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.

46. WORKERS CENTRE, CALICUT AND AGITATIONS

During 1970s, a co-ordination committee of workers’ unions, including unions in central – state governments, Public sector and autonomous bodies, was formed by name Workers Unity Centre, which name was changed to Workers Centre later. Along with Comrades P.P.Sanku, K.K.Syed Mohammed, K.C.Prabhakaran and A.Kunhiraman Nair, I was also one of the founders. After returning from Trivandrum in 1981, again became active in Workers Centre. In next conference, Com.Kunhiraman Nair was elected as Chairman with me as Convener. Later, Com.C.Ravindranath was elected as Chairman.

The aims and objectives of Workers Centre was to organise programmes and agitations on issues  of common interest, extend support and solidarity including financial assistance to struggles of affiliated organisations, conduct T.U. classes etc. These were done effectively. Convener of WC was mostly either  chairman or convener of Samara Sahaya Samithies.

The struggles were many: that of Medical College Students, workers of Mavoor Gwalior Rayons, CWRDM, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Food Corporation of India, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Kerala State Electricity Board, Grameen Bank, Medical Representatives, MES College, Lakshadweep Administrative Office, Working Journalists, LIC, Government College Teachers, Private College Teachers, Gazetted Officers, Income Tax, State Government Employees, Corporation Employees, Hospital Workers, EPF employees, Teachers, P and T, Kerala Panchayath, Financial enterprises, Bank, Nurses, Student Nurses, Sales Tax, State Bank, Financial enterprises, CPWD, Mavoor High school, YWCA, All India Radio, Railways, National Sample Survey, Hydro Generation Factory, Guruvayoorappan College Non-Teaching Staff, AG’s Office, Leprosy Hospital, Darshak Employees, Canara bank, MCC Bank, Homeo students etc. etc. In all these struggles, the intervention of Workers Centre was effective. Only those which came to mind are noted. There will be many others. It is to be noted that Workers Centre was party in some of the discussions and settlement.

Workers centre had no difficulty to organise demonstrations of hundred or more within no time in the city as number of organisations and workers involved were many. Further it was a period of agitations.

The Annual Conference of Workers Centre of 1986 was held in Calicut Town Hall on 22-24 January with many connected programmes. More than 500 delegates from various organisations. S/Shri M.P.Veerendra Kumar (Later M.P. and Central Minister),  Kadannappally Ramachandran (M.P. and later Kerala Minister), V.V.Dakshinamoorthy (Editor Deshabhimani), N.Chandrasekhara Kurup M.L.A., M.M.Lawrence, CITU leader, T.Devi (AIDWA), Adv. P.Sathee Devi, O.Bharathan M.L.A.,M.Vasu (CITU), V.B.Athreya, R.N.Manazhi (AKPCTA), P.Balakrishnan II (NFPTE), P.Sadasivan Pillai (BEFI) and other leaders addressed. Com.C.Ravindranath and I were re-elected as Chairman and Convener.

