Red Salute to Com.P.Ramamurti, first General Secretary of CITU and PBM CPI(M) on his 33rd death anniversary on 15th December 2020. Freedom fighter, leader of Congress, Congress Socialist Party, CPI and then CPI(M), his activities at national level continued for five decades. He was jailed several times. His excellent speeches in Parliament were heard with rapt attention. He was one of Navaratnas, the first nine PB Members of CPI(M).
I could meet him in some all India trade union conventions held during 1975 – 1985 at Delhi. I was sitting in front row of the Mavlankar hall where the conference was being held and noting speeches of the leaders, when Com.P.R.got down from the stage, came to me and asked me to note the proceedings completely and hand over to him after conference. In next two conventions, without his asking, prepared and gave it. I was enthralled of the work entrusted by the great leader.
He passed away on 15th December 1987 after a brief illness. His life was a saga of struggles and sacrifices.
Telephone operators had to wear headsets, just like flight pilots, for speaking and hearing while on duty. It was not the small and convenient type that is used at present. The left ear will be completely covered by the copper plated set. For speaking, another heavy plastic instrument will be hung in the neck with a mouth piece. One has to have both sets fitted during entire duty time. It was very inconvenient, but no other way. By time of retirement from service, most officials will have hearing problems.
Due to hygienic and other reasons, each official should be provided with individual head gear sets and lockers to keep it. But due to shortage of head gear sets, same were supplied only to the extent of number of switch boards. Operator when leaving board will thoroughly clean and wipe the set with Dettol and cotton before handing over to the incoming operator. Operators will change, but the same set will be used for 24 hours. It was unhealthy and against rules, but could not be helped due to shortage. One evening, Dettol and cotton supplied in switch room was finished. Engineering Supervisor, who was in charge, was informed asking for fresh supply. Though assured, it was not supplied in the evening or next day morning.
Morning shift staff, whose duty starts at 07.00 hours, was in difficulty as headsets could not be used without cleaning. Sets used by other operators for 7 hours could not be used by another official. Bad smell and dirty. I was also on 07.00 hours duty. Immediately called ESP, who was not serious, replied irresponsibly that it will be supplied by 10.00 hours when he reaches office. As Branch Secretary of the Union, I told him that unless Dettol etc. are supplied, no one will perform duty. 07.00, 08.00 and 09.00 hours shift duty operators came and all sat there without working. We could see many local numbers calling as also calls from other exchanges. Contacted Sub-Divisional Officer, Kozhikode and reported the situation. He immediately asked me to connect ESP and fired him. Within minutes, ESP reached Exchange, supplied Dettol and work started.
A district headquarters exchange like Kannur being inaccessible for completely more than two hours was a serious issue. Newspapers flashed about strike, caused due to non-supply of Dettol and cotton. Administration was ridiculed and blamed. Higher authorities became irritated and angry. They will never admit their mistakes, but will put responsibility on their subordinates.Divisional Engineer, Kozhikode, issued charge sheets to all the duty operators under Rule-14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, under which, punishments including dismissal could be imposed. Most of the operators were ladies and very juniors. They were in panic about losing their jobs. Divisional Engineer Shri N.Hariharan reached Kannur for preliminary enquiry. I met him and tried to explain what had happened. He was not even prepared to hear me. He threatened with severe punishments.
It was at this time that the All India Conference of All India Telegraph Engineering Class III Union was held at Thiruvananthapuram on 18-24 December 1963. Attended as delegate. Met Com.O.P.Gupta, General Secretary, explained the issue and sought intervention. He was not serious. He simply asked why you have gone on strike on such a trivial issue. Then I met Com.K.G.Bose, a senior leader, who was Circle Secretary, W.Bengal and All India President of Postal Class III Union and explained the problem. He assured that he will raise the issue with higher authorities.
Open session was presided over by Com.D.Gnaniah, Secretary General, NFPTE and inaugurated by Kerala Assembly Speaker Shri Alexander Parambithara. P&T Board Member Shri Sen Gupta, Director of P & T Shri Mahadeva Iyer and other top officers were present. While addressing, K.G.Bose raised the issue and asked Shri Sen Gupta, how charge sheets are being issued for the faults of administration and demanded withdrawal of the same. Shri Sen Gupta during his speech looked at K.G.Bose and assured that, if any charge sheets have been issued in this matter, it will be dropped. My relief was great, hearing the assurance. I also understood the difference between approaches of O.P. Gupta and K.G.Bose. I thanked Bose personally after the meeting. I could also understand the policy differences between the two leaders. I whole heartedly supported stand of Bose and became an ardent follower. In later years, the bond strengthened.
