THE STRIKE BECOMES INEVITABLE - ARTICLE BY COM. K. K. N. KUTTY, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, CONFEDERATION

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for which those allowances were originally granted; had abolished all interest free advances;  had withdrawn the existing benefits, perks and privileges which had originally granted to a section of the employees and officers taking into account the peculiarities of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 gross 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.

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Expansion of Postal Net Work - LS - Q & A

....

Memorandum to MoF - Confederation of CG Employees i/c with General Budget 2016-17

To

1) All National Secretariat Members

2) All affiliated organisations

3) All COCs

Dear Comrades,

It is proposed to submit a Memorandum to Hon’ble Finance Minister conveying our views and demands for inclusion in General Budget   2016-17. Draft Copy of the Memorandum is given below.

Please suggest additions/Modifications, if any, required, within two days.

M. Krishnan

Secretary General

Confederation

Mob: 09447068125

E-mail: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

CLICK HERE  -- FOR COPY OF MEMORANDUM

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EDITORIAL - POSTAL CRUSADER --- DECEMBER 2016

DEMONETIZATION (NOTE BANDI)

CAUSE OF SUFFERING FOR PUBLIC

            The object of demonetization was stated by Prime Minister to combat corruption and black money .But without making proper preparations it’s implementation has caused suffering more to the public in general and Bank and Postal Employees in particular. All Government Employees, Workers, Farmers and small & big entrepreneurs are also suffering because of this. People start standing in ques in front of ATMs since early in the night. As the ATMs were not calibrated as per  new notes of Rs.2000/- and 500/- so these notes are not being put in ATMs and 100/- Rupees  notes are exhausted within a short period and remaining persons remain standing in ques. The decision taken in hurry is being changed frequently. Firstly it was ordered that anybody can change the old notes worth Rupees 4000/- from any Bank & Post Office, after that limit raised as Rs.4500/- and now it has been reduced to Rs.2000/- from the Post Offices or Bank where account stands.

            `No employer is giving salary to his employees. Shops are being shut. The business in Mandis is getting stopped. Workshops and factories are being closed. Workers are returning back from Metro Cities to their villages.

            The problems before farmers are aggravating. Now this is season of RAVI CROPS and Farmers are not able to purchase seeds and fertilizer besides having money. If it peasants come in distress it will adversely affect the economy of nation. Agricultural products like vegetables and fruits are not being purchased in Mandis. All the small enterprises, from brick Kilns  to factories , who have  to pay cash wages to workers have stopped working or not making full payment of wages as they have been allowed to withdraw Rs.25000/- . As per the RBI directives, distinct and primary co-operative banks which cater to millions of farmers are not allowed to exchange the votes. This has paralysed the banking operations causing hardship to farmer and rural population. Workers working in transport sector have become unemployed. The goods carrier vehicles have come to halt, as to operate these there is no money and it will result shortage of food items.

             The Government has authorized all Hospitals to accept old notes but the private hospitals and Nursing Homes have not been allowed therefore people are not getting proper treatment and some have died due to lack of treatment.

            Most of the work in this country is done by cash transaction. After barring 86% currency which was in the form of notes of higher denomination has caused suffering to the common man including labourers, farmers, entrepreneurs and government employees. The way in which this has been implemented adverse effect on livelihood of common man can be noticed.

            The government is claiming GDP at the rate of 8% but now it may come down up to 5% and the economy will take more time to come up after bearing this blow.

            The Government is claiming total removal of problem of corruption and black money after demonetization but experts are saying that there is only 6% black money in the form of cash and only 0.025% currency is fake. Rest 94% black money is in real estate, Share Market, Gold and Jewellery and foreign currency and so many other activities. For marriages, orders were issued to withdraw Rs.2.5 lakh but so many conditions have been imposed and fulfillment of these conditions is impossible and the people are committing suicide being aggrieved of it. To restrict withdrawal of its own money is clear-cut violation of constitutional provisions.

            With this decision the postal employees have also been very adversely affected. There is no adequate infrastructure in Post Offices. In most of the post offices, notes counting machines and fake currency detecting machines are not available. About 10000 Post Offices are single handed and he has to do all other works besides this demonetization work. The Post Offices are being opened since 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. and being opened on holidays and Sundays and no extra remuneration is being paid in lieu of this extra duty work. 

