Circular 21

Dear Comrades

Please find Circular 21-2010 posted below

With regards

Yours fraternally

(M S Raja)

Secretary General

ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION

CSV WARRIER BHAWAN

15/1089-90, VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012

Ph: 0120-2881727/4101593/ 0 – 98681 45667

E-mail: auditflag@gmail.com

Website: www.auditflag.blogspot.com

 

Reference: AIA/Circular-21/2010                                                            Dated:  28^th July 2010

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

                                   

Dear Comrades,

 

            The reports from the units show that almost all the Units have held demonstration and sent telegram against the chargesheeting of leaders of Hyderabad Unit, including Additional Secretary General of All India Audit & Accounts Association, though some units held the demonstration on a later date.

            We have to educate and mobilise the membership against the obdurate stand of the administration that raising the victimisation of leaders and activists of Kerala and Hyderabad is unwelcome – rather invite more actions. The administration has no regard for the Constitution of India or nor to the democratic system prevailing in India. It is this anti-democratic psyche that is to be fought and corrected.

 

CONFEDERATION CALL FOR DHARNA IN SUPPORT OF OUR STRUGGLE

            Confederation has decided to extend total support to our cause and given a call for one day dharna before offices of Accountants General through out the country on 5^th August 2010 against the massive victimisation of our leaders and activists in various stations. The Confederation Circular is enclosed.

            We endorse the call of the Confederation and call upon every unit to join the Dharna on 5th August 2010. Our units should contact the leaders of units of Confederation affiliates where the COC is not functioning. The dharna may be held outside the office premises, but before the office. The membership may be mobilised in toto for the lunch hour demonstration on 5^th August 2010. Our comrades should join the dharna after availing leave.

 

50^th ANNIVERSARY OF 1960 STRIKE

            Commemorating the historic indefinite strike of 1960 by central government employees a convention was held at Mavalankar Hall at New Delhi on 16^th July 2010. The Convention was arranged jointly by AIRF, AIDEF and Confederation.

            The Convention decided to observe the year 16 July 2010 to 16 July 2011 as commemorative year by holding conventions, seminars etc. through out the country. The declaration adopted is enclosed.

 

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS CALLS FOR ONE DAY STRIKE ON 7^TH SEPT 2010

            National Assembly of Workers held jointly by nine Central Trade Unions – including INTUC - at Mavalankar Hall at New Delhi on 15^th July 2010 decided to go for a one day strike on 7^th  Sept 2010 in pursuance of 5 point charter of demands vis

 

1. Price rise of essential commodities to be contained through appropriate corrective and distributive measures like universal PDS and containing speculation in commodity market.

2. Concrete proactive measures to be taken for linkage of employment protection in the recession stricken sectors with the stimulate package being offered to the concerned entrepreneurs and for augmenting public investment in infrastructure.

3. Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

4. Steps to be taken for removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligibility of converge of the schemes under the Unorganized Workers Social Security Act 2008 and creation of National Fund for the Unorganized Sector to provide for a National Floor Level Social Security to all unorganized Sector to provide for a National Floor Level Social Security to all unorganized workers including the contract/casual workers in line with the recommendation of National Commission on Enterprises in Unorganized Sector and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour.

5. Disinvestment of shares of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is not resorted to for meeting budgetary deficit and instead their growing reserve and surplus is used for expansion and modernization purpose and also for revival of sick Public Sector Undertakings.

            The declaration adopted in the Convention would be published in the Auditlekha Samanvay. 

 

CONFEDERATION ENDORSES THE JOINT TU CALL

   The secretariat of Confederation that met immediately after the Convention on 16^th July 2010 endorsed the call of the Trade unions to go for one day strike on 7^th Sept 2010. Confederation further decided to conduct joint campaigns with AISGEF and AIDEF on the following (in addition to the 5 point charter adopted by the 15^th July Convention)

 6. Fill up all existing vacancies in all Government departments.

7. Stop outsourcing/contractorisation of Governmental Functions

8. Regularise all Daily rated workers/employees and Grameen Dak sevak and remove ceiling on compassionate appointments

9. Withdraw PFRDA Bill and extend statutory defined benefit pension scheme to all Government employees

10. Guarantee right to strike as a fundamental right of employees.

 

            All Units may start preparation for mobilizing the employees for the one day strike on 7^th Sept 2010. NE would meet on 12-13 August 2010 to consider enabling decision in this regard.

 

            With regards

 

Yours fraternally

 

 

 

(M.S.Raja)

Secretary General

 

 

 

 

Circular No.15

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

Manishinath Bhawan, A/2/95 Rajouri Garden,, New Delhi. 110 027

E mail: confederation06@yahoo.co.in

Website:confederationhq.blogspot.com.

 

Conf/15/2010

Dated: 17/07/2010

Dear Comrades,

The National Secretariat of the Confederation met at New Delhi (at Mavalankar Hall, Rafi Marg) on 16^th July, 2010 at 3.30 PM immediately after the convention organized jointly by the AIRF, AIDEF and Confederation to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the 12^th July, 1960 indefinite strike action of the Central Government employees. The meeting took the following decisions.