A large number of comrades from various unions actively took part in the activities of Workers centre and made it an important organisation of Calicut. I am giving below the names of those comrades, which  comes to my memory. Comrades P.P.Sanku ( Kerala Soaps), A.Kunhiraman Nair, K.C.Prabhakaran, K.Narayanan, C.H.Asokan, M.T.Karthikeyan, Sreesan Nadukkandy, Vasudattan (N.G.O.Union), P.P.Bhaskara Kurup, P.M.V.Panickar, P.Chandrasekharan (KMCSU), T.Dasan, T.Balan Nair, P.P.Kuttikrishnan (KSRTCEA), P.Krishnan, K.Asokan, Asokan, Kuttisankaran (KSEBWA), A.K.Ramesh, K.T.Babu (BEFI), C.Achuthan, C.Ravindranath, P.Bhaskaran, Sukumaran Punnassery, K.K.C.Pillai (LICEU), V.V.P.Nambiar, Moothoran Master (KGPTA), V.Vasudevan (KPEA), A.V.Viswanathan, P.V.Nambissan, K.Damodaran, V.A.Ouseph, Soman Gangadharan, Babukkuttan, N.Ramesh, M.Balasubramanian, N.V.Raghavan, M.P.Kunhanandan (NFPTE), T.K.Chandran, E.Kunhiraman Nair, V.A.Narayanan, K.Madhavan, N.P.Madhusudanan (KITA), P.P.Gopalakrishnan, Dr. N.M.Mohammed Ali, Haridasan nambiar (KGOA), V.V.Raja (KMSRA), K.K.Syed Mohammed(Financial Enterprises), Prof. Narayanan kutty, Prof. Chandra Mohan, Prof. P.T.Abdul Latif (AKPCTA), Unneeri, Sukumaran (DREU), V.Chathunni (HWU), Ravindran, Rajagopal, Raghu (SBI), Kunhabdulla, Jose (AG’s Office NGO Association), Kuttiraman (Lower Grade Union), Sivaraman (REC Non-Teaching Staff Assn), Nambikutty, Mammu, Vasudevan (FCI) Ahmed Koya, N.N.Kakkad, P.Radhakrishnan (AIR), T.A.Varghese (Coffee Board), M.Narayanan (Calicut University Employees Union), Malappuram Moosa( Harijan Welfare Hostel Empl. Association), M.N.V.G.Adiyodi ( Kerala Govt. Pharmacist Assn), K.Bhaskaran, Harshan, Mohammed Koya (Laccadives Employees), Uthaman (Central Warehousing) C.N.Subhadra (KGNA), Reena Lucca, Mary Thomas, Soniya George (KGSNA) and many others. I may kindly be excused if I had forgotten to some other important leaders.

CITU leaders Coms. M.Vasu, T.P.Ramakrishnan (now Kerala Minister), Elamaram Karim M.P., T.P.Rajan, Ayyapputty and many others gave all guidance, support and help in running  Workers Centre. In many Samara Sahaya Samithies, INTUC leaders S/Shri Sadiri Koya, Adv. M.Rajan and others participated and supported.

Recently an effort was made to hold a meeting of the comrades who were active in Workers Centre and publish a souvenir with articles on  various struggles taken place during that time. Due to Covid situation it could not move further. Hope to re-start the effort.

When I shifted to Delhi after being elected as General Secretary of E.III Union, Com.K.Damodaran was elected as Convener of Workers Centre. 

45. TRANSFER TO KAVARATHI, LAKSHADWEEP

 Shri C.M.Stephen, senior leader of Congress as well as INTUC, took over charge as Communications Minister in March 1980. After losing from Delhi constituency, he contested from Gulbarga in Karnataka, in the vacancy created for him by resignation of the sitting  M.P., and became M.P. and Minister.

 

It seems that somebody has put it in his head that FNPTO, the INTUC affiliated union in P and T to which he was closely connected, can grow only if NFPTE is decimated. NFPTE questioning some transfers made at his instance violating existing norms irritated him. Furthermore, complete participation of P and T workers in Kerala in General Strike of 19^th January 1982, called by the central trade unions, in which INTUC was not a party, made him mad.

 

Attack on unions was swift and drastic. TU rights achieved through continuous struggles were denied. Hoisting union flag, exhibiting union notice boards, holding of meetings in office premises, which facilities were available for years were banned. Union workers were victimised for no reason. Many were transferred.

 

Naturally, union reacted and organised continuous struggles and agitations against these attacks. Even some of the newspapers criticised the victimisation. Opposing attack on their union, workers stood like a rock and fought back. They understood that this was an attack on their existence itself. The Minister and the departmental authorities were on the defensive before the public.

 

P & T workers in Kerala as per call of Circle Coordinating Committee started Non-Cooperation agitation from 1^st May 1982. The entire communications system in Kerala collapsed. Even directions from higher ups to make telephone system functioning failed. The 16 days non-cooperation movement in Kerala is a shining chapter in the history of the movement itself. Considering declaration of general election as also conceding to the advice of the All India Unions, agitation was temporarily withdrawn.

 

As in other divisions, many transfers took place in Calicut Telephone District Circle also. All office-bearers of circle union, except one, were transferred outside their recruiting unit in violation of existing orders. On 10^th May, me, Circle Secretary, was transferred to Kavarathi, capital of Lakshdweep Islands, far away from Kerala.

