.2016: 

Further they also met senior officers of DOT and discussed regarding-

a)  78.2% IDA pay fixation case of BSNL pensioners- It is informed that legal opinion of law ministry has been received in DOT on Cabinet Note for 78.2% IDA pay fixation case of BSNL pensioners. Now DOT pension cell has moved the cabinet note to the competent authority for approval. It is understood that after the vetting of internal finance of DOT, the cabinet note will be approved by the Hon'ble MOC & IT and then it may be sent to cabinet for approval.

b)   IDA pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners- It is informed that Admn. cell of DOT is taking up the case of IDA pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners with implementation committee of secretaries of 7th CPC for consideration.

c)    CGHS medical facility to BSNL/MTNL pensioners- It was informed that Ministry of Medical & Health is yet to consider the case. Decision is awaited, though in principal Ministry of Medical & Health has agreed to extend the CGHS medical facility to BSNL/MTNL pensioners. 

14.01.2016:  Com Prahlad Rai Chief Patron, Com Kishan Singh GS, AIRBSNLEWA, Com M.K. Bagchi, Convener Forum of MTNL Unions and Associations met Senior Officer in DoT and discussed regarding

A. 78.2% IDA Pay fixation of BSNL Pensioners:

It was informed that the comments of Secretary (Law), Ministry of Law on the Cabinet Note on 78.2% IDA Pay fixation benefit to BSNL Pensioners are still awaited. After receiving the comments of Secretary (Law), the Cabinet Note will be sent to Cabinet Secretariat for consideration.

B. IDA Pension revision of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners:

They requested for taking up of the case of IDA Pension revision of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners with the Empowered Committee of 7^th CPC for consideration. It is informed that DoT has already sent a letter to DPE for including as term of reference on this issue in 3^rd PRC and they assured that shortly a letter will also be sent to the nodal officer of the Empowered Committee of 7^th CPC for consideration of IDA Pension revision of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners.

It is understood that the matter has also to be taken up with DoP&PW to take-up the matter with Empowered Committee of 7^th CPC for consideration of IDA Pension revision of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners who are governed under the Pension Rule 37-A which was notified by the DoP&PW. We will take-up the case with DoP&PW also shortly.

C. CGHS medical facility to BSNL / MTNL Pensioners:

It is informed that the Ministry of Medical and Health in principle has agreed to extend the CGHS medical facility to BSNL / MTNL Pensioners but on the issue of mapping of IDA Pay scales with CDA Pay scales, Ministry of Medical and Health wanted some clarifications from DoT which was also sent two months before and a reminder was also sent on 28.12.2015 in this regard. It is expected that Ministry of Medical and Health will issue the orders for extending CGHS medical facility to BSNL / MTNL Pensioners shortly.

AIRBSNLEWA WISHES

TO ONE & ALL

30.12.2015:  PERSONS GUILTY OF CONCEALMENT OF FACTS FROM THEIR MEMBERS COUPLED WITH TOTAL INACTION AND OSTRICH LIKE  RESPONSE TO THE VITAL ISSUES OF PENSIONERS  WRONGLY  ACCUSE  OUR ORGANISATION/ OFFICE BEARERS OF SPREADING DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN UNDER ARTICLE “ IS OUR PENSION SECURE?” AS PUBLISHED ON THEIR WEBSITE  ON 21/12/2015.

After HOLD-UP and delay in DoT in extending the benefit of 50% IDA Merger amounting to  78.2% IDA as on 01/01/2007, our AGS filed several RTI applications to DOT establishment and DOT finance to explore the cause of delay and expedite settlement of this issue. Based on the information received and supplied documents our CHQ Office bearers i.e. President / AGS   prepared several  write-ups which were  uploaded on  our website and these were very well received and appreciated by our colleagues/ comrades all over India.

Surprisingly a write-up has been uploaded in a website maintained by some persons, who claim to be the sole savior of BSNL pensioners but who never visited DoT Head Quarters or other concerned Offices/ Ministries to meet the concerned officers, over a period of last several years (no such news in their website),but  who still claim to be  dealing with  the present issues related to pensioners. As a result they are frequently not aware of the current status and only provide speculative/ hypothetical and many times incorrect information on their website just to impress their members and assure them that their interests are being looked after and protected. Incidentally these people were at the helm of the affairs at New Delhi as office bearers of TESA & AIBSNLEA when vital developments took place in DOT between 2000 & 2006 and they made all efforts to convince the members of TESA / AIBSNLEA with various arguments in most of their meetings to opt for absorption in BSNL without any reservations...............(Read the full write-up)   (Earlier write ups by our President  AGS)

