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Monday, December 26, 2011

Circular 32

Dear Comrades
 
Please find Circular 32-2011 along with Confederation Circular 24 posted below
 
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-32/2011                                                                                                                                                                                                         Dated: 25th December 2011

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

Dear Comrades,

 

PFRDA BILL DEFERRED TO NEXT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

 

The Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) bill slated to come up for approval of the Lok Sabha in the last week has been deferred to the budget session. The massive march to parliament and the lakhs of signatures that we submitted to the Prime Minister demanding the withdrawal of the bill did not have enough impact as what has happened is just a deferment not withdrawal.

 

The Prime Minister who assured to the delegation of the Steering Committee led by Com Basudev Acharya and Com Tapan Sen MPs that his Government will consider the submission made out in the memorandum and stated that his government is not against the workers. Of course, he did not say that his government is for the workers!

 

The government of the day understands the language of street power – of
Anna Hazare type. The big question before us is whether the government employees could create such a situation. The fact of the day is that only if we could create such a situation, we could save the Pension.

 

The agreement between the government and the principal opposition party on the PFRDA bill has once again brought to light the unholy alliance in favour of the corporate finance capital – Indian and foreign. How the today's principal opposition party not be a party to snatching away of the hard earned pension of the government employees when it is they who in 2003 first brought the new pension scheme through an ordinance.

 

The employees have to see through the game of the two big political formations and ensure that both are forced to retract from the stated anti-employee, pro-corporate slant.

 

Let us not forget – the bill has only been deferred, not withdrawn. We have some more time to accelerate the movement to defend pension.

 

CONFEDERATION NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

ENDORSES STRIKE CALL ON 28TH FEBRUARY 2012

 

National Council of Confederation that met at Ernakulam, Kerala on 16th December 2011 endorsed the decision of the Central Trade Unions to go on one day strike on 28th February 2012. The Demands on which the strike has been decided are:

 

1.      Concrete measures to contain price rise

2.      Concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with the concession/incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs

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

4.      Universal social security cover for the unorganised sector workers without any restriction and creation of a National security Fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendation of NCEUS and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and

5.      Stoppage of disinvestment in central and state profit making PSUs.

 

6.      No contractorisation of work of permanent/perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry/establishment.

7.      Amendment of Minimum Wage Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs 10,000/-

8.      Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.

9.      Assured Pension for all (Scrap PFRDA bill/NPS; ensure pension for all).

10.  Compulsory registration of Trade Unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Convention nos 87 & 98.   

 

 The Steering Committee of Government Employees Organisations on PFRDA Bill in its meeting held on 20th December 2011 decided to modify the Demand at No 9 as "Scrap PFRDA bill/NPS; ensure pension for all".

 

The National Council upon detailed discussion decided for a Massive March to Parliament and one day strike on the 14- point charter of demands formulated by the National Council meeting held at Mumbai in December 2010. The Secretariat which would meet after the one day strike on 28th February 2012 was authorised to decide the follow up actions and the date of strike.

 

Confederation Circular is enclosed.

 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING

 

The National Executive of the Association would meet at New Delhi on 25-26 January 2012 to take appropriate decisions.

 

NATIONBAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE MEETING

 

After a gap of nearly a year the National Anomaly Committee meeting is being held on 5th January 2011. Whether it would resolve any of the anomalies raised is yet to be seen. The government is not habituated to hear peaceful pleadings and of late the central government employees' movement has learnt the art of peaceful pleading.

 

Only strong united movement of the employees would force the government to negotiate and settle any of the outstanding issues of the employees.

 

With regards

 

Yours fraternally

 

 

(M.S.Raja)

      Secretary General  

 

CONFEDERATION OF

CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

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

Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in

Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

Conf/No 24/2011                                                                                             Dated: 24.12.2011

 

Dear Comrades,

National Council meeting and decisions.

