29th July, 2007Our Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Vithal Rao, From Karnataka Circle is no more with us today. He breathed his last at around 11:30 am today due to a massive heart attack. He was our young, bold, dedicated and dynamic CHQ office bearer and had also served as Circle Secretary, Karnataka for a long period.

His demise is an irreparable loss to the SNEA (I) fraternity. We express our deep condolences to the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty to give strength and courage in this hour of crisis. May, his departed soul rest in peace.

27th July, 2007GS holds detailed discussions with Dir (HRD) on 27^th Jul 07 on expeditious resumption of the DPC process for promotion of SDEs to STS. The  Dir (HRD) expressed very positive sentiments on the issue and replied that he expected no further hitches/ impediments in going ahead with the process. He also called the officers concerned and directed them to go ahead with the DPC process.

27th July, 2007The SNEA met the Addl Secretary DOT on 27th July 07 and requested him to intervene with the BSNL Management in his capacity as BSNL Director Board member to carry out the referendum for BSNL executives, particularly in view of the statements by the BSNL Management to external agencies that there are several officers’ Assns in BSNL. The GS SNEA ridiculed such view of the BSNL Management, which failed to conduct the referendum to finalise the representative Assn of the Executives, which was mandatory as far as a Central PSU is concerned. The Addl Sec DOT promised his firm intervention in the matter

26th July, 2007The long-pursued and crucial issue on the residential period of Executives of Civil/Electrical/Architecture etc. from 1-10-2000 resolved. On continues follow up and consistent pressure applied by SNEA , BSNL Board decides that the residential period of  Time bound promotion of Civil/Electrical/Architecture etc will be counted from 1-10-2000.

24th July, 2007Joint Forum met Hon'ble MOC on 23rd July 2007.In the meeting which lasted for about 2 hrs, MOC tried to dispel the aspersions of Joint Forum on various issues relating to the tender. The representatives of the Joint Forum also justified their apprehensions. After the meeting , Joint forum decided to meet on 25th at 14:00 hrs to decide future course of action.

20th July, 2007

Joint forum was called for a meeting by Secy/DOT in which Addl Secy/DOT, Director(O)/BSNL and Director(HRD)/BSNL were present. After Director(O) explained in detail the decisions taken by BSNL board and approved by MOC&IT on the issue of tender for procurement of GSM equipment, Secy/DOT wanted to specifically know the decision of the Joint forum regarding deferment of strike by fifteen days. However, after expressing complete dissatisfaction over the decision to reduce the tender by 50% and to practically eliminate 3G component from the proposed procurement order, Secy/DOT wanted to know the opinion of the Joint forum about a meeting being held with MOC sometime next week. Joint forum responded in a positive manner.

However, Convener joint forum conveyed to Secy/DOT that indefinite strike would commence shortly in case the original size of 45.5 m with complete 3G component of the tender is not maintained. There is absolutely no justification in halving the size of the tender as well as drastically depleting the 3G component in view of the fact that the committee set up by the BSNL Management to address the issues of pricing and change of technical specifications found no substance in the apprehensions raised by MOC and reiterated earlier decisions of BSNL board. There has to be some justification in taking decisions of such magnitude, decisions cannot be taken at whims and fancies of someone, it was pointed out.

The unanimous decision of the Joint forum to resort to indefinite strike in case the original size of the tender with full 3G component is not maintained has already been conveyed to Secy/DOT by Convener joint forum. We shall start making extensive preparation towards going for indefinite strike very shortly and should start base level mobilization.

