Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
 
Mangalore, Jan 10: A seminar on the 'Role of trade unions to defend public sector' and the third district conference of BSNL employees union (BSNLEU), organized by the district executive committee - BSNLEU was held here on Wednesday January 9 at the Rosario cultural hall at Pandeshwar.
 
The seminar was inaugurated by V A N Namboodiri, general secretary, BSNLEU (New Delhi). The chief guest on the occasion was G B Salakki, the assistant general secretary BSNLEU (New Delhi) while Venugopalan Nambiar, the district president, BSNLEU, DK district presided over the meeting. 
 
B P Narayana, circle president, BSNLEU Karnataka circle welcomed the gathering.  Speaking on the occasion the union secretary, Karnataka circle CK Gundanna in his speech striking a warning note averred that the privatization of the telecom sector does not bode well for the future and is dangerous for society and nation.

Whenever any crime takes place whether nationally or internationally in present times, in several instances, through the mobile SIM criminal has been apprehended, thus indicating the significance of telecom sector. In India too several important leads have been provided through the SIM aiding in apprehending criminals. "This has been possible largely due to the service provided by BSNL," he said.
 
Also at the same time Gundanna levelled charges against several labour union leaders, alleging that while they are fighting for the rights of labour and demanding increase in their wages, they were least bothered about the company and the management.
 
In the course of his speech, he made certain recommendations.  One among them was that the BSNL contract jobs which are outsourced to workers outside, the wages which have been promised to them should be made directly to the contractor hiring them, for onward equitable distribution. Moreover, he urged, for provision of uniforms, badges, wage slips etc.
 
Also present on the occasion were T N Sudhindra Kumar, principal general manager, BSNL, I Thirunavukkarasu, area general manager, Udupi district, Hemalatha, district secretary, All-India Democratic Women's Assocaition (AIDWA), Surendra Shenoy, deputy general manager BSNL, Rajaram Holla, finance sub-in-charge BSNL and V Thimappa, treasurer.