Happy New year 2011.
Friday, December 31, 2010
IDA for BSNL employees 3.2% increase
From 01 01 2011, IDA increases to 43%
Increase of 3.2% from 01 01 2011.
For 1997 scales increase is 5.4% . i..e from 136.1% to 141.5%
All India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on Base 2001=100 for the Month of November, 2010
Increase of 3.2% from 01 01 2011.
For 1997 scales increase is 5.4% . i..e from 136.1% to 141.5%
All India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on Base 2001=100 for the Month of November, 2010
All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of November, 2010 increased by 1 point and stood at 182 (one hundred and eighty two).
During November, 2010, the index recorded an increase of 6 points each in Siliguri, Jamshedpur, Tiruchirapally and Bhilai centres, 5 points each in Giridih, Coimbatore, Mariani Jorhat, Rourkela and Selam centres, 4 points in 4 centres, 3 points in 6 centres, 2 points in 13 centres and 1 point in 17 centres. The index decreased by 4 points in Ghaziabad centre, 2 points in Agra centre, 1 point in 11 centres, while in the remaining 16 centres the index remained stationary.
The maximum increase of 6 points each in Siliguri, Jamshedpur, Tiruchirapally and Bhilai centres is mainly on account of increase in the prices of Rice, Goat Meat, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Firewood, etc. The increase of 5 points each in Giridih, Coimbatore, Mariani Jorhat, Rourkela and Selam centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Mustard Oil, Goat Meat, Eggs (Hen), Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items etc. However, the decrease of 4 points in Ghaziabad centre is due to decrease in the prices of Arhar Dal, Vegetable items, etc. and the decrease of 2 points in Agra centre is due to decrease in the prices of Urd Dal, Moong Dal, Vegetable items, etc.
The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :
1. Ahmedabad | 180 | 4. | 168 | |
2. | 183 | 5. Kolkata | 177 | |
3. Chennai | 165 | 6. Mumbai | 182 |
The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of November, 2010 is 8.33% as compared to 9.70% in October, 2010. Inflation based on Food Index is 5.35% in November, 2010 as compared to 7.73% in October, 2010.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
EPF withdrawal -difficult?Economic Times.
NEW DELHI: Withdrawing the provident fund balance each time you switch jobs could soon become a thing of the past if the country’s apex retirement fund has its way.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has urged the government to bar workers from pulling out their PF balances on changing jobs.
“Every six months to a year you change your job and withdraw your PF. That makes us more like a bank,” said Central PF Commissioner Samirendra Chatterjee.
“The PF account should serve its purpose of social security — having a Rs 15,000 balance at retirement is ridiculous,” Chatterjee said. “It’s in the larger interest of workers to bar withdrawals,” he said.
EPFO’s call for change has been spurred by an alarming internal study of this year’s PF settlements at PF office in Karnal, Haryana . As many as 89% of the cases settled at the office, which covers a blend of old and new economy industries, were those of workers withdrawing PF balance after resigning from a job. Just 0.8% workers opted to transfer their PF account to their new job.
The settlement amount for 82% of the workers pulling out their PF was less than Rs 30,000. Nearly 65% workers withdraw their retirement savings before the age of 35. Just 3% EPF members had continuous service of 10 years – a prerequisite to be eligible for pension benefits from EPFO.
The study inferred that 50% of claims are from people withdrawing their PF at the age of 31.33, after working for 2.7 years. They typically take home Rs 10,000, it said. “Sure, people need money, but they shouldn’t consume all their savings at every opportunity,” said Chatterjee.
Existing PF rules specify that an employee can withdraw his/her entire EPF contributions two months after leaving a job. However, there is a condition that the employee shouldn’t start working elsewhere in that period. If another job is taken up within two months, the EPF balance must be transferred to the worker’s new PF account at his/her new workplace.
But these rules are impossible to implement as EPFO has no systems in place to prevent workers from getting new PF accounts with every job switch. Its accounting systems are archaic and operations are still being computerised incrementally.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has urged the government to bar workers from pulling out their PF balances on changing jobs.
“Every six months to a year you change your job and withdraw your PF. That makes us more like a bank,” said Central PF Commissioner Samirendra Chatterjee.
“The PF account should serve its purpose of social security — having a Rs 15,000 balance at retirement is ridiculous,” Chatterjee said. “It’s in the larger interest of workers to bar withdrawals,” he said.
EPFO’s call for change has been spurred by an alarming internal study of this year’s PF settlements at PF office in Karnal, Haryana . As many as 89% of the cases settled at the office, which covers a blend of old and new economy industries, were those of workers withdrawing PF balance after resigning from a job. Just 0.8% workers opted to transfer their PF account to their new job.
The settlement amount for 82% of the workers pulling out their PF was less than Rs 30,000. Nearly 65% workers withdraw their retirement savings before the age of 35. Just 3% EPF members had continuous service of 10 years – a prerequisite to be eligible for pension benefits from EPFO.
The study inferred that 50% of claims are from people withdrawing their PF at the age of 31.33, after working for 2.7 years. They typically take home Rs 10,000, it said. “Sure, people need money, but they shouldn’t consume all their savings at every opportunity,” said Chatterjee.
Existing PF rules specify that an employee can withdraw his/her entire EPF contributions two months after leaving a job. However, there is a condition that the employee shouldn’t start working elsewhere in that period. If another job is taken up within two months, the EPF balance must be transferred to the worker’s new PF account at his/her new workplace.
But these rules are impossible to implement as EPFO has no systems in place to prevent workers from getting new PF accounts with every job switch. Its accounting systems are archaic and operations are still being computerised incrementally.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Employees may not be able to challenge CAT judgement in SC
Employees may not be able to challenge CAT judgement in SC
NEW DELHI: Bad news is in store for government employees contesting matters relating to their service conditions in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) as they may not be able to challenge the judgement in the Supreme Court.
Government employees not satisfied with CAT orders on their service matters will continue to appeal in High Courts as government's plan to enable them approach the apex court directly has received a thumbs down from the top law officer.
Recently, the Department of Personnel had asked the Law Ministry whether the present system of CAT orders being challenged in High Courts be changed to fast track disposal of cases of government employees relating to their service conditions and employment rules.
The Law Ministry referred the matter to Attorney General Ghoolam Vahanvati who opined against the move saying a 1997 Supreme Court judgement on the issue should continued to be followed.
"As of now, the buck stops here (on the issue)," Law Minister M Veerappa Moily told PTI when asked to comment on Vahanvati's opinion.
He said his ministry was trying to find a solution. "But I would not like to add anything more to it," he added.
When the CAT was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, its rules clearly stated that its judgements on service related matters of state and central government employees can only be challenged in the apex court.
While the same rules is in operation even today, a 1997 Supreme Court ruling held that judicial review is the basic feature of the Constitution and a High Court's power on judicial review cannot be taken away.
After the judgement, appeals against CAT rulings were entertained in High Courts.
"The Armed Forces Tribunal Act has been borrowed from CAT. Appeals against Tribunal's orders can only be challenged in the Supreme Court. But in CAT's case, it has become a three tier system...the entire purpose of CAT has been defeated," said a CAT functionary.
He said while CAT usually disposes off a case in six months, appeal in High Court often takes years.
"They pay Rs 50 as fee to move CAT, but they have to pay thousands of rupees in High Court...if the matter reaches Supreme Court, the time and cost involved is massive," he said.
Source: Economic Times
NEW DELHI: Bad news is in store for government employees contesting matters relating to their service conditions in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) as they may not be able to challenge the judgement in the Supreme Court.
