Massive Hunger Strike by BSNL Workers

13 Thursday Jul 2017

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Massive Hunger Strike was organised in all centres by BSNL Executives and non-executives as per the call of the unions/associations on 13th July 2017 demanding early wage revision, pension revision, 30% supernumerary benefits to BSNL recruitees, pension contribution on basis of actual salary and also opposing the anti-unions directions issued by the BSNL management. The unions/associations called upon the workers to organise the 27th July Strike on these demands a complete success.

Hearty Congratulations and Greetings to all the unions/associations and also the workers who made the programme a big success!

Postal Employees organise massive Dharna on GDS, VII CPC issues.

12 Wednesday Jul 2017

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The Postal employees through out the country organised massive dharnas participated by a large number of workers demanding implementation of the favourable recommendations of the GDS Committee, filling up the vacancies by new recruitment, settlement of issues of contingent/part time/contract workers etc. This is also in preparation of the strike being organised on 23rd July 2017 on the same demands.

V.A.N.Namboodiri  inaugurated the dharna held at PMG Office, Kozhikode, which was participated by more than hundred workers. Com.Rajendran, Convener, Confederation of CG Employees, C.Sivadasan, Convener Confederation, Kozhikode, C.K.Prabhakaran (NFPE), K.V.Jayarajan (BSNLEU) and other leaders addressed.

Stay on Central Government beef ban notification

11 Tuesday Jul 2017

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The Supreme Court today held that the stay on Central Government’s notification banning sale and purchase of cows and buffaloes at animal markets for slaughter are applicable to the entire country. The judgment was given while disposing off All India Kisan Sabha’s petition in the matter.

“Chief Justice Khebar stated: ” We are of the view that as and when fresh notification is issued, sufficient time shall be granted by government for implementation of the notified amendments so that till the rules are implemented there is sufficient time for the partied to assail the same.”

 

“Chief Minister should be the one washing the feet of the people” – Com. Brinda Karat

11 Tuesday Jul 2017

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Ranchi [Jharkhand], July 10 : Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) leader Brinda Karaton Monday severely criticised Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das for letting a woman wash his feet saying that such acts are unbecoming of a chief minister.
“It is absolutely wrong on the part of the Chief Minister to let a woman wash his feet and call it a tradition. If one has to look at traditions then the Chief Minister should be the one washing the feet of the people. He should respect them. These things must not be repeated. It is unbecoming of a chief minister,” Karat told.
A video went viral on Sunday in which a woman was seen washing the feet of Raghubar Das on the occasion of Guru Mahotsav.
At the event, held at the Brahma Lok Dham, the woman washed Das’ feet on a plate full of flower petals.
Das was the chief guest at the event. (Courtesy: Ganashakti)

57th Anniversary of the Glorious Five day Strike of 1960

11 Tuesday Jul 2017

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The 5 days strike by the Central Government Employees started from 11th July 1960 will always inspire not only the CG Employees, but the entire working class in India. It was the biggest strike that Indian government had to face since Independence in 1947. This year is the 57th anniversary of the same.

The strike called by the All India Railwaymen Federation (AIRF), All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) and Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers demanded the government to modify the retrograde recommendations of the II Central Pay Commission, grant of Minimum Wage, Full neutralisation for cost of living etc.

The Government dealt the strike with iron hands. The government declined to meet the leaders of the Joint Action Committee. Instead it promulgated the Essential Service maintenance Ordinance against the strike with stringent punishment. Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru termed the strike as ‘Civil Rebellion’ and issued instructions to suppress it with all the might of the central and state governments. Thousands of workers were jailed (outsiders also for supporting the strike), dismissed, terminated, suspended, charge sheeted, severely punished and transferred. The All India leaders were arrested and paraded hand-cuffed through the streets of Delhi. The government dealt with the strikers as enemies of the country. The strike could not go on more than 5 days. It was mercilessly suppressed by the government.

It took more than 4 years to get all the officials got reinstated. Even that was only after the Members of Parliament like Coms. A.K.Gopalan, Nath Pai, S.M.Banerjee and others lambasted the government in the Parliament about the inhuman treatment of the strikers by the government.

