The All India Consumer Price Index for January 2017 is announced now. It is 274 points. For December 2016 it was 275 points. And for November 2016 it was 277 points. It means there is reduction month by month. If it remains at 274 points itself for February, then, there will be reduction of 2% in IDA from April 2017. The government may claim that the prices are falling down as an effect of demonetization !!!

Wage revision from 01.01.2017 – Be prepared for struggle to get justice. The 3rd PRC has already submitted it’s report to the government. The government in turn, has referred it to the secretaries of the concerned departments. It is reliably learnt that, according to the terms and conditions set by the 3rd PRC, it will be very difficult for BSNL employees to get wage revision. Hence, the entire Non-Executives and Executives have to gear up for struggle, for getting justice in the next wage revision.

MEETING WITH DIRECTOR (HR), OF BSNL

There was a meeting with Smt. Sujata Ray, Director (HR) of BSNL on 21st February 2017. GM (Admn) and GM (SR) were also present. We expressed our sincere thanks for the meeting and courtesy shown by Smt. Sujata Ray.Before the formal discussions started, she asked us about the future pension revision of BSNL retirees. We told her that we had demanded pension revision with fitment benefit granted by Seventh Pay Commission and not PRC. She appreciated our stand. It was also indicated by her that BSNL is yet to take a formal decision on the third PRC report. She told also that the financial position of BSNL is in bad shape.

Restoration of Quarterly Medical Allowance

We pointed out that this matter is pending for many years. Director indicated that it is very difficult to restore medical allowance. We mentioned about the PRC recommendation to grant Rs 1000 per month. Again, she indicated difficulty in implementing that PRC recommendation in BSNL.

Delay in settling MRS Claims by Pensioners:

We told the Director frankly that even though she had instructed all to settle the medical claims from retirees within one month, no Circle is honouring the same. She assured that the matter would be looked into and directed the GMs to check up with some circles.

Change of Software

We pointed out that Medical claims are being processed now in ERP.Recently, the Corporate Office of BSNL has introduced a new system.Data of all the employees and retirees has to be fed in the new software which will take lot of time and delay the process. Director (HR) was inclined to accept our suggestion to allow the Circle Units to process pending cases up to 31-3-2017 in the existing system and then migrate to the new one.

Income Tax on MRS amount

Some SSA offices are deducting the income tax at source taking into account the medical reimbursement amount exclusively. As a result, some pensioners whose total income including the medical reimbursement amount they received is within the exemption limit of Rs Three lakh, are forced to pay income tax on the MRS amount in excess of Rs 15000. Director assured that the matter will be examined. She wanted a separate letter on it and next day we submitted the same to her office.

Denial of CGHS Card to BSNL pensioners:

When some BSNL pensioners approached the CGHS, the CGHS card was denied to them on the plea that they have not yet received any instruction from CGHS Headquarters. The GM (Admn) told that his office had already taken up the matter with CGHS authorities and got settled.He assured that CGHS orders could be given to us.When P S Ramankutty and Com. Anupam Kaul (Secretary of Delhi Headquarter branch) went to his room later, the situation was different. No doubt that his office had taken up the matter with CGHS authorities, but no specific instruction was issued by CGHS Head Quarters to their units so far!. GM told that they are pursuing the matter with CGHS.

Unnecessary restriction of calls on rent-free telephone connections:

This is also an old item pending. Certain number of free calls are allowed to the Rent-free telephone connections given to BSNL retirees.But, some Circles restrict these free calls to LOCAL CALLS making all calls made to out of SSA chargeable. When taken up earlier, It was told that Management Committee of BSNL was reconsidering the issue.GM (Admn) told that a decision is taken to remove that restriction and also that the modified order would be issued soon.

Withdrawal of CDMA Phones:

We brought to the notice of Director (HR) that in some places the pensioners were provided with CDMA Phones instead of rent-free land phones on the plea of technically not feasible. Now the BSNL has withdrawn CDMA. We requested the Director to provide mobile phones to the concerned pensioners.She assured that it would be considered.

Few Individual cases:

Individual cases of some retirees not getting pension as presidential order for their absorption was not issued etc.were taken up.Director assured to examine it and wanted separate letter on it.We handed over the letters.

MEETING WITH MEMBER (SERVICES)

On our request, a meeting with Shri J S Deepak IAS, Secretary, Telecom was fixed at 4 PM on 22-2-2017.We had sent a list of items to be discussed also. But, when we reached his office in time, Secretary was busy in a video conference with Prime Minister. Hence, he authorized the Member (Services) to discuss the issues with us and then go to him, as soon as he is free.