A. (i) To participate in the strike action slated for 7^th September, 2010, for which call was given by the Central Trade Unions at the Convention, held at New Delhi on 15^th July, 2010. The Convention was attended by the representatives of all Central Trade Unions, barring BMS and the independent Federations and Associations (including the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers). The Confederation and its affiliates will serve the strike notice after the National Executive Committee meeting scheduled to be held at New Delhi on 11.8.2010. (Copy of the declaration adopted by the Convention is enclosed. Annexure A)

(ii) The Strike Charter will include the 5 demands adopted by the 15^th July convention of the Central Trade Unions and another 5 demands which are common to all Central and State Government employees. (The charter of demands is enclosed. Annexure F)

(iii) The campaign for the strike action will be jointly organized by the Confederation, All India State Government employees Federation and the All India Defence Employees Federation.

(iv) For making the campaign effective, joint conventions will be organized at all State Capital and other important centres in which the National leaders of all the three Organizations will take part.

(v) The dates for the proposed State Conventions is being finalized and the same will be intimated in a few days' time.

B. The Secretariat has decided to convene the National Executive Committee meeting of the Confederation on 11^th August, 2010 at New Delhi to give impetus to the campaign for the strike preparation. The meeting will be held at the Gandhi Peace Foundation Auditorium, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, (Near ITO) New Delhi. (Notice for the meeting is enclosed. Annexure B)

C. (i) The meeting considered a report from the Secretary General of the all India Audit and Accounts Association on the brutal vindictive actions taken by the Audit Bureaucracy against the employees who participated in the 8^th April, 2010 Mass Casual leave programme. According to him about 20,000 comrades have been issued with the charge sheet invoking Rule 14 and 16 of the CCS(CCA) Rules. He also informed the house that there had been no respite to the ongoing victimization against the union functionaries in Kerala, Rajkot, Kolkata and other places. Penalties like reduction in rank, reduction in emoluments, withholding of increments, stoppage of increments etc. were being awarded to a large number of employees, especially in Kerala in culmination of the disciplinary proceedings initiated, besides the dismissal of two comrades who were office bearers of the Kerala Unit. The Accountant General, Shri Ravindran who was the cadre controlling authority in Kerala and who was responsible for the mayhem created in Kerala is presently the Principal Accountant General, Hyderabad and it was reported that he has continued his anti union activities in Andhra Pradesh. The Union in A.P has not been allowed to hold its General Body meeting, the Union is not allowed to function at all, 300 comrades have been issued with charge sheet besides serving show cause notice under Rule 14 and 16 to all the comrades who participated in the Mass Casual leave programme. The meeting has come to the inescapable conclusion that the Audit bureaucracy has replanted itself to the mindset of the 17^th Century and is presently carried by the insensitive bureaucrats like Ravindran  The meeting has, therefore, decided to adopt a resolution to place before the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (Copy of the resolution adopted is enclosed. Annexure C)

(ii) In view of the developments reported by the Secretary General of the All India Audit and Accounts Association, the meeting has decided to call upon the State Committees to organize massive dharna programme on 5^th August, 2010 at all State Capitals in front of the office of the respective Accountant General. It was also decided that a minimum number of 300 comrades must participate in the Dharna programme in each centre of which 100 must be from the IA & AD department. All Affiliated Association./Federations of the Confederation should deploy comrades (the number decided by the State committee) to participate in the Dharna. The Honourable Members of Parliament of the respective State may be invited, apprised of the situation, requested to address the Dharna and take up the issue of victimization with the Government and the C& AG. The Note detailing the vindictive actions in the I A & A. Department as prepared by the Secretary General, All India Audit and Accounts Association is enclosed.(Annexure D) The State Committees will send the following telegram to the Comptroller and Auditor General on 5^th August, 2010 after holding a massive demonstration at the Dharna Venue in which the participation of large number of the Central Government employees may be ensured.

VACATE VICTIMISATION IN ALL OFFICES OF THE IA & AD

. (iii) The National executive Committee which is scheduled to meet on 11^th August, 2010 will decide upon the date of the National Dharna Programme before the Office of the C & AG at New Delhi. The National Dharna programme will have the participation of minimum one thousand activists drawn from different affiliated Associations/Federations of the Confederation.

COMMEMMORATIVE CONVENTION

ON 16^TH JULY, 2010 AT MAVLANKAR HALL, NEW DELHI

As was informed in our circular No.14, the National Convention to commemorate the 50^thanniversary of the 12th July, 1960 All India indefinite strike action of the Central Government employees was held at Mavalankar hall, Rafi Marg, New Delhi on 16^th July, 2010. The convention was jointly organized by the All India Railway men Federation, All India Defence Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Govt. employees and workers. The convention was presided over by a presidium consisting of Com. Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, Com. S.K.Vyas, President, Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, Com. Sailo Bhattacharya, General Secretary, All India Defence Employees Federation. More than 1000 delegates participated in the convention. On behalf of the Presidium, Com. Umraomal Purohit made the introductory speech, followed by the presentation of the Declaration by Com. K.K.N. Kutty, Secretary General, and Confederation. In his presentation, Com. Kutty highlighted the issue of Minimum wage, the concept of DA and the extreme brutality with which the Government suppressed the strike.Com. Srikumar, Secretary General, AIDEF seconded the declaration. Com. Pathak, President, AIDEF presented the Hindi version of the declaration. Com. Shiv Gopal Misra, General Secretary, AIRF, Com. Harbhajan Singh, from AIRF, Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, Com. M.S. Raja, Secretary, Confederation, Com. Parasar, Officiating Secretary General, National Federation of Postal Employees addressed the convention. Thereafter the following veterans were honoured.

