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PATHANKOT (PB) CELEBRATED THE DAY IN A NOBLE WAY BY FELICITATING COM. MANIRAM JI ON ATTAINING THE SUPER AGE OF 100 YEARS. HIS SON IS ALSO OUR MEMBER WHO HAS CROSSED THE AGE OF 75 YEARS.
DHARWAD - KARNATAKA
THIRUMALAGIRI-TELENGANA
SAMBALPUR ODISHA
Please refer our earlier posting. We do welcome the letter written by Shri K Sebastin, GS of SNEA. The BDPA (India) also has written similar letter, it is told. We welcome that too. So, there is agreement on following important aspects:
1. Our Pension Revision in BSNL should not be linked with Pay Revision in BSNL.
2. Our Pension Revision in BSNL should not be linked with PRC report.
3. Our Pension Revision in BSNL should not be linked with the affordability of BSNL.
4. Our Pension Revision in BSNL should be under CCS (Pension) Rule, 1972.
When we move ahead from the above agreed position, we should not create any confusion about the methodology of Pension Revision. On one hand when we demand delinking from PRC we should not demand 15% fitment benefit suggested by the same PRC. The contradiction should be avoided. We should not give any chance to the Government or the Department to deny our right.
Government has accepted the Seventh CPC report and issued orders in 2016 itself. Pension revision has taken place based on the orders.Those orders are applicable to all Pensioners/Family Pensioners covered by CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. We, the BSNL Retirees, are getting pension under same Rule and hence the Government orders on implementation of Seventh CPC report should be extended to us.
Even otherwise, if you count the coins, the Fitment benefit of 32% given under CPC report and the 15% fitment benefit under PRC Report are more or less same in our case. If the benefit of third formulation (Recently given in place of Option 1 for Pension Revision) is taken into account the CPC formula is definitely better and more beneficial to more BSNL Retirees, especially those senior pensioners who retired earlier.
Hence our humble suggestion is that, we should approach the authorities with one single demand:
“….Revise the pension of BSNL IDA retirees applying the CPC formulae implemented for other central government pensioners who are covered by CCS (Pension) 1972….”
We are very glad to see the letter written by Shri K. Sebastin, General Secretary of Sanchar Nigam Executives Association (SNEA) of India to Secretary, Telecom on pension revision in BSNL. He demands pension revision delinked from PRC Report and affordability. He demands pension revision under CCS (Pension) Rule 1972. We welcome his demand.
Last time, the benefit given by Second PRC (30% of Basic Pay and 30% of DA then) was better than the benefit given by sixth CPC (40% of Basic Pension). So, it is nothing but natural that some comrades demanded PRC formula for our pension revision this time. They did not expect the ‘affordability’ condition. Realizing the situation, all are coming to the position of demanding pension revision in BSNL under CCS (Pension ) Rule, 1972.
Now, let all organizations representing BSNL retirees place one demand:
“Revise the Pension recognizing BSNL retirees as Central Service Pensioners receiving pension from Government of India under CCS (Pension) rule, 1972.”
This will ensure pension revision in future.This is a demand for not only the existing pensioners but for those who are in service now also. Next Pay/Pension revision will take place after ten years.Before that all those DOT employees absorbed in BSNL will retire from service. Hence we raise the demand for a permanent, sustainable system for pension revision as per CPC formula for all the DOT employees absorbed in BSNL – those who are already retired and those who will be retiring.
PENSION PAYING LIBAILITY IS 100% WITH GOVT.HENCE PENSION REVISION RESPONSIBILITY ALSO IS 100% WITH GOVT.
See the letter written by GS of SNEA:
…No: SNEA/CHQ/SEC DoT/2015-18/21Dated 21.08.2017.
ToSmt. Aruna Sundararajan,Secretary, DoT,
Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi.
Sub: Pension revision for the BSNL pensioner’s w.e.f. 01.01.2017 as per Rule 37A of the CCS Pension Rules, 1972.
Pension revision for the retired BSNL Executives and Non Executives is not linked with the 3rd PRC or pay revision of the serving BSNL Executives or the affordability of BSNL.