 

            The National Council meeting as scheduled was held at Gananam Hotel Conference hall, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala on 16th December, 2011.  The National Council was inaugurated by Com. P. Rajiv, M.P. and was presided over by Com. Narasimhan, Vice President.  The meeting commenced with observance of two minutes silence to condole the death of comrades who passed away during the period between December, 2010 and December, 2011. The meeting specially moved and adopted a resolution to condole the death of Com. M.K. Pandhe, Member of the Polit bureau of CPI (M) and former General Secretary and President of CITU. 

 

            Com. Secretary General presented a brief report to the Council meeting touching upon the events of importance both at national and international arena. He also submitted a work report for the consideration of the house.  Decisions taken at the meeting on various agenda items are briefly as under:

 

Agenda Item Nos 1 to 4. These agenda issues were discussed together.  The following were the conclusions.

(a)    Review of 25th March to Parliament Programme and the signature campaign

The meeting evaluated the participation of CGE in the programme as very good.  It however felt that had some State Committees and the affiliates taken a little more efforts to comply with the quota fixed, the target could have been achieved.  The campaign for eliciting the participation of large number of comrades from nearby stations in Delhi had not been properly undertaken.

Reviewing the efforts undertaken by the affiliates and state Committees in the matter of signature cam0paign, the meeting decided to record its disappointment over the laxity in the matter shown by many affiliates and State Committees.   The Committee praises on record the endeavour of the Kerala State Committee in the matter as that State alone accounts for almost 1/3rd of the total 3.5 lakhs signatures collected.

(b)   Subscription: The Secretary General informed the house that no improvement has been registered in the matter of remittance of subscription to CHQ by the affiliates.  He assured to present the receipt and payment position since the last conference to the next National executive.  The non-payment of subscription, he added, had a cascading effect in as much as the decision to start a journal, to effect intensive campaign on demands amongst the mass of the employees, the setting up of District level Committees etc., could not be implemented.  The Council asked the Sectt. to get in touch with each affiliate to ensure remittance.

(c)    Com. R.P. Singh informed the house that the Maharashtra State Committee will try to host the next Conference at Mumbai.  No final decision in the matter could be taken at the Council.

(d)   The Council felt that the charter of demands must be pursued with action programmes.  However, taking into account the fact that the Central Trade Unions have decided to organise a day's strike on 28th Feb. 2012, the National Sectt. of the Confederation was authorised to chalk out campaign programme to popularise the demands and organise agitational programmes culminating in a day's strike action  in the monsoon session of the Parliament (i.e. July- August, 2012). The earlier decision to organise a massive march to Parliament on the charter of demands was reiterated.  The date will be finalised by the National Sectt.   The campaign on the charter of demands will commence after 28th Feb. 2012. 

(e)    The Steering Committee's decision to organise two hour walk out and demonstration on the next day of the taking up the PFRDA Bill in the Parliament was reiterated.  It was also decided that campaign on the ill effects of the Bill must be brought to the notice of all MPs and they may be requested to oppose the Bill.   Taking into account the unanimous decision of the Standing Committee to incorporate a minimum guaranteed pension, the Council decided to emphasise that the Central Government employees must be ensured with the guarantee of Minimum pension of 50% of the last pay drawn, family pension benefit and such other facilities as are presently available. 

Agenda Item No. 5.

Participation in the ensuing strike action on 28th Feb. 2012.

 

The Council unanimously endorsed the decision of the Central Trade Unions to organise a day's strike action on 28th Feb. 2012 and a resolution was adopted to call upon all CGEs organisations affiliated to Confederation to take strenuous efforts to ensure the participation of all members in the strike action on 28th Feb. 2012.

 

Agenda Item No. 6, National anomaly committee - Secretary General informed the council that the National Anomaly Committee is slated to meet on 5th Jan. 2012.  He however, informed the members that no settlement on serious issues is likely to come out in the said meeting. 

 

Agenda Item No.7

The Council adopted a resolution to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary demanding the revival of the functioning of the Departmental Councils of Various Ministries.

Another resolution was adopted to extend the solidarity and support of the Confederation to the Postal Employees who have decided under the auspices of the Joint Council of Action of Postal organisations to embark upon indefinite strike in Jan. 2012 for the Postal Board did not honour the commitment made earlier especially in the matter of closure of RMS offices as per the suggestion of the McKenzie Committee report.