Let us get apprised of some basic issues. A) The price per line has not been at all reduced. B) The grounds on which Motorola has been disqualified have been found to be fully valid C) no arbitrary change in technical specifications has been noticed. D) Nothing, absolutely nothing, as regards the terms and conditions of tender has changed. What are then the grounds for reducing the size of the tender by 50% and virtually eliminating 3G component? We are   practically back to the same situation were from we started the struggle. 3G component of 3.5 m for which advance purchase order, not purchase order, shall be placed is only to save the tender from collapsing since Motorola has been disqualified because of its inability to meet technical specifications of 3G. this component is not going to come in near future. And the tender is reduced to 50% of its original size because the tender provisions permit maximum reduction of 50% of original size only. Had there been a provision in the terms of contract to reduce it to 10%, it would have been reduced to 10%. Additional Solicitor General, Sh. Gopal subramaniam, has opined that legal grounds demand the original size of the tender should be fully retained. That clearly means that the decision to reduce the tender by 50% is not legally tenable and can be challenged. What shall be our fate in such a situation can be easily understood by each one of us and a huge public and political opinion has to be built as to what are going to be the deadly consequences of all that is taking place now. Let us get fully ready for a real battle, battle which has to be fought with unprecedented commitment, battle which has to be fought in the enemies (of BSNL) camp, battle which has to be decisive to define and secure our future and that of our beloved Company.            

18th July, 2007CWC will be held at Trivandrum on 7^th and 8^th September 2007. Accommodation will be available from 6^th to 9^th Sept. All CHQ office bearers/Circle Secretaries/ CWC members should book their tickets in advance. Notification will be issued shortly.

18th July, 2007Association invited to formally submit its views to the 2^nd pay panel on 25^th July,07 at 1215 hrs:

Association has been formally asked by the 2^nd pay panel to submit its views and report to the panel at 1215 hrs on 25^th July, 07. Our submission will be preceded by submission by the BSNL Management which is to be made by CMD/BSNL personally. Association is to make a comprehensive power point presentation finalized at Bangalore recently before the pay panel and also submit a detailed report. Com S.L.Reddy, CHQ President, and Com W.Seshagiri Rao, president/NCOA, are likely to be present on 25^th July,07 .

Since GS would be extremely preoccupied in giving final touches to the report to be submitted to the pay panel, our Comrades and activists are requested to contact

 Com Khan, our AGS, for day to day functioning till 25^th July,07.

17th July, 2007BSNL board approves fresh proposal for procurement of first phase of 17 m GSM lines which includes 13.5 m 2G and 3.5 m 3G. The total size of the tender has been reduced to 50% of the original size of 45 m. Another 5.5 m is from the II phase of 14m. The ratio of 2G : 3G of 5.5 m of phase II is yet to be decided. The remaining part of phase II i.e 8.5 m and whole of phase III i.e 14m is scrapped.         

GS met CMD to get first hand account of the meeting of 16^th July,07 of BSNL board.

17th July, 2007GS and AGS, Com Khan, met Director(HRD) and requested him to consider a few compassionate cases of transfer already discussed with him sometime before. Director(HRD) directed DDG (P) who was present to issue orders. DDG (P) assured Director(HRD) that he would take immediate action.

17th July, 2007 GS spoke to CGM/T&D requesting him to consider a few cases of  modification of posting orders of SDEs on their promotion. CGM informed GS since he was on leave for about a fort night, he has no seen the representations and would check up again.

17th July, 2007GS writes to CMD - on unwarranted interference of HP/CGM in legitimate and fearless functioning of our HP Circle Organization. >>>>>>>>

18th July, 2007GS writes to Hon. Prime Minister - Rapid slide down of BSNL continues unabated – quickest resolution of the tender issue absolutely essential.>>>>>>>>>

12th July, 2007GS and AGS Com.Khan met CMD to request him to consider the deferment of ensuing TES Grp B Competitive Exam because of heavy floods in Maharashtra. CMD immediately called for the files in which he found CGM MH has forwarded the representations of the of the applicants requesting for deferment without making any remark, comments or observation. CMD informed GS that CGM MH is the appropriate person to decide whether  examination can be conducted smoothly or not due to floods and since he has not made any recommendation of this kind it would not be possible for the BSNL Corporate Office to defer the examination . Moreover CMD called for the figures of Maharashtra Circle regarding the  number of faulty Exchanges /BTSs due to flood. The Official information received from MH Circle indicated that out of 143 Exchanges  only one is faulty and out of 543 BTSs none is faulty. These are the official figures communicated by MH Circle.