Two days after reaching Kannur, Union Divisional Secretary Com.K.Bhaskaran Nair, called me asking to reach Calicut for a meeting with DET. When we met him, DET Shri Hariharan, told me that he had a re-thinking on the charge sheets and is prepared to reduce the punishment, if all the officials submit apologies. I refused blankly, having the assurance of P&T Board Member in my mind. Another round of discussion. On advice of Bhaskaran Nair, agreed to submit a letter of regret by Branch Union for the incidence. With that, charge sheets were dropped. All were happy. A big success for union.
Thrissur Circle ConferenceJoint Circle conference of NFPTE Unions, Kerala was held at Thrissur on 15-18 May 1964. Com.M.C.Ayyappakutty, then Divisional Secretary, Thrissur was elected as Circle Secretary and me as Asst. Circle Secretary. Ayyappakutty requested for transfer to Thiruvananthapuram to work at HQs, but was not granted by DPT, due to strained relations between administration and union. He had no earned leave at credit. I was asked to proceed to HQs and take over charge from outgoing Circle Secretary, Com.A.K.Koshy. I took earned leave and joined Circle HQs. Stayed in P & T House. Com.V.K.Syed Mohammed, Convener, P&T Co-ordinating Committee, with family was staying there. Many times Mrs. Syed provided me dinner (rice porridge), when I could not get food being late and hotels closed early. Within two months, Ayyappakutty got transfer to Thiruvananthapuram. I returned to Kannur.
Though charge sheets were dropped, DET did not stop there. He issued an order transferring me to Kozhikode, where I was not posted earlier on mutual transfer, as it was a feminised exchange. I knew that transfer was to harass me. It was a period, when all transfers were kept in abeyance due to internal Emergency in connection with border disputes with China and Pakistan.I appealed against transfer to DPT Kerala and then to Director General P&T, New Delhi. Central Head Quarters of the Union also took up the case against the transfer of Branch Secretary. Reply was received that the transfer is in the interest of service and cannot be cancelled. On advise of the Circle Union, decided to join at Kozhikode. (To be continued).
Consequent to formation at Circle level, Co-ordinating Committee of P & T Unions was formed at Kannur with Com.T.M.Janardhanan (Janu Master) as Chairman and me as Convener. In fact, I, a junior worker, was compelled to take the responsibility. It was decided to organise its anniversary on 5th April 1964 in a big way with participation of important personalities including ‘Mathrubhoomi’ Chief Editor and freedom fighter Shri.K.P.Kesava Menon. I was entrusted to go to Kozhikode and invite him personally.
Met Shri Kesava Menon at Mathrubhoomi office and requested him to inaugurate our conference. He agreed with two conditions. One, to arrange a car for journey from Kozhikode to Kannur and return; two, rest and food to be arranged at Rest House, Kannur. Agreed both. Travel by car was rare. Even celebrated advocates in Kozhikode used to go to Court either in judka (carriage pulled by horse)) or in hand pulled riksha. Then he told that since car is being arranged, better invite well known lawyer and good speaker Advocate S.K.Kader (later Kerala High Court Judge) also to Conference so that both can come together. Met Advocate Kader and invited. Invited Com. Manjunath Rao, First Mayor of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation. Com.P.R.Kurup of Panoor, leader of Socialist Party (later Kerala Minister) was also invited.
Kesava Menon has suggested that a prayer will be suitable before start of conference. Accordingly, Janu Master arranged two girls from nearby Girls High School through Head Mistress and brought them to the conference.
Hundreds of people were present at Town Hall, even before conference started. Popular leaders were addressing. The celebrities were invited to the stage. Janu Master gave the signal to start the function. As Convenor, I started my written welcome speech, including main issues of the P & T Workers, which was prepared earlier in consultation with him. I mentioned abut the lack of space in the various P & T offices, staff shortage and other relevant issues. Requested Ad. S.K.Kader to preside over the function.
Janu Master was signalling to me frantically. I could not understand. The moment I came near him after welcome speech, he pulled me to back stage. ”How could you start the meeting without Prayer? What we should do now?” He was very angry. The two young girls, who were sisters, were almost on the verge of crying. I suggested that we will light the lamp with the girls nearby and take photo in a pose as if they are singing prayer. This was done. They were given tea and sweets and taken back to their home. Still, I had to face the anger of Janu Master for a few days more.
All leaders gave excellent speeches. Kesava Menon spoke about the need to increase efficiency. Relations between the workers and the public have to be improved, stated Ad. Kader. Manjunath Rao said that the government should be a model employer and the justified demands of the workers have to be settled. P.R.Kurup asked the workers to organise better. Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener, Circle Co-ordinating Committee, explained the demands of the workers and how services can be improved. Com.K.C.Bhaskaran, Divisional Secretary, Postal Class III Union proposed vote of thanks to all. All speeches were very educative. People appreciated. Leaders were also happy seeing the overflowing audience, who were hearing with rapt attention.