 

All comrades joined new place of posting. Taking all things in to consideration, I was directed by union to continue at Calicut without proceeding to Kavarathi. Once joined there, it was certain that they would not allow even to come to mainland as permission was required to leave from the Administrator, Lakshadweep Islands, who was having personal grudge against me for  having been gheraoed at Calicut on an earlier occasion on issues of  Lakshadweep administrative employees. Even otherwise, all office-bearers being transferred will result in non-function of the District Union. Hence  was asked stay at Calicut to keep the fort. For not joining duty at Kavarathi, was issued with Rule 14 charge sheet proposing major penalty.

 

 

Since having been transferred, was struck from the rolls of Calicut exchange. No duty, no salary. A proposal was mooted by Circle Union to pay me some relief, which I humbly refused. Further it was very difficult for the union to implement it in the very difficult situation.

 

During this period, went to Ernakulam and met High Court Advocate M.K.Damodaran in connection with a court case. He asked why a case is not filed against transfer to Lakshadweep. He said that he will take full responsibility. Accordingly case was filed against the fully unjustified transfer. Adv. Damodaran was closely connected with the P & T Unions from the time he was practising in Tellicherry courts and continued it till his death.

 

Case dragged on for months and years. Unfortunately no stay could be obtained. When Adv. Damodaran was sick, Adv. K.Chandrasekharan, Socialist leader, M.P. and later Kerala Minister appeared on two occasions.

 

At last judgment was delivered on 6^th February 1985 cancelling the transfer. Advocate Damodaran called me to Ernakulam on the date of receiving copy of judgment. After handing over judgment, he told me that department had already decided to appeal against the judgment and it was necessary that I join duty before that. Otherwise, will have to continue outside as before.

 

Next day itself went to District Manager, Telephones and gave joining report along with  copy of High Court judgment. He contacted General Manager at Trivandrum, who directed DMT not to allow me to join duty, as appeal was being prepared. Situation as envisaged by advocate. Something has got to be done.

 

Went directly to Test Desk in auto-exchange, where I was working earlier, gave joining report to Supervisor and started working after signing Attendance Register and marking duty. Did not tell supervisor about my meeting with DMT and refusal to allow me on duty. Only after about one hour, DMT as well as Supervisor understood what has happened. But no further action was taken against as they were afraid to proceed on that line, since I had already joined duty as per High Court judgment.

 

Department certainly went on appeal against the judgment, but failed there also. Though transfer was cancelled, entire period of about 34 months was treated as ‘dies-non’ , without paying salary for the period. No service, no pay. I went on appeal against imposition of ‘die-non’, but could not get a favourable decision.

 

Decided to go on appeal in Supreme Court for getting the period of 34 months treated as service and payment of salary for the period. Went to Delhi and met Senior Advocate Com.E.X.Joseph, who was a central government employee himself. He was in Audit and Accounts Department and was Secretary General of Audit and Accounts Association as also Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers. Was dismissed for his union activities. After a very long historical legal fight, he was reinstated, but later resigned and started practice in Supreme Court.

 

I knew him well since the period of his dismissal. While under dismissal, he was publishing a monthly by name ‘Labour World’ and I canvassed many subscribers for it. While visiting Delhi, I used to meet him, visit the press and discuss organisational matters. He came twice to Calicut to address union meetings on our invitation. There was another connection. He had married Smt. Kalpana, daughter of NFPTE Secretary General Com. D.Gnaniah.

 

Com. Joseph went through my case in detail and advised me that chance for a favourable judgment was 25% only and that filing a case in Supreme Court is very costly. I accepted his advice and returned without filing appeal in Supreme Court.  (to be continued).

44. AT CALICUT AGAIN

After entrusting responsibilities to newly elected Circle Secretary, Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan, returned to Calicut in first week of June 1981. Two weeks between Circle Conference and shifting to Calicut was utilsed to take farewel of many friends and comrades at Trivandrum, as also introducing new Circle Secretary to GM and other officers of Department and getting transfer order got issued to Calicut.

