09.03.2010 :

Historic Event:

Constitution Amendment (108) Bill reserving 33% seats in Parliament and State Assemblies passed to-day in Rajya Sabha with unprecedented majority (186 Vs 1). FNTO Congratulates Congress, UPA and other parties supported the bill.

TELEGRAM CAMPAIGN:

FNTO Branches may issue telegram to Hon. P.M. requesting rejection of Pitroda Committee Report and also to drop disinvestment /VRS proposal to save BSNL.

K  Vallinagayam
FNTO

Cancellation of GSM Tender:

Q:        Joint Secretary DoT (Govt. Director in BSNL) justifies cancellation of GSM Mega Tender stating that 29% BSNL Capacity (GSM) remains unutilized.

A:         Why this wisdom has not dawn before Pitroda Committee Report, i.e. at the time of finalization of GSM Tender by Board ?.

KARNATAKA CIRCLE CONFERENCE:

Karnataka Circle Conference was held at Sagar (Near Shimoga) on 6th and 7th March, 2010. After subject committee discussion on 6th, grand open session was held on 7.3.2010. S/Shri P. Ragavan, CGM, S. Radhakrishnan GM Shimoga, Shanta Kumar GS INTUC, Saraswathamma Kanada Professor, K.S. Shshardri CS NFTE, Abdul Kadar RCM Member, (BSNLEU), T. Jagdish   BWA Leader and K. Vallinayagam GS FNTO addressed the open session. GS in his address detailed Pitroda Committee Report and the need to resist it to save BSNL. The CGM mentioned that there is no dearth of talent in BSNL and effective utilization is only necessary braving curfew situation in Shimoga more than 350 delegates and visitors attended the circle conference and made the conference a grand success.

After the session is over, S/Shri N. R. Hegde, Jay Marry and Jayantha were elected as President, Working President and Circle Secretary respectively. Jayantha family hosted dinner to all at his village house.

08.03.2010 :

Wage Revision & Promotion Policy.

Urging the BSNL to implement Wage Revision & Promotion Policy,  duly citing the loss employees suffering every month to non-executive, two employees of Kerala Circle have filed a case in Earnakumam CAT. The case was admitted on 2.01.2010 and hearing held on 15.02.2010. Two weeks time is given to authorities to reply. ( Ref; QA64/10).

Pitroda committee takes its first toll:

As per the recommendations of the Pitroda committee, BSNL management has decided to scrap GSM mega tender (Rs.35,000 Crores) on 5/3/2010. The decision will go to government for final call, reports TOI.

Meeting with CMD BSNL.

Today (05-03-2010) Shri K.Vallinayagam GS FNTO and Shri D.D. Mistry GS BDPA met CMD and discussed the following:

1.         Expediting the Pension Revision.
2.         Gap in IDA merger with Pay before Wage Revision.
3.         FNTO protest against Pitroda Committee report.

BSNL Board Meeting:

Next Board meeting is likely to be held on 10th March, in which wage agreement is expected to get through.

Queries Column:

Q)        Why BSNL Board has decided to scrap GSM Tender?
A)        Obviously under pressure as it seems to be.
Q)        Hon. Minister is said to have opposed the move to scrap the tender.
R)        FNTO Welcome that stand.
Q)        Who is behind Pitroda?
A)        It is for anybody’s guess.
Q)        What BSNL Workers can do?
A)       They can send Telegram to Hon. PM to review Pitroda Committee Report and Save BSNL. All BSNL Unions and Associations should take up the matter immediately with Govt.

Implementation of transfer Policy.

FNTO & BWA have written to Dir HRD insisting the following:

K.Vallinayagam
G.S. FNTO.

03.03.2010 : Sam Pitroda Committee report recommended 30% disinvestment. Lunch hour DEMOSTRATION on 5th.

