IDA INCREASE FROM 1-1-2023

IDA DECREASED 0.2% FROM 1-1-2024 - TOTAL 215.4%

Tuesday 28 February 2017


The All India Consumer Price Index for January 2017 is announced now. It is 274 points. For December 2016 it was 275 points. And for November 2016 it was 277 points. It means there is reduction month by month. If it remains at 274 points itself for February, then, there will be reduction of 2% in IDA from April 2017. The government may claim that the prices are falling down as an effect of demonetization !!!


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Wage revision from 01.01.2017 – Be prepared for struggle to get justice. The 3rd PRC has already submitted it’s report to the government. The government in turn, has referred it to the secretaries of the concerned departments. It is reliably learnt that, according to the terms and conditions set by the 3rd PRC, it will be very difficult for BSNL employees to get wage revision. Hence, the entire Non-Executives and Executives have to gear up for struggle, for getting justice in the next wage revision.
Com PSR

Sunday 26 February 2017



நமது தோழர்கள் S. நரசிம்மனும், S. சிவசங்கரனும் ரிஷிகேஷ் மற்றும் இமயமலை பகுதிகளுக்கு யோகா மற்றும் ஆழ்நிலை தியான கலைகள் பயிற்சி வகுப்புகளுக்கு வரும் பிப்ரவரி 27ந்தேதி முதல் மார்ச் 12ந்தேதி வரை 14 நாட்களுக்கு பயணம் செல்ல இருக்கிறார்கள்.

 தோழர் S. நரசிம்மன் தொடர்பு எல்லைக்கு வெளியே இருப்பதால்  நமது கிளையின் வெப்சைட், மற்றும் வாட்ஸப் தொடர்புகளை,  
 தோழர் N. மோகன், உதவி செயலர் கவனித்து வருவார் என்று   
 தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறோம்.

 தடங்கலுக்கு வருந்துகிறோம்.  
STR Division Circular No.185 released and sent to our members email id.
To download the circular please CLICK HERE

Please see below for the full report of the Meetings held with BSNL & DOT Officers by our leaders in New Delhi:  
MEETING WITH DIRECTOR (HR), OF BSNL

There was a meeting with Smt. Sujata Ray, Director (HR) of BSNL on 21st February 2017. GM (Admn) and GM (SR) were also present. We expressed our sincere thanks for the meeting and courtesy shown by Smt. Sujata Ray. Before the formal discussions started, she asked us about the future pension revision of BSNL retirees. We told her that we had demanded pension revision with fitment benefit granted by Seventh Pay Commission and not PRC. She appreciated our stand. It was also indicated by her that BSNL is yet to take a formal decision on the third PRC report. She told also that the financial position of BSNL is in bad shape.

Restoration of Quarterly Medical Allowance

We pointed out that this matter is pending for many years. Director indicated that it is very difficult to restore medical allowance. We mentioned about the PRC recommendation to grant Rs 1000 per month. Again, she indicated difficulty in implementing that PRC recommendation in BSNL.

Delay in settling MRS Claims by Pensioners:

We told the Director frankly that even though she had instructed all to settle the medical claims from retirees within


one month, no Circle is honouring the same. She assured that the matter would be looked into and directed the GMs to check up with some circles.

Change of Software

We pointed out that Medical claims are being processed now in ERP. Recently, the Corporate Office of BSNL has introduced a
new system. Data of all the employees and retirees has to be fed in the new software which will take lot of time and delay the process. Director (HR) was inclined to accept our suggestion to allow the Circle Units to process pending cases up to 31-3-2017 in the existing system and then migrate to the new one.

Income Tax on MRS amount

Some SSA offices are deducting the income tax at source taking into account the medical reimbursement amount exclusively. As a result, some pensioners whose total income including the medical reimbursement amount they received is within the exemption limit of Rs Three lakh, are forced to pay income tax on the MRS amount in excess of Rs 15000. Director assured that the matter will be examined. She wanted a separate letter on it and next day we submitted the same to her office.