The Council decided to deplore through a resolution the terror attacks on T.U. Activists going on in West Bengal after the last general election. 

The Council also adopted a resolution demanding grant of regular recognition to NFPE enabling it to be represented in the NC of JCM.

 

            The Kerala State Committee had made excellent arrangements for the conduct of the Council meeting and for the stay of the Council members.  On behalf of the National Secretariat Com. KV Sreedharan, Vice President, Confederation profusely thanked the State Committee and the volunteer comrades who made it possible.  Com PG Saseendran, Secretary, Ernakulam District Committee of Confederation offered vote of thanks.

 

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

 

 

 

K.K.N.Kutty

Secretary General

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Steering Committee Minutes

Dear Comrades
 
Please find the Minutes of the Steering Committee minutes posted below.
 
Every Unit is requested to arrnage 2 hoiur demonstration - whereever possible under the COC/Confederation banner - on 22nd Dec
 
Yours fraternally
 
M. S. Raja
Secretary General

Minutes of the meeting of the Steering Committee of Government Employees Organisations on PFRDA Bill held on 20th December 2011 at AIRF Head Quarters

(4, State Entry Road, New Delhi)

 

 

The steering Committee of Government Employees Organisations on PFRDA Bill met at AIRF Head Quarters ie 4, State Entry Road, New Delhi on 20th December 2011. Following were present.

1.       Com Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF

2.       Com. Sukomal Sen, Sr Vice President, AISGEF

3.       Com C. Sreekumar, General Secretary, AIDEF

4.       Com. M. S. Raja, Secretary, Confederation of CG Employees & Workers

5.       Com. P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary, BSNLEU

6.       Com. OP Vasisht, AIDEF

7.       Com. Shyam Sundar, Secretary General, Bharat Central Pensioners' Confederation (BCPC)

 

Decisions:

1.       The PFRDA bill is expected to come up in the Lok Sabha on 21st Dec.2011.  The Steering Committee calls upon to hold 2-hour demonstration in the work place on 22nd December 2011 against passage of the bill and demanding its withdrawal.

2.       In case the bill does not come up in this session for some unforeseen circumstances (which has been extended upto 29th December 2011), the Steering Committee shall write to all MPs on the need to withdraw the Bill. The field formations shall contact the MP of their station and submit the letter.

3.       Future agitational programmes shall be decided after the one day strike called by central trade unions on 28th February 2012. The demand 'Assured Pension for all' formulated by Central TUs shall be modified by the constituents of Steering Committee to "Scrap PFRDA bill/NPS; ensure pension for all".

 

(SK Vyas)

Convener

 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Circular 31-2011

Dear Comrade
 
Please find the Circular 31-2011 posted below.
 
With greetings
 
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-31/2011                                                 Dated:  10th November 2011

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

Dear Comrades,

 

 'STRATEGIC PLAN', CADRE REVIEW AND?

 

The Department has brought out a document called "Strategic Plan 2020" finalised in September 2010 (we are late by one year to get hold of it!). To put it in brief the 'strategy' is all about how to liquidate IA&AD and make it an ineffective, impotent agency and hence useless for the nation. Executive summary of the 'Strategic Plan 2010' is given in the December 2011 issue of Auditlekha Samanvay.

 

Along with it comes the proposed cadre restructuring. We are hearing about it for more than three years. Once we were told that in a fortnights' time copy of which will be given to this Association. But nearly three years have passed nothing has happened.

 

CBDT (ie Income Tax Deptt) has finalised and implemented cadre restructuring – the cadre restructuring committee consisted staff side representatives. In the Department of Atomic Energy ( a ministry directly under PM) also one cadre restructuring is over, discussion on the second one is going on – of course with staff side members on board.

 

The last cadre re-structuring in IA&AD was done 27 years back, in 1984. The process that was reported to have started in 2009 is yet to see light. The staff side is not at all consulted till this date.

