It is observed that in many Circles the process of payment of arrears on account of 78.2% benefit is very very slow. Many SSAs have not sent the cases in full to the DOT Cell. Processing the cases of pre-2007 retirees is simple and easy. Readymade Tables are available. Some SSAs have not completed that work even. It tells a lot about the efficiency of BSNL.

We know that processing the Post-2007 cases may take little more time. For that also, we have prepared a very useful Table. It is up to the BSNL authorities to use it.

CHANGES

I personally feel that all organizations representing BSNL retirees should take up the matter for some significant changes in the present system for payment of pension to the BSNL retirees. The ‘Pension sanctioning authority” should be transferred from BSNL to respective CCAs since 100 % liability lies with Government. Similarly the pension amount can be directly remitted/credited in the Accounts of pensioners by CCA offices. Since Department of Posts has started their own Bank, it is not difficult. What is required is a change of mindset. If we think in the traditional way it may be difficult; one can find so many obstacles, hurdles and pitfalls. We must change our way of thinking when the time changes.

Anything can be changed, if there is a will.

.... ... ... P S Ramankutty

Given below are few photos of the recently held 17th World Trade Union Congress in Durban, South Africa on 5-8, October 2016. The Congress was organised by World Federation of Trade Unions. The photos were sent by our AGS Com. V V S Murthy, who participated in the Congress.

Inaugural Session... ... ... ... ... Com. George Mavrikos, GS, WFTU

Com. Quim Boix, GS, TUI(P&R).... ... ... Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa

Com. Murthy with Com. Bahadur KC of Nepal... .... Com. Murthy, with Com. P Abhimanyu

Today, the PA to Shri Ananthkumar, Honourable Minister for Parliamentary Affairs informed our Karntaka leaders that ANANTHKUMARJI is likely to attend Open Session to be organised in Sheesh Mahal, Palace Grounds, Bangalore on 12-11-2016 in connection with our ensuing Central Working Committee meeting.

The Minister is going abroad for a week. On his return, the programme will be finalised and intimated to all.

....................................... P_ S Ramankutty

HAPPY GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS ON THE DAY OF DUSSEHRA, VIJAYADASAMI.

PEOPLE CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL IN DIFFERENT WAYS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA, BANGALDESH AND NEPAL.

Finance Ministry has issued orders granting 30 days salary as Ad-hoc Bonus to central government staff, not covered by Productivity Linked Bonus scheme. In other words, one employee shall get Rs 7000 as Ad hoc bonus.

It is reported that CMD of BSNL has agreed to grant Rs 3000 as Productivity Linked Incentive to BSNL staff.

We in Department Telecom used to receive maximum bonus under PLB scheme earlier.Those days are gone…..

DPE ORDERS DATED 4-10-2016: BOTH THE ORDERS ARE GIVEN IN IMPORTANT ORDERS.

Com. V V S Murthy, our Asst. General Secretary, is leaving for Durban on 4-10-2016 to participate in the 17th World Trade Union Congress . The said conference is being organized by WFTU (World Federation of Trade Unions) in Durban, South Africa from 5th to 8th, October 2016. Com. Murthy is a member of AITUC Delegation from India.

It is understood that Com. P Abhimanyu, GS of BSNLEU is also attending the above Conference, as member of CITU Delegation.

IDA INCREASE FROM TOMORROW:5.5

Labour Bureau of India has officially announced the Consumer Price Index for August 2016.

It is 278 points.

Index for June:277

Index for July:280

Index for August: 278

Average for 3 months: 278.33

Increase over 126.33: 152.00

Percentage of Increase: 120.3%

Rate of IDA from October 2016:120.3%

Existing rate: 114.8%

Increase in IDA:120.3 - 114.8= 5.5%

WHAT IS THE IDA RATE FROM TOMORROW?

As usual, rumours and speculations are plenty.

