As informed earlier the story of the Historic Five days Strike of 1960 is being serially posted from today.

THE HISTORIC FIVE DAYS STRIKE OF JULY 19601.

1 . THE BACKGROUND OF 1960 JULY STRIKE

The 5 days historic strike of the Central Government employees which started in the midnight of 11th July 1960 is recorded in golden letters in the annals of the trade union movement. It was a strike which had far reaching results.It will seem unbelievable that how a government headed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was a respected leader of the freedom movement and an idealist who declared himself as a socialist and who wanted to change the system for the betterment of the toiling masses, could be so cruel as to deny the just rights of the low paid government employees and brutally suppress their struggle through the repressive machinery of the government. But that is what really happened.

Before going in to the reasons of the strike and its various stages, it will be apt to have a look in to the developments of the past few years of the central government employees’ movement and struggles.

British Rule in India

The East India Company which came to India first as merchants, gradually involved themselves in the disputes of the kingdoms and strengthened their position. After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, they became stronger and started grabbing kingdom after kingdom on one pretext or other, with the help of the better disciplined and equipped British army.

After suppression of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, which was later correctly called as the ‘First War of Independence’, British government directly took over the reins of the administration of India. The Viceroys, Governor Generals, military officers and thousands of British officers who came from Britain brutally exploited our country. At the same time, they also brought in some reforms which were intended to strengthen their grip on the country. The Railways and Telegraphs which were introduced in India in 1854 gave a strong base to the British rule. Postal services were started in 1774 itself, though it was made available to the public only later. British Officers were at the top of the administrative machinery, including Indian Civil Service (ICS) cadre.

Unlimited power, high salary and quick promotions for the British officers; but pitiable condition for lower officials, who are mainly Indians. Very strict service conditions for them. Severe punishments even for minor mistakes. Very low wages with which it is impossible to maintain a family. No right to form unions or associations. No machinery to raise their demands. What more can be expected for an enslaved people?

But no power on earth can keep the employees and toiling masses enslaved for eternity. It is only natural that protests will arise and workers be organized. By the end of 19th century unions were formed in Railways and certain other industries and many strikes organized. In 1866, Anglo-Indian Workers in Railways issued strike notice. ‘Amalgamated Society of Railway servants in India’ was formed in 1874 with 960 members. Strikes were organized in Nagpur Empress Mills as also in textile mills in Bombay and Ahmedabad in 1879. Strike took place in the jute mills in Bengal in 1895. Postmen in Poona went on strike in 1880.

The formation of Indian National Congress in 1885 and its activities gave encouragement and inspiration to people including the workers. Indian Telegraph Association (ITA) was formed in 1906. Almost at the same time Calcutta Postal Club was formed, which later was converted in to All India (including Burmah) Post Offices and RMS Association. All India Postmen & Lower Grade Union was formed at Bombay in 1919. Henry Barton, Babu Tarapada Mukherjee and V.G.Dalvi who took initiative in forming these unions and led them are treated as the founders of the P & T Trade Union movement. Within a short time, these unions strengthened and organized many strikes.

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the first national trade union in the country, was formed on 31st October 1920. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, S.A.Dange, Diwan Chamanlal and other leaders of Congress, Communists and Socialists were there in the forefront. It was a united organization.

Formation of AITUC was followed by formation of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) in 1924, All India Audit & Accounts Association (1923), All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) and Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF). Associations were formed in other central government departments also gradually. (To be continued).

Red salute to Karl Marx, the greatest philosopher world has ever seen, on his 203rd Birth Anniversary! ( 05.05.1818 – 14.03.1883).

The entire country is in the grip of Covid. Central and state governments have to ensure sufficient beds and treatment in the hospitals. Sufficient oxygen supply required. Central government should ensure that sufficient vaccine is provided, either by manufacture in the country or by purchase from outside. All this should be free to the people.

It is in time of crises that governments have to show its capability and action.

