56. STRUGGLES AGAINST NEO-LIBERAL POLICIES IN TELECOM

Continuous research and inventions during last two centuries resulted in great advancement in communications sector. Though a little late, India also made advancements, slowly under British rule and fast after independence.

Consequent to collapse of USSR and subsequent pressure from capitalist countries headed by US, the Nehruvian model of ‘Socialist Pattern of Society’ was discarded by Indian rulers. It led to the path of neo-liberal, globalisation, privatisation policy. Started even during the period of Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi. Telecom sector which  was a goldmine for accruing profit was  bifurcated from  P & T Department and made a separate department.

By amending the Indian Telegraph Act 1986 under which the telecommunications services were monopoly of central government, private companies were granted licence for the newly introduced mobile services. At the same time, telecom department was denied the licence. When the issue was raised by unions, the reply from  government was that, ‘if DOT is given permission to start mobile services, the private companies will be doomed’. So it was more important to the government to support  private companies for them to earn profit than giving better and cheaper service to the public.  

Not only licence was given to newly formed private telecom companies, but all support and out of turn concessions were granted to them. To justify licence to private companies, it was argued that it will fetch Rs. 125 crore  for exchequer. By changing to Revenue Sharing System, what the government got was only Rs. 5 crore or so. Of course, crores of rupees were confiscated from the residence of Communications Minister Shri Sukhram and he was charged with corruption. It is well known that corruption is an essential part of capitalist system.

Next step was to privatise the services part of telecom department. But it is not easy to privatise the department or its services part directly. There will be strong opposition. So the tactics adopted was to first convert in to a PSU and then privatise. The National Telecom Policy 1999 (NTP – 1999) was formulated with this idea.

The central trade unions along with federations of central – state government employees have been in the forefront, opposing the neo-liberal policies being implemented by central government since 1990s. The first major strike against these anti-worker policies was organised on 29^th November 1991. Though NFTE was reluctant to be a party, newly elected leadership in E.III Union gave call for strike and participated. In every general strike called by the CTUs since then, E.III Union / E.III(N) Union / BSNLEU fully participated.

E.III Union / E.III(N) Union by bringing together like-minded unions in telecom sector organised serious struggles, including strike,  when the government pronounced the National Telecom Policy 1994, which granted telecom licences to private companies and on similar other occasions. E.III Union took initiative in forming a Co-ordinating Committee by name National Action Committee, which organised sustained struggles against neo-liberal policies being implemented in telecom sector. Unfortunately, both the recognised Federations in Telecom, NFTE and FNTO either opposed such struggles or kept silent without participating. It seemed that they do not want to oppose these anti-worker policies. As Convener of the NAC, got opportunity to meet leaders of the national trade unions, interact and invite them to the many conventions and programmes organised by NAC.

The National Convention held at Mavlankar hall, New Delhi on 25^th August 1993 against globalisation and against the anti-worker policies of the government decided to organise one day strike on 9^th September 1993. 25^th August was decided to be observed as ‘United Struggle Day’ in preparation for the strike. Confederation of CG Employees and Workers directed me to attend the rally on that day at Ahmedabad and Vadodara in Gujarat.

Reached Ahmedabad in the morning by train. Went to Telephone exchange where hundreds of workers including large number of ladies were observing dharna, shouting slogans. Met them and discussed organisational matters. By about 03.00 P.M., the procession started. Thousands of workers, including that of Railways, Postal, Telecom, Income Tax, State government and others marched through the city and reached the place where rally was to be held.

As representative from centre, I was to inaugurate the public meeting. Started speaking in English. Many stood up and demanded “ Hindi mem bolo!” (Speak in Hindi). It cannot be said that I do not know  Hindi. I have passed Pradhamik, Madhyamik, Rashtrabahsha and Visharad examinations conducted by Dakshin Bharath Hindi Prachar Sabha. I had taught Hindi in school when, Hindi teacher was on leave. But never made a speech and was not sure whether I can. Here, there was no escaping. Started speaking in Hindi stating that Hindi is spoken differently in different states and my Hindi is Kerala Hindi. Added that ‘Mera Hindi Dimag ka nahi, dil ka Hindi hai’ ( My  Hindi is of the heart, not of the brain). There was big applause. Got sufficient courage and spoke with confidence. Comrades congratulated after conclusion. That was my first speech in Hindi. Immediately after speech, was taken to Vadodara by car, where also I addressed.

It is very much necessary to speak in Hindi in states where mother tongue is Hindi. They are not worried about grammar or if you use some English words. Meaning is to be understood, that is all. It is applicable to all other languages also. Language is a very strong bond between persons.

Though could speak in Hindi, I am not able to speak in Tamil, Kannada or Telugu, the south Indian languages. Could have learned them, if tried. It would have helped in speaking in their own language. However manages to speak in broken Tamil, when it becomes unavoidable, mostly using Malayalam words. (to be continued)

55. STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE

Years after 1994 Thiruvananthapuram All India Conference were a period of disputes, disruptions, court cases and attacks from administration. It was a period of struggle for existence and advancement. In addition, it was a period of struggle against globalisation, privatisation and neo-liberal policies. All these were, in a way, indirectly connected.

First, organisational issues. As stated earlier, DOT did not give recognition to the newly and duly elected office-bearers on the flimsy plea that two lists of office-bearers have been received. Since recognition was not granted, E.III Union approached court, which directed for conduct of verification of membership. OPG group appealed against verification, which was dismissed. Department issued orders for membership verification in E.III Union under ‘check off’ system. Union demanded ‘secret ballot’, pointing out the malpractices inherent in the ‘check off’ system, but DOT did not agree.

Membership verification as per ‘check off’ was conducted. Malpractices, partiality of administration – everything was planned and executed.  Many officers who were handing over the verification form, pressurised employees to vote for Vichare, General Secretary of OPG group.  In the ballot paper, both the names of V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS E.III and M.B.Vichare GS of OPG group were there. Employees will have to mark ‘tick’ against the candidate they support and mark ‘cross’ against the other. In some circles like Maharashtra, Delhi etc.,  the ballot papers given were already having tick mark against Vichare and cross mark against Namboodiri. When employees protested, they were threatened by officers. In A.P.Circle, about 5,000- 10000 line staff employees, who belonged to E.IV union who were not eligible to vote, were allowed to vote in E.III Union verification. All kind of malpractices were done by collaboration between administration and OPG group.

