We take this opportunity to Salute once again Our beloved Late Amit Dada for his total contribution and we feel it will be appropriate to dedicate this victory to Com Amit Gupta ji

20.09.2023  Congratulations   We have won the Pension revision court case in Delhi PBCAT:

Ultimately, the pension revision petition was prepared by late Amit Gupta then dy GS AIRBSNLEWA under guidance of Prahalad Rai then GS AIBSNLEA and the arguments of our learned lawyers in the court made the pensioners win the pension revision court case.
Congratulations to all the pensioners of BSNL and MTNL.

Details of judgment will follow.

2023

While presenting the budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that the new tax regime will be considered as the default tax regime from the new financial year.
Income Tax Regime: The financial year 2023-24 has started. Employers are going to seek information from their employees whether they will adopt the new income tax regime or the old tax regime. In such a situation, CBDT has issued a circular regarding the modalities of TDS deduction in 2023-24, in which it has been said that from the current financial year, the new income tax regime has become the default tax regime.

In such a situation, the CBDT has told the employer that he must ask his employees whether they want to opt for the new tax regime or the old tax regime. All employees will have to inform their employer at the beginning of every financial year whether they want to opt for the new tax regime or the old tax regime.

CBDT has said in its circular that it is necessary to choose the option of new income tax regime or old income tax regime because on the basis of that the employer will deduct TDS on the income of the employee. The Central Board of Trustees has clarified that if an employee does not inform this to his employer, then the default tax regime on that employee, which is the new tax regime, will be valid and TDS will be deducted from his income on the basis of that. In such cases, the employer will have to deduct TDS under section 192 on the income of the employee as per the tax rate of the new income regime.
Presenting the general budget for 2023-24, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that the new tax regime will be considered as the default tax regime from the new financial year. The tax rate in the new income tax regime is lower than the old tax regime. But in the new tax regime, no deduction is available on home loan interest and investment. Whereas in the old income tax regime, you can get tax exemption on Mediclaim by taking exemption on investment and home loan interest.

However, salaried taxpayers will have the option to choose either the new or the old tax regime while filing income tax returns, even if they have informed the employer to choose another option. Salaried taxpayers will have the option to choose either the new or old income tax regime every year. Whereas those who get income from business or profession can change the option of tax regime from one tax regime to another only once.

2023

Meeting with Member Finance DoT:- We all the above office bearers of AIRBSNLEWA CHQ, RTOWA MTNL Delhi & Mumbai and BTEF met Member Finance DoT as per the direction of Secretary Telecom as we requested him to grant us a meeting. Member Finance DoT also mentioned that the issue is under active consideration and the comments of internal Finance of DoT has been given to the Esst cell. We requested him to consider the fitment benefit as per 7th CPC formula to have permanent solution. Member Finance assured to look into the matter and advised us to convince Member Services and their concern Officers. He also advised us to meet him again after some time to discuss the matter in detail. We extended thanks to him for his positive response.

Meeting with Director Esst DoT:- We all the above office bearers met Director Esst DoT and discussed regarding pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners issue. Director Esst mentioned that that shortly the matter will be sent to DoE for comments and after receiving the comments a Cabinet note will be prepared with approval of the Competent authority and after getting the Comments of all the Nodal Miniseries the Cabinet note will be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.

Meeting with GM Pers BSNL CO ND:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade Kishan Singhji President and Comrade AJ Ram, CS Delhi met GM Pers BSNL CO and discussed regarding true implementation of Rule-206 on SDEs seniority as per the Hon'ble Supreme court Judgment. We also protest against the conduction of review CPCs against the year to year vacancies basis. Requested for the consequential benefits wef 1-1-2018.GM Pers mentioned that due extreme business he couldn't spare time to steady the Hon'ble Court Judgments. However he further assured that by next week he will go through the Court Judgments on this issue and thereafter he will call us to discuss the matter. We expressed our serious concern and requested for true implementation. GM Pers assured an early action on this issue.

Meeting with our Advocate MS Gauri Puri:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade Kishan Singhji President, Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi and Comrade J S Yadav GS RTOWA MTNL Mumbai met Ms Gauri Puri our Advocate dealing with Pension revision case of BSNL/MTNL pensioners. Ms Gauri Puri Advocate mentioned that tomorrow our case has been listed for hearing at Sl no.56 and there are chances that case may be heard in case the Hon'ble Bench take up the cases speedy. Comrade GS and President will also be attending the Hon'ble PB CAT ND tomorrow morning.

2023

Discussions with Director Esst DoT on Pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed the matter with Director Esst DoT and enquired about the status of pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners case. Director Esst DoT informed that the matter has been sent to CGCA office for giving information regarding financial implications on pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners on 0%,5%,10% and 15% fitment benefit. He also informed that as soon as the financial implications implementation are received from CGCA it will be put up to the competent authority for consideration and decision on fitment benefit. After the approval of the competent authority the Cabinet note will be prepared. He assured an early action in this regard.

2022

Comrade Anupam Kaul, Dy GS AIBSNLPWA, Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi Comrade Dahia AGS, AIBSNLPWA , Comrade Suresh Kumar and other MTNL Associations leaders address the Demonstration and apprised in detail the compulsion for launching agitation programmes. The next Agitation programs are holding of Two days Dharna on 17-18 th January-2023 and Massive Rally on 8th February-2023 to Sanchar Bhawan will be conducted. All the BSNL/MTNL pensioners are requested to ensure their active participation to create impact. Comrade Kishan Singh , President AIRBSNLEWA extended Vote of thanks.

2022

Dear Comrades, Six pensioners Associations of BSNL/MTNL have given a call for Organisational action programs as mentioned in the Notice given to DoT. We all are aware that Bureaucrats sitting in DoT have been denying pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners on the pretext of non revision of pay revision of BSNL/MTNL employees since beginning but after the joining of New Hon'ble MoC Shri Ashwani Vaishnav Ji and Secretary Telecom Shri K Rajaraman ji situation changed and they directed DoT Officers to settle pension revision by de-linking from pay revision, there after these DoT Officers have tried to dilute the issue by sending a proposal for pension revision on 0% fitment benefit as per 3rd PRC. We have been demanding pension revision as per the 7th CPC fitment formula as we BSNL/MTNL pensioners are governed with Govt. Pension under Rule 37A of CCS pension rules-1972 and getting pension from CFI. The 9 recommendations of 7thCPC have been granted to us only Pension revision and revision of minimum pension to BSNL workers are not considered by DoT. Against this indifferent attitude of DoT we six pensioners Associations have now decided to launch active Organizational actions to defeat the ulterior motives of these indifferent officers. Thus, we call upon all the BSNL and MTNL pensioners  to come forward and participate actively in the agitation programs to make them it a grand success.  <<click here for copy of notice of Organisational Action Programme>>

2022

At 10.15AM, Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade S M Abbas Circle President, Comrade Pallab Bose Circle Secretary, Comrade Sitanshu Sarkar CS WB Circle in the presence of all the delegates of UP East Circle hoisted the Association flag by thundering the slogans eg AIRBSNLEWA Unity Zindabad, AIRBSNLEWA UP EAST Circle Conference Zindabad, BSNL pensioners Unity Zindabad etc.

After the flag hoisting all the delegates assembled in the Conference Hall of Hotel Babian- Inn, Lucknow.

Circle President Sh S. M. Abbas while welcoming the GS, CS WB Circle and all the delegates declared 3rd Circle Conference open for discussions.

Circle President in his welcome address requested all delegates to cooperate with the dias in completing agendas and meaningful discussions on important issues like Pension revision of BSNL pensioners and smooth medical facilities etc.

Two minutes silence was observed in memory of departed Comrades during the Corona pandemic and recent Morabi tragedy.

Late Sh Amit Gupta Ji Dy GS, Late Sh C.S.Verma FS and Sh A.K.Sarkar ACS of UP (East) Circle Services were remembered.

Sh Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA and Sh Sitanshu Sarkar CS WB Circle were welcomed with garlands in the delegates session.
All DSs placed their reports covering membership, PHQ quota, CHQ quota etc.

All the Circle Office bearers ACSs and Organising Secretaries also placed their reports. Sh Pallab Bose Circle Secretary summed up the reports and clarified all queries raised.

Sh Pallab Bose Circle Secretary placed Circle Secretary report covering mainly Organizational matters at District, Circle and CHQ level, and status of various issues of pensioners -Pension revision of BSNL pensioners and BSNL MRS and CGHS facilities.

He also apprised the status of various Court cases, Migration of pensioners from CPPCs to SAMPANN,Submission of LC/DLC, CCA laminated ID Cards, meeting with CGMT, CCA and Additional Director CGHS etc.

He also talked about Maintaining Circle website efficiently. After some discussions the Circle Secretary report was approved by the house.

Sh R.N.Singh FS placed Finance Secretary Report and after some discussions the account was adopted by the house.

Before lunch the Open Session started wherein Sh SM Abbas, welcomed all the dignitaries on dias and off the dias. Hon'ble Chief Guest Shri Anil Kr Vaish GM (HR) who represented CGMT UP EAST Circle was welcomed and felicitated.

Shri Sangeet Kumar, CCA UP Circle Lucknow, Shri Satish Joshi Regional Head and associate Vice President of ICICI Direct as Guest of Honour were also welcomed and felicitated. Sh Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Sh Sitanshu Sarkar, CS WB Circle as special Guest were welcomed and felicitated by garlanding and Mementos. All the members present in the conference were also given Mementos.

All members present in Conference heard the deliberations of our beloved GS. Sri Prahlad Rai Ji on status of pension revision and pending medical bills as a lot of progress has already been made but still much is to be done. Members appreciated Hon. GS's sincere efforts.

As elaborated by GS that de-linking order is already in pipeline & minutes will be issued very soon as Minister Communication has personally assured to look in pension revision in very near future. GS also apprised the house in detail regarding present status of rule 206 cases, pending court cases filed by our Associations in Delhi.

CS West Bengal Sh Sitanshu Sarkar appreciated our marvelous Circle Conference organised in a great manner. He appraised the house regarding our Association history and contributions of Late Sh Amit Gupta Dy GS & Sh Prahalad Rai GS towards our Associations and BSNL Pensioners.

Com Sarkar also invited members of UP East circle to attend our next AIC schedule to be held at Kolkata.

Sh Pallab Bose Circle Secy. UP (East) told the house that only AIRBSNLEWA is serious for welfare of BSNL Pensioners. He reminded that when we raised the 60:40 issue, revised cabinet note, at that time not a single union/Associations was ready to join with us except Com Prahalad Rai then GS of working association AIRBSNLEA.

Sh Bose told the house that he met with CGM UPE several times and lastly he requested to Hon'ble CGM Sh Rajiv Jouhary ji to set up a vigilance enquiry against the officers who are responsible for long pending medical bills of UP(E) BSNL pensioners. He also requested the GS to raise the issue at Corporate office regarding long pending medical bills of UP East Circle.

CCA Shri Sangeet Kumar ji congratulated Circle Secretary AIRBSNLEWA for his contribution towards pensioners and wished him well for the success of the conference. He informed the house in detail about the work being done related to pensioners. Specially regarding migration of pension from CPPCs to SAMPANN, Pensioners ID card, life certificate. They will start distributing the ID cards of the pensioners from the first week of December 2022.

Life certificate would now need to be submitted to the respective CCA office. The issue of life certificate has been done in the CCA office. And for those who are unwell, the CCA office will arrange to collect their Life Certificate from concerned pensioners' house on their request.
After migration, pensioners would need to submit their savings and investment declaration to respective CCA office for the purpose of Income Tax deduction.
Sh Anil Kumar Vaish ji attended our circle conference at Hotel Babian-In Lucknow in the absence of CGM UP (E). He appreciated the concern of Circle Secretary AIRBSNLEWA for the long pending medical bills of the pensioners. In this context, he told all the members present in the conference that many people in the entire circle have been paid recently, and vigorous work is being done to pay the rest. The General Manager (HR) UP (East) Circle has also informed that UP (East) Circle has made three crore more demands from the Corporate Office for further payment.

Approx 200 executive members of our Association participated in the 3rd Circle Conference of AIRBSNLEWA UP(E) at Hotel Babian- Inn Lucknow. Election Chairman Sh R.S.Pandey TDM (retd) announced the unanmiously newly elected Circle body of of AIRBSNLEWA UP(East) Circle.

Sh S.M.Abbas, Sh Pallab Bose, Sh R.N.Singh, Sh S.S.Shukla unanmiously elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary Circle Finance Secretary & CWC member of AIRBSNLEWA UP(East)Circle for next term.

Conference ended with Vote of thanks of Circle President and National Anthem.

FOR GLIMPSES  CLICK HERE : https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAeD5W

2022

<<click for Letter>>                  <<Click for Note Sheet>> 

2022

Meeting with Sr GM Esst BSNL CO ND:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA met Sr GM Esst BSNL CO and discussed regarding pension revision of BSNL pensioners issue. Sr GM Esst mentioned that DoT should decide fitment formula for pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners and may ask BSNL and MTNL to pay Pension Contributions to DoT on revised pension .For the payment of pension Contributions on revised pension BSNL is ready to pay. Regarding fitment formula DoT may decide for Executives and the same may be extended to non executives pensioners. Sr GM Esst BSNL further clarified that BSNL is always inrested for the settlement of pension revision of BSNL pensioners.

2022

He further mentioned that how the pension revision can be considered at present since the pay scales of non executives in BSNL/MTNL are not yet decided. In turn we pleaded that there is no need of pay scales of non executives because the pension is to be revised as per the 7th CPC fitment formula, thus there is no need to further delay the pension revision on the pretext of non availability of non executives pay scales.

The financial implications are to be informed to DoE and DoP&W which has to be calculated for all the pensioners of BSNL/MTNL. We informed the Member Services that earlier also during pension revision wef 1-1-2007 the financial implications were calculated by DoT Esst cell with the concurrence of internal Finance of DoT and were communicated to DoE. On the same pattern now also DoT may calculate the financial implications on 7th CPC fitment formula. We again requested to Member Services to expedite the matter at the earliest before his retirement on 31-01-2023. Member Services assured an early action in this regard.

Meeting with Director Esst DoT:- We all the representatives of AIRBSNLEWA and RTOWA met Director Esst DoT and discussed regarding pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners. Director Esst also re-afirm the information given by the Member Services. We also re-affirm our stand on pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners on the basis of 7th CPC fitment formula.