Com. J.D. Suryavanshi, AIDEF, Com. Sadasiva Misra, AIDEF, Com. U.M. Purohit (AIRF), Com. Rakhal Das Gupta (AIRF), Com.S.K. Vyas (Confdn.), Com. K.L. Gupta (AIRF), Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri (BSNLEU), Com. R.L. Bhattacharya. (NFPE), Com. Diwakar (NFPE), Com. Rajnath Srivastava, (Confdn) and Com. Pabitra Ranjan Chakraborty (BSNLEU)

Te convention unanimously adopted the enclosed declaration and decided to observe the year commencing from 16^th July, 2010 to 15^th July, 2011 as the commemorative year of 1960 strike. The State Committees may take necessary action to carry out the directive contained in the declaration. (Annexure E)

The house observed two minutes silence in memory of those comrades who led the 1960 struggle who passed away and specially in respectful memory of those who laid down their life being the victims of the police brutality.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Sd/-

K.K.N. Kutty,

Secretary General

Resolution adopted at the meeting of the

National Sectt. Of the Confederation on 16.07.2010.

This meeting of the National Secretariat of the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, held at New Delhi today the 16^th July, 2010 notes with distress the spree of vindictive action pursued by various Accountant Generals against the employees of the I A & AD Department. It notes that more than 20000 employees have been proceeded against under Rule 14 or 16 of the CCS(CCA) rules. The resort to such vindictive action has been taken by the Administration of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the simple reason that the employees together decided to be on mass casual leave demanding the vacation of victimization of the Union functionaries in Kerala, Rajkot, Gwalior, Kolkata, Nagpur etc. The very fact that large number of employees participated in the Mass Casual leave programme is indicative of the fact of the growing discontent against the highhandedness of the Administration.

The authorities in the IA & AD have not been permitting the genuine trade union functions for the last several years. No meeting of the employees is allowed if the same is held under the auspices of the recognized Associations, whereas permission to hold cultural shows even during office hours are granted. In the name of discipline, objections howsoever genuine they are, are not being tolerated. Despite repeated plea made by the All India Audit and Accounts Association, the Comptroller General of India did not deem it to fit to intervene and set right the high handed behavior of the Accountant General Kerala. On his promotion as Principal Accountant General, he was transferred to Hyderabad, where, as per the report, he has continued with his intolerant attitude towards the Association. Permission to hold the General Body meeting, a constitutional requirement and a necessity to abide by the stipulations made by the CCS(RSA) Rules, 1993, was denied to the recognized Association in Andhra Pradesh. The General Secretary of the Association has been proceeded against under Rule 16 for holding the General Body meeting during lunch break.

The meeting taking into consideration of this unprecedented situation created by the authorities under the Comptroller and Auditor General has decided to appeal to the Honourable Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the country and the Cabinet Secretary to kindly intervene in the matter and direct the concerned to hear the grievances of the employees and settle the same in an amicable and peaceful atmosphere. In order to create a conducive atmosphere for talks, the authorities may be asked to withdraw all punitive and vindictive actions against the employees who had gone on Mass casual leave as a means of protesting against the inordinate delay in settling issues and to give vent to their feeling of anger against the vindictive actions of various Accountant Generals, especially the Accountant General, Kerala.

The meeting also decided to send a copy of this resolution to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India with an appeal that the vindictive and punitive measures against the union functionaries may please be halted and the Associations, which are recognized to present and pursue the problems and demands of the employees may be permitted to function.

S.K. Vyas

President.

Declaration:

Convention of Central Government Workers and employees 16^th July, 2010

This National Convention of the Central Government workers and employees being held at Mavalankar Hall, New Delhi today to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the first indefinite strike action of Central Government employees, declares that it was an epoch making event. The strike action, led by the All India Railway men Federation, All India Defence Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers which commenced at the midnight of 11^th July, 1960 (at Zero hours of 12^th July, 1960) was called off on 16^th July, 1960. It was an historical event in as much as the issues raised for settlement were basic and fundamental to the process of collective bargaining. The grant of minimum wage to the workers; dearness compensation to meet the erosion in the real wages due to inflation in the economy; setting up a negotiating body to address to the day to day problems of employees at the workplace; to recognise the Unions and Association through a process of secret ballot; to replace the hire and fire system or arbitrary termination of service or retrenchment or dismissal with a legally acceptable procedure recognising the principles of natural justice; the need to have bilateral negotiation for wage settlement were the main issues that were projected, the non settlement of which resulted in the commencement of the strike. The five days of strike action became glorious for the indomitable spirit and courage with which the striking workers faced the unprecedented and uncivilised brutal repression unleashed by the then Government of India to crush the strike. The strike action was characterised by the then Prime Minister of the country as a civil rebellion; made special enactments called the Essential Services Maintenance Ordinance; issued executive directives under the Armed Forces Emergency Duty Act to specify that P & T, Railways, Aviation, Ports, Defence establishments, Mint, Security Press as vital organs of the country and banning any disturbance to its functioning as unlawful activities; arresting the leaders and activists; convicting them to rigorous imprisonment through summary trials; employing the Police and Army to brutalise, whereby 14 comrades including five comrades of Dahod (Western Railways) Com. Ranjit Singh, Sakharam, Sitaram, Kripashankar and Khaderan alias Giridhar were killed by the Police firing; initiating vindictive and punitive actions by arresting about 18000 activists, suspending 27000 employees, terminating the services of 6000 workers, dismissing another 6000 employees from service; awarding various punishments like reduction in rank and emoluments; transferring persons who participated in the strike to distant places; de-recognising all Unions and Federations, which had served the strike notice etc. The strike was glorious, for the workers faced and challenged this tyranny, the abuse and misuse of state power for long five days with determination. It became glorious for the issues that were raised by the workers in 1960 had to be addressed by the Government and accept most of them in later years.