 

The issue has been raised with administration of CAG. We have pointed out that elsewhere the staff side was involved in the whole exercise of cadre restructuring and the directive of Govt of India in this regard makes it mandatory that staff side is involved. We are informed that as the exercise has been entrusted to an outside agency there was no occasion to involve staff side. But we are assured that staff side views would be taken before anything is finalised and soon a presentation would be arranged.

 

We have also conveyed our opposition to the strategic plan 2020 and the visible moves to do away with transaction audit. We are told that nothing is finalised and there is no move to do away with transaction audit. We are also told that the proposed sanctioned strength charts going around has no credence as of now as things are in a fluid state. It was assured that there will be no reduction in the sanctioned strength.

 

PREPARE THE ORGANISATION FOR ANY EVENTUALITY

 

We have to guard against any attempt to scuttle the quantum of audit, attempts to persuade state governments to take over the A&E functions and reduce the staff strength. Only strict vigilance and organisational preparedness to face any eventuality would ensure that assurances would be fully honoured.

 

A CORRIGENDUM

 

Please refer to Circular 29-2011. It was given there-in that 'CETRAL TUs DECIDE ONE DAY STRIKE ON 28TH FEBRUARY 2011' – it may be please corrected as CENTRAL TUs DECIDE ONE DAY STRIKE ON 28TH FEBRUARY 2012.

 

With regards

 

Yours fraternally

 

 

(M.S.Raja)

Secretary General

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, December 9, 2011

Circular 30-2011

Dear Comrade
 
Please find Circular 30 posted below.
 
With greetings
 
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-30/2011                                                   Dated:  8th November 2011

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

Dear Comrades,

 

PFRDA BILL AND FDI ON RETAIL

 

The moves of the present day government on PFRDA Bill as well as allowing FDI to the tune of 51% in multibrand retail are follow up steps of 'principled' policy decisions of the AB Vajpayee led NDA government. The fact remained that NDA government before taking further steps on both these was forced out of government by the people while the UPA I government was forced by the left parties to abandon further steps on these.

 

PFRDA bill affects more than one crore employees and their families – with their livelihood and thus the self respect being at stake when they cannot work and earn. The denial of any assured, guaranteed income on superannuation is something that should worry anyone who depends on their salary for eking out a life.

 

The unfortunate part of the story is that the employee himself/herself do not appreciate the danger the PFRDA bill may wreak on his/her retired life. Any middle class or lower middle class employee may feel the pinch when it directly hit him/her. It may be too late by then.

 

In the case of FDI (foreign direct investment) in retail trade also, initially there may be boom that may be visible to the middle class – with the small retailers being ejected of the scene in a slow but steady manner. The farmer may get good remuneration initially till the retailer on your neighbourhood is totally perished and the farmer is fully dependent on the big time retailers. The true colour will be seen then. The vendor next door could be a story of the past.

 

The small time vendors and retailers have foreseen the danger and understood how the FDI in retail trade is going to be the beginning of their end. They came out in good numbers, mobilised and went on strike.

 

Normally trading communities dislike strikes – they curse who call for strikes. But with the attack directed against them the petty trader has also chosen the path of strike.

 

The political parties have come out in support of the cause of the retail trader – even those who initiated the idea of FDI in retail.

 

The government employees are more than a crore – it is nearly 4 crore voters with their family members, with ability to influence an equal number of voters. In many Constituencies the government employees are deciding factor. We have seen in the recent past, with state government employees overwhelmingly voting against, the government of the day get thrown out.

 

Then why the government employees are not able to mobilise and act decisively on PFRDA bill?  

 

A small community of petty and medium traders can make the government of the day sweat; but much bigger number of government employees is taken for a ride by the party that heads the government and the major opposition party. ("It is a political commitment"- this is what was stated by Shri Yashwant Sinha, Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Finance to some leaders who met him before the Parliamentary Committee approved the bill!)

 

Unless the government employees realise their potential and act decisively placing their interests on top we are bound to suffer – for long. We all have to exert pressure on the MP from area to protest against the PFRDA bill.