Moreover there are many forces who are trying their level best  to get the Examination cancelled on one pretext or other by challenging holding of Exam in Courts. Even on 11^th July a petition in Delhi High Court regarding cancellation of Examination filed by some JTOs was heard. However, fortunately, no stay was granted by Hon.HC. In another case also challenging holding of examination in Delhi High Court is coming up for hearing on 27^th July. Association has strained its nerves in every possible ways for more than two years to get the Examination notified. It would be most appropriate and in the interest of all of us that the examination held as per schedule . We are confident that our comrades shall understand our compulsion and concern.

11th July, 2007Congratulations to the valiant employees of BSNL who faced the threat to extinguish BSNL with indomitable courage. The massive response to the various programmes including strike of 11^th July 2007 is an eye opener to anyone and everyone . Continue with brave heart to fight every enemy that has evil designs of killing BSNL. Our Hearty Congratulations to SNEA comrades in particular who took initiative in launching such a massive and unprecedented agitational agitational programmes in the most befitting manner at the most strategic and appropriate time with only one vision - Long Live BSNL

Based on the assurances made by the Minister that immediate action will be taken for procurement of 23 million 2 G + 3 G equipment  as soon as the report from BSNL on the quires raised by the Minister ( expected to be submitted with in one week ) is received , the Joint Forum decides that further programmes of action including indefinite strike will commence after 15 days if the Minister's commitment are not met by that time.

10th July, 2007 1. Communication received from DDG(SR), BSNL >>>>>>>>>.

                 2. Communication received from Secretary ,DOT>>>>>>>>>>.

10th July, 2007SNEA, AIBSNLEA, BSNLEU, NFTE-BSNL and NUBSNLW(FNTO), TEPU, BTEF, BTEU-BSNL, AIBCTES all  have decided to go on strike tomorrow. Remember it is a complete sit out strike. Our comrades at all officers/exchanges will sit outside for the whole day and demonstrate registering their protests over non-inclusion of specific assurance for procurement of 23 million GSM lines in the letter by Secretary,DoT .

9th July, 2007After holding discussion with MOC and BSNL Management Committee the Joint Forum decides to go on indefinite strike from 11-07-2007. All units are requested to make necessary preparation to make the strike programmes a total success.

8th July, 2007 Rejoinder to MOC&ITs press statement appearing in Hindu Edition, dated 8^th July,07.

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6th July, 2007Joint Forum has been called for a meeting between MOC&IT on 9^th July at 12.00 Hours.

6th July, 200711.30 am. Joint Forum was called by BSNL Management. CMD mentioned that MOC &IT has returned the file with certain quires. . A Committee consisting of Senior Officers of BSNL has been constituted to examine and review the quires of MOC and CMD informed that BSNL Board shall take final decision on the tender issue and resubmit the file to MOC with in a couple of days.

12.30 am Joint Forum was called by Secretary DOT including CMD, Director (HRD) and DDG (SR) of BSNL was present. Secretary DOT mentioned in detail the latest developments on the tender issue. Fully sharing the concern expressed by Joint Forum on account of delay Secretary DOT mentioned that he has already briefed MOC on the consequences of delay on a number of occasions. However Secretary DOT said that three to four proposals offered by Minister would be examined by BSNL Board in a day or two and final decision on the proposal shall be taken by the BSNL Board and it shall be submitted to the MOC within three, four days. He also informed  Joint Forum that he expect a clear picture on the tender issue to emerge between within five to Six days. However Joint Forum reiterated its resolve to continue its programmes of action including strike to both CMD and Secretary DOT till the APO is placed with vendors.

5th July, 2007GS and AGS Com.Khan met CMD and had a detailed discussion on GSM tender . CMD briefed in a detailed manner about the latest position.

5th July, 2007NOTICE issued by JOINT FORUM for total strike. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Joint forum of Unions/Associations of BSNL unanimously has decided to go on strike on 11^th July, 07 and in case the issue of immediate procurement of 45.5 million GSM lines is not resolved, the strike shall continue indefinitely. Prior to going on strike on 11^th July, 07 from 0600hrs, following mobilization programmes have to be observed.

A)    Massive lunch/closing hr demonstrations at Corporate office/CGM/SSA level along with wearing of black badges on 6^th and 7^th July, 07.  

B)    Full day dharna on 9^th/10^th July, 07 at Corporate office/CGM/SSA HQs.