This convention salutes the comrades who built the trade union movement of Central Government employees and workers in various departments and industrial units by facing these challenges and conquering them with the greatest sense of sacrifice and tenacity so as to have their colleagues and comrades a better tomorrow. This convention calls upon all organisations of Central Government employees to hold joint seminars and conventions in all State and District Head Quarters and other workplaces to honour those valiant comrades who made the 1960 strike possible and glorious. This convention considers it as incumbent upon all who are active in the movement of the Central Government employees to derive proper lessons from the glorious action of 1960 and inspire the younger generation of employees and workers to build a militant movement capable of ensuring that the country never witness such brutalities and with that objective calls upon all concerned to observe the period of one year commencing from today as the golden jubilee year of the glorious strike of Central Government employees.

 

All India Railwaymen Federation                                                      All India Defence Employees Federation

Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers

****** 

Circular 20-2010

Dear Comrades

 

Please find Circular 20-2010 posted below.

 

Yours fraternally

 

M. S. Raja

ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION

CSV WARRIER BHAWAN

15/1089-90, VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012

Ph: 0120-2881727/4101593/ 0 – 98681 45667

E-mail: auditflag@gmail.com

Website: www.auditflag.blogspot.com

 

Reference: AIA/Circular-20/2010                                                            Dated:  14^th July 2010

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

                                   

Dear Comrades,

 

            The Accountant General who created a mayhem in Kerala– with the blessings of the HQr office – (and naturally, he has been promoted as Principal Accountant General), is bent upon to re-create it in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. (Please refer to Circular 11-2010).

 

            PAG (A&E), AP, Hyderabad considers and concludes that the meetings held by Accounts Category III Association during lunch hour disturbs the functioning of the office (!) and also obstructs passage of staff to the departmental canteen. The fact that all the meetings are held at the same venue for more than 30 years is no matter of concern to him. Only those with sensitivity could see reasons and be rationale.

 

            PAG (A&E), AP, Hyderabad considers recreation club, cooperative society, cooperative housing society Telugu Nataka Samithi, Ranjani,  swaramadhuri (certain cultural organisations working in the office) etc as genuine representatives of the employees catering to all the offices whereas the Accounts Category III Association caters only to a limited number of employees working in the office of PAG, AP, Hyderabad.

           

            The dichotomy is clear here –the Association duly recognised by CAG of India caters to only few, where as many organisations that have no such recognition but functions (this is so in many offices) caters to all!

 

            The diabolical game plan of apostle of rules is there for all to see!

 

            The Accounts Category III Association wrote to PAG stating that as per the CCS (RSA) Rules as well as the Constitution of the Association (which has been approved by CAG of India) all Associations recognised under CCS (RSA) Rules, 1993 have to fulfill the constitutional obligation of adopting the audited accounts in the annual general body meeting by 30^th June of every year. 

 

            HQr Association also wrote to CAG on this and also met PD, Staff and informed her about the situation in the O/o PAG (A&E), AP, Hyderabad.

 

            It was mandatory for the Association to hold the Annual General Body meeting. When hundreds of members attend the meeting it cannot be confined to Association Room nor it could be conducted without mike - permission for both was denied.

 

            Honouring the constitution of the Association which is duly approved by CAG of India the Accounts Cat III Association conducted the AGM on 29^th June 2010 and now all the comrades who addressed the AGM – Com Nageswara Rao, President of the Association (also Additional Secretary General of All India Audit & Accounts Association), Com G Raja Gopal, General Secretary and Com Easwara Rao, Treasurer have been chargesheeted under Rule 16 for willful insubordination/disobedience.

 

            Every Unit is called upon to condemn this barbaric attack on the trade union rights of the employees and attempts to stifle the voice of employees by the PAG(A&E), AP, Hyderabad by holding lunch hour demonstration on 16^th July 2010 and sending telegram to CAG of India.

 

Text of Telegram

 

            Deplore highhandedness by PAG, A&E, Andhra Pradesh. Pray intervention.

 

Name………

General Secretary

………………..Association

To

CAG of India

9, DDU Marg

New Delhi - 110124

 

            Without fail, all units should send the report by e-mail/sms on the same evening followed by detailed report by post.

 

            With regards,

Yours fraternally

 

 

 

(M.S.Raja)

Secretary General

 

·         Have your Unit observed 50^th Anniversary of 1960 Strike?

·         Have you sent report there-on?

Circular 19-2010

Dear Comrade

 

Please find Circular 19-2010 posted below

 

Raja

ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION

CSV WARRIER BHAWAN

15/1089-90, VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012

Ph: 0120-2881727/4101593/ 0 – 98681 45667

E-mail: auditflag1923@gmail.com

Website: www.auditflag.blogspot.com

Reference: AIA/Circular-19/2010                                                              Dated:  6^th July 2010

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

                                   

Dear Comrades,

50^th ANNIVERSARY OF 1960 STRIKE

 

            50 years back, on 12^th July 1960 (midnight of 11^th July - to be precise) the central government employees of the country commenced the first ever indefinite strike in the independent India demanding settlement of six demands vis.