 

Every leader, activist and member should realise this, then only we can retrieve the best social security scheme that we have till this date preserved for future.

 

With regards

Yours fraternally

 

 

(M.S.Raja)

Secretary General

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Circular 29

Dear Comrades
 
Please find Circular 29-2011 posted below.
 
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-29/2011                                                              Dated:  6th December 2011

 

To

Unit Secretaries,

Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &

Members of Women's Committee

 

Dear Comrades,

MASSIVE MARCH TO PARLIAMENT

 

Nearly 30000 government employees and BSNL employees and pensioners gathered at Jantar Mantar at New Delhi at the call of Steering Committee of Organisations on PFRDA bill on 25th November 2011 demanding scrapping of the bill altogether. One will have to accept that the wider unity displayed by organisations of government employees – state as well as central including railways and defence – and pensioners and BSNL employees is a welcome development which if nurtured could become a very potent force in the days to come.

 

Considering the number of organisations involved, the mobilisation could have been better.

 

A delegation consisting of Coms SK Vyas, Convener Steering Committee, KKN Kutty Secretary General, Confederation, Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, Sukomal Sen, Sr Vice President, AISGEF, SN Pathak, President, AIDEF, Rajendran General Secretary STFI met the Prime Minister and submitted the memorandum. The delegation was led by Comrades Basudev Acharya MP and Com Tapan Sen MP (General Secretary, CITU).

 

Confederation Circular is attached.

 

Signatures campaign, it should be accepted grudgingly, did not match the enthusiasm on 25th November – hardly 21 lakh signatures could be collected of which Confederation share was 3.25 lakhs. Of these 21 lakhs of signature nearly 50% came from two states, Kerala and West Bengal.

 

Share of All Audit & Accounts Association in this whole mobilisation has improved compared to the participation in the March to Parliament on 23rd February 2011, but nowhere near the quota allotted to the units.

 

Very few units have sent the report on the signature campaign but the reports received from the State Committees of Confederation on the role of many of our units are not at all encouraging.

 

Though many a stations were represented in the March to Parliament, units such as Orissa, Allahabad (UP), Gwalior (MP), Punjab and Haryana were absent in the Parliament March against PFRDA Bill. West Bengal (39), Shimla (HP) 20 and Chennai (Audit) 19 was the best mobilisation.

 

The March to Parliament has brought home a reality that many of the unit level leadership is yet to realise the danger of losing pension in the old age. This had a big impact on the overall mobilisation for the Parliament March on 25th November 2011 and the signature Campaign against PFRDA bill.

 

These shortcomings are to be addressed and corrected for the movement to go on.

 

CETRAL TUs DECIDE ONE DAY STRIKE ON 28TH FEBRUARY 2011

 

11 Central Trade Unions – including INTUC and BMS – have decided for a nationwide strike. The 11 central TUs re-iterated the five demands formulated earlier vis,

1.       Concrete measures to contain price rise

2.       Concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with the concession/incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs

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

4.       Universal social security cover for the unorganised sector workers without any restriction and creation of a National security Fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendation of NCEUS and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and

5.       Stoppage of disinvestment in central and state profit making PSUs.

 

In addition the CTUs also demand immediate action by the Government of India to ensure:

1.       No contractorisation of work of permanent/perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry/establishment.

2.       Amendment of Minimum Wage Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs 10,000/-

3.       Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.

4.       Assured Pension for all

5.       Compulsory registration of Trade Unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Convention nos 87 & 98.

 

With regards

Yours fraternally

 

 

 

(M.S.Raja)

Secretary General

 

 

 

CONFEDERATION OF

CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS  

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

Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in

Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

 


Circular No: 23                                                                                             Dated 03-12-2011

 

 

 Dear Comrades,

 

                The hard work put in by all concerned paid dividends on 25th November, 2011.  There was impressive gathering of all sections of CGEs as also pensioners in the March to Parliament against PFRDA Bill. The rally commenced at 10.00 A.M and went on up to 3.00 P.M.  The fog which had disrupted the train services, especially in and around Delhi created difficulties for those who came from distant destinations.