C)    Strike on 11^th July, 07 from 0600 hrs which shall continue indefinitely in case the issue is not settled.

We have to make the programmes of organizational action a complete success so that the strike of 11^th July, 07 from 0600 hrs which is to continue indefinitely in case the issue is not settled is total and it has its impact in terms of creating compulsion on MOC & IT to immediately act and decide on the highly delayed issue of placing purchase order for procurement of complete 45.5 million GSM million lines. We are all fully aware about the threatening consequences of continuing delay in procuring GSM equipment and the great impending danger of cancellation or modification of already approved tender. Any GSM equipment not inclusive of 3G component is meaningless and shall be totally disastrous from point of view of future growth of BSNL. We have to take great effort to explain the implications of the delay in purchase of equipment and also of cancellation or modification of the tender. Modification of the tender by eliminating 3G component is going to be most dangerous. Our role and responsibility in this crucial struggle is simply going to hold the key. We have to understand and recognize the critical position that we hold and the strategic and cohesive role we have to play in the context of complete mobilization and success of this crucial struggle.          

4th July, 2007Latest position on procurement of 45.5 millions GSM equipment:

 Notwithstanding what has appeared in the national electronic and print media on the stuck issue of placing of purchase orders for procurement of 45.5million GSM lines, the position continues to be quite grim and uncertain and the fact of the matter remains that deadly delay continues. Assuming what has appeared in the media in the context of reducing the size of the tender to half is true, completely eliminating 3G component of the tender, it is going to result in a situation where BSNL future is completely sealed and it is going to be highly vulnerable to immediate sickness because not only will it be incapacitated in terms of its complete inability to provide host of incredible facilities that 3G promises but even huge percentage of existing potential 2G users of BSNL shall surely migrate to 3G network of other operators and this shall be deadly for BSNL. Massive churning of BSNL mobile users shall be inevitable. Private operators are ready with their 3G network and it is just matter of time before new spectrum policy is finalized by the Govt. and private operators roll out their 3G network on a massive scale virtually squeezing BSNL. That is what is going to be surely the scenario in case we allow cancellation of already approved tenders for 3G. We should not derive any satisfaction and become complacent from the so called media reports that orders for purchase of 50% of 45.5 million GSM lines are to be placed with the approved vendors. Any equipment without 3G component is absurd in terms of growth and business strategy.                         

 It is life and death situation for us. We are surely out and out of telecom business in case tender for 3G is cancelled. We cannot get up, shall be crippled for all times. Ground shall be irretrievable and if we somehow fail to read or assess the impending danger, we shall be doing nothing but beating our chests very shortly.

 Thus, Comrades get up, get up valiantly, with greatest conviction and strength of mind, get ready for a protracted struggle, struggle that surely shall shape our future and decide our survival. Show way to our brethren down the level, educate them, condition them for struggle, they are ignorant, we have to hold their hands, struggle hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder and together carry forward the struggle till we reach our destination and let us not lose sight of our destination which is immediate procurement of 2G/3G GSM equipment. 

4th July, 2007GS addresses Secretary DOT on abnormal and uncalled for delay in conducting membership verification among executives in BSNL – immediate kind personal intervention solicited. >>>>>>>>>>>

 4th July, 2007GS met DDG(SR)/DOT to know status on following issues:

1. Deferred option to continue in CDA scale: Again this issue has been sent to DPE for their opinion. However, unlike last time, this time the note of DOT has gone with a positive note from M(F)/DOT, with the approval of Secy/DOT.  

 2. Extending 5 years of service to Gr B officers absorbed in BSNL and seeking VRS after putting in 20 years of qualifying service as has been extended to Gr A absorbed in BSNL: Note has already been sent to DOP & PW for its consideration and approval, we were informed, and the issue is being pursued by DOT. 

 3. Withdrawal of order of MOF stating that payment of pension by the Govt. is restricted to 60% of the revenue that it will get from BSNL on account of payment of licence fees, dividends, cess tax etc. from BSNL: A note on this issue is under preparation in DOT and very shortly it is expected to be sent to the Union Cabinet for its approval.