 

1.  Roll back spiralling prices; provide essential commodities to central government employees through Public Distribution system or Compensation for price rise ie Dearness Allowance (DA)

 

2.      Improve the recommendations of 2^nd CPC fixing the minimum wage on formula adopted by the 15^th Indian Labour Conference held at New Delhi in 1957

 

3.   Setting up of Board of Arbitration with independent Chairman and representations the Federations to address disputes arising out of 2^nd CPC recommendations

           

4.      No curtailment of existing facilities and

 

5.   Setting up of arbitration board and recognition of one union in one industry

 

6.      Withdraw provisions for summary dismissal and punitive measures.

 

The strike was spearheaded jointly by All India Railwaymen Federation (AIRF), All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) and Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers and it lasted for 5 days.

Confederation has called up on every affiliate to commemorate the day by hoisting Confederation flag, offering tributes at Martyr's column and holding meetings.

All India Audit & Accounts Association endorses the call of the Confederation and call upon every unit to commemorate the heroic action of 1960 strike in a befitting manner.

            As we would see today, some of the issues that were raised in the strike charter in 1960 have come up as live as it was in 1960s, though the situation had changed a lot immediately after the indefinite strike of 1960.

Confederation circular with a write up on "5 Glorious Days" is enclosed with this Circular.

REMEMBER THE SUPREME SACRIFICES OF OUR PREDECESSORS

            The All India Audit & Accounts Association joined the strike when it was de-recognised –  de-recognised for the simple reason that it upheld the right of the Association to elect its leader and did not succumb to whims of administration. And with nearly 80% participation we had the one of the best record in the 1960 strike. The heaviest vicitimisation was also in IA&AD. It is indeed a matter of pride to all us that the leaders and cadres withstood the attacks by the die-hard audit bureaucracy and kept the flag of unity high in the midst of adversity.

            The developments in the Department in the aftermath of 8^th April 2010 show that there is little change in the attitude or mindset of the audit bureaucracy.

            The occasion of commemoration of indefinite strike of 1960 is an occasion for drawing inspiration and gaining confidence and also for self-introspection.

            We call upon every unit to take the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of indefinite strike of 1960 to educate the masses of the issues that confront the employees as well as their role and responsibilities in today's context, extensifying and intensifying the struggles. The members may be reminded about the issues such as DA (which is a reality today) that were raised in the 1960 strike and of the supreme sacrifices of our predecessors in pursuance of these demands.

JOINT CONVENTION TO COMMEMORATE 1960 STRIKE

            Confederation jointly with AIRF and AIDEF would be holding a Convention on 16^th July 2010 at Mavlankar Hall, VP House premises (near Patel Chowk, Metro), Rafi Marg to commemorate the 1960 strike.

            All the National Executive Committee members and special invitees may kindly make it to the Convention.

NATIONAL CONVENTION BY CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS

            The Central Trade Unions, including INTUC and BMS, have called for a National Assembly of workers on 15^th July 2010 to mobilise workers against the spiralling price rise, abandonment of labour laws etc. The Convention is expected to give a call for nation wide strike in September 2010.

           

            With regards

 

 

Yours fraternally

 

 

 

(M.S. Raja)

Secretary General

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circular No.13

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

Manishinath Bhawan

A/2/95  Rajouri  Garden,

New Delhi. 110 027

E mail: confederation06@yahoo.co.in

Website:confederationhq.blogspot.com.

 

Confdn.13/2010

Dated: 17^th June, 2010

Dear Comrades,

            As you are aware, 12th July 2010 would be the 50^th year of the first industrial action of strike by the Central Government employees. To commemorate the five glorious days of 1960, which became an important milestone in the movement of the Central Government employees, the  Confederation  Sectt. has decided to call upon all its affiliates and COCs to organise the following programme. This is primarily meant to bring home to the mass of the present day employees the impact of the historic action in the lives and service conditions of civil servants and the general trade union movement in the country.  The pamphlet sent along with this circular letter describes the sacrifices of the comrades, who organised the glorious strike action in 1960; the repressive measures unleashed by the then Government and the issues projected, which are of relevance even today.  In the context of the new economic policies, the UPA II Government has decided to pursue with intensity and the resistance movement being organised by the entirety of the working class of the country and the impending   strike action in September, 2010, it would be appropriate that we organise the programme on 12^th July 2010 with dedication and determination.  The pamphlet is prepared on the basis of the Note given and the discussion we had with our President, Com.Vyas, who played a sterling role in organizing the strike in 1960.  It must be our endeavour that the message reach the rank and file of our membership and the pamphlet is widely circulated. 

 

The following programme will be organised by all affiliates and the State Committees on 12^th July, 2010.

(i)                 The Confederation flag  will be hoisted in front of all offices on 12^th July, 2010 to be followed by paying homage to martyrs' column specially erected for this purpose. 

(ii)               The State Committees will organise meetings, seminars, or conventions; will invite the erstwhile leaders of the movement to speak as an educative campaign.

 

            We have been informed by the National Federation of Postal employees that under the auspices of the Joint Council of Action, the postal workers would commence an indefinite strike from 13^th July, 2010.  The Income-tax Employees Federation along with the All India Income-tax Gazetted officers association has also decided to be on on a day's strike demanding the stoppage of outsourcing and contractorisation of various departmental functions on 15^th July, 2010.  The Confederation and its affiliates will support these struggles and will organise solidarity actions to compel the concerned authorities to bring about a settlement on the demands raised by these employees.  The State Committees will get in touch with the leaders of these two organisations and will provide necessary assistance and support to make their strike actions successful.  In consultation with the National leadership of these two organisations, it has been decided that the State COCs will go in a procession to the Post Office (identified in consultation with the NFPE leaders) on 15^th July, 2010 and hold demonstration to express solidarity and support to the striking workers.  The ITEF comrades, who will be on strike on 15^th, will join the procession in large numbers.

