GRP ADMIN S. Narasimhan returned CHENNAI today (16.3.26 - Monday) and assumed charges of STR DN. WHATSAPP GRP& & STR DN WEBSITE.

STR DN வார்ஸப் க்ரூப் அட்மின் S. நரசிம்ஹன் சென்னை திரும்பி இன்று முதல் (16-3-26 - திங்கள்) தன் பொறுப்புகளை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டுள்ளார்

 

FRAUD ALERT – ADVISORY TO PENSIONERS.
It has come to the notice of the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA), Tamil Nadu that some pensioners are receiving fraudulent phone calls from unknown persons claiming to be officials from the CCA Office.
The callers are reportedly quoting personal details of pensioners, including PPO numbers, and asking them to share OTPs generated on their mobile phones or other bank-related details. In some reported cases, pensioners have been cheated and amounts ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 have been fraudulently withdrawn from their bank accounts.
All pensioners are hereby cautioned to remain vigilant and advised to strictly follow the instructions below:
        1.     Do not share OTPs, bank account details, ATM PIN, Aadhaar details, or any confidential information with anyone over phone.
        2.     The Office of CCA, Tamil Nadu or any Government office will never ask for OTPs or bank details over phone calls.
        3.     If you receive such suspicious calls, do not respond and disconnect the call immediately.
        4.     In case of any such incident, inform your bank immediately and report the matter to the nearest Cyber Crime Police Station or through the National Cyber Crime Helpline.
Pensioners are requested to stay alert and not fall prey to such fraudulent activities.
— Office of the Principal Controller of Communication Accounts.

Tamil Nadu Circle

 

Meeting with Secretary (Telecom) – Discussion on Pension Revision of BSNL Absorbed Pensioners
Comrades V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary, along with Comrades P. Gangadhara Rao (Vice President), R. S. N. Murthy (Vice President), Anupam Kaur (Deputy General Secretary) and J. S. Dahiya (AGS) met Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom) at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi on 11-03-2026.
At the outset, the delegation welcomed Shri Amit Agrawal on assuming charge as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, and conveyed best wishes for his successful tenure.
During the meeting, the delegation discussed the long pending issue of revision of pension of BSNL absorbed pensioners with effect from 01.01.2017 based on the 7th Central Pay Commission fitment factor.
It was briefly explained that the DoT Note to Cabinet dated 25.09.2000 assured continuation of the Government pension scheme even after absorption in BSNL.
The delegation explained that the pension of BSNL absorbed employees is regulated under Rule 37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules and paid by the Government of India, though calculated based on the IDA pay drawn in BSNL.
It was also pointed out that BSNL absorbed pensioners are not covered under either Pay Revision Committees (PRC) or Central Pay Commissions (CPC) for pension revision, resulting in the present anomaly.
The delegation informed the Secretary (Telecom) that the Principal Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), New Delhi, in OA No.1329/2000, delivered its judgment in September 2023, directing the respondents to revise the pension of BSNL absorbees on par with Central Government pensioners.
It was also brought to his notice that the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, in WP(C) No.16360/2023, in its judgment dated 06.02.2026, observed that absorbed employees are required to be extended the pension applicable to a Central Government servant, and that their service and retirement are to be treated as retirement from Central Government service.
In view of these facts, the delegation requested the Secretary (Telecom) to take a positive decision on this long pending issue of pension revision with effect from 01.01.2017. The Association also expressed its willingness for constructive discussions with the Department to resolve the matter.
The Secretary (Telecom) stated that the matter is presently sub judice and informed that it would be examined after the High Court proceedings are finalized. He listened to the submissions made by the delegation.
V. Vara Prasad 

 General Secretary

 

A meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of AIBSNLPWA was held virtually on 05 March 2026 from 17:00 hrs to 19:30 hrs. Thirty-four members attended the meeting. The General Secretary welcomed all and initiated the discussion, explaining the necessity of convening the meeting at short notice and pointing out the restriction imposed in the 8th CPC portal, where each submission of memorandum is limited to 200 words.  He requested the President to preside over the meeting and he would explain the salient features of the two draft documents (author of the documents) to be sent to 8th CPC.