4th July, 2007Dharna on 29^th June, 07:

 Since we had not received any reports from Assam and Orissa Circle on the programme of Dharna held on 29^th June,07 in these circles, we could not unfortunately report it earlier. However, we learn that Dharna at all the SSAs in Assam was held in a spectacular manner, with unprecedented attendance and wide spread media coverage. In Orissa Circle too, massive Dharna was held at Bhubneswar, Cuttack, Behrampur and Korapet and the programme received extensive media coverage. We congratulate our beloved Comrades of Assam and Orissa for their total and dedicated participation in Dharna on 29^th June,07 and sincerely regret for not having been in a position to report it earlier

2nd July, 2007JOINT FORUM OF BSNL & MTNL UNIONS / ASSOCIATIONS- Memorandum Submitted to Thiru.A. Raja, Hon’ble Minister of Communications & IT, Govt. of India, New Delhi. >>>>>>>>>>

1st July, 2007 Joint forum of Unions/Associations of BSNL & MTNL is holding a press conference at Press Club of India on 2nd July, 07 at 1500 hrs on the issue of delay in placing purchase order for procurement of GSM equipment.    

29th June, 2007

Heartiest Congratulations to our base level Comrades, activists and office bearers at all the levels of the Organization throughout the country for their extraordinary response, extensive preparation and successful participation in the first phase of our struggle.

The response, committed participation and completely successful implementation of the programmes of organizational action on 25^th and 29^th June,07 throughout the country has been simply extraordinary, evoking tremendous enthusiasm and generating much needed organizational heat on such a critical issue, in addition to adequately focusing the issue. The near total success of the programmes of action clearly reflects the state of vibrancy that SNEA (I) is gradually acquiring in terms of creating mass awareness down the level on issues of such vital nature and bringing out the grave implications of the delay in procurement of GSM equipment. The awareness that we succeeded in creating at lower levels and the consequent thumping support that we received from them throughout the country is not only remarkable and unprecedented, but establishes the fact that telecom workers are ready to rise up in arms once the issues and the implications are explained to them and they are properly educated. Political, media and public opinion that we succeeded in building on this issue so far through this struggle has been quite perceptible, significant and productive in terms of focusing the issue and creating desired impact.

*On 29^th June, massive turnout was reported in West Bengal, with about seven to eight hundred Comrades staging dharna at Telephone Bhawan Kolkatta and another five hundred at W B/ CGM office. Comrades from other unions like BSNL EU, NFTE etc. participated in huge numbers to lend their solidarity and support to the struggle. The struggle was simply unparalleled in WB in all respects, right from the word in terms of intense mobilization of important MPs, media, Comrades down the level and making all other preparations towards complete success of the struggle. No words for our valiant and committed comrades of WB Circle and Kolkatta Telephones.

*In Delhi, at the Corporate office, nearly 400 Comrades participated in Dharna and it was addressed by Comrade Dipankar Mukherjee, Secretary/CITU and Com Ashok Rao, Secretary General/NCOA. Com Dipankar urged upon the employees and officers of BSNL to further intensify the struggle and assured continued support of CPM and the left front on issues of viability of BSNL in general of the GSM tender in particular. Com Ashok Rao, said he felt satisfied for the first time in his trade union career that struggle on an issue of such a critical importance is being launched and cautioned BSNL workers and officers against allowing BSNL to become bankrupt, painfully citing the example of ITI. Com Rao had all the praises for the initiative taken by SNEA (I) in organizing a country wide struggle on such an issue and appealed to everyone to further consolidate the forces of unity in BSNL so as to effectively and successfully face future challenges. Large numbers of Comrades from UP(W), Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, including their CSs and other activists, participated in the Dharna. The commitment of our Comrades from Haryana, Punjab, UP(W) and Rajasthan is so profound that they come from distances of five to six hundred Kms to participate in Organizational programmes on 25^th and 29^th June,07 at Corporate office, Delhi. CSs of Delhi and Corporate office, in addition to our AGS, Com Khan, were completely involved in making the programme of 29^th June, 07 a complete success.

