BSNL employees’ One-Day Strike is unwarranted despite Minister’s assurances
11 Jul 2007

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The Joint Forum of BSNL Unions & Associations of Non-executives and Executives have proceeded on One-Day Strike today (11.7.2007). In this connection, it is hereby clarified that the proposal for procurement of 45.5 million lines for 2G and 3G expansion of BSNL was perused by Shri A. Raja, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications & Information Technology.  Hon’ble Minister found some discrepancies in processing of GSM tenders and accordingly, advised BSNL to look into those issues in the larger interest of BSNL. Hon’ble Minister had a meeting with the representatives of the Joint Forum on 9th July, 2007 wherein he explained the reasons for such an advice given by him to BSNL and assured them that the interests of the BSNL and its employees will be protected at any cost.  He requested them to call off their proposed Strike. On hearing further that they have got some more apprehensions, he again met them on 10th July, 2007 and reiterated his stand of commitment to the BSNL and the employees’ welfare.  Accordingly, Secretary, DOT has given the following written assurance to Shri V.A. N. Namboodiri, Convener of the Joint Forum :
1.   BSNL will give its response to all the queries raised within a week’s time.
2.   MOC&IT expressed his concern about BSNL and assured that while taking a decision on response of BSNL, interest of BSNL will be protected.
3.   During the intervening period till receipt of supplies under the tender, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that BSNL does not suffer due to lack of network capacity.
4.   Serious efforts will be made so that BSNL remains in full readiness to utilize the benefits of technological evolution in 2G/3G/WiMAX, etc.” 
Even after all his efforts of meeting the representatives personally and ensuring the assurance by the Secretary, DOT, the Joint Forum has resorted to One-Day Strike today (11.7.2007) for the reasons best known to them 
The strike has put the customers into unwanted hardship.  Hon’ble Minister has expressed his unhappiness over the Strike despite his best efforts and assurances to the Joint Forum.