CHQ NEWS
WE REPRODUCE THE
VIEW EXPRESSED IN THEIR WEBSITE BY BSNLEU ON THE PRC REPORT:
28/02
Wage revision from 01.01.2017 –
Be prepared for struggle to get justice. The 3rd PRC has already submitted it’s report to the government.
The government in turn, has referred it to the secretaries of the concerned
departments. It is reliably learnt that, according to the terms and conditions
set by the 3rd PRC, it will be very difficult for BSNL employees to get wage
revision. Hence, the entire
Non-Executives and Executives have to gear up for struggle, for getting justice
in the next wage revision.
SERIES OF
MEETINGS
26/02
MEETING WITH DIRECTOR (HR), OF BSNL
There was a meeting with Smt. Sujata Ray, Director (HR) of BSNL on
21st February 2017. GM (Admn) and GM (SR) were also present. We expressed our
sincere thanks for the meeting and courtesy shown by Smt. Sujata Ray.Before the
formal discussions started, she asked us about the future pension revision of
BSNL retirees. We told her that we had demanded pension revision with fitment
benefit granted by Seventh Pay Commission and not PRC. She appreciated our
stand. It was also indicated by her that BSNL is yet to take a formal decision
on the third PRC report. She told also that the financial position of BSNL is
in bad shape.
Restoration of Quarterly Medical Allowance
We pointed out that this matter is pending for many years.
Director indicated that it is very difficult to restore medical allowance. We
mentioned about the PRC recommendation to grant Rs 1000 per month. Again, she
indicated difficulty in implementing that PRC recommendation in BSNL.
Delay in settling MRS Claims by Pensioners:
We told the Director frankly that even though she had instructed
all to settle the medical claims from retirees within one month, no Circle is
honouring the same. She assured that the matter would be looked into and
directed the GMs to check up with some circles.
Change of Software
We pointed out that Medical claims are being processed now in
ERP.Recently, the Corporate Office of BSNL has introduced a new system.Data of
all the employees and retirees has to be fed in the new software which will
take lot of time and delay the process. Director (HR) was inclined to accept
our suggestion to allow the Circle Units to process pending cases up to
31-3-2017 in the existing system and then migrate to the new one.
Income Tax on MRS amount
Some SSA offices are deducting the income tax at source taking
into account the medical reimbursement amount exclusively. As a result, some
pensioners whose total income including the medical reimbursement amount they
received is within the exemption limit of Rs Three lakh, are forced to pay
income tax on the MRS amount in excess of Rs 15000. Director assured that the
matter will be examined. She wanted a separate letter on it and next day we
submitted the same to her office.
Denial of CGHS Card to BSNL pensioners:
When some BSNL pensioners approached the CGHS, the CGHS card was
denied to them on the plea that they have not yet received any instruction from
CGHS Headquarters. The GM (Admn) told that his office had already taken up the
matter with CGHS authorities and got settled.He assured that CGHS orders could
be given to us.When P S Ramankutty and Com. Anupam Kaul (Secretary of Delhi
Headquarter branch) went to his room later, the situation was different. No
doubt that his office had taken up the matter with CGHS authorities, but no specific
instruction was issued by CGHS Head Quarters to their units so far!. GM told
that they are pursuing the matter with CGHS.
Unnecessary restriction of calls on rent-free
telephone connections:
This is also an old item pending. Certain number of free calls
are allowed to the Rent-free telephone connections given to BSNL retirees.But,
some Circles restrict these free calls to LOCAL CALLS making all calls made to
out of SSA chargeable. When taken up earlier, It was told that Management
Committee of BSNL was reconsidering the issue.GM (Admn) told that a decision is
taken to remove that restriction and also that the modified order would be
issued soon.
Withdrawal of CDMA Phones:
We brought to the notice of Director (HR) that in some places
the pensioners were provided with CDMA Phones instead of rent-free land phones
on the plea of technically not feasible. Now the BSNL has withdrawn CDMA. We
requested the Director to provide mobile phones to the concerned pensioners.She
assured that it would be considered.
