeding their right to self-determination.

सरकार ने अपने तीन सचिवों, दूरसंचार, डीओपी और पीडब्ल्यू और व्यय विभाग के माध्यम से 21-03-2024 को दिल्ली उच्च न्यायालय में एक रिट याचिका दायर की है। भारत के संविधान के प्रावधान 226 और 227 के तहत बड़ी रिट याचिका बीएसएनएल/एमटीएनएल के पेंशनभोगियों के पेंशन संशोधन पर प्रिन्सिपल बेंच कैट, नई दिल्ली के 20-09-2023 के फैसले को रद्द करने की मांग करती है।

याचिकाकर्ता संगठनों के कुछ नेताओं ने हताशा में टिप्पणी की है, यहां तक ​​कि एमओसी को धोखेबाज तक कह दिया है। कुछ का कहना है कि सरकार ने पीठ में छुरा घोंपा है। ये सब कुछ और नहीं बल्कि शासक वर्ग और खासकर मोदी सरकार का आकलन करने में नेतृत्व की विफलता है। याद रखें, इन नेताओं ने गरीब पेंशनभोगियों से भारी मात्रा में धन एकत्र करके और पीएम केयर्स फंड में दान देकर सरकार को खुश करने की कोशिश की। यह उनके अपने संगठन और सदस्यों की लड़ने की क्षमता में उनके विश्वास की कमी को दर्शाता है।

जहां तक ​​AIBDPA का सवाल है, हमने 08-11-023 को मेम्बर (एस) से मिलने के बाद बताया था कि DoT PBCAT के फैसले के खिलाफ अपील दायर करने की तैयारी कर रहा है। AIRBSNLEWA के महासचिव और याचिकाकर्ता संगठनों में से एक श्री प्रहलाद राय ने भी 08-11-2023 को संचार भवन में मुलाकात के दौरान महासचिव को इसकी पुष्टि की। बाद में, बेशक, MOC के हस्तक्षेप के कारण, DoT नौकरशाही ने एक सतर्क दृष्टिकोण अपनाया, बल्कि पेंशनभोगी संगठनों के प्रतिनिधिमंडलों के प्रति चुप्पी साध ली। फिर भी, बाद में MOC ने भुवनेश्वर में SNPWA के एक प्रतिनिधिमंडल को PBCAT के आदेश के कार्यान्वयन से स्पष्ट रूप से इनकार कर दिया। सचिव, DoT ने भी कुछ दिनों के बाद श्री प्रहलाद राय को यही बताया।

हमेशा की तरह AIBSNPWA के नेता ही लगातार यह प्रचार कर रहे थे कि MOC समेत सभी अधिकारियों ने PBCAT के फैसले को लागू करने का आश्वासन दिया है। केरल से उनके एक वरिष्ठ राष्ट्रीय नेता ने हाल ही में एक वॉयस मैसेज के माध्यम से आश्वासन दिया था कि चीजें अपेक्षित दिशा में आगे बढ़ रही हैं और PMO में बहुत अधिक प्रभाव रखने वाले एक वरिष्ठतम नौकरशाह PBCAT के फैसले के अनुसार पेंशन संशोधन के शीघ्र निपटारे के लिए एसोसिएशन से भी अधिक गंभीरता से प्रयास कर रहे हैं। पेंशनभोगियों को गुमराह करने के लिए झूठे और फर्जी बयान जारी करना AIBSLPWA की सामान्य प्रथा है।

अब, आगे क्या ? मिलियन डॉलर का सवाल है ।

दुर्भाग्य से, हम 17-10-2022 को आयोजित बैठक के दौरान DoT द्वारा दिए गए अवसर का लाभ उठाने में चूक गए। यह एक ज्ञात तथ्य है कि अदालती कार्यवाही और उसके बाद CAT के आदेश ने इस अवसर को बर्बाद कर दिया है। सरकार दिल्ली उच्च न्यायालय में अपील का हवाला देते हुए समझौते से इनकार करने के लिए निश्चित है।