Denial of CGHS Card to BSNL pensioners:

When some BSNL pensioners approached the CGHS, the CGHS card was denied to them on the plea that they have not yet received any instruction from CGHS Headquarters. The GM (Admn) told that his office had already taken up the matter with CGHS authorities and got settled.He assured that CGHS orders could be given to us.When P S Ramankutty and Com. Anupam Kaul (Secretary of Delhi Headquarter branch) went to his room later, the situation was different. No doubt that his office had taken up the matter with CGHS authorities, but no specific instruction was issued by CGHS Head Quarters to their units so far!. GM told that they are pursuing the matter with CGHS.

Unnecessary restriction of calls on rent-free telephone connections:

This is also an old item pending. Some Circles restrict to LOCAL CALLS as the free calls allowed to the Rent-free telephone connections given to BSNL retirees. It was told earlier that Management Committee of BSNL was reconsidering the issue.GM (Admn) told that a decision is taken to remove that restriction and also that the modified order would be issued soon.

Withdrawal of CDMA Phones:

We brought to the notice of Director (HR) that in some places the pensioners were provided with CDMA Phones instead of rent-free land phones on the plea of technically not feasible. Now the BSNL has withdrawn CDMA. We requested the Director to provide mobile phones to the concerned pensioners. She assured that it would be considered.

Individual cases:


Individual cases of some retirees not getting pension as presidential order for their absorption was not issued etc. were taken up. Director assured to examine it and wanted separate letter on it. We handed over the letters.

 MEETING WITH MEMBER (SERVICES)

On our request, a meeting with Shri J S Deepak IAS, Secretary, Telecom was fixed at 4 PM on 22-2-2017. We had sent a list of items to be discussed also. But, when we reached his office in time, Secretary was busy in a video conference with Prime Minister. Hence, he authorized the Member (Services) to discuss the issues with us and then go to him, as soon as he is free.

Shri S K Jain (DDG,Estt), Smt Vandana Seth (Director, Estt) and Shri Tiwari (Director, Accounts) were also present in our meeting with Shri R K Misra (Member, Services).

From our Association the following participated:

(1) P S Ramankutty, President, (2) D Gopalakrishnan, Vice President (3) G Natarajan , General Secretary
(4) P Gangadhara Rao, Dy GS and (5) T S Vittoban, Treasurer

Some issues discussed are:

(a)Extra Increment for fixing Pension

[Next day, we went to the Dept. of Pension and gotit confirmed that they have approved it on the previous day. DoT has to issue the formal order.]We brought to the notice of Member that some Circles are seeking unnecessary clarifications on the matter and Directorate is not giving the clarifications resulting in denial of the benefits to pensioners. When we started explaining the details the Member(S) said that he is fully aware of OTBP/BCR Etc. He further informed that only on the previous day, DoT received a report on the matter from BSNL Corporate Office. Suitable clarifications will be issued shortly. [Later, we could get a copy of the 4 pages report from BSNL CO. It was totally negative. Next day itself we gave our reaction in writing to DDG(Estt) and Director(Estt). ]

(b) CAT Judgement on Extra Increment case:

We wanted extension of the benefit of CAT Ernakulam judgment in the case filed by our Circle Association to all the affected pensioners in all circles. Member(S) told that since case pertains to Kerala Circle only, a general instruction can not be issued. However, CCA Kerala will be suitably advised.

(C). Denial of 78.2 benefit to those who retired in 2006 and got full pension:

Full pension was granted to BSNL IDA pensioners retired after 1-1-2006, based on clear orders from DoT Directorate as per recommendations of sixth CPC. After eight years, the Kerala CCA questions the wisdom of Directorate in issuing such an order itself. He has withheld the revision orders with 78.2%in favour of such pensioners who got the full pension as mentioned above. The plea is that a clarification is sought from Directorate. We requested that such tendency of seeking unwanted clarifications on settled cases should be discouraged. Director (Estt) told that no letter was received by her office from Kerala on the matter. She categorically told that those who retired after 1-1-2006 are entitled to full pension and also that 78.2% cannot be denied to such pensioners.  

d) Delinking of 33 years service for full pension:

We told that we are aware of the DOT order dated 15-2-2017 on the subject. After 6th CPC report, CCS Pension Rules 1972 was amended to the effect that ‘linking of 33 years of qualifying service was dispensed with”. DOT issued specific order that it is applicable to BSNL IDA pensioners who retired after 1-1-2006. This was implemented in Kerala also. Now CCA Kerala is withholding 78.2 revision cases for who retired after 1-1-2006 and who were given full pension. CCA says that he sought some clarification from Directorate. Director (E) said that she has not received any letter from Kerala on the matter. She confirmed that employees retired after 1-1-2006 are entitled to full pension and as well as 78.2 benefit.