When joining at Trivandrum after election as Circle Secretary in 1978, had hesitation, how to manage union work in a place, where OPG group was strong and equations were different. But the wholehearted support extended by union leaders and complete faith by workers made my life and work at Trivandrum fully fruitful.

Wife and children very happy at my transfer back. Children were growing. The line room apartment was completely insufficient. We had thought about it earlier and had puchased a plot at Kottuli, near Mavoor Road to construct a house. It was a fertile compound with a good number of coconut and other trees. But no approach road, only a narrow path on which even auto riksha could not go. Considering shift duties to both of us, including night duties, comparatively long distance from exchange etc. house was not constructed.

A 6 cents plot was purchased at Valiyathodi near Gandhi Road from the family members of M/s C.C.Brothers, well known bus owners. Pankajam took house building advance from Department. It was only Rs.30,600 which was completely insufficient. It was paid in instalments also.

Sold the plot at Kottuli and took loans from friends and completed by 1987, a long period of ten years after starting construction. In addition to financial difficulties, there was problem in getting cement etc. Sanction from District Collector was necessary for getting cement. It was short of requirement. My absence at Calicut was another reason.

Of course, compulsion was there to expedite completion. Owner of the line rooms where we stayed on rent, Goray family, had decided to sell these, to meet some urgent requirements. They asked us whether we can purchase. The price was about Rs.50,000 which none of us in a position to pay. It was sold to Shreekandeswara Temple Managent for stay of temple priests. We were allowed to stay till alternate arrangements.

The housewarming was on 8th February 1987. Comrades, friends, relatives – all were there. As was usual at that time, they brought presents, including furniture. The present system of ‘ Presents in Presence only’, ‘ Avoid presents’ etc not started. Every body gave presents and everybody accepted.

When Com.Keluettan, Dist. Secretary, CPI(M) came, he said ‘gate should be larger to enable cars to enter’. I did not take it seriously then. But after years, necessity arose and gate was enlarged.

Advocate P.K.Kunhirama Poduval who came along with his juniors gave a cover as present. Later when I opened the cover, found a big amount. He might have thought about my financial difficulties due to being on loss of pay for about three years after I did not join Kavaratti on punishment transfer. I remembered that he argued all 1968 cases in Calicut and Kalpetta free.

With shifting to our own house, problem of shortage of space was settled. There were convenient buses from beach passing through the front side road of telephone exchange. Providence High School for Mini and Christian College High School for Shaji nearby, walking distance. We can also go to exchange by walk.

At last dream of one’s own home materialised. All of us were happy with the new house. Good neighbours. ( TO BE CONTINUED)

43. PATNA CONVENTION 1978

A massive P & T Convention was held at Patna from 24th to 27th November 1978 as part of celebration of Silver Jubilee of formation of NFPTE. More than 4,000 workers participated.

The Convention discussed various issues including vacation of Emergency excesses and victimisation. It also passed a resolution demanding minimum two promotions during service.

A big procession was organised to the residence of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and a memorandum on Emergency excesses submitted to him. As a member of the delegation, got opportunity to meet the great leader.

Trivandrum Circle Conference

The Joint Circle Conference of P&T Unions Kerala was held on 14-17 May 1981. I had completed four years as Circle Secretary. Family at Calicut. Very difficult for my wife to manage her official duties and to look after two small children. Taking all things in to consideration felt that a change was necessary. Circle Conference unanimously elected Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan as new Circle Secretary E.III Union. Time has proved that it was the correct choice.

During four years as Circle Secretary, toured almost all places, addressed meetings, spoke with comrades on their problems and organisational matters. Learnt a lot of things as well as problems of workers. Could turn Kerala Circle as a strong fort of progressive section.

Came in concact with many workers – of P & T as also other sections. Worked in co-ordination with leaders of various service organisation like Coms. E.Padmanabhan (Kerala NGO Union), T.Sivadasa Menon, V.V.Dakshinamoorthy (KPTU), P.K.Nambiar (KGPTA), S.S.Potti (AIIEA), N.B.Thrivikraman Pillai, C.S.V.Warrier, T.Narayanan, Pappan (AGs Office NGO Assn) and many others.