            There are no proper security arrangements in Post Offices for cash remittance. Cash cannot be retained in Post Offices. To remit the cash from SOs to HO. The employees have to take risk. Banks are not ready to accept. The banned currency due to non availability cash from Banks. Postal employees have to bear the annoyance of public.

            NFPE has raised all these issues before Postal Administration and other officers and accordingly Directorate has issued instructions to settle these problems but still this is not sufficient. 

            If the attitude of administration does not change than NFPE along with PJCA will proceed on path of agitation.

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Instructions regarding No Limit for Withdrawals in Post Offices as per RBI relaxation

Respected Sir/Madam,

Please find attached the RBI Notification regarding relaxation in the limit of withdrawal of cash from bank deposit accounts. The instructions of RBI stipulates that withdrawals may be allowed for deposits made in current legal tender notes on or after 29.11.2016 beyond the current limits preferably, available higher denomination bank notes of Rs. 2000/- and 500/- are to be issued for such withdrawals. 

This instructions of RBI is applicable only for those depositors who deposits valid legal tender notes and seeking withdrawal, for whom the current limit of (Rs. 24000/-) is relaxed. 

The following are the procedure to be followed:-

1.The withdrawal exceeding the current limits may be allowed only in the home SOL of the account holder.

2.The Finacle application should validate the withdrawals exceeding the limit for those depositors who deposit the current legal tender notes on or after 29.11.2016. For this purpose a Patch needs to be deployed.

3.The counter PA should maintain a separate register for entering details of such deposit transactions.

The proforma of the register is as follows:-

S.No. Date Name of the Account Holder SB Account Number Amount Deposited through current legal tender notes Deno. of legal tender notes Counter PA Sign. PM/SPM/ Counter Supervisor Signature,  Date and amount of withdrawal, if any

4. The depositors who are depositing current legal tender notes on or after 29.11.2016 should write the denomination of currency notes on the pay in slip.

5. After acceptance of deposit by post office, the concerned PA should acknowledge the tendering of currency notes on the back side of the counterfoil of the pay in slip and write the Sl. No. of the entry in above mentioned register.

6. While allowing withdrawal the Counter PA should consult the prescribed Register and make necessary entries for the cash withdrawal from the respective account.

7. Counter PA should maintain the details of cash received and remitted to Treasurer separately for WOS Notes and Current Legal Notes.

CEPT team/FSI vendor is requested to put in place necessary validation by deploying a Patch in Finacle application. Further detail will be intimated in due course. 

In the meanwhile, necessary instructions may be issued to all concerned. 

With regards,

Sachin Kishore

Director (CBS)

Sansad Marg,

Dak Bhavan

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WITHDRAWAL OF CASH FROM BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS - RELAXATION -- RBI

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No Change in the Programme on 15-12-2016 - Parliament March

MOST IMPORTANT & URGENT

DECEMBER 15th PARLIAMENT MARCH

NO CHANGE

PROGRAMME WILL BE CONDUCTED

ON  DECEMBER   15th   ITSELF

          IT IS REPORTED THAT SOMEBODY IS SPREADING FALSE NEWS IN SOCIAL MEDIA THAT THE DECEMBER 15TH PARLIAMENT MARCH IS POSTPONED.

THIS IS TOTALLY FALSE NEWS.

THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE DATE OF THE PARLIAMENT MARCH.

IT WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 15TH ITSELF

DO NOT BELIEVE SUCH FALSE NEWS

        M.KRISHNAN

 SECRETARY GENERAL

    CONFEDERATION

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Rationalisation of Labour Laws - PIB

Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (IC) for Labour and Employment, in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today said that Reforms in Labour Laws are an ongoing process to update legislative system to address the need of the hour and to make them more effective and contemporary to the emerging economic and industrial scenario. The Second National Commission which submitted its Report in 2002 had recommended that the existing Labour Laws should be broadly grouped into four or five Labour Codes on functional basis. Accordingly, the Ministry has taken steps for drafting four Labour Codes on Wages; Industrial Relations; Social Security & Welfare; and Safety and Working Conditions, by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the existing Central Labour Laws. These initiatives will reduce the complexity in compliance due to multiplicity of labour laws and facilitate setting up of enterprises and thus creating the environment for development of business and industry in the country and generating employment opportunities without diluting basic aspects of safety, security and health of workers.