A well-attended procession was organised from Head Post Office to Town Hall. A drama was staged after the session. The programme was a complete success.
Though that was the first time I met Kesava Menon, later while working at Kozhikode, had the opportunity to meet him several times, for one reason or other. Once it was for requesting him to allow the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Smaraka Auditorium at Tirur, to be allotted on rent for marriage of Com.Ravindranath, Tirur exchange. He told that he is no more President of the committee; Shri S.K.Pottekkat was the new President. I met the great novelist and story writer and former M.P. at his residence and requested. He was happy that such a request was received and allowed the same. The marriage was solemnized on21st August 1971. That was the first time that the Auditorium was allowed for marriage purpose. Another time when I went, Kesava Menon was taking lunch. He invited me to lunch. Sufficient food and curries were there, but told that I will go home and take lunch. He was a person who enjoyed food and also wanted others to have good food. Shri Gangadhran, his driver for a long time, told me once that after reaching destination, Kesava Menon always used to remind the host to ensure food and rest to the driver.
Fire in Congress Office
As stated earlier, I used to visit Shree Sundareswara Temple, Talap, in the evening to hear the Gita discourses of Swami Chinmayanada. Sometimes, I will sleep in temple compound where one can enjoy cool breeze coming from the paddy field expanse. Will take bath in temple tank in morning and return to lodge. Shanthi of the temple was a friend and there was no problem.
One night while sleeping there, heard some noise and woke up. Past midnight. Congress party office in front of temple in middle of paddy field was in flames. It was a small thatched room. Immediately ran to nearest phone, which was at the residence of Mr. Samuel Aaron, well known industrialist. Hearing barking of the many dogs kept in his house, he came out and allowed me to contact Fire Service. After sometime, Fire Service team reached the spot. By the time, except the low stone walls, everything was swallowed by fire. When enquired, told them that I was the person who informed. I felt as a celebrity among people there.
At about noon next day, while on duty, supervisor told me that there was a call asking me to report to local Police Station. Went there. Sub Inspector asked me whether, it was me who phoned Fire service. When I confirmed, he questioned me why I have put fire to the Congress office? I was bewildered. I had tried to help and I was being charged with an unsuspected offence.
Seeing my confusion, S.I. said with a mischievous smile that they usually charge the person who was first to the crime scene. However, he added that ‘since you are a central government employee, I am not charging case against you’. He also advised that in future avoid such troubles. Not good for government employees. I was relieved and returned to office. (To be continued). Photos (1) K.P.Kesava Menon (2) S.K.Pottekkat (3) Thunjan Smarakam
As per reports coming in, some Air India employees are planning to bid for Air India, by investing not more than Rs 100,000.As of now, there are 14,000 employees in Air India, and if all of them contribute Rs 100,000 each, then they can have a huge corpus.As per an internal note being circulated among employees, it’s stated that “…after successfully completing stage 1, we are planning our bid in such a way that no single employee will have to contribute more than Rs 1 lakh,” (Report in Trak.in).
Kerala State was formed in 1956. But it took more than 5 years to form Kerala P and T Circle, bifurcating from Madras Circle. Formed on 1st July 1961 with Director, Posts & Telegraphs (DPT) as head.Formation Kerala Circle Conference of all affiliated unions of NFPTE was held on 16th December 1961 at Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. I participated as Branch Secretary of E.III Union and Branch President of E.IV Union, Kannur. The conference held at DPT office premises and participated by about 130 delegates, took following decisions:
1. A Co-ordinating Committee of P & T Unions to be formed with representation from all unions.
2. Office of Co-Ordinating Committee and Circle Unions should be in same place.
3. Circle Conferences should be held jointly.
4. A journal to be published by Co-ordinating Committee.
The fact that NFPTE and its affiliated All India Unions functioned in same office, P & T House, in Delhi and NFPE Journal, P & T Labour, might have influenced such a decision. However, holding of Joint Conferences was a far progressive decision. It was a declaration of unity. A small house near General Post Office was taken on rent and ‘P & T House’ inaugurated. ‘Kampithapal’ (P & T in Malayalam), joint journal was started on 11thJuly 1962. High Court Advocate Com.T.C.N.Menon, M.P. was elected as Chairman and Com. V.K.Syed Mohammed, Circle Secretary of Postal Class III Union, as Convener of Co-ordinating Committee. Co-Ordinating Committees were formed at District and local levels.
Co-Ordinating Committee and Circle Unions ceaselessly made efforts for vacation of victimisation of 1960 strike and at the same time strengthening organisation. After some time, unions got recognition. Regular functioning started.