When we pointed out the contradiction about the minimum pension in BSNL after 1-1-2006 because the order dated 15-3-2011 of DoT states it as Rs 3500 in the body text and Rs 3880 in the Annexure, Member(S) did not relish it and simply said that there is no contradiction.

(e)Issuance of order raising ceiling of Gratuity etc.

It was informed that DoT has sought approval of Department of Pension for issuing orders raising the ceiling of gratuity, commutation etc. as suggested by seventh CPC. Pension Department wanted some particulars and it was supplied. The approval from DoP&PW is expected any time.



MEETING WITH SECRETARY, TELECOM

After the discussions with Member (S), we were taken to Shri J S Deepak, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman of Telecom Commission. Member(S), DDG (Estt), and Director (Estt) were also present in the meeting. Shri Prahlad Singh (Member-Finance) and Ms. Linda (DDG-Accounts) too joined. Discussions with member, Services were reported to him.Secretary was in a jovial mood,

We expressed our sincere thanks to the Secretary for granting the benefit of 50% DA Merger.

(i)Delay in settling 78.2% revision cases.

Lot of discussion took place on the subject. Secretary was very emphatic for fixing a target date. We pointed out acute shortage of staff in CCA offices. Specific cases were also given. DDG Accounts agreed with us. We wanted a specific date by which entire work of revision with 78.2% should be completed. Secretary admitted that it is already delayed and directed Member (F) and DDG (E) to sit and decide the date which should be practical but not to be stretched too far. Member (F) agreed to fix the next target date.


(ii)Common Server

We suggested that a common server should be introduced with all particulars of BSNL retirees so that both DoT and BSNL can use it for any further processing of cases related to BSNL retirees. DDG (Accounts) said that she is on the job in consultation with BSNL Corporate Office. She informed that it may take 8 months if everything goes as per plan. Secretary said that that project is a long-term one and need not be linked with 78.2 revision.

(III)Pension Adalat at national level:

Secretary understood the problem. Other officers pointed practical difficulties. Secretary wanted some mechanism to settle Pensioners’ Grievances. He suggested some representatives from Directorate can attend circle adalats in one or two circles and then decide the matter for holding adalat at national level. DDG (Accounts) later on assured that she will explore the possibility of holding Adalat at national level at least once in an year. She also told that previous Member(F) was very much favourable on this issue.

(iv) Future Pension Revision:

Secretary, Telecom told that Cabinet Secretary has recently conducted a high level meeting to study the third PRC report and as he could not attend Member(S) attended and ‘vehemently” pleaded for pension revision in BSNL.

We told Secretary, Telecom that we are not demanding Pension revision as per PRC recommendations. We want pension revision with the fitment benefit suggested by seventh CPC, as we are pensioners covered by CCS Pension Rules 1972.


He told that he understood our view points. It will take more time to take a decision.

[We are of the opinion that more pressure is required to be mounted in this regard.]

(v) Pension anomaly case

We requested Secretary (T) to implement the order from Principal bench of CAT delivered on 16-12-2016 granting the benefit to all the 4230 pensioners affected by the anomaly as our Association is the applicant in the case. It was told that the matter is already referred to Legal Section for their opinion. Then the matter has to be taken up with Department of Pension and Department of Expenditure too before taking a final view.

{We handed over separate detailed letter on every item discussed.}                                       

We sincerely thank our All India leaders for their sincere efforts for taking our pending cases to the highest authorities of BSNL & DOT

Friday 24 February 2017

FREE MEDICAL CAMP AT ROYAPURAM AREA:


All India BSNL Pensioners Welfare Association Kalmandabam North East Branch conducted a FREE Medical Camp in co-ordination with A.J. Colony Welfare Association at A.J. Colony Main Road on 24.02.2017 from 08.30AM to 03.00 PM in front of THENI AMMAN KOIL. 

The Doctors from Chennai National Hospital, Rajaji Salai, Chennai-600001   conducted the camp.