Government employees not satisfied with CAT orders on their service matters will continue to appeal in High Courts as government's plan to enable them approach the apex court directly has received a thumbs down from the top law officer.
Recently, the Department of Personnel had asked the Law Ministry whether the present system of CAT orders being challenged in High Courts be changed to fast track disposal of cases of government employees relating to their service conditions and employment rules.
The Law Ministry referred the matter to Attorney General Ghoolam Vahanvati who opined against the move saying a 1997 Supreme Court judgement on the issue should continued to be followed.
"As of now, the buck stops here (on the issue)," Law Minister M Veerappa Moily told PTI when asked to comment on Vahanvati's opinion.
He said his ministry was trying to find a solution. "But I would not like to add anything more to it," he added.
When the CAT was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament, its rules clearly stated that its judgements on service related matters of state and central government employees can only be challenged in the apex court.
While the same rules is in operation even today, a 1997 Supreme Court ruling held that judicial review is the basic feature of the Constitution and a High Court's power on judicial review cannot be taken away.
After the judgement, appeals against CAT rulings were entertained in High Courts.
"The Armed Forces Tribunal Act has been borrowed from CAT. Appeals against Tribunal's orders can only be challenged in the Supreme Court. But in CAT's case, it has become a three tier system...the entire purpose of CAT has been defeated," said a CAT functionary.
He said while CAT usually disposes off a case in six months, appeal in High Court often takes years.
"They pay Rs 50 as fee to move CAT, but they have to pay thousands of rupees in High Court...if the matter reaches Supreme Court, the time and cost involved is massive," he said.
Source: Economic Times
Saturday, December 25, 2010
CBI grills former Minister-the Hindu
As part of its investigations into the 2G spectrum allocation scam, the CBI on Friday questioned the former Communications Minister, A. Raja, for over eight hours.
Mr. Raja appeared at the CBI headquarters here at 10.30 a.m. after he was summoned under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He had flown in from Chennai on Wednesday.
He was “questioned in relation to the case registered into the allocation of unified access service licences,'' CBI DIG and spokesperson Bineeta Thakur told reporters.
Mr. Raja was questioned on the circumstances leading to spectrum allocation that has been criticised by the Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor- General of India (CAG).
The CBI also quizzed him on the tapped conversation he had with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia about allegedly favouring certain telecom companies, informed sources said.
Mr. Raja was forced to resign on November 14 in the wake of the CAG report, which held that the spectrum allocation at undervalued prices resulted in a notional loss of Rs.1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer.
Several other crucial aspects such as the issue of advancing the dates for allocation of spectrum and on the role of his relatives in some of the companies that allegedly acted as a front for certain telecom firms which got spectrum between September 2007 and January 2008 also formed part of the grilling, the sources added.
“I gave full cooperation to the investigating agencies. I cannot say anything further because investigations are on,'' Mr. Raja told reporters.
seven point set of solutions to make the sector more transparent.
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to telecoms minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday, offering a sevenpoint set of solutions to make the sector more transparent.
The country's largest scam involving a notional loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer had led to former telecoms minister A Raja's resignation, exposing the government to a relentless attack by the Opposition that questioned the government's credibility.
Chandrasekhar, a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology in a letter to Sibal wrote about ridding the sector of lobbyists that influence policymaking and level playing field for operators among other pointers for the new telecoms minister's consideration.
Open access of lobbyists and former government officials working as lobbyists to influence telecom policy-making should be stopped immediately and instead include view points of consumer groups, citizens and the media, said the Member of Parliament from Karnataka.
"Till this balance is restored, all policy dialogues will continue to be skewed in favor of corporates who often indulge in regulatory capture and their healthy track record is already known to all and is in public domain," reads Chandrasekhar's letter, a copy of which is with ET.
Chandrasekhar, who was one of the early entrants to the telecoms business, said that policy decisions keeping the government away from corporate interests were required most, claiming the government and telecom regulator TRAI took policy decisions favoring some companies. While welcoming department of telecom's notices to 85 licencees for being ineligible recipients and not meeting rollout obligations he added DoT's actions in the future to be in public domain and responses to the notices should be open to scrutiny.
He also alleged, "The DoT has a long track record of colluding with private companies and therefore you will understand the suspicion and concern that the DoT may blandly accept the responses of the Telecom companies to the show cause notices."
In the letter to Sibal, Chandrasekhar also wanted more teeth for Trai guaranteed financial and functional independence with changes to the legislation that does not leave room for DoT to selectively interpret Trai's recommendations. Further, the regulator's functioning needs accountability and Parliamentary oversight. "The whole area of Trai's accountability to Parliament is highly questionable, especially given the fact that its current relationship with DoT and Mo-CIT smacks of a conflict of interest, with retired DoT secretaries invariably becoming Trai chairman. It (Trai) is unable to check the government when the TRAI Act is being violated by DoT," he said.
Pointing out a direct conflict of interest between Trai and DoT, Chandrasekhar asked the minister to include neutral views from analysts, media, Members of Parliament, Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, as well as citizen groups, in the ongoing investigations into the 2G spectrum controversy.
In a seperate development, telecom minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said the growth in the sector is essentially centered on adequate spectrum availability, assuring government will make all efforts to provide requisite airwaves to meet industry's demand.
The country's largest scam involving a notional loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer had led to former telecoms minister A Raja's resignation, exposing the government to a relentless attack by the Opposition that questioned the government's credibility.
Chandrasekhar, a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology in a letter to Sibal wrote about ridding the sector of lobbyists that influence policymaking and level playing field for operators among other pointers for the new telecoms minister's consideration.
Open access of lobbyists and former government officials working as lobbyists to influence telecom policy-making should be stopped immediately and instead include view points of consumer groups, citizens and the media, said the Member of Parliament from Karnataka.
"Till this balance is restored, all policy dialogues will continue to be skewed in favor of corporates who often indulge in regulatory capture and their healthy track record is already known to all and is in public domain," reads Chandrasekhar's letter, a copy of which is with ET.
Chandrasekhar, who was one of the early entrants to the telecoms business, said that policy decisions keeping the government away from corporate interests were required most, claiming the government and telecom regulator TRAI took policy decisions favoring some companies. While welcoming department of telecom's notices to 85 licencees for being ineligible recipients and not meeting rollout obligations he added DoT's actions in the future to be in public domain and responses to the notices should be open to scrutiny.
He also alleged, "The DoT has a long track record of colluding with private companies and therefore you will understand the suspicion and concern that the DoT may blandly accept the responses of the Telecom companies to the show cause notices."
In the letter to Sibal, Chandrasekhar also wanted more teeth for Trai guaranteed financial and functional independence with changes to the legislation that does not leave room for DoT to selectively interpret Trai's recommendations. Further, the regulator's functioning needs accountability and Parliamentary oversight. "The whole area of Trai's accountability to Parliament is highly questionable, especially given the fact that its current relationship with DoT and Mo-CIT smacks of a conflict of interest, with retired DoT secretaries invariably becoming Trai chairman. It (Trai) is unable to check the government when the TRAI Act is being violated by DoT," he said.
Pointing out a direct conflict of interest between Trai and DoT, Chandrasekhar asked the minister to include neutral views from analysts, media, Members of Parliament, Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, as well as citizen groups, in the ongoing investigations into the 2G spectrum controversy.
