CALICUT – A HISTORIC CITY

It so happened that I reached Kozhikode Trunk Exchange to report for duty on 15th August 1964, after availing eligible transit period on transfer. When submitted joining report, the LSG Monitor ie. Supervisor, told me to join next day, that day being Independence Day. Why a particular date for reporting in an exchange working 24 hours / 365 days? Then it flashed in my mind. Independence Day (15th August) was one of the three national holidays available to the operative staff, for working on which day, either compensatory off on another day has to be given or pay overtime allowance. There was no other holiday for operative staff. The supervisor wanted to deny the compensatory off / OTA to me. I was not prepared accept this injustice.
Told the supervisor that I did not come in my interest but was transferred in the interest of service and if not allowed to join, problems will arise. Supervisor phoned Assistant Engineer, Trunks. Was allowed to join immediately. I could understand what has happened. AE did not want to invite trouble.

I stayed with my eldest brother Prof. V.A.Kesavn Namboodiri who was working in St.Joseph College, Devagiri. Later, for better convenience of attending shift duties etc., shifted to P & T Lodge, where many of my colleagues were staying and which was nearer to exchange.

Calicut, formerly capital of Malabar District, was a growing city. A city with a glorious past. Ships with merchants and tourists came from China, Persia, Arabia and other ancient cities in the past. Famous for hill products like pepper, ginger etc. Vasco de Gama reached Kappad, near Calicut in 1498 and the European connection started. The area was ruled by Zamorin’s kingdom. Gujaratis came for business. ‘Gujarati Street’ still exists. Kallai Timber Yard was world famous. Spinning Mills, tile factories and other industrial establishments existed. There were and still are a number of famous Temples, Mosques and Churches. Nearby Beypore was a busy port.

Many newspapers, weeklies including “Mathrubhoomi”, “Deshabhimani” “Manorama” “Chandrika” being published from Calicut. Well known writers, authors, drama writers, artists made Calicut their centre. S/Shri S.K.Pottekkat, K.T.Muhammed, P.C.Kutikrishnan, Vaikkom Muhammed Basheer, M.T.Vasudevan Nair – a few among them. A centre of cultural activities.

The beach on the side of the Arabian Sea is wide and stretch for miles with full of people enjoying breeze and beautiful scenery. Valiyangadi is the whole sale market for rice, provisions and hill products. S.M.Street, the main market, is in the centre of town. Telephone Exchange is near Mudalakkulam Maidan, where public meetings are held often. On the front side of the exchange is Mananchira Maidan where foot ball etc. are played. Mananchira tank nearby. German constructed Common Wealth Factory is there. Head Post Office was functioning in a building near S.M.Street. Telegraph Office near the beach.The first telephone exchange was in the compound of the old collectorate. Collectorate compound and building were sold to LIC which constructed a multi-storied building. The old heritage collectorate building should have been maintained as tourist attraction. A very small, but solidly constructed old telephone exchange existed on one side of the compound covered by trees and bushes. That also was demolished later.

Town Hall was the main centre for holding important public meetings. Calicut Railway station is one of the busiest in Kerala. The Government Medical College opened during 1957 Com. E.M.S. Ministry is about 7 kilo metres from the town. Mavoor Gwalior Rayons employed a large number of workers, but later went out of business. Many hotels and restaurants are open day and night providing tasty food. By the time I came to Calicut it was already upgraded to a Corporation. Trade Union organisations are strong and militant.

There is so much to write about Calicut, but I am restricting myself only stating that Calicut is a very friendly city. Calicut is now Kozhikode, with its original name restored officially.

Since August 1964, my official work and union activities were centred in this vibrant city. (to be continued).

LOCAL STRUGGLE AT KANNUR.

Telephone operators had to wear headsets, just like flight pilots, for speaking and hearing while on duty. It was not the small and convenient type that is used at present. The left ear will be completely covered by the copper plated set. For speaking, another heavy plastic instrument will be hung in the neck with a mouth piece. One has to have both sets fitted during entire duty time. It was very inconvenient, but no other way. By time of retirement from service, most officials will have hearing problems.

Due to hygienic and other reasons, each official should be provided with individual head gear sets and lockers to keep it. But due to shortage of head gear sets, same were supplied only to the extent of number of switch boards. Operator when leaving board will thoroughly clean and wipe the set with Dettol and cotton before handing over to the incoming operator. Operators will change, but the same set will be used for 24 hours. It was unhealthy and against rules, but could not be helped due to shortage.
One evening, Dettol and cotton supplied in switch room was finished. Engineering Supervisor, who was in charge, was informed asking for fresh supply. Though assured, it was not supplied in the evening or next day morning.