Shri S K Jain (DDG,Estt), Smt Vandana Seth (Director, Estt) and Shri Tiwari (Director, Accounts) were also present in our meeting with Shri R K Misra (Member, Services).

From our Association the following participated:

(1) P S Ramankutty, President

(2) D Gopalakrishnan, Vice President

(3) G Natarajan , General Secretary

(4) P Gangadhara Rao, Dy GS

(5) T S Vittoban, Treasurer

Some issues discussed are:

(a)Extra Increment for fixing Pension

We brought to the notice of Member that some Circles are seeking unnecessary clarifications on the matter and Directorate is not giving the clarifications resulting in denial of the benefits to pensioners. When we started explaining the details the Member(S) said that he is fully aware of OTBP/BCR Etc. He further informed that only on the previous day, DoT received a report on the matter from BSNL Corporate Office. Suitable clarifications will be issued shortly. [Later, we could get a copy of the 4 pages report from BSNL CO. It was totally negative. Next day itself we gave our reaction in writing to DDG(Estt) and Director(Estt). ]

(b) CAT Judgement on Extra Increment case:

We wanted extension of the benefit of CAT Ernakulam judgement in the case filed by our Circle Association to all the affected pensioners in all circles. Member(S)told that since case pertains to Kerala Circle only, a general instruction can not be issued.However, CCA Kerala will be suitably advised.

© Denial of 78.2 benefit to those who retired in 2006 and got full pension:

Full pension was granted to BSNL IDA pensioners retired after 1-1-2006, based on clear orders from DoT Directorate as per recommendations of sixth CPC.After eight years, the Kerala CCA questions the wisdom of Directorate in issuing such an order itself.He has withheld the revision orders with 78.2%in favour of such pensioners who got the full pension as mentioned above. The plea is that a clarification is sought from Directorate. We requested that such tendency of seeking unwanted clarifications on settled cases should be discouraged.Director (Estt) told that no letter was received by her office from Kerala on the matter. She categorically told that those who retired after 1-1-2006 are entitled to full pension and also that 78.2% can not be denied to such pensioners.

(d)Delinking of 33 years service for full pension:

We told that we are aware of the DOT order dated 15-2-2017 on the subject. After 6th CPC report, CCS Pension Rules 1972 was amended to the effect that ‘linking of 33 years of qualifying service was dispensed with”. DOT issued specific order that it is applicable to BSNL IDA pensioners who retired after 1-1-2006. We conveyed our concern over any probable confusion in field units that can be created by the latest clarification. Member(S) said that there can not be any confusion in the matter. When we pointed out the contradiction about the minimum pension in BSNL after 1-1-2006 because the order dated 15-3-2011 of DoT states it as Rs 3500 in the body text and Rs 3880 in the Annexure,Member(S) did not relish it and simply said that there is no contradiction.

(e)Ceiling of Gratuity etc.

It was informed that DoT has sought approval of Department of Pension for issuing orders raising the ceiling of gratuity, commutation etc. as suggested by seventh CPC.Pension Department wanted some particulars and it was supplied. The approval from DoP&PW is expected any time.

[Later, we got it confirmed from DoP&PW that they have approved it on the previous day. Now, DoT has to issue the formal order.]

MEETING WITH SECRETARY, TELECOM

After the discussions with Member (S), we were taken to Shri J S Deepak, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman of Telecom Commission. Member(S), DDG (Estt), and Director (Estt) were also present in the meeting. Shri Prahlad Singh (Member-Finance) and Ms. Linda (DDG-Accounts) too joined. Discussions with Member, Services were reported to him.Secretary was in a jovial mood,

We expressed our sincere thanks to the Secretary for granting the benefit of 50% DA Merger.

(i) Delay in settling 78.2% revision cases:

Lot of discussion took place on the subject. Secretary was very emphatic for fixing a target date. We pointed out acute shortage of staff in CCA offices. Specific cases were also given.DDG Accounts agreed with us. We wanted a specific date by which entire work of revision with 78.2% should be completed. Secretary admitted that it is already delayed and directed Member (F) and DDG (E) to sit and decide the date which should be practical but not to be stretched too far. Member (F) agreed to fix the next target date.

(ii)Common Server:

We suggested that a common server should be introduced with all particulars of BSNL retirees so that both DoT and BSNL can use it for any further processing of cases related to BSNL retirees. DDG (Accounts) said that she is on the job in consultation with BSNL Corporate Office. She informed that it may take 8 months if everything goes as per plan. Secretary said that that project is a long-term one and need not be linked with 78.2 revision.