23.12.2015:    PENSION REVISION IN BSNL & MTNL

A delegation comprising of S/Shri PrahladRai, GS/AIBSNLEA, Kishan Singh,GS/AIRBSNLEWA, Chandeshwar Singh, GS/NFTE(BSNL), Mange Ram Sharma, President / U.F, M.K.Bagchi, Convener/U.F, A.K.Kaushik, GS/TEAM and S.S. Nanda, GS/RTOWA,Delhi have met Shri N. Sivasailam, additional Secretary (T)/DOT to discuss the prospects of taking up the issue of the pension revision of the pensioners of BSNL and MTNL with the Empowered Committee constituted in connection with the recommendations of the 7^th CPC. They have pointed out that even though 7^th.CPC failed to make any reference of this issue in their recommendations, still there is a scope to take up this issue with the Empowered Committee through the Implementation Cell which DOT is supposed to constitute. This is apparent from the DO No.1-4/2015-EIII(A) dated 21.11.2015 of Ms Annie George Mathew, Jt. Secretary (Pers.), Min. of Finance, Deptt. of Expenditure.

Shri Sivasailam informs that DOT has already constituted its Implementation Cell with Shri S.C.Sharma, DDG/CA as the Nodal Officer. He has assured us of taking up this issue appropriately with the Implementation Cell of DOT.

We have immediately submitted our representation on this to Shri S.C. Sharma, Nodal Officer also

<<<Click here for letter to Secretary (T)>>>  <<<Click here for Jt. representation>>>

19.12.2015:  Meeting with Shri N Sivasailam, Addl. Secretary (T), DoT:

Com Prahlad Rai and Com. M.K. Bagechi, Convener, United Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations  met Shri N Sivasailam, Addl. Secretary (T), DoT and handed over a joint representation for inclusion of pension and related issues of BSNL & MTNL in the terms and reference of 3rd PRC   <<<Click here for letter>>> and requested him to send a letter to the Cabinet Secretary with a copy to Secretary, DPE in this regard.

AST appreciated their concern and immediately directed on the letter itself to the concerned cell of DOT to send a letter to the Cabinet Secretary / Joint Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat Shri Alok Chaturvedi and Secretary, DPE in this regard and mentioned that the work is done.

They extended sincere thanks for his immediate action.

Yesterday evening at 15.30 Hrs;  the representatives of AIBSNLEA and United Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations also met  the concern officers of Cabinet Secretariat in this regard.
 

The delegation of BSNL and MTNL comprising of S/Shri Prahlad Rai, GS/AIBSNEA & Chief Advisor AIRBSNLEWA, M.K Baghci, convenor /united Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations , A.K Kaushik, GS/Team and Rajeev Kumar, AGS/TEAM have met Shr  Alok Chaturvedi , Jt Secretary, Cabinet Secretariats  on 18-12-2015 and handed over a Jt. representation  for inclusion  of the pension and related issues of BSNL and MTNL in the Terms and reference of 3^rd PRC. They have also informed him that D.O.T has also forwarded a note to DPE and cabinet secretariats in this favour.<<<Click here for Jt. representation>>>

16.12.2015:  Meeting with Shri Rakesh Garg, Chairman (TC) and the Secretary (T), DoT on Revision of Pension in BSNL & MTNL:  Com Prahalad Rai Chief Patron, Com. Kishan Singh, GS, AIRBSNLEWA and Com. M.K. Bagechi, Convener, United Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations,  met Shri Rakesh Garg, Chairman (TC) and the Secretary (T), DoT and discussed regarding implementation of 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners, withdrawal of 60:40 provision, and to take up with DPE to include the issue of Pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners immediately in the terms and reference of 3rd PRC. Secretary (T) appreciated the concern and mentioned that the Cabinet Note on 78.2 % IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners has been finalized in DoT and now being sent to the Ministry of Law for legal clearance since earlier on the Cabinet Note the legal opinion / comments were given at lower level and now since the Cabinet Note will go to cabinet, Secretary (Law) comments are necessarily required. He assured as soon as the legal clearance is received, the Cabinet Note will be sent to cabinet for approval. On 60:40 withdrawal issue Secretary (T) categorically told that DoT will get removed this provision through this Cabinet Note from cabinet. Regarding the issue of Pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners Secretary (T) appreciated the concern and advised to give a letter in this regard. They immediately drafted a letter signed by them and handed over to Secretary (T) in person which he immediately marked to Addl Secretary (T), DoT to take up the matter with DPE for inclusion of this issue in the terms and reference of 3rd PRC   <<<Click here for letter>>>

Recommendations on Pension Revision

  06.11.2015:  Report of the Expert Committee dated 28.10.2015. Justice K.Ramamoorthy(R) was apointed by Hon'ble Supreme Court vide judgement and order dated 21/1/2015 to act as an arbiter in the case of applicants/ employees/ litigants  of BSNL and MTNL affected by Para 206 of P&T Manual Vol.IV and its differing interpretations/ judgments. The Expert Committee has held/ recommended  as under:-

1.  Seniority Lists prepared by DoT in 1993-94 are to be restored

2.  Seniority Lists prepared by DoT in 2001 are to be ignored.

3.  Specific recommendations for all the groups before the Committee have been made for consideration of Hon'ble Supreme Court.