2022

18.10.2022 Meeting with Sr GM Esst BSNL CO ND:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA met with Sr GM Esst BSNL CO and discussed regarding pension revision case wherein we Expressed our serious concern against the denial of payment of pension Contributions for revision of pension in the revised pension as informed by Member Services DoT in the meeting of BSNL/MTNL pensioners Associations held yesterday. Sr GM Esst mentioned that BSNL has never refused to DoT for the Payment of Pension Contributions on revised Pension of BSNL pensioners. He also mentioned that DoT has never asked BSNL to pay pension Contributions on revised pension. Thus it is not a correct statement of DoT. He clarified that as soon as DoT demands Payment of pension Contributions on revised pension, BSNL will immediately pay the demanded pension Contributions to DoT.

2022

As scheduled today meeting was held under the chairmanship of Member (Services). It was a pleasant, succesful meeting.

On behalf of 9 associations we presented a memorandum rejecting zero percent and insisted for 7th CPC fitment factor. That was appreciated by some other Pensioners Associations also.

Administration gave power point presentation. The benefit is 0.02% according to the presentation. BSNL is not willing to give additional contribution for Post-2017 retirees.

All Pensioners ' associations in one voice rejected zero percent.

Finally Chairman said that we will not go ahead with zero percent. But I can't right now tell what would be the percentage because we have to consult higher-ups including Hon MoC.

But delinking pension revision from pay revision is decided.

Stalemate is broken and we shall continue our efforts to achieve our objective.

We have convened a meeting tomorrow morning to widen our base beyond 9 Associations.   <<For Minutes click here>>

<< click Photo_1>>     << Click Photo_2 >>

.09.2022

Meeting with our Advocate Ms Gauri Puri:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL and Comrade Karan Singh from Rajasthan met Ms Gauri Puri our Advocate to discuss regarding pension revision court case status & Rule 206 seniority case of SDEs Telecom. Madam apprised that pension revision case has been posted for hearing on 6th October-2022 in DB PB CAT ND wherein Mr Rajshekher Rao Sr Advocate may also be present for argument. Regarding Rule 206 SDEs seniority case she informed that tomorrow the case for MTNL applicants has been listed for hearing as TC-78/ 2015 at Sl no 107. The MTNL case Judgement may come tomorrow and on that basis further BSNL case will be reviewed.

.09.2022

An online meeting of various pensioners association was convened by Shri Gangadhara Rao, GS AIRBSNLPWA under the Chairmanship of Shri Ramankutty, President, AIRBSNLPWA on 12.9.2022 to discussed about the pension revision case. 

According to the convenor, all the pensioners associations of BSNL and MTNL were invited.  AIBDPA headed by Shri K G Jayaraj has rejected the invitation to join the meeting.  BDPA headed by Shri D D Mistry and AIBSNLREA headed by Shri S Basu did not responded to the requested and not joined the meeting.

The following Associations were participated in the meeting

1.       AIBSNLPWA – represented by Shri Gangadhara Rao, GS

2.       AIRBSNLEWA – represented by Shri Prahlad Rai, GS

3.       SNPWA – represented by Shri  G L Jogi, GS

4.       DoT-BSNL Pensioners’ Assn.Kerala – headed by Hariharan Nair GS

5.       RTOWA, Delhi – represented by Shri A K Kaushik, GS

6.       RTOWA, Mumbai – represented by Shri J S Jadhav GS

7.       MPWA, Mumbai – represented by Shri Jawahar, GS

A All the leaders had actively participated in the discussion and explained and elaborated their experience while dealing with the pension revision case with DoT. 

    Shri Prahlad Rai, GS AIRBSNLEWA briefed about the initiatives taken by the AIRBSNLEWA, various meetings with PMO, MoC, Other Ministers, Hon. M.Ps, Secretary DoT, Member (S), Member (F) and all other concerned officers of DoT, and the details of the discussions held with these officers.  He  suggested to stick to the original demand of Pension Revision at par with 7^th CPC recommendations only.  In response to the suggestion of one of the participant to discuss /accept the 15% fitment on IDA instead of 7^th CPC recommendations, GS AIRBSNLEWA opined that at no circumstances we should dilute / divert our demand of pension revision at par with 7^th CPC.

    It is a fact that  CMD BSNL is playing vital role in keeping the Pay revision and Pension revision linked together for his vested interest.  However, Secretary DoT and MoC is in favour of de-linking the Pension revision from the pay revision, as the payment method of both these payments are different in all respects.

    All the participant associations was of the opinion that 0% fitment is not acceptable to any of the association, and a letter to this effect duly signed by all the participant associations be submitted to the Secretary DoT with a request to form a committee and discuss the matter with all the stake holders and decide it within one month.

   Further course of actions will be decided depending upon the response of DoT to the said letter.

.09.2022News from UP (East) Circle:  Well organized historical Meeting of AIRBSNLEWA UP(East) held at "Apollo Auditorium" Lucknow on 3rd Sept.-2022:

Circle President Shri S.M.Abbas, AGS & CS, Shri Pallab Bose and senior leaders of our Association addressed the meeting at Lucknow on 3rd Sept 2022.

The Meeting was organised in a grand manner and lasted 5 hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00PM.

Circle Finance Secy. Shri R.N. Singh requested all members to clear their all pending dues before our Circle Conference.

Shri Pallab Bose, AGS/CS, apprised in detail the organisational activities of CHQ & UP East circle and explained on the following issue viz.  Meetings with CGM UPE, PGMTD Lucknow, for payment of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners, Status of the Court cases on pension revision of BSNL pensioners, IDA increase as per 78.2 percentage basis from 1-1-2007 filed by AIRBSNLEWA in the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi and Hon'ble High Court Delhi and also the issue of Pensioners ID card & development court case against Rule 206.
 

Shri Pallab Bose apprised the house that GS of our Association Shri Prahalad Rai ji has requested to Member services DoT to consider the pension revision at par with 7th CPC recommendations, as BSNL pensioners are also drawing the pension from the Govt. of India at par with other Central Govt. Pensioners, and there shall not be different methods of pension revision for the same Central Govt. Pensioners which will be illogical and also against the natural justice.

Shri Prahalad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA thereafter made a request to consider the pension revision at par with the recommendation of 7th CPC by de-linking the pay revision at the earliest to avoid litigation on the matter.

In the interactive session Sh Pallab Bose CS replied to all the queries raised by the members to their satisfaction.

With the consent of the house, it was decided that next CC of UP East Circle will be held in the month of November 2022 at Lucknow.

Com Pallab Bose also gave detailed speech about CHQ Headquarters' activities to the house present.

After the interactive session a special session of Health awareness was conducted by a team of Eminent Doctors of Apollomedics Hospital on topics like Cardiology and Orthopedic problems.

Shri S M Abbas, President, gave a vote of thanks to all respected members present and management of Apollo Hospital. Session was
concluded with National anthem and followed by lunch.   << for glimpsclick here>>

.08.2022Status of pension revision & DoT proposal sent to DoP&W for clearance on notional pension fixation:-

AIRBSNLEWA consistent efforts yielded result in convincing the DoT Officers that to avoid pension anomalies of the BSNL pensioners who will be retiring after 1-1-2017 may draw less pension than the Pre-retired pensioners of 1-1-2017. By giving Notional Pension fixation wef 1-1-2017 and actual pension form the day of retirement. As per pension rules 37A or 37 of CCS Pension Rules 1972 or CCS Pension Rules 2021, there is rule that pension may be calculated and fixed up on the last pay drawn only. There is no provision for notional pension fixation in these rules. Thus DoT to avoid anomalies has prepared a proposal for notional pension fixation wef 1-1-2017 and has sent to DoP&W for clearance.

On 5th August-2022 GSs AIRBSNLEWA Comrade Prahlad Rai and TEAM MTNL Delhi Comrade A K Kaushik alongwith their other CHQ office bearers met Member [Finance] and Member [Services] and explained that earlier also DoT has given notional fixation on 78.2% fitment benefit wef 1-1-2007 and actual benefit from June-2013 only to the BSNL pensioners with the approval of Union Cabinet, Govt of India. Hence, now DoP&W cannot deny or disagree with the DoT proposal for notional fixation of pension. Thereafter, only the proposal was prepared on the direction of Member [Services] by Estt cell of DoT which got approval of internal Finance of DoT and Secretary Telecom and then it was sent to DoP&W for clearance.

Please recall earlier also DoT asked DoP&W for pension revision delinking with pay revision of BSNL employees and DoP&W put the queries that in what manner the pension anamoly of post retired or retiring 1-1-2017 pensioners will be sorted out. But DoT didn't reply and kept silence. DoT Estt cell continued to move the proposal for pension revision linking with pay revision of BSNL employees and the internal Finance of DoT and PSU cell continued to comment that since the revised pay scales in BSNL and MTNL have not approved by DoT than how pension revision will take place.It will follow pay revision only to avoid anomaly. Our continuous persuasion with the Hon'ble MoC through various Hon'ble MPs, Secretary Telecom, Member [Services], Member [Finance], DDG [Estt], DDG [Accounts], Director [Estt], Jt Secy PSU, Director Accounts of DoT and CMD BSNL to use his good office etc. have yielded the results that today DoT has sent the proposal for notional pension fixation wef 1-1-12017 for the post retired BSNL pensioners.

As per the information given by Member Services that DoT proposal for 100% IDA neutralization with basic pay which will come 0% fitment benefit is not acceptable to us. We have been demanding our pension revision as per 7th CPC formula for pension revision. It is our prayer also in the Hon'ble PBCAT ND.

Some Association is nearing to Victory and some Association is claiming that their efforts only could bring the matter at this stage. It's not true.

In our opinion collective efforts only could create a situation wherein DoT has agreed to fixed up pension notionally to avoid anamoly. The struggle is not completed it has to continue till the time we achieve pension revision as per the 7thCPC recommendations only.

AIRBSNLEWA will continue its efforts to ensure that the pension revision is settled as per the 7thCPC pension revision formula.

Let us unite and struggle instead of celebrations at this stage. Still a long way is there to get the approval of Union Cabinet, Govt of India.

.08.2022CWC Delhi of AIRBSNLEWA put on record the highest appreciation with respect to Late Com. Amit Gupta ji Dy. GS and Com. Darbara Singh Ji, CS Haryana Circle for their excellent contributions in forming and strengthening AIRBSNLEWA.

CWC appreciated and remembered the contributions of Late Com. Amit Gupta ji Dy. GS AIRBSNLEWA in forming and strengthening of AIBSNLEA and AIRBSNLEWA. It was because of the sincere efforts made by Late Shri Amit Gupta ji, Dy. GS AIRBSNLEWA the 60:40 ratio introducing in Rule 37-A by DoT arbitrarily in the year 2005 was withdrawn in the year 2016 with the result today, the BSNL Pensioners are getting the Pension without any hurdle. This was done by Com. Amit Gupta ji by getting the information under RTI Act and pursuing the issue through Com. Prahlad Rai, the then GS, AIBSNLEA in DoT/DPE/DoP&W at the appropriate levels and also his Excellent Contribution in finalising the OA filed in the PBCAT for the pension revision of the BSNL Pensioners. One day before of his death the OA was filed in PB CAT ND and with this development he was extremely happy & satisfied. CWC put on record that his Excellent Contributions will always be remembered by the AIBSNLEA, AIRBSNLEWA and BSNL pensioners.

CWC also remembered the contribution of Late Com. Darbara Singh of Haryana Circle, who was the Circle Secretary of AIBSNLEA & later on elected as CS, AIRBSNLEWA Haryana Circle immediately after his retirement from BSNL. He formed AIRBSNLEWA Circle body and strengthen it. His contributions in forming and strengthening AIRBSNLEWA in Haryana Circle will always be remembered.

CWC highly appreciated the contributions of both the departed Comrades Amit Gupta JI Dy. GS and Com. Darbara Singh, CS Haryana Circle. The detailed minutes of the CWC Delhi meeting will be placed in the next meeting for discussions and approval.

.08.2022

A Central Working Committee meeting of the AIRBNSLEWA was held at 10.30 hours on 6.8.2022 & 7.8.2022 at Hotel SPB 87, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Meeting commenced after hoisting the Flag of Association by Com. Kishan Singh, CHQ President & Com. Prahlad Rai, G.S., in the presence of all other CHQ office bearers,  Circle Presidents, Circle Secretaries, CWC Members. 

Com. K Jai Ram, AGS CHQ welcomed all the participants and invited President Com. Kishan Singh, Com. Prahlad Rai General Secretary, Com. A K Jain, Financial Secretary   Com. Ravindran V.P. and Com. Manas Roy, V.P.  to the Dias.

Com. Kishan Singh, President in his opening remarks, welcomed all the CHQ office bearers, Circle Presidents, Circle Secretaries and CWC members and briefed about the formation of AIRBSNLEWA and also on various activities of the association.  He also mentioned that lot of work is yet to be done by the Association, specially for the settlement of the issues like pension revision, CGHS facilities and medical re-imbursement, etc.

In his address he mentioned that, it gives him immense pleasure in welcoming all the participants in the 1^st CWC meeting at New Delhi and that too at the age of 60+ years the presence in large numbers shows the keen interest of the participants and unity for the association. 

In brief he mentioned that after his retirement in May 2007, he started contacting his retired office colleagues just to remain in touch with each other. Firstly 5-6 colleagues started to meet monthly at BSNL Corporate Office. After  few months many other retired executives also started to join them. The number of participants in the monthly meetings were increased every month. Up to September 2009 the number of members became around 50. Then they thought to make a platform so that they may take up the issues of pensioners like medical and telephone bill reimbursement, pension revision, etc with the DoT and BSNL management.

For the said purpose they then approached Com. Prahlad Rai, the then GS of AIBSNLEA, for support and guidance for formation of an association of retired executives. He suggested to form it on all India basis. He also arranged a meeting of all retired executives in our contact on 10^th March 2010 in Corporate Office Meeting Hall. This meeting was attended by more than 70 retired executives. Com. Prahlad Rai and Com. SS Nanda addressed the house and assured us to give full support to new association being formed.

Immediately an Adhoc Body was formed in which he was elected as GS, Shri ML Sharma as President and  Shri KN Mehra as Financial secretary.

Com. Prahlad Rai helped us in framing rules and regulations of association and its registration. In October 2010 documents for registration were submitted in Registrar Office and association was registered on 11^th November 2010 by the name AIRBSNLEWA.