President explained salient features of the documents and also mentioned about the stipulations imposed by 8th CPC restricting the memorandum within 200 words and that too only ‘online’.  By and large the CWC not only endorsed the documents but also expressed that the documents are well drafted and appreciated.

The CWC discussed and deliberated on the two documents already circulated, namely:

        •     BSNL Pension Revision Issue

        •    Pension Revision Issue for submission to the 8th Central Pay CommissionSome members suggested two modifications viz. “ instead of all absorbees” have served DoT for 25 years may be corrected as “most of the absorbees”;  Mention of ‘Minimum pension’ may be included.  These two suggestions were accepted (Minimum pension should be 60% of Minimum pay recommended by 8th CPC).  

The Memorandum thus modified will be sent by GS online to 8th CPC.  After a gap of a week other CWC members should send the same memorandum to 8th CPC online.

Condolence Resolution

The CWC expressed its deep sorrow at the demise of Com. P. K. Gopala Pillai, former T3-NFPTE Circle Secretary and Circle President of AIBSNLPWA Kerala Circle, who passed away today (5/3/26) at Thiruvananthapuram. The house paid homage to the departed leader and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Visit to Delhi – SCOVA Meeting

The CWC noted that the General Secretary will shortly visit Delhi to attend the forthcoming SCOVA meeting. During this visit team led by GS will also meet the Secretary, Staff Side, NCJCM, and pursue inclusion of the BSNL pension revision issue in the Staff Side memorandum to the 8th CPC. Efforts will also be made to secure an opportunity for physical presentation before the 8th CPC, if such meetings are permitted.

MP Circle Issue

The CWC discussed the letter received from Com. S. P. Tripathi regarding the MP Circle organisational issue in which he suggested to divide MP circle into two circle units.

After discussion, the CWC decided that division of MP Circle into two units cannot be accepted, as it is unconstitutional and not in the organisational interest.

District Units should maintain the membership list and it is not practically possible for CHQ to verify the membership at District level.  CHQ can give the membership of each District based on CHQ quota only.  As per constitution, the Districts have to remit equal quota to both Circle and All India.  There can’t be any deviation on this.  It is not possible to go back from what has already been decided.  Before the next circle conference, the circle secretary has to circulate the membership of each district.  If there is difference in quota for circle and CHQ, the quota remitted to CHQ shall be taken provided the Districts remit the difference to circle without further delay.  The General Secretary, accompanied by Com. J. K. Tripathi -Bhubaneswar (CHQ Vice-President-), will interact with the district units and circle leadership in MP accordingly.

Financial Assistance Request – B D Sharma (HP Circle)

The CWC discussed the request from Com. B. D. Sharma, (Circle Secretary, Himachal Pradesh), seeking financial assistance in connection with the legal case relating to 78.2% IDA merger for retiral benefits pertaining to Commutation and Gratuity for retirees between 01-01-2007 and 09-06-2013.  Com B D Sharma, as an individual, along with 19 others filed the case before CAT, Chandigarh and this case, though went upto Supreme Court is still pending.  They have spent lot of money in this legal battle.  For carrying the legal battle further and to take it to its logical end he sought the financial assistance from CHQ.  Some CWC members expressed their opinion.  Ultimately it was decided that, this issue can be discussed in physical CWC to be held in Satara and decide.   

IDA Order – January 2026

The CWC noted that the IDA order issued by DPE for January 2026 has not yet been uploaded on the DPE website.  Further, the order states that extension of IDA to CPSE employees will hereafter be decided by the concerned administrative ministry considering financial implications.  Some members expressed their concern about this order, which may adversely affect employees and pensioners of BSNL/MTNL, since the decision would rest with DOT as the administrative ministry.The matter will be discussed with DoT authorities by our CHQ during their visit to Delhi next week.  

Income Tax on Ex-Gratia paid to VRS Retirees.

The CWC discussed the issue of Income Tax on ex-gratia to VRS Retirees where different Income Tax authorities in different regions have issued varying orders in similar cases.