4.  General recommendations for grant of seniority and monetary benefits based on  seniority list of 1993-94  have been made for consideration of Hon'ble Supreme Court.

This report shall be placed before Hon'ble Supreme Court within a month or so for passing an appropriate order in the matter.

 BSNL Final Report

New Format of Life Certificate to be submitted at Banks in Nonember  <<< Click >>>

22.10.2015:   Status of 3^rd PRC for PSU Executives:

GS & AGS (HQ) AIBSNLEA met concerned senior officers of DPE and discussed the status of the constitution of 3^rd PRC as the pay revision for PSU employees is due w.e.f. 01.01.2017. Their concern was appreciated and it is informed that the proposal for constitution of 3^rd Pay Revision Committee was sent to PMO in the end of the year 2014 and the approval from PMO is still awaited. It is understood that PMO may give its approval after receipt of the 7^th CPC report. The 7^th CPC recommendations are expected by the end of year. AIBSNLEA will continue its efforts for persuasion for constitution of 3^rd PRC at various levels in DPE and thereafter submission of the presentation to 3^rd PRC members. AIBSNLEA will also ensure revision of pension of BSNL pensioners through PRC recommendations.

10.10.2015:  Meeting with CMD, BSNL Com Prahlad Rai our chief patron  met CMD BSNL and discussed regarding  78.2% pay fixation of BSNL pensioners: He requested CMD, BSNL to impress upon the DoT administration for the implementation of 78.2% pay fixation to BSNL pensioners, withdrawal of 60:40 provision in Rule-37A and IDA pension revision of BSNL pensioners in 3^rd PRC etc. He also submitted the relevant documents on this issue taken from DoT under RTI act wherein it is evident that 60:40 provision in Rue-37A was introduced secretly by Govt. without informing to BSNL. CMD after detail discussions assured to look into the matter.

01.10.2015:      78.2% IDA MERGER ---  STILL A LONG LONG WAY TO GO !!!!!!!!

GS, AIBSNLEA,   GS and  President AIRBSNLEWA met the concerned officers in DoT yesterday and discussed regarding 50% IDA Merger amounting to 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to pre 01.01.2007 and post 01.01.2007 BSNL pensioners. It is understood that some of the queries (which were statistical) of DoE have been replied by the Internal Finance of DoT and remaining (Justification part) are left for reply by the Pension Cell of DoT. The case has been received in the Pension Cell from Internal Finance of DoT.

Queries raised by DOE, 1) Regarding waiver of BSNL’s liability apart from payment of pension contribution as determined by Dept. Of Expenditure/ COS/ Cabinet Decision dated 27/1/2005 in contravention of / in pursuance of provisions made in Rule 37-A of CCS Pension Rules 1972       2) Related to  the Pensions paid/ Pensioner’s data of DoT Pensioners/ deemed DoT Pensioners w.e.f. 1/10/2000 onwards, its financial implications for the Govt. of India, 3) Details of any loans extended by DOT to BSNL over last 15 years, 4) Financial viability of BSNL/ whether BSNL was in loss mode and reasons thereof and 5) Why should Govt. of India bear responsibility for non-performance/ loss making of BSNL, 6) Status of Pension Revision in other PSUs, 7) Implications of 50% IDA Merger for MTNL Pensioners,  and  8) Detailed justification from DoT along with the additional  grounds on which waiver is being sought now after  proposing/ moving Cabinet Note specifying  Pension Liability on part of BSNL  as determined earlier vide Cabinet Decision dated 27/1/2005.

During discussions it was pointed out by them that additional Pension liability imposed on BSNL by Dept. Of Expenditure/ COS/ Cabinet Decision dated 27/1/2005 was   in contravention of provisions made in Rule 37-A of CCS Pension Rules 1972 but Deptt. Of Expenditure viewed these provisions to be made in pursuance of Rule 37-A of CCS Pension Rules 1972,

Regarding loans extended by Govt. of India/ DoT  to BSNL,    no loan has been given to BSNL from DoT except the Notional/ hypothetical  loan of Rs. 7500/- Crores (Paper Loan only) against which BSNL has paid interest amount @ 14.5 % to DoT about Rs. 12,000/- Crores and refunded the hypothetical loan in cash after repeated requests to  DoT to free BSNL from the liability of hypothetical loan.

As per DoE, the  pension liability of BSNL  as per the existing provisions of January 2005 order should continue since DoT was run as a commercial organization and  all the assets of the then DoT/DTS/DTO were transferred to BSNL. However, in true sense, the liabilities of DoT  have been transferred to BSNL but the assets have not yet been transferred to BSNL. Many constraints were imposed upon BSNL, which hindered its financial viability and growth.

