Today I had a meeting with Shri N.K.Chokker, the President of the ITSA. We discussed about the issue of absorption of ITS Officers in BSNL. He explained to me ceratin points why ITS are not opting for BSNL and the disadvantages for them in the absorption. JAC view points are well known to him. Hence I did not explain the same.
But I took the opportunity to discuss another issue – the exploitation of Casual and Contract workers by the corrupt officers/employees and the contractors. Except in about 10% places, the situation is very bad. All the statutory rules are violated. Minimum wage is not paid. EPF and ESI contributions are not collected and remitted. Even where it is collected it is not remitted. There is no record of the contract workers. Though the Corporate office has issued clear orders on all these, it is more violated than implemented.
I told Mr. Chokker that this exploitation can be put an end to only with the co-operation the management, the officers and the executives and non-executives. I also suggested that all the unions/associations including ITSA should give clear directions to their members to see that the casual and contract workers are treated as human beings and their rights ensured and the exploitation ended. He did not have any differenct opinion and agreed with me to ensure justice for these exploited workers.