As per DOT orders, Class III employees of both Telephones and Telegraphs were eligible to participate in the membership verification. While employees supporting OPG group voted for Vichare, members belonging to T.III Union, whose votes were to be given to E.III union did not vote and sent all their votes coming more than 8,000 to General Secretary of T.III Union, as directed by him.

The result was not unexpected. Despite all these malpractices, E.III Union got 36,646 votes, while OPG group got  39,985. DOT submitted to the court for permission to grant recognition to OPG group on the basis of this manipulated verification.

E.III union submitted their opposition to the court giving details and evidences of manipulation, favouritism etc. Considering all these complaints as well as the fact that neither has received 35% of total votes, recognition was not granted either to E.III Union or OPG group.

One more Membership Verification

In between, the central government finalised  New Rules for Recognition of Unions in Central Government Departments. The process for verification in Telecom Unions as per the new rules started from 31^st October 1996. Afraid of defeat, both NFTE and FNTO approached courts to stay verification, but failed to get any stay.

Both E.III Union with V.A.N. as General Secretary as well as OPG Group with M.B.Vichare as GS submitted applications for verification in the name of E.III Union. But without any principle or justice, Department accepted the application of Vichare and rejected that of duly elected GS VAN. Department was openly supporting OPG group.

There was strong protest amongst telecom workers against this injustice. Thousands of protest telegrams and resolutions were sent to DOT. Protest demonstrations were organised. But the department did not cancel its wrong decision.

Shri Deva Gouda government was at  Centre, which had support of  Left parties. Met General Secretary CPI(M) Com. Har Kishan Singh Surjeet and informed the situation. He spoke to Communications Minister on 1^st January 1977 about the issue. Minister asked the union to meet him that day itself.

Met Communications Minister Shri Beni Prasad Verma in his office in the evening along with Coms. K.D.M.Tripathi and Treasurer K.M.Pillai. Chairman Shri A.V.Gokak and other members of the Telecom Commission were present in full strength. Presented our case and pointed out the unjustified stand of DOT. Chairman TC, without going in to the merits of the case said that ‘ Mr.Namboodiri is approaching court on every issue. Let him approach court on this issue also’. I could understand that he was unhappy of our approaching court against DOT decisions and getting favourable judgments. There was detailed discussion and Minister was convinced about justification of our stand. He asked, ‘why can’t you apply in another name?’. We said it is not possible since we were the duly elected office bearers of the union. He proposed another alternative that ‘you can apply  in the name of E.III (Namboodiri) Union adding the name of the General Secretary’. He cited the example of Indian National Congress (Indira). We could understand his hint that INC(Indira) in fact was the real Congress. Discussed with the other two comrades and decided to accept the Minister’s proposal, since that would enable us to participate in membership verification.

Submitted application next day itself in the name of All India Telecom Employees Union Class (Namboodiri) (E.III(N) in short). But even after many days, DOT did not take any action on the application. They completely ignored it. There was a rumour that the Minister may not continue. That may be one reason that they did not take any action.

Met Com. Surjeet again, who contacted the Minister. He gave the assurance that immediate action will be taken. Within minutes I was asked by DOT to receive the orders from the DOT office. At last we were allowed to participate in the name of E.III(N) Union. But the verification was continuously postponed as demanded by OPG. At last, orders were issued for reverification from 11^th July 1997.

It was clear that considering the effective dealing of the problems and correct stand taken on all matters, more workers will support E.III (N) with VAN as GS. The indications within few days of verification made it clear that E.III(N) was getting good support. Afraid of defeat, NFTE and FNTO filed cases in various courts one after another against the re-verification on flimsy grounds. Though Madras and Bombay High Courts did not issue stay orders as prayed, Sonipet Civil Court in Haryana issued stay order on case filed by Shri Swaroop Singh, GS of another union. Reverification was stayed.

A case was filed by FNTO in Ernakulam High Court praying that E.III(N) Union should not be allowed to participate in the verification, since it is a caste union as the name ‘Namboodiri’ denotes. We engaged Senior Advocate Shri M.R.Rajendran Nair, who was a former Branch Secretary of E.III Union at Ernakulam and dismissed in the 1968 strike. Justice Abdul Gafoor, in whose court the case came, was a former telecom employee and leader of OPG group. If I remember correct the advocate engaged by FNTO was also a former telecom employee. I raised my doubt with the advocate whether this situation will prejudice our case. He only laughed, meaning that the question was irrelevant. However, Justice  Abdul Gafoor recused and the case transferred to the court of Justice Sankara Subban. Case was heard on and judgment delivered on 17^th December 1999, and dismissed outright.  Com.P.A.Kumaran, Asst. to Advocate M.R.Rajendran Nair and a former union leader of E.III Union and Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, Circle Secretary, E.III Union helped very much in conducting the case.

By this time, there were some more stay orders from other courts obtained by NFTE. The postponed re-verification was never completed. E.III(N) Union continued functioning without recognition. (to be continued)

54. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ALL INDIA CONFERENCE – 1994

The judgment of Calcutta High Court directing Department of Telecom to accept Com. Moni Bose as the duly elected General Secretary of E.III Union was hailed by the workers. DOT which was humbled before the judiciary had other sinister plans. Though it issued orders recognising Moni Bose as General Secretary, it also directed the union to conduct its All India Conference within 6 months, which was extremely difficult.  The intention was not to allow Moni Bose to function as General Secretary. However, AIC was also due.

Notice was issued to hold the AIC at Vaikundam Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala, from 9^th to 13^th April 1994. Interestingly, OPG group, without any authority,  issued notice for AIC, to be held at Tiruchirappally, in Tamil Nadu. Despite many court orders, which stopped their disruptive actions, another attempt was being made by issuing this AIC notice. Moni Bose approached court again and it gave direction that the AIC given notice of by Moni Bose to be held at Thiruvananthapuram was the real Conference. Having failed again, OPG group was compelled to cancel their notice for AIC and attend Thiruvananthapuram Conference. 