(III)Pension Adalat at national level:

Secretary understood the problem.Other officers pointed practical difficulties. Secretary wanted some mechanism to settle Pensioners’ Grievances. He suggested some representatives from Directorate can attend circle adalats in one or two circles and then decide the matter for holding adalat at national level. DDG (Accounts) later on assured that she will explore the possibility of holding Adalat at national level at least once in an year. She also told that previous Member(F) was very much favourable on this issue.

(iv) Future Pension Revision:

Secretary, Telecom told that Cabinet Secretary has recently conducted a high level meeting to study the third PRC report and as he could not attend Member(S) attended and ‘vehemently” pleaded for pension revision in BSNL.

We told Secretary, Telecom that we are not demanding Pension revision as per PRC recommendations. We want pension revision with the fitment benefit suggested by seventh CPC, as we are pensioners covered by CCS Pension Rules 1972.He told that he understood our view points. It will take more time to take a decision.

[We are of the opinion that more pressure is required to be mounted in this regard.]

(v) Pension anomaly case

We requested Secretary (T) to implement the order from Principal bench of CAT delivered on 16-12-2016 granting the benefit to all the 4230 pensioners affected by the anomaly as our Association is the applicant in the case. It was told that the matter is already referred to Legal Section for their opinion.Then the matter has to be taken up with Department of Pension and Department of Expenditure too before taking a final view.

{We handed over separate detailed letter on every item discussed.}

ORGANIZATIONAL

UP (WEST) CIRCLE CONFERENCE at MEERUT

P S Ramankutty, G Natarajan, J S Dahiya (AGS) and T S Vittoban (Treasurer) reached Meerut on 18th evening to attend the conference.On 19th the Conference was held. The weather being very cold, delegates came bit late and the conference started at around 1200 hours only. Threadbare discussion took place on the report submitted by Circle Secretary.There was criticism about the functioning of the Circle and appreciation of the work done as well. P S Ramankutty, G Natarajan, J S Dahiya and T S Vittoban addressed the conference and gave details of various issues.

In the afternoon, a very informative presentation was given by two eminent doctors of MAX Hospital on Cancer, Heart Diseases, Diabetes etc.

A new of team of office-bearers with Sh. M K Jain and Sh. Surendra Tyagi as Patrons, Shri Vipin Sharma as President, Sh. Kailash Gautam as Circle Secretary and Sh. J K Sharma as Treasurer was unanimously elected.

It is reported that new branches in Bijnore and Circle Office have been formed recently.

MEETING OF HEADQUARTER BRANCH OF NTR

On 20-2-2017 Comrades Ramankutty, Natarajan and Vittoban reached New Delhi.Com. Gangadhara Rao, Dy GS also joined them on the day. In the afternoon, a general body of New Delhi NTR Head Quarter branch was held in Kidwai Bhavan under the presidentship of Com. R L Kapoor.PSR, GN, TSV, Gangadhara Rao and Com. G L Jogi (Chairman of SNEA and our member) addressed the meeting and explained status of various issues concerning BSNL pensioners.

Organizational matter of NTR circle

During this visit to New Delhi we discussed the organizational matter of NTR Circle with all concerned.It was decided to hold the NTR Circle Conference on 12-4-2017 and Com. P S Ramankutty will attend the conference on behalf of CHQ.

A VERY SIGNIFICANT ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In the afternoon of 23-2-2017, a meeting of leaders from various BSNL/MTNL Pensioners organizations took place in Kidwai Bhavan, New Delhi. P S Ramankutty, D Gopalakrishnan, G Natarajan, P Gangadhara Rao, T S Vittoban, R L Kapoor and Anupam Kaul represented our Association. Stalwarts like M K Bagchi, S S Nanda, R K Mudgal andA K Kapoor from Retired Telecom Officers Welfare Association of Delhi, K Jawahar, Badri Pathak and M R Dixit from Retired Telecom Officers Welfare Association of Mumbai,Kishan Singh, Rakesh Srivastava and Jain from All India Retired BSNL Executives Association of Delhi attended the meeting;

A purposeful and serious analysis of the emerging scenario took place. Seventh CPC has not suggested any pension revision for BSNL/MTNL retirees. Third PRC has not suggested any pension revision for anybody in PSE.Acceptance of PRC report by BSNL itself is doubtful. Everybody agreed on this approach and they wanted our brief on this issue and immediately we supplied the same to all.In this situation, the organizations representing BSNL pensioners and MTNL pensioners should move together.We should demand a stable system for periodical revision of pension in BSNL/MTNL, based on CPC reports along with other central government pensioners, delinking from the pay revision of BSNL or MTNL. It was also agreed upon that sufficient pressure is required to be mounted on DoT to send a proposal with sufficient justification for such a pension revision now. Then, at the appropriate time, we should all jointly mobilize political support for our demand. We should be ready to mobilize our members all over the country for a joint movement in this regard.