First AIC of association was held in Nashik along with 3^rd AIC of AIBSNLEA with the help and support of Com. Prahlad Rai sincerely. 2^nd& 3^rd AICs were also held at Mysuru and Vijaywada with the active support of Com. Prahlad Rai. Up to 3^rd AIC there were 8 Circle Bodies namely Delhi, UP (E), WB, Rajasthan, Kerela, TN, AP and KTK. In 3^rd AIC at Vijaywada Com. Prahlad Rai was elected as GS, myself as President and Shri AK Jain as FS unanimously along with other CHQ Office bearers.

With the restless and sincere efforts of Com. Prahlad Rai now there are 25 Circle Bodies of AIRBSNLEWA.

He further mentioned that presently pensioners’ issues are pension revision, medical bill reimbursement, telephone bill reimbursement (for pensioners residing in Delhi and Mumbai MTNL areas). Com. Prahlad Rai is trying continuously for the last 5 years by writing letters and meeting personally with the Hon. MoC & IT, Hon. M.Ps, Secretary (T), Member (F), Member (S) in DOT, DOP & PW, Ministry of Finance etc. There is one more issue of CGHS Wellness Centres and denial for cashless treatment by empanelled hospitals.

He also mentioned that further, Com. GS will highlight his sincere efforts he has made on all the issues and further course of action to be taken by CHQ. He extended thanks to all Comrades for listening to him peacefully.

CWC Observed two minutes silence in the memory of the departed soul of Late Comrades Amit Gupta ji Dy. G.S., Darbara Singh, CS Hariyana and other departed comrades.

After self-introduction, All the circle secretaries submitted the report on the activities of the respective Circles along with the membership status, issued settled at Circle Level, Issues pending at CHQ level and requested the CHQ to vigorously pursue the pending issues with the DoT / BSNL on top priority.

During the CWC, the senior officers from BSNL Corporate office, General Secretaries of other working / pensioners association of MTNL and Advocate dealing with the Court cases of the Association were attended on invitation.

We welcomed Hon. Chief Guest Shri Saurabh Tyagi, Sr. GM (Estt.), Guest of Honour Shri S.N. Gupta, GM (Pers) BSNL Corporate office,  Com. AK Kaushik, GS MTNL RTOWA, Com.  K R Yadav, GS TEAM, MTNL New Delhi.  Ms. Gauri Puri madam, Advocate for the AIRBSNLEWA by garlanding.

Com Kishan Singh President & Com. Prahlad Rai, General Secretary welcomed the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour and other Special Guest for honouring our request and attending the meeting despite of their busy schedule.

Com. Prahlad Rai, General Secretary welcomed all the dignitaries on the dias.    He mentioned that due to Covid-19 physical meeting could not be held during last 3 years. Now, since the AIC is to be conducted, holding of CWC was essential to decide the AIC.   He mentioned that the burning issues for the BSNL pensioners are Pension Revision of BSNL Pensioners who are waiting for their pension revision w.e.f. 1.1.2017.  He stated that for the last three and half years, medical bills of BSNL pensioners are not settled and the medical claims of the working staff is being settled on monthly basis.  Pensioners are submitting the medical bills offline and working staff is submitting it online.  The issue is pending for want of funds from the BSNL Corporate office.  There are two important things for the pensioners like pension revision and medical facilities.  Both these issues are pending for the BSNL pensioners.  The pension revision is not being done due to the reason that the pay revision of the working staff is not revised.  We have been time and again insisting that the BSNL pensioners are having no role in the profit of the BSNL and anomaly if, any arising out of the Pension revision can be settled by giving notional fixation to such affected cases.  

GS informed that Shri Tyagi Sir is very kind enough to settle whatever grievances are brought to his notice and settled the same very well within the shortest possible time.  Shri Tyagi sir were pleading with the DoT for the BSNL Pensioners  and explained that there shall be anomaly in every case at every pay / pension revision and anomaly committee can be formed and such anomaly issues can be settled by the committees.

GS mentioned that it is the administrative ministry to suggest the formula to settle the anomaly to the DoP&T, but no such formula has been made by the DoT.   An administrative decision was taken by the then Secretary DoT which have compelled us to approach the court of law and  based on the decision taken in the last AIC an OA has been filed in the PBCAT.  However, due the Covid-19 pandemic, physical hearing could not be held and now regular hearing is likely to be commenced shortly.  During our service, as per the amendment of the Pension Rules, pension contribution was paid on the maximum of the pay scale to the DoT, as against the minimum of the pay scale.  Now linking the pension revision with the pay revision is not justified. 

GS also mentioned that due to the loss of BSNL, there is no pay revision taken place for the working employees and there is no scope of getting it in the near future due to the financial condition of the BSNL.  Hence, linking pension revision with pay revision of working employees is not justified and the same has been pleaded with Secretary Telecom and all the efforts are being taken administratively and politically by the Association, but there is no favourable result till date.

He also mentioned that all other retirement benefits like gratuity, leave encashment, etc has already been granted to the BSNL pensioners based on the 7^th CPC recommendation.  It was also told to the Secretary DoT that the Class IV retired from BSNL is drawing the minimum pension of Rs.3500/- as against the Rs.9000/- pension of the other Class IV employees retired from other central Govt.  Unless there is political will, we cannot get the pension revision and appealed all the other pensioners associations through out the country to pursue the case through Honourable Member of Parliaments and Ministers of their areas.

He also informed that, Member (Services), DoT, CMD BSNL, Director (HR), BSNL & G.M. (Administration) could not attend the meeting due to their other urgent works and all of them have conveyed their best wishes to the CWC.  GS demanded to make the online system for the pensioners for submission of medical / other claims at par with that of the working staff, so that their medical / other bills re-imbursement can be made available easily.   He mentioned that in order to promote the CGHS facilities and to switch over to CGHS by the BSNL Pensioners, at many places, there is no CGHS wellness centres which is the reason many of the pensioners cannot switch over to CGHS facilities and mentioned that pensioners are being treated as step motherly treatment by the BSNL Management. 

GS requested Shri Tyagi Sir and Shri Gupta Sir to pursue with the CMD BSNL to clear all the pending medical bills of BSNL pensioners and not to put the aged pensioners into trouble.

As regards the Supreme Court judgement on the 206 cases, GS mentioned that the judgement has not been implemented properly by the BSNL management and requested the BSNL management to look into the judgement and implement it in its true spirit, which the judgement delivered after fighting the case for last 30 years. 

<<Click here for Complete Report of GS AIRBSNLEWA for CWC>>

Com. K R Yadav, GS TEAM, while addressing congratulated the AIRBSNLEWA and welcomed all the dignitaries and participants.  He mentioned that the GS AIRBSNLEWA has presented the grievances very clearly and the attitude of the management is not at all fare.  Unless there is a political will and the administrative ministry get convinced, the pension revision is impossible.  The formula suggested by the GS AIRBSNLEWA and the multiple factor recommended by the 7^th CPC needs to be implemented.    He requested all the retired pensioners associations to form a co-ordination committee and go ahead with the trade union action at the BSNL corporate office / DoT Head Quarters.    He requested the BSNL officers to pursue with the Ministry to increase the CGHS wellness centres as many hospitals in Delhi are not entertaining the inward patients of CGHS beneficiaries.  He also mentioned that at this juncture unity is needed and unitedly we can fight till the issues are settled.

Com. A K Kaushik, GS MTNL RTOWA in his speech demanded Pension revision and better medical facilities.  He mentioned that after absorption in MTNL / BSNL, the pay scale of absorbees are higher than that of the DoT officers and even after retirement also, the pension of retirees of MTNL/ BSNL pensioners is higher than that of the DoT officers.  This is the reasons stating by the DoT officers to their higher level officers which is the route cause of not revising the pension.  There is a mis-concept by the BSNL / DoT / Govt that these pensioners cannot fight.  We have to change this mis-concept of the management and unitedly should fight on the streets, which will result in getting the issues settled.  In case the ‘0’ per cent fitment is done, the pension presently drawing by the BSNL Pensioners will be less than that of the pension after revision.  He mentioned that after revision of pension, the working employees pay can be upgraded notionally and fix the pension accordingly.  He mentioned that the 206 judgement has been implemented by the BSNL management very wrongly and some filed contempt got benefited properly and requested the BSNL management to study the 206 supreme court judgement and implement it in its true spirit.   He thanked GS AIRBSNLEWA for inviting him and giving the opportunity to address the meeting.

Ms. Gauri Puri, Advocate presented the status of the court cases on pension revision, DA arrears payment and Rule 206.  She mentioned that in the case of 206 cases, wonderful judgement could get from Hon. Supreme court and unfortunately the same could not be implemented properly by the BSNL management.  She mentioned that in contempt petition, the courts are not giving any direction to implement the judgement, it will only punish the culprit either by levying penalty or by imprisonment.  That is the reason Supreme court has directed to approach the PBCAT to get the direction.  She mentioned that the case is in the excellent bench and a favourable judgment in the case of MTNL 206 case which will impact the BSNL case also.

As regards the pension revision  case is concerned, the case is in the Good bench of the Principal Chairman of the PBCAT.  She mentioned that all the BSNL pensioners had opted the BSNL due to the reason that your status as Govt. servant will continue after your retirement also.  Now this is the real time, you need the same to be adhered and pension revision will take place favourably.    There are many number of Sr. Citizen matters in the PBCAT which is one of the reason for the delay. 

She further mentioned that the DA arrears case is coming up on 14.9.2022 and the matter will be heard on 14^th September 2022.  Both the cases of pension revision and DA arrears are in the last stage and expecting that the cases will be settled by the judiciary in favour of the applicants.

She had replied to all the queries of the members present in the meeting.

Shri S.N. Gupta, GM (Pers) BSNL Corporate office, Guest of Honour in his address thanked the AIRBSNLEWA for inviting to the meeting.  In his speech he mentioned that, out of the speech in the meeting, the seriousness of the 206 case has been understood and will take all the possible steps to resolve the issue and has assured to settle it with the best possible and requested all the senior citizens to take care of the health taking into the aspect that problems will be there one after the other and assured to look into the case favourably.

Shri Saurabh Tyagi, Sr. GM (Estt.), BSNL Corporate office, Hon. Chief Guest in his address thanked one and all for inviting him for the meeting. He mentioned that as far as the pensioners are concerned, BSNL management has tried its level best to settle the pension payment after mass VRS.  The pension payment has been started as much early as possible after VRS.  The sampann software is very much good.  He has agreed that in the case of Medical bills, pensioners should get preference as compared to the working employees.  The same needs to be made online which will help the BSNL management also to ascertain the liability of the payments.  He suggested that all other grievances related to submission of certificates, nominations, etc may be discussed in the meeting and brought to his notice for its consideration and settlement.

As regards the pension revision, there was no clarity on the issue whether the pension revision will be related to pay revision or not.  He mentioned that the settlement of anomaly is not the responsibility of the pensioners and the same has to be settled by the Govt.   Due to the Covid Pandemic the cases could not be pursued vigorously, but, now the case has processed and it has taken the momentum and requested us to pursue the case vigorously.  He mentioned that the pension revision of BSNL pensioners are fully justified and the anomalies will be settled as and when it arises.  He has assured that the case of Pension revision of BSNL pensioners will be submitted to the DoT along with the methods of settlement of anomalies by the BSNL management.    There is a good possibility to get the pension revision approved by the Cabinet, in case the same is proposed and submitted in details with full justification by the DoT &DoP&T.  He once again re-iterated that Pension revision is fully justified to the BSNL pensioners.

As regards the Court Cases, he mentioned that the outcome of the court case is depending upon how we present the matter to the judiciary.  Hence he requested to prepare well and present the case well so that the judgement can get in your favour, as the judgement is always based on the submissions by the parties. 

As regards the issue of reversion of officiating JTOs at the time of retirement and pension drawn on the lower scale,  Shri Tyagi Sir has mentioned that the case was filed in the court by some of the affected persons and the case has been decided in favour of BSNL. 

Shri Tyagi Sir was very much kind enough to reply to all the queries raised by the participants.

Shri Kishan Singh, President expressed vote of thanks to all the Invitees and dignitaries for attending the meeting and requested that all are getting pension, hence be tension free.

GS while summing up the report of the CSs, O.Ss, AGSs and Advisors mentioned that wherever new CGHS Wellness centres are to be opened and New Director CGHS are to be posted  details may be supplied by respective Circle Secretaries to CHQ for taking up the issue with the concerned.

GS also mentioned that every circle has potential to increase the membership, as there are en-number of retirees not member of any association.  He also mentioned that there is no harm in taking dual membership being the retired welfare association.  However, the dual office bearer ship should be avoided and the same should not be entertained.

GS assured to discuss the matter of Income Tax on the reimbursement of CGHS charges with the concerned DoT/BSNL officers and with CMD BSNL also.

GS while summing up has replied the queries raised by the Circle Secretaries and also explained the status of the issues raised by the Circle Secretaries and assured to take up all pending issues of BSNL pensioners. 

General Secretary presented the Report of the General Secretary on the activities of AIRBSNLEWA.  On discussion of the report para-by para, the following decisions have been taken:-

 1.    All the Circle Secretaries to remit the legal fund according to the strength of membership before the next AIC.

 2.    All the Circle Secretaries are requested to open the Website of the association and link the same with the CHQ Website.

 3.    It was decided to form a co-ordination committee along with MTNLRTOW at New Delhi and Mumbai.  At Delhi, GS Com. Prahlad Rai and President  Com Kishan Singh will co-ordinate and at Mumbai Com. A R Manani, Com. K P Nair and Com. Ramamurthy will co-ordinate with MNTLRTOW.

 4.    The 4^th AIC will be held at Kolkata tentatively in the month of February 2023

The report was discussed para by para and the same was unanimously approved by the CWC.

Com. A K Jain, Financial Secretary submitted the status of Accounts.

A resolution was moved by Circle Secretary, West Bengal Circle and supported by CS, UP (East) Circle, CS, Kerala Circle, CS, Maharashtra Circle, CS, Rajasthan Circle, etc. appreciating the boading and lodging arrangement made by the Host Circle at New Delhi and arranging CWC meeting in a grant manner.

Vote of thanks  was extended by Com A J Ram, CS AIRBSNLEWA, New Delhi Circle.

Com. Kishan Singh ji CHQ President declared closure of the CWC meeting, New Delhi at 17.00 hours by thundering the slogans AIRBSNLEWA Zindabad, BSNL Pensioners Unity Zindabad, BSNL/MTNL Pensioners Unity Zindabad, CWC Meet, Delhi Zindabad.