All my lodge mates at P & T Home were non-vegetarian. Preparing vegetarian food alone for me was a problem. Considering same, I shifted to another lodge on the side of the Fort maidan, which was run by LIC Comrades and which was fully vegetarian. Comrades Parameswaran Namboodiri, Easwaran Namboodiri, Chathukutty Nair, Bhaskaran Nair and a few others were there. I got a small room separately with table, chair etc. in ground floor. Convenient for me for going and coming at odd hours due to shift duties, without disturbing others. One key to front door was given to me. Stayed there till my transfer to Kozhikode in 1964.
Was elected as Branch Secretary in next Annual general Body meeting. All India, Circle, Divisional and Branch Conferences used to be held strictly every year. All Telephone Exchanges from Kasargode to Thalassery were under jurisdiction of Kannur Branch.
Whether duty or not, will reach Exchange in morning after breakfast. Reading, playing carroms, chess etc. in the club room. Playing badminton in evening in maidan on the side of exchange. Will be adjusted according to duty. I was elected as the Club Secretary also. Young new recruitees joining every two months after training. Staying in lodges and hostels. Much help to Union and Club activities.
Good relation between employees and subscribers. Strict instructions were there that identity should not be disclosed to subscribers. But, interestingly, many subscribers recognised operators by voice though they did not know their names and cannot recognise them by person. On the contrary, operators knew everything about subscribers. An interesting situation. It was only S.I. and Linemen who went to subscriber office for providing new connection repair etc.
Sufficient staff not available, especially in small exchanges. It was heavy work. For 24 hours duty and for granting weekly offs, there were only five operators in these exchanges. If anybody was to be granted casual or medical leave, one operator had to be sent on deputation from Kannur. Nobody was prepared to go since no DA or TA was given and the junior most official used to be sent. After becoming Branch Secretary, I volunteered to go since the days can be utilised for organisational activities there. Also relief to the unwilling junior officials.
Was deputed for a month to Kanhangad Exchange, in leave vacancy of Head Operator Com.John Vincent. Being senior most, was in-charge of exchange. In addition to regular duty, had to attend to many records, sending reports to higher authorities, attending complaints etc.Kanhangad exchange was a magneto exchange. Only about 50 local connections. Local, Trunks, Enquiries all to be attended. Switch board was old and faulty. Mechanic had to attend now and then. A grave problem came to notice. While one important subscriber is connected on trunk lines every day to Bombay at a particular time, another subscriber is cleverly overhearing same by simply lifting his telephone and asking for another local connection. Mechanic could not rectify due to faulty board. I noted the same in Log Book and informed higher authorities by telegram, requesting immediate action. For about one week, this continued, but still no remedial action. Sub-Divisional Office and Divisional Engineer, who were at Kozhikode and Thrissur respectively, took no action.
This situation could not continue. I spoke to many priority subscribers, told them that switch board is out of order and beyond repair. A new board is required for good service. They were asked to send telegrams, draft which I gave to them, asking Director General to install a new board. All of them send telegrams, as required.After a few days, without any intimation, DE, SDO and ESP came rushing to exchange, after meeting some of the subscribers who complained. Subscribers had told them that they sent telegrams as required by Head Operator. Officers were furious and questioned me why such action on my part? Why not informed them earlier? Showed them copies of the telegrams, log entries as also showed how certain subscribers were able to overhear others when speaking. They were still angry and threatened me with suspension and went away. But no disciplinary action, since they well knew that they were at fault. The good thing was that within a few months, new CB Board was got installed.
Was deputed to Payyanur Exchange several times. Most of the operators there were from T.Nadu and they took leave now and then. The magneto exchange was in a room in a line building and these operators were staying in other connected rooms. I also stayed with them. Maximum duty adjustments, which helped the officials to go to their native place now and then, with leave and without leave. Gradually all of them got transfer to their native place.
There were Linemen allotted to attend Railway communications/signals system called Telegraph Linemen. Every day they have to test these lines contacting telephone operator on duty. In case of fault, they have to move through railway line, find fault and rectify. They were issued with Railway duty passes within their jurisdiction. They were provided with Railway Quarters with 24 hours duty. They can take one mazdoor with them while travelling for attending duties. Many times they helped union leaders on tour. They were an intermediary for all officers, union leaders etc. while travelling in train. They were given importance by the Railway Staff also as maintenance of their lines depended upon these officials. (to be continued). Photos (1) Magneto Exchange (2) Magneto Telephone (3) Kampithal 2nd issue 1962 ( 4) Report on inauhuration of Kampithapal (5) Newly constructed P &T House at same site where original P& T house stood.+2
After strike, employees reported for duty, but authorities did not allow everybody to join. Many were issued with termination notices and suspension orders. In some places, authorities insisted for letter of regret for strike participation. Officers were showing their true colours. At Cannanore Telephone Exchange, except me, all were taken back. I was neither issued with suspension or termination orders, neither was allowed to join. In the Postal side, leaders were kept out. After a few weeks I was reinstated, but on basis of charge sheet issued, was brought to the minimum of pay scale. The enquiry was a farce, without allowing Defence Assistant and keeping procedure.
