Monthly Archives: May 2014

EGoMs and GoMs scrapped

31 Saturday May 2014

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It was just like a Tamasha. For each and everything the UPA Government was forming either a Group of Ministers (GoM) or an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM). A total of 30 such Group of Committees were there. Before becoming President of India, Pranab Mukherjee chaired most of these. Later A.K.Antony was the Minister who chaired most. What decisions these groups took and how implemented can be known to them only. In fact, it was a method of delaying matters.

The Modi Ministry has now scrapped all these Group of ministers. Well and Good. But some ministers in the NDA may feel that they have been cheated for the posts of members and Chair of the Groups.

Scrapping the Groups does not mean anything unless the government takes quick decisions. Let us see what happens.

CITU opposes limit on contributions to EPF

31 Saturday May 2014

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CITU Press Statement dated 31-05-2014.

It is reported in the media, that a circular has been issued by EPFO, stating that employers paying Provident Contributions to their employees can limit their contributions to the salary limit of Rs.6500 per month. It is reported that the clarification is on the basis of a Supreme Court judgment in 2011. What prompted the EPFO to issue a circular now after such a long time is not known. CITU demands that this should no way result in curtailing the existing benefits in the matter of PF contribution of employer which the employees in various private and public sector enterprises are now getting. In this context, CITU wants to point out that the Govt. has not yet implemented the decision of CBT to increase the salary limit to Rs.15,000 per month for PF contribution which was to be implemented from 1st April 2014. The decision to increase the wage ceiling and and also to increase the minimum pension to Rs.1000 per month was unanimously taken by Central Board of Trustees and approved by Cabinet in February 2014. CITU while demanding immediate implementation of increased ceiling and minimum pension of Rs.1000, also demands that the circular of EPFO should not lead to curtailment of existing benefits to any worker.

CITU opposes moves for 100% FDI in Defence

31 Saturday May 2014

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CITU OPPOSES MOVE FOR
ALLOWING 100% FDI IN DEFENCE PRODUCTION
FOR DISINVESTMENT/PRIVATISATION OF PSUs

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) strongly opposes Modi government’s move, as reported by the media, for allowing 100% FDI in defence sector. Such move is totally detrimental to the interests of the indigenous defence production network, mainly under government departments and PSUs, and also to national security-management and preparedness. Such move would also directly provoke disinvestment/privatization of the Defence PSUs and Ordinance factories establishment via corporatization route which could so long be successfully resisted by the united trade union movement in the country as well as all the defence sector federations including those having allegiance with the political party in power.

The CITU also expresses its deep concern and strong opposition to the overzealous drive of the government to push through disinvestment of shares in highly profit-making PSUs, mostly in the strategic, infrastructure and natural resources sector of the economy. As reported by the press, the Government has reportedly taken up as their priority agenda for off-loading government’s residual stakes at aluminum major BALCO and also expediting disinvestment in other blue-chip PSUs already shortlisted by the disinvestment department of the previous Government.

CITU urges the Government to take serious note of the unanimous opposition of the working people of the country, who actually creates GDP for the country as well as resources for the national exchequer to such disastrous exercises of disinvestment and privatization and unrestricted FDI. Such opposition has been voiced through numerous agitations by the united platform of the entire trade union movement in the country irrespective of affiliations and political allegiances during last five years.

CITU demands of the Government to restrain itself from such moves which are detrimental to the interests of the people as well as of the national economy; and calls upon the trade unions and working people to unitedly voice their opposition and put up resistance to such disastrous moves.

SIT on Black Money will meet on 2 June

31 Saturday May 2014

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It is reported that the first meeting of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money will meet on 2nd June 2014. The high profile SIT was formed with Justice M.B.Shah as the Chairman
and comprising top bosses of the country’s premier investigation, enforcement and intelligence agencies.
The meeting,it is reported, is expected to discuss the policy matters on combating the menace of black money and the status of ongoing probes and available inputs with all the departments in this regard.

HAL receives the Best PSU Award

31 Saturday May 2014

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was awarded the “Best PSU of the year award” by Bangalore Management Association (BMA).

HAL was honoured at its BMA’s 61st Anniversary Awards night held in Bangalore. Dr. A.K. Mishra, HAL’s Director (Finance) received the award from R V Deshpande, Karnataka Minister of Higher Education and Tourism.

Congratulations to HAL, its management and Workers!

100% FDI in Defence too – The selling spree continues

31 Saturday May 2014

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As stated by the media, Modi Government is fast. It is preparing a Cabinet Note for taking decision to allow 100% FDI in Defence as in the Railways.

Defence is one sector where maximum outside purchase is made. India has got its Defence Factories, which produces a variety of equipment. HAL is there with regard to the production of aircrafts.