            The Govt. of India has decided to contractorise all care taking functions in all departments and no recruitment is likely to be made in Group D cadres in future.  A serious campaign against the informalisation of the regular functions should be undertaken by all the organisations.  Let the proposed programme slated for 12^th July, 2010 be the beginning of a long and sustained straggle against this atrocious decision of the Government.

            The Central Trade Unions have decided to convene a National Convention at New Delhi on 15^th July, 2010.  The convention is expected to declare a day's strike in September 2010. The National Executive of the Confederation will meet on 16^th July, 2010, for which notice is sent separately.  The All India Audit and Accounts Association who recently organised a mass casual leave programme against the victimisation of the union functionaries informed the Confederation that the Audit bureaucracy has retaliated by issuing charge sheet under rule 14 to all those who participated in the mass casual leave programme.  The Confederation has decided to face this challenge squarely. A detailed programme is being chalked out and the same   will be conveyed in our next circular letter.

 

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

 

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General

 

THE FIVE GLORIOUS DAYS OF 1960

K.K.N.Kutty

Secretary General, Confederation of CGE and workers.

 

            On 12^th July, 2010, we will organise functions to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the first industrial action of the Central Government employees in the post independent India. It was on 12^th July, in 1960, the indefinite strike began on the call of the Joint Council of Action of all Federations, Associations and Unions of the Central Government employees. The trade union movement of the Civil servants was at a nascent stage when the strike was planned and finally executed, even though some of the Federations in the JCA had the great tradition of organising struggles including strike actions even against the colonial Government of Great Britain.  In fact it was the strike of the Postal Workers in 1946, which compelled the then British Government to set up the first Central Pay Commission to revise the wages of the Civil Servants, whose real income had been eroded significantly in the war ravaged economy. It is a matter of pride and importance for all of us today to trace the causes and effects of the five glorious days of struggle of 1960 organised by the brave men and women who were central Government employees, who had to undergo tremendous trials, tribulations, agony and render sacrifices of immeasurable value.

            The workers and employees under the Govt. of India had been spread over various industrial and non industrial organisations and departments. The workers in the Railways, Defence and Post and Telegraph Departments were mostly industrial workers and were members of the all India Federations, AIRF, AIDEF and NFPTE respectively.  The National Federation of Post and Telegraph   employees were the biggest affiliate of the Confederation of Central Govt .employees and workers, which came into existence in 1956.  The Confederation had affiliated the Federations, Associations and Unions of both industrial and non industrial workers. Besides NFPTE, the major organisations affiliated to the confederation were the organisations of the P&T Industrial employees,   Survey of India, CPWD, Central Secretariat, Income tax, Civil Aviation, Printing and Stationery, Meteorological survey Ministerial and workshop employees, Malaria Institute employees, Indian School of Mines , Audit and Accounts employees , Geological  Survey of India etc.

            The Confederation raised the issue of grant of dearness allowance in the wake of the uncontrolled price rise of essential commodities which had eroded the real value of wages .In fact the grant of compensation to protect the real wages of the employees in the context of increasing cost of living was one of the recommendations of the First Central Pay Commission. As a corollary to the said demand, the Confederation asked the Government to set up the 2^nd Central Pay Commission to revise the wages and determine the methodology of computing the dearness compensation and grant interim relief as the Commission so set up is likely to take time to finalise its recommendations. Since there had been no response from the Government, the Confederation served the strike notice in 1957.  Sensing that the demand so raised by the Confederation had elicited the support  of the workers  the Government set up the 2^nd CPC just a day prior to the commencement of the proposed strike action.  The Commission so set up granted a paltry sum of Rs. 5/- as Interim relief within a month but took about two years to finalise its report. 

            Before the 2^nd CPC, the employees' organisations, especially the Confederation demanded that the minimum wage in Central Services should not be less than what has been propounded by the 15^th Indian Labour Conference, which was held at Shimla in the year 1957 with the participation of all stake holders, viz. The representatives of the Trade Unions, the employers' organisations and the Government. Basing on the formulations suggested by Dr. Aekhroyd, the minimum wage was computed at Rs. 125/- .  On the specious ground that the Indian economy had no capacity to bear the additional financial burden that might arise on the acceptance of the demand,  the Commission tinkered with the formula itself and quantified the minimum wage at Rs. 70/-on illogical and untenable grounds.  This apart, the Commission went on to make recommendations which in effect were to withdraw the existing benefits and privileges, such as it recommended to reduce the number of holiday and casual leave, increased the working hours, revised the employees' contribution on allotment of Government accommodation and refused to recommend any scheme for grant of dearness allowance when the cost of living increases.  While the Government acted upon these adverse recommendations, it dilly dallied to take a decision in the matter of even the meagre revision of wages. 

            The Government's attitude and the disappointing recommendations of the 2^nd CPC jacked up the simmering discontent into spontaneous outbursts in the form of protest rallies and demonstrations throughout the country.  The refusal  of the Prime Minister to meet the Chairman of the Confederation, Com. Nath Pai, the then Member of Parliament even after indicating his willingness to grant an interview earlier, triggered a much stronger and united reaction from the employees.  It reverberated amongst the rank and file of all the segments of the Central Government employees with the result, the leaders of the AIRF and AIDEF decided to join hands with the leaders of the Confederation to chalk out a common strategy and approach in the matter of the implementation of the 2^nd CPC report. The INTUC affiliated Unions in Railways and Defence, viz. the NFIR and INDWF however remained aloof of these efforts, true to their close links with the ruling party, the Indian National Congress.  The AIRF, AIDEF and the Confederation jointly convened a National Convention at Mumbai on 3rd April, 1960, which adopted a 6 point charter of demands and set up the Joint Council of Action to spearhead head the movement.  The Convention gave a clarion call to all Central Government employees to unite and prepare for an indefinite strike action in case the Government refuses to settle the charter of demands, which included the following issues.