Immediate task was to take on bail arrested and convicted workers. Appeals were filed for cancellation of sentences. Within a few weeks, all were got released, but cases continued for some more time.
There were two very painful incidents in Kerala in connection with the strike. Com.Ekambaram, a young telephone operator at Palghat was terminated for participation in strike. He was very much dejected and heartbroken worrying how he will maintain his wife and small son, without a job. He went to Coimbatore, rented a hotel room and committed suicide. In another instance, Com. T.K.Varkey a Postman at Kottayam HPO with about 20 years of service, was arrested for participation in strike. He was reinstated but became mentally too much worried and committed suicide within one week. Unions took up the cases and wife of Ekambaram and son of Varkey were given compassionate appointments in Telecom and Postal respectively.
In Parliament, opposition M.P.s, including Com. A.K.Gopalan, strongly criticised the government and demanded release of arrested persons, reinstatement and cancellation of punitive punishments. Within few years, situation became normal. Recognition of Unions was restored. Many union leaders were transferred. Com.A.Bhaskaran Nair, Branch Secretary, Telecom Class III Union, Alwaye was transferred to Cannanore. He was very active. Later he got transfer to Trivandrum and was Divisional Secretary there as also president P and T Co-operative society. His wife, Com. Bhagavathy Amma, was also telephone operator.
An incident, which happened after strike, seems to be worth mentioning. I was still not reinstated. One evening, along with Coms. C.Sridharan Nair and Muthukrishnan, two of my colleagues, went to sea shore, just below the Fort maidan. There were many steps to go down. Muthukrishnan sat on a bench in the maidan. We reached the rocks at the bottom, which was protruding to sea, only slightly above sea -level. Lower portion of the rocks were broken by continuous strong beating of waves. We could see the sea through the small holes in the rock. The spot was dangerous, but we did not realise it. We were viewing strong waves coming one after another and smashing against underbelly of the rocks. It was rainy season and waves were strong.
All of a sudden, a great wave rolled much higher, smashed against us and threw us in air about two-three feet and felling with a big thud. Strong waves were carrying us towards the end of the rocks while receding. We thought that the end has come. Fortunately, the wave’s water went down through the holes in rocks and before we reached end of rocks, it was completely drained and we were saved. We got up. Our shirts and dhoties were torn to pieces, including the long handed umbrella in my hand. Blood was coming from many pores in the body, due to rolling on the sharp stones. We lied down in the small tanks dug in the rocks for making salt. It was painful, but we knew that the salt water will stop bleeding. When we got up, could see that Muthukrishnan was lying on ground near the bench. We rushed up. He was unconscious. We learnt from him later that he had shouted to warn us of the coming towering wave. Seeing us being thrown, he lost his consciousness and fell.
Went to nearby General Hospital. Nurses applied medicines on our body. Enquired whether we were fishing. Of course, we said, but did not say that we were staff of Telephone exchange. We went to lodge and lied down. C.S.Nair had to take leave for a few days, but since I was not taken for duty there was no problem for me. Our comrades in the lodge kept all this as a secret. Did not mention to anybody.
But however, after two three days later, a report came in ‘Desamithram’, daily being published from Cannanore, that two dismissed telephone workers tried to commit suicide by jumping in to raging sea but was saved by others. No names were mentioned. Nobody took notice, as it was understood that the news was to discredit workers.
Employees learnt many hard lessons from experience. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who in earlier times supported the 1946 P and T strike as also the 1926 British Railway Strike, showed his true colour while dealing with 1960 strike. All repressive machineries of government were brought in to against the poor workers, who were only putting their just demands before government. Ruling Congress party stood exposed with their cadres working as black legs and helping police to arrest striking workers. Workers clearly understood that it was the left parties, trade unions and their leaders who wholeheartedly supported strike. Many of them were arrested and jailed. They are our true friends. Congress government with its proclaimed socialist ideals changed its colours, when real test came. Workers understood that strengthening their organisation was most important to face these attacks.
The strike, arrests and conviction of our comrades, anti-worker attitude of the government – all were an eye opener. I became fully committed to the organisation. Passing examinations, getting promotions etc. was not my path. Examination books, Postal tuition, everything abandoned. Right course was perusing workers’ cause, I realised. (To be continued).