Reception Committee was formed with Com. Suseela Gopalan, M.P. as Chairperson, Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, Circle Secretary, as General Convener and Com. G.Sasidharan Achari as Treasurer. The Reception Committee, within the short time made excellent arrangements for holding the Conference in a grand manner.

Many prominent personalities and trade union leaders were part of the Reception Committee. Com. E.M.S.Namboodiripad, first Chief Minister of Kerala and world renowned Communist leader, who was to inaugurate the AIC reached the Conference hall in time, as usual. The hall was full and overflowing with 4000 and odd delegates as also the invitees.

It was at this time that without any provocation some delegates from OPG group started shouting slogans, throwing chairs and breaking glass panels of windows of the Conference Hall. Aim was to disrupt the Inaugural Session to be addressed by Com.EMS. Volunteers intervened and brought order. However, there was some tussle and OPG group walked out shouting slogans. Despite sincere efforts, they did not come back. Later it became clear that this walk out was planned well in advance to disrupt the AIC.

After welcome speech by Com.Suseela Gopalan M.P., Com. E.M.S.Namboodiripad inaugurated the AIC. He pointed out the importance of joint efforts of intellectual workers as well as physical workers to improve the service as well as for betterment of the condition of workers. It can be seen later that the union made all efforts to implement this message and advice. Com. M.K.Pandhe, General Secretary, CITU, Mahakavi Shri O.N.V.Kurup, Com.K.Adinarayana, General Secretary, P.IV Union, O.P.Gupta, SG NFTE and other important personalities addressed.

Sincere effort by President and General Secretary was made to bring back the delegates who walked out, going to their camp, but they refused. The report presented by the GS, audited accounts, organisational matters, problems etc. were discussed and decisions taken. A comprehensive Policy and Programme Resolution was adopted, giving direction to future activities.

AIC elected new office bearers unanimously with Moni Bose as President, V.A.Namboodiri as General Secretary and Com.K.M.Pillai as Treasurer. It was a coincidence that from the same place where I had relinquished the post of Circle Secretary was elected as General Secretary. Due to large number of delegates climbing in to the dias with garlands, shawls etc. to congratulate the newly elected office-bearers, the temporarily constructed dais started sliding down and was somehow kept erect without falling down by volunteers.

While it was to help Com.Moni Bose, General Secretary that I stayed at CHQ after Bhopal Conference now it had become unavoidable to stay at New Delhi as General Secretary. Further, Moni Bose returned to Calcutta also. However, used to come to Delhi for meetings as also for important consultations.

Disruption again

OPG group, who walked out from AIC Thiruvananthapuram, after reaching Delhi, submitted a parallel list of office-bearers, with Com.M.B.Vichare as General Secretary, thus continuing disruption. DOT refused to grant recognition to both lists. It was the realisation that dawned upon OPG group that they can never be in majority in the organisation that they disrupted the organisation. This was a tragedy for the telecom workers. It was most unfortunate that O.P.Gupta himself, who was General Secretary of the union for long 37 years, piloted this disruption violating all democratic traditions.

This was similar to the parallel list given by OPG group in NFPTE in 1971 Calcutta Federal Council. A repeat of such disruption was expected and the workers and organisation were ready to face the situation.

E.III Union urgently held a Central Working Committee at Delhi. In order to strengthen the CHQ, it was decided that Asst. General Secretaries in turn should work at CHQ. Accordingly Com. Debashish Dutta Gupta, P.Abhimanyu, P.Asoka Babu and P.Appaji, AGSs came to CHQ in turn and assisted. CWC decided to organise tours to all circles and streamline the organisation.

Com.N.P.Padmanabhan Passed away

Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, former Secretary, NFPTE, Convener of the P and T Co-ordinating Committee Kerala and the comrade who led the 1968 strike passed away on 5^th March  1994 at Cannanore. He was dismissed in connection with 1968 strike and was reinstated only after Janatha government came to power in 1977.

I had the opportunity to work with him while in Thiruvananthapuram as Circle Secretary and always had the benefit of his advice and guidance. A memorial stands at Payyambalam Beach Cannanore, where his funeral took place. I published a book in his memory two years back on his 24th death anniversary in 2018. (To be continued)

53. FUNCTIONING OF CHQ

Within a few days at Central Head Quarters at New Delhi, our functioning became systematic. After breakfast we will attend to correspondence, telephone calls and prepare letters on issues to be taken with the administration. Lots of telephone calls from our comrades throughout the country, congratulating and enquiring about their long pending important issues.

Preparation of matters for both the journals, ‘Telecom’ and ‘Correspondence’ was an important  work. Matters were to be typed and given to press. Since printing was being done by composing types in the press, proof reading will have to be done two or three times. Sometimes Gopal Printers will send their workers with  proofs and sometimes we will have to go there and do proof reading. It was not an easy job. Journals will have to be ready before day of posting, so that it can be presented to RMS office in time.

After lunch, we start for ‘Sanchar Bhawn’, office of Department of Telecommunications, situated near Patel Chowk  and Parliament. Travel by union’s old car. Since both of us did not know driving, a driver was appointed. There will be some problem with the car almost every day and will have to be repaired. A regular nuisance. At last car was put in shed permanently. We both were on tour and when returned, car was not seen in the shed. We enquired to Guptaji, who said that the useless car has been sold. We remembered that he had told us to sell the same as it was very old, when it was handed over.

Afterwards we used to travel by bus or auto. Metro service not started. There will be so much rush in the bus that it will be very difficult even to get in. Hiring auto was more troublesome. Drivers will not operate meter and will charge much. Since most of the autos were very old, there was every  possibility of breakdown on the way. Then hire another one. It was only after Delhi government prohibited autos with more than 15 years, that situation improved. It used to take about one hour to reach Sanchar Bhawan, due to heavy traffic.

We will first go to room allotted to Staff Side, JCM in the second floor. Make urgent outstation calls, as STD telephones were available. Will meet Secretary, DOT, whose room was directly opposite, if any particular issue was to be discussed. Meet other officers whose rooms are in various floors, hand over the letters and discuss.