.07.2022

We tried to take appointment with Director CGHS but due to his business he advised to meet with Adl Director CGHS.

.07.2022

CMD BSNL informed that meeting continued for two hours with Hon' ble Prime Minister. On our query for second VRS in BSNL/MTNL, CMD BSNL replied that at present there is no such proposal under consideration and he will concentrate for next two years for turn around of BSNL/MTNL.

15.06.2022Meeting with Member (Services)DoT:- Comrade Prahlad Rai along with Comrade M K Bagchi, Chief Mentor and Comrade A K Kaushik, Legal advisor CHQ met with Shri Nizamul Haq, Member Services and discussed regarding pension revision of BSNL pensioners. We requested for early reply to DoT finance wing queries on pension revision issue. Also explained the justification of pension revision by de-linking from pay revision of BSNL employees. Member Services have patient hearing to our pleadings and assured to discuss the matter with the concern Officers of DoT. We extended our sincere thanks to Members Services for sparing his valuable time to understand the issue and granting the meeting. Member Services mentioned that Mr Prahlad Rai as AGM and DGM NWP CFA in BSNL CO has worked under him and he is always available to hear our issues.  <<Photo->>       <<Photo-2>>

01.06.2022 GS Writes to Secretary DoT regarding : Appointment of Consultants by various field offices of DoT, TEC, TCIL, BBNL, etc.  <<Click here for letter>>

01.06.2022

 A Special General Body meeting of All India Retired BSNL Executives Welfare Association was held on 28^th May 2022 at 15.00 hours in the Kalabrahma Auditorium, Telephone Exchange Building, Kalatalav, Kalyan West, with an Open Session.

Com. R D Pimpalkar, DS MMR-Kalyan Branch in his welcome address briefly narrated about the history of formation of AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle body.

The meeting was attended and addressed by many distinguished guests including Three Great stalwart General Secretaries of Retired employees associations, addressing the CEC by 3 GS was one of the unique and rare attraction, members got their knowledge and information updated by great informative speeches by all stalwarts, prominent personalities who attended among  the huge gathering were:

Shri Hariom Solanki, Hon’ble GMT Kalyan (Chief Guest)

Com Prahlad Rai, General Secretary AIRBSNLEWA CHQ

Com J S Yadav, General Secretary  RTOWA MTNL. Mumbai

Com S L Sonavane, General Secretary BDSCTPWA.

Com M.L. Deore, Asst General Secretary AIRBSNLEWA CHQ

Com. S  Ramamurthy, Chief Patron AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle

Com C. M Saste, Circle President  AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle

Com K P Nair, Circle Vice President AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle

Com. A R Manani, Circle Secretary AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle

Com Virendra Singh, Jt General Secretary  RTOWA MTNL Mumbai

Besides the office bearers viz. Com R D Pimpalkarjee, DS, MMR, Com Y E Saindanejee, ACS, Com T S Gajakosh, ACS, Com Ganesh Nikam  AFS  Com D.N Gharde, OS, Com S R Dinkar  DS Pune, Com. M.B.Tongale, DS Jalgaon, Com  P B Mhaske, DP, Jalgaon,  Com  P T Sonavane, VP, MMR, Com  P K Dudhal, FS, Pune, Trade unions leaders Com  Mukesh Wadhwani, District Secretary SNEA Kalyan, Com  K S Baste, District Secretary BSNLEU Kalyan, Com  Ashok Ugale District Secretary NFTE Kalyan, Com  GulshanParyani, District Secretary AIBSNLEA Kalyan were also attended the meeting.

Session started with “Deep Prajawalan” and Ganesh Vandana by distinguished guests, thereafter observing 2 minute silence in the memory of our departed comrades.  All the distinguished guest on the dias were felicitated by presenting  with Flower bouquet and Shawls.   All the leaders of other union/associations and prominent senior comrades and senior officers were also felicitated by presenting the bouquet.

Keeping alive the glorious tradition of Kalyan alive, District secretaries of SNEA, AIBSNLEA, BSNLEU and NFTE who were prominently present in the meeting had also felicitated GS AIRBSNLEWA Com Prahlad Rai  and CS AIRBSNLEWA Com A R Manani.

In the opening remarks by Circle President Com C.M Saste highlighted about the pending issues of the retired Executives’/non executives of BSNL viz. revision of pension, issued of PPOs at Circle Level, settlement of Long pending Medical Bills, revision of CGHS rates etc.

Com A R Manani CS submitted his detailed report on organizational matters of Circle Branch of AIRBSLEWA along with district-wise membership details.

He in report has elaborated about his efforts in settlement of cases of discrepancies in pension.  He also mentioned about 216 individual cases were resolved amicably by this association mainly related with CCA MH such as:  individuals Pension mismatch, EPPO not generated, corrections in EPPO particulars, Family, Spouse, nomination related issues, correction in Bank account, change of branch, DLC related, Excessive Income tax deducted, delay in Gratuity payment delay in final payment of GPD accumulations, non issue of pension slips, form 16 etc.

He also mentioned about the issues raised with CGM MH circle reg: Quarter retention behind 8 months,  pending medical claims including payment of FMA of Rs 1000 since 2019, claims pending, TA bills, Furnishing allowance, etc pending since 2018.  CS also highlighted about pending vigilance case in MH, which are still not completed even after completion of more than 2 years,  most burning issue of the present pending issue of about 212 MH  retirees belonging to ST category  who had still not received their any of retirement benefits which are held up illegally on the pretext of getting validated their Caste certificate.  He mentioned that after lot of correspondence about 12 letters at CGM and at BSNL CO level where GS had also took his efforts by meeting almost every competent level and highlighting this issue, now  after 28 months long wait, ultimately this issue is on the verge of settlement, but still we are watchful as not a single division still had released payments.  He also mentioned about issue of Identity card for pensioners which still not released by many divisions citing short of funds and short of staff.   He mentioned that during the period Association had written total about 59 letters to CCA MH,CGM MH, GM HR,CGM WTR/WTP, PGM Kalyan, PGM Nashik, GM Jalgaon, A/D CGHS & to GS AIRBSNLEWA.,

CS also briefed about various meeting held  with A/D CGHS for opening of new wellness centre at Nashik, Aurangabad and  either at Kalyan/Dombivali/Panvel.  He appreciated the efforts taken by Com M.L.Deore, for getting the CGHS wellness centre at Nasik, which finally succeeded in last year and CGHS wellness centre has also been opened at Nashik and  now waiting to get it opened at Aurangabad and Thakurli ( in between Kalyan-Dombivali).

One of the most burning issue of today for pensioners is issue of PENSION REVISION: CS requested GS to  elaborate in detail about status of this case and negotiation going on in DoT, BSNL, DPE on this matter, CS also raised issue of increase in Medical reimbursement ceiling for OPD as recently BSNL instead of increasing this ceiling  had reduced it from 15 to 12 days , Exploring the possibility of making tie up with Mediclaim insurance companies for pensioners just like recently BSNL had launched  for its working employees, that may be for all BSNL MRS card holders or even for CGHS card holders. Empanelment of more & more Hospitals under BSNL MRS and CGHS too. Inordinate delay in clearing CGHS Payment  to PVT hospitals , because of which many reputed hospitals are not coming voluntarily for empanelment, beside there is short of supply of essential routine medicines, even quality of some medicines is very poor, expiry day is very near, means may expire within days of supply to the CGHS beneficiaries.

GS BDSCTPWA Com S.L Sonavane addressed the house in his unique style, he expressed satisfaction that association under Shri Prahlad Rai is doing good things for pensioners of all castes, creeds and  has great experience of so many years behind him, he requested GS to look into one recent letter from Ministry of Personnel, public grievances & Pension DoP & Pensioners welfare letter dated 20-05-2022 for granting some facilities and financial support to welfare associations of Pensioners.  He emphasized the need of coming all Associations of Pensioners into a common forum to achieve common interest of revision of pension & pay revision etc.

Com J S Yadav GS RTOWA MTNL Mumbai has informed that Smt. Vibha Govil Mishra has taken over the charge of CCA Maharashtra & Goa who is very positive and transparent approach in attending and settling the grievances of the pensioners and advised to take benefit of her positive approach and settle all the pending issues of pensioners of Maharashtra Circle.  He mentioned that in MTNL they had brought transparency in CCA working and all complaints booked are available on portal with status report.  He expressed his happiness that BSNL & MTNL are fighting unitedly for the common cause of revision of Pension and other related matters. 

Finally eagerness of everybody was over when name of Com.Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA was announced as next speaker, under thundering applauses he started his marathon speech expressing thanks to organizers by organizing such a  grand well attended meeting of pensioners he had rarely seen, he reminded everyone with the timing of formation of BSNL in 2000 and preconditions, he narrated each and every step right from the formation of BSNL days to present BSNL, He assured to take care of all the issues raised by MH comrades through CS report.

GS Comrade Prahlad Rai spoke elaborately regarding the formation of AIRBSNLEWA  association in 2010 and thereafter association’s continuous in perusing & settlement of issues of retired employees of BSNL. With regard to issue of Pension Revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017 he explained that the latest developments are being updated to all our members through website and whatsapp messages.  He reiterated that the DOT has to accept our demands, as the Govt has already clarified that the payment of pension to retired BSNL Employees is the liability of DOT and since DOT has already implemented the 2^nd PRC recommendations by revising pension to BSNL pensioners retired between 1-10-2000 to 31-12-2006.

While interacting with the members Com Prahlad Rai clarified that:.

Once case of pension for the pensioners retired upto 31-12-2016 is settled, Govt has to accept the revision of pension for the employees retired on or after 1.1.2017 and on the basis of notional pay (as per 2^ndPRC) pension at par with the pensioners retired upto 31.12.2016 ( i.e. 50%of notional pay + fitment benefit  at  par with the pensioners retired upto 31-12-2016) he told as per 7^th CPC now  there is  PRC to settle our pension revision case, association along with other likeminded  associations is fighting this case legally at Delhi PBCAT for which we require legal funds.  Hence an appeal was made to all to contribute at least Rs.1000/- as Legal fund to fight the case to its logical end and simultaneously pressurize Govt to agree on delinking of Pension revision of retired employees with  grant of Pay fixation of working employees, there should not be any affordability clause for retired employees as BSNL had already paid the pension contribution on highest of pay scale to the Govt..

Regarding payment of pending medical bills and other TA related bills by BSNL he  assured that, he will strongly pursue the cases of  payments by Ministry of Health to CGHS-Empanelled hospitals, revision of CGHS rates etc, vigorously with the senior officers of  health ministry

Com.  Prahlad Rai praised the efforts of AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle in settlement of cases of pension discrepancies and other related matters. He appealed all the members for increasing the membership and supporting the CHQ by raising funds for legal expenses for the pending court cases. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to MH Circle of AIRBSNLEWA for inviting him and conducting the function in a befitting manner.

Finally Chief guest Hon’ble GMT Kalyan Shri Hariom Solanki, praised the AIRBSNLEWA MH Circle for its efforts in welfare of retired employees of BSNL. He told that he never kept any retired employee or members of Association waiting in front of his office and always ready to meet them at any point of time. He expressed his readiness to solve our pending issues at the earliest. He mentioned how the issues given by association through its CS were resolved immediately, even service book of 6 employees has been brought back from CCA and their pay will be fixed now as per new guidelines. Regarding ID card he told already his AGM Admn applied for advance to get ID cards printed at SSA level in phased manner. He asked help from retired employees to  support BSNL by becoming its channel partner, DSA, franchisee and brand ambassador and to increase its revenue. 

The meeting ended at 1900 hours with vote of thanks by Com. S Rama Murthy followed by singing of National Anthem

<<CLICK HERE FOR GLIMPLSES>>

21.05.2022

(b) Payment of pension to BSNL pensioners through SAMPAN software. We extended thanks for bringing all the BSNL pensioners under SAMPAN for pension payments but explained some difficulties in completing KYP demanded by respective CCAs to verify the details. It has become difficult for all the senior Citizens to visit CCA offices to long distances. We explained that since all the required information are available in the PPO book then why this exercise is being done again. Member Finance DoT explained that it  a very good software through which 95000 VRS optees retirement benefits were immediately paid and pension payments were made by next month itself. Now all the pensioners are being brought under this software for pension payments. Regarding difficulties being faced by pensioners in its implementation he will find out the status and will try to ease the system so that pensioners need not to run the CCA offices. He assured an early action in this regard.

20.05.2022 GS writes to CMD BSNL regarding Payment of pending medical Claims/ FMA of Rs 1000 PM against BSNL MRS without Voucher option / LTC/Transfer TA/Furnishing allowance /Messing allowance/Per Diem Allowance to BSNL Pensioners lying pending since 2018.  <<click here for letter>>

14.05.2022 

<<CLICK HERE FOR LETTER COPY>>

<< click here for Forwarding letter of Hon. M.P. to PM>>

<<click here for photo >>

13.05.2022

Hon'ble Shri Neelkanth Tiwary ji PRO/MLA Uttar Pradesh assembly has given a positive response and has assured for affirmative action.

We are thankful to Respected Shri Neelkanth Tiwary ji for his positive response.

 <<CLICK HERE FOR LETTER COPY>>   

 <<click here for photo - 1>>    << click here for photo - 2 >>

05.05.2022 Payment of pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Sr GM Budget BSNL CO New Delhi regarding payment of pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners and requested for early payment. Sr GM Budget BSNL CO Shri P C Bhatt Ji mentioned that as per the assurances given by CMD BSNL to our Association Rs 65 Crores were released in the month of March-2022 on this account and the pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners upto December- 2019 have been cleared. At present funds collections are not that much, thus immediately funds cannot be released. However efforts will be made to release some funds in the month of August or September-2022.The present liability towards pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners is about Rs 350/- Crores. He appreciated our concern and assured to release some funds in case funds position permits.

05.05.2022 Discussions with Member(Finance) DOT on the issue of Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Member (Finance), DoT regarding Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners and requested for its early settlement. Shri Dilip Padhey Ji, Member Finance DoT informed that recently DoT Establishment cell has sent four proposals in the Finance wing of DoT which are being examined by internal Finance of DoT. He assured that within one or two weeks the proposals will be examined and cleared. He gave a positive assurance in this regard and further assured that he will immediately inform us after its clearance. Comrade GS extended sincere gratitude and thanks to Member (Finance), DoT for his positive attitude and response towards the settlement of this important long pending issue.

