Wednesday, November 30, 2016

HE 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 7th CPC.  The understanding reached on 30th 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 7th 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 9th June, 2016 and its resolve to go ahead with the said decision to organize the indefinite strike action from 11th July, 2016. 
            The employees had realized that contrary to the impression, the 7th 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for which those allowances were originally granted; had abolished all interest free advances;  had withdrawn the existing benefits, perks and privileges which had originally granted to a section of the employees and officers taking into account the peculiarities of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 29th 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 30th 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 30th 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 6th 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 15th 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 29th 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.

Monday, November 28, 2016













Dear Comrades,          

Meeting With Chairman CBDT on 26.11.2016
The Chairman CBDT invited the Central JCA for a meeting on the basis of our notice dated 17th November, 2016 for agitation in front of all Principal Chief Commissioner’s offices and office of the Pr.DGIT(HRD) on 25.11.2016. Accordingly a meeting took place on 26.11.2016 at 4.00 P.M at Chairman’s Chamber, North Block New Delhi.
            The Chairman formally welcomed all the members of JCA, Member (P), DG(HRD) and officials of CBDT and appraised about his busy schedule regarding policy taken by the Govt. on demonetisation Issue. The leadership also express the concern of all members regarding long pending issues.
The following issues were discussed.
1.      Laptop to ITI
2.      Pending Recruitment Rules
3.      All regular and Ad-hoc promotion which is due at the level of Pr. CCsIT (CCA)
4.      Ad-hoc Promotion for 2016-17 ITO to ACIT and regularisation od 2014-15
5.      Ad-hoc promotion to the post of Principal A.O
6.      GRANT OF Laptop computers to officers and Inspectors.
7.      Fill Up all Vacancies :-
(i)   Restoration of Zonal/Regional Recruitment
(ii)  Recruitment of MTS by special Recruitment Drive or recruitment through Employment Exchange immediately.
8.      Cadre Restructuring and related matters:
(i)      The ban on promotion of posts to be phased out from WB.
(ii)     Phasing out of 1633 posts from WB.
(iii)   Diversion of 167 posts of ITI
9.      Regularisation/Payment of arrears after giving effect from 1.1.2006 as per 6th CPC to Casual workers.
10.  Filling up of posts in Departmental Canteen.
11.  N R Parmar Issue
12.  Compassionate appointment

For all the above issues the chairman directed the CBDT officials to look into immediately and assured that the steps taken in a time bound manner and a status report will be given before 15th December 2016.The meeting was cordial and Chairman heard all our grievances and assured to intervene, wherever necessary with concern Principal CCsIT to settle the local issues.
After discussion with available comrades, we decided to postpone our agitation program up to 15.12.2016 and it will be discussed again in the next Secretariat Meeting which is scheduled to be held on 15.12.2016.
Yours fraternally


                                                                                                                                         Rupak Sarkar
Secretary General

Thursday, November 24, 2016

CHALO DELHI – CHALO PARLIAMENT
MAKE THE 15TH DECEMBER 2016 PARLIAMENT MARCH
 A HISTORIC SUCCESS
20000 CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WILL MARCH TO PARLIAMENT




 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

DOPT OM on Timely and advance action in convening of Departmental promotion committee meeting in terms of Model Calendar

No. 22011/1/2011-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Dated- October 27, 2016
OFFICE MEMORANDUM


Subject:- Timely and advance action in convening of Departmental Promotion Committee meeting in terms of Model Calendar-regarding.


The undersigned is directed to state that with a view to having the approved select panels for promotion ready in advance in a time-bound manner, this Department has issued a Model Calendar for DPCs vide OM No. 22011/9/98-Estt. (D) dated 8th September, 1998 as modified vide OM No. 22011/4/2013-Estt.(D) dated 28.01.2015. An indicative pattern has been provided in the Model Calendar for various events involved in the pre/ post DPC related actions. All the Ministries/Departments have been impressed upon from time to time by this Department to adhere to the prescribed time-line so as to ensure that the panel is ready in time and is utilised as and when the vacancies arise during the course of the vacancy year.
2. It has been brought to the notice that many promotion posts are lying vacant due to abnormal delay in convening DPCs. The objective of timely promotions of employees m various Ministries/Departments can be achieved only by holding DPC meetings.
3. In view of above, all Ministries/Departments are again advised to ensure strict compliance of instructions in order to achieve the desired objectives of timely convening of DPCs/preparation of approved select panels within the prescribed time frame.
 (Rajesh Sharma)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India




G.I., Dep. of Per. Trg., O.M.No. 22011/4/2013-Estt.(D), dated 28.1.2015
Subject: Review of Model Calendar for the Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) being conducted by the Ministries / Departments.
Reference is drawn to this Department’s instructions on Model calendar for DPCs vide O.M. No.22011/9/98-Estt (D) dated 8th September, 1998. The Model Calendar envisages initiating action in advance of the commencement of the vacancy year so as to have the approved select panels ready before start of the vacancy year and ensure timely promotions of employees.
2. The Annual Performance Assessment Reports (APAR) schedule separately provide a time schedule for preparation/completion of APARs O.M. No.21011/1/2005-Estt.(A) (Pt.II) dated 23rd July, 2009. The crucial date of eligibility is 1st April of the vacancy year (Financial year based vacancy year) and 1st January (Calendar year based vacancy year) as per O.M. No.22011/6/2013-Estt(D) dated 28th May, 2014.
3. The schedule of Model Calendar for conduct of DPCs in line with the time schedule for completion of APARs so that the panel as approved by the Competent Authority is available before the commencement of the vacancy year has been further examined. It has been decided to reschedule the time frame for the DPCs being conducted by Ministries/Departments themselves as below:-
Model Calendar for DPCs conducted by the Ministries/Departments (For Grades/posts not associated with UPSC)
Dopt orders on DPC
 

Friday, November 4, 2016

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

MAKE THE 7TH NOVEMBER 2016 MASS DHARNA PROGRAMME A GRAND SUCCESS

1st phase of the agitational programmes was conducted successfully on 20.10.2016 as per the call given by the Confederation of Central govt. employees & Workers. The next phase of programme is Mass Dharna on 7th November 2016. All are requested to join and make the programme a grand success.

2nd Meetings of the Group of Senior Officers (Constituted as per the assurance given by Group of Minister to NJCA) to discuss the grievances arising out of recommendations related to 7th Central Pay Commission, was held with JCM (NC) staff side on 24.10.2016 at 4 PM. The staff side explained in detail the justification for modification in the minimum pay and fitment formula, which was already explained in the memorandum submitted to Cabinet Secretary on 10th December 2015 and also in the presentation made before Joint Secretary Implementation Cell and Empowered Committee of Secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary.

From the response of the Senior Officers, it is not clear whether they are mandated to submit a proposal on increasing the Minimum Pay and Fitment formula to Government, as assured by the Group of Ministers on 30th June 2016. Eventhough, the time frame of four months is almost over, the urgency and seriousness was lacking on the part of the Group of officers. It seems that that Government is adopting a delaying tactics or to deny the assured increase. Perhaps, they may recommend an increase in minimum pay and fitment formula at a later date, but it is quite uncertain.

Confederation National Secretariat after reviewing these developments has decided to intensify the campaign and agitational programmes demanding the Government to honour its assurance given to NJCA leadership and also to settle the 20 point charter of demands.
 
 Make the 7th November 2016 mass dharna programme a grand success. Ensure maximum participation of employees in the 15th December 2016 massive Parliament March. Get ready for strike.