Regarding pension revision in other PSUs, it was pointed out that apart from BSNL and MTNL, IDA Pension was paid by Govt. to employees of Food and Civil Supplies Department absorbed in Food Corporation of India, and the same was being revised periodically. Read the orders <<<1>>> <<<2>>>  In other PSUs like Port Trust of India, and LIC etc. pension was being paid through TRUST and it was being revised periodically.

Regarding 50% IDA Merger for MTNL Pensioners, the issue has not arisen so far because this has not yet been extended to MTNL Employees. The case for MTNL Pensioners shall arise only after extending the benefit of 50% IDA Merger for MTNL Employees.

Detailed justification for 60:40 waiver of Pension liability is proving to be a  tough nut to crack, and the main justification with DoT lies in the fact that DoT has consistently maintained even under earlier Cabinet Note of 2004-05 that responsibility of Pension Payment under Rule 37-A lies with the Govt. of India and payment of Pension cannot be denied or held up due to financial status of BSNL.

They also met Shri N. Siva Sailam, Addl. Secretary (T), DoT and greeted him on assuming the high office of AS(T), DoT and requested to extend his cooperation and support to BSNL for its growth. AS(T) appreciated our concern and mentioned that BSNL is a big organization having all India presence which has huge network and expertise. People throughout the country want to take service from BSNL but BSNL should be customer oriented and responsive.   We appreciated his concern and assured our fullest co-operation for the betterment of BSNL. We further pleaded that due to the financial constraints BSNL is facing problem in procurement of material/equipment and for CAPEX bank loans are being taken at commercial rates since the BSNL reserves are exhausted. The dues from DoT w.r.t. BWA spectrum refund, rural deficit charges are not being paid by DoT to BSNL. License fee / USO charges are being regularly taken from BSNL. The pension contribution on maximum of IDA pay scale is being charged from BSNL instead of actual basis of BSNL employees as applicable for MTNL Employees, ADC withdrawn from 2011 etc. has adversely affected the viability of BSNL. The 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners has not yet not been granted for last two and half years. AS(T) appreciated our concern on all these issues and assured to keep in mind as and when these items are discussed in DoT.

President:                     Com B D Nath      9437096555
Circle Secretary :        Com K N Shaw    9437964478
Financial Secretary:   Com N K Dash     9437067800
Org Secretary :            Com S K Lanka    9437003100

It was decided to hold a full fledged circle conference in three months.

On revelation of the existence of the Cabinet Memo on 60:40 decision in 2005 itself, our AGS Sh Amit Kumar Gupta submitted three RTI applications. Two application were addressed to Sh S L Meena Director (Budget ) and one application was addressed to Sh Prachis Khanna Director (Estb) DOT asking documents related to such approval reply of which is awaited. <<Read the applications.>>  Documents as asked for has since been supplied by the Director (Budget), which reveals the unknown facts about the 60:40 pension sharing decision by the Cabinet in January 2005 itself. It may be recalled that through the earlier documents received through earlier RTI, it was understood that Cabinet approval on 60:40 was taken only in January 2011. (see old upload on 09-02-2015). 95 pages of documents received now, most of which are marked secret, are being placed below chronologically for information of all concerned. (Employees, Pensioners, Leaders of Union/Associations, BSNL management etc).

• On 29-10-2004, DOT prepared a draft cabinet note for approval of the cabinet in which it was mentioned that the pension liability will be with Government and BSNL will pay the pension contribution as per FR 116. This cabinet note was strongly objected by Department of Expenditure (DOE). The note was placed before the cabinet on 24-11-2004, where it was not approved but decided to place the memo to the committee of secretaries (COS) and further examine the issue along with recommendation of COS. Read <<  Draft Cabinet Memo 24-10-2004>> << Annexure 1 to this memo>> comprising the cabinet memo Dt 25-09-2000 regarding formation of BSNL. << Annexure 2 >>  Approval of Cabinet dt 27-09-2000 to the memo dt 25-09-2000. << Annexure 3 >> Gazette notification of Rule 37A. <<annexure 4 &5>> Pension contribution rates and views of various departments.
   
• Subsequently COS comprising secretaries of Telecom and Expenditure along with the Cabinet Secretary met on 14-12-2004 and decided to recommend 60:40 pension sharing system.  Read <<the minutes of the meeting>>  
   
• Accordingly  the Cabinet note dated 14-1-2005 was prepared proposing the 60:40 pension sharing and the Cabinet  gave its approval on 27-1-2005. Read <<the Cabinet Memo dated 14-1-2005>>
   
• Further the Deputy Secretary (Cabinet) wrote to DOT to supply them the orders in pursuance of the decision of the Cabinet. DOT complied and replied to them. Before that a meeting was held on 21-02-2005 between CMDs of BSNL & MTNL with Secy DOT and after that CMD BSNL wrote a DO to Secretary DOT on 34-02-2005 which was replied on 15-03-2005. Read <<the related documents>> carefully.
   