I was working at Cannanore (Kannur) at that time. Three comrade were put in jail, punished for 6 months rigorous imprisonment. I was kept out of service, charge sheeted and punished. The working class realised  the inhuman face of the Congress government. Though suppressed with in a decade the government was compelled to accept at least some of the demands.

By once again going on a one day strike on 19th September 1968, the workers showed that they will continue to fight for their rights.

On this 57th anniversary, we pay homage to the great martyrs and pledge ourselves to continue the struggles in the path shown by them.

Red Salute to Martyrs!

(For details of the struggle, go through the book ” History of P&T TU Movement” being published shortly )

 

Com. D.Gnanaiah passed away.

08 Saturday Jul 2017

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Very sad news. It has been reported that Com. D.Gnanaiah, veteran leader and former Secretary General of NFPTE is no more. He passed away at 04.30 hours in the early morning of 8th July 2017. He was 97.

Com. DG, as Gnanaiah was respectfully called, was a dedicated leader of the P and T workers and was the Secretary General during the period 1965 to 1970 and 1976 to 1978. He was arrested in 1968 strike along with other leaders and kept in jail. He was an excellent orator and writer. He has visited  many foreign countries, especially in the Soviet block.

After retirement, he was active in CPI and was one of its top leaders. His daughter is married to Com. E.X.Joseph veteran leader of the Confederation and who was dismissed from service in Audit Department and who is presently practising in Supreme Court.

I had long association with Com. Gnanaiah. Even after retirement I met him several times during his visit to Delhi.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and comrades!

 

Loot of passengers by Delhi Airport

08 Saturday Jul 2017

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We have been continuously telling that after privatisation of Airports, the passengers are being fleeced by increasing  rates of every article inside the airports, including refreshments. In addition, the companies were charging Airport fee (User Development Fee) from every passenger, whether domestic or international both for departing and arriving passengers.

In Delhi Airport run by DIAL, it was charging Rs. Rs. 245 – Rs. 490 from departing domestic passengers and Rs.  207 -415 from arriving passengers. In the international sector, this was  Rs. 565 – Rs. 1131 for departing and Rs. 462 to Rs. 933 for arriving passengers.

Now at last, the Central government has acted. It has ordered that the unjustified higher UDF should be reduced by 89%. This will mean that the present UDF for international departure will be Rs. 45 and domestic. Rs. 10. There will be no arrival charges.

It is to be understood that how much lakhs of crores of rupees might have been cheated by the DIAL during the last many years in the name of UDF.

The case of other private airports also should be examined.

 

Another ‘New Telecom Policy’ to favour corporates?

07 Friday Jul 2017

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Communications Minister Manoj Sinha had stated that the government is preparing a New Telecom Policy which will will be discussed with all stake holders. The report in the press is given below. Every time a New Telecom Policy has been announced, it has been for the benefit of the private companies. The first NTP was to allow the private companies to enter the telecom sector. Every NTP afterwards has been in favour of the private corporates. it is certain that this will also be in the same route.

“New Delhi: A national telecom policy is currently under formulation and will be made public “soon” for stakeholder consultation, telecom minister Manoj Sinha has said.

The upcoming policy will look at areas like technology innovation and security as well as plug “loopholes”, the minister promised but did not elaborate on the specifics.
“We are framing national telecom policy…we have done a lot of work on this. Once it is formulated, we will put in on the website for comments of general public, academia, industry and then we will go to the Parliament,” the minister told PTI in an interview.

He said that at a broad level, the policy will be driven by technology innovations, among other aspects. “There are many things which change with time…we will take all that into consideration,” he said, adding it will also address “loopholes”. He was responding to a question on gaps that the new policy will seek to address over the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2012.

Asked about the time frame for finalising the new policy, Sinha said he expected it “soon”. “I am hopeful that it will come soon. First, we will initiate a consultation…maybe the implementation will take some time but we will soon put in on the website so we can seek people’s opinion,” he pointed out.

Sinha vowed that reforms, especially consumer-centric ones, will continue in the telecom sector and hinted that some announcements were in the offing. “Reforms will continue…Yes, it will move, and move swiftly…you will soon see some things…In the coming days, there will be some news regarding reforms, and it will be consumer-centric,” he said but declined to divulge details.