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Portal for Employment Information by Govt - LS -- Q& A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED

QUESTION NO:

1916

ANSWERED ON:

28.11.2016

Portal for Employment Information

RODMAL NAGAR

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has created any portal or website to provide online information regarding employment opportunities to the educated youth; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the portal has been linked to all the district employment exchanges across the country; and  (d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE(IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA) (a) to (b): The Government has developed the National Carer Service (NCS) Portal hosted at URL www.ncs.gov.in and accessible to all for availing employment related services. The NCS Portal is supported by Call Centre/Helpdesk (helpline-1800-425-1514) to assist and guide jobseekers in accessing these services. The NCS Portal provides for registration of job seekers, employers etc. and facilitates job matching and counselling. (c) to (d): The NCS portal is accessible by all the career centre (employment exchanges) and they have been provided login credentials. The state wise distribution of employment exchanges is at annex. *****

Minimum Wages Act - LS -- Q & A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED

QUESTION NO:

2057

ANSWERED ON:

28.11.2016

Minimum Wages Act

VEENA DEVI

KANWAR SINGH TANWAR RAJESH KUMAR DIWAKAR PANKAJ CHOWDHARY DEVJI MANSINGRAM PATEL PREM DAS RAI PRABHAS KUMAR SINGH CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE C. MAHENDRAN BHARATENDRA SINGH

Will the Minister of

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

be pleased to state:-

(a)whether the Government proposes to amend the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and formulate a uniform wage policy for the entire country and if so, the details and salient features thereof and the time by which the said Act is likely to be amended and if not, the reasons therefor; (b)whether suggestions/ representations have been received from various quarters to amend the said Act and if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto; (c)whether minimum wages fixed for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 in the country varies amongst States; (d)if so, the details thereof, sector and State/UT-wise along with the reasons for differential in wages especially on gender basis including agricultural labourers and the corrective steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard; and (e)whether any monitoring mechanism exists to ensure that the workers are paid minimum wages and not subjected to any form of exploitation and if so, the details thereof and the other labour welfare measures being implemented by the Government for betterment of labour force in the country. ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA) (a) & (b): The proposed amendments to the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, inter- alia, includes applicability of minimum wages to all employments, changes in the definition of “Appropriate Government”, fixation/review/revision of minimum rates of wages by the State Government, introduction of National Minimum Wage by the Central Government, enhancement of penalty, etc. Amendment to Labour Laws is an ongoing process and such amendments are made through tripartite consultations. As a step towards a uniform wage structure, the concept of National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW) was introduced by the Government in 1996 on a voluntary basis. It is revised from time to time taking into account the increase in the Consumer Price Index Number. NFLMW has been revised to Rs.160/- per day w. e. f. 01.07.2015. (c) & (d): Under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, both Central and State Governments are appropriate Governments to fix, review and revise the minimum wages of the workers employed in the scheduled employment under their respective jurisdictions. As regards minimum wages in States, there is disparity due to variations in socio-economic and agro-climatic conditions, income, prices of essential commodities, paying capacity, productivity and local conditions. However, as per the available information, a statement showing the range of rates of minimum wages in all the States/Union Territories is at Annexure. Further, the Act does not discriminate on the basis of gender and the female workers are entitled to same wages and other facilities as fixed by the Central Government for the workers engaged in the scheduled employments. (e): The implementation of the Act is carried out by the Centre as well as the States in respect of their respective jurisdiction. In the Central Sphere, the enforcement is secured through the Inspecting Officers of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) commonly designated as Central Industrial Relations Machinery (CIRM), the compliance in the State sphere is ensured through the State Enforcement Machinery. They conduct regular inspections and in the event of detection of any case of non-payment or under-payment of minimum wages, they advise the employers to make payment of the shortfall of wages. In case of non-compliance, penal provisions against the defaulting employers are invoked. * ******

GDS Pay Committee Report

Dear Comrades,

Shri Kamalesh Chandra, Chairman and Members of the GDS Committee has submitted the Report on 24th November 2016 to the Secretary, Posts & DG, Posts.