Com M. Kannappan treasurer CHTD & com Pitchai Mohanraj Kalmandapam dist.secretary arranged the medical camp. It was a great success.
Com N.S. Deenadayalan went to CGM TN Circle Office and enquired about 78.2% pension revision process there. They told that they have processed 38 post 2007 pension revision cases and sent DOT CELL. They further said that still some more cases of post 2007 cases are pending and they are working on it. They also told that they have processed 17 pre 2007 pension revision cases and sent to DOT CELL. Please see below for the list. 





Smt V. Santha, PA, DGM, TP,  Southern Telecom Projects, Chennai is retiring on superannuation on 28-2-2017. We wish her a long, happy, healthy, peaceful retired life.
She is joining our STR DIVISION as a LIFE MEMBER from 1-3-2017. We wholeheartedly welcome her to our STR DIVISION.

Thursday 23 February 2017



NEW DELHI VISIT NEWS BY Com P.S.Ramankutty
MEETINGS IN NEW DELHI. 
CHQ Office bearers P  S Ramankutty,  D Gopalakrishnan, G Natarajan,  Gangadhara Rao and Vittoban had some meetings today. 

Since Secretary was busy in a video conference with Prime Minister he could give 25 Minutes only.  
Detailed discussion took place with Member(S).  
Secretary asked Member F to ensure settlement  of 78. 2 Cases soon, fixing  a target date. 
Pension Anomaly case judgement  is referred to Legal section.  Final decision will be taken in consulation with Pension dept and Expenditure  dept. 
Approval from Pension department is awaited for   raising the ceiling on Gratuity, as reccomended by seventh CPC. 

We placed our views on future pension revision as per pay commission reports.  PRC has not given any suggestion on pension revision.)
Secretary assured to look into our demand and told that it will take some time.
Other details will be given in CHQ website on 25th on return to our stations.

Wednesday 22 February 2017

FREE MEDICAL CAMP AT ROYAPURAM AREA:
 
All India BSNL Pensioners Welfare Association Kalmandabam North East Branch conducting a FREE Medical Camp in co-ordination with A.J. Colony Welfare Association at A.J. Colony Main Road on 24.02.2017 from 08.30AM to 03.00 PM in front of THENI AMMAN KOIL. 
 
The Doctors from Chennai National Hospital, Rajaji Salai, Chennai-600001 will be conducting the camp.
 
All the members are requested to utilize this Medical Camp and make use this opportunity.


Dear Comrades,
An urgent and Most Important News from our Circle Secretary is given below for your immediate action.
" Those who have submitted Medical Bills, are requested to submit the following details to their respective AO offices immediately."
1.Name of the employee  :
2.Vendor Number/HR Number :
3.Mobile Number :
4.MRS card Xerox copy :
5.Names of the dependents, 
Date of Birth, relationships if
they claim Medical Bills for
dependents   :
6.Scale of Pay  :
7.Basic pay on the date of retirement :
               Those who had retired after 30.06.2012 need not submit the above details. Others who had retired before 30-06-2012should submit the above details immediately.
                If you submit as mentioned above with in 2 days, payment will be included for the first week of March payment list.

With fraternal greetings,

K.Muthiyalu,
Circle secretary,
TN Circle,
9444 6666 46

Monday 20 February 2017

AIBSNLPWA, Andhra Circle has officially launched their CIRCLE UNION WEBSITE on 20-2-17.
We are proud to say that we helped them to create and bring their new website. We assure our Andhra comrades that we are ready extend our help and cooperation for them always. 
We convey our best wishes to Andhra Circle Comrades for their new initiative. 
We request our Tamilnadu webmasters to give link for ANDHRA CIRCLE in their webisite

Friday 17 February 2017

The TN Circle Central Secretariat Meeting was held today (17-2-17) at Palavanthangal, Chennai. It was decided to hold the next TN Circle Executive Committee Meeting at Virudhunagar on 2-4-17 & 3-4-17.  

Thursday 16 February 2017

Our leaders Com P.S. Ramankutty, Com G.Natarajan, Com D. Gopalakrishnan, Com Vittoban and Com Gangadhara Rao  are going  to New Delhi tomorrow. They will meet BSNL Officers & DOT Officers next week and discuss our other pending issue like full pension for bsnl pensioners retired before 2006, gratuity increase to 20 lakhs, pension revision at par with central government pensioners, pension anomaly court case judgement orders etc.. They will be in New Delhi for one week. we wish them success in their efforts.    