Labour Bureau of India, with headquarters at Shimla, is the authority to declare the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) for Industrial Workers. Our IDA is determined based on the official announcement of Labour Bureau. There is a system for them to do it. Last months’ Index is announced officially around 4 PM today, the last working day of this month.

Our IDA rate is fixed on the basis of average for three months’ indices. Index for June was 277 points. For July it was 280 points. What will be Index for August… 281 or 282 or 283? We have to wait till 4 PM or 4.30 PM.

IDA up to 126.33 points was merged in pay. Find out the average for June, July and August; find out the percentage of increase of this average over 126.33. Then you will get the rate of IDA effective from October 2016. It is a simple calculation. But, Index for August should be announced officially.

Please wait up to 4.30 PM.

SURGERY TO SAVE.

The entire nation supports the action by Indian soldiers in conducting a successful surgical operations on the terror launch pads of Pakistan. We, the BSNL retirees in India, join the masses and salute the soldiers.

CWC OF AIBSNLPWA WILL BE HELD IN BANGALORE. (INSTEAD OF RAJPURA AS NOTIFIED EARLIER).

DATE: 12,13 NOVEMBER 2016

VENUE AND PROGRAMME: WILL BE INTIMATED TO ALL CWC MEMBERS LATER ON.

ALL CENTRAL OFFICE-BEARERS AND CIRCLE SECRETARIES ARE REQUESTED TO BOOK TICKETS TO AND FRO.

Please reserve tickets so that you reach Bangalore on 11-11-2016 evening or 12-11-2016 morning.

You can return on 13th night or 14th morning.

Com. A K Singh, Circle Secretary, Bihar writes:

“With regret, it is reported the sad, untimely demise of Shri R A Manuj, Circle President of our Bihar Unit on 16-9-2016. He is a retired DGM, finance. A Very popular officer, efficient administrator, sincere trade unionist, social worker and an expert in pension matters Shri Manuj commanded respect from all his seniors as well as his subordinates alike. He was 64. While in hospital only he heard the happy news about 78.2%. With clear vision he told us that annulment of 60% limit is the real gain beneficial to the BSNL company as well as the pensioners. He congratulated our CHQ team for the great achievement. Circle Association organized a condolence meeting immediately on hearing the sad news about the demise of our Circle President.”

CHQ conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and comrades of Shri Manuj.

Mathura branch (UP West Circle) is holding its district conference today, 24-9-2016.

Com. G Natarajan (GS) and Com. Vittoban(Treasurer) are participating.

Above is the photo sent by GS from his mobile phone.

Our AGS Com. R C Malhotra reprots from New Delhi that BSNL pensioners of Delhi NTR Circle have received the arrears on account of revision with 78.2% IDA in their accounts. The number of pensioners in NTR may be less compared to other Circles. But we should appreciate the initiative taken by the CCA and the efforts made by our Comrades in getting the benefit. Delhi NTR must be the first Circle which completed this work. Last time, in 2011, when the Pension was revised too NTR Circle completed the work first. CONGRATULATIONS.

GOOD INITIATIVE BY CCA OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

Similarly, we appreciate the initiative taken by CCA of Punjab and Haryana circles. He conducted special work shops for the dealing Assistants in SSA offices who handle the revision cases with 78.2. The process was explained and all doubts were cleared. This will help expediting the process in SSA offices without mistakes.

UNNECESSARY DELAY IN MP CIRCLE

On the other hand, the CCA of Madhya Pradesh Circle has delayed the process unnecessarily by asking the pensioners to submit AAdhaar number etc. The Cabinet took a decision in JULY 2016 to grant 78.2. CCA of MP refers an order, relevant for MTNL, issued in April 2016! The order issued by DOT on 18-7-2016 asks the CCAs to revise the pension suo moto; means without asking the pensioners to submit any application. CCA of MP wants every pensioner submit particulars.

BIHAR SHOWS THE WAY.

We have received an inspiring letter from Com. A K Singh, Circle Secretary, AIBSNLPWA, Bihar.