16.04.2022 AIRBSNLEWA, Jaipur Rajasthan circle meeting held on 16th April-2022:- AIRBSNLEWA Jaipur, Rajasthan Circle Get together programme was arranged on 16th April 2022 at Jaipur in Vimal Villas, Jaipur. Comrade T R Nanda District President welcomed the guests on dias and esteemed members. Comrade K K Barser, District Secretary in his address apprised the local problems mainly non payment of medical claims of BSNL pensioners by BSNL and pension revision case etc. He assured to increase the members. Comrade M L Ostwal CS Rajasthan Circle in his address explained the status of Organisational activities and assoured to open New branches at all District Headquarters. Comrade D K Kalyan Sr Vice President empress upon increasing organisational activities since the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed. Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA in his address explained the status of the All India level issues e.g. reimbursement of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners, Problems being faced by BSNL pensioners in CGHS health centres and their settlement through Association. The Court case on pension revision of BSNL pensioners and the efforts through administrative/ ministerial channel for its settlement etc. He advised CS to open branches at all the District Headquarters before AIC. Comrade K G Arora, Circle President assured to to strengthen the organisation in Rajasthan Circle. During interactive session Comrade GS replied all the quarries raised by the members to their satisfaction. Comrade D K Kalyan, Sr Vice President extended Vote of thanks. The meeting was arranged in a Nice manner. Lunch followed.

13.04.2022 Extended CEC Meeting of AIRBSNLEWA UP(East) held at Lucknow on 13th April-2022:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS and Comrade Pallab Bose AGS &CS attended and address the Extended Circle Executive Committee Meeting of AIRBSNLEWA UP East circle at Lucknow on 13th April-2022 organised in Apollo Hospital Auditorium, Lucknow. The CEC Meeting was organised in a grand manner. Comrade Abbash Circle President welcomed all the members and guests on the dias. Comrade GS Prahlad Rai was welcomed and felicitated on the occasion. Comrade Pallab Bose AGS/CS apprised in detail the organisational activities of UP East circle and discussed the problems being faced by the members due to non payment of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners, non empanelment of important hospitals of Lucknow under CGHS and revision of pension of BSNL pensioners etc. Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA in his address explained the status of the Court cases on pension revision of BSNL pensioners, IDA increase as per 78.2 percentage basis from 1-1-2007 filed by AIRBSNLEWA in the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi and Hon'ble High Court Delhi. He apprised that pension revision case in PBCAT New Delhi has been listed for hearing on 19th May-2022 and 78.2 fitment benefit case Writ Petition on 12-5-2022. Since the physical hearings have started, We may expect hearings on these dates. He explained that despite the assurances given by CMD BSNL the required funds have not been released by BSNL CO to clear long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners. We will further discuss the matter with CMD BSNL and Director HR BSNL Board New Delhi to settle the long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners. He assured to discuss the matter of granting notional increment to the employees who completed one year service on the day of their retirement as the Judgement of Hon'ble High Court in our CWC meeting for taking further legal course of action. He requested to propose for conducting CWC meeting or AIC at Lucknow etc. In the interactive session comrade GS replied all the quarries raised by the members to their satisfaction. He appreciated the functioning of UP East circle and advised to enroll more members. After the interactive session a special session of medical awareness was conducted by the team of Eminent Doctors of Apollo Hospital on Cardiology and Orthopaedic problems. The veteran members of the age of 75-Years were felicitated by the CEC Meeting. The Auditorium and food arrangements were sponsored by the Apolo Hospital, Lucknow. The Auditorium was jam packed. CHQ congratulate the UP Circle for the successful CEC Meeting.    <<<click here for glimpses >>>

23.03.2022

All the CHQ Office Bearers, Advisors, Circle Secretaries,  Circle Presidents & CWC members are requested to attend the meeting

<< click here for the notice >>

12.03.2022

Com. Prahlad Rai, GS AIRBENLEWA addressed the Open Session of AIBSNLEA on 12th March 2022 at RGM TTC, Chennai on the eve of its 7th AIC. Shri Shanmugham, Hon. MP was the Chief Guest.

As Chairman of AIBSNLEA, he welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and other prominent Trade union leader for the Open Session. As GS AIRBSNLEWA, he has expressed his gratitude to GS & President of AIBSNLEA for inviting him as GS AIRBSNLEWA for the open session of the 7th AIC of AIBSNLEA and giving him an opportunity to address the gathering.

He has explained how the BSNL was killed by the management in a calculated way slowly slowly put in losses. He mentioned that the present financial condition of the BSNL is not due to any lapse on the part of its employees, but is due to the wrong policies of the Govt. of India and the failure on the part of the BSNL management.

In the year of 2004-05 BSNL had made a profit of more than 10000 crores and the strength of the employees were more than 3 to 3.25 lakhs. Slowly the profit was reduced and in the year of 2008-09 it came to 400 crores and subsequently it started making losses. BSNL was being paid ADC charges of 4000 to 5000 crores as compensation towards the service rendered in the rural areas on reduced rental. But, later, on the basis of the recommendation of the TRAI, Govt. of India stopped paying the ADC charges and BSNL was forced to continue to serve the rural areas with reduced rental.

It is evident from the fact that after introduction of revival package and VRS of about 78600 employees, the financial position has not been improved which clearly indicates that the employees are not responsible for the loss of BSNL. Even now, the salaries are not paid in time to the remaining employees. Only VRS has been implemented and other assurances of revival package like 4G, Land monetization, etc has not been given inspite of the lapse of 2 and half years after announcing the revival package. He has also detailed about the land and properties arbitrarily taken over by the DoT from the BSNL. He also mentioned that at the time of formation of BSNL, assets and liabilities were given and only assets are being taken over by the DoT and liabilities are left to the BSNL and its employees.

As per the recommendation the pay of BSNL employees are to be revised, whereas on the pretext of loss, the pay revision and arbitrarily stopped by the Govt. and the pension revision of the retired pensioners are also held up.

He mentioned that AIRBSNLEWA is fighting the pension revision in the court of law against the pension revision, as 5 years had already been passed from the date of last pension revision. The pension revision was due as on 1.1.2017 on completion of 10 years and the same has not been done by linking the pension revision of the retired pensioners with the pay revision of the working employees.

He also mentioned about the recent meeting he had with Secretary Telecom, wherein he has submitted a memorandum citing the detailed report with full justification for the pension revision and the indifferent attitude of DoT Officers dealing with the cases. He also mentioned that the BSNL pensioners are drawing the pension from the consolidated fund of Govt. of India and the pension contribution of these pensioners have already been paid on the maximum of the scale as against the minimum of the scale, as per the provision of Rule 37-A of pension Rules 1972.

He mentioned that the pension revision of BSNL pensioners and the pay revision of the BSNL employees have no relation whatsoever in so far as the combined service of BSNL pensioners are concerned, since these pensioners have no role in the financial status of the BSNL, since they do not and cannot contribute to the financial growth of BSNL. He mentioned that it is a conspiracy against the BSNL employees those who have retired and those who are retiring by the DoT officers.

He also mentioned that the employees of BSNL are at the execution level and the policy decisions are being taken by the ITS officers arbitrarily occupied the posts in the BSNL without owning any responsibility of the organization. But, these ITS officers working on deputation in BSNL are enjoying all the benefits of 7th CPC.

He also stated that after the pension revision, the minimum pension of a Group D employees retired from Govt. service is Rs.9000/-, whereas, the minimum pension of a Group D employee retired from BSNL is Rs.3500/-, due to non-implementation of pension revision of BSNL pensioners.

He also mentioned about an another long pending issue of BSNL pensioners where, as per the order of DPE regarding 78.2% IDA fitment benefits is due to BSNL pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2007. but, it has been paid to the BSNL pensioners from June 2013 onwards only.

He also pointed out that BSNL pensioners are getting notice under section 154 of Income Tax Act, 1961 from Income Tax department having combined service in DoT and BSNL for the leave encashment payment received by the against the leave earned during their service in DoT period.

He also mentioned that E1A and E2A pay scale has been arbitrarily downgraded in BSNL to E1 and E2, whereas in MTNL equivalent cadre employees are getting E2 and E3. He also mentioned that 30% superannuation benefits should be given to the Director Recruit JTOs and JAOs of BSNL, whereas as per the 2nd PRC recommendation, it is not available. He also mentioned that after 2nd PRC 2007 and 2010 batch parallel recruited JAOs pay scale is 10000 less than that of the others. This was not settled intentionally which shows the attitude of the BSNL management. Now, there is no promotions happening and our executives are being de-motivated in all levels by the BSNL management.

He also mentioned that agreement is being signed by the unions and associations with BSNL management and pensioners have not signed any agreement and why the pensioners should suffer. The medical bills of BSNL pensioners are pending for more than 3 years for re-imbursement. CGHS are not available in all the cities.

He appealed the serving unions and associations to extend their support and help in resolving the heart burning issues of BSNL pensioners who are all senior citizens. He also mentioned that we pensioners have worked together with all of you and requested to understand the problems and difficulties faced by the pensioners and support to resolve the same.

He extended all sorts of support to the associations and unions for any call given for the viability of BSNL and assured their personal presence at any given time.

He thanked one and all for patient hearing and wished the AIC of AIBSNLEA become a great success.

08.03.2022  Meeting of AIRBSNLEWA with Secretary( Telecom ):- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS, Comrade Kishan Singh Ji,  President CHQ and Comrade  A J Ram, CS Delhi Circle met Secretary DoT and while submitting the Memorandum discussed the following;-

Pension revision of BSNL pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2017. While welcoming the Secretary Telecom, we discussed the memorandum in detail mainly the pension revision of BSNL pensioners with effect from 1.1.2017. we explained that before 1.10.2000, we were DoT employees and after formation of BSNL w.e.f. 1.10.2000, we exercised our option for absorption in BSNL with the assurance of Govt. of India for the Government pension after incorporating the 37-A in the CCS Pension Rules 1972. Accordingly BSNL pensioners are drawing pension from DoT/ consolidated fund of Govt. of India. Earlier, the Pension revision of BSNL pensioners was done wef 01-01-2007 and was further due for revision w.e.f. 1.1.2017 after 10 years. Whereas the counterpart pensioners of DoT, are getting revised pension as per 7th CPC w.e.f. 1.1.2016 after 10 years from 1.1.2006. But for BSNL pensioners, the pension has not been revised even after 15 years on the pretext of non-revision of Pay of the working employees of BSNL due to its continuous loss making.

We further explained to Secretary Telecom that we BSNL pensioners are not playing any role in the profit and loss of BSNL.  Our pension contribution has already been paid to the DoT on the maximum of pay scale during our services, as per Rule 37-A CCS Pension Rule 1972 provisions.  Thus, the linking of Pension revision of retired persons with the pay revision of working employees is not at all justified.   It is experienced that some DoT officers dealing with the pension revision issue are quite indifferent with the absorbed employees of BSNL and with their over jealous attitude, they are linking pension revision with pay revision to avoid the revision and settle their score with the absorbed employees of BSNL.  Whereas these DoT officers are serving in BSNL /MTNL on deputation and are enjoying the pay revision with all other benefits of 7^th CPC at par with their counter parts in the DoT and they are also enjoying revised pension  after their retirement from BSNL as per 7^th CPC.  We further explained that a group ‘D’ employees of BSNL is drawing Rs.3500/- per month pension after their retirement from BSNL, whereas a group ‘D’ retired from  DoT  is drawing Rs.9000/- per month pension.  But this fact has never been appreciated by the establishment section of DoT.   We also explained that 9 recommendations of the 7^th CPC has already been implemented for the BSNL pensioners by the DoT, except the Pension revision of BSNL pensioners on flimsy ground.

We also discussed about payment of arrears of 78.2% IDA fitment benefit w.e.f. 1.1.2007 instead of June 2013 as per DPE order to BSNL Pensioners &  also regarding the notices  under section 154 of Income Tax Act, 1961  being received by many BSNL pensioners from Income Tax department having combined service in DoT and BSNL for payment of income tax for the leave encashment received for the service rendered in DoT.

The Secretary Telecom patiently heard our submissions and after some discussions on the above issues assured that he will get it examined shortly.

We extended our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Secretary Telecom for giving us a patient hearing for more than half an hour and his kind consideration and  for the assurance for examining issues raised by us.

<<click here for memorandum>>                     <<click for photo>>

08.03.2022 AIRBSNLEWA meeting with Member (Finance) DoT :- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS, Comrade Kishan Singh Ji, President CHQ and Comrade A J Ram, CS Delhi Circle met with Member Finance DoT and discussed the Memorandum submitted to the Secretary DoT. We apprised him in detail our discussions with Secretary Telecom and his concern to understand the matter mainly regarding the pension revision of BSNL pensioners wef 01-01-2017.

We also discussed about payment of arrears of 78.2% IDA fitment benefit w.e.f. 1.1.2007 instead of June 2013 as per DPE order to BSNL Pensioners and  also regarding the notices  under section 154 of Income Tax Act, 1961  being received by many BSNL pensioners from Income Tax department having combined service in DoT and BSNL for payment of income tax for the leave encashment received for the service rendered in DoT.

The Member Finance DoT patiently heard our submissions and after some discussions on the above issues assured that he is aware of the issues and will certainly discuss at the appropriate level and time.
We extended our sincere thanks to the Member Finance DoT for giving us a patient hearing and positive response .

25.02.2022Meeting with our Advocate Ms Gauri Puri at New Delhi on 22nd February-2022:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA met and discussed with Ms Gauri Puri our Advocate at New Delhi on 22nd February 2022.(a) Regarding Pension Revision case we requested to our Advocate for making efforts for early listing of the case. Advocate explained that I virtual hearings only 7-8 cases are being heard in a day and listing of the case is being done in the Registrar Office where no body can influence. Now the physical hearings are expected shortly then only we may expect our case hearing. (b) Regarding DA arrear court case in the Hon'ble High Court Delhi the rejoinder has been filed by DoT. Now the case has been posted for hearing on 28-02-2022 (c) Income tax department notices for TDS deduction on Leave Encashment amount of DoT period was discussed and after detailed discussions our Advocate suggested that the individuals should first try through administrative channel thereafter they may go for appeal in the Income tax Tribunal locally. Even after the matter is not resolved then Association may file Writ Petition in the Hon'ble High Court Delhi seeking All India relief.