Respected Madam,
BSNL was formed on 01.10.2000 by the corporatization of DTS/DTO and more than 3.5 lakhs Govt employees got absorbed in BSNL. Out of 3.5 lakhs, 2 lakhs employees already retired from the service. All of them got absorbed in BSNL on the firm commitment from the Govt that they will be paid Govt pension on IDA pay scales as per the provisions of CCS Pension Rules 1972. For this purpose, Govt amended the CCS Pension Rules 1972 by inserting Rule 37A, specifically for BSNL Pensioners. Like other Central Govt pensioners, pension for the BSNL pensioners also paid by the Govt.The last pension revision for BSNL Pensioners had done w.e.f. 01.01.2007, co-terminus with the date of pay revision for the Executives and Non Executives of the CPSUs. Next pension revision for the BSNL pensioners is due from 01.01.2017.
Pension revision for the BSNL pensioners is not linked with the 3rd PRC or pay revision of the serving BSNL Executives due to the following reasons:
1) Pension for the BSNL Pensioners is governed by Rule 37A of the CCS Pension Rules, 1972. Pension is paid by the Govt, not by BSNL.
2) Since Pension is paid by the Govt, affordability or profitability of BSNL is not at all affects the pension revision.
3) For the BSNL pensioners, the pension contribution as decided by the Govt is already paid in full by BSNL to the Govt, till their retirement.
4) 3rd PRC recommendation is only for pay revision unlike Central Pay Commission (CPC) where pay revision and pension revision were part of the terms of reference and recommendations of CPCs.
5) PRC is only for the Executives unlike the Central Pay Commission (CPC) where pay revision and pension revision were part of the terms of reference for all, officers as well as other employees.
6) Pension revision for BSNL pensioners was not part of terms of reference of 3rd PRC and hence no recommendation is given by 3rd PRC in this regard. Another reason is that 3rd PRC is only for the Executives, not for the Non-Executives.
7) Last pension revision for BSNL pensioners w.e.f 01.01.2007 was done through a Union Cabinet decision.
8) With regards to fitment, Union Cabinet already decided 15% fitment on IDA scales.In view of the above submissions, your kind personal intervention is solicited to take urgent steps to get the pension revision implemented for BSNL pensioner’s w.e.f. 01.01.2017 with 15% fitment, with the approval of Union Cabinet.
With kind regards,
(Sebastin. K)
Copy to:
1. Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon MoSC for kind information and n/a pl.
2. Shri Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Cabinet Secretary for kind information and n/a pl.
3. Smt Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, DOT for information and n/a pl.
4. Shri R. K. Misra, Member(Services), Telecom Commission for information and n/a pl.
5. Smt Anuradha Mitra, Member(Finance), Telecom Commission for information and n/a pl.
6. Shri Anupam shrivatava, CMD, BSNL for information pl.
7. Smt Sujata T Ray, DIR(HR), BSNL Board for information pl.
……………………………………………………………
TO THE NINTH YEAR
WITH CONFIDENCE, CONVICTION AND PRIDE
IT WAS ON 20, AUGUST IN 2009 WE MET IN CHENNAI AND FORMED THIS MIGHTY ORGANIZATION- AIBSNLPWA. 8 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE. WE HAVE GROWN. TODAY WE HAVE 27000 LIFE MEMBERS AND MORE THAN 45000 ANNUAL MEMBERS SPREAD OVER MORE THAN 300 SSAs IN 23 TELECOM CIRCLES. IT SHOWS THAT THE BSNL PENSIONERS ALL OVER INDIA HAVE CONFIDENCE IN AIBSNLPWA. WE HAVE CLEAR CONVICTION ABOUT THE SERIOUS SITUATION. WE ARE CLEAR ABOUT OUR DEMANDS. WE ARE QUITE AWARE OF THE TASK BEFORE US. ON THIS DAY WHEN WE ENTER THE NINTH YEAR OF OUR VIBRANT ACTIVITIES WE REITERATE OUR PLEDGE THAT WE SHALL WORK WITH TOTAL DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT. COME WHAT MAY, MOVE FORWARD TO THE TENTH YEAR…
Reports started pouring in CHQ about observance of Formation Day by our branches at different parts of the Country.
MATHURA UP WEST
MEERUT - UP WEST
JAIPUR RAJASTAN
CALICUT KERALA
BHOPAL
MADURAI - TAMILNADU
BANGALORE- KARNATAKA
ERNAKULAM - KERALA
ARA- BIHAR
Pathankot (Punjab) branch celebrated the day in a noble way.
Shri Manram Ji a retiredd Li was felificitated on attaining the super age of 100 years. His son is also aour member, who has crossed the age of 75 years.