इसलिए हमें मोदी सरकार के पेंशनभोगी विरोधी रुख को उजागर करना होगा और अपनी वास्तविक मांग को प्राप्त करने के लिए संघर्ष जारी रखना होगा।

The government through its three Secretaries, Telecommunications, DoP &PW and Department of Expenditure, has filed a writ petition in Delhi High Court on 21-03-2024. The voluminous writ petition under provision 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India seeks to scrap the order of the PBCAT, New Delhi judgment dated 20-09-2023 on pension revision of BSNL / MTNL absorbed pensioners.

Some of the leaders of the petitioner organisations have commented out of frustration, even going to the extent of calling the MOC, a cheat. Some say the government has stabbed from the back. These are all nothing but failure of the leadership in assessing the ruling class and particularly the Modi government. Remember, that these leaders even tried to appease the government by collecting huge amounts from the poor pensioners and donating to the PM Cares fund. These are reflection of their lack of faith in their own organization and the fighting capacity of the members.

As far as AIBDPA is concerned, we had reported after meeting the Member (S) on 08-11-023 that DoT is preparing to file the appeal against the PBCAT judgment. Shri. Prahlad Rai General Secretary, AIRBSNLEWA and one of the petitioner organizations, also confirmed the same to the General Secretary when met at Sanchar Bhawan on 08-11-2023. Later, of course, may be due to the intervention of the MOC, the DoT bureaucracy adopted a cautious approach, rather tight lipped to the delegations of pensioners associations . Still, later the MOC is reported to have categorically ruled out implementation of PBCAT order to a delegation of SNPWA at Bhubneswar. Secretary, DoT also stated the same to Shri. Prahlad Rai after a few days.

It was only the leaders of AIBSNPWA, as usual, continuously propagating that all the authorities including MOC, have assured implementation of PBCAT judgment. One of their senior national leaders from Kerala, through a voice message recently had assured that things are moving in expected lines and one senior most bureaucrat who has immense influence at PMO is earnestly trying, even harder than the association, for early settlement of pension revision as per the PBCAT judgment. It is the usual practice of AIBSLPWA to issue false and fake statements only to misguide the pensioners.

Now, what next is the million dollar question?

Unfortunately, we missed to resolve the issue capitalising the opportunity given by the DoT during the meeting held on 17-10-2022. It is a known fact that the court proceedings and the subsequent CAT order have spoiled the chance. The government is certain to deny the settlement citing the appeal in Delhi High Court.

So we have to expose the anti -pensioners stand of Modi government and continue the struggle for achieving our genuine demand.

Com. K G. Jayaraj, General Secretary has met Shri. Manish Sinha, Member (Finance ) DoT on 14-03-2024. He brought to his notice the issue of implementation of Arbitration Award of higher pay to Sr. Auditor / Accountants of Organised Accounts which is to be extended to the absorbed BSNL Accountants. Member (Finance ) responded positively, noted down the points and assured to do the needful.

Meeting with Director (Staff ), DoT.

General Secretary pursued the case of Shri A H. Agashe, dismissed Telecom Mechanic, Gondia, Bhandara SSA, Maharashtra for settlement of dismissal period, drawal of pay and allowances and terminal benefits and pension from the date of superannuation. However, as Shri. A H Agashe expired on 18-10-2023 and his wife, Shakuntala Agashe had applied for the benefits in November,2023.

Shri. Khagesh Garg, Director ( Staff ) stated that the case is being processed in right earnest and the file is now with the DoT, Vigilance. Thereafter, General Secretary also met the concerned officer in Vigilance , Shri. Ramji Lal and had a detailed discussion. Having heard the full story, he assured all possible action at his end at the earliest.