Wednesday 15 February 2017

STR DIVISION Circular No.184 released and sent to our members email id.
To download the circular please CLICK HERE 

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Com A. Sugumaran presided the meeting. Com S. Sridharan read out the minutes of the last meeting and got approval from the members. 
Com S. Narasimhan conveyed birthday greetings to the members whose birthdays are coming in this meeting. He then introduced the 3 new members to the General Body. He conveyed the STR Division Welfare news to the members. He explained in detail about the 78.2% Pension Revision Progress work in CHTD, STP & STR. 
Com D.S. Ramalingam explained the pension revision work progress in CGM TN Circle. He said that he along with com Sundarakrishnan and Deenadayalan visiting CGM TN Office frequently and speeding up the pension revision work there. He told that despite their best  efforts pension revision work is not progressing well there.  When Com V. Srinivasan said that he wanted to know whether his name is in pending list, Com D.S. Ramalingam said he had already discussed his case with AO Drawal and Pension. He said that he will get the remaining full list from them. Com A. Sugumaran said that CGM TN is lagging well behind in pension revision work against all SSAs in Tamilnadu. 
Com K. Muthiyalu said that totally 15000 thousands pension revision cases have come from SSAs to CCA Office and about 4500 to 5000 cases were processed. He said the pension revision work in CCA office is very slow.When he pointed out that this to Jt CCA on 6-2-17 meeting they told that the delay is due to post 2007 pension revision work which is taking much time. So it was decided in the meeting that the pre 2007 work should be taken first and completed before March 2017 and then the post 2007 work should be taken. He further said that our leaders are going to New Delhi next week to meet officers in DOT & BSNL to persue our other cases like pension revision at par with CG Pensioners, gratuity revision, extra increment case, delinking of 33 years service for pre 2006 BSNL Pensioners.
Com Venkatachalam,  Divisional Secretary, Trichy spoke pensioners in BSNL are happy because of their pension is revised regularly. No other public sector organization pensioners are getting pension revision. He said we should strengthen our movement further.
Com S. Sridharan said that AIFPA is going to conduct a MASS DHARNA on 18-3-17 at Tamilnadu State Guest House, Chepauk to press the central Government to implement the point to point fixation of pension revision as recommended by the 7 CPC. Com K. Muthiyalu is the key speaker in the Dharna and requested our members to attend the Dharna en mass.

Com Sundarakrishnan conveyed vote of thanks. 84 members participated in the meeting.  

Monday 13 February 2017

13-2-17:
Com D.S. Ramalingam and N.S. Deenadayalan have gone to CGM TN Circle office today (13-2-17) and enquired about 78.2% Pension revision work progress. CGM Office they have processed 10 Post 2007 pension revision cases and sent them to DOT CELL.  They also told that some more post 2007 cases are still under process:

Pl see below for the names whose cases were processed and sent to DOT CELL:

1.    S. Killivalavan         SSS
2.    G. Sridharana         CSS
3.    Akbar Sheriff          CSS
4.    R.A. Shaith              EE
5.    R. Sridharan            FP
6.    M. Bhaskaran         Jamedar
7.    Vasanthi Hema Michael   DMAN
8.    M. Thanikaivelu     JTO
9.    N. SethumadhavanJTO
10. N. Mohan                 JTO
 
They also told that they have processed the following pensioners 3% increment pension revision cases and sent them to DOT CELL:                    

1.    V. Natarajan             JTO
2.    A. Babu                    SDE
3.    P.J.A. Arumugam    SDE
4.    S. Nandagopal       JTO
5.    K.S. Sampathkumar AO
6.    R. Vasudevan         DGM
7.    P. Thangaraj           DE
8.    S. Nagarajan          JTO
9.    C.S. Sivaraman      DE
10. K.S. Manoharan      DGM
11. S. Ravi                     SDE
12. R. Raghunadhan     DE
13. A. Paulraj                 DGM
14. L. Sekaran               SDE
15. S. Swaminathan      DE
16. K. Shyamaladevi     AGM
17. R. Shabi                   DE
18. B. Pushparani         DGM
19. N. Subramanyam    SDE
20. S. Annapurani         JAO