By about 18.00 hours most officers will leave. Next we will go to nearby V.P.House, which is the multi-floor government flats allotted to Members of Parliament, where Com.Neelotpal Basu, M.P. (now PBM CPI(M), son-in-law of Moni Bose,  stayed with family. Will have coffee and snacks. Sometimes, dinner also.

At about 20.00 – 20.30 hours will start back to Dada Ghosh Bhawan. Again waiting for bus or auto. Same plight. Will reach DGB by about 21.00 hours or so.  Take dinner, then work in office up to 00.00 hours.

One day when typing letters, Guptaji came. Moni  Bose was not there. He looked at my typing for some time and commented: “Is it the job of All India President to type letters? I had thought that you will contest as General Secretary and Moni as President”. I smiled and replied: “I am a worker and will do any work for the union, including sweeping the office”. I did not miss his sarcasm as well as hidden agenda to create a rift between Moni and me.  But he could never succeed. He could probably not understand the very close bond between Moni and me which had continued for decades with mutual respect and love. In fact, Moni Bose had suggested me for General Secretary post stating that he will contest for President as he was existing Vice-President and me as GS as I was the AGS. My suggestion that as leader of our group, he was the proper person to contest against OPG was accepted by our comrades. It also was the correct decision. It was at that time that Com.Moni took assurance from me that I also will stay at Delhi, in case we are elected.

As required by Circle Secretaries, both of us attended many meetings in various circles, expressed our view points on the demands to be raised and on strengthening the organisation. Good support was getting even from those comrades who have opposed us in the AIC. We were visiting many circles for the first time and our support base was increasing. Naturally, this created anxiety for OPG group.

Conspiracies were being hatched behind the scenes. Choudhury Raghubir Singh, Leader Staff Side JCM, President of FNTO and a close friend of OPG, wrote to Secretary DOT on 12^th December 1992, that since Moni Bose was an employee terminated in connection with the proposed strike of 1949, he is not eligible to be recognised as General Secretary of the E.III Union. Surprisingly, within days, a letter was received by the union from DOT stating that since Moni Bose is a terminated employee, he cannot be recognised as General Secretary and that President V.A.N.Namboodiri is allowed to make correspondence etc. with the administration. It was clear that such a letter from DOT would never have been issued without knowledge and initiative of OPG. Serious attack on the newly elected office-bearers had started.

As per decision of the union, Com.Moni Bose filed a case in Calcutta High Court against the absurd order of DOT denying him recognition as General Secretary. It was filed through Senior Advocate and veteran leader of CPI(M), Com. Somanath Chatterjee, M.P., who later became the Speaker of Parliament.

NFTE Federal Council and CWC of E.III Union at Mysore.

Federal Council of NFTE was notified for 14-17 March 1992 at Mysore by OPG, SG. Circle Secretaries belonging to OPG group put a requisition for a meeting of the Central Working Committee of E.III union at Mysore itself at the same time. It was clear that there was a new plan of attack on union. E.III Union CHQ notified the CWC as required.

There was contest for office-bearers in Federal Council. OPG was re-elected as Secretary General with G.C.Bawal as President. Our candidates Coms. J.N.Mishra and P.S.Raman Kutty, who contested for the posts of President and Secretary General, got 44% of votes, a respected and improved position.

In the CWC of E.III Union, members belonging to OPG group created disturbances demanding that district secretaries of Major Telephone Districts be allowed to participate, in order to create a fake majority. Since this was not as per the Constitution of the Union as also against the precedence of earlier CWCs including at Bhopal, it was not allowed by the President. The CWC meeting was held and important decisions taken.

Surprisingly, a letter was issued by DOT stating that conflicting reports have been received from V.A.N.Namboodiri President E.III Union and Com.S.Jagannathan about resolutions passed in the CWC. According to Jagannathan, it was stated, that  CWC is reported to have held the elections as illegal and unconstitutional. As such, SG NFPTE was asked to intervene by  DOT. This letter by DOT was nothing but to create another obstacle in functioning of the union and to support the defeated team at Bhopal. Interestingly it was Homi Daji, then President and Jagannathan,  representative of OPG group, who signed the election declaration at Bhopal. DOT’s part of disruption was evident. First, non-recognition of General Secretary elected at Bhopal; now openly supporting the defeated group. It is to be remembered here that outgoing General Secretary O.P.Gupta himself had submitted the list of office-bearers with V.A.N.N Namboodiri and Moni Bose as President and General Secretary respectively. After 5 months, complains to the DOT that election was illegal! Homi Daji, President, who declared election results had again confirmed about the correctness of the declaration when complained by OPG group later.

On the basis of the DOT’s letter, O.P.Gupta as SG issued a notice for holding a meeting of the Circle Secretaries of E.III Union at Bombay from 3^rd to 5^th June 1992 to hold ‘elections for the CHQ of E.III Union’.

The meeting of the Circle secretaries by SG NFTE was stayed by the Court of the vacation Civil Judge, Hyderabad on 27^th May 1992 in the case filed by Com.M.N.Reddy, AGS of E.III Union and direction issued to O.P.Gupta SG NFTE.

In the meantime, High Court of Calcutta, in the case filed by Moni Bose against the order of the DOT not accepting him as the elected General Secretary stayed the orders of DOT.

But the disruption by OPG group continued. A journal named ‘Televigil’ was published in the name of E.III Union, showing  S.Jagannathan as President and M.B.Vichare as General Secretary, which was in violation of court orders.

At last, Calcutta High Court delivered the historic judgment declaring Moni Bose as the duly elected General Secretary of the All India Telecom Employees Union Class III and directing DOT to extend all facilities of a recognised union to him. The judgment also made certain remarks stating that ‘the relevant circulars under Rule (mentioned by DOT) have not strictly been adhered to and the case of Shri O.P.Gupta is a glaring example’. Court was referring to the glaring example of O.P.Gupta being accepted as the General Secretary of the Union since 1954, though he never was a P & T employee and was a dismissed CG employee. Judgment also mentioned that ‘the petitioner (Moni Bose) was a temporary employee and his service was terminated without any reason and without any stigma’ and  thus did not have any dishonour or disqualification.

