Local issues taken up with the CCIT(CCA), Mumbai

The following issues of importance to our members have been taken up with CCIT(CCA) and a meeting with the Admn. will be held on 26.9.2012. 

                                                                                                                   Dated: 10.9.2012

The Chief Commissioner of Income-tax (CCA),

Mumbai.

Sir,

                        Sub: Issues concerning the staff members

                              -------------------------------------------------

            We have been taking up with the admn. various issues of concern to our members in regular meetings. However, on many issues there is no positive action inspite of agreement and assurances. Even the issues on which direction has been given by the CBDT, no action has been taken by the Admn. 

           

In the circumstances, we are enclosing herewith a list of issues which needs to be resolved without further loss of time. Kindly make it convenient to arrange a meeting with our Managing Committee so that the issues can be discussed in detail.

           

Thanking You,

            Yours faithfully,

            Ravindran B. Nair                                                                                                                                                                 

            General Secretary.

Local issues:                                                                                                            

1. Air Conditioners Ranges: The Board has approved provision of 6 Air Conditioners in each range Range offices. Only 50% of the Ranges will be covered during the current year. Al the CCsIT (CCA) have been asked to identify the ranges and send the proposals in the performa circulated to them. (copy of the communication sent to CCIT(CCA) by the Board is enclosed herewith). However, as per our information no such proposal has gone from the Admn. in Mumbai even though more than 3 months have passed. This may be expedited in consultation with the ITEF.
2. Funds for Welfare of staff members: Every year funds meant for the welfare of the staff members are used in various City charges without any uniformity. In some of the City charges nothing is provided to the staff members. This needs to be looked into and uniformity should be brought about so that there is no discrimination.
3. Bus Service from Kurla Station to BKC: This issue was discussed on various occasions and in the last meeting the ITEF was asked to give a proposal for consideration. In this regard we have collected information from the BEST which provides buses on contract basis which is highly subsidized. Accordingly we have prepared a proposal along with the required budget per month/year which we feel needs to pursued to its logical conclusion as our members and officers are facing a lot of difficulties in traveling from Kurla and Bandra stations to the BKC office.
4. Grievance redressal cell: We had demanded the establishment of a Grievance Rredresal cell for handling the problems faced by pensioners and also family members of those who die in harness in getting their dues, Pension etc.
5. Centralization of DDOs: While over the years we have been demanding centralization of the DDOs as the members of staff are finding it difficulty in getting their various dues due to shortage of staff in DDOs. The decision at that point was to have one DDO in every building. However, so far no progress has been made in this regard. Further, the DGIT(IT) stationed at New Delhi has now created a DDO(TP) in Mumbai without any staff or necessary paraphernalia. We are unable to understand the rationale in having two DDOs in the DIT(TP) and DIT(IT) except for use or misuse of funds by the respective Range heads. Therefore we demand immediate steps to reduce the number of DDOs and augment the staff in various DDOs so that our members are not made to suffer.
6. Provision of A/Cs and Compactors in S.B Cell/DDO-Admn/Pension Cell etc.: The staff members working in the above offices are finding it difficulty in storing the files etc. It is also requested to provide air conditioners in the above offices.
7. Repair & Renovation Work in staff quarters, Offices: As we have already pointed out on various occasions there is no proper monitoring of the work being done at staff quarters and also in the offices. It is therefore necessary that steps are taken to ensure that the work done by the CPWD is properly supervised.
8. Service Book Copies not provided to all : The department had decided to provide a copy of the Service Book in CD to all the employees. This was implemented to some extent. However, later this was not pursued to its logical conclusion and many staff members are yet to receive the same.
9. Fire Safety Measures: There is no proper fire safety measure in place in Aayakar Bhavan and other Income-tax buildings. Even the fire fighting equipment is out dated and the base of Aayakar Bhavan is more like a godown. There are at least 3 carpenters who have set shop and furniture is lying everywhere. These aspects need to be taken seriously. Fire drill needs to be carried out.
10. Inter-Charge transfer: Kindly refer to our letter dated 23.8.2012 on this issue which is self explanatory.
11. Internet facility in Welfare & Pension Cell etc: Internet connectivity in the Welfare section and Pension is very much required as they have to access many orders etc issued by various Govt. authorities etc. This should be done on priority basis.
12. Installation of Booster for improved mobile connectivity: The mobile connectivity in Aayakar Bhavan, Earnest House etc are very poor especially of MTNL.
13. Repair & Renovation in various rented premises: In the rented premises housing Income Tax Offices like Pirmal Chambers etc no proper maintenance and repair is being