(i)                  Dearness allowance to be paid on the basis of the first CPC re commendation @Rs.5/- for every 20 point increase in the 12 monthly average of cost of living index 1947=100 as per the recommendations of the First CPC.

(ii)                Minimum wage should be based on the norms prescribed by the 15^th ILC

(iii)               To set up a standing board consisting of equal representatives from employees' federations  and officers of various departments (govt. Nominees) with a neutral  Chairman to settle all disputes/claims of any category of employees.

(iv)              No curtailment of any existing facilities, rights and privileges

(v)                To set up an Arbitration Board and recognise only one union in one industry

(vi)              To withdraw the provisions of summary dismissal and punitive actions.

The JCA decided to elicit the opinion of the mass of the employees through a ballot on the proposed strike action.  It received overwhelming response from the common multitude of the employees in as much as 90% of the Railwaymen, Defence Workers and P&T employees voted in favour of the strike.  The employees of all other organisations, which were affiliated to the Confederation, in toto, favoured the strike decision.  The INTUC affiliated organisations in the Railways and Defence, the NFIR and INDWF which were boasting to represent 70% of the workers of these two Departments, had to eat the humble pie when the strike ballot decisions were announced.  It became clear that the workers would even desert their parent organisations in order to join the strike for they resented the Government's untenable stand on issues and the unsolicited support extended by the leaders of the INTUC affiliated Federations to the Govt.  Emboldened by the overwhelming support of the workers manifested in the strike ballot verdict,  the JCA decided to go ahead with the strike preparation and set up a high powered strike committee consisting of the following leaders;

Peter Alvares: General Secretary, AIRF as the Convenor

S.M.Joshi, President, AIDEF as the Chairman

P.S.R. Anjaneyalu, . Secretary General, NFPTE ,and D.S. Rajarathinam, Secretary General, Confederation  and General Secretary, Income Tax Federation as members.

The Government however, stiffened its stand in the face of this development by stating that the recommendations of the CPC are to be treated as an 'award' and therefore, the Government would not like to have any negotiations in the matter with the employees' representatives. Government made  it clear that they would go ahead with the implementation of the recommendations of the CPC without making any alteration, howsoever warranted it might be.  It was pointed out that the stand of the Government is untenable in as much as the Government has not treated the recommendations of various commissions it had set up in the past as awards and especially in the background of a strike notice, the government was duty bound to negotiate and discuss under section 10 of the ID Act or refer the dispute to the National Tribunal under Section 22.  Against the unrelenting position taken by the Government the JCA intensified its campaign and the strike became imminent and inevitable.  The Government's attitude came in sharp criticism from various quarters, compelling some leading political personalities like Feroze Gandhi (son-in-law of the Prime Minister), R.K. Khadilkar, Ashok Mehta and many others intervening, which resulted in a meeting with the Labour Minister.  To ensure that the negotiations to be successful, the JCA agreed to water down its demand for full neutralisation to 50% if the Govt. Is prepared to refer the issue to an arbitrator.  Ostensibly to favour the INTUC organisations, the Government insisted upon the unconditional withdrawal of the strike as a pre-condition for any discussion and settlement. The ill advised strategy adopted by the Government left the JCA with no alternative to serving the strike notice.  On 21^st June, 1960, the notice for the indefinite strike was served indicating that the strike would commence from the midnight of 11^th July. i.e. from 12^th July, 1960 onwards.  The Government responded by instructing the Army and Police Personnel to deal with the situation as violation of law and order.  In a meeting of the Party workers, the Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru asked them to arouse the public opinion against the strike and asserted that his Government would deal with the strike with firmness and strength.  It was unfortunate that an erudite and progressive leader like Nehru whose sterling role in Indian Independence movement had endeared him as the closest friend of the working people responded in such a high handed manner to a simple dispute between the Government as an employer and the employees.  In a broadcast to the Nation, the Prime Minister went to the extent of describing the strike as a "civil rebellion" required to be put down at all cost and by all means.  The subsequent repressive measures unleashed proved how assertive he was. A simple industrial dispute was thus politicised dividing the polity sharply in favour of and against the strike.  While the AITUC, HMS and UTUC, the central Trade Unions in the country then, came forward to unequivocally support the strike and set up committees to help and assist the striking workers,  the INTUC with its affiliates, NFIR and INDWF did everything to prevent the workers from participating in the strike.  Government took unprecedented and stringent measures to suppress the strike. It promulgated the Essential Services Maintenance ordinance and brought all Government departments under its purview and prohibited strike in Government services.  On 9^th July, 1960 it further issued an executive fiat under the Armed Forces Emergency Duty Act, 1947, specifying that the P & T, Railways, Aircrafts, Ports, Mints and Security Press are vital organs of the community.  The large majority of the workers and employees became determined to participate in the strike. 