•  On 15-06-2006, DOT for the first time made public the decision of 60:40 pension sharing but not mentioned that this was a decision of the cabinet. On which all Associations and Unions protested. The decision of DOT related to situation developed after 16-06-2006 is reflected in a 4 page document (note sheets). Report of the committee on issues raised by BSNL Union also may be read. << referred documents>> 

Careful study of at least the main documents (excluding the annexure)  uploaded will certainly reveal the seriousness of the situation. Viewers may read the documents and decide for themselves, whether the situation is such that the BSNL pensioners can sleep comfortably and there is no problem whatsoever on their pension ????

Pensioners has to submit their claims as at present in the same Area Offices, from where after approval by the competent authority the bills will be sent to respective business areas. The Claim officers will then enter the bill in the ERP for payment. For entering the bills in ERP, vendor code will be required for each pensioners. The unique vendor code is derived from the HR number pensioners were possessing  before retirement. Therefore now onwards the pensioner have to mention their HR number in their medical claim forms. For the pensioners who retired before 2007 and did not had any HR number, a unique vendor code will be generated by the staff section of the areas on submission of "Mandate Form". This Vendor code has to be mentioned in the claim forms. 5000 unique vendor code has been allotted to the Areas for this purpose.

We requested to clear the backlog early by approving them and sending them to the respective claim officers early. A cut off date may be fixed for the purpose. DGM (Fin-EB) agreed to do the needful. A letter also deposited at GM(F) office.

09.09.2015:  Meeting with Member (Finance) DOT

Com Prahalad Rai Chief Patron met Member (Finance), DOT yesterday and discussed regarding:

a). 78.2% IDA pay fixation to BSNL Pensioners :

He expressed our serious concern against two years delay in granting 78.2 % IDA Pay Fixation benefit to BSNL Pensioners.  Member (Finance) mentioned that it is the procedural delay in taking the approval of Cabinet on this issue along with withdrawal of   60: 40 issue of receipts from BSNL. He pleaded that 78.2% IDA Pay Fixation case and 60: 40 withdrawal issue should have been delinked by two Cabinet Memos to avoid the delay.  Member (Finance) mentioned that it was not possible as per the DOE direction given earlier.  However, the reply of DOE Queries have been prepared and shortly Cabinet Note will be sent to DOE.  He pleaded that now the Cabinet Note with DOT reply may be sent to directly to Cabinet for approval, since the comments of DOE including other nodal ministries are available.  Member (Finance) assured to look into the matter and finally told that within this week decision in this regard will be taken to process the Cabinet Note.

b). IDA Pension Revision of BSNL Pensioners:

We requested to take up the issue of IDA Pension revision of BSNL Pensioners with the 7^th CPC and in case 7^th CPC do not consider in that case to take up with DPE to put up the 3^rd PRC for consideration.  Member (Finance) informed that Admin Cell of DOT has already written a letter to the Chairman 7^th CPC for consideration of IDA Pension revision for BSNL/MTNL pensioners.  However, in case 7^th CPC do not consider the case, then it will be taken up with DPE to take up with 3^rd PRC as a terms of reference. 

78.2% Issue: The file is now with ADG(TA) of Telecom Accounts Wing DOT. He is collecting the informations sought for by DOE (Department of Expenditure) and compiling them for further processing. It is confirmed that the queries are mainly to seek justification on the DOT's present proposal to withdraw 60:40 Pension Sharing which was approved earlier twice by the Cabinet on 2005 and 2011. Further DOE has sought the data for DOT pensioners and deemed DOT pensioners w.e.f 1-10-2000 as reported on our website on 10-08-2015.

Pension Revision of IDA Pensioners: Our letters dated 17-06-2015 & 16-08-2015 in this  respect have been processed by DOT for issue of a letter to the Secretary DPE requesting for inclusion of "Revision of Pension" in terms and reference of 3rd PRC is in process at the Establishment Section of DOT.                           