In a seperate development, telecom minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said the growth in the sector is essentially centered on adequate spectrum availability, assuring government will make all efforts to provide requisite airwaves to meet industry's demand.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
CBI arrests senior telecom official and associate in Maharashtra
CBI arrests senior telecom official and associate in Maharashtra Published: Wednesday, Dec 22, 2010, 17:44 IST Place: Bhubaneswar | Agency: PTI | |
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மாநிலச் செயற்குழுக் கூட்டம் 19-12-2010
நமது தமிழ் மாநிலச் சங்கத்தின் மாநிலச் செயற்குழுக் கூட்டம் 19-12-2010 அன்று கடலூரில் மிகச் சிறப்பாக நடைபெற்றது. மாநிலச் சங்க நிர்வாகிகள், மாவட்டச் செயலர்கள் மற்றும் முன்னணி செயல்வீரர்கள் திரளாகக் கலந்து கொண்டு சிறப்பித்தனர்.
மாநிலப் பொருளாளரும் கடலூர் மாவட்டச் செயலருமான தோழர் R.V.ஜெயராமன் தலைமையில் கடலூர் மாவட்டத் தோழர்கள், மாநிலச் செயற்குழுவிற்கான ஏற்பாடுகளைச் சிறப்பாகச் செய்திருந்தனர். அவர்கள் அனைவருக்கும் நமது பாராட்டுக்களும், வாழ்த்துக்களும் உரித்தாகுக.
மாநிலத் தலைவர் தோழர் M.அப்துல் வஹாப் தலைமையேற்க, மாநிலச் செயல்தலைவர் தோழர் K.R.பழனிச்சாமி முன்னிலை வகித்தார். மாநில உதவிச் செயலர் தோழர் C.A.தாஸ் வரவேற்புரையாற்ற, அகில இந்திய உதவிப் பொதுச்செயலரும் மாநில இணைச்செயலருமான தோழர் P.ஆண்டியப்பன் செயற்குழுவைத் துவக்கிவைத்தார்.
FNTO பேரியக்கத்தின் அகில இந்தியப் பொதுச் செயலர் தோழர் K.வள்ளிநாயகம் செயற்குழுவில் கலந்து கொண்டு சிறப்புரையாற்றினார். சமீபத்திய இரண்டு நாள் வேலைநிறுத்தம், BSNL-ன் தற்போதைய நிலை, தேங்கிக் கிடக்கும் ஊழியர் பிரச்சினைகள், அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்ட சங்கத்தின் கையாலாகாத்தனம், எதிர்வரும் உறுப்பினர் சரிபார்ப்பு தேர்தலில் FNTO-வின் நிலைப்பாடு, கொல்கத்தா மத்தியச் சங்கச் செயற்குழுவின் மாற்றவொண்ணா முடிவுகள் ஆகியவை பற்றி விரிவாக எடுத்துரைத்தார்.
மாவட்டங்களில் நிலவும் பல்வேறு பிரச்சினைகள் குறித்தும் தேர்தலை எதிர்கொள்வது பற்றியும் மாவட்டச் செயலர்களும் மாநில நிர்வாகிகளும் விரிவாக விவாதித்தனர். மாநில மகளிர் அணித்தலைவி தோழியர் மீனாட்சி மற்றும் மாநில அமைப்புச் செயலர் தோழியர் சங்கரிதேவி ஆகியோரும் தமது கருத்துக்களை முன்வைத்தனர். இறுதியாக, விவாதங்களுக்குப் பதிலளித்துப் பேசிய தமிழ் மாநிலச் செயலர் தோழர் சந்திரசேகரன் தேர்தல் பணிக்குழுக்கள் அமைப்பது குறித்தும் FNTO –வுக்கு வாக்குக் கேட்டு பிரச்சாரத்தை முடுக்கிவிடுவது குறித்தும் விளக்கவுரையாற்றினார்.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Cuddalore- CWC
The Tamil nadu Circle Central Working Committee met at Cuddalore Sri Vignesh Mahal on 19 12 10 at 10-00 hrs.
Com M. Abdul Wahab ,Circle President presided overthe meeting in the presence of Com K.R.Palanisamy Circle Working President. Com C.A. Doss, Circle ACS welcomed the gathering. Com P.Andiappan, Circle Jt.Secretary in his speech spoke about strengthening of the union and future of union. Com K. Vallinayagam spoke about the effects of BSNLEU alliance and also NFTE alliance, CHQ decision of Kolkatta and FNTO stand of facing the 5th verification.
District Secretaries Com Arumugam of Nagercoil,Com Nainar of Tirunelveli,Com Muthukumaram of Karaikudi,.Com Muthukumar of Madurai,Com G.K.Soundararajan of Tanjore,Com Soundararajan of Coimbatrore,Com M Rajarathinam of Kumbakonam,Com Anguraj of Erode,Com Mohan Kumar of Circle office,Com Parthasarathy of civil wing,R.V.Jayaraman of Cuddalore,Com Kamalakoothan of Salem,
Com Veerabadhran of Puducherry,Com Velayutham of Vellore ,Perambalur Devarajan,members from Perambalur branch,ladies wing President Trichy Meenakshi ,Circle office bearers Com Madurai Bargunan,Manoharan,Erode Varadarajan,Nagercoil Achutanand,David,Salem Mathialagan,Coimbatore Rajan,Puducherry Mohan,Prabakaran,Mohan,Tanjore Sivakumar attended the circle CWC meeting.
Cuddalore Balakrishnan,Jayaraj,Villupuram Baskaran,Rajendran,Sadasivam,Manoharan,Anthony Samy,Panruti Veerappan,Elumalai,Krishnamoorthy,Kadirvel,Kallakuirchi Arjunan,Jayaraman,R.Rajendran,Danalakshmi,Chidambaram Pichandi,Mani ,Neyveli Danasekaran
Villupuram Manoharan worked hard to make this CWC a grand success.
Though the debate centred about the future of FNTO,it was debated about the pros and corns of alliance and without alliance, the CWC of Tamil nadu has to stick to the stand of Central Working Committee decision at Kolkatta.
Though leaders from Tamil nadu spoke about the possibility of an alliance in the central working committee at Kolkatta , the decision of the CWC at Kolkatta to face the 5th verification in its symbol Dipak got final nod at Tamil nadu CWC at Cuddalore..
Com M. Abdul Wahab ,Circle President presided overthe meeting in the presence of Com K.R.Palanisamy Circle Working President. Com C.A. Doss, Circle ACS welcomed the gathering. Com P.Andiappan, Circle Jt.Secretary in his speech spoke about strengthening of the union and future of union. Com K. Vallinayagam spoke about the effects of BSNLEU alliance and also NFTE alliance, CHQ decision of Kolkatta and FNTO stand of facing the 5th verification.
District Secretaries Com Arumugam of Nagercoil,Com Nainar of Tirunelveli,Com Muthukumaram of Karaikudi,.Com Muthukumar of Madurai,Com G.K.Soundararajan of Tanjore,Com Soundararajan of Coimbatrore,Com M Rajarathinam of Kumbakonam,Com Anguraj of Erode,Com Mohan Kumar of Circle office,Com Parthasarathy of civil wing,R.V.Jayaraman of Cuddalore,Com Kamalakoothan of Salem,
Com Veerabadhran of Puducherry,Com Velayutham of Vellore ,Perambalur Devarajan,members from Perambalur branch,ladies wing President Trichy Meenakshi ,Circle office bearers Com Madurai Bargunan,Manoharan,Erode Varadarajan,Nagercoil Achutanand,David,Salem Mathialagan,Coimbatore Rajan,Puducherry Mohan,Prabakaran,Mohan,Tanjore Sivakumar attended the circle CWC meeting.