A lot of leaders and workers in P& T including Coms. N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener P & T Coordinating Committe, C.C.Pillai, P.S.Raman Kutty, E.N.Nair, K.Arjunan, Bhargavan Nair, P.Balakrishnan, D.C.D’Cruz and other circle secretaries helped in fulfilling my responsibility. Coms.A.B.Nair, G.Soman, G.Sasidharan Achari, Sivaraman Nair, R.Muralidharan Nair, K.Leelamma and many other leaders and workers of E.III gave full support and all help. I may be excused for not remembering / not mentioning many other comrades with out whose whole hearted support I would not have been able to fulfil my task. (TO BE CONTINUED)

42. TRIVANDRUM DAYS

Com.O.P.Gupta, General Secretary, nominated me as member of JCM Staff Side, Departmental Council, after election as Circle Secretary, Kerala. As stated earlier, JCM have three tiers – National Council, Departmental Councils and Regional Councils. All issues regarding concerned department will be discussed in Departmental Council. Though decisions are expected to be taken in meetings, issues were being dragged years without settlement.

First Class in train was eligible for attending JCM meetings. Used to travel from Trivandrum to Delhi by Kerala-Karnataka Express. AC Sleepers not introduced. Neither Kerala Express. Many M.P.s will be travelling in same compartment. Free flight tickets for M.P.s were limited. Got acqauainted with S/Shri M.N.Govindan Nair, M.P., Henry Austin M.P., J.Chitha Ranjan, M.P., Kadannappally Ramachandran and others during these train journeys.

In one JCM meeting, I raised issue of reinstatement of terminated employees in connection with 1974 Railway Strike, though the item was not in agenda. Secretary, Staff Side, OPG, tried to prevent me, but I continued presentation. Since OPG and group were against the strike and did not participate, they were averse to raising the issue. Secretary DOT agreed to favourably consider. But reinstatement took place only after Emergency was over.

Lot of local agitations took place in Kerala Circle during this period. Insufficient staff amenities including recreation club, canteen and dormitory, acute shortage of staff, unjustified victimisation by certain officers were some of the reasons for agitations. It was a long struggle that workers in Kottayam division organised against victimisation.

There were a few incidents ‘gherao’ of officers, who were corrupt, anti-worker and bureaucratic.   Though administration complained that E.III was resorting to ‘wild cat’ struggles, Union was able to convince that such spontaneous agitations took place due to  adamant and anti-worker attitude of certain officers. Arguments of union with full evidence could not be rejected by circle authorities.

There was acute shortage of staff. It was far below sanctioned strength, adversely affecting efficiency. Resulted in non-sanction of leave and imposing of heavy work-load. Issue was discussed with Shri D.R.Mahajan, General Manager, Kerala, demanding that overtime arrangements to the extent of shortage should be made. Agreed by GM after agitation and discussion. Accordingly orders were issued. This resulted in every official, especially telephone operators, mechanics, telegraphists etc. being ordered for 3 hours overtime every day. OT on weekly off days also. Most officials got OTA at least about half of salary and many about salary itself.

But this did not continue for long. After about two years, this arrangement reached notice of Director General P and T, who immediately directed to stop it. By the time, new recruitment has also taken place.

Mahila Convention

There were many special problems of women workers, with a large number employed in P and T Department. In earlier days, telephone operators were prohibited from marriage as in the case of nurses and air-hostesses.  Later, one increment was granted for not marrying. Those days are over, but many other problems remained like getting necessary leave, provision of dormitory, frequency of night duties etc. These issues had to be sorted out. As also, it was necessary to bring women cadres more in union activities.

Considering all these, a Mahila Convention was organised along with Circle Conference of P and T Unions held at Calicut  in May 1978. Was inaugurated by Com. Godavari Parulelkar, firebrand leader of Maharashtra, who fought many successful battles for the adivasis and women. Her speech was inspiring and influenced  women workers.