Do it effectively

K. Vallinayagam
GS FNTO

01.03.2010 : Who says consent of individual is necessary to hypnotize? View how an elephant is floating in bucket full of water to enjoy Holi and viewers are unmindful of the damage that sprinkling colors had done to them. Click. Courtesy: www.bdpa.in

This was pointed out by the FNTO that the DPE orders for 78.2% merger are now available. The said orders were not available at the time of issuance of orders for Executives Pay Revision. Ignoring this Representative Union has signed an agreement for 2nd Wage Revision merging 68.8% IDA and thus this lacuna.

K. Vallinayagam
GS FNTO

28.02.2010:

Wish you all a Happy Holi.

28.02.2010 : The Management Committee has approved New  Promotion Scheme without 9200 Scale which is yet to be cleared by DoT as requested by the Representative Union and orders will be issued after next Management Committee Meeting. The BSNL Board Meeting may be held by 10th March, 2010.

Karnataka Circle is holding its Circle Conference Open Session on 7th March, 2010. Details in Karanataka Circle Page.

26.02.2010 : Fatal Attraction?
Q: How and Why Executive Associations are attracted towards Sam Pitroda?

A: It is a fatal attraction. It is learnt that Pitroda has suggested scrapping of GSM mega tender for the implementation of which executive association and we have been pressing for. It is also understood that Pitroda Committee has recommended reduction in retirement age whereas the global trend is to extend it. People like Pitroda who believe in, “Business is not the business of the Govt.” cannot help a PSU to sustain or grow. We have to find a remedy within, not outside.

K.Vallinayagam
GS FNTO

Meeting with Dir (HRD),BSNL
BWA Leaders K. Vallinayagam, N. T. Sajwani and SP Sharma , BS. Pathak (FS FNTO), RK Kohli and Islam, Secretaries NFTE met Shri. Gopaldas, Dir (HRD) today (25-02-02010) at his chamber and discussed the following:

K. allinayagam
GS FNTO

Induction Of Outside Talents Into BSNL:

As part of our exercise to arrive at a consensus whether induction of outside talents into BSNL is necessary, GS FNTO held discussions with Shri VAN Namboodiri, GS BSNLEU on 24.02.2010.  GS BSNLEU also shared our concern over the matter while agreeing the failure of the present leadership in running the company.  After consulting other unions some steps may be contemplated.

GS BSNLEU said that he is doing his best to get the clearance for Wage Agreement and also early implementation of promotion policy.

Board Meeting: The postponed BSNL Board meeting may perhaps be held in second week of March, 2010.. FNTO is pursuing for early convening of meeting and clearance of wage agreement.

To-day, BWA Leaders may discuss the agitation demands (05.03.2010) with Management.

K. Vallinaagam
GS FNTO

Scheme and Syllabus for limited Internal Competitive Examination (LICE) for filling up posts in the cadre of JTO (Telecom) under both 35% and 15% quota. Click.

Recruitment Rules of Junior Telecom Officers: Click.

Amendment to JTO Recruitment Rules : Click.

23.02.2010 :LDCE for TM 2008: Relaxation of qualification to permit candidates below 10th STD.

FNTO had taken up the issue with chairman and wrote a letter in January to relax the qualification below 10th std. The officiating G.S Shri Alok Nandi discussed this issue for an early redressal.

Q. Revision of code of discipline and extension of trade union facilities. One of the united forum partners has criticized the above demand?

A. It is but natural for that union because (without revision in code of discipline or extension of facilities) they get full protection, patronage, recognition and facilities both from management and recognized union as well.

K. Vallinayagam
GS FNT0

New Norms evolved for Telegraph Staff Justification: Click 

Nomination of One Member from DoT to BSNL Board awaited.

22.02.2010:

22.02.2010. LDCE Examination for 2008 quota : Clarification for Jr. Sports  Assistants eligibility.Click.

For Gujarat Circle FNTO Working Committee Report : Visit Circle Page. or click.

Inducting outside talents into BSNL.