CHQ will write again to CBDT requesting uniform application of the law, since the subject matter of the petitions remain the same and the variation arises only in interpretation by different authorities.

Nomination of Legal Advisor

The CWC unanimously nominated Com. A.Sugumaran, Chennai, as a Legal Advisor and Special Invitee to attend the meetings held by CHQ.

Concern on International Conflict

The CWC unanimously expressed its concern over the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.  Already thousands of people including the supreme leader of Iran and his family members were killed.  This war has already affected the entire Gulf countries.  Lakhs of Indians are employed in this region.  This war will have cascading effect on global economy including India.  Fuel including LPS gas price will increase in the immediate future.

The CWC felt that such conflicts threaten global peace and stability and cause suffering to innocent people. The CWC expressed the view that the United Nations should intervene and initiate dialogue among the concerned countries to bring an immediate halt to hostilities and restore peace in the interest of mankind.

The President summed up the decisions taken in the meeting. The General Secretary proposed the vote of thanks, and the meeting concluded.

 

International women's day was celebrated in the monthly meeting of STR Division on 10th March. The photos clicked on the occasion has been posted here. A brief write-up is posted here. 

WOMEN'S DAY     10/3/26

Our Usual Monthly GB had a brief session. A Minute's Silence as ANJALI was observed. The Divisional Secretary briefed the activities since Our Last GB. He also introduced New Members. The D/S in A Nutshell spoke of the Nationwide Struggle on 12/2/26 in which himself & Coms.LK and CB.Sampathkumar took part. The D/S mentioned about The Adalats at Trichy/Vellore/Pondicherry and the FCPA Call on 13/2/26 against Validation Act in which All T.Us/Pensioners Associations participated. The D/S also drew attention to the Issues of ID Cards/CGHS Facilities/SC Case on Validation Act.
Com.A.SUGUMARAN was felicitated by Our C/S Sundarakrishnan for His Nomination to The CHQ..
      Thereafter as per the decision of of Our STR DIVISION, THE WOMEN'S MEET started at 1530 hrs. The Guindy IOB Hall (being air-conditioned) gave A Fair Ambience for The Meet...
The Meeting was presided over by Our Member Com. PREMAVATHY who is A Regular Participant in All Our Meetings. She Expressed the importance of the Meet and asked All The Women/Men Participants to co-operate in The Conduct of The Women's Day...
Our Circle O/B HS.SUDHA made the Welcome Address and informed of the Importance of Women's Meet and referred to The Co-operation of Men in various fields...
OUR CHIEF GUEST/AD-CGHS DR KOKILA although intent to participate in Our Meet could not be present & conveyed HER GREETINGS...
The Speciality (at the last moment) made The Division to hold The Meet by Our Own Members. Yet The Meet was well conducted and SUCCESSFUL in content & with attendance of most of the Members till The End...
The Meet was addressed by Our Own Members Coms. Mary Beula Chandra Kumari/Revathy(Civil Wing), SJ.Chida(SDE/projects), AnuRadha(AGM/TN), OS.Annapoorani, S.Rajeswari, Indrani(STR)...
Our Member Com. Mary Beula detailed on issues of domestic violence, equal rights, sexual harrassment at work places,  equal pay etc. She mentioned about Nirbaya Case and the way we should grow our children, ending with a short story for emancipation...
Com.Revathy recalled our various struggles and insisted on freedom from exploitation...
Com.Chidda extended compliments and urged that Men & Women should join together in the fight against discrimination...
Coms. Annapoorani, Rajeswari & Indrani also spoke briefly on The Women's Liberation...
FINALLY Coms.Muthiyalu/ Sundarakrishnan/Sugumaran extended their Greetings, explaining the SIGNIFICANCE of International Women's Day...
Our Women Participants were honoured with A Gift...
The Meeting endorsed the call for End of The Gulf War...
Com.Sivasankaran in his brief highlighted the significance of Our Role in The Women's Movement & CONVEYED VOTE of Thanks to The Participants and The STR DIVISION .
N.Kothandaraman 

Divisional President