The judgment was a big jolt to OPG group. Their continuous unjustified actions against constitution of the union, against democratic functioning, conspiracies with DOT  – all were exposed. DOT also stood exposed. At last DOT was compelled to accept E.III Union with Moni Bose as its General Secretary. Truth prevailed at last.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

 

52. TO DELHI

Even before going to Bhopal AIC, return tickets were reserved from Bhopal to Delhi and then to Kozhikode. Election victory changed everything. Decision was taken that I should also be at CHQ Delhi, considering all factors including the difficulties in managing union affairs by General Secretary alone. In fact, Moni Bose had taken an assurance from me before deciding for contest, that in case of victory, I should also stay at Delhi. There were one or two reception meetings arranged at Bhopal to be addressed by President and GS and we stayed there. Kozhikode delegates, including Pankajam went to Delhi and returned to Kozhikode.

There was another reason for our delay in departure. Though election results were graciously accepted and new office bearers congratulated by OPG, what would be the reception at Delhi was not known. We had apprehensions. We had to take care of all the ballots and election materials, in case any complaints come later. Better be careful, reminded past experiences. We stayed two days at Bhopal and arranged everything before journey to Delhi. Without any intimation to anybody, started to Delhi along with Com. Ramachandran, Circle Secretary Income Tax Union, M.P. Ballot boxes were entrusted to Ramachandran who took it to office of Income Tax Employees Union Office Delhi for safe keeping.

We had planned to get down at New Delhi station and quietly go to Dada Ghosh Bhawan. But it was not to be so. Surprise! A large number of Postal and RMS employees under the leadership of Coms. K.Adinarayana, GS P.IV Union and P.S.Raman Kutty, GS T.III Union were waiting in platform. We were warmly received with welcome slogans. A meeting was held at the R.M.S.Office premises addressed by the leaders. All were very happy about our victory. Then we proceeded to Dada Ghosh Bhawan, Central Head Quarters of E.III Union.

Fortunately there was no problem. OPG, former General Secretary, who was staying there, arranged two rooms for our stay. A small room for kitchen was constructed. OPG told that within a few days, he will shift from Dada Ghosh Bhawan. But it never happened.

After two weeks of settling in CHQ, I went to home at Kozhikode to arrange things and come back. There was a big reception at the railway Station as also in Town Hall on 22^nd November 1991, which was organised under auspices of various unions. It was an opportunity to meet the many comrades of Kozhikode with whom I have been working for many years.

Within a few days, Moni Bose brought his wife, Com. Jyotsna Bose to Delhi. She was retired  Telephone Operator and leader of  NFPTE.  She cooked food for both of us.

Dada Ghosh Bhawan was purchased by E.III Union in 1963. NFPTE and its affiliated all India unions were accommodated in P and T House, a rented building, No.9, Pusa Road. The owner of the building wanted to sell and the unions were asked to vacate. It was at this time that OPG purchased this building in Patel Nagar with a loan received from his father out of his retirement benefits. Almost all unions in P and T House shifted to DGB. They paid their share for the building and loan from OPG’s father was returned. Most of the unions shifted from there later, except Postal III and E.IV unions. This was the situation when we started staying in DGB.

E.III Union CHQ was in the ground floor with three-four rooms including one kitchen, but not being used. We stayed in two rooms upstairs. There were two clerks, Coms. Atma Ram and Raghubir Singh. A typist used to come now and then. Com. R.K.Kohli, Assistant General Secretary, also used to attend now and then. A meeting of CHQ office-bearers was held,  functioning of CHQ discussed and many decisions taken. It was also decided to pay a small allowance of Rs. 350 per month to Moni Bose and R.K.Kohli for being at HQ.

A lot of letters and money orders every day. No end to telephone calls from various parts of the country. All on landline phones. Mobile service not started. In the morning after breakfast, will attend to the correspondence, prepare letters to be given to departmental authorities. There was no regular typist. Most of the time, I had to type. Since both the clerks were with OPG, there was a kind of non-cooperation. Anyway, they did not know typing. They will despatch the union journals, Telecom (Monthly) and Correspondence (Bi-Weekly) and carry out other jobs entrusted to them. (TO BE CONTINUED)

51. BHOPAL ALL INDIA CONFEENCE (CONTD)

Delegates from Calicut including my wife and a few other women comrades reached Bhopal about two days before start of AIC, so as to visit the nearby places of interest. We stayed in a hotel near the railway station, arranged by Reception Committee. When not visiting places, went to Railway Station along with Reception Committee members and received delegates. Utilised the opportunity to discuss organisational matters with them.

AIC started as per schedule. In all proceedings progressive section actively participated and expressed their viewpoints effectively. Coms.Moni Bose, JR and VAN explained why they resigned their office-bearer posts and also criticised the collaborationist policy being adopted by CHQ, instead fighting anti-worker policies of government. Comrades P.V.Chandrasekharan, Ananata Bhattacharjee, Shibdas Banerjee, R.S.Yadav, M.N.Reddy S.R.Nayak and other leaders from our side spoke effectively. Delegates appreciated our stand by and large.During recess, senior comrades met and reviewed performance of our speakers. Points to be raised were discussed. It was also decided to contest in election of office-bearers.

Both groups presented their view points and counter points very effectively. Most speakers were experienced leaders and knew how to present matters to the point. GS intervened now and then to counter the points raised by Moni Bose group.

Time for election of office-bearers arrived. President Com. Homi Daji called for nominations. Since we had prepared the panel earlier, submitted it immediately. General Secretary and his team were completely taken by surprise. For many previous conferences only, one list used to be there, presented by or on behalf of GS. A panel was submitted by OPG group also.