24.02.2022Meeting with Member Finance DoT:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA met Member Finance DoT and discussed regarding Pension Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners. Member Finance DoT mentioned that matter is under consideration to DoT but final view is yet to be taken.

.02.2022

(b) Reimbursement of CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure:- We extended sincere thanks to CMD BSNL for releasing orders to clear all the claims of reimbursement of CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure within one month time for those BSNL pensioners who have opted for CGHS facility by 31-03-2022.

 21.02.2022Meeting with Sr GM Esst BSNL CO New Delhi:- Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Sr GM Esst. BSNL CO New Delhi regarding Pension Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners. Sr GM ESST. BSNL CO informed that DoT has conducted some internal meetings on this issue for its resolution and try to evolve some formula on this account but matter can be resolved only with the willingness of senior level administration.

14.02.2022Reimbursement of CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with GM Admn BSNL CO ND regarding reimbursement of CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure on early basis:-GM Admn BSNL CO ND informed that matter has been discussed with CMD BSNL and he has directed to issue an order that BSNL pensioners may apply for CGHS facility by 31-03-2022 and their parents will be reimbursed within one month time. The necessary order in this regard will be issued today itself. Thus BSNL pensioners should switch over to CGHS immediately and their reimbursement of CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners is ensured within one month time. Earlier also CMD BSNL assured that CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure will be cleared on priority and he fulfilled his commitment.

17.01.2022GS writes to Secretary DoT, New Delhi regarding revision of pension of BSNL Retirees as per the provision of CCS Pension Rules 2021.  <<<click here for letter  >>>

17.12.2021

(a) Settlement of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners:- We expressed our serious concern  against the non payment of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners for the last three  years.CMD BSNL appreciated our concern and assured that in this Financial year all the pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners will be cleared. He also mentioned that the problem is genuine but due to shortage of funds the medical claims of BSNL pensioners couldn't be cleared.

(b) Pension Revision of BSNL pensioners:- We requested CMD BSNL to use his good office in the Settlement of pension revision of BSNL pensioners by explaining to Secretary DoT and Hon'ble MOC. CMD BSNL mentioned that matter is under consideration in DoT but we people should also convince the DoT administration and Hon'ble MOC.  

Meeting with Sr GM Budget BSNL CO:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Sr. GM Budget BSNL CO regarding Payment of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners. We expressed our concern against the non payment of medical claims of BSNL pensioners for the last three  years where as the medical claims of BSNL employees are being paid regularly. Sr. GM Budget confirmed  and mentioned that about Rs 200/- Crores liability is there in this regard and at present the funds collection condition is  not good but in the month of March-2022 revenue collection will be more and funds will be allotted on this account thus all the pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners will be cleared.              

Meeting with Sr. GM Estt. BSNL CO New Delhi:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Sr. GM Estt. BSNL CO regarding

(1) Notional increment benefit to the employees who retired on superannuation on 31st May as per the Judgement of Hon'ble Supreme court. Sr. GM Estt. BSNL CO further mentioned that DoP&T  has already clarified that the  Hon'ble Supreme court judgement is applicable only for the individual and can't be generalized. Against this DoP&T order many employees have further filed the SLP in the Hon'ble Supreme court and after the outcome of the court case it may be generalized.

(2) Pay fixation to officiating JTOs under FR 22(1) a (i) in all the Circles:- We requested Sr. GM Esst. BSNL CO for issuing a general order for the implementation of FR 22 (1) a(i) in the Circles. Sr. GM Esst. BSNL CO mentioned that some Offg. JTOs of Kerala circle has filed SLP in the Hon'ble Supreme court on this issue and after the out of the Judgement of Hon'ble Supreme court the decision will be taken in this regard. Regarding recovery of offg JTOs due to BSNL CO pay fixation order,  Sr. GM Estt. BSNL mentioned that Head of the Circle are empowered to wave of the recovery of circle cadres. The matter may be taken up with the concern CGMs.                    

Meeting with Member Finance DoT:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA along with Comrade Kishan Singh Ji, President and Comrade A K Jain FS met Member Finance DoT and Felicitated him assuming   the high office of Member Finance DoT.

(1) We requested him to help the BSNL pensioners for their pension revision case. We explained the justification for the pension revision of BSNL pensioners by delinking from pay revision of BSNL employees. Member Finance DoT after some discussions assoured that he will discuss the matter with Member  Services DoT for the settlement of this issue.

(2)   Portability of  PPO from one Circle to another Circle after change of station on retirement.  We requested Member Finance DoT to consider the request for allowing portability of PPO from one Circle to another Circle on change of station on retirement. Member Finance DoT mentioned that matter is under consideration and one time option will be given to such pensioners. This decision may take two or three months  time.                             

Meeting with DDG Esst. DoT:-  Comrade GS, President and FS AIRBSNLEWA CHQ met DDG Estt.  DoT and discussed regarding Pension Revision  of BSNL pensioners:- We explained to DDG Estt. DoT the justification of pension revision of BSNL pensioners by delinking from pay revision of BSNL employees. DDG Estt. DoT mentioned regarding anomaly in the  pension of post retiring employees after 1-1-2017 in case it is implemented without the pay revision of BSNL employees. We explained that we have already provided the formula to avoid pension anomaly. DDG Estt. DoT advised us to further submit the proposal. We will further provide the proposal.                               

Meeting with DDG PM DoT:- Comrade GS,  President and FS AIRBSNLEWA CHQ met DDG PM DoT and discussed regarding Pension Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners:- DDG PM informed that matter is under consideration to Secretary DoT. Already one meeting in this regard has taken place and further meeting will be held shortly to discuss the matter for its solution.

16.12.2021

(1) Settlement of long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners:- We expressed our concern against the non payment of long pending  medical claims of BSNL pensioners and requested for early payment of pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners. Director HR advised to discuss the matter with CMD BSNL.

(2) Pension Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners:- We requested Director HR for using his good office in the Settlement of pension revision of BSNL pensioners in DoT. Director HR informed that DoT administration is discussing the matter and trying to evolve the method for pension revision. The pension revision from IDA to CDA pay scale is being discussed in DoT wef 1-1-2016 .                     

Meeting with PGM Pers. BSNL CO:- Implementation of Rule 206 as per the Hon'ble Supreme court judgement for SDEs seniority:-We requested to PGM Pers for the correct implementation of Rule 206 as per the Judgement of Hon'ble Supreme court for SDEs seniority. PGM Pers. BSNL CO mentioned that BSNL CO has contacted review DPCs and re-casted the  SDEs seniority .We explained that re-casted SDE seniority is not in the true sprite of Hon'ble Supreme court judgement.

.12.2021

OAs were listed for Final Hearing at Sl. No. 33 & 34 but could not reach upto Hearing stage. Our OAs could not be taken up to start Hearing due to paucity of time and adjourned to 08/02/2022.

06.10.2021

click here for glimpses    <<Photo-1>>   <<Photo-2 >>   <<Photo-3>>

<<Photo-4>>    <<Photo-5>>      <<Photo-6>>     <<Photo-7>>   

08.09.2021

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA alongwith Com A G Ramji CS Delhi Circle and Comrade Mishraji CP Gujarat circle met with Sr GM Estt BSNL CO New Delhi and discussed regarding

(a) FR 22 (1) a (i) pay fixation to officiating JTOs and recovery:-

We expressed our concern against the recovery being made by Gujarat circle of Officiating JTOs against the FR 22(1) a(i) pay fixation on their regular promotion. Sr GM Estt after some discussions mentioned that no instructions have been issued from BSNL CO New Delhi for any recovery. However such case can be taken up in BSNL CO for clarification. We advise our CP Gujarat circle for sending a letter by enumerating the facts.

(b) Notional increment benefit to the employees who retired on superannuation on 31st July on completion of 365 days service.

Sr GM Esst BSNL CO New Delhi informed that DoP&T has already clarified that no benefit of one increment will be granted in such cases. The court judgement on this issue has been implemented for an individual case but not generalise. Thus the matter can be taken up with DoP&T for clarification .

08.09.2021

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA alongwith Comrade AJ Ram CS DELHI CIRCLE met with CGM NTR ND and requested to clear the pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners by creating liability .CGM NTR mentioned that due to non receipt of funds from BSNL CO the pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners couldn't be cleared. He assured to ensure immediate creation of liability for pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners.

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA alongwith Com A G Ramji CS Delhi Circle and Comrade Mishraji CP Gujarat circle and discussed with GM Admn. BSNL CO ND regarding issuing instructions to clear the medical claims of BSNL pensioners during the first Covid-19 pandemic situation like the instructions issued during 2nd wave of Covid-19 pandemic situation.... GM Admn BSNL CO ND

06.08.2021

 (a) Payment of pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners:- we expressed our serious concern against the non payment of medical claims of BSNL pensioners for the last two years and requested to release funds to settle the long pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners .As the medical claims of BSNL employees are being cleared regularly. CMD mentioned that about 70 Carores were released on this account.We clarified that this amount was paid to clear the dues of empenalled hospitals and the pending online medical claims of BSNL pensioners retired on VRS 2019 scheme but the other offline payment of pensioners are still pending. CMD appreciated our concern and assured to look into the matter to release some funds on this account.

(b) Medical health insurance scheme for BSNL pensioners also;- We requested CMD BSNL to consider the medical health scheme for BSNL pensioners also. CMD mentioned that the premium for BSNL pensioners will be high and how the premium will be paid.we clarified that scheme will be optional and optees will make the payment through online. After some discussions CMD assured that he will direct BSNL CO concern officers team to negotiate with the insurance company and finalise a medical insurance scheme for BSNL pensioners also. (c) Reimbursement of BSNL pensioners residential telephone bills of Delhi and Mumbai area;- we requested to direct the concern officers of BSNL to settle the pending telephone bills of Delhi and Mumbai area. CMD BSNL assured to look into the matter. (d)Rejoinder submitted by BSNL and on pension revision case in the PBCAT New Delhi:- We requested CMD BSNL to kindly clarify the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi that pension contributions of BSNL employees has been paid on the maximum of the pay scale.Now DoT has to revise the pension. CMD was non committal on this issue.

06.08.2021Meeting with Director (HR) BSNL Board- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA along with Com A.G. Ram, CS AIRBSNLEA  Delhi Circle met Director (HR) BSNL Board New Delhi and discussed regarding 

(a) Non- Payment of Medical claims of BSNL Pensioners:- We expressed our serious  concern against the non-payment  of long pending medical claims of BSNL Pensioners whereas the BSNL serving employees medical claims are being cleared regularly.  Director (HR) appreciated our concern and during discussions we mentioned that even the Income Tax  is being deducted against the non- paid medical claims and shown as income in the Form 26 AS. Director (HR) mentioned that  he will discuss the matter with the concern officers  in BSNL C.O. and will ensure that the medical claims are uploaded online by BSNL Pensioners like BSNL employees and their medical claims are paid online regularly along with the BSNL employees medical claims. He assured that he will discuss the matter with Director (F) to clear the pending medical claims by releasing funds on this accounts.

(b) Health Insurance policy for BSNL Pensioner: - We appreciated the decision of BSNL Management for a bringing Health Insurance policy for BSNL employees and requested to bring the similar policy for the BSNL Pensioners also. Director (HR) appreciated our concern and explained some difficulties in bringing this policy for BSNL Pensioners due to payment   of Premium amount and its mechanism etc. we clarified that decided premium will be paid to BSNL by the pensioners who opt this policy and BSNL will remit to Insurance Company. This policy will be optional only. Director (HR) assured that a Committee will be formed to negotiate with the Insurance Company and to have discussions with BSNL Pensioners Associations. This actions will be taken shortly. We extended our sincere thanks for his kind consideration.

06.08.2021 Meeting with our Advocate to discuss the court Cases - Comrade Prahlad Rai  GS AIRBSNLEWA along with Com G.L. Jogi GS SNPWA, Com Sebastin  GS SNEA, Com M.K. Bagchi, President RTWOA (MTNL) Com. S.S. Nanda  GS RTOWA (MTNL) and Com A.K. Kaushik our legal advisor met with  Mr. Rajshekhar Rao and Ms. Gauri Puri our counselors to discuss  the pension revision Court case and other pending court cases- They apprised that pension revision Case for BSNL is coming on hearing on 9^th August 2021 wherein BSNL’s rejoinder to detach may be decide and it will be linked  with MTNL case to be heard jointly on 22^nd October 2021. Mr. Rajshekhar Rao mentioned that due to Covid -19 , Pandemic  situation the virtual hearings  are taking place and these cases may be properly heard in the  physical hearings only.

Rule- 206 Contempt Case:-    our Advocate apprised that against the mis- interpretation of Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgement on Rules 206 contempt case has been filled in the Hon’ble Supreme Court where in the notices have been issued but the urgent cases are only being heard at present . However, effects are being made for early hearing on contempt petition.

78.2% IDA fitment Benefit w.e.f. 1.1.2007 instead of 1.6.2013 to BSNL Pensioners: - The writ petition filed by AIRBSNLEWA in the Hon’ble High Court Delhi against the Hon’ble PB CAT ND Judgement   is being heard on 10^th August 2021 and may be further posted for next date.

06.08.2021Meeting with GM (SR) and GM (Admin) BSNL CO New Delhi - Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA met on courtesy call to the New GM (SR) and GM (Admin) and discussed the pending issues of BSNL Pensioners i.e. non-settlement of long pending medical claims, revalidation of BSNL MRS Card and extension of its date, introduction Health insurance policy for BSNL Pensioners etc.  They assured to look into the pending matters.

22.07.2021

a. Regarding permission to join another CPSE on contractual basis after retiring Voluntarily under BSNL VRS-2019. <<letter>>

b. Regarding corrections in the BSNL MRS declaration form<<letter>>

15.06.2021

a.Payment of pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners-reg<<letter>>

b.Health Insurance for BSNL Serving and Retired Employees- Reg <<letter>>

 17.05.2021Status of court cases-

a.O.A 1271/2020- Retired Telecom Officers' Welfare Association vs. UOI & Ors:

Principal Bench CAT issued notice dated 27.04.2021 , wherein the captioned matters stand adjourned to 15.06.2021. In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Ld. CAT is hearing matters which are urgent, and both the parties have given their willingness. Pleadings in the MTNL matter are yet to be completed and in so far as BSNL is concerned, the MA for deletion of BSNL is yet to be decided. Therefore, there is no urgency in the matters and the request for hearing may not be accepted. We will wait for the hearing on 15.06.2021 to decide the further course of action.

b.WP (C)- 13202/2019- All India Retired BSNL Executives Welfare Association Vs Union of India & Ors.