Few Individual cases:
Individual cases of some retirees not getting pension as
presidential order for their absorption was not issued etc.were taken
up.Director assured to examine it and wanted separate letter on it.We handed
over the letters.
MEETING WITH MEMBER
(SERVICES)
On our request, a meeting with Shri J S Deepak IAS, Secretary,
Telecom was fixed at 4 PM on 22-2-2017.We had sent a list of items to be
discussed also. But, when we reached his office in time, Secretary was busy in
a video conference with Prime Minister. Hence, he authorized the Member
(Services) to discuss the issues with us and then go to him, as soon as he is
free.
Shri S K Jain (DDG,Estt), Smt Vandana Seth (Director, Estt) and
Shri Tiwari (Director, Accounts) were also present in our meeting with Shri R K
Misra (Member, Services).
From our Association the following participated:
(1) P S Ramankutty, President
(2) D Gopalakrishnan, Vice President
(3) G Natarajan , General Secretary
(4) P Gangadhara Rao, Dy GS
(5) T S Vittoban, Treasurer
Some issues discussed are:
(a)Extra Increment for fixing Pension
We brought to the notice of Member that some Circles are seeking
unnecessary clarifications on the matter and Directorate is not giving the
clarifications resulting in denial of the benefits to pensioners. When we
started explaining the details the Member(S) said that he is fully aware of
OTBP/BCR Etc. He further informed that only on the previous day, DoT received a
report on the matter from BSNL Corporate Office. Suitable clarifications will
be issued shortly. [Later, we could get a copy of the 4 pages report from BSNL
CO. It was totally negative. Next day itself we gave our reaction in writing to
DDG(Estt) and Director(Estt). ]
(b) CAT Judgement on Extra Increment
case:
We wanted extension of the benefit of CAT Ernakulam judgement in
the case filed by our Circle Association to all the affected pensioners in all
circles. Member(S)told that since case pertains to Kerala Circle only, a
general instruction can not be issued.However, CCA Kerala will be suitably
advised.
© Denial of 78.2 benefit to those who retired
in 2006 and got full pension:
Full pension was granted to BSNL IDA pensioners retired after
1-1-2006, based on clear orders from DoT Directorate as per recommendations of
sixth CPC.After eight years, the Kerala CCA questions the wisdom of Directorate
in issuing such an order itself.He has withheld the revision orders with
78.2%in favour of such pensioners who got the full pension as mentioned above.
The plea is that a clarification is sought from Directorate. We requested that
such tendency of seeking unwanted clarifications on settled cases should be
discouraged.Director (Estt) told that no letter was received by her office from
Kerala on the matter. She categorically told that those who retired after
1-1-2006 are entitled to full pension and also that 78.2% can not be denied to
such pensioners.
(d)Delinking of 33 years service for full
pension:
We told that we are aware of the DOT order dated 15-2-2017 on
the subject. After 6th CPC report, CCS Pension Rules 1972 was amended to the
effect that ‘linking of 33 years of qualifying service was dispensed with”. DOT
issued specific order that it is applicable to BSNL IDA pensioners who retired
after 1-1-2006. We conveyed our concern over any probable confusion in field
units that can be created by the latest clarification. Member(S) said that
there can not be any confusion in the matter. When we pointed out the
contradiction about the minimum pension in BSNL after 1-1-2006 because the
order dated 15-3-2011 of DoT states it as Rs 3500 in the body text and Rs 3880
in the Annexure,Member(S) did not relish it and simply said that there is no
contradiction.
(e)Ceiling of Gratuity etc.
It was informed that DoT has sought approval of Department of
Pension for issuing orders raising the ceiling of gratuity, commutation etc. as
suggested by seventh CPC.Pension Department wanted some particulars and it was
supplied. The approval from DoP&PW is expected any time.