Instead of developing these infrastructure and facilities,if necessary by foreign collaboration, why 100% FDI is being brought, which is almost like handing over our defence production to the foreigners.

This will result in our complete dependence on MNCs for our strategic defence requirements. Modi Government should rethink on this matter.

‘Special Rape Crisis Cell’ to be started – Maneka Gandhi

30 Friday May 2014

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BADAUN (Uttar Pradesh): Blaming police laxity for the horrific gang rape of two dalit sisters in the district, Union women and child welfare minister Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that a “rape crisis cell” will be constituted for speedy action on such incidents.

Maneka also assured that if the family members of the two girls want, she would recommend a CBI probe into the incident.

“Police laxity is equally responsible for the incident due to which two girls lost their lives. Police is still not acting in the right direction. All policemen involved in the incident should be terminated,” she told PTI over phone.
“If the girls’ family members want a CBI probe, I will recommend it,” she added. The minister said that she would soon constitute a “rape crisis cell” to ensure speedy action in such matters.
(Courtesy : TOI)

Whether the Neem Tree tried not to harm us?

30 Friday May 2014

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It was most unusual!

During today (30 May) evening, there was severe strong wind just like in a storm in Delhi before the rain. Many trees have fallen unable to resist the strong wind.

It happened in front of BSNL staff quarters also where I am staying. All of a sudden a portion of the neem tree with several big branches fell down touching the parapet of the next quarters and then to the ground. Our neighbor was sitting there in a chair and some how he escaped from the falling tree. The heavy tree branch trunk fell exactly in the short space between a scooter and our car, with out causing any big damage. Usually the children will be playing in the courtyard where the tree has fallen. Today all of them have gone out to the house of their relative or so, just about half an hour back. Their car which would have been completely crushed if it was in its parking area also has been taken by the family. All were saved.

Of course some electrical wire has broken and small damage to the scooter. But not more than that. The blockade of the way was cleared by the workers in the IQ by hard labour for about one hour. Now almost everything is almost OK.

There was a proposal from the neighbour to cut the tree a few years back, but we decided not to cut. Did the tree understood that? May be. Any how, though the branch has fallen in the storm, we were saved without any accident or much damage. Thanks to the Neem Tree, which always gave us coolness and also shade in the time of strong sun and has saved us now.

Report in the Media about dust storm

After a spell of extremely hot weather, Delhi witnessed a massive dust storm and rain this evening.

Many trees fell across the city due to the strong winds. Power cuts were also reported from some parts of the National Capital Region. (See Pictures)

Traffic jams were reported at many places; the dust storm also disrupted Metro services for close to two hours. The Yellow Line, which operates from HUDA City Centre to Jahangirpuri, saw a train halting near the Vishwavidyalaya in North Delhi. (Read: Dust Storm Disrupts Metro Train Services During Rush Hour)(Courtesy: NDTV)

Meeting with Secretary, DOT on 30th May

30 Friday May 2014

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Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU and Advisor AIBDPA along with Com.K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary AIBDPA met Shri M.F.Farooqui, Secretary DOT on 30th May 2014 on the issue of 78.2% IDA fixation to the BSNL Pensioners. It was pointed out to the Secretary DOT that the file is pending for months in the DOT without replying to the queries raised by the Department of Expenditure and requested for furnishing of early reply to the DoE so that decision could be taken. It was also pointed out that the discrimination of keeping the pensioners who retired before June 2013 from the benefit of 78.2% IDA fixation has already created severe heart-burning among these senior citizens.
Secretary, DOT assured that he will see that the issue is not further delayed.

100% FDI in Railways ? Commerce and Industry Ministry moves for Cabinet Note.

30 Friday May 2014

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The Modi Ministry is moving fast; not on the issues of the people, but that of the corporates and MNCs.
The Commerce and Industry Ministry has moved for a Cabinet Note, as per media reports, for allowing 100% FDI in Railways, the biggest industry and service in India. The earlier government has planned to allow FDI in profit earning high speed train systems etc. but not complete FDI.

The corporates and MNCs will be extra happy. But what will happen to the common people who have to travel by the Railways? There is no doubt that the charges will be increased high sky and they will stop running train in those areas, where there is no profit. Those will have to be run by the Govt. Railways.

This has already happened in the Airports. The Mumbai and Delhi Airports from which maximum revenue was being received by the Airport Authority of India have already been given to private companies. Chennai, Kolkata etc. ports which are next profit making airports were almost given to private companies but were stopped due to the general elections and certain other complications.

Another move is to privatise the nationalised banks. The proposal was there at the time of the UPA government. It is reported that the UPA government proposal is being considered by the NDA government.

The Prime Minister had stated that this will the government for the poor. Is it going to be the government for the rich and corporates? Are all the public sector going to be privatised ? The people will have to resist this hasty steps towards privatisation of the national assets.