A General, body meeting of NTR Headquarter branch was held in Kidwai Bhavan on 20-2-2017. Comrades P S Ramankutty, G Natarajan, P Gangadhara Rao, T S Vittoban and G L Jogi (Chairman of SNEA) as well as Com. R L Kapoor and Com. Anupam Kaul addressed the meeting.

UP West circle conference was held at Meerut on 19-2-2017. Comrdes P S Ramankutty, G Natarajan, T S Vittoban and J S Dahiya participated on behalf of CHQ. Com. Vipin Sharma is elected as President, Com. Kailash Gautam as Circle Secretary and Com. J K Sharma as the Treasurer.

Com. P S Ramankutty is leaving Trivandrum today evening for Meerut to attend the Circle Conference of UP West there on 19th. Com. Natarajan and Com. Vittoban also will be reaching Meerut for the same purpose. Then they will reach New Delhi on 20th. Com. D Gopalakrishnan and Com. Gangadhara Rao also will be joining them. After attending some meetings and participating in some discussions they will return on 24th instant. During this period, this Website may not be updated.

On return from Delhi on 24th, we shall update this website and give new information.

AN AGENDA FOR 2017

[Editorial of Pensioners Patrika, March 2017]

AIBSNLPWA has a definite agenda for the year, 2017. The agenda is not for its members alone. It is for the entire BSNL fraternity, already retired and yet to retire.

1. Based on the Cabinet Note submitted by Department of Telecom, the Government granted benefit of 78.2% IDR for pension revision of those who retired before 10-6-2013. Cabinet Note submitted by DOT specifically states that DOT shall issue instructions to all for extending the benefit to the concerned pensioners before 31-12-2016. DoT failed to honour its commitment. DoT failed to provide the infrastructure to complete the work within the stipulated time. Pensioners are not responsible for the shortage of staff in CCA offices. AIBSNLPWA demands that the pension revision with 78.2% IDR should be completed without any further delay.

2. Once the work is over, AIBSNLPWA will raise the demand for the benefit from 1-1-2007. We do not want to create any impediment for the ongoing process of pension revision.

3. Principal bench of CAT has given a clear judgement in the case of Pension Anomaly, filed by AIBSNLPWA. When others were sleeping over it we were working hard. Court has observed that the respondents have no ground at all to deny the benefit. Since the impugned order dated 15-01-2003 itself is quashed, the relief granted by CAT should reach all the 4000 plus pensioners in the country.

4. Similarly, the relief granted by CAT Ernakulam bench to BSNL pensioners in the matter of counting extra increment should be extended to one and all placed in similar situation in every Circle. AIBSNLPWA is the first applicant in that case too.

5. Those who retired after 1-1-2006 got pension @ 50% of Last Pay Drawn, on rendering a minimum of ten years of qualifying service. But, those who retired before 1-1-2006 got the pension @ 50% of ten months average pay, that too on completion of 33 years of service. Imposing such a cut off date for grant of any benefit is nothing but negation of the Supreme Court order in Nakara Case. Any body retired before 1-1-2006, with ten years service, should get pension @ 50% of their LPD. There should be no discrimination on the basis of date of retirement.

6. Last but not the least; the most important demand of BSNL pensioners is that there should be a stable system for regular revision of their pension along with all other Central Service pensioners in India.

Above are not the issues concerning members of our Association alone. They are the demands of all the 1.8 lakh BSNL staff retired and also the 1.6 lakh BSNL staff to join our ranks very soon. AIBSNLPWA works on this agenda.

TUMKUR IS A SMALL SSA, NEAR BANGALORE. IT HAS ONLY 220 BSNL PENSIONERS.

AND OUR BRANCH IN TUMKUR SSA HAS 181 MEMBERS AND ALL ARE LIFE MEMBERS. THAT IS THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENT.

THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE OF TUMKUR HELD ON 11-2-2017 WAS ADDRESSED BY COM. GANGADHARA RAO (DY.GS) AND COM. R CHANGAPPA (CS, KTA).

The District conference elected unanimously comrades N D S Jois, R Jayashankar and Shafiqulla Khan as District President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

CHQ congratulate the Tumkur comrades for the great achievement.

Some useful information about filing Income Tax returns are given in the attached File.