[Later, we got it confirmed from DoP&PW
that they have approved it on the previous day. Now, DoT has to issue the
formal order.]
MEETING WITH
SECRETARY, TELECOM
After the discussions with Member (S), we were taken to Shri J S
Deepak, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman of Telecom Commission. Member(S), DDG
(Estt), and Director (Estt) were also present in the meeting. Shri Prahlad
Singh (Member-Finance) and Ms. Linda (DDG-Accounts) too joined. Discussions
with Member, Services were reported to him.Secretary was in a jovial mood,
We expressed our sincere thanks to the
Secretary for granting the benefit of 50% DA Merger.
(i) Delay in settling 78.2% revision cases:
Lot of discussion took place on the subject. Secretary was very
emphatic for fixing a target date. We pointed out acute shortage of staff in
CCA offices. Specific cases were also given.DDG Accounts agreed with us. We
wanted a specific date by which entire work of revision with 78.2% should be
completed. Secretary admitted that it is already delayed and directed Member
(F) and DDG (E) to sit and decide the date which should be practical but not to
be stretched too far. Member (F) agreed to fix the next target date.
(ii)Common Server:
We suggested that a common server should be introduced with all
particulars of BSNL retirees so that both DoT and BSNL can use it for any
further processing of cases related to BSNL retirees. DDG (Accounts) said that
she is on the job in consultation with BSNL Corporate Office. She informed that
it may take 8 months if everything goes as per plan. Secretary said that that
project is a long-term one and need not be linked with 78.2 revision.
(III)Pension Adalat at national level:
Secretary understood the problem.Other officers pointed
practical difficulties. Secretary wanted some mechanism to settle Pensioners’
Grievances. He suggested some representatives from Directorate can attend
circle adalats in one or two circles and then decide the matter for holding adalat
at national level. DDG (Accounts) later on assured that she will explore the
possibility of holding Adalat at national level at least once in an year. She
also told that previous Member(F) was very much favourable on this issue.
(iv) Future Pension Revision:
Secretary, Telecom told that Cabinet Secretary has recently
conducted a high level meeting to study the third PRC report and as he could
not attend Member(S) attended and ‘vehemently” pleaded for pension revision in
BSNL.
We told Secretary, Telecom that we are not demanding Pension
revision as per PRC recommendations. We want pension revision with the fitment
benefit suggested by seventh CPC, as we are pensioners covered by CCS Pension
Rules 1972.He told that he understood our view points. It will take more time
to take a decision.
[We are of the opinion that more pressure is required to be
mounted in this regard.]
(v) Pension anomaly case
We requested Secretary (T) to implement the order from Principal
bench of CAT delivered on 16-12-2016 granting the benefit to all the 4230
pensioners affected by the anomaly as our Association is the applicant in the
case. It was told that the matter is already referred to Legal Section for
their opinion.Then the matter has to be taken up with Department of Pension and
Department of Expenditure too before taking a final view.
{We handed over separate detailed letter on every item
discussed.
EXPECT FURTHER REDUCTION IN IDA FROM APRIL
The All India Consumer Price Index for January 2017 is announced now. It is 274 points. For December 2016 it was 275 points. And for November 2016 it was 277 points. It means there is reduction month by month. If it remains at 274 points itself for February, then, there will be reduction of 2% in IDA from April 2017. The government may claim that the prices are falling down as an effect of demonetization !!!
News:
J .S. Deepak IAS,
Secretary, Telecom is abruptly transferred to Commerce Ministry. Mr Deepak is
in Barcelona now, attending an international conference there.
New Delhi: The
hasty removal and transfer of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) secretary
J.S. Deepak – a government official who has been closely associated with the
telecom department for seven years now and has butted heads with Reliance Jio
and TRAI over the past year – will only serve to further muddy the waters for
an industry wracked by recent allegations of
crony capitalism and favouritism.
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