Discussions took place to arrive at a settlement, but unsuccessful. Contest became inevitable. It was not easy to hold voting with about 5,000 delegates.. though some had left by that time. Preparation of ballots with names of the contestants, polling arrangement, deciding method of voting – all took many hours.During the period, both sides organised processions with flags, banners and placards inside the huge pandal, meeting delegates and canvassing votes. Got good advantage since we had prepared all these in advance. But we were aware of the ground reality – out of more than 30 circles, we had majority and Circle Secretary in only about 7 circles viz. Kerala, W.Bengal, Calcutta Telephones, Assam, North East, Telecom Factory and U.P. However, there were many in other circles also who supported us. Voting continued for many hours. Circle Secretaries were given responsibility for voting and counting in their circles. Despite that, the process took time.

At last results were announced by Com. Homi Daji, who was both President and Presiding Officer. (Though he was proposed for the post of President by OPG group, he had declined with thanks). It sent shock waves among delegates. All posts, including posts of President and General Secretary, except two posts of Assistant General Secretaries, have gone to Moni Bose group. V.A.N.Namboodiri was elected as President, Moni Bose as General Secretary and Begraj Khari as Treasurer with good majority. The maximum number of votes were received by Com. A.K.Saramma, Vice-President. In the voting for Federal Councillors also, more numbers were from Moni Bose group. It increased the confidence of the workers on our side.

It was a historical victory for the progressives, never even dreamt by anybody. Reasons were clear. Though workers accepted what their leaders spoke to them, they were angry with the line taken by dominant leadership. When they got a chance they made use of it.

O.P.Gupta, who was General Secretary of the E.III Union since its inception in 1954 has been defeated and Moni Bose, leader of the progressive section has been elected in his place. Its importance was not limited in E.III Union. The entire CG employees’ movement viewed it as an important development. Certainly it was. It changed my life also. (to be continued).Photos 1. Moni Bose 2. V.A.N.Namboodiri 3. Begraj Khari

55Ramasamy, Chandrasekharn Puthiyaveettil and 53 others20 CommentsLikeCommentShare

50. BHOPAL ALL INDIA CONFERENCE

All  India Conference of All India Telecom Engineering Employees Union Class III, affiliated to NFPTE (E.III Union in short) held at Bhopal, capital of M.P., from 24^th to 29th October 1991 was an important session, which resulted in many unexpected changes in my life and work.

Unity was restored in NFPTE and E.III Union. But still there were differences in attitude to be taken towards anti-worker policies of  government, on issues of the workers as well as on agitational programmes. P and T Department was bifurcated in January 1985 in to Postal and Telecom Departments. The hidden agenda was to privatise the much profitable telecom services step by step, keeping the comparatively loss making Postal Department with government. Of course Postal department was in loss only  due to the below cost services offered as  popular measure.

Consequently, NFPTE was also bifurcated in to NFPE and NFTE in the Federal Council held at Calcutta from 17^th to 21st March 1986. NFTE was comprised of five unions in telecom sector, including bifurcated union of CGM Office Administrative Employees Union. NFPE was comprised of five unions in Postal side including the bifurcated union of PMG office Administrative Employees Union.  Instead of the 9 unions in NFPTE, there were now 5 unions in both NFTE and NFPE.

I could feel the sadness of delegates in the bifurcation of NFPTE,  in which  all section of P and T workers were together and participated in glorious strikes and faced victimisation. It was just like partition of a joint family. It was unavoidable since department had already been bifurcated. Hence, except a few delegates, everyone supported bifurcation.

The interesting thing was that leaders of both progressives as well as revisionists groups were in a way happy on bifurcation.  O.P.Gupta, who became Secretary General of NFTE and his revisionist group was happy that all  five unions in NFTE were headed  by his group, though rival group was also there in each union. N.J.Iyer – K.Adinaraya progressive group was happy that they were in good majority in NFPE with all unions, except R.IV in their influence. Only Com. V.A.Harsulkar, General Secretary, T.III Union, opposed  bifurcation, if my memory is correct.

(In Kerala, despite bifurcation, Unions affiliated to both NFPE and NFTE functioned in co-ordination, continued with the joint circle conferences till BSNL was formed in 2000. But still NFPE with affiliated unions and BSNLEU are functioning in the same ‘P and T House’. Co-ordination continues at Circle and lower levels).

E.III Union is the biggest union in NFTE, having  maximum membership. Since formation of NFPTE in 1954, O.P.Gupta continued as its General Secretary for about four decades, with good support base. Most of the Circle Secretaries are comrades who have been brought up by him and his staunch supporters. A dismissed Central employee, who was appointed as office secretary of the then union in 1946, through his commendable work rose as the Joint Secretary of the Union of P and T Workers (UPTW) and later became first General Secretary of both E.III and R.IV Union in NFPTE. In the 1949 proposed strike, he was arrested and jailed for more than one year. In 1960 strike, again arrested and in jail. But by  middle of 1960s took the revisionist path. In 1971 Calcutta Federal Council took lead in walking out and submitting parallel list to government thus disrupting NFPTE. After bifurcation of NFPTE, he was the unquestioned leader in NFTE and E.III Union. No contest in the All India Conferences. His proposals were usually accepted

Although a minority in E.III Union, the progressive section had firm footing and was respected for the way they approached the issues. They waged sustained battle in the E.III Union for correct policies. In the struggle for Bonus, opposition to the Emergency, struggles against victimisation etc. they were in the forefront and exposed the revisionist leadership. Each All India Conference was a battle field between the two groups.

Till 1976, no office bearer post was given to progressive group. From 1976 Chandigarh Conference, where unity was restored, 3 posts of office-bearers were given to our group. Though later elected as Assistant General Secretary, I was never called to work at Central Head Quarters, Delhi. But went to CHQ and started functioning for which OPG did not object. But no important work was allotted to me.

One of the major demands of telecom workers was ‘Two promotions to each employee during service’, which was adopted by Patna Convention. But serious struggles were not organised for achievement of the same. In addition, OPG accepted ban on recruitment as well as reduction of existing posts for settling One Promotion. Instead of fighting for the demands, a system of adjustment and accepting whatever proposed by department with minor modifications became the line. Leadership was, in fact, accepting the neo-liberal policies of the government.

It became clear that a change in leadership has become unavoidable, if the demands of the workers have to be met, their aspirations to be materialised. It was at this time that All India Conference at Bhopal was notified.

