A meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of AIBSNLPWA was held virtually on 05 March 2026 from 17:00 hrs to 19:30 hrs. Thirty-four members attended the meeting. The General Secretary welcomed all and initiated the discussion, explaining the necessity of convening the meeting at short notice and pointing out the restriction imposed in the 8th CPC portal, where each submission of memorandum is limited to 200 words. He requested the President to preside over the meeting and he would explain the salient features of the two draft documents (author of the documents) to be sent to 8th CPC.
President explained salient features of the documents and also mentioned about the stipulations imposed by 8th CPC restricting the memorandum within 200 words and that too only ‘online’. By and large the CWC not only endorsed the documents but also expressed that the documents are well drafted and appreciated.
The CWC discussed and deliberated on the two documents already circulated, namely:
• BSNL Pension Revision Issue
• Pension Revision Issue for submission to the 8th Central Pay Commission
Some members suggested two modifications viz. “ instead of all absorbees” have served DoT for 25 years may be corrected as “most of the absorbees”; Mention of ‘Minimum pension’ may be included. These two suggestions were accepted (Minimum pension should be 60% of Minimum pay recommended by 8th CPC).
The Memorandum thus modified will be sent by GS online to 8th CPC. After a gap of a week other CWC members should send the same memorandum to 8th CPC online.
Condolence Resolution
The CWC expressed its deep sorrow at the demise of Com. P. K. Gopala Pillai, former T3-NFPTE Circle Secretary and Circle President of AIBSNLPWA Kerala Circle, who passed away today (5/3/26) at Thiruvananthapuram. The house paid homage to the departed leader and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Visit to Delhi – SCOVA Meeting
The CWC noted that the General Secretary will shortly visit Delhi to attend the forthcoming SCOVA meeting. During this visit team led by GS will also meet the Secretary, Staff Side, NCJCM, and pursue inclusion of the BSNL pension revision issue in the Staff Side memorandum to the 8th CPC. Efforts will also be made to secure an opportunity for physical presentation before the 8th CPC, if such meetings are permitted.
MP Circle Issue
The CWC discussed the letter received from Com. S. P. Tripathi regarding the MP Circle organisational issue in which he suggested to divide MP circle into two circle units.
After discussion, the CWC decided that division of MP Circle into two units cannot be accepted, as it is unconstitutional and not in the organisational interest.
District Units should maintain the membership list and it is not practically possible for CHQ to verify the membership at District level. CHQ can give the membership of each District based on CHQ quota only. As per constitution, the Districts have to remit equal quota to both Circle and All India. There can’t be any deviation on this. It is not possible to go back from what has already been decided. Before the next circle conference, the circle secretary has to circulate the membership of each district. If there is difference in quota for circle and CHQ, the quota remitted to CHQ shall be taken provided the Districts remit the difference to circle without further delay. The General Secretary, accompanied by Com. J. K. Tripathi -Bhubaneswar (CHQ Vice-President-), will interact with the district units and circle leadership in MP accordingly.
Financial Assistance Request – B D Sharma (HP Circle)
The CWC discussed the request from Com. B. D. Sharma, (Circle Secretary, Himachal Pradesh), seeking financial assistance in connection with the legal case relating to 78.2% IDA merger for retiral benefits pertaining to Commutation and Gratuity for retirees between 01-01-2007 and 09-06-2013. Com B D Sharma, as an individual, along with 19 others filed the case before CAT, Chandigarh and this case, though went upto Supreme Court is still pending. They have spent lot of money in this legal battle. For carrying the legal battle further and to take it to its logical end he sought the financial assistance from CHQ. Some CWC members expressed their opinion. Ultimately it was decided that, this issue can be discussed in physical CWC to be held in Satara and decide.
IDA Order – January 2026
The CWC noted that the IDA order issued by DPE for January 2026 has not yet been uploaded on the DPE website. Further, the order states that extension of IDA to CPSE employees will hereafter be decided by the concerned administrative ministry considering financial implications. Some members expressed their concern about this order, which may adversely affect employees and pensioners of BSNL/MTNL, since the decision would rest with DOT as the administrative ministry.
The matter will be discussed with DoT authorities by our CHQ during their visit to Delhi next week.
Income Tax on Ex-Gratia paid to VRS Retirees.
The CWC discussed the issue of Income Tax on ex-gratia to VRS Retirees where different Income Tax authorities in different regions have issued varying orders in similar cases.
CHQ will write again to CBDT requesting uniform application of the law, since the subject matter of the petitions remain the same and the variation arises only in interpretation by different authorities.
Nomination of Legal Advisor
The CWC unanimously nominated Com. A.Sukumaran, Chennai, as a Legal Advisor and Special Invitee to attend the meetings held by CHQ.
Concern on International Conflict
The CWC unanimously expressed its concern over the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Already thousands of people including the supreme leader of Iran and his family members were killed. This war has already affected the entire Gulf countries. Lakhs of Indians are employed in this region. This war will have cascading effect on global economy including India. Fuel including LPS gas price will increase in the immediate future.
The CWC felt that such conflicts threaten global peace and stability and cause suffering to innocent people. The CWC expressed the view that the United Nations should intervene and initiate dialogue among the concerned countries to bring an immediate halt to hostilities and restore peace in the interest of mankind.
The President summed up the decisions taken in the meeting. The General Secretary proposed the vote of thanks, and the meeting concluded.