Smt. Anuradha Joshi Durgapal, who was CGCA, when contacted over phone on 12th March,2024 told General Secretary that she has retired on 29th February,2024. General Secretary on behalf AIBDPA thanked her for the positive and helpful approach during her tenure as the Controller General of Communication Accounts and also extended best wishes. She reciprocated by acknowledging the cooperation of AIBDPA to extend best possible services to the pensioners. She also advised General Secretary to meet the Additional CGCA, Shri. Sreekanta Panda, as no CGCA has been posted.

Accordingly, Com. K. G. Jayaraj, General Secretary met Shri. Sreekanta Panda, Additional CGCA today, the 13th March,2024 at his office at Ghitroni, near Gurugaon. General Secretary handed over the CHQ letter on the difficulties being experienced by the pensioners. He read the letter very patiently and called Shri. G. Sandeep Goud, Deputy CGCA who is dealing all the issues related to disbursement of pension. Thereafter he also participated till the end.

1.In the letter CHQ, to minimise the number of defaulters of DLC, has suggested that categorisation of pensioners in to different groups based on drawing pension, for submission of DLC, like November for Post Office Pensioners, December for SBI pensioners etc.

Dy CGCA stated that the present system is flexible and have more options. A pensioner can give DLC in any month of his choice and he may have to give the next DLC on or before that month of next year. He also stated that discussion is in the final stage with the Postal authorities to facilitate a pensioner to submit DLC from any post office in the country.

2.Provision for drawal of arrear pension in cases of delayed submission of DLC.

Dy CGCA clarified that nowadays, after getting the delayed DLC, without any delay arrear pension is being paid through supplementary bill.

3 Delay in drawing pension involving inter- circle migration.

Dy. CGCA stated that every possible efforts are being taken to minimise the delay.Regarding Com. Uma Balaviswanathan’ s case, given as an example of delay in payment in the letter, Dy CGCA stated that it is different issue and will be settled soon.

Implementation of Arbitration award of higher pay to Sr. Auditor / Accountants of Organised Accounts- extension to the BSNL absorbed Sr. Accountants.

The copy of CHQ letter dated 5th March,2024 already sent through email was handed over and discussed the issue.

Dy. CGCA replied that approval of DoT is necessary in this case and may be sought.

Finally, both the officers drew the attention of General Secretary that only 40% pensioners have submitted the KYP form and a large number of pensioners are yet to give their mobile number and appealed the cooperation of AIBDPA in this regard.

General Secretary replied that our Association is taking all out efforts for successful implementation and our branches are taking pain to collect the forms from each and every pensioner. These issues are deliberated in our meetings also and assured our continued cooperation in all such endeavours. The meeting started at 11AM was concluded at 12PM.

The biennial District Conference of Burdwan, West Bengal has been held with good participation at Telephone Exchange, Burdwan on 10-03-2024.Com.Manik Lal Das, President presided over the conference. Com.Shyama Pada Ray, District Secretary welcomed the gathering. Com.Animesh Mitra , CHQ President, BSNLEU inaugurated the conference with detailed and spirited speech covering the national situation and the issues being faced by the workewrs and pensioners. Coms. Om Prakash Singh, CHQ Organising Secretary, Asis Das, Circle Secretary also addressed. The report and audited accounts presented by Coms. Shyama Pada Ray, District Secretary and S S Mondal ,Treasurer were approved after discussion.

Coms. Manik Lal Das, Shyama Pada Ray and S S Mondal were reelcted as President, District Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

Mahabbob Nagar District in Telangana Circle has held its biennial conference on 10-03-2024. Com. G Rangaiah, District President was in chair. Com. Chinna Saheb, District Secretary welcomed and presented the report and accounts. Coms. D Shankar, CHQ Vice President and Ramachandradu, Circle Secretary addressed and explained the issues in detail. 34 new members joined AIBDPA and were greeted to the conference. The conference honoured the veterans who crossed 75 with garlands and shawls. Coms. G Rangaiah and Chinna Saheb were reelcted as President and District Secretary in the unanimous election of office bearers.