Few months before AIC, Coms. Moni Bose and J.Renganathan (Vice-Presidents) and V.A.N.Namboodiri (Asst. General Secretary) had resigned from  office-bearer ship protesting against the wrong policies and actions of the General Secretary. In their resignation letter, which was circulated to all office-bearers and circle secretaries, they pointed out the anti-worker agreement made by the leadership and consequent loss to the workers. The resignation letters were widely circulated all over India. I toured many places in the nearby circles,  T.Nadu and Karnataka, and addressed meetings explaining our position. Other leaders of our progressive group also did the same thing. We were preparing for a serious fight in the AIC for correct policies and militant struggles for settlement of workers issues. (to be continued)

STRUGGLES TO REGULARISE RTP OFFICIALS

P & T Department never recruited justified and sanctioned staff. Always there will be shortage. Workers were put to much difficulty by heavy overload. In extreme circumstances, managed work by ordering staff on over time duty. Central government implemented ban on recruitment in 1980s, but P &T had implemented it even earlier. In 1970, it started system of Short Duty Operators. Due to strong agitation by NFPTE, they were regularised as regular staff.

Instead of recruiting more staff to cater to the need of expanding public services, government started new labour exploiting systems to meet shortage. In addition to the number of staff to be recruited, a ‘B’ list was prepared. They will be called to meet shortage in case of leave and other exigencies. They will be called to duty for two or three hours with an hourly wage of Rs. two. This was called ‘Reserve Trained Pool’ (RTP) system. First the intention of department was to have a Reserve Pool, without training, but the pressure of the union and requirement converted it to RTP, after providing training. There were recruited on the basis of recruitment rules and have been trained just like regular recruited employees. They were kept as reserve and being exploited.

About 3,000 such RTPs were recruited and trained in Kerala Circle alone in the cadres of Telephone Operator, Telegraphist, Postal Clerk, RMS Sorter, Clerks in Telegraphs and Telephones, Technician etc. The number was huge on all India basis.

As a responsible union, NFPTE took up the issue with the government and some improvement was made in the hourly rate. But most of the RTPs were given only two or three hours in a day.

Circle Unions in Kerala took up the issue in right earnest, both to increase working hours, the rates and regular appointment. Continuous agitations, protest demonstrations etc. were organised. As a result, training centres were started in Calicut and other cities. 8 hour duties every day was ensured to all. But the question of regularisation was still pending even after years.

When RTP system started I was the Circle Secretary of E.III Union in Calicut Telephone District. As stated earlier  was transferred to Lakshadweep but did not join there as per decision of union. Though no official duty since transferred, but used to go every day to exchange, offices etc. in the morning. And meet the workers. Almost every day went to the RTP training classes, met the trainees and spoke about them how the union is trying to improve their position. As a result most of the RTPs after training became members of the union.

There was an all India strike on 7^th and 8^th March in 1988 with demand of regularisation of RTP officials and central government was compelled to come to negotiating table. After serious bargaining, government agreed to regularise all the RTPs numbering about 70,000 or more. It was a big victory for the Union and workers. These recruitees, who learnt from their own experiences the exploitation of the government and  various struggles organised by  union on their behalf, became staunch and active workers of the union. (TO BE CONTINUED)

48. POLICE ATTACK ON TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, CALICUT.

Most unexpected and atrocious attack on the Calicut Telephone Exchange by police. The date was 24^th August 1985.

Com. Ashraf, employee of Telephone exchange went and complained at the Police Station, near office of Police Commissioner about ill-behaviour of the employees of a private bus. Police interrogated and warned them.  This was to end there.

Bus owner used his influence with a higher police officer, who called Ashraf to the station, questioned and beat him. Coms. M.Balasubramanian and P.A.Vijayakumar, union leaders, who went to  police station to enquire  about the incident were taken in to custody. 

Workers naturally became agitated. A large number of telephone employees, including women, marched to Police Station which was near the exchange and demanded that the union leaders be released. Police was not prepared to release them. In addition, charges were framed against them for attacking Police.

Union leaders met District Collector and complained about police excesses. Met Telephone District Manager and demanded immediate action. Since no action, workers started non-co-operation programme from 06.00 P.M. Telephones, including that of police station, became silent.

Questioning of his actions and agitation by  staff resulting in stoppage of telephone service might have rubbed the ego of Police Commissioner. He might have lost his mind. At about 7.00 P.M. a large number of police trespassed in to the exchange compound climbing the partition wall, as also gate crashing. They broke doors, entered the high security exchange and beat workers on duty. Costly equipment were smashed and broken. They  arrested union leader Com.K.Damodaran and others and took them to police station. Police beat all whom  they met. In between, Shri P.Damodaran, Malayala Manorama Reporter, who had come there, also was severely beaten.

After entering Carrier Station, Auto Exchange, Telex etc. and smashing down equipment and beating employees, police teams went to first storey where Trunk and Auto Manuals exchanges functioned. Doors which were bolted from inside afraid of police entry, were forcibly broken and police came wielding their lathis and beating staff on duty. They were also enquiring ‘where is union leader Namboodiri?’. I was working on Trunk Board and informing leaders of political parties and press reporters about the police attack. While they were enquiring for me, escaped avoiding them. All employees including good number of women telephone operators went out of trunk exchange, shouting slogans led by Com. P.Ravindran. Reached the gate, where a large number of public had already gathered.

Coms.M.K.Kelu, District Secretary CPI(M), M.Vasu, District Secretary CITU, Congress leader Shri A.C.Shanmukha Das (later Kerala Minister) and other political leaders also reached by the time. While standing on the gate and addressing the people about the police attack, police tried to pull down and arrest me. Keluettan and Shanmukhdas quickly took me in their car and left the place.

Hundreds of people had reached exchange premises. Police understood that situation was worsening and became panicky. Some jumped the wall back to the Commissioner Office compound and some rushed through the gate. 

By this time many employees, who were not on duty had reached the exchange, hearing the news. More than hundred employees including women sat on dharna in the exchange compound. Telephone system completely stopped. District Collector Shri Narayana Kurup and Telephone District Manager Shri S.G.K. Pillai reached the spot by night. By seeing the lahti charged workers, battered equipment and thousands of trunk call documents worth lakhs  of rupees destroyed, Collector and TDM stood in silence. The attack and destruction of equipment and documents by police, who are to ensure law and order, baffled the Collector and others.

