Report by Ganesh Hinge, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, Maharashtra
On behalf of Maharashtra Circle, Com. Dilip Deokar and Com. Ramesh Chavan visited Azad Maidan, Mumbai and handed over a copy of the letter sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister to the ST staff stating that BSNLEU support agitation of ST workers.
Com Nilesh Kale, Assistant Circle Secretary, gave clear support to ST staff at Jalgaon on behalf of BSNLEU Jalgaon.
Kamgar Ekta Zindabad
ST Staff Zindabad
(English translation of letter in Marathi)
BSNL Employees Union
To
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Uddhavji Thackeray
Maharashtra state, Mumbai
Subject: Regarding support to the struggle of State Transport workers
Respected sir,
Since the last 6 days, State Transport (ST) workers have started an indefinite hunger strike. Their main and just demand is that ST workers should be given the status of state government employees. Fulfilling this demand is a work of courage, and we are sure that you will undertake this task.
We are proud of the work being done by the ST corporation in all cities and villages of Maharashtra. The poor masses of the state are the ones benefitting most from this service, and common man prefers this red fairy even today. However, while fulfilling its social responsibility, the ST corporation is bound to incur losses. When we look at ST as an essential service, the calculation of profit or loss is secondary. Today, the ST corporation is facing accumulated losses of over 12,000 crores rupees. But this is just the sum of the small losses incurred over the past many years.
During the pandemic, many ST workers died in service. After not receiving their scanty salaries for two to three months, workers started taking their lives, which is not a matter of pride for Maharashtra. Since you formed the government, you have provided ST with financial aid of nearly 3,500 crores rupees. But due to illegal traffic, social responsibility, rising prices of diesel, top-level corruption, etc., there is no sign that ST won’t suffer further losses.
That is why BSNL workers support this struggle, and we request you to understand the struggle and fulfil the workers’ demand immediately. You are currently receiving treatment for a spinal disorder. This may be due to your constant efforts, online meetings and stress during the pandemic. The blessings of the people of Maharashtra are already with you. We hope that you get well soon and establish the rule of ‘Shivshahi’ as intended by the late Balasaheb Thackeray.
Thank you,
Yours sincerely,
Ganesh N Hinge
Circle Secretary
Date: 12/11/2021
Place: Mumbai