Morning shift staff, whose duty starts at 07.00 hours, was in difficulty as headsets could not be used without cleaning. Sets used by other operators for 7 hours could not be used by another official. Bad smell and dirty. I was also on 07.00 hours duty. Immediately called ESP, who was not serious, replied irresponsibly that it will be supplied by 10.00 hours when he reaches office. As Branch Secretary of the Union, I told him that unless Dettol etc. are supplied, no one will perform duty. 07.00, 08.00 and 09.00 hours shift duty operators came and all sat there without working. We could see many local numbers calling as also calls from other exchanges.
Contacted Sub-Divisional Officer, Kozhikode and reported the situation. He immediately asked me to connect ESP and fired him. Within minutes, ESP reached Exchange, supplied Dettol and work started.

A district headquarters exchange like Kannur being inaccessible for completely more than two hours was a serious issue. Newspapers flashed about strike, caused due to non-supply of Dettol and cotton. Administration was ridiculed and blamed. Higher authorities became irritated and angry. They will never admit their mistakes, but will put responsibility on their subordinates.Divisional Engineer, Kozhikode, issued charge sheets to all the duty operators under Rule-14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, under which, punishments including dismissal could be imposed. Most of the operators were ladies and very juniors. They were in panic about losing their jobs. Divisional Engineer Shri N.Hariharan reached Kannur for preliminary enquiry. I met him and tried to explain what had happened. He was not even prepared to hear me. He threatened with severe punishments.

It was at this time that the All India Conference of All India Telegraph Engineering Class III Union was held at Thiruvananthapuram on 18-24 December 1963. Attended as delegate. Met Com.O.P.Gupta, General Secretary, explained the issue and sought intervention. He was not serious. He simply asked why you have gone on strike on such a trivial issue. Then I met Com.K.G.Bose, a senior leader, who was Circle Secretary, W.Bengal and All India President of Postal Class III Union and explained the problem. He assured that he will raise the issue with higher authorities.

Open session was presided over by Com.D.Gnaniah, Secretary General, NFPTE and inaugurated by Kerala Assembly Speaker Shri Alexander Parambithara. P&T Board Member Shri Sen Gupta, Director of P & T Shri Mahadeva Iyer and other top officers were present. While addressing, K.G.Bose raised the issue and asked Shri Sen Gupta, how charge sheets are being issued for the faults of administration and demanded withdrawal of the same. Shri Sen Gupta during his speech looked at K.G.Bose and assured that, if any charge sheets have been issued in this matter, it will be dropped. My relief was great, hearing the assurance. I also understood the difference between approaches of O.P. Gupta and K.G.Bose. I thanked Bose personally after the meeting. I could also understand the policy differences between the two leaders. I whole heartedly supported stand of Bose and became an ardent follower. In later years, the bond strengthened.

Two days after reaching Kannur, Union Divisional Secretary Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair, called me asking to reach Calicut for a meeting with DET. When we met him, DET Shri Hariharan, told me that he had a re-thinking on the charge sheets and is prepared to reduce the punishment, if all the officials submit apologies. I refused blankly, having the assurance of P&T Board Member in my mind. Another round of discussion. On advice of Bhaskaran Nair, agreed to submit a letter of regret by Branch Union for the incidence. With that, charge sheets were dropped. All were happy. A big success for union.

Thrissur Circle ConferenceJoint Circle conference of NFPTE Unions, Kerala was held at Thrissur on 15-18 May 1964. Com.M.C.Ayyappakutty, then Divisional Secretary, Thrissur was elected as Circle Secretary and me as Asst. Circle Secretary. Ayyappakutty requested for transfer to Thiruvananthapuram to work at HQs, but was not granted by DPT, due to strained relations between administration and union. He had no earned leave at credit. I was asked to proceed to HQs and take over charge from outgoing Circle Secretary, Com.A.K.Koshy. I took earned leave and joined Circle HQs. Stayed in P & T House. Com.V.K.Syed Mohammed, Convener, P&T Co-ordinating Committee, with family was staying there. Many times Mrs. Syed provided me dinner (rice porridge), when I could not get food being late and hotels closed early. Within two months, Ayyappakutty got transfer to Thiruvananthapuram. I returned to Kannur.

Though charge sheets were dropped, DET did not stop there. He issued an order transferring me to Kozhikode, where I was not posted earlier on mutual transfer, as it was a feminised exchange. I knew that transfer was to harass me. It was a period, when all transfers were kept in abeyance due to internal Emergency in connection with border disputes with China and Pakistan.I appealed against transfer to DPT Kerala and then to Director General P&T, New Delhi. Central Head Quarters of the Union also took up the case against the transfer of Branch Secretary. Reply was received that the transfer is in the interest of service and cannot be cancelled. On advise of the Circle Union, decided to join at Kozhikode. (To be continued).

CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CONFERENCE KANNUR

Consequent to formation at Circle level, Co-ordinating Committee of P & T Unions was formed at Kannur with Com.T.M.Janardhanan (Janu Master) as Chairman and me as Convener. In fact, I, a junior worker, was compelled to take the responsibility. It was decided to organise its anniversary on 5th April 1964 in a big way with participation of important personalities including ‘Mathrubhoomi’ Chief Editor and freedom fighter Shri.K.P.Kesava Menon. I was entrusted to go to Kozhikode and invite him personally.

Met Shri Kesava Menon at Mathrubhoomi office and requested him to inaugurate our conference. He agreed with two conditions. One, to arrange a car for journey from Kozhikode to Kannur and return; two, rest and food to be arranged at Rest House, Kannur. Agreed both. Travel by car was rare. Even celebrated advocates in Kozhikode used to go to Court  either in judka (carriage pulled by horse)) or in hand pulled riksha. Then he told that since car is being arranged, better invite well known lawyer and good speaker Advocate S.K.Kader (later Kerala High Court Judge) also to Conference so that both can come together. Met Advocate Kader and invited. Invited Com. Manjunath Rao, First Mayor of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation. Com.P.R.Kurup of Panoor, leader of Socialist Party (later Kerala Minister) was also invited.

Kesava Menon has suggested that a prayer will be suitable before start of conference. Accordingly, Janu Master arranged two girls from nearby Girls High School through Head Mistress and brought them to the conference.

Hundreds of people were present at Town Hall, even before conference started. Popular leaders were addressing. The celebrities were invited to the stage. Janu Master gave the signal to start the function. As Convenor, I started my written welcome speech, including main issues of the P & T Workers, which was prepared earlier in consultation with him. I mentioned abut the lack of space in the various P & T offices, staff shortage and other relevant issues. Requested Ad. S.K.Kader to preside over the function.

Janu Master was signalling to me frantically. I could not understand. The moment I came near him after welcome speech, he pulled me to back stage. ”How could you start the meeting without Prayer? What we should do now?” He was very angry. The two young girls, who were sisters, were almost on the verge of crying. I suggested that we will light the lamp with the girls nearby and take photo in a pose as if they are singing prayer. This was done. They were given tea and sweets and taken back to their home. Still, I had to face the anger of Janu Master for a few days more.

All leaders gave excellent speeches. Kesava Menon spoke about the need to increase efficiency. Relations between the workers and the public have to be improved, stated Ad.  Kader. Manjunath Rao said that the government should be a model employer and the justified demands of the workers have to be settled. P.R.Kurup asked the workers to organise better. Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener, Circle Co-ordinating Committee, explained the demands of the workers and how services can be improved. Com.K.C.Bhaskaran, Divisional Secretary, Postal Class III Union proposed vote of thanks to all.  All speeches were very educative. People appreciated. Leaders were also happy seeing the overflowing audience, who were hearing with rapt attention.

A well-attended procession was organised from Head Post Office to Town Hall. A drama was staged after the session. The programme was a complete success.

Though that was the first time I met Kesava Menon, later while working at Kozhikode, had the opportunity to meet him several times, for one reason or other. Once it was for requesting him to allow the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Smaraka Auditorium at Tirur, to be allotted on rent for marriage of Com.Ravindranath, Tirur exchange. He told that he is no more President of the committee; Shri S.K.Pottekkat was the new President. I met the great novelist and story writer and former M.P. at his residence and requested. He was happy that such a request was received and allowed the same. The marriage was solemnized on21st August 1971. That was the first time that the Auditorium was allowed for marriage purpose. Another time when I went, Kesava Menon was taking lunch. He invited me to lunch. Sufficient food and curries were there, but told that I will go home and take lunch. He was a person who enjoyed food and also wanted others to have good food. Shri Gangadhran, his driver for a long time, told me once that after reaching destination,  Kesava Menon always used to remind the host to ensure food and rest to the driver.

Fire in Congress Office

As stated earlier, I used to visit Shree Sundareswara Temple, Talap, in the evening to hear the Gita discourses of Swami Chinmayanada. Sometimes, I will sleep in  temple compound where one can enjoy cool breeze coming from the paddy field expanse. Will take bath in temple tank in morning and return to lodge. Shanthi of the temple was a friend and there was no problem.