Please click on this link: it-faq.docx

On 6-2-2017 a new branch is added to our Association in Bidar district of Karnataka. About 50 pensioners attended the formation meeting. Com. P Gangadhara Rao (Dy GS), Com. K G Deshpande (Org Secretary, CHQ), Com. R Changappa (CS KTA),Com. Ranganayukulu (DP, Bangalore) and Com. Khalid (DS of Gulbarga) attended the meeting and addressed it.

Com. Deshpande speaks.

A well attended general body meeting was held at Gulbarga, Karnataka today. Com. P Gangadhara Rao (Dy GS), Com. K G Deshpande (Org. Secretary), Com. R Changappa (CS, KTA) and Com. Ranganayukulu (Bangalore Dist. President) attended and spoke in detail about various issues.

Bihar Circle Conference was held at Ara on 29-1-2017

Comrades D N Choudhary, Shamshad Ali, A K Singh and S S Prasad have been elected as Patron, Circle President, Circle Secretary and Circle Treasurer respectively.

Two pictures

Labour Bureau of India is the authority to compile the data received from various centres through the National Sample Survey Organization and prepare the Indices for various categories.NSSO people collect the price of several items from different shops in 78 cities and towns in India. The average index for 12 months in 2001 is taken as 100 points for fixing Index.

Based on the above Index of 2001=100 points the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPIW)

... ... ... for October was 278 points.

... ... ... for November was 277 points

... ... ... for December it is 275 points.

Labour Bureau has released the figures for all the 78 centres, as usual. When compared the figures for November and December 2016, it is seen that the Index has increased in few cases like:

Mysore, Karnataka: from 281 to 283 (November to December)

Ernakulam: from 269 to 272

Mundakayam (Kerala) from 282 to 285

Quilon in Kerala from 297 to 303.

The Index has come down in most of the centres. Few examples are given below (November to December):

Munger, .... 308 to 302

Bhilai ... ...... 313 to 308

Vadodara .... 267 to 258

Nagpur .... .... 311 to 303

Rourkela .... 300 to 290

Lucknow ....... 279 to 271

This has affected the rate of CDA. This will have impact on our IDA effective from April 2017 also.

There is no change in the Income Tax Slab. Those who are having annual tax payable income of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, the rate of tax is reduced to 5% from the existing 10%. Relief is up to Rs 12500 per year. Same relief is given to those having annual income over Rs Five lakh also.

It is a welcome proposal.

WORDS AND DEEDS

THEY PROTESTED AGAINST PRICE HIKE OF LPG CYLINDER THEN. THEY WERE IN OPPOSITION.

NOW SAME PEOPLE HAVE HIKED THE PRICE OF LPG CYLINDER.

THIS IS POLITICS.....

IT IS REPORTED IN MEDIA THAT THE NET LOSS OF BSNL DURING THE NINE MONTHS (APRIL TO DECEMBER 2016) STANDS AT Rs 4890 CRORE.

EARLIER,THERE WAS A CLAIM OF OPERATIONAL PROFIT.

STILL THERE IS NET LOSS. IT MAY BE AROUND Rs 6000 CRORE FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

Labour Bureau of India has released the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) for December 2016. It is 275 Points. 2 Points less than that of November 2016.

Based on the last 12 months AICPI, the Central DA shall be assessed as 4 % from January 2017. Many expected that it would be 5%.

Central Govt employees and Central Service pensioners (Like DoT Pensioners) will get 4% of their new revised Pay as CDA from January to June 2017.

VELLORE SSA UNIT OF OUR ASSOCIATION CONDUCTED A MEETING ON 28-1-2017 AT KATPADI. MORE THAN 175 COMRADES ATTENDED THE MEETING. Two photos:

TAMILNADU CIRCLE AND CHENNAI TD CIRCLE JOINTLY ORGANISED A SPECIAL MEETING ON 27-1-2017 AT CHROMEPET, CHENNAI . COM. P S RAMANKUTTY, COM. D GOPALAKRISHNAN, COM. G NATARAJAN, COM. K MUTHIYALU, COM. M GOVINDARAJAN, COM. V RAMA RAO COM. B MURTHY AND COM. PATTABHIRAMAN (NFTE) ADDRESSED THE GATHERING. MORE THAN 500 COMRADES ATTENDED THE SPEC IAL MEETING

ODISHA CIRCLE CONDUCTED ITS CIRCLE CONFERENCE AT BHUBANESHWAR ON 25-1-2017.

COMRADES P S RAMANKUTTY, G NATARAJAN ,VITTOBAN,J K TRIPATHY AND COM. R N SINGH (CS OF JHARKHAND CIRCLE) ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE.

Two photos of the conference;

Com. Natarajan inaugurates the conference

a view of delegates in Odisha conferenece