Cuddalore Balakrishnan,Jayaraj,Villupuram Baskaran,Rajendran,Sadasivam,Manoharan,Anthony Samy,Panruti Veerappan,Elumalai,Krishnamoorthy,Kadirvel,Kallakuirchi Arjunan,Jayaraman,R.Rajendran,Danalakshmi,Chidambaram Pichandi,Mani ,Neyveli Danasekaran
Villupuram Manoharan worked hard to make this CWC a grand success.
Though the debate centred about the future of FNTO,it was debated about the pros and corns of alliance and without alliance, the CWC of Tamil nadu has to stick to the stand of Central Working Committee decision at Kolkatta.
Though leaders from Tamil nadu spoke about the possibility of an alliance in the central working committee at Kolkatta , the decision of the CWC at Kolkatta to face the 5th verification in its symbol Dipak got final nod at Tamil nadu CWC at Cuddalore..
Will 2g bring down govt.?
It wasn't Sonia's remarks, however — or Singh's promise to appear before an investigating committee, saying "I have nothing to hide from the public at all" —that gave the best hint as to the Congress strategy for regaining control of the news cycle. That came from the party's general secretary, Digvijay Singh, in the role of hatchet man as he defended the 40-year-old prime minister-in-waiting, Rahul Gandhi.
Embracing Rahul's trepidations about "Hindu terror" — WikiLeaks' diplomatic cables revealed that Rahul told the U.S. ambassador that he feared Hindu terrorist groups more than Islamic ones — the general secretary attacked the BJP's Hindu nationalist parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). And by amplifying Rahul's rhetoric — he apparently sought to shift the focus from corruption to communalism, the word India uses to discuss its religious divides.
"The RSS in the garb of its nationalist ideology is targeting Muslims the same way Nazis targeted Jews in the 1930s," Digvijay told plenary attendees.
In a less corrupt country, the context for the general secretary's comments might itself be enough to reveal it as a transparent attempt to distract attention from the problems besetting his party.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/india/101220/india-congress-sonia-gandhi-manmohan-singh-telecom
Embracing Rahul's trepidations about "Hindu terror" — WikiLeaks' diplomatic cables revealed that Rahul told the U.S. ambassador that he feared Hindu terrorist groups more than Islamic ones — the general secretary attacked the BJP's Hindu nationalist parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). And by amplifying Rahul's rhetoric — he apparently sought to shift the focus from corruption to communalism, the word India uses to discuss its religious divides.
"The RSS in the garb of its nationalist ideology is targeting Muslims the same way Nazis targeted Jews in the 1930s," Digvijay told plenary attendees.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/india/101220/india-congress-sonia-gandhi-manmohan-singh-telecom
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Anarchy prevails at BSNL, Guwahati
Anarchy prevails at BSNL, Guwahati
The BSNL telephone users and subscribers keep on running from pillar to post for redress al of their grievances every day, but there is not a single person, who can assure the removal of anomalies in the services of the department.
CJ: D N Singh
Sat, Dec 18, 2010 09:02:55 IST
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0.0 / 0 votes THE BHARAT Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Guwahati is functioning in complete anarchy. The telephone users and subscribers keep on running from pillar to post for redress of their grievances every day, but there is not a single person, who can assure the removal of anomalies in the functioning of the department. For instance a single instance is given as under:
A subscriber having telephone connection from BSNL number lodged a complaint for repairs of the fault at ‘198’ in the month of May 2010. Since the subscriber is a senior citizen and a freelance journalist, he has got Broadband connection also for his professional activities. Due to faulty telephone nor he was in position to use it neither could he sent any news to the newspapers, he was working for. Every time he tried to know the position or register a fresh complaint on ‘198’, the tape voice came out as ‘work in progress’. The SDO, telephone office was contacted several times and the number was noted every time with assurance to ‘look into the matter’, but no relief was rendered. In the meantime, the telephone bill for the usage in the month of May 2010 and advance rental for the month of July 2010 was received and paid in due time, with hope that the department would repair the fault. But his assumption was wrong and the fault remained unattended.
Since the BSNL was interested in getting money without rendering any service, it continued sending bills every month regularly. On June 21, 2010, the subscriber wrote a letter to the general manager, BSNL, Kamrup Telephone District, Guwahati, requesting him to look into the matter and get the telephone fault repaired, but that too was of no avail. Due to getting no response from any official, the subscriber stopped the payment of telephone bills from July onwards. While trying to register fresh complaint at ‘198’ the reply was ‘already registered’. On October 14, 2010, the subscriber addressed another letter to the GM, KTD, Guwahati, requesting him to get the bills raised during July, August, September and October 2010, cancelled, but of no avail.
Lastly, the subscriber further wrote to GM, Kamrup Telephone District, Guwahati with a copy to the chief general manager, Assam Circle and sent the letters through ‘Speed Post. ’ Getting no reply from all these ‘so-called’ senior officials the subscriber approached the accounts officer, who of course was kind enough to tell the truth about the official records, which revealed that the telephone was disconnected in the month of August 2010 and the subscriber was liable to clear all dues for getting reconnection of the telephone and broadband. The BSNL didn’t inform the subscriber about this illegal action taken by it arbitrarily at a time when the services of the telephone were already invalid because of non-repairing of the fault.
Keeping in mind the necessity of the telephone and broadband connection for his use, the subscriber made the payment of the bills due on December 16, 2010, for ‘no service availed’. The subscriber informed the SDO, telephone of the area concerned about the payment, but no action was taken by the people working in the BSNL, Guwahati. And the subscriber feels to be ‘cheated’ by the department. It is really a blot on the name of BSNL which could not repair a minor cable fault for last seven months. In fact, a total anarchy is prevailing in the Guwahati, BSNL.
A subscriber having telephone connection from BSNL number lodged a complaint for repairs of the fault at ‘198’ in the month of May 2010. Since the subscriber is a senior citizen and a freelance journalist, he has got Broadband connection also for his professional activities. Due to faulty telephone nor he was in position to use it neither could he sent any news to the newspapers, he was working for. Every time he tried to know the position or register a fresh complaint on ‘198’, the tape voice came out as ‘work in progress’. The SDO, telephone office was contacted several times and the number was noted every time with assurance to ‘look into the matter’, but no relief was rendered. In the meantime, the telephone bill for the usage in the month of May 2010 and advance rental for the month of July 2010 was received and paid in due time, with hope that the department would repair the fault. But his assumption was wrong and the fault remained unattended.
Since the BSNL was interested in getting money without rendering any service, it continued sending bills every month regularly. On June 21, 2010, the subscriber wrote a letter to the general manager, BSNL, Kamrup Telephone District, Guwahati, requesting him to look into the matter and get the telephone fault repaired, but that too was of no avail. Due to getting no response from any official, the subscriber stopped the payment of telephone bills from July onwards. While trying to register fresh complaint at ‘198’ the reply was ‘already registered’. On October 14, 2010, the subscriber addressed another letter to the GM, KTD, Guwahati, requesting him to get the bills raised during July, August, September and October 2010, cancelled, but of no avail.
Lastly, the subscriber further wrote to GM, Kamrup Telephone District, Guwahati with a copy to the chief general manager, Assam Circle and sent the letters through ‘Speed Post. ’ Getting no reply from all these ‘so-called’ senior officials the subscriber approached the accounts officer, who of course was kind enough to tell the truth about the official records, which revealed that the telephone was disconnected in the month of August 2010 and the subscriber was liable to clear all dues for getting reconnection of the telephone and broadband. The BSNL didn’t inform the subscriber about this illegal action taken by it arbitrarily at a time when the services of the telephone were already invalid because of non-repairing of the fault.