Photos (1) Mathrubhoomi Daily report on arrest and jailing of V.A.N.Namboodiri (2) K.Krishnan, Calicut (3) K.Bhaskaran Nair, Calicut (4) V.A.N.Namboodiri (5) C.S.Nair
The strike by Central government employees started exactly at midnight of 11/12 July 1960 as given notice of. Railway, P and T, Defence civilians, Civil Aviation and other employees having night shifts stopped work at 24.00 hours and walked out. The government also reacted by arresting, jailing, terminating and suspending workers in tens of jthousands throughout India. In Dohad, railway workers were shot dead. The situation in Kerala was not different. The newspapers on 12th July carried head line news of the strike.
In Cannanore Telephone Exchange, some senior officials did not participate, probably due to fear of punishments. All the comrades in the P and T Home, lady comrades K.P.Vijaya Lakshmi, T.C.Visalakshy, T.P.Paru Kutty, C.H.Krishnaveni and many others participated in the strike, despite threat of dismissals, arrests etc.
On the first day itself, Com.P.Narayanan, T.O., Payyanur and former Branch Secretary (later Circle President of Telecom Class III Union) was arrested and put in lock-up. Post Master, Panoor, Com.N.P.Padmanabhan (later Convener, P and T Co-ordination Committee, Secretary NFPTE), was arrested as also Coms.K.P.Ramakrishnan ( retired as D.E.T.) , V.Narayanan Kutty from Tellicherry Exchange and Com.K.Narayanan of Tellicherry HPO. These retaliatory actions only cemented the determination of the striking workers. Throughout Kerala, similar arrests were made.
Police and Special Branch started going to the residences of the striking workers with the help of Youth Congress volunteers to arrest them. But the strikers went underground to avoid arrest. Police went to the ladies hostel, but did not arrest them. We, in P and T Home, used to go out early in the morning and will return in night only. One day I spent most of the time in the Christian cemetery opposite the telephone exchange exploring the tombs and reading the inscriptions. I could see what was happening in the exchange. Due to high boundary wall and thick foliage, nobody could see inside of cemetery.
One day, M.Achuthan Kutty and I entered a tea shop in the sea side for taking tiffin. Two persons were seriously talking about strike. One person was telling that ‘One Namboodiri is the leader of telephone employees and he has to be caught.’ We heard, but without noticing them ordered tea, drank and left the place. Obviously they did not know us.
I was so tired when returned to the lodge one night, that I closed the door and went to sleep. It was morning when I woke up. Probably nobody had come in night. I was surprised to see a report in the newspaper, that V.A.Narayanan Namboodiri along with A.Kandasamy has been arrested from a hiding place. We could not go to Police station to enquire, as we will be arrested. Next day another report was seen that both Namboodiri and Kandasamy has been brought before the Magistrate and have been punished with 6 months rigorous imprisonment and sent to Cannanore Central Jail. We learnt later that Com.M.N.Narayanan Namboodiri, another inmate of the lodge, along with Com. Kandasamy, Branch Secretary of the union, who was working at Baliapattm, had come to lodge in night and were talking outside, when police and youth Congress volunteers came. They were arrested. Hearing the name Namboodiri, police thought that the person is union leader V.A.Narayanan Namboodiri and hence the confusion. When Magistrate asked, whether they have struck work, they said in affirmative and were punished and jailed. Seeing the news in Mathrubhoomi daily, my elder brother came to telephone exchange to enquire. Strike Officers there told my brother that ‘he is in jail and if you go on enquiring about him, you also will be put in jail’. My brother went to Central Jail and sought permission to meet. M.N.N., who came out told him that ‘your brother is in underground and that newspaper report is a mistake’.
Forty lady telephone operators of Calicut, who struck work, were arrested and brought to Cannanore Central Jail. They were taken on bail next day by comrades who came from Calicut. They had not taken any food from the jail since it was dirty and uneatable. We took them to Poduval Hotel, but the owner denied food stating that he also will be arrested if food is supplied to strikers. Food was denied from the nearby Madras Hotel also on the same reason.
Com.Thayath Raghavan, well known leader of Praja Socialist Party and husband of Com.T.C.Visalakdhy, herself a striker, came to rescue. Conjee (Rice porridge) was prepared from his house and supplied. The lady workers returned to Calicut.
In other places also many officials were arrested and put to jail. The strike was withdrawn on 16th July by those leaders outside, unable to face the state terror and heavy victimisation. ( Detailed reports of the strike, arrests etc. in Kerala and outside is recorded in detail in the book on 1960 strike jointly authored by me and Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan, going to be shortly published in connection with the 60th year anniversary of the strike). (to be continued).