GS FNTO held detailed discussion with GS SNEA & GS AIBSNLEA. Executive Associations are of the firm view that it is absolutely necessary that outside experts have to come to rejuvenate the functioning of the company. They also cited several instances to justify their stand. Surprisingly the opinion of some ITS officers are also on the same lines. But DOT seems to be not keen on this proposal for various reasons.

However FNTO’s view is that much caution has to be exercised before making such a demand as the result could be disastrous if vested interest occupies the pivotal position in decision making of the PSU. Opinions of other unions will also be sought to evolve a consensus among the staff side.

Note: Members can send their views to GS FNTO,

MTNL Wage Agreement. Click.
Almost on the same lines of BSNL agreement, an MOU has been signed on Wage Revision in MTNL also. But in respect of maximum of the scales, decision on payment of arrears etc. a better & clear-cut understanding are the highlights.

K.Vallinayagam
GS FNTO.
 

 18.02.2010: Meeting with Shri P.J. Thomas, Secretary DOT.

Shri K. Vallinayagam GS, Thomas John  K.  President FNTO met Secretary DOT today (18-02-2010) at Sanchar Bhavan and discussed the following:

1.         ITS Absorption: Secretary said that the matter is being pursued vigorously with the Govt. for early absorption of ITS. ( A fresh Cabinet note is under submission, it is learnt.)

2.         Pension Revision:  IDA Pension Revision for BSNL Staff in general and particularly pension anomaly in respect of certain category was discussed at length with all relevant particulars. Secretary gave a patient hearing and said that the revision issue is being dealt with on priority basis. On the other aspects he said he will ask the DDG concerned to look into it.

3.         Sam Pitroda Committee Report:   Secretary said that the Committee has given suggestion for vigorous marketing to sustain and improve the market share. Beyond that he did not elaborate on other topics of the report.

The meeting between FNTO and Secretary was cordial.

K. Vallinayagam
GS FNTO

17.02.2010 ;Pension revision latest:

President, G.S and F.S FNTO met senior officers of DOT and discussed the issue of pension revision. The present status is a direction to revise the pension on IDA has come and now the establishment branch of DOT will further process the case duly getting particulars from BSNL regarding number of officials, financial effect etc. We will further pursue for early settlement.

K. Vallinayagam
GS FNTO
17.02.2010.

16.02.2010 : BWA Demonstration on 05.03.2010.

BWA has decided to hold lunch hour demonstration on 5/3/2010 inviting the attention of management/govt. towards the following demands.

This is in coordination with the central organizations agitation to check the price rise. Shri.N.T.Sajwani, Convenor BWA has duly intimated the program of action to CMD BSNL today.

Greetings to BSNLEU CWC

GS FNTO spoke to G.S BSNLEU over phone and conveyed FNTO greetings for their CWC at Bhopal.

K. Vallinayagam
General Secretary

14.02.2010 :It is learnt that Sam Pitroda Committee submitted report on BSNL functioning to DoT. It may contain some changes in functioning and greater autonomy.

Vide Letter No: 32-1/2010-BSNL(Sports) dated 04.02.2010, Corporate Office calls for nominations of outstanding sportspersons for career progression. The last date for submission of nominations is 26th February, 2010.

To read the write-upon 2nd Wage Revision by Mr. D. Chandrasekharan, C/S Tamilnadu, visit TN Circle Page.

13.02.2010: The CGM Gujarat issues orders for Cash Payment of staff amenities.Click.

10.02.2010 :BSNL HQ permits sterlisation operation in BSNL Empanelled Hospitals: Click.

