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.