                The steering Committee's ambitious objective  to have 10 million signatures did not however come about.  While Kerala and West Bengal did contribute immensely to the endeavour, in so far as Confederation is concerned the vigour and efforts were not so visible at other places.  The target was not at all impossible.  The idea was to make the campaign reach the grass root level workers and their friends and relatives.  Had it been given a little more importance by our leaders and cadres, the target could have been achieved.  The break-up of figures, organisation wise is as under:

AISGEF- 10,64,071, AIRF- 2,37,312, CONFDN.- 3,25,022. TEACHERS- 2,74,123. PENSIONERS, 97,864, AIDEF- 69,020, BSNLEU. 10,180. OTHERS- 1841. TOTAL- 20,79,018.

                We enclose herewith the Press statement issued by the Convenor, Steering Committee on 25th.  As you know, the Parliamentary Standing Committee had unanimously recommended for specifying a guaranteed minimum Pension to protect the subscribers and employees from the vagaries of equity market.  The Cabinet had unfortunately rejected it.  The delegation consisting of Com. Sukomal Sen (Sr. Vice President, AISGEF,) Com. S.K.Vyas, (President, Confederation and General Secretary, NCCPA and Convenor, Steering Committee) Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra, (AIRF) Com. K.K.N. Kutty. (Secretary General, Confederation), Com. Rajendran, (General Secretary, STFI) Com. S.N. Pathak, (President. AIDEF) Who met the Prime Minister on 25th had harped on this issue and told the PM that  the rejection of the Standing Committee's recommendation to have a guaranteed minimum pension to all subscribers  had no tenable basis.  This apart,  the delegation also pointed out that even while making the pension fund available to private entrepreneurs  the  USA, Britain  and other western countries  had protected the subscribers by providing a minimum pension benefit irrespective of what happens to the investment made on behalf of the subscriber.  The delegation also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that the Bhattacharya Committee and the committee set up by the 6th CPC both  too had recommended the need to have a provision for a minimum  pension guaranteed by the Government, for the Government has the moral and legal responsibility as in the scheme of things the government collects the subscription from the contributors.

The delegation was accompanied by Com. Basudev Acharya, MP and leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha and Com. Tapan Sen, MP(Gen. Secretary, CITU) Both of them requested the Prime Minister to have a relook into the matter and accept at least those recommendations of the standing committee on which there had been unanimity of opinion amongst different political parties.

                While asserting that his Govt. Is not at all against the interest of workers and are bound to protect them, the Prime Minister said that the new pension scheme would be providing better returns to the employees than the defined benefit scheme.  When pointed out that if that be the case, as to why not the Govt, make the new scheme optional, the PM said that he will get the contentions made in the petition examined and considered by the Finance Ministry.         

The National Council Meeting

The National Council as already intimated will meet at Kochi on 16th December, 2011. The National Secretariat members, the Chief Executive of all affiliates and the State Committee Secretaries of Confederation, the Chairman and Convenor of the  Women  committee constitute the council. The meeting will be held at the following venue:

GAANAM HOTEL LIMITED

Near Ernakulam Junction (Ernakulam South Railway Station)

Chittoor Road

KOCHI. 682016

 

Accommodation has been arranged for 3 days 15th, 16th and 17th December, 2011.  The rooms are to be vacated on 17th.  All National Council Members are requested to kindly intimate Com. Sasindran or Com.Krishnan whose mobile numbers are given hereunder of the date and time of their arrival and departure:

                Com.Sasindran:  09447355334                                    Com.M.Krishnan: 09447068125

Central TU decides for another one day strike on 28th Feb. 2012

                The joint committee of Central Trade Unions in the meeting on 24th November, 2011 has proposed to organise a one day's strike on 28th February, 2012 against the neo-liberal policies and in pursuance of the 5 point charter of demands.  Both BMS and INTUC have agreed to this proposal and the strike when it takes place will be the largest worker participated strike in the country.  The National Council inter alia will deliberate as to how the CGEs could be participants in this great national struggle action.

                With greetings,

 

Yours fraternally,

 

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General