On 29-7-2016 he wrote to CGMT, Bihar requesting immediate action to process the 78.2% cases. On 17-8-2016 CGMT endorsed that letter to all SSAs and asked to send the cases to CCA without delay. On 01-09-2016, the TDM of Ara SSA sent sanctioning letters regarding all pre-2007 cases of his District. And on 12-9-2016, the CCA has issued authorization letters to all Pension Payment Authorities granting the benefit of 78.2% benefit to the pre-2007 pensioners of ARA district. ARA TDM could do it. Other SSAs are yet to do it. CHQ congratulate ARA comrades, appreciate the TDM and the dealing staff of his office for the positive action.

WE SALUTE THE HEROES WHO LAID THEIR LIVES AT URI ....

Here is the full list of jawans who died in the Uri terror attack

(1) Subedar Karnail Singh, r/o Vill Shibu Chak, Teh- Bishnah, Dist Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir.
(2) Havildar Ravi Paul, r/o Samba, Dist Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir.
(3) Sepoy Rakesh Singh, r/o Vill Baddja, Dist Kaimur, Bihar.
(4) Sepoy Javra Munda, r/o Vill Meral, Dist Khuti, Jharkhand.
(5) Sepoy Naiman Kujur, r/o Vill Gumla, Chainpur, Jharkhand.
(6) Sepoy Uike Janrao, r/o Vill Nandgaon (Kh), Dist Amravati, Maharashtra.
(7) Havildar NS Rawat, r/o Vill Rajawa, Dist Rajasmand, Rajasthan.
(8) Sepoy Ganesh Shankar, r/o Vill Ghoorapalli, Dist Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
(9) Naik SK Vidarthi, r/o Vill Boknari, Dist Gaya, Bihar.
(10) Sepoy Biswajit Ghorai, r/o Vill Ganga Sagar, Dist South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
(11) Lance Naik G Shankar, r/o Vill Jashi, Dist Satara, Maharashtra.
(12) Sep G Dalai, r/o Vill Jamuna Balia, Dist Howarah, West Bengal.
(13) Lance Naik RK Yadav, r/o Vill Balia, Uttar Pradesh.
(14) Sepoy Harinder Yadav, r/o Vill Ghazipur, Dist Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
(15) Sepoy TS Somnath, r/o Vill Khadangali, Dist Nashik, Maharashtra.
(16) Havildar Ashok Kumar Singh, r/o Vill Raktu Tola, Dist Bhojpur, Bihar.
(17) Sepoy Rajesh kr Singh, r/o Vill Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Victory celebrations were held at Tirumalgiri Branch (Secunderabad) on 18th September and the well attended meeting is presided over by Com. A. Ramakotaiah Vice President of the branch union. Com.V.V.S.Murthy AGS, Com.K.R.G.Durgaprasadarao all India Vice President, Com.K.S.Koteswararao C.S A.P circle, Com.Peraiah Panthulu Dist President and Com.Ch.Ramakrishna Dist Secretary spoke on the occasion. While Com.S .B Dinakar welcomed the members Com .K. Yaswathkumar proposed a vote of thanks.

On 17-9-2016, our CHQ Vice President Com. G Babu and Karnataka Circle Secretary Com. R Changappa met the PA to Shri Ananthkumar to confirm the date convenient to the Minister for holding Special Victory Conference and CWC meeting in Bangalore.The date was not fixed because:

• The Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal is sitting on 19-9-2016 to resolve the issues.
• On 20-9-2016, the Supreme Court is taking up a petition connected with the Cauvery Water Dispute and recent agitations.

The atmosphere in Tamilnadu and Bangalore will depend upon decisions of the Tribunal and the Supreme Court.As such, the PA advised to wait till Thursday to assess further developments before finalizing the date.

We feel it is a correct approach.

Immediately after fixing the date, we shall announce the date of Special Conference and the date of next CWC Meeting of our Association both.

Please await the announcements.

P S Ramankutty