Keeping in mind the necessity of the telephone and broadband connection for his use, the subscriber made the payment of the bills due on December 16, 2010, for ‘no service availed’. The subscriber informed the SDO, telephone of the area concerned about the payment, but no action was taken by the people working in the BSNL, Guwahati. And the subscriber feels to be ‘cheated’ by the department. It is really a blot on the name of BSNL which could not repair a minor cable fault for last seven months. In fact, a total anarchy is prevailing in the Guwahati, BSNL.
Reliance transmists 4 g Signals-The Telegraph
Mumbai, Dec. 17: Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Ltd has started trials on fourth-generation (4G) mobile technology even as its telecom rivals are scrambling to launch 3G services across the country.
In trials carried out in the past week at RIL’s Navi Mumbai centre using Ericsson equipment, sources said they had achieved download speeds of up to 80 megabits per second (Mbps), which is blindingly fast when compared with the 3.1 Mbps speeds that most dongles offer on existing 2G networks.
Using Ericsson dongles connected over the air to a base station, the trials also yielded a peak uplink speed of 20 Mbps.
The two companies have also claimed that they were able to stream HD multimedia and live TV while travelling at speeds of up to 70 km an hour.
Reliance transmists 4 g Signals-The Calcutta Telegraph
2,500 SIM cards disconnected in Meghalaya-Assam Tribune
2,500 SIM cards disconnected in Meghalaya
SHILLONG, Dec 17 – Extortion threats from unknown persons as well as militant groups have caused concern in the Meghalaya police which has zeroed in on a set of numbers for verification by Telecom operators.
The Meghalaya Police Special Branch has sent two separate lists – one with 448 numbers and another with 3026 numbers – to Aircel for verification, Additional Director General (specialbranch) SK Jain said.
The Telecom operator has written back saying that some 2,500 numbers in the list have been disconnected and that most of them were bulk connections, company sources said.
The development follows an extortion call to an MLA of Meghalaya.
The caller was picked up by the police at Baghmara in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district and he, the police says, was not linked to any militant group.
Following the trail, the police picked up for questioning an executive of Aircel posted at Tura who allegedly issued over 1,000 connections in a single name.
Officer in charge of Tura Police Station D K Rajbongshi said a case has been registered against Aircel territorial manager A Gupta under sections 406/420 of the IPC. Gupta is suspected to have been involved in the misappropriation of over 3,000 SIM cards. Gupta was later released on bail.
Police sources said mobile companies were flooding the market with SIM cards without any proper documentation and some of the numbers have landed in the hands of miscreants and militants.
Numbers registered in places like Manipur and Nagaland have been traced to persons who are living in Garo Hills for months together, the police said.
At least two Meghalaya MLAs besides local level politicians in Garo Hills, traders and traditional chiefs have been getting extortion calls over the last few months.
There is an estimated 10 million mobile phone users in the Northeastern States.
Since the later part of 2004, when pre-paid connections were re-introduced after they were lifted for some time, the license for pre-paid connections has been awarded on an annual basis in the North East. – PTI
SHILLONG, Dec 17 – Extortion threats from unknown persons as well as militant groups have caused concern in the Meghalaya police which has zeroed in on a set of numbers for verification by Telecom operators.
The Meghalaya Police Special Branch has sent two separate lists – one with 448 numbers and another with 3026 numbers – to Aircel for verification, Additional Director General (specialbranch) SK Jain said.
The Telecom operator has written back saying that some 2,500 numbers in the list have been disconnected and that most of them were bulk connections, company sources said.
The development follows an extortion call to an MLA of Meghalaya.
The caller was picked up by the police at Baghmara in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district and he, the police says, was not linked to any militant group.
Following the trail, the police picked up for questioning an executive of Aircel posted at Tura who allegedly issued over 1,000 connections in a single name.
Officer in charge of Tura Police Station D K Rajbongshi said a case has been registered against Aircel territorial manager A Gupta under sections 406/420 of the IPC. Gupta is suspected to have been involved in the misappropriation of over 3,000 SIM cards. Gupta was later released on bail.
Police sources said mobile companies were flooding the market with SIM cards without any proper documentation and some of the numbers have landed in the hands of miscreants and militants.
Numbers registered in places like Manipur and Nagaland have been traced to persons who are living in Garo Hills for months together, the police said.
At least two Meghalaya MLAs besides local level politicians in Garo Hills, traders and traditional chiefs have been getting extortion calls over the last few months.
There is an estimated 10 million mobile phone users in the Northeastern States.
Since the later part of 2004, when pre-paid connections were re-introduced after they were lifted for some time, the license for pre-paid connections has been awarded on an annual basis in the North East. – PTI
The-spectacle-of-corruption.2 g
The first is about the nature of power. Power in the modern world rests as much on information and its control as it does on weaponry or treasure: Besides the Seventh Fleet and Wall Street, it is the networked data server, buried deep in cyberspace, that is a repository of power. And it is the rogue memory stick, the renegade photographic image, or the on-screen financial rumour, that can acquire viral velocity and at once puncture the complacencies of markets as well as the strategies of states. In this crucial sense, what were believed to be the conventional markers of power—military might, financial muscle— remain premised for their effectiveness on legitimacy, on their sustained credibility in the realm of public opinion or of markets. If that dissipates, so too does effective power. It’s a lesson that the US has learned the hard way over the past decade; and it’s a lesson that any would-be aspirant powers need to grasp early.
http://www.livemint.com/2010/12/16192555/The-spectacle-of-corruption.html
http://www.livemint.com/2010/12/16192555/The-spectacle-of-corruption.html
Friday, December 17, 2010
Re-verification drive: mobile customer woes
Re-verification drive: mobile customer woes
Operators in the country are on a massive re-verification drive as ordered by the home ministry. Acting on its orders, operators had asked their subscribers to provide afresh documents such as photographs, address proofs and identity proofs, failing which their mobile numbers are to be disconnected.
The re-verification process was initiated by the government, which cited security reasons. It was found that mobile numbers used to coordinate various terrorist activities in the country were issued without proper verification.
But the process is turning out to be a nightmare for many mobile subscribers.
Telecom Yatra talked to a few subscribers and found that while some of them had submitted (and in some cases resubmitted) documents, they were still being pestered by their respective operators.
Sunita Rathore, a Vodafone postpaid subscriber, submitted her documents twice during the past two months. However, she was asked to do so a third time around as well. Fortunately the operator offered to send an executive to her place rather than calling her to the center again. Nevertheless her document submission status remains pending with the operator.
Anurag Dixit faces a similar problem. "Even after submitting the required documents, I kept getting calls from Vodafone customer care. Also, every time I make a call I have to waste a minute listening to a pre recorded message for submitting the documents."
Another subscriber who has been using Idea Cellular's services for the past six years is still being pestered by the company inspite of having submitting the documents.
The prepaid Idea subscriber said, "I have submitted my documents, still these guys keep calling and messaging me for the documents and asking to go and check with the center."
The subscriber added, "On contacting the center(in Noida), where I had submitted the documents, customer care executives said they can not help as their system has not been working for the past 3-4 days and they are unable to update the documents status. In addition, the person who is supposed to collect the documents is not well and hence the documents are still lying with them."