            On 11^th July, 1960, the leaders of the JCA and thousands of activists throughout the country were arrested and imprisoned.  Summary trials were held at the Prison premises.  The arrested employees were convicted to rigorous imprisonment extending to period exceeding one and half years.  The Government's propaganda machinery, the All India Radio went full blast spreading falsehood about the strike thereby creating an atmosphere of panic.  Despite all these, the strike did commence on 12^th July at the appointed time and large section of the employees and workers participated in the strike.  It was total in the Survey of India, followed by the Audit and Accounts Departrment, Civil Aviation, Post and Telegraph, CPWD, Income tax, Railways, Defence and many other Central Government Departments.  The Government unleashed a reign of terror; arresting the leaders and common employees; raiding the Government colonies; compelling the employees to report to duty; detaining those who do not abide; caning and lathi-charging the workers who were demonstrating peacefully before the offices. At Dahod Police resorted to shooting and gunned down five Railway workers.  In the face of the unprecedented repression and state terror, the strike continued for five glorious days.  To withstand the armed might and state sponsored brutal terror became impossible for the unarmed civilian workers.  On the appeal made by Shri Ashok Mehta, the strike was finally called off on 16^th July, 1960. Even as per the Government's own admission, more than 500,000 workers were on strike throughout the five days.  On 12^th July, the strike elicited the participation of more than 12, 00,000 workers and employees, i.e. about 56% of the total Government employees participated in the strike action on the first day.

            During the five glorious days of strike, 5 comrades were shot dead, another 9 persons lost their life; 17,780 workers were arrested, 27,000 were suspended, 6000 employees, who had not been conferred with the permanent status, were terminated; and another 6000 were dismissed following imprisonment under ESMO and other disciplinary proceedings.  The Government's vindictive actions went on unabated. Recognition of 85 Associations, Federations, and Unions were withdrawn. The conduct rules were amended to debar the employees from becoming members of the unrecognised unions; demonstration and any other protest actions were prohibited; for continuing to be the members of the unions whose recognition was withdrawn, many employees were charge-sheeted. 

            Against the palpably illegal and atrocious decision to amend the conduct rules, Com.E.X. Joseph,. Secretary General, All India Audit and Accounts Employees Association filed a petition before the Mumbai High Court. The Court struck down Rule 4B of the Conduct rules as violative of Art. 19(1) of the Constitution. This crucial judgement, which became a milestone in the service conditions of the Government employees, especially in the matter of the inalienable right to form associations/unions came as a great relief for all unions and frustrated the Government's notorious plan to wean away the employees from the militant trade unions into the pliable and ruling party sponsored unions of INTUC. The judgement gave a sense of confidence to both the leaders and the rank and file of the workers to fight back the offensive.   It was in the background of the confusion created by the amendment to the Conduct rules, the INTUC made its attempt to form a union in the Post and Telegraph Department.  Intensive tours were undertaken by the INTUC leaders to woo the victimised employees promising vacation of the vindictive and punitive action on becoming members.  It is to the credit of the common P&T workers that they treated these attempts with the contempt it deserves.   

            Ultimately the Government admitted that the Nation suffered irretrievable loss in as much as 17.6 lakh  man-days were lost; 14 persons lost their life; the financial loss was estimated at more than two crores; irreparable damage to the morale of the employees; unfathomable loss of the fair image of the Government itself.   In reply to a query put to the then Cabinet Secretary as to what would have been the cost of an agreement on DA in comparison to the losses sustained by the Govt., his audacious reply was "who cares for the loss in Govt."

            Obviously there had been no instantaneous settlement of the demands raised in the strike charter, as the strike had to be unconditionally withdrawn in the face of the state sponsored terror. A sense of frustration and anger must have come about in the psyche of the common employees and the grass root level leadership then.  But the fact is that the 1960 strike did bring about tremendous attitudinal change in the polity.  More and more people began to talk of the necessity of fixing a minimum wage for the workers.  The 15^th ILC norms got wider coverage and became an important factor in the wage negotiations.  Later the Government and the employers had to recognise the need for full neutralisation of the cost of living in the form of DA.  Cost indexed wage revision became the order of the day.   The debate in the Parliament reflected more and more concern towards workers and the Government which employed the highest degree of repression got isolated and discredited in the eyes of the common people.  The icons of Independence struggles tumbled down.  Government had to restore the privileges and rights of the employees.  It also had to recognise the need for a negotiating machinery to avert the strike and the JCM came into being as a result.  The INTUC organisations also had to abandon their approach on worker related issues as in many subsequent struggles, they had to perforce align with the other trade unions in the country.   The Government's attitude of treating the Pay Commission's recommendations as "award" had to be changed.  The recommendations of the subsequent Pay Commissions were subjected to discussion with the representatives of the Federations and modified.  The demand raised by the workers in 1960 to set up a standing board to settle disputes in which the representatives of the Federations could be nominated was conceded in as much as the National and Departmental Anomaly Committees that came into existence after the negotiations on the 5^th CPC recommendations did have the representatives of both official and staff side. 

            The role, prestige and status of Trade Unions in Indian polity became more pronounced after the 1960 strike.  It brought about a meaningful change in the industrial relationship as conciliation and negotiations became an integral and unavoidable factor in the dispute redressal mechanism. Let the immortal legacy of the 1960 strike inspire us for it has shown that the indomitable spirit, sense of sacrifice and constant efforts to unite the class moulds the militant and real union.

Red salute to all those comrades who by their supreme sense of sacrifice and militancy wrote the revolutionary saga of the glorious strike of 1960!

(Prepared basing on the Notes given and discussion held with Com.S.K.Vyas, President, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and workers.)

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