 Chennai Metro Circle Conference

08.02.2010 : Chennai Telecom District Circle Conference was held on 6, 7 February 2010, under the Presidentship of C. K. Murthy. Circle Working President, P. Andiappan AGS inaugurated the conference on 6th after welcome address by S. Lingamurthy Circle Secretary. There was a healthy debate on 2nd wage revision between Gunasekaran AGS, BSNLEU and D. Chandrasekaran AGS FNTO and the debate proved that the wage revision is not to the satisfaction of BSNL Workers in general. Shri A. Subramaniam CGM, Leaders of Sister Unions and Shri Veeraraghavan Chairman Telecom Employees Cooperative Credit Society greeted the conference in the morning session.

Evening open session was presided over by Shri E. Karunanidhi Local Municipal Chairman. Shri K. Vallinayagam General Secretary delivered special address covering all staff issues and service matters. Shri Ravi Leader Of Opposition in Chennai Corporation greeted the conference. On 7th subject committee was presided over by Shri S. Mani Circle President and after adoption of annual report accounts etc local issues were discussed and resolutions adopted. In the concluding session S/Shri S. Lingamurthy, Radha Krishnan and Gangadharan were elected Circle secretary, President and Treasurer. Memento was presented to all guests and delegates. Shri Trisangu delivered vote of thanks.

Queries column

Q. Some Executive Associations have addressed Hon’ble PM to induct ‘outside talents’ in to BSNL board and Business line magazine has also endorsed the same view in its editorial?

A. There is a saying that, Beware of your demand, you may get it. Sometimes when we ask for shoes they will revete us with ‘horse shoe’. Recently PMO reviewed the position of financial as well market share out BSNL and suggested 10% IPO instead of incentives or subsidies as was expected. FNTO view is plenty of talents available in BSNL itself. Only necessary will and a sense of belonging are required for its leadership and workers. Some expertise in marketing would be enough.

K. Vallinayagam
General Secretary
.

07.02.2010 : Limited Internal Competitive Examination (LICE) for promotion to the grade of Rajbhasha Adhikari on the basis of RRs of Rajbhasha Adhikari 2005 will be held on 23.05.2010. The last date for submission of application is 15.03.2010. the appointment shall be subject to final out of court case in Civil Appeal No. 1405/2007.

BSNL HQ issues clarification for Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) to the Cadre of Telecom Mechanic. Click.

BSNL HQ introduces Incentive Schemes for BSNL employees bringing in postpaid broadband connections. Click.

For welfare of women non-executives BSNL HQ's order on Enhancement of the period of Maternity Leave and introduction of Special Allowance for child care for non-executive Women Employees. Click.

05.02.2010:News for the Day – In Brief

Wage Revision Agreement has been approved by the Management Committee on 03.02.2010 and it will be placed meeting in a BSNL Board meeting to be held in third week of February,2010 .

New Promotion Policy: It appears that the Management is considering request for its implementation barring 9200 scale for which approval of DoT/DPE is yet to come.

BSNL HQ has announced Incentive Scheme for Rural Area for employees working in Rural Area which envisages incentive @ Rs.100/- per Broad Band connections up to  three  connections and Rs.150/- above three connections for Rural Area where USOF subsidy is available. Mail for orders copy.

Similarly incentive scheme to realize outstanding dues is also launched by BSNL HQ to recover outstanding dues of closed connection prior to 1.10.2006.

Anomaly Committee:-Orders are awaited.

IDA Order endorsed by BSNL HQ to-day. Click for copy.

Queries Column:

Q. When the wage revision will get implemented?

A. The recommendations of the wage revision committee have to be formalized as bilateral agreement by BSNL. Then it has to go to board. After clearance by the BSNL board, agreement has to get the approval of DOT and DPE. In our opinion it might take another 2 months and perhaps the revised pay may be drawn in April 2010.

K. Vallinayagam
GS FNTO.

I.D.A. orders for increase of 9.4% issued by DPE; D. Chandrasekhar. CLICK.

For January 2010 News : Visit Archieve 2009. Click.

For December 09 Old news :visit News Desk:

For News of November 09 : visit achrieve 2009 Nov.Page.

For old news : visit Newsdesk : Archieves 2009 page.