1) Shri Kishan Singh GS , Shri Rakesh Srivastava, President and  Shri K.N.Mehra AGS HQ met  Sri N.K.Yadav Member(S) at Sanchar Bhavan on 19/8/2015 regarding  early processing of Cabinet Note on 50% IDA Merger amounting to 78.2% IDA as on 1/1/2007 and also regarding adequate provision of Pension Revision for BSNL Pensioners through 3^rd PRC. Member(S) assured that the reply to queries raised by Deptt. Of Expenditure on Cabinet Note for 50% IDA Merger is being processed by DDG(Accounts) in DOT and it shall be replied at the earliest.  He also assured to take up the issue of IDA Pension revision through 3^rd PRC with DPE for including the same under the terms of reference for 3^rd PRC. Letter given to Member (Services).   Read

2)Shri Kishan Singh GS , Shri Rakesh Srivastava, President and  Shri K.N.Mehra AGS HQ along with Shri Prahlad Rai, GS, AIBSNLEA & Our Chief Patron met GM(Estt), BSNL  Ms. Madhu Arora on 19/8/2015 regarding  issue of CGHS Card to BSNL Pensioners. GM(Estt.) expressed difficulty in mapping of IDA CDA correspondence as desired by Ministry of Health for issue of CGHS Card to BSNL Pensioners. It was brought to her notice that MTNL has already provided this information to Ministry of Health and she asked us to procure a copy of the same from MTNL to facilitate the processing of the case by BSNL CO, which was readily agreed by us and this case may be settled at an early date

The " Know Your Pensioners" Form will be distributed and pensioners can fill them up with all his details including PPO NO and enclose copies of Aadhar Card , PAN Card as directed and can submit at 8 Hare Street Pr CCA office which is next Building or may hand over to us for submission.

14.08.2015:     Com Prahalad Rai Chief Patron and GS AIRBSNLEWA  Shri.Kishan Singhji  met concerned officers in DOT and discussed regarding 

(a)   78.2% IDA Pay fixation to BSNL Pensioners:  It is understood that DOE has further made queries in the Cabinet note  and the reply is being prepared  to DOE. It seems that this process will cause further delay.

(b)   CGHS (Medical) facility to BSNL Employees/Pensioners:It is informed that BSNL's  reply on IDA Pay scales similar  CDA Pay scale structure has not been received by DOT. As soon as the reply to DOT is given by BSNL the CGHS facility to BSNL employees/Pensioners will be extended   

1) Department  of Public Enterprises (DPE) has sent their "No Objection" to DOT after initial doubts.

2) Department of Expenditure (DOE) has returned the file raising queries like

• No of Pensioners as on 1-10-2000 and present expenditure on their pension
• No of Officials retired after 1-10-2000 and expenditure incurred for payment of their pension
• No of Absorbed Official still working in BSNL and their retirement details
• Amount of Pension contribution paid by BSNL etc etc

NEXT "PENSIONERS MEET" IS AT 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, DGM ALIPORE OFFICE,MOMINPORE FOR PENSIONERS OF SOUTH KOLKATA ON 11-08-2015 AT 14-00 HRS.    

16.07.2015:  Com Prahalad Rai Chief Patron and Com Kishen Singh GS AIRBSNLEWA met Jt. Secretary (T) DoT Shri V Umashankar yesterday and disused regarding   78.2 % IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners:   They requested to get early comments from nodal ministries i.e. DPE, DoP&W, DoL and DoE. JS (T) informed that comments from DOE are awaited and as soon as the comments from DOE are received Cabinet Note will be compiled and will be sent to Cabinet for approval. The comments received from DOP&PW are in favor.  The reminder to DOE has already been sent for early comments. However, he assured to personally talk to the concerned officers in DoE for an early reply.

Further they also met concerned officers of DoT, PAT Cell and disused regarding extending CGHS medical facility to the BSNL / MTNL employees / Pensioners. It was informed that DOT has already forwarded a copy of the MOH&FW letter No. Z.15025/28/2013-CGHS-III dated 09.01.2014 received vide MOH&FW letter No. Z.15025/28/2013-CGHS-III dated 20.04.2015 to BSNL / MTNL in this regard also asked the information from BSNL and MTNL management in respect of pay structure of BSNL/MTNL employees to that of Central Government employees so that CDA/IDA corresponds may be derived and informed to the MOH&FW for further necessary action in this regard. 

15.07.2015:  Meeting with Director(Estt)/DoT on Status of 78.2% Issue.

Com Prahalad Rai, Our Chief Patron met Shri Pracheesh Khanna,  Director (Estt)/DoT  yesterday and  discussed regarding the status of 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners. Director (Estt) informed that the comments of some nodal Ministries on the Cabinet Note have been received. However, the comments of DoE are awaited. As soon as the DoE comments are received, the Cabinet Note will be compiled and will be sent to the cabinet after the approval of the competent authority immediately.

On our query  about Cabinet Note  for the  payment of  Gratuity and other benefits on 78.2% pay fixation  to the  BSNL pensioners  with effect from 1.1.2007. Director( Estt)  informed that no such recommendation has been given in the Cabinet Note as per the advise of DoE.  He confirmed that Cabinet Note have the provision  to modify  60:40 provision  and to take 100% pension liability of BSNL pensioners  on Govt. as per the provision of Govt. Pension Under  Rule 37 A.

