revision-of-provisional-pension-order-1

THE STRIKE BECOMES INEVITABLE

.K K. N. Kutty, National President, Confederation

It is now more than four months that the Government has held out the assurance to the leaders of NJCA that they would revisit the minimum wage determination and the consequent fitment factor of the 7^th CPC.  The understanding reached on 30^th June, 2016 was that the Government would set up a high level committee to examine the complaint made by the employees organizations to the effect that the 7^th CPC had not adhered to the norms of the Dr. Aykhroyd formula.  The said decision was in the backdrop of the NJCA’s strike notice which was served on 9^th June, 2016 and its resolve to go ahead with the said decision to organize the indefinite strike action from 11^th July, 2016.

The employees had realized that contrary to the impression, the 7^th CPC  imparted to the leaders during their interaction with it, its final suggestions were extremely nugatory and were the product  of pressure exerted by the Government on the Commission at the fag end of its functioning.  They found that the minimum wage determined by the commission was in violation with the agreed principles of wage determination in the case of civil servants, it had recommended the least quantum increase in the wages in comparison with all the earlier Commissions; it had reduced the rates of various allowances without any valid  rhyme or reason; it had abolished certain allowances despite the continuance of the extra functions/circumstances for which those allowances were originally granted; had abolished all interest free advances;  had withdrawn the existing benefits, perks and privileges which had originally granted to a section of the employees and officers taking into account the peculiarities of the assigned jobs to them etc.  Naturally the disappointment that arose from such negative attitude of the Commission paved way for anger and consequent agitation,  creating thus an atmosphere of confrontation.

The setting-up of a committee under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary was, therefore, seen as a step in the right direction.  After about six months deliberations, the Committee seems to have given a report to the Government content of which was not made public.  However, during its inter action with the Staff Side, the Committee had given the impression and indication  that it would make changes to the quantum of minimum wage and fitment factor and the Fixed Medical Allowance of the Pensioners would be suitably amended.  The Committee intimated the staff Side that the Government would set up separate Committees for allowances and advances to effect a relook into the matter in consultation with various nodal departments of the Government of India.  In other words, the Government through the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary conveyed that it would create a conducive climate for a fruitful negotiation and settlement.

The 29^th June proclamation in the form of Notifications was a bolt from the blue .   Was it designed to discredit the NJCA leadership or snub the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary or reflection of the arrogance of the party in power was not discernible.  It was in that background the NJCA met on 30^th June and decided unanimously to go ahead with the preparation for the indefinite strike action.  Undoubtedly the  Government’s attitude had added fuel to the fire of anger and the leaders especially at the grass root level ,who had hoped that the Government would avert the situation of confrontation welcomed the decision of the NJCA wholeheartedly.

The late night discussions, the group of Ministers  had with the NJCA leadership on 30^th June, 2016  and the offer of a negotiated settlement of the core issues through the setting up of a high level committee was considered a step in the right direction by the NJCA leadership while accepting the offer of talks, though the State level leadership in quite a number of states felt that the Government was indulging in chicanery.

The time frame of six months for the Committee to complete its deliberations and make suggestions to the government on the core issues was over technically on 6^th November, 2016 .  The  National Secretariat  of the Confederation met and rightly decided to chalk out a series of programmes of action, the second phase of which would be carried out on 15^th June, 2016 in the form of a massive march to the Parliament house. These programmes are to culminate in a strike action.   Isolated action, the Confederation is fully aware is not capable of bringing about compulsion on the Government to revise their decisions promulgated on 29^th June, 2016.   Confederation is confident that the Defence and Railway organizations who are the predominant partners in the NJCA  would realize the gravity of the situation  and enliven the NJCA  and spearhead the movement to its logical end.  Isolated ventures will not be avoidable  in certain exigencies, when demarcation in action becomes necessary so as to maintain the character and ideology of the organization and confidence of its members becomes paramount.

CHQ had taken up the issue of pension payment in cash, in the wake of cancellation of notes of Rs.1000 and Rs.500 and the resultant limit of cash withdrawal and long queues in banks, with Secretary, DoT and Member (Finance) . On their intervention, as per the directive of Department of Expenditure, the Reserve Bank of India vide their letter dated 24-11-2016 has advised all the Public Sector, Private Sector and Co-Operative banks to “ensure adequate cash availability for taking care of the requirements of the pensioners.” 

But reports received from certain parts of the country is of concern. Some of the banks have not arranged sufficient cash to meet the requirements of the pensioners. If pensioners are not paid cash as per their requirements,then protest demonstration/dharna be organised in such places according to local condition.