CORRECTION:
Circle Secretary of Rajastan informs that the names of office-bearers of new branch in Sriganga nagar are to be corrected asted as
President: Com. Sultana Ram,
Dist. secretary: Com. Ramlakhan Maurya
Treasurer: Com. Jaganmohan Prasad Gupta
(We published the names as received earlier....PSR)
BE PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN;
FORGET NEVER THE GREAT MEN WHO BROUGHT FREEDOM TO US
FORGET NEVER THE HEROES WHO PROTECT THE FREEDOM......
A new branch of our Association has been formed in Sriganganagar SSA of Rajastan with Comrades
Sultana Ram, Ramakhan Maurya and Jaganmohan Lal as President, DS and Treasurer respectively.
We welcome Sriganganagar comrades.
A new branch of AIBSNLPWA has been formed in Shivpuri SSA of MP Circle. Efforts made by DS of Gwalior, DS of Morena and Com. B N Kaushik, ACS are very commendable.We welcome Shivpuri comrades.
Comrades R K Shrivastava, H G Parashar and R K Verma are elected as President, DS and Treasurer of the new branch.
Com. Vamanan, an active leader and the webmaster of our Coimbatore branch passed away on 11-8-17. He remained unconscious for more than 14 months after a surgery. His devoted wife and children looked after him these 14 months with utmost dedication and provided all possible medical care showing what an Indian family is. Death is a relief to Com. Vamanan also, but death is sorrowful for the bereaved. We convey our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Vamanan and their children. We salute Com. Vamanan,
CMD of BSNL had a discussion with leaders of BSNL staff Unions on 9-8-2017. The SNEA reported in details about the discussion. We reproduce hereunder what SNEA Website says:
"Development on 3rd PRC implementation: CMD called a meeting of the GSs of major Assns and Unions to discuss about the DPE OM dated 03.08.2017 on 3rd PRC implementation.
At the outset CMD narrated the present status of BSNL on revenue front. After the demonetization effect, Jio entered into the market. Again GST hit the mobile business further. Mobile revenue has come down by 25% to 30%. This can be compensated by focusing on EB business only. This month cash flow problem is coming and BSNL may be forced to borrow money for paying the salary at the end of this month.
On pay revision, CMD informed that BSNL will not be covered in the normal situation. We have to get special permission from Govt. Hon Minister is in favour of pay revision but DoT stand is not favourable. We all have to work together for achieving this goal.
The paragraph in the DPE OM which states that:
No fitment or any other benefit of pay revision will be implemented in the CPSEs where the additional financial impact of the revised pay package is more than 40% of the average PBT of the last 3 financial years.
is the most dangerous clause which seals the benefits of 3rd PRC to BSNL in normal situation. Other clauses giving exemptions may not be applicable for BSNL. BSNL has to seek exemption from the affordability clause, that is the only viable option to get 3rd PRC. CMD informed that the expenditure for 3rd PRC with full 15% fitment will be around 2800 Cr per annum. Honestly telling, 3rd PRC implementation is a very difficult task.
CMD assured that the Management would continue to take all out efforts for pay revision and trying to get the support of Extl Board members also. He also requested that the employees should ensure that the financial position of the Company is improved.
Comrades, as we are honestly reported earlier, 3rd PRC implementation will be the toughest job, after the formation of BSNL in 2000. All preparations are to be made for a big show down with Govt for getting 3rd PRC. Otherwise BSNL also will be one among the CPSU where pay revision not implemented. Management is having its own limit, we have to understand. Positive stand of BSNL management will not be sufficient to get 3rd PRC. DoT and Govt stand and the cabinet decision on 3rd PRC will be the biggest challenge. We will be utilizing all other options before we are going for next phase of trade union actions. We have to maintain unity among all the sections of employees, it is a must. We will be meeting all the Hon MPs and prominent political leaders to mobilize political support also."
MINISTER SAYS THERE IS NO PROPOSAL AT PRESENT... ECONOMIC TIMES reported on 2-8-2017:
"There is no proposal to merge loss making public sector telecom operator with BSNL, Union Minister Manoj Sinha informed Parliament today (on 1-8-2017).
"At present, there is no proposal for merger of BSNL and MTNL," Sinha said in the Lok Sabha on revival of both the PSUs. Though BSNL has seen improvement in its performance, MTNL's net loss for the year ended March, 2017, widened to Rs 2,963.05 crore from Rs 1,945.86 crore at the end of previous fiscal. The annual income of MTNL also declined by 3.6 per cent to Rs 3,654.69 crore for 2016-17 from Rs 3,793.89 crore at the end of 2015-16.
Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said based on the financial results of MTNL for the financial year 2016-17, the telecom operator has been classified as "Incipient Sick CPSE" as per Department of Public Enterprise (DPE) Guidelines.
All of you may be aware that on the basis of clarification issued by Directorate, vide their letter dated 7/3/2017, to CCA, Tamilnadu more than 600 pensioners’ files were returned to SSAs for exclusion one extra increment and issue fresh sanction for 78.2 IDA merger.This extra increment was included when 68.8 IDA merger benefit was given from 1/1/2007.On the basis of clarification issued by directorate along with a ‘Note’ supplied by corporate office, the department is contemplating to recover the extra increment which was granted on the basis of Corporate office letter dated 18/11/2003.If it is allowed, thousands of pensioners had to face huge recovery.Our Circle Union immediately wrote a letter to CCA, Tamilnadu that recovery cannot be effected because of Apex Court judgement and quoting that judgment DoPT issued relevant order on the subject.
The Circle Union did not stop with that.AIBSNLPWA, TN circle represented by its Circle Secretary along with two affected pensioners filed a case before CAT, Chennai Bench on 25/7/2017.The respondents are 1) Secretary, Telecom 2) Under Secretary, DoT 3) Senior Accts officer, O/o PCCA, TN 4) CCA, TN & 5) CMD BSNL.
Prayer for Interim order:- It is prayed that this Hon Tribunal may be pleased to quash the order of the 2nd Respondent dated 7/3/2017 bearing No.40-16/2012-(Pen T) and the consequential order of the 3rd Respondent dated Nil.06.2017 bearing No.DoT/CCA/TN/Pen Rev/50%CVP and render justice.4th Respondent may be directed to recall the files from BSNL offices and grant the benefit of 78.2% DA merger taking into account the extra increment as it was done prior to receipt of 7/3/2017 order of 2nd respondent.
Relief prayed for :- (i) to quash the order of the 2nd Respondent dated 7/3/2017 bearing No.40-16/2012-(Pen T) and the consequential order of the 3rd Respondent dated Nil.06.2017 bearing No.DoT/CCA/TN/Pen Rev/50%CVP and
(ii) consequently direct the respondents to continue to retain the extra increment given to the members of the 1st Applicant Association, whose names are given in the Annexure 15 to the application and continue to pay the pension on that basis and
(iii) pass such other orders or directions as this Hon Tribunal think fit in the circumstances of the case
The case was admitted on 4/8/2017. Copy our petition was served to the advocate of the respondents.Now the case is posted to 8/8/2017.
Department of Public Enterprises has issued Office Memorandum on 3-8-2017 (just now uploaded in their website) based on Cabinet decision on implementation of report of Third Pay Revision Committee.
It does not talk about PENSION REVISION, as expected.
There is no specific mention about BSNL in the OM.
About affordability the OM says:
3. The revised pay scales would be implemented subject to the condition that the additional financial impact in the year of implementing the revised pay package for Board level Executives, Below Board level executives and non-unionized Supervisors should not be more than the 20% of the average Profit Before Tax (PBT) of the last three financial years preceding the year of implementation.”
There is a dangerous clause in the OM;
“No fitment or any other benefit of pay revision will be implemented in the CPSEs where the additional financial impact of the revised pay package is more than 40% of the average PBT (Profit Before Tax) of the last 3 financial years.”
A more dangerous clause in the OM is that “if the profitability of a CPSE falls in such a way that the earlier revision now entails impact of more than 20% of average PBT of last 3 years, then PRP/Allowances will have to be reduced to bring down impact…”
Now, we have to see how DoT proceeds further.
The All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers for June 2017 is announced by Labour Bureau: It is 280 points. 2 Point Increase from the previous month. In July 2016, one year back, it was 280 points. Then it came down and down gradually. After one year it has come back to the level of 280 points.
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CDA will be 5% from July 2017 for Central Government Employees and Pensioners.
1% increase from the existing 4% based on their revised pay and Pension.
WE REPRODUCE THE POSTING BY SNEA IN THEIR WEBSITE YESTERDAY:
"Today Regional Labour Commissioner called us for conciliation talk. BSNL informed that most of the issues are related to Govt/DoT. RLC personally spoken to Jt Sec(A), DoT and enquired about Govt stand. He replied that he is not aware of the strike at all. This is the official reply of DoT whereas some are propagated that DoT is positive, Minister is positive."