The telecom ministry has issued technology-neutral telecom licences under the NTP 2012 which was de-linked from spectrum. Other reforms that have been undertaken include finalisation of spectrum trading and sharing rules, full mobile number portability, increasing spectrum supply for the industry, Right of Way norms and electronic know-your-customer (KYC). However, it is yet to meet certain targets like 2-megabits-per-second broadband speed for consumers and formation of the National Mobile Property Registry.”

BSNLEU All India Women’s Convention at Hyderabad

06 Thursday Jul 2017

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An All India Women’s Convention called by BSNL Employees Union is being held at Hyderabad on 8th July 2017. This is being held as per the decision of the BSNLEU All India Conference held at Chennai in January 2017.

Large number of women delegates are expected to participate from all over India. They will discuss about their issues and formulate a Charter of demands. They will also discuss about how to bring more women to the organisation as also taking more responsibility in the organisation.

Greetings to all the office bearers and delegates participating in the All India Women’s Convention!

FALSE PROPAGANDA AND UNFOUNDED CRITICISM BY SUPPORTERS OF NDA GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON ALLOWANCES FOR CG EMPLOYEES

06 Thursday Jul 2017

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The Central government has cheated its employees by not implementing its assurances on allowances: A statement issued by Com.M.Krishnan, Secretary General Confederation of CG Employees is given below:

“FALSE PROPAGANDA AND UNFOUNDED CRITICISM BY SUPPORTERS OF NDA GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON ALLOWANCES

Immediately on announcement of Govt’s decision on Allowances a well-orchestrated propaganda was unleashed by the NDA Govt through media and its political machinery and also through some organizations and employees who supported the Government’s decision. The crux of the propaganda is as follows :-

1) The following facts will reveal the hollowness of the propaganda of the Govt, and the criticism of those who supports the Govt’s decision.

2) It has been decided by the Government that HRA shall not be less than 5400, 3600 & 1800 for X, Y, and Z category of cities respectively. This floor rate has been calculated @ 30%, 20% and 10% of the minimum pay of 18,000-. This will benefit more than 7.5 lakhs employees belonging to pay level 1,2, and 3.

3) It is because of the JCM Staffside Federations who opposed and rejected the HRA rate recommended by Pay Commission, the employees have lost one and half years arrears of allowances. Government was ready to implement HRA and allowances from 01-01-2016 along with Revised Pay.

4) Even in the past Revised HRA and other Allowances were not given from the same date. HRA and other Allowances are implemented from a later date without retrospective effect.

The propaganda and criticism, though not succeeded, should not go uncountered. This is part of a deliberate attempt by the Govt. and its political machinery to misguide the general public and employees.

(1) More than 7.5 lakhs lower level employees ( in pay level 1, 2 and 3) will be benefited due to the decision of the Govt. to retain minimum HRA of 5400, 3600 and 1800 as 30, 20 & 10% of minimum pay of 18,000-.

It will not benefit 7.5 lakhs employees in lower level 1, 2 and 3. It will benefit only few thousand employees.

In Pay level – I the starting pay is 18,000-. After getting eight (8) increments (eight years service) pay will become 22,800-. An employee drawing 22,800- will get HRA above 5400, 3600, 1800 even if the HRA is 24% (5472) 16% (3648) and 8% (1824).

In Pay level – 2 the starting pay is 19,900- After getting five increments (5 years service) pay will become 23,100-. The official will draw 5544 (24%) 3696 (16%) and 1848 (8%) even if the minimum 5400, 3600, 1800 is not retained.

In Pay level – 3 the starting pay is 21,700-. After getting 2 increments the pay will become 23,100- . 24% (5544), 16% (3696) and 8% (1848) will be above 5400, 3600 and 1800-.