Photos (1&2) Book History of P& T TU Movement. (3) Com.P.Narayanan (4) V.A.N.Namboodiri and M.N.N.Namboodiri (5) N.P.Padmanabhan
The All India Kisan Sangarsh Co-Ordination Committee which is spearheading the great and grand Farmers’ Struggle has given a call to boycott the products of the corporates, particularly that of Reliance.
Modi government is wholly responsible for the sorry state of affairs in the telecom sector for pursing a pro- Reliance Jio policy incurring huge losses to all the telecom companies except Reliance Jio. BSNL is not being allowed to start its 4G services despite declaration of a revival package on 23rd October, 2019. When all the private telecom companies are free to purchase equipments from foriegn companies and started the 4G service well in advance and now Jio has declared about the launching of 5G services in the near future, hurdles are purposely created to stall the 4G service of BSNL.
It is a known fact that BSNL is the only telecom company still capable of competing Reliance Jio, adding new mobile subscribers while all other telecom companies loosing lakhs of subcribers regularly. So the Modi government is bent upon to kill BSNL for the sake of Reliance Jio. AUAB is fighting against this nefarious onslaught which is supported by AIBDPA.
We can do more in resisting the greedy Jio by boycotting their services and switching over to BSNL by those availing Jio services for whatever reasons. Also we have to undertake a campaign for boycotting Jio services among the general public in the wake of the call of the farmers. (aibdpa website)
MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 14HISTORIC STRIKE OF JULY 1960For the first time, it was in 1946 that a Pay Commission for central government employees was appointed, which is called as First Central Pay Commission, with Federal Court Judge Shrinivas Baradacharya as Chairman. Raising the major demands of the workers, All India Postmen and Lower Grade Staff Union, under the leadership of its President Shri V.G.Dalvi, Bar-at-Law, issued a strike notice for indefinite strike from 11 July 1946, which spread like wild-fire all over India. In Bengal and some other states it expanded in to a P and T strike. The strike continued for long 22 days. All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the only national trade union then, fully supported and organised solidarity general strike in major cities like Calcutta, Madras, Bombay etc. participated by lakhs of workers. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and some other Congress leaders as also Communist Party of India fully supported the strike.Government was compelled to discuss with the union leaders and settlement reached with all 12 main demands in strike notice accepted. A great victory for workers.National Federation of P and T Employees (NFPTE) formed on 24th November 1954 by merging all existing unions under Realignment Scheme, demanded formation of II Central Pay Commission and issued strike notice in 1957, as government did not concede the demand. However, just before strike, government declared appointment of II CPC with Supreme Court Justice Jagannath Das as Chairman with six other members. Strike was withdrawn.II CPC submitted its report in November 1959, which was completely retrograde. It neither did recommend Need Based Minimum Wage nor D.A. according to increasing cost of living index. It recommended Rs. 75 as lowest pay instead of Rs. 125/-, which is the need based minimum wage as per principles accepted by 15th Tripartite Labour Conference held in 1957. There was no recommendation to increase Dearness Allowance according to increase in cost of living index based on the increase of prices of essential commodities. II CPC recommended pay scales, simply by merging together existing pay and DA. This was worse than recommendations of First CPC.Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, All India Railwaymens Federation (AIRF), All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) and NFPTE met and formed a Joint Council of Action, which served notice to central government intimating its decision for an Indefinite Strike with effect from midnight of 11/12 July 1960.Instead of meeting JAC and discussing the demands, central government called the proposed strike as ‘Civil Rebellion’ and caused President of India to promulgate ‘Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance’ (ESMO), banning strike in essential government services like Railways, Defence, P and T, Civil Aviation etc. Those who go on strike will be punished by 6 months rigorous imprisonment and Rs. 500 fine; and those who instigate for strike will be punished by rigorous imprisonment for one year and fine of Rs. 1,000! Continuous news of drastic punishments was published in newspapers. All India Radio broadcasted against strike. CID, Special Branch and similar agencies started roaming in offices and residences of employees, creating terror. Prime Minister’s speech against the strike was continuously relayed through AIR. This was the pre-strike situation all over India, including Kerala. Black-legs were being recruited to work during strike. Unfortunately, some of the state government employees also volunteered to work.Shifted my residence from Poduval lodge to another lodge, as it became a disturbance to other inmates, who were other than CG employees, due to continuous presence of police and Special Branch. But disturbance by the police continued. We started a new P and T lodge near the telephone exchange with only employees of our department. We got adjusted to the police presence. Comrades K. Karunakaran Nair, K.P.Krishnamoorthy, P.Govindan Nair and K.L.Jose from the Head Post Office, M.Achuthan Kutty, M.N.Narayanan Namboodiri, C.Sreedharan Nair, K.Kumaran, M.A.Rappai, and I from Telephones were the inmates. Most of them were comparatively new recruits, me being the senior most in the telephones, with about barely two years of service. Of course, senior leaders of NFPTE were in Postal side like Comrades T.M.Janardanan, N.O.Anandan etc. to guide. Records of the union were safely kept with lady comrades staying in hostel.Continuous meetings were held in preparation for strike. Individual members were met to ensure participation. But, a section of seniors were vacillating. Orders after orders were circulated among employees intimating drastic punishments that will be imposed on strikers. Many of us were determined that whatever happens, we shall go on strike. It was call of our union.For the first time in Independence India, a mighty strike was going to take place. Workers were prepared to fight for their rights and Government determined to crush the strike with all the arsenals in their hands. The arrest of Secretary General of NFPTE Com. P.S.R.Anjaneyulu and making him walk through the Delhi roads handcuffed to Tihar Jail, just before start of strike gave indication, how government was going to deal with strikers. All members of Joint Action Council were arrested and jailed even before the strike. (To be continued). (For detailed information about the 1960 strike, kindly go through ‘History of P and T TU Movement’ authored by me).
MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 13AT CANNANORE (CONTD)I stayed about one year at Cannanore while undergoing teachers’ training and then again about 5 years while working in telephones. Cannanore always held a fascination, not only because my home is near, but also a large number of relations, friends and comrades are there. After Cannanore became district headquarters, it spread beyond its original boundaries.Cannanore was one town, where Persian and Arabian merchants visited for business purposes. Later, Europeans started occupying and fortifying the place due to its importance for navigation and defence. St. Angelo’s Fort is part of this tradition. There is a similar fort at Tellicherry. The Bekal Fort (now in Kasargode District) also has a long history. There was a big military barrack at Cannanore. One interesting factor is that many of the British Officers stationed here, married local women and while going back, provided them with shelter and money to sustain a comparatively better living. St. Michaels Anglo Indian School, founded in 1865, provided English medium education for both British as well as Indians.Arakkal kingdom, near Cannanore, was the only Muslim Kingdom in Kerala coast. Its history goes to 17th century or earlier. Its rulers were called Arakkal Sultan or Arakkal Beebi, as the case may be. A portion of the Arakkal palace is now a well maintained museum.Theyyam, a ritualistic form of art, is a religious-cultural tradition of this area. Many of the theyyams are based on life and achievements of local chieftains or martyrs. The ritual is performed by expert artists. Kerala Government has formed a Folk Lore Academy for promotion of such traditional arts. Happy to state that Com.Keecheri Raghavan, former BSNLEU leader, is the present Secretary of this Academy.Famous Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple, on side of Valapattanam river, visited by large number of devotees, is also near. The deity is Muthappan, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, as per folk lore.Another important place is long and wide Payyambalam Beach which hundreds of people visit every day. On one side of the beach, memorial structures of politicians and cultural leaders can be seen. These include that of Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, a fearless journalist who criticised the wrong doing of Dewan of Travancore Raja and was banished from the kingdom. He died at Kannur in 1916 and is buried at Payyambalam. Memorial to Com. A.K.Gopalan, one of the greatest working class leaders, is also here. Memorials of Comrades E.K.Nayanar (former Chief Minister), C.Kannan, O.Bharathan, CITU leaders as also Coms.N.P.Padmanabhan and T.M.Janardhanan, two stalwarts of the P and T trade union movement are there.Central Jail is nearby, which accommodates maximum number of prisoners of Malabar region. During my service at Cannanore, used to visit these places.Lot of changes have taken place. A new Telephone Exchange has been constructed near railway station by 1970s. General Manager Telecom Office is working in a building about one km away. City has become very congested.A ball badminton court was prepared on the side of the telephone exchange, where we used to play in evenings. It was very popular game in Cannanore area. Our team won and got first position in Calicut Division twice. I was part of the team. Used to play chess and carroms in the club. Com. T.M.Koya, senior telephone operator (brother of Shri T.Abdul Rehman, well known foot-ball player), was adept in foot-ball, chess, caroms etc. There were many other sportsmen and players.As Recreation Club Secretary, I once asked the Baliapattam Plywood Company, one of the biggest plywood factories, to supply a carrom board, which they used to manufacture. They made it and supplied, one of the best carrom board I have ever seen; specially made for us. When I asked the price to pay for the same, the person who brought said that it is a present from the owner, Mr. Kader Kutty, who was a well-known industrialist of the area. We had to accept the gift. In the same way, when the telephone staff approached subscribers for collection of funds for Conference or so, which were very rare, subscribers used to donate liberally. There was a close bond between the staff and the subscribers. (To be continued). Photos (1) Theyyam (2) Parassini Kadavu (3) St.Michaels School (4) Payyambalam Beach (5) Arakkal palace
12Sankar K R Poonithura, Vijayan Nocholipoyil and 10 others
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