One night while sleeping there, heard some noise and woke up. Past midnight. Congress party office in front of temple in  middle of paddy field was in flames. It was a small thatched room. Immediately ran to  nearest phone, which was at the residence of Mr. Samuel Aaron, well known industrialist. Hearing barking of the many dogs kept in his house, he came out and allowed me to contact Fire Service. After sometime, Fire Service team reached the spot. By the time, except the low stone walls, everything was swallowed by fire. When enquired, told them that I was the person who informed. I felt as a celebrity among people there.

At about noon next day, while on duty, supervisor told me that there was a call asking me  to report to local Police Station. Went there. Sub Inspector asked me whether, it was me who phoned Fire service. When I confirmed, he questioned me why I have put fire to the Congress office?  I was bewildered. I had tried to help and I was being charged with an unsuspected offence.

Seeing my confusion, S.I. said with a mischievous smile that they usually charge the person who was first to the crime scene. However, he added that ‘since you are a central government employee, I am not charging case against you’. He also advised that in future avoid such troubles. Not good for government employees. I was relieved and returned to office. (To be continued). Photos (1) K.P.Kesava Menon (2) S.K.Pottekkat (3) Thunjan Smarakam

Air India Employees Plan To Take Over Air India ?

As per reports coming in, some Air India employees are planning to bid for Air India, by investing not more than Rs 100,000.As of now, there are 14,000 employees in Air India, and if all of them contribute Rs 100,000 each, then they can have a huge corpus.As per an internal note being circulated among employees, it’s stated that “…after successfully completing stage 1, we are planning our bid in such a way that no single employee will have to contribute more than Rs 1 lakh,” (Report in Trak.in).

A Welcome Development certainlyY.

FORMATION OF P AND T CIRCLE UNIONS, KERALA

Kerala State was formed in 1956. But it took more than 5 years to form Kerala P and T Circle, bifurcating from Madras Circle. Formed on 1st July 1961 with Director, Posts & Telegraphs (DPT) as head.Formation Kerala Circle Conference of all affiliated unions of NFPTE was held on 16th December 1961 at Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. I participated as Branch Secretary of E.III Union and Branch President of E.IV Union, Kannur. The conference held at DPT office premises and participated by about 130 delegates, took following decisions:

1. A Co-ordinating Committee of P & T Unions to be formed with representation from all unions.

2. Office of Co-Ordinating Committee and Circle Unions should be in same place.

3. Circle Conferences should be held jointly.

4. A journal to be published by Co-ordinating Committee.

The fact that NFPTE and its affiliated All India Unions functioned in same office, P & T House, in Delhi and NFPE Journal, P & T Labour, might have influenced such a decision. However, holding of Joint Conferences was a far progressive decision. It was a declaration of unity. A small house near General Post Office was taken on rent and ‘P & T House’ inaugurated. ‘Kampithapal’ (P & T in Malayalam), joint journal was started on 11thJuly 1962. High Court Advocate Com.T.C.N.Menon, M.P. was elected as Chairman and Com. V.K.Syed Mohammed, Circle Secretary of Postal Class III Union, as Convener of Co-ordinating Committee. Co-Ordinating Committees were formed at District and local levels.

Co-Ordinating Committee and Circle Unions ceaselessly made efforts for vacation of victimisation of 1960 strike and at the same time strengthening organisation. After some time, unions got recognition. Regular functioning started.

All my lodge mates at P & T Home were non-vegetarian. Preparing vegetarian food alone for me was a problem. Considering same, I shifted to another lodge on the side of the Fort maidan, which was run by LIC Comrades and which was fully vegetarian. Comrades Parameswaran Namboodiri, Easwaran Namboodiri, Chathukutty Nair, Bhaskaran Nair and a few others were there. I got a small room separately with table, chair etc. in ground floor. Convenient for me for going and coming at odd hours due to shift duties, without disturbing others. One key to front door was given to me. Stayed there till my transfer to Kozhikode in 1964.

Was elected as Branch Secretary in next Annual general Body meeting. All India, Circle, Divisional and Branch Conferences used to be held strictly every year. All Telephone Exchanges from Kasargode to Thalassery were under jurisdiction of Kannur Branch.

Whether duty or not, will reach Exchange in morning after breakfast. Reading, playing carroms, chess etc. in the club room. Playing badminton in evening in maidan on the side of exchange. Will be adjusted according to duty. I was elected as the Club Secretary also. Young new recruitees joining every two months after training. Staying in lodges and hostels. Much help to Union and Club activities.