From the above it can be seen that only those officials below 8 years service in Pay level – 1, below 5 years service in Pay level – 2 and 2 years services in Pay level – 3 will be benefited by the decision of the Govt to retain 5400-, 3600- and 1800- at level 1, 2 and 3 as minimum HRA at X, Y and Z class cities respectively. How many central Govt employees below 8 years service in level -1 and below 5 years service in level -2 and below 2 years service in level – 3 will be working in the Central Govt departments as on date. Only few thousands. All others in level -1,2 and 3 will draw more than 5400-, 3600- and 1800-even if HRA is 24%, 16% and 8%. This being the reality, Govt through its press release given to media made false propaganda that 7.5 lakh employees will be benefited by the Govt’s decision !!! And those who welcomed the Govt’s decision are repeating the same lies.

(2) It is because of the Federation leaders representing JCM National Council Staffside who opposed the HRA rate recommended by 7th CPC, employees lost one and half year arrears.

What is real fact?

Every time when Pay Commissions submit its report to Govt, Implementation Committee or Empowered Committee is constituted by the Govt to examine the recommendations of the CPC and submit report to the Govt for acceptance by Cabinet. The implementation Committee or Empowered Committee will call for suggestions / modifications to the CPC recommendations from all organizations including National Council JCM Staffside. This time also Govt and the Implementation Committee followed the same procedure.

Accordingly, National Council JCM Staffside submitted detailed memorandum to Govt and Implementation Committee / Empowered Committees, seeking 26 modifications in the recommendations including Minimum Pay, Fitment formula, Allowances including HRA, Transport Allowance, Advances, MACP conditions, CCL conditions etc.,. The JCM Staffside also presented their view points before the Implementation Committee headed by Joint Secretary and Empowered Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary. Suppose the JCM Staffside leaders / Federations decides not to submit any memorandum seeking modifications in the retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC before the Implementation Committee / Empowered Committees and keep quite ( as argued by those who criticize the leaders and support the 7th CPC recommendations), what will be the reaction of the employees ? Will they not blame the leaders for silently supporting the Govt for implementing all the retrograde and negative recommendations of the 7th CPC ?

Inspite of JCM Staffside requesting for modifications the Cabinet on Pay Scale meeting held on 29-06-2016 decided to accept the recommendations of the 7th CPC without any modifications, rejecting the modifications requested by the Staffside. Cabinet also decided to refer all the allowances including HRA to a Committee headed by Finance & Expenditure Secretary.

Cabinet on 29-06-2016 has not decided to grant 24%, 16% and 8% HRA recommended by 7th CPC. Then where is the question of accepting or rejecting the decision of the Govt when there was no such decision by the Cabinet.

Not only JCM Staffside Federations almost all the Unions / Federations / Associations have submitted memorandum to Govt seeking modifications in the retrograde recommendations of 7th CPC. What is wrong in it ? The fact is that Govt deliberately constituted the Allowance Committee and referred HRA and other Allowances to the Committee to delay and deny the arrears from 01-01-2016. Instead of protesting against the Govt’s decision (that is what Confederation has done), those who are desperately trying to turn the anger and resentment of the employees against Unions / Federations who demanded modifications, are bound to fail, as Central Govt employees are not that much fools to believe that propaganda.

(3) Even in the past, HRA and Allowances were not given retrospective effect.

Govt and those who welcomed and thanked Govt for its decision on allowances are continuously repeating the argument that in the past also allowances were not given retrospective effect from the date of Revision of Pay. But what is the actual fact?

In the past, revised allowances including HRA were granted from the month / next month of notification of Revised Pay Rules. Even then JCM Staffside has not welcomed or thanked the Govt but strongly protested and demanded grant of allowances from the same date from which Revised Pay is implemented. Even if the old practice is taken as precedence, this time employees have every right to get revised allowances including HRA from 01-07-2016 as Revised (Pay) Rues was notified on 25-07-2016. Those who welcomed the Govt’s decision are consciously and deliberately hiding this fact as many employees do not know what has happened in the past.

The NDA Govt and its political machinery has made this type of propaganda when the Cabinet approved the recommendations of Pay scales recommended by the 7th CPC on 29-06-2016 without any modifications. At that time the propaganda was “big bonanza” to Central Government employees. This time also the same method of propaganda is adopted and the unfortunate part of it, is that some of our friends representing employees too contributed to such a false and baseless propaganda.