Dear Comrades and Friends, The central government employees and their organisations are observing the 60th anniversary of the heroic and historical strike of the 11th July 1960 Strike of the central government employees from 11th July 2020 for one year. That was the biggest strike in Independent India since then, which was brutally suppressed by the central government by invoking Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance and arresting tens of thousands of workers and putting them in jail. Thousands were terminated and dismissed from service. 14 comrades became martyrs. Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan and myself are in preparation of a book on this historic strike, which we propose to be published in July 2021. The book will be in Malayalam. Since this historical strike and its experience are part of the trade union movement in the country, I am going to serially post the same in English from tomorrow onwards in the Facebook and in my blog vannamboodiri.com It was very difficult to get all information about the strike, after a period of 60 years. But we have tried our best for the same. Any comrade who have got more information on the subject may kindly enlighten us. Also comments on the postings are also invited so that we can improve wherever necessary. V.A.N.Namboodiri

Many covid patients have died due to unavailability of oxygen in the last few weeks. Vaccine is also not available as required. Even the Supreme Court and many High Courts have admonished the central government for its lethargic attitude in making available these life saving essentials.

It is the demand all over India as that of state governments also that the Central government should make available sufficient quantity of oxygen and vaccine free.

BJP had stated that they will get about 35-40 seats in Kerala. In the last elections, they had one seat. This time Prime Minister Mr. Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and a lot of central ministers and all India leaders of BJP toured Kerala several times and conducted rallies and attacked the State Government. Central agencies like ED, CBI etc. were utilised to malign the state government.

But despite all these, BJP lost even its single seat also. Now BJP has no seat in the assembly. Kerala people has shown them their right place.

Left democratic Front led by Com.Pinarayi Vijayam, Chief Minister has won elections in Kerala for the second term with flying colours. Despite all anti-propaganda, lies and slanders unleashed by the Congress and BJP, it has won 99 seats out of a total of 140 seats. The people whole heartedly voted LDF , which implemented developmental programmes, looked after the people during floods and natural disasters as also during Nepa and covid situation.

Hearty Congratulations to the Pinarayi Government.

It is very difficult to believe that Com.Jothi is no more. Another precious life has been snatched away by the dreaded Corona. He was admitted to CMC, Vellore three days ago and was not responding to medicines, according to the doctors and breathed his last at 8 PM on 02-05-2021.
A militant and vibrant leader with innovative ideas on functioning has contributed enormously to strengthen AIBDPA in Vellore District. Com.Jothi was very active in the progressive movement, particularly CPI(M).
It is a great loss not only to our organisation but also to the progressive movement.
Red Salute to Com.Jothi.
Heartfelt Condolences to the bereaved family friends and Comrades

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1st May, May Day, the International Day of Working Class, is here again. The May Day is being observed and celebrated through out the world by the workers and other toiling masses. The World Federation of Trade Unions(WFTU), Trade Union International (Pensioners and Retirees) and the Central Trade Unions have given call to observe the day.

The memory of the Martyrs of Chicago, August Spies, Fischer, Engel and Albert Parsons who were hanged by the US government inspire the working class world over. The “The Eight Hour Day Movement” by the Chicago workers and agitating for the same and the Hay Market meeting was the reason for charging the leaders with conspiracy and execution on 11th November 1887.

It is through such struggles and strikes that the working class have been able to achieve many gains and victories. May Day 2021 comes at a time when the working class are facing many challenges. The neo-liberal policies being implemented by the imperialist and capitalist class has created misery and heavy burden on the people. For maximising their profits, the corporates and financiers can go to any length, as we have seen. At the same time struggles are going on in many countries against these anti-people policies.

It is not different in India. The Central Trade Unions are unitedly fighting against the neo-liberal policies of the government. The workers rights are being attacked by the Modi government. The hard won gains of the working class are being snatched away. The struggle to defend the already achieved rights and for further improvement will continue. PSUs are being privatized. Labour rules are amended for more exploitation of the workers.

This year the May Day arrives when the world is reeling under the covid-19 pandemic. More than 15croes have been affected and more than 31 lakhs persons have died. In India, it is more than 18 crores affected and more than 2 lakhs persons died. The second wave is alarming, but the Central Government failed to take urgent actions to make available vaccines, oxygen etc. It is a grim situation. However it has got to be faced and many lives to be saved.

The Central Trade Unions In India have also called for observing the day in a befitting manner maintaining Covid protocol.

MAY DAY GREETINGS TO ALL!

A per the latest policy of the central government, the states will have to purchase covid vaccine from the manufacturers directly at the rate of Rs. 400.

Despite this difficulty, Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister has declared that vaccination will be given free as before, despite huge financial difficulties. Congratulations to Pinarayi Government!