.As you are aware, AIBDPA had filed a writ petition in the High Court of Kerala against freezing of IDA instalments of BSNL absorbed pensioners from 01-10-2020 to 30-06-2021. The Hon’ble High Court issued an Interim Order on the same date of filing the case. However, the Government/DoT didn’t care to implement the interim order. Therefore our Advocate was trying to get the final order. The pandemic situation forced the courts to only limited and online functioning . The sustained efforts of our Advocate by moving an urgent petition has succeeded and the case was taken up for arguments on today, the 2nd November,2021. Though our Advocate completed the arguments, the junior counsel appeared for DoT/ Government prayed for adjournment for two weeks to enable the senior counsel to appear and present the arguments, if any. So the Court has posted the case to 11th November,2021.

BSNL has issued the order for payment of IDA instalments of 01-10-2020, 01-01-2021 and 01-04-2021 which were frozen by the Modi government for a period from 01-10-2020 to 30-06-2021. BSNL Employees Union had filed a writ petition in the High Court of Kerala against the freezing of IDA instalments and got a favourable order. However , BSNL management was delaying its implementation on flimsy grounds. After much pressure exerted and struggle by BSNLEU has finally yielded the result. Hearty Congratulations to CHQ BSNLEU and all the beneficiaries.

AIBDPA had taken a clear stand that the freezing of IDA instalments is not applicable to BSNL absorbed pensioners and took up the issue with the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, DPE and DOT. When there was no positive action from the authorities, CHQ filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court and the Hon’ble High Court was pleased to issue an interim order in our favour on the same day of filing the case. However, both the DPE and DOT have not cared to implement the order. So , we are continuing our efforts to get a definite and final order from the High Court.

CHQ is happy to note that significant breakthrough is achieved on the important issues during the discussion between the Board of Directors of BSNL and AUAB leaders on 27-10-2021. BSNL management is reported to have given assurance in respect of early launching of 4G, Timely payment of salary, Resumption of wage negotiation, Holding of LICEs etc. AIBDPA heartily congratulate AUAB for this remarkable turnaround which has been possible only due to the sustained struggle.

Com. C K Narasimhan, Circle President inaugurated the 4th District Conference of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu Circle on 27-10-2021. Com.S Mohandoss delivered the keynote address. Both the leaders gave a good account of developments in the recent past highlighting the efforts of AIBDPA for settlement of the important issues. Com.S Nataraja, Circle Treasurer delivered a special address. Shri. S Krishnakumar, DGM (Admin) , BSNL , Tirunelveli greeted the conference. The report was presented by Com.A Pitchumani, ADS and Com. V Seethalakshmi, Treasurer submitted the audited accounts and were adopted after discussion.

The conference unanimously elected the office bearers with Com. M Kanakamani (President) Com.S Muthusamy (District Secretary) and Com.V Seethalakshmi(Treasurer)

East Godavari District Conference has been held on 27-10-2021 with good participation. The Open Seesion was held jointly with BSNL Employees Union. Veteran Leader and CHQ Vice President Com.P.Asokababu, Com.K Ramadevi, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU and Com.K S C Bose, Circle Secretary participated and addressed. The leaders explained almost all the issues, including Revival of BSNL, National Monetisation Pipeline, Pension Revision, Wage Revision, Denial of medical benefits and the agitations being launched. Com.N S N Murthy presided over the meeting. The report and accounts presented by Coms.P Maheswara Rao (District Secretary) and G J Prasad (Treasurer), respectively were adopted after discussion.

Office Bearers were elected unanimously with the following important functionaries; Com.N S N Murthy (President) Com.P Maheswara Rao ( District Secretary) and Com.G John Prasad (Treasurer)

The 5th District Conference of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu has been held in a befitting manner on 26-10-2021. Com. T Subramonian, District President controlled the proceedings. Com. C K Narasimhan, Circle President inaugurated the conference with an elaborate and inspiring speech. Coms. S Mohandoss, CHQ Vice President and M Nataraja, Circle Treasurer delivered special address. The report and audited accounts were presented by Coms.P Ramar, District Secretary and K Ganesan, Treasurer, respectively which were adopted after discussion.

Office bearers with Coms.T Subramonian (President), P Ramar (District Secretary) and K Ganesan (Treasurer) were elected unanimously.

The unusual delay in issuing the orders for the two instalments of IDA due from 01-07-2021 and 01-10-2021 was causing concern among the pensioners. The order for another instalment Dearness Releif to Central Government Pensioners from 01-07-2021 was also being delayed. So the issue was taken up with Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Finanace Minister vide CHQ letter dated 18-10-2021. Now, DPE has issued the orders for the increase of 3.3% IDA from 01-07-2021 and 5.5% from 01-10-2021. And the total IDA will be 179.3% from 01-10-2021. So also DOP&PW has issued the order on 27-10-2021 for the increase of 3% DR from 01-07-2021 for the Central Government pensioners (DoT pensioners) and total DR 31% .