Thus the news published in some website that payment of Gratuity etc for post 2007 pensioners has been proposed in the Cabinet Note has not been substantiated by Director(Estt)/DoT.

09.07.2015: Status of 78.2% IDA Fixation Issue

Com Prahalad Rai, Chief Patron met Shri Rajveer Singh, DDG (Estt)/DoT yesterday and discussed regarding the status of 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners. DDG (Estt) informed that the comments of some nodal Ministries on the Cabinet Note have been received. However, the comments of DoE are awaited. As soon as the DoE comments are received, the Cabinet Note will be compiled and will be sent to the cabinet after the approval of the competent authority immediately.

The Protest actions and the Schedule of the agitations is as follows-

Ø  Lunch Hour Demonstration on 1^st July, 2015 at all SSA/Circle/Corporate Office level.

Ø  Hunger Fast for three days from 10.00 Hrs. to 18.00 Hrs. on 7^th, 8^th and 9^th July, 2015 at    all SSA/Circle/Corporate Office level.

Ø  “Work According to Rule” program with effect from 00.00 Hrs. of 7^th July, 2015 till    withdrawal of the MT Recruitment and settlement of the pending HR issues.

Ø  “दिल्ली चलो” [Delhi Chalo] and “Indefinite Dharna” at BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi with effect from 22^nd July, 2015 till withdrawal of the MT Recruitment and settlement of the pending HR issues.

On his query regarding Cabinet Note contents, he briefed that in addition to 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners on actual basis from 10.06.2013 and notional fixation from 01.01.2007, the withdrawal of 60:40 provision has also been incorporated in the Cabinet Note for which he apprehended that DOE and DOP&W may create some problem. However, in case every thing goes smooth then this Cabinet Note may be approved by cabinet within two- three months time..

Com Rai also met Shri V. Uma Shankar, Jt. Secy (T) and discussed regarding:

a) IDA Pension revision of BSNL Pensioners to be taken up with 7th CPC: He requested to take up BSNL Pensioners IDA Pension revision issue with 7th CPC since we are paid Govt. Pension under Rule 37A of CCS Pension Rules 1972 (FR-116). JS (T) mentioned that your Association letter in this regard has been received and he is shortly sending the matter to DPE to consider it to be taken up with 3rd PRC or may suggest to take up with 7th CPC. He assured an early action in this regard.

b) 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL Pensioners: JS (T) informed that yesterday only he has signed the Cabinet Note approved by Hon'ble MOC & IT to be sent to nodal ministries for inter ministerial circulation/comments i.e. DOE, DPE, Legal Affairs and DOP&W. He expected that within a fortnight the comments of all the nodal ministries will be available and thereafter on compilation the final Cabinet Note will be sent to Cabinet for approval. It may take one-two months time.

In the afternoon GS Com Kishen Singh received a call from Sh Sourabh Kumar PA to MOC (who was in contact with Sh Rakesh Srivastava VP through email),  confirmed the news given earlier and requested GS to communicate it to all the members. GS thanked him for the gesture.

Further com Rakesh Srivastava VP hsa enquired about the file, and it is reported that the approved file has come back and presently with Member (Services) DOT.

1) CMD BSNL on extension of free calls as per order and also the facility of Night Calling to Service Telephones and to the Concessional telephones for the pensioners   click for letter  order

2) Secretary (T), DOT for implementation of Supreme Court Judgement on civil petition no 11527, dated 14-12-2014 on Recovery of Pay due to wrong fixation before retirement. click for letter   SC order  

AS PER 60:40 PENSION SHARING FORMULA RECEIPTS OF DOT from BSNL AND    PAYMENT OF PENSION IN LAST FIVE YEARS. (as received through RTI).  

All amount in crores

Marvelous  Ist Circle Conference of  “ALL INDIA RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION” UP(East) Circle  was held on 21^st May 2015 at “Rai Uma Nath Bali Auditorium” Lucknow under the chairmanship of Com S.M.Abbas Circle President, in the presence of Com Kishan Singh, General Secretary AIRBSNLEWA. A Huge gathering of retired executives from Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Gonda, Hardoi, Barabanki, and Shajhanpur  attended the conference.

Open session  was attended by hundreds of retired  & working executives and addressed by General Secretary AIRBSNLEWA,  Com K.N.Mehra, Asstt.  General Secretary AIRBSNLEWA, Com Pradeep Goyal, AGS AIRBSNLEWA New Delhi, , Com S.M.Abbas,Circle President, Com Pallab Bose Circle Secretary, Com C.S.Verma, Finance Secretary, Com R.J.Pandey Circle President AIBSNLEA ,Com A.K.Singh, Circle secretary AIBSNLEA UP(East), Circle office bearers of AIRBSNLEWA, and many other senior leaders from different Unions & Associations.

Shri C.S.Verma, Circle Finance Secretary welcomed the members and addressed the house.