As far as Airtel is concerned, the situation has been quite different. Mayank, a pre paid subscriber of Airtel told us, "I did receive messages and calls from Airtel to submit my documents but could not due to other engagements. My outgoing was barred for a few days but the number started again in a few days without document submission."
The last date for re-verification, as of now, is December 31, hence operators have just 15 days to set things right. But the way things are going, there is a possibility that many subscribers could find themselves without an active mobile connection at the end of the month despite submitting their documents on time.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
BSNL and MTNL added 3.01 million and 37,110 new users
ndian GSM telecom operators added a whopping 17.45 million new subscribers in November, taking the all-India GSM cellular subscriber base to 526.18 million, cellular operators' association COAI said on Friday.
The GSM subscriber base stood at 508.72 million at the end of October, 2010.
Bharti Airtel, the largest GSM player, added 3.10 million new users in November, taking its total subscriber base to 149.39 million, data released by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) showed.
It had 28.39 per cent market share as of the end of November, 2010, it added.
Rival Vodafone Essar, with a 23.03 per cent market share, notched up 3.12 million new subscribers during the month, the highest amongst all the service providers in the country.
Its subscriber base stood at 121.16 million at the end of the reporting month.
Aditya Birla group firm Idea Cellular added 2.80 million users during the month to take its total user base to 78.82 million, while Aircel added 1.21 million customers to take its subscriber base to 48.73 million.
In addition, state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL added 3.01 million and 37,110 new users, respectively, taking their subscriber base to 78.19 million and 5.09 million, respectively.
The GSM subscriber base stood at 508.72 million at the end of October, 2010.
Bharti Airtel, the largest GSM player, added 3.10 million new users in November, taking its total subscriber base to 149.39 million, data released by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) showed.
It had 28.39 per cent market share as of the end of November, 2010, it added.
Rival Vodafone Essar, with a 23.03 per cent market share, notched up 3.12 million new subscribers during the month, the highest amongst all the service providers in the country.
Its subscriber base stood at 121.16 million at the end of the reporting month.
In addition, state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL added 3.01 million and 37,110 new users, respectively, taking their subscriber base to 78.19 million and 5.09 million, respectively.
NUBSNLW(FNTO) -CHQ news 15 12 10
GS FNTO met the CMD BSNL ON 15.12.2010 and discussed the following.
1. Strict Adherence of ban on transfer orders by SSAs.
2. Flood relief for affected areas in Tamilnadu etc.
3. Unhelpful and bias attitude of Chennai Telephones Administration during election period.
CMD assured to look into the issues pointed out by GS FNTO.
GS SCSTWA CLARIFIES:
On enquiry, Shri. Babu Rao, GS SCSTWA has clarified that his association has not taken any decision so far regarding 5th membership verification.
On enquiry, Shri. Babu Rao, GS SCSTWA has clarified that his association has not taken any decision so far regarding 5th membership verification.
MEETING WITH SNATTA
MEETING WITH SNATTA
08.12.2010: Mr. Thomas John K, All India President, FNTO met Mr. Dharmendra Verma, GS, SNATTA, at Jamnagar and had deep discussion on the problems faced by DRTTAs of BSNL e.g. Conduction of overdelayed exam for vertical promotion to JTO, Injustice in NEPP, 30% Wage revision benefit for DRTTAs recruited post 2007. Mr. Thomas assured constructive co-operation & assistance from FNTO in dealing with these legitimate problems and if necessary political intervention through Honorable Shri. Sanjeev Reddy, MP, All India president INTUC. Mr. Verma agreed to examine the possibility of working together in ensuing Vth membership verification. Mr. Thomas also explained in detail the negative attitude shown by NFTE & BSNLEU in dealing with problems of TTAs. One such particular example would be of revision of TTA’s CDA scale of 4000 to 500 CDA Scale. The FNTO single-handedly fought and brought this benefit to TTAs.
08.12.2010: Mr. Thomas John K, All India President, FNTO met Mr. Dharmendra Verma, GS, SNATTA, at Jamnagar and had deep discussion on the problems faced by DRTTAs of BSNL e.g. Conduction of overdelayed exam for vertical promotion to JTO, Injustice in NEPP, 30% Wage revision benefit for DRTTAs recruited post 2007. Mr. Thomas assured constructive co-operation & assistance from FNTO in dealing with these legitimate problems and if necessary political intervention through Honorable Shri. Sanjeev Reddy, MP, All India president INTUC. Mr. Verma agreed to examine the possibility of working together in ensuing Vth membership verification. Mr. Thomas also explained in detail the negative attitude shown by NFTE & BSNLEU in dealing with problems of TTAs. One such particular example would be of revision of TTA’s CDA scale of 4000 to 500 CDA Scale. The FNTO single-handedly fought and brought this benefit to TTAs.
F NTO demands flood advance.
TheCHQ has demanded flood advance for BSNL employees.
BSNL CMD has agreed to consider our demand.
BSNL CMD has agreed to consider our demand.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Fresh empanelment of private hospitals and revision of Room Rent applicable under CGHS.
No: S.11011/23/2009-CGHS D.II/Hospital Cell (Part I)
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
*************
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
*************
Maulana Azad Road, Nirman Bhawan
New Delhi 110 108 dated the 16th November , 2010
New Delhi 110 108 dated the 16th November , 2010
O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M
Subject: Fresh empanelment of private hospitals and revision of Room Rent applicable under CGHS.
The undersigned is directed to state that CGHS had initiated action for fresh empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS and also for the revision of package rates (which were fixed in 2006-07), to be paid to hospitals, by floating tender for the same. On the basis of the responses received package rates for various procedures / treatments have been arrived at and have been uploaded in the website of CGHS:www.mohfw.nic.in\cghsnew\
2. “Package Rate” shall mean and include lump sum cost of inpatient treatment / day care / diagnostic procedure for which a CGHS beneficiary has been permitted by the competent authority or for treatment under emergency from the time of admission to the time of discharge including (but not limited to) –
(i) Registration charges,
(ii) Admission charges,
(iii) Accommodation charges including patients diet,
(iv) Operation charges,
(v) Injection charges,
(vi) Dressing charges,
(vii) Doctor / consultant visit charges,
(viii) ICU / ICCU charges,
(ix) Monitoring charges,
(x) Transfusion charges,
(xi) Anesthesia charges,
(xii) Operation theatre charges,
(xiii) Procedural charges / surgeon’s fee,
(xiv) Cost of surgical disposables and all sundries used during hospitalization,
(xv) Cost of medicines,
(xvi) Related routine and essential investigations,
(xvii) Physiotherapy charges etc.
(xviii) Nursing care and charges for its services.
(b) Cost of Implants / stents / grafts is reimbursable in addition to package rates as per CGHS ceiling rates for Implants / stents / grafts or as per actual, in case there is no CGHS prescribed ceiling rates.
(c) Treatment charges for new born baby are separately reimbursable in addition to delivery chares for mother.
d) The hospitals empanel led under CGHS shall not charge more than the package rates / rates.
2.2 Package rates envisage upto a maximum duration of indoor treatment as follows:
12 days for Specialised (Super Specialties) treatment;
7 days for other Major Surgeries;
3 days for Lapar oscopic surgeries / normal deliveries; and
1 day for day car e / Minor (OPD) surgeries.
2.3 However, there are certain procedures where there is no prescribed package rate under CGHS. Similarly, there are medical emergencies where the treatment is mainly conservative. The admissible amount in such cases is calculated item wise, room rent, procedures, investigation , etc., .