The captioned matter is listed on 27.05.2021.However, in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases, the High Court of Delhi has issued a circular dated 15.05.2021 wherein, matters of the year 2020 and previous years have been adjourned en bloc on the dates notified and only extremely urgent matters filed in the year 2021 are being taken up by the Court. Accordingly, the captioned matter stands adjourned to 10.08.2021.

18.03.2021 Status of court cases-O.A 1271/2020- Retired Telecom Officers' Welfare Association vs. UOI & Ors.:The captioned matters were listed today as Item No. 9 & 10 at 02.30 PM before the Hon'ble Member Ms. Aradhana Johri through virtual hearing at the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi.

Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate appeared on the behalf of the Applicants. Mr. Manjeet Singh Reen appeared for the Respondents No. 1, 3 & 4 and Mr. Mohd. Faizal appeared for the MTNL i.e. Respondent No. 2. Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate apprised the Hon'ble Tribunal that the Rejoinder has been filed to the Counter Affidavit of Respondent no. 1,3 & 4. Counsel for the Respondent affirmed service of the same. Counsel for the Respondent No. 2 (MTNL) sought some time to file the Counter Affidavit. On this, the Hon'ble Tribunal gives two weeks time to the Respondent No. 2 to file Reply and  2 weeks time thereafter to the Applicants to file their Rejoinder. Accordingly, the matter stands adjourned to 18.05.2021.

Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate appeared on the behalf of the Applicants. Mr. R. K Sharma appeared for the Respondents No. 1, 3 & 4. Mr. R V Sinha appeared for the Respondent No.2 (BSNL).

Mr. R.V Sinha apprised the Hon'ble Tribunal that MA No. 76/2021 was filed for deletion of name of BSNL from the O.A as BSNL may be a proper party but not a necessary party since no relief has been sought against them.

On this, Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate apprised the Hon'ble Tribunal that the Reply to the M.A has been filed along with the objections and submitted that the BSNL is a proper party in the proceedings as all the Applicants were have retired from BSNL and further presence of BSNL is necessary for proper adjudication of the subject matter. Further, Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate submitted that the DOT has denied the revision of pension on the ground that the same cannot be done as the Pay has not been revised by the BSNL. Further, Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate submitted that as per Rule 37 of CCS Pension Rules, 1972, BSNL has been paying pension contributions to the DOT. Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate also placed reliance on a Judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court wherein the Hon'ble Court held that a proper party against whom no relief is sought may be necessary for effective adjudication to determine the real controversy in the matter. Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate submitted that while prayer is sought against DOT for revision of pension, the stand taken by DOPW which is yet to be examined by DOT is that no pay revision has taken place so far in BSNL and therefore, pension cannot be revised. Ms Gauri Puri Our Advocate submitted that in the event the Tribunal holds this to be correct, then necessarily BSNL will have to be present to determine the controversy as to why pay revision has not been done so far. Moreover, the pension if fixed will be on the last pay drawn for which BSNL's presence is essential. After hearing the parties, the Hon'ble Member directed the parties to file copies of the Judgments they sought to rely upon and adjourned the matter for hearing on 18.05.2021.

-03-2021:

<<click  here for glimpses  >>

-02-2021: Meeting with CGMT Rajasthan circle:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS and Comrade M L Ostwal, CS Rajasthan AIRBSNLEWA met CGMT Rajasthan circle and discussed regarding

(a) Payment of pending medical claims upto March- 2019 as per the BSNL CO decision. CGMT Rajasthan Circle mentioned the funds received from BSNL Corporate office were fully utilised. However, remaining medical claims will be cleared on receipt of the funds.

(b) Pay fixation under FR 22(1)(a)(i) to Officiating JTOs:- We requested CGMT Raj to consider the pay fixation of Officiating JTOs under FR 22(1) (a)( i). CGMT called GM(HR) and directed him to examine the case and an early action.

(c) Payment of pending personal claims of VRS retirees:- We apprised CGMT Raj for the early settlement of pending personal claims viz TA/DA claims, leave encasement etc with some examples of Bhilwara District branch. CGMT Rajasthan directed to GM( HR) for the settlement the pending cases. He mentioned that pensioners issues should be settelled on priority and the ePPOs, leave encasement etc should be given to BSNL pensioners on the day of their retirement. We extended thanks for his concern towards pensioners.

31-01-2021: AIRBSNLEWA District Branch Conference :- AIRBSNLEWA Bhilwara District branch, Rajasthan Circle hold its District Conference at Kyara ke Balalaji, Comrade GS Prahlad Rai and Comrade M L Ostwal CS , Comrade Devi Lal ,OS( South) attended and address the meeting.

Comrade M D Ram Disrict President welcomed all the members and guests. Comrade M P Dhanopia, District Secretary in his report apprised that at present 50 regular Paid members are there and some more will be enrolled shortly.

Com Devi Lal , OS (S) explained that in South Area Udaipur and Bhilwara branches are functioning well and shortly Ajmer, Banswara, Chittoregarh and Sirohi branches will be formed.

Comrade GS Prahlad Rai and Comrade M L Ostwal CS , Comrade Devi Lal ,OS(South) attended and address the meeting. Comrade M D Ram Circle President welcomed all the members and guests.

Comrade M P Dhanopia, District Secretary in his report apprised that at present 50 regular Paid members are there and some more will be enrolled shortly. Comrade Devi lal OS (S) informed that Udaipur and Bhilwara branches are functioning well and shortly Ajmer, Banswara Chittoregarh Sirohi branches will be firmed.

Comrade M L Ostwal Circle Secretary in his address explained that AIRBSNLEWA Rajasthan circle is functioning well and shortly in all the Districts Branches will be opened. He apprised the activities of Circle level and assured For the early settlement of some problems raised during discussions.

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA in his address congratulated the AIRBSNLEWA Bhilwara District branch Rajasthan Circle for arranging a good meeting. He explained the status of the all India issues ie settlement of pending medical claims, Payment of final instalment of Ex gratia to VRS optees of BSNL , IT department notices for TDS deduction on Leave Encasement amount, JTOs offg pay fixation under FR 22(1)(a) (i), status of Court cases on pension related issues, 78.2% IDA pay fixation from 1-1-2007 etce.

Comrade M D Ram, District President extended Vote of thanks.

Meeting followed with delicious Lunch.

29-01-2021:

a.Notice under section 154 of Income Tax Act, 1961   received by many pensioners from Income tax department regarding Taxation on leave Encashment.<<letter>>

b. Issues being faced by BSNL pensioners of CTD Circle.<<letter>>

12-01-2021:

(a) Non reimbursement of long pending medical claims to BSNL pensioners:- we extended our sincere thanks to CMD BSNL for clearing medical claims of BSNL pensioners upto March- 2019 and requested for early payment of all the pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners. CMD BSNL appreciated our concern and mentioned that pending medical claims of BSNL pensioners liability is about Rs 125/- Crores and on availability of funds these medical claims will be cleared in parts. He assured an early action in this regard.

(b) Reimbursement of CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure: CMD BSNL informed that all the CGHS contribution paid by BSNL pensioners as one time measure are being paid by circles regularly. BSNL CO New Delhi has already issued instructions to circles. We apprised CMD BSNL regarding non payment of Rs 1000/- PM to CGHS beneficiaries in the areas/Districts where CGHS wellness health centres are not available .CMD BSNL immediately spoke with PGM (Esst) BSNL CO and directed him to provide us the copy of the orders issued by DoT in this regard. On receipt of the order copy the same will be circulated. 

(c) Reimbursement of residential telephone bills of Delhi/Mumbai area: We requested CMD BSNL for the reimbursement of long pending residential telephone bills of Delhi and Mumbai area. CMD assured to look into the matter and settle the issue.                         

(d) Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners- court case status: we appraised CMD BSNL regarding the Court case status on revision of pension of BSNL pensioners filed by AIRBSNLEWA and others in PB CAT ND and requested him to his good office in convincing Hon'ble Minister of Communications and Secretary DoT for delinking of pension revision from pay revision of BSNL employees. CMD BSNL assured to look into the matter and to discuss with concern DoT officers.                 

2. Meeting with PGM(Esst) BSNL CO: Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with PGM Esst BSNL CO regarding:-

(a) Ex - gratia final instalment payment to VRS optees of BSNL and MTNL: PGM Esst BSNL CO New Delhi informed that today Ex- gratia amount about Rs 1050 Crores will received from DoT and it will be paid within this month itself. MTNL has already received Rs 214 Crores Ex gratia amount from DoT.                         

(b) Implementation of Court orders for FR 22(1)a(i) pay fixation to  officiating JTOs uniformly: PGM Esst BSNL CO New Delhi informed FR22(1)a (i) has to be given to all the officiating It is through out the country. In case there is   problem in any Circle they may seek codification from BSNL CO New Delhi.

06-01-2021: view Govt./BSNL Orders:

1. DOT order regarding LC/DLC<<Click  Here >>

2 DPE order regarding Freezing of IDA<<Click  Here >>

3. BSNL order regarding  immovable property return<<Click  Here >>

03-12-2020: GS writes to Shri Prakash Javadekarji, Hon'ble minister for heavy industries and public enterprises, Govt Of India , New Delhi regarding Appeal to withdraw OM on Freezing of DA to employees of central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) drawing pay as per 2017,2007, 1997,1992 & 1987 IDA pay revision guidelines at current rates till 30th June 2021  .....<<<Click here for letter>>>>

27-11-2020: Ex-gratia final instalment payment to VRS optees of BSNL and MTNL:- Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Sr GM(Esst) BSNL CO ND and expressed our serious concern against non payment of final instalment of gratia to VRS optees of BSNL and MTNL .Sr G M (Esst) informed that there is delay fromCircles in providing final requirement of Ex- gratia to VRS optees of BSNL and MTNL, still 25000 to 26000 VRS optees of BSNL information of Ex gratia is awaited from Circles .Director (HR) BSNL Board is sending a reminder DO to all the CGHS for sending immediate requirement to BSNL CO fixing personnel responsibility. He assured an early action in this regard. (b) Corrections in the PPOs of VRS optees of BSNL mentioning payment of pension under Rule-37A insteed of ' BSNL VRS-2019 sheme' SR GM Esst mentioned that after our association meeting with Director(HR) a DO was sent to DoT by Director(HR) for necessary corrections but still no order from DoT is received in this regard. Further a reminder will be sent to DoT.

03-10-2020:Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA congratulated Sh R K Goyal ji, PGM EB NTR ND on assuming the high office of PGM(Pers) BSNL CO. We requested him for the settlement of pending issues of the retired BSNL Executives. He assured to look into the matter. We assure him our fullest cooperation.

-10-2020:

Click here for glimpses>>>>   <<<Photo1>>>>    <<<<Photo2>>>   <<<Photo3>>>   <<<Photo4>>>

01-10-2020:Revision of pension of BSNL pensioners- Court case:

Dear Comrades,

As you are aware that AIRBSNLEWA CHQ has filed the Court case in the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners. Pension Revision of BSNL pensioners is due from 01-01-2017 but DoT waited for 3rd PRC recommendations for the pay revision of BSNL employees which was notified in the month of August 2017. On the basis of 3rd PRC report BSNL Board recommended for Pay Revision of BSNL employees to DOT with 15% fitment benefit in October 17. But DoT administration raised many quarries regarding affordability and finally kept pending pay revision of BSNL employees due continuous losses in BSNL .The pension revision of BSNL pensioners is not considered on the pretext of non-revision of pay of BSNL serving employees.

AIRBSNLEWA CHQ continuously tried to convince the Hon'ble MOC, Secretary DoT, Secretary DPE and the concern officers of DoP&W but the DoT administration categorically told that since the pay revision of BSNL employees has not taken place the pension revision of BSNL pensioners cannot take place other wise pension anomaly will cause i.e.the pre 2017 pensioners will get higher pension then to those who will retire after 01-01-2017.The anomaly issue was referred to DoP&W for comments wherein DoP&W replied to DoT to provide the formula to avoid pension anamoly. But DoT did not reply to DoP&W and kept pending the issue unresolved. AIRBSNLEWA CHQ continued its efforts to convince the DoT/ DPE/DoP&W officers to delink the pension revision of BSNL pensioners from pay revision of BSNL employees since their pension contribution was regularly paid by BSNL to DoT on the maximum of the pay scale as serving employees. Hon'ble MOC on the Parliament floor and DoT administration categorically told that pension revision of BSNL pensioners will follow pay revision of BSNL employees.

All these developments were discussed in detail in the 3rd AIC of AIRBSNLEWA held at Vijaywada and decided to file a court case in PBCAT New Delhi for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners. Accordingly sincere efforts were made by our CHQ and in particular by our Dy GS Late Comrade Amit Gupta ji to collect the necessary documents under RTI from DoT/DPE/DoP&W etc .The draft of OA was prepared by Comrade Amit Guptaji Dy GS AIRBSNLEWA and after several discussions among CHQ Office bearers. The draft was finalised by AIRBSNLEWA CHQ and later on it was shared with the leaders of other BSNL/ MTNL pensioners Associations wherein their suggestions were also incorporated. For BSNL pensioners AIRBSNLEWA and SNPWA came to gather to file the case In the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi along with MTNL pensioner's three Associations .For MTNL pensioners Associations Comrade M K Bagchi, President RTWOA MTNL took the lead in coordinating and finalising the OA draft for MTNL pensioners. Comrade GS, President CHQ, Dy.GS and some comrades of Delhi Circle along with other Association leaders of BSNL/MTNL met our Advocates on many occasions to finalise the OA. After detailed discussions wit some additions and deletions the draft OA was finalised. Finally our Advocates Sh Rajshekher Rao and Madam Gauri Puri filed two OAs one for BSNL and other for MTNL pensioner Associations on 09.09.2020, which was admitted and posted for hearing on 3rd November 2020 for hearings. For BSNL pensioners AIRBSNLEWA and SNPWA has filed the OA and for MTNL pensioners RTWOA with two other Associations has filed the case in the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi.