As per call of all unions, workers went on indefinite strike in night itself demanding strict action against concerned police officers. Even otherwise, it was not possible to do any work with the equipment destroyed. Police were compelled to release arrested workers. Many had to be admitted to Beach General Hospital. While visiting the admitted workers along with Keluettan, Shanmukhdas, Adv. P.K.Kunhirama Poduval and others, there was another attempt to arrest me.

Police Commissioner was in no mood to take action against the police officers, since it was with his knowledge that the attack was made. Struggle had to be intensified. NFPTE, FNPTO and BPTEF jointly called for Non-cooperation at Circle level, which crippled entire P and T services in the state.

Political leaders as well as prominent citizens of Calicut  severely criticised the police attack. In addition to the leaders mentioned earlier, S/Shri N.Chandrasekhara Kurup, M.L.A., K.Moosa Kutty, M.L.A., Arangil Sreedharan, former M.P., Murkoth Kunhappa, Advocate Ratna Singh, P.V.Chandran (Mathrubhoomi) and others were in the forefront. Demanded immediate and strict action against the concerned police officers. Front page news with photos of the destroyed equipment etc. was published prominently in all the newspapers with statements of political leaders.

The State government moved fast. DIG Shri R.Padmanabhan was deputed to Calicut to enquire in the incident and discuss with the unions to end the strike. Another attempt was made to arrest me while going to discuss with DIG. The unions demanded that judicial enquiry should be conducted, concerned officers should be suspended and withdrawal of the cases filed against the employees.

After detailed discussion for days, it was almost agreed that the District Collector will conduct an Executive Magisterial Enquiry, three concerned S.I.s will be transferred, action will be taken against the police who entered the exchange and beat the workers and also that the false cases filed against the employees will be withdrawn. But the state Government was not in favour of the suspension of the officers and the talks failed. Hence unions decided to strengthen the agitation.

Citizens forum met again  and criticised non-implementtion of the agreement reached by both parties. Entrusted S/Shri M.A.Unneeri Kutty, Sadiri Koya and P.V.Chandran to go to Trivandrum and meet Home Minister.

Secretary Communications Shri Thomas Kora rushed from Delhi to Trivandrum and discussed the matter with Circle Secretaries of P and T Unions. He discussed with state Home Minister also. It was told that the  agreement reached with the DIG, except the suspension of S.I.s, will be implemented.

Considering the difficulties being faced by the people for the last four days and on the advice of the circle unions, the Action Committee at Calicut decided to withdraw the agitation.

The struggle could be won due to the united and immediate action which had good public support. It took many days to restore normal work in the exchange as equipment had to be repaired/ replaced.  (to be continued)

 

 

47. UPGRADATION OF CALICUT TO B-2 CLASS CITY

House Rent Allowance (HRA) for central government employees is being paid based on the classification of the city as per population. City with population of 50 lakhs and above are classified as A Class with 30% HRA, 10 lakhs and above B class with 20% HRA and 5 lakhs and above as B-2 Class with 15% and less than 5 lakhs  C class with 10% HRA.

Population of Calicut was only about 3,33,000 and hence C Class with 10% HRA. But cost of living very high. As Convener of Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers, held a meeting of all CG employees’ organisations and discussed. On the basis of discussion, a resolution was adopted demanding that the city be upgraded to B-2 Class,  considering its historical importance, as capital of  former Malabar District, large number of small towns depending on the city, place of publication of important dailies and mainly high cost of living.

Upgradation of city not only is beneficial to CG employees, but also to employees of state government, public sector, working journalists and some others. Increasing of HRA will benefit merchants since workers will make more purchases. Considering all these a meeting was called and a ‘B-2 Upgradation Committee’ was formed with representation from concerned organisations. Com.E.Kunhiraman Nair (KITA) was Chairman and me, Convener.

A detailed Memorandum was prepared and sent to central government. Many demonstrations and agitational programmes were organised with massive participation. Newspapers also gave wide publicity realising its potential on the growth of the city.

Dr. Mathew Kurien M.P., who was also Chairman of the Kerala P and T Co-ordinating Committee (NFPTE) and other M.P.s raised the issue with the government as also in Parliament. Along with him, met Deputy Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee ( later Finance Minister and President of India) at his office twice and  presented out demand. Dr. Mathew Kurien arranged breakfast and tiffin at parliament canteen, where charges were very less, in fact, only nominal.

When Minister came to Ernakulam, met him along with Com.K.Chandrasekharan M.P. (later Kerala Minister) and pursued the demand. City cannot be upgraded till population reach 5 lakhs was the same reply from Minister.

It was during this period that President of India, Shri V.V.Giri,visited Calicut on 14^th April 1973. Staying at Government Guest House at West Hill. A delegation of three including Coms.E.Kunhiraman Nair and Ahmed Koya went to submit a memorandum on city upgradation demand. There were many prominent personalities and political leaders waiting at Guest House to meet him. Surprisingly, delegation of  Confederation of CG employees was called first. We entered his room and he asked us to sit. Asked ADC to bring tea. We submitted memorandum, presented our case. ‘I will hand over the Memorandum to Prime Minister, who is to take necessary action’ he said with a smile.  When we were just leaving, he asked ADC to call photographer, take our photo along with him and give it to newspapers.  Photo was taken with President in the centre. Published in dailies.

We never expected such love and camaraderie from a President of India. In fact, we were surprised. Then we remembered his close connection with the working class as leader of AITUC and then INTUC, also his high personal quality.

After few months, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Calicut on 27^th October 1973. We met and submitted Memorandum on the issue and discussed. She told that the demand will be considered on merits.

The demand was raised in JCM National Council by  Staff Side.  The Official Side accepted the demand in the meeting dated 25^th July 1979 and orders were issued accordingly upgrading Calicut as B-2 Class City.

Central, state government employees and many other sections benefitted monetarily from this  city with very less than justified population got upgradation to next stage. It was a big success of the workers and their organisations.