After observance of two minutes silence in memory of departed members and our beloved President Late Shri M.L.Sharma President AIRBSNLEWA CHQ New Delhi,  the conference started with the opening remark of Circle President. After that all CHQ Leaders and Guest were welcome by garlanding.

 Com Pallab Bose Circle Secretary told the house that our  Association of UP(East) Circle had a meeting with CGM UP East Circle on burning medical problems of the circle faced by pensioners. The meeting was attended by the CGM, GM (Admn). Association side  Circle secretary, Com Pradeep Goyel AGS, Com C.S.Verma Circle Finance Secretary. Healthy and Fruitful discussions were held and assurance of CGM was very positive.

Circle secretary of our Association  also appealed to each and every member to increase the membership to strengthen our CHQ hand  He also assured to members that he will struggle to protect every right of the retired executives .

Com S.M.Abbas, Circle President  of our Association   appealed to all members to join our “whatsapp group” maintaining by Com Pradeep Goyel AGS and Com C.S.Verma Finance secretary, to maintain communication with each other.

A resolution has been passed from UP(E) Circle to sanction  mobile connection as service connection to all retired executives.

Com Kishan Singh,GS apprised members of UP(E) circle in detail about the latest development on Status of the Cabinet Note regarding 78.2% IDA Merger, also he told that  BSNL PENSIONER'S MAY FACE PROBLEM ON PENSION PAYMENT IN FUTURE . He further told about the Relevant para of the Cabinet Memo no 40-17/2008-Pen(T) Dt 15-01-2011 on 60:40 issue: (Para 3.5 and 6.2) " ...government liability of pension in respect of employees of DoT/DTS/DTO, who retired prior to 1-10-2000 and those who have worked or working in BSNL on deemed deputation and for those who absorbed in BSNL, being limited to 60% of annual receipts to Government from (i) Divident Income from MTNL/BSNL, (ii) License fee from MTNL/BSNL, (iii) Corporate Tax/Excise Duty/Service Tax paid by BSNL. If the annual pension liability exceeds the figure 60%, the balance amount is to be paid by BSNL." 

Com K.N.Mehra AGS HQ apprised the members that “AIRBSNLEWA” is an only Association  who is sincerely persuing the issues of  Retired Executives of BSNL. He appealed to increased the membership  regularly.

Com Pradeep Goyel AGS AIRBSNLEWA appealed to all retired executives of UP East Circle to come together in one platform in the interest of our retd. executives

                Following Circle office bearers of UP(East) Circle have been unanimously elected for next term : 

1       President:                              Com S.M.Abbas                      Retd.AGM , NTR Lucknow

2       Vice President-1                     Com S.K.Awasthi                     Retd DGM Finance, Circle Office Lucknow

3       Vice President-2                     Com Naseer Ali                       Retd. SDE Hardoi

4       Vice President-3                     Com R.K.Saxena                      Retd. XEN (Elect ) Gorkhpur

5       Vice President-4                     Com Anjani Krishna                Retd. D.E. NTR Lucknow

6       Circle Secretary                    Com Pallab Bose                    Retd. SDE, RTTC Lucknow

7      Asstt. Circle Secretary-1         Com A.K.Sarkar                       Retd AGM Jhansi

8      Asstt. Circle Secretary-2         Com M.D.Choudhary               Retd  Sr. Accounts officer

9      Asstt. Circle Secretary-3         Com A.K.Tripathi                     Retd E.E.Civil, Lucknow

10    Asstt. Circle Secretary-4         Com A.S.Negi                          Retd P.S.

11    Finance Secretary                  Com C.S.Verma                      Retd C.A.O.C ircle office Lucknow

12    Organising secretary-1           Com D.N.Verma                      Retd SDE, Lucknow

13    Organising Secretary-2           Com Praveen kumar Raje       Retd SDE, Circle office Lucknow

14    Organising Secretary-3           Com G.N.Gupta                      Retd AGM(Sells),Circle Office lucknow

15    CWC Member-1                      Com L.M.Choudhary               Retd SDE Mobile Gonda

16    CWC Member-2                      Com R.S.Choudhary                Retd AGM(RTI) Circle Office lucknow.

17    Auditor                                    Com R.N.Singh                        Retd CAO, Circle office lucknow.

After Oath ceremony  the General Secretary congratulated all the elected members. The meeting was concluded after vote of thanks by President Shri S.M. Abbas.

>>>>>> Click here for CC Photo

It is matter of great relief and satisfaction to all of us in AIRBSNLEWA, that our timely action has forced DOT to rethink its decision and to take subsequent action for correcting its wrong action taken in the cabinet memo dated 29-12-2010 in line to our letter written to DOT. We are happy that  now the pensioners can feel relieved. We hope that the amendemt suggested will get the approval of the Cabinet also in due course.  Click to read the letter written