Good relation between employees and subscribers. Strict instructions were there that identity should not be disclosed to subscribers. But, interestingly, many subscribers recognised operators by voice though they did not know their names and cannot recognise them by person. On the contrary, operators knew everything about subscribers. An interesting situation. It was only S.I. and Linemen who went to subscriber office for providing new connection repair etc.

Sufficient staff not available, especially in small exchanges. It was heavy work. For 24 hours duty and for granting weekly offs, there were only five operators in these exchanges. If anybody was to be granted casual or medical leave, one operator had to be sent on deputation from Kannur. Nobody was prepared to go since no DA or TA was given and the junior most official used to be sent. After becoming Branch Secretary, I volunteered to go since the days can be utilised for organisational activities there. Also relief to the unwilling junior officials.

Was deputed for a month to Kanhangad Exchange, in leave vacancy of Head Operator Com.John Vincent. Being senior most, was in-charge of exchange. In addition to regular duty, had to attend to many records, sending reports to higher authorities, attending complaints etc.Kanhangad exchange was a magneto exchange. Only about 50 local connections. Local, Trunks, Enquiries all to be attended. Switch board was old and faulty. Mechanic had to attend now and then. A grave problem came to notice. While one important subscriber is connected on trunk lines every day to Bombay at a particular time, another subscriber is cleverly overhearing same by simply lifting his telephone and asking for another local connection. Mechanic could not rectify due to faulty board. I noted the same in Log Book and informed higher authorities by telegram, requesting immediate action. For about one week, this continued, but still no remedial action. Sub-Divisional Office and Divisional Engineer, who were at Kozhikode and Thrissur respectively, took no action.

This situation could not continue. I spoke to many priority subscribers, told them that switch board is out of order and beyond repair. A new board is required for good service. They were asked to send telegrams, draft which I gave to them, asking Director General to install a new board. All of them send telegrams, as required.After a few days, without any intimation, DE, SDO and ESP came rushing to exchange, after meeting some of the subscribers who complained. Subscribers had told them that they sent telegrams as required by Head Operator. Officers were furious and questioned me why such action on my part? Why not informed them earlier? Showed them copies of the telegrams, log entries as also showed how certain subscribers were able to overhear others when speaking. They were still angry and threatened me with suspension and went away. But no disciplinary action, since they well knew that they were at fault. The good thing was that within a few months, new CB Board was got installed.

Was deputed to Payyanur Exchange several times. Most of the operators there were from T.Nadu and they took leave now and then. The magneto exchange was in a room in a line building and these operators were staying in other connected rooms. I also stayed with them. Maximum duty adjustments, which helped the officials to go to their native place now and then, with leave and without leave. Gradually all of them got transfer to their native place.

There were Linemen allotted to attend Railway communications/signals system called Telegraph Linemen. Every day they have to test these lines contacting telephone operator on duty. In case of fault, they have to move through railway line, find fault and rectify. They were issued with Railway duty passes within their jurisdiction. They were provided with Railway Quarters with 24 hours duty. They can take one mazdoor with them while travelling for attending duties. Many times they helped union leaders on tour. They were an intermediary for all officers, union leaders etc. while travelling in train. They were given importance by the Railway Staff also as maintenance of their lines depended upon these officials. (to be continued). Photos (1) Magneto Exchange (2) Magneto Telephone (3) Kampithal 2nd issue 1962 ( 4) Report on inauhuration of Kampithapal (5) Newly constructed P &T House at same site where original P& T house stood.+2

The All India Kisan Sangarsh Co-Ordination Committee which is spearheading the great and grand Farmers’ Struggle has given a call to boycott the products of the corporates, particularly that of Reliance.

Modi government is wholly responsible for the sorry state of affairs in the telecom sector for pursing a pro- Reliance Jio policy incurring huge losses to all the telecom companies except Reliance Jio. BSNL is not being allowed to start its 4G services despite declaration of a revival package on 23rd October, 2019. When all the private telecom companies are free to purchase equipments from foriegn companies and started the 4G service well in advance and now Jio has declared about the launching of 5G services in the near future, hurdles are purposely created to stall the 4G service of BSNL.

It is a known fact that BSNL is the only telecom company still capable of competing Reliance Jio, adding new mobile subscribers while all other telecom companies loosing lakhs of subcribers regularly. So the Modi government is bent upon to kill BSNL for the sake of Reliance Jio. AUAB is fighting against this nefarious onslaught which is supported by AIBDPA.

We can do more in resisting the greedy Jio by boycotting their services and switching over to BSNL by those availing Jio services for whatever reasons. Also we have to undertake a campaign for boycotting Jio services among the general public in the wake of the call of the farmers. (aibdpa website)