We have expected that the copy will be made available to Federations / Unions / Associations on the day of submission besides publication of Report in the Website of Department of Posts.

It is learnt that due to some administration exigencies & formalities, the publication and supply of Report got delayed.

We can understand that it is the matter of about 3 lakh employees who are anxiously waiting for the information about the report. 

It can be expected that  in two / three days, copy of the Report will be disclosed through all media and our CHQ will try to analyse the recommendations at the earliest for the awareness of the GDS comrades. Kindly bear with the situation.

P.Pandurangarao

General Secretary

Confederation Circular dated 24-11-2016

Ref: Condn/Genl/2016-19                                                                                       Dated – 24.11.2016

CHALO DELHI – CHALO PARLIAMENT

MAKE THE 15^TH DECEMBER 2016 PARLIAMENT MARCH

 A HISTORIC SUCCESS

20000 CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WILL MARCH TO PARLIAMENT

To

1.      All National Secretariat Members (office bearers)

2.      Chief Executives of all affiliated organisations

3.      General Secretaries of all C-O-Cs.

Dear Comrades,

Please refer to the previous circulars on the above subject. Reports so far received at CHQ shows that all affiliates and C-O-Cs are making intensive preparations for the Parliament March to ensure participation of employees as per the quota fixed by the National Secretariat meeting held on 30.09.2016.

AFFILIATES & C-O-CS IN DELHI AND NEAR BY STATES SHOULD ENSURE PARTICIAPTION OF HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES.

All affiliated organisations and C-O-Cs in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Bihar etc. are requested to mobilise hundreds and thousands of employees for the Parliament March. 

CONDUCT CAMPAIGN PROGRAMMES

Please conduct serious campaign programmes. Print notices, posters, circulars etc. and circulate widely among employees and public. Book special conveyance. Bring maximum flags, banners and Placards. Convene your organization’s managing bodies and make effective planning for bringing maximum employees to Delhi. 

ACCOMMODATION FOR PARTICIPANTS

The national Secretariat has decided that the accommodation for the participants from major organisations is to be arranged by the respective organization. For others, if accommodation is required, they are requested to contact the following CHQ office bearers (office bearers of Delhi COC).

1.Com. Vrigu Bhattacharjee                                                    2. Com. Giriraj Singh

General Secretary, COC Delhi State                                  President, COC Delhi State     

& Financial Secretary, Confederation CHQ            & Vice President Confederation CHQ

Mob: 09868520926                                                                             Mob: 09811213808

CLIMATE

Climate in Delhi in December will be cold (Sometimes severe cold). Participants may bring warm clothings.

FLAGS, BANNERS & PLACARDS

Participants are requested to bring flags, placards with slogans and banners in large number.

PUBLICITY IN LOCAL MEDIA

Maximum effort may be made to give wide publicity for the Parliament March through local print & electronic media, social media etc.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETINGS OF CONFEDERATION

National Executive Meeting of the Confederation will be held on 16^th December 2016 (next day of the Parliament March) at New Delhi at 10 AM. Venue: MP’s Club, OPP. NFPE office, North Avenue, New Delhi. All National Secretariat members, Chief Executives of all affiliated organisations (with minimum 500 membership) and General Secretaries of C-O-Cs are requested to attend the meeting without fail. Meeting will continue upto 5 PM. Please book your travel tickets accordingly.

1^ST MEETING OF THE NEWLY ELECTED WOMEN’S COMMITTEE OF CONFEDERATION

1^st Meeting of the newly elected Women’s Committee of the Confederation will be held on 15.12.2016 (Day of Parliament March) at 4 PM at New Delhi. Venue: NFPE office, 1^st Floor, North Avenue Post office building. All affiliated organisations and C-O-Cs are requested to ensure participation of the women committee members nominated by them in the meeting on 15.12.2016 at 4 PM. 

Fraternally yours,

 (M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

mkrishnan6854@gmail.com 

Mob: 09447068125