Therefore , it has now been decided to revise the rates applicable for room rent (Accommodation Charges) for different categor ies of wards as given below:
General ward -Rs.1000/- per day
Semi-private ward -Rs. 2000/ - per day
Private ward -Rs.3000/- per day
3. CGHS beneficiaries are entitled to facilities of private, semi-private or general ward depending on their basic pay / pension. The entitlement is as follows:-
The undersigned is directed to state that CGHS had initiated action for fresh empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS and also for the revision of package rates (which were fixed in 2006-07), to be paid to hospitals, by floating tender for the same. On the basis of the responses received package rates for various procedures / treatments have been arrived at and have been uploaded in the website of CGHS:www.mohfw.nic.in\cghsnew\
2. “Package Rate” shall mean and include lump sum cost of inpatient treatment / day care / diagnostic procedure for which a CGHS beneficiary has been permitted by the competent authority or for treatment under emergency from the time of admission to the time of discharge including (but not limited to) –
(i) Registration charges,
(ii) Admission charges,
(iii) Accommodation charges including patients diet,
(iv) Operation charges,
(v) Injection charges,
(vi) Dressing charges,
(vii) Doctor / consultant visit charges,
(viii) ICU / ICCU charges,
(ix) Monitoring charges,
(x) Transfusion charges,
(xi) Anesthesia charges,
(xii) Operation theatre charges,
(xiii) Procedural charges / surgeon’s fee,
(xiv) Cost of surgical disposables and all sundries used during hospitalization,
(xv) Cost of medicines,
(xvi) Related routine and essential investigations,
(xvii) Physiotherapy charges etc.
(xviii) Nursing care and charges for its services.
(b) Cost of Implants / stents / grafts is reimbursable in addition to package rates as per CGHS ceiling rates for Implants / stents / grafts or as per actual, in case there is no CGHS prescribed ceiling rates.
(c) Treatment charges for new born baby are separately reimbursable in addition to delivery chares for mother.
d) The hospitals empanel led under CGHS shall not charge more than the package rates / rates.
2.2 Package rates envisage upto a maximum duration of indoor treatment as follows:
12 days for Specialised (Super Specialties) treatment;
7 days for other Major Surgeries;
3 days for Lapar oscopic surgeries / normal deliveries; and
1 day for day car e / Minor (OPD) surgeries.
2.3 However, there are certain procedures where there is no prescribed package rate under CGHS. Similarly, there are medical emergencies where the treatment is mainly conservative. The admissible amount in such cases is calculated item wise, room rent, procedures, investigation , etc., .
Therefore , it has now been decided to revise the rates applicable for room rent (Accommodation Charges) for different categor ies of wards as given below:
General ward -Rs.1000/- per day
Semi-private ward -Rs. 2000/ - per day
Private ward -Rs.3000/- per day
3. CGHS beneficiaries are entitled to facilities of private, semi-private or general ward depending on their basic pay / pension. The entitlement is as follows:-
| S. No. | Basic Pay (without the inclusion of grade pay) | Entitlement |
| 1. | Upto Rs. 13,950/- | General Ward |
| 2. | Between Rs.13,951/ - and Rs.19,530/- | Semi-Private Ward |
| 3. | Rs. 19,540/- and above | Private Ward |
4.2 This issues with the concurrence of Internal Finance Division in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, vide Dy. No: AS & FA / 3932 /2010 dated the 8th November , 2010.
The revised rates will come into effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum.
A copy of this Office Memorandum along with rate list and a copy of MOA are placed on the internet at http://mohfw.nic.in/cghsnew/
[R Ravi ]
Director
[Tel: 2306 3483]
Director
[Tel: 2306 3483]
Clcik here to view the order...
this is a test message![]()
state-owned telecom firm BSNL is also likely to get the government support.
Amid the demand from Civil Aviation Ministry for the induction of Rs. 1,200 crore as fresh equity into Air India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the government is actively considering helping the national carrier.
Along with the Air India, state-owned telecom firm BSNL is also likely to get the government support.
“Enterprises which are facing difficulties, such as Air India and BSNL, are receiving the due attention of the government,” Dr. Singh said.
The Prime Minister was addressing an award function of the Department of Public Enterprises and PSUs’ body SCOPE in New Delhi.
Saddled with the loss of Rs. 5,551 crore in 2009-10, Air India is seeking induction of fresh equity to improve its balance sheet.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel met Plan Panel Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Tuesday in this regard.
A Cabinet note on equity infusion proposal has already been circulated among the key economic ministries including Finance.
If the proposal is approved, it would be the second tranche of equity infusion since 2008-09 when. Rs 800 crore was released to the beleaguered carrier.
BSNL, which used to be the flagship telecom company, lost market share to the private sector operators and posted its first loss at Rs. 1,822.65 crore in 2009-10.
Talking about the ailing public sector units, the Prime Minister said that 20 out of 39 companies revived by the Board of Reconstruction of Public Enterprises, were making profits.
“We must ensure that these improvements are sustained in the long run, and these companies do not need to come back to the government for fresh revival packages,” he added.
Keywords: Air India crisis, public sector companie
Pay full POI charges to BSNL-Supreme Court to COAI
New Delhi, Dec 14 (PTI) The Supreme Court today told cellular operators that it might ask BSNL to provide them new Points of Interconnection (PoI) at Rs 39,000 per port, if they undertake to pay the differential amount to the telecom PSU if their plea for lower charges fails.
A bench of Chief Justice S H Kapadia said it would pass directions on their plea only when, they agree to give an undertaking in this regard along with a bank guarantee.
"Would you give an undertaking that the differential amount between Rs 39,000 and Rs 55,000 would be paid by you (along with the interest) if you loose the case.... question is that," asked the bench which included justices K S Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kumar.
"You would have to give bank guarantee of a nationalised bank and an undertaking by any managing director or any higher authority ... you can not escape from it," the bench said.
On this senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said that he would respond tomorrow after consulting the stakeholders.
Pay full POI charges to BSNL-Supreme Court to COAI
A bench of Chief Justice S H Kapadia said it would pass directions on their plea only when, they agree to give an undertaking in this regard along with a bank guarantee.
"Would you give an undertaking that the differential amount between Rs 39,000 and Rs 55,000 would be paid by you (along with the interest) if you loose the case.... question is that," asked the bench which included justices K S Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kumar.
"You would have to give bank guarantee of a nationalised bank and an undertaking by any managing director or any higher authority ... you can not escape from it," the bench said.
On this senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said that he would respond tomorrow after consulting the stakeholders.
Pay full POI charges to BSNL-Supreme Court to COAI
top-10-telecom-advancements-of-the-past-10-years.
Last week, I was asked by Voice & Data in India to contribute to an article they’re publishing in January on the “Top 10 Technologies in the last decade that have Transformed the Telecom Sector.” This was an interesting exercise for me, and really got me thinking.
While 10 years is not a huge amount of time, the past 10 years have quite possibly been the most incredible in terms of technological achievements in the telecom industry since the invention of the telephone. Yes, I know moving to digital from analog and the first wireless networks were innovative, but when looking at an entire 10 year span, the advancements are astounding. The telecom downturn of 2001 was, from my vantage point, worse than the recession of 2009. Even though it caused a lot of churn in the industry, it ultimately made the telecom industry stronger overall. This downturn caused many people to take stock at what was going on, and look for cost-effective solutions within technological achievements.
to know more about telecom pl.read the article..www.dialogic.com- top-10-telecom-advancements-of-the-past-10-years.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Non settlement of retirement benefits i.e. Pension cases, GPF cases
NO. 500-57/2010/CA I I /BSNL Dated at New Delhi
To
The Chief General Managers
All Telecom Circles,
BSNL.