In continuation, E.III Union, which had maximum number of women workers, decided to hold a Mahila Convention at Trichur. When I proposed holding of the convention in circle working committee, many  comrades ridiculed stating that it will be difficult even to get three – four delegates from a division. Convention was held on 28^th October 1978. More than 500 women workers participated beyond all expectations. Com.V.V.Prasanna Kumari participated with her twin daughters who   were only less than six months old.  (Coms. P.M.Athira and P.M.Arathi). General Manager,  D.R.Mahajan attended along with his wife and daughter.

Convention was inaugurated by Com. Rosamma Punnose and addressed by Coms. Suseela Gopalan, N.P.Padmanabhan, D.R.Mahajan GM and other leaders. I presented objectives and outline for future activities. Many women workers participated in the discussion and gave valuable suggestions. A Mahila Committee with Com. Jyothi Parvathi as Convener was elected. Coms. K.P.Govindan Kutty, N.Madhavan Kutty, A.D.Padmalaya and other leaders from Trichur made all arrangements for successful conduct of the Convention.

Newly formed Mahila Committee met General Manager along with Circle Secretary and discussed Charter of Demands adopted by the convention. Many demands were accepted then and there. When met next day, GM expressed his surprise and satisfaction by telling that ‘ I am proud that there are many lady workers in my circle who can speak English fluently and present their demands in such a forceful and effective manner.’ P and T Mahila Committee was formed in next Circle Conference held at Quilon in May 1999 with Com.K.Leelamma as Convener.  

I am not very sure, but it seems that a Mahila Committee in any union in Kerala was formed first in E.III Union in 1978. Com. Suseela Gopalan gave all support and guidance. Now all unions of employees usually organise Mahila Convention and have got Mahila Committees. (to be continued)

41. COM.E.M.S.NAMBOODIRIPAD – INSPIRING MEMORIES ( CONTD)

 All India Conference of E.III Union at Trivandrum from 9th to 13th April 1994. Com.E.M.S.Namboodirpad, while inaugurating Conference made an important point. He stated that both the workers, who do physical work as well as mental work, are workers and joint efforts are required to improve the industry as well as achieve their demands. It can be seen later that E.III union made all out efforts and was successful in bringing executives and non- executives together in path of struggle.

Another incident comes to my mind. Com.EMS had come to Calicut and was taking rest at Rest House, W.Hill. I went there to meet him. His driver, called me aside and confided that EMS’s shirt is torn, but he is managing with the same. He asked me to speak to EMS for getting a new shirt. Told him that I am not capable for that task. By the time Com.M.K.Kelu ( Keluettan), District Secretary and veteran comrade reached there. Spoke to him about the torn shirt. He went to the room, took the torn shirt from the hanger and told EMS, as a matter of fact ” Com.EM, I am taking your shirt and is going to purchase two shirts”. EMS understood driver has told Keluettan. But he was unable to say ‘ no’ to Keluettan, whom he respected much. We went to town, purchased shirts from the Handtex and gave to EMS.

When I got down at Gauhati Railway Station in early morning of 20th March 1998, comrades who came to receive gave the shocking news that Com. EMS has passed away earlier day. Could not get any information while in train. I wanted to immediately start for Trivandrum to see a last glance of the great leader and my inspiration. But workers were very particular that I attend their conference. Even otherwise, there was no immediate flight. Could do nothing more.

His mortal remains were consigned to flames in the electrical crematorium at Trivandrum in the presence of thousands of leaders and people who loved him as one of them.

Com.Harkishan Singh Surjeet, General Secretary CPI(M) stated : ” Com.EMS was to me what he was to millions of others in Kerala and outside, a dear and near one. He was one of my closest friends and colleagues. To millions of ordinary people in Kerala, EMS as he was popularly known, was an icon. No other single individual has made as immense a cotribution as EMS has in shaping the destiny of both Kerala and the Communist movement in the country. …He was an internationalist in the true sense of the term….” How true!

The international known Communist ideologue and voracious reader, writer and great organiser was no more. Kerala wept for their former Chief Minister, who was an epic himself. It will be difficult to find such an all-round personality easily.CPI(M) had later published his writings in to 100 big volumes.

Red Salute to Com. EMS !