The 3rd biennial conference of the North District Branch of CTD Circle was held on 26th November 2016 at Dumdum Telephone Exchange. Com Sanjib Banerjee controlled the proceedings. Com. Ananta Bhattacherjee President AIBDPA, Com Supriya Mitra, VP CHQ and President CTD, Com. D Basu AGS CHQ and GS CORTO, Com Saibal Sengupta, CS BSNLEU CTD and Com Biplab Dutta Roy DS Central District greeted the conference. 156 delegates attended the meeting. 8 nos of delegates participated in the discussion on Secretary’s report and on organisation. Com Sanjib Banerjee placed the valedictory speech explaining the present situation and our task ahead.

Coms Santosh Das, Ashu Sen and Dilip Majumder were elected as President, DS and Treasurer respectively.

The 2,000 strong delegates of the 15th All India Conference of CITU, being held at Puri in Odisha, conducted an impressive human chain today, the 28th November,2016. The Human Chain started at 07:30 am. The participants decried the demonetisation implemented by the Modi government, which has put the working people of this country in enormous hardships. They demanded immediate action, to bring an end to the sufferings of the common people. This human chain is part of the ” Jan Aakrosh Divas ” being observed throughout the country.

(courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Sunday, November 20, 2016

NCCPA Circular

NCCPA Circular!

Pl find the latest circular covering developments:

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF PENSIONERS.

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.

E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

13.c Feroze Shah Road,m

 New Delhi. 110 001

Dated:20.11.2016.

Dear Comrades,

This is to inform you that the pension department has ultimately taken a final decision not to allow the option No.1. There are only two options left out for us.  To approach the judiciary and to agitate. We are to embrace both.

Bharath Pensioners Samaj had its General Body meeting on 13^th November, 2016.  Both the President of NCCPA and the undersigned attended the inaugural session and addressed the delegates.  They have taken the decision to pursue the pension fitment issue through agitation.  We have assured them of our co-operation.  We have written a letter in this regard.  The copy of the same is enclosed. 

The AIRF has decided to organise  a protest demonstration on 14.12.2016.  The Confederation of CGE and workers have decided to organise a rally and march to parliament on 15.12.2016.  These programmes are  to oppose the totally nugatory attitude of the present Government over the Central Government employees Demands.  The affiliates of NCCPA may kindly advise their members to take part in these action programmes.

There will be a meeting with the Secretary Health soon to discuss the CGHS problems. All affiliates and state units are once again requested to send us Note indicating the various difficulties faced by the members in each State. 

The Government has extended the life certificate date to January, 2017.

The Secretry Staff  Side and the undersigned have written to the Government to disburse the salary for the months of November and December 2016 in cash. 

The annual GB meeting of the AP Unit is slated to be held on 12^th and 13^th December, 2016. 

We are approaching Associations/Federations of both working and retired employees, who are affected by the New Contributory pension scheme for holding a massive convention at Delhi.  As and when the date for the convention is decided, we shall intimate you.

The allowance committee set up by the Government and headed by the Secretary Expenditure did not meet the staff side formally after  the Staff Side submitted its detailed explanatory memorandum on each of the allowances the Pay Commission has recommended to abolish. The specified time limit under which the committee is to submit its report is over.  The Fixed Medical Allowance  which are presently paid to the pensioners who are not covered by CGHS is under the consideration of the Committee.

We are getting in touch with the Nagpur and Allahabad State Units to explore the possibility of holding the next National Executive Committee meeting of NCCPA 

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.KN. Kutty.

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF PENSIONERS.

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.

E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

13.c Feroze Shah Road,m

 New Delhi. 110 001

Shri S.C. Maheswari,

General Secretary,

Bharat Pensioners Samaj

New Delhi. 

Dear Comrade,

            Kindly refer to the telephonic conversation we had on the subject of organising a rally/dharna at Jantar Mantar in the last week of Feb or in the first week of March 2017 to pursue the demand to implement the recommendation of the 7^th CPC in respect of pension fitment under option No.1.  We had the matter discussed amongst us .  We welcome the initiative taken by you in the matter and we assure you of our whole hearted co-operation and participation.

            We feel that in order to ensure large scale participation of pensioners in the programme, it would be better if you could convene a meeting of Secretaries of all Pensioners organisations at Delhi  on a date convenient to you.  We may finalise the date for the programme in consultation with all at the proposed meeting. We further request that such a meeting may please be held not later than the middle of December. 2016.   I would be at Delhi on 30^th November, 2016 and again on 13^th December to 16^th December, 2016. 

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.KN. Kutty

Secretary General