* In entire Maharashtra Circle, except Pune TD, dharna was held at all the SSAs in a massive way and the programmes received unprecedented media coverage, both print and electronic. Two prominent MPs addressed our gathering at Nasik, assuring our comrades that the issue would be strongly taken up in the ensuing monsoon session of Parliament.

* Karnataka Circle, the scene on 29^th June was completely different from 25^th June, and the progamme was held at all the SSAs, except Raichur, in a splendid manner. A press conference was also held on 30^th morning at press club, Bangalore, and was addressed by our veteran Comrade W. Seshagiri Rao, President/NCOA.

*Kerala Circle maintained the very high momentum of 25^th June at all the SSAs, with Comrades turning out in huge numbers.

*In TN circle, including Chennai, the programmes were observed at all the SSAs, except Salem and Trichy SSAs .

*AP Circle, despite heavy rains, the attendance was quite encouraging at all the SSAs.

*MP Circle, the programmes were complete success at all the SSAs, particularly Bhopal, indore, ujjain etc.

*Gujarat Circle, massive dharna was held at Ahmedabad and wide media coverage, in both electronic and print media, was received. The progranmme was held at some other major SSAs also in Gujarat.

*UP (E), the programme was held in a grand manner at Lucknow, Benaras, Allahabad, Kanpur etc.

*Bihar Circle, Dharna was held at Patna and other major SSAs and the attendance was quite encouraging. The dharna at Patna was well covered in the media.

*Comrades, in good numbers, including their CSs, from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP(W) participated in dharna at Corporate office Delhi. In addition, in these Circles, dharna was also held at other major SSAs.

*Dharna was held at Srinagar and Jammu in J&K Circle in a highly successful manner.

*In HP, high attendance dharna was held at Shimla.

*Uttaranchal Circle quite successfully staged full day dharna at Dehradun, with Comrades from nearby SSAs attending the dharna and making it a complete success.               

* We have to remain in a state of extraordinary preparedness to respond to any eventuality at the shortest possible notice so as to be able to resort to most effective form of industrial actions. Let us understand in very clear terms that there is still real danger of cancellation of GSM tender and if this is allowed and not defeated, we shall be paralyzed and, as we all know, after paralysis, one becomes permanently invalid and a liability.

29th June, 2007 Association addresses Sh.D.S.Mathur, Secy/DOT for discussing the pending issues immediately.

A) Unsettled issues of promotion policy. 

 1) Service weightage 

 2) First financial upgradation after five years for those not reaching the minimum of scale in five years.

3) No outside recruitment at STS as MTs 

4) Regularization of existing Adhoc STS officers and finalization of Gr A RRs     

 B) Issue of exercise of option to continue in CDA scale up to the date of promotion/retirement.

C) Extending the benefit of five years for Gr B officers of BSNL seeking VRS and having completed 20 years of qualifying service.                      

D) Withdrawal of the order of DOT stating that the payment of pension by the Govt. to absorbed personnel in BSNL would be restricted to 60% of the payment that Govt. receives on account of licence fees, cess tax, dividends etc. from BSNL.

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*  Draft for extending STD/roaming on service mobile is ready for consideration and approval of Management Committee, we were informed by Director (O)/BSNL. 

28th June, 2007Power point presentation of our views to be submitted to 2^nd pay panel:

Association made an informal power point presentation to the members of the committee constituted by BSNL Management to interact with 2^nd pay panel and present the views of BSNL Management on various aspects being dealt with and examined by 2^nd pay panel. The presentation lasted for about two hours, including very interesting and absorbing discussion on a number of issues. Important feedback and counsel was given by all the members of the committee and it has been well received by this Association. Sr DDG (E), DDG(SR), DDG(FF) and Jt DDG(EF), members of the committee were quite forthright in expressing their viewpoint, analyzing issues in a critical and meticulous manner. We are extremely thankful to all of them for sparing their valuable time and candidly expressing their opinion, albeit informally. GS and AGS, Com Khan, made the presentation from Association side. The views expressed by members of the committee shall be given due and serious consideration while giving final shape to the memorandum before its submission before 2^nd pay panel.         

27th June, 2007 It's Struck: BSNL not renegotiating equipment price with Ericsson.>>>>>>>

MORE EVENTS

JUNE  2007 EVENTS>>> 

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