Sub.: Non settlement of retirement benefits i.e. Pension cases, GPF cases and submission of Opening balances of Loan & Advances as on 01.10.2000 in respect of DoT employees absorbed in BSNL.
Ref.: DO. No. 7- 56/2010/TA-I/2403 dated 22.11.2010.
Kindly refer to DO letter under reference has been received from DoT. It has been reported that various circles of BSNL are not taking due interest in ensuring timely settlement of various retirement benefits and consequently lot of complaints are being received. This issue has been taken very seriously by the higher authorities.
In view of the above, it is therefore, requested that the matter related to settlement of retirements cases should be taken on top priority and necessary instructions shall be issued to all concerned for timely submission of pensions papars to CCAs,, prompt compliance of the queries raised by CCAs, submission of opening balances of Loans and advances as on 01.10.2000 in respect of DOT employees absorbed in BSNL and timely submission of GPF final payment cases duly completed in all respect within the prescribed time frame.
In this connection, the instructions to hold regular monthly meetings with CCAs of DoT issued vide this officer letter of even no. dated 26.11.2010 may also be taken care of.
(Arundati Panda)
Sr. General Manager (CA)
Copy to: 1. IFAs of all Telecom Circles, BSNL for information and necessary action.
2. Director (Accounts –I), DoT Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi
Monday, December 13, 2010
Government may charge erring telecom firms-economic times
NEW DELHI: Government may charge erring telecom firms a maximum of up to Rs 7 crore as liquidated damages for failing to meet the roll-out obligations as per licence terms and conditions.
Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal informed the Lok Sabha today that "to cover the losses, if any, to the government due to delay in roll out, provision of liquidated damages exists in the UAS license agreement."
As per the agreement, the department of telecom (DoT) will be entitled to recover the charges at Rs 5 lakh per week for the first 13 weeks, Rs 10 lakh for the next 13 weeks and thereafter Rs 20 lakh for 26 weeks, subject to a maximum of Rs 7 crore, he added.
Telecom regulator Trai had suggested cancellation of about 69 licences for failing to meet roll-out obligations.
To another query, Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot said that BSNL employee association has alleged cartelisation of leading telecom gear manufacturers, wrecking havoc on BSNL growth.
He added, however, that as far as the tendering process of BSNL for purchase of equipment is concerned, "timely procurement of equipments is the responsibility of the BSNL and government does not interfere with the same."
Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal informed the Lok Sabha today that "to cover the losses, if any, to the government due to delay in roll out, provision of liquidated damages exists in the UAS license agreement."
As per the agreement, the department of telecom (DoT) will be entitled to recover the charges at Rs 5 lakh per week for the first 13 weeks, Rs 10 lakh for the next 13 weeks and thereafter Rs 20 lakh for 26 weeks, subject to a maximum of Rs 7 crore, he added.
Telecom regulator Trai had suggested cancellation of about 69 licences for failing to meet roll-out obligations.
To another query, Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot said that BSNL employee association has alleged cartelisation of leading telecom gear manufacturers, wrecking havoc on BSNL growth.
He added, however, that as far as the tendering process of BSNL for purchase of equipment is concerned, "timely procurement of equipments is the responsibility of the BSNL and government does not interfere with the same."
from JTO(O) web.
THE PRINCIPAL CAT NEW DELHI HAS ORDERED BSNL MANAGEMENT TO IMPLEMENT FR22(1)A1 PAY FIXATION FOR ALL OFFICIATING JTOs BEFORE 10-01-2011 {(vIDE OUR CASE NO:1082/2010 AND MA:3082/2010) ON 06-12-2010 WHICH WAS HEARD IN COURT HALL NO:1 ,ITEM NO:25 DTD:06-12-2010 THROUGH OUR ADVOCATE:SMT.RANICHABRA AND ORDERED THE BSNL MANAGEMENT TO IMPLEMENT BEFORE 10-01-2011}.
Why-netas-want-to-be-Raja-even-for-a-day.
It was Rajiv Gandhi (1984-89) who gave the Indian telecom industry a new face with active support from Sam Pitroda, who was the technology advisor, resulting in the formation of C-DOT. Interestingly, neither Ram Nivas Mirdha nor Arjun Singh, who took over in 1986, survived in the ministry for long.
Faced with charges of corruption and questions about citizenship, Pitroda also had run-ins with telecom minister K P Unnikrishnan in the V P Singh government (1989-90) who set up a committee which rubbished C-DOTs achievements.
Unnikrishnan, interestingly, could not complete his tenure when the BJP pulled the carpet from under Singh’s feet.
Similarly, telecom ministers Dr Sanjay Singh in the Chandrasekhar regime (1990-91), Beni Prasad Verma in the H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral regimes (1996-98) and Jagmohan in the Vajpayee regime (1998-99) couldn’t finish their tenures as their governments were short-lived. In between, telecom minister Sukh Ram in the P V Narasimha Rao government (1991-96) lost his job after he was accused of swindling Rs 1,500 crore in a telecom equipment contract which eventually led to his arrest and conviction.
/www.bangaloremirror.com-Why-netas-want-to-be-Raja-even-for-a-day.
Faced with charges of corruption and questions about citizenship, Pitroda also had run-ins with telecom minister K P Unnikrishnan in the V P Singh government (1989-90) who set up a committee which rubbished C-DOTs achievements.
Unnikrishnan, interestingly, could not complete his tenure when the BJP pulled the carpet from under Singh’s feet.
Similarly, telecom ministers Dr Sanjay Singh in the Chandrasekhar regime (1990-91), Beni Prasad Verma in the H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral regimes (1996-98) and Jagmohan in the Vajpayee regime (1998-99) couldn’t finish their tenures as their governments were short-lived. In between, telecom minister Sukh Ram in the P V Narasimha Rao government (1991-96) lost his job after he was accused of swindling Rs 1,500 crore in a telecom equipment contract which eventually led to his arrest and conviction.
/www.bangaloremirror.com-Why-netas-want-to-be-Raja-even-for-a-day.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
60 industrial disputes, involving more than 1000 BSNL employees
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article946404.ece
Retired High Court judge will settle them
A little over 60 industrial disputes, involving more than 1000 BSNL employees seeking regularisation, will be referred to a retired Judge of the Madras High Court, who will act as mediator and settle them.
The First Bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, passed an order recently referring the matter for mediation on an appeal filed by the BSNL, represented by its Chairman and Managing Director, New Delhi, and others, against an order of a single judge in February this year.
It relates to regularisation of employees of the BSNL Employees Union. The union contended that its employees were the direct labourers of BSNL working under the Telecommunications department, even prior to formation of the company. They were continuously working even after the formation of BSNL.
The dispute was referred to the Central Government Industrial Tribunal-cum Labour Court, Chennai. Against the interim order passed, a writ petition was filed, which resulted in the filing of the appeal. During the hearing, both counsel submitted that they had no objection if the dispute between the union and the BSNL was resolved and settled through mediation. They were agreeable to referring the matter to Justice K.P. Sivasubramaniam.
S.Vaidyanathan, counsel for the BSNL Employees Union, said he was ready to produce all the documents before the mediator. The Bench said the Industrial Tribunal should also send all the documents. It requested the retired judge to submit the result of mediation within three months. The Bench order would be followed in all the connected pending matters where a similar relief is sought for by the union.
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