To contest the case regular persuasion and pleadings are required through our Advocates for which legal expenses will be there. To meet the legal expenses AIRBSNLEWA in its Extended Central Executive Committee virtual Meeting held on 19th September 2020 has unanimously decided to collect Rs 1000/- per member from the branches/ circles and to be deposited in AIRBSNLEWA CHQ Account through RTGS or NEFT at the earliest. Thus we earnestly appeal to all our members to deposit Rs 1000/- per head in CHQ Account through their respective branches please. GS, AIRBSNLEWA

30-09-2020: Felicitation of CGMT Rajasthan on his retirement on superannuation Comrade GS Prahlad Rai along with Comrade M L Ostwal CS AIRBSNLEWA Rajasthan circle and other comrades felicitated Shri O P Gupta Ji CGMT Rajasthan circle on his retirement on superannuation on 30th September 2020 at Jaipur. Shri O P Gupta Ji was very helping officer to AIRBSNLEWA members<<photos>>

19-09-2020:

5.CGHS payment reimbursement is being done regularly in all the Circles as assoured by CMD to this Association.

 6. Retention of staff quarters to VRS optees has been taken up but the BSNL management has increased the rent on high cost which we have further taken up and will discuss with Dir HR and CMD BSNL further for reconsideration.

7.Unjustified deduction of income tax on the unpaid medical claims has been protested on the basis of information received from In come tax department under RTI.

 8.The individual issues of some comrades are being taken up regularly. The ePPOs not released in Maharastra Circle has also been discussed in BSNL CO for an early settlement.

9, Discrepancies in the ePPOs regarding mentioning of 'BSNL VRS SCHEME 2019' is to be corrected as pension under Rule 37A CCS 1972 rules has been taken up with DoT Member Finance and Director HR BSNL.
10.Court cases filed by AIRBSNLEWA CHQ for the payment of 78.2% IDA fitment benefit to BSNL pensioners wef 01-01-2007 instead of June 2013 pending in the Hon'ble High Court Delhi and PBCAT New Delhi 6.Our Pension Revision case of BSNL and MTNL pensioners filed by AIRBSNLEWA , SNPWA and MTNL pensioners Associations respectively in the PBCAT New Delhi are closely being monitored and follow up ensured. GS says, DOT may go upto the apex court for which we have to be ready and geared up fully.It is unanimously decided to collect Rs 1000/- per head as legal fund to plead the case.Since the case has been filled in the name of the Association the judgement will be applicable to all the members of the Association.

11. Venue of the next CWC has been fixed as Hyderabad after lifting of all the prevailing COVID Restrictions.
Issues brought to the notice of GS.
1. Non Mentioning of Commutation details in the EPPO issued to VRS Retirees.
2. Retirees to be permitted to work as exclusive LCOs, if desires, for the provisioning of FTTH.
3.Immediate releasing of CGHS payments.                                                                                                    4.Retention of staff quarters to VRS optees of BSNL.
GS agreed to look into the above issues etc.

Generally the virtual meeting was very good with quality audio and video. Abuot 100 participants attended and interacted in the virtual Extended CEC Meeting.Most of the Circles representatives I.e. Assam, Bihar,Jharkhand,West Bengal, Odissa, Punjab, Haryana Rajasthan, Utterakhand ,Himmachal Predesh,Delhi UP East, UP West, MP, Gujarat, Maharstra,Andhra Pradesh, Telengana,Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu Circles very actively participated in the meeting. Vote of thanks was extended by Comrade Pallab Bose, AGS. Comrade GS also extended thanks to all the comrades for their active participation and assured that their issues will be taken up immediately at ' appropriate levels. Meeting was concluded with full satisfaction to all the participants. AIRBSNLEWA- ZINDABAD

17-09-2020:AIRBSNLEWA Bihar Circle Body is constituted as under :-
President : Sh. D.K. Jha,Retd AGM,
Vice President : Sh . Ajay Tlwari
Circle Secretary: Sh. Krishna Kumar,Retd CAO
ACS-I: Sh. Sunil Kr. Sinha
ACS-II: Sh. S. Banerjee
ACS-III: Sh. R.B. Yadav
Financial Secretary: Sh. J.P. Sharma,
Asstt. Financial Secy.: Sh. S.K.Agrawal
Org. Secy.: Sh. P.K. Saha
Org. Secy.: Sh. R.B. Manto
Org. Secy.: Sh. S.P.Yadav
Org. Secy.: Sh. Vijay Krumar
Patron: Sh. Kaushalendra Prasad
Patron: Sh. D.N.Choudhary & Sh. Balbir Singh

All the Circle office bearers have concerned and elected unanimously. AIRBSNLEWA CHQ congratulate newly elected Circle Office bearers and assure them our fullest cooperation.

14-09-2020:AIRBSNLEWA CEC meeting: Dear comrades, ALL INDIA RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES WELFARE ASSOCIATION (AIRBSNLEWA) is holding its All India Extended Central Executive committee meeting comprising CHQ office bearers/ Circle office bearers/District office bearers on virtual basis on Saturday19th September 2020 at 19.00 Hrs .All the CHQ office bearers, Circle Secretaries are requested to attend the meeting by clicking the above Google link. Also send/ forward the link to all the concern office bearers for attending the meeting. Please make it a grand success by your active participation to discuss and decisions on organizational matters..........With best wishes......Prahlad Rai

Meeting URL: https://meet.google.com/syc-frhf-bij

08-09-2020:

Corrections in the ePPOs by CCAs:- We told him that in his presence only the matter was discussed with Director(HR) and then and there only Director(HR) spoke over phone with DDG(Acconts) DoT and explained him that in ePPOs pension rule should be written under 37A of CCS rule 1972 insteed of BSNL VRS 2019 scheme. Sr GM(Esst) mentioned that after this meeting immediately a DO letter was sent to DoT for necessary corrections. He assured for sending a reminder to DOT on this issue for an early action.

07-09-2020:

(2) Corrections in ePPOs of VRS optees of BSNL : We requested Member(Finance) to issue necessary instructions to CCAs for making correction in SAMPAN Software for mentioning pension payment under 'Rule 37A" of CCA pension rule 1972 instead of 'BSNL VRS scheme'. Member(Finance) told that necessary corrections have been made in SAMPAN Software however regarding problems of Kolkatta CCA he assured that he will speak with CCA Kolkatta for necessary corrections.

Our beloved Veteran leader Comrade Amit Guptaji, Dy GS AIRBSNLEWA passed away on 05.09.2020: Our beloved Veteran leader Comrade Amit Guptaji, Dy GS AIRBSNLEWA today passed away. He was the founder member of AIBSNLEA and AIRBSNLEWA....his contribution to built these Associations was excellent...........due to his hard work for the last two years we could finalise the OA for Pension Revision of pension of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners yesterday only which is being filed in the PBCAT New Delhi on Monday .........We are extremely shocked due to sudden death of Comrade Amit Guptaji our Veteran leader .........We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Comrade Amit Guptaji and pray Almighty God to rest soul in peace................Om Shanti....Om Shanti....

05-09-2020: Our beloved Veteran leader Comrade Amit Gupta ji, Dy GS AIRBSNLEWA passed away on 05.09.2020: We lost our beloved Veteran Comrade Amit Gupat Ji,  he last breathed today night at 12.30 Hrs and expired with massive heart attack .Untimely death of Comrade Amit Guptaji Dy GS AIRBSNLEWA is great loss to his family and AIRBSNLEWA. First time I met Comrade Amit Ji in Delhi R K Puram in the Earstwhile JETA being led by Comrade M K Bagchi Ji as GS.

Comrade Amit Dada was CWC member of JETA from West Bengal Circle and I was  also CWC member from Rajasthan Circle in the year 1983.........I was highly impressed with his deliberations and got motivated.......in the year 1986 Comrade Amit Dada was Circle Secretary,  JETA WB Circle and that time our burning issue was revision of pay scale of JE Telecome and JETA launched active trade union actions in terms of Work Accordingly to Rule which was treamondus success.....during this struggle Comrade Amit Guptaji was closely associated with Comrade M K Bagchi GS JETA and played very important role in achieving JE pay scale revision. During this agitation period only he very successfully conducted historical CWC meeting at Binani Bhawan Kolkata where the strategies were finalised for the success of agitation and settlement of the demand. Like we continued to work in JTOA as Circle Secretaries till our promotion as SDE in the year 1993-94...July 1994 I was elected CS TESA and Amit Dada as CWC WB Circle and then CS. After the formation of BSNL CCC Central Coordination committee of DOT recognised Associations was formed and  the first Convention of CCC was convened  at Kolkatta Binani Bhawan wherein the decision of merging 10 DoT recognised Associations was taken and formation of AIBSNLEA. Comrade Amit Ji was the Circle Secretary, EarstwhileTESA WB C 7ircle and was instrumental in the formation of AIBSNLEA. Comrade Amit Guptaji worked as CS AIBSNLEA till AIC Kolkatta held in 2010-11 and then worked as OS East, AIBSNLEA till AIC Nasik and Coseltant till AIC Vijaywada held in July-2019. Comrade Amit Guptaji was elected as Dy GS,  AIRBSNLEWA in its AIC at Vijaywada and he was continuously working for the issues of pensioners mainly drafting the OA for Pension Revision of pension of BSNL/MTNL  pensioners.

He was very much concern for the pension revision and pursued me to Comrade Jogi,  GS SNPWA and Comrade M K Bagchi to file the court case since DoT is denying pension revision without the pay revision of BSNL employees and with his hard work he collected all the necessary documents   under RTI from DoT, DoP&W and DPE etc.Finally yesterday the draft OA was finalised by our Advocate Mr Rajshekher Rao and being filed on Monday or Tuesday in PB CAT ND. Yesterday evening we had discussions on the pension revision court case wherein Comrade Amit Guptaji expressed his happiness that OA is has been finalised and being filed in the Hon'ble PBCAT New Delhi on Monday or Tuesday......I told him that whole credit goes to him only who has made sincere efforts in collecting all relevant documents for the last two years and drafting the OA........this was my last with him yesterday..........I lost my personal friend, family friend,  well-wisher,  guiding factor, he only inspired me to become GS AIBSNLEA and GS AIRBSNLEWA.....he was only doing our day to day work of the Association. It is irreparably lose to the BSNL and MTNL pensioners and Employees............we convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Comrade Amit Guptaji Dy GS AIRBSNLEWA on his sad demise.....we pray almighty God to rest soul in peace........Prahlad Rai, GS AIBSNLEA

22-06-2020:  

Now only clarification on extension of date for Revalidation of BSNLMRS Cards are pending. GS informed GM Admn BSNL about this. Order is expected shortly.

11-06-2020: GS writes to Sh. S.C. Sharma ji, CGMT, Uttrakhand Telecom Circle regarding intimation regarding formation of AIRBSNLEWA Uttarakhand Circle body-<<<Click here for letter>>>

04-06-2020:

The above letter has since been acknowledged by Secretary DOT by SMS on 19-06-2020 (correspondence no 461769/2020)

03-06-2020:

Sh Vijendra Singh
President
Mob no.9412085050

Sh Pradeep Kumar Singhal
Circle Secretary
Mob No. 9412201010

Sh G.S Teotia
Treasurer
Mob no.9412205550

29-05-2020: Status of WP 13202/2019 in Delhi HC ( Appeal petition of 1st pension arrear case)
***********
Report from AOR:

As you are aware, due to the lockdown prevailing in view of the outbreak of COVID-19, Courts have remained closed and continue to remain closed until further Orders. The captioned matter that was listed on 12.04.2020 and 26.05.2020, stands adjourned to 21.07.2020.

29-05-2020:

In view of Covid-19 government has directed to spent 5% of the allotted funds in every month. Meetings in this regards have also taken place in DoE. They assured that efforts are being made to make the Ex- gratia payment to VRS optees of BSNL before 30-06-2020. They were confident that Ex- gratia payment will be made before 30-06-2020.

-05-2020:

Com. M L Ostwal CS and Comrade Devi Lal, Organising Secretary, (West Zone) Rajasthan Circle organised the successful online meeting on Zoom.

Click here for glimpses>>>  <<<Photo1>>>    <<<Photo2>>>    <<<Photo3>>>   <<<Photo4>>>   <<<Photo5>>>   <<<Photo6>>>  

14-05-2020:DoP&PW has started a Call Center with a Toll Free Number 1800-11-1960 where pensioners can lodge their grievances on Centralised Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System  ...<<<Click here for Do-letter of Jt.Secy, DoP&PW>>>

29.04.2020:

Advisor(Finance) DoT appreciated our concern and assured to discuss the matter with concern officers of CCAs to make the payment of IDA @ 160.7% in April Pension as per DPE orders. Regarding DoT order to fix up the pension wef 01-01-2020 @ 157.3% to the employees retiring in April 2020, he informed that it is done in view of the probability that in case DPE endorses the DOE order dated 23-04-2020 then recoveries may be avoided from the pensionery benefits.

We requested to withdraw DoT letter dated 28-04-2020 in this regard. Advisor(Finance) informed that matter is under discussions in Ministery and shortly some final decision will be taken.

24.04.2020: Extension of medical card of BSNL pensioners in Rajasthan Circle up to 30-06-2020:

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with CGMT Rajasthan Circle regarding extension of Medical Card of BSNL pensioners up to 30-06-2020 as the BSNL CO, New Delhi has already extended the validity up to 30-06-2020 in view of on going Covid-19.

Our Circle Secretary, AIRBSNLEWA Rajasthan Circle has already given a letter in this regard. CGMT Rajasthan Circle assured an early action in this regard.

(b) Also requested to arrange provisional pension payment to the employees retired in February 2020 and their pension papers could not be sent to CCA due to Covid-19. CGMT Rajasthan Circle assured to look into the matter.

22.04.2020: Extension of BSNL MRS Card validity upto 30.06.2020 for BSNL Pensioners: GS Com. Prahlad Rai, GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with GM(Admin), BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi regarding our earlier request for extension of BSNL MRS Card validity upto 30.06.2020 for BSNL Pensioners.

As we have requested earlier vide  letter dated 16.04.2020, and now BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi vide its letter no. BSNL/Admn.l /2020/Medical Dated: 21.04.2020 has issued order for extending the validity of BSNL MRS card of BSNL Corporate Office pensioners only upto 30.06.2020. In this connection, it was requested to issue common order for all the circles on All India basis. GM(Admin) assured to look into the matter.

16.04.2020: GS writes to Shri P K Purwar ji, CMD BSNL regarding renewal of the validity of BSNLMRS cards for Pensioners-<<<Click here for letter>>>

APPEAL TO OUR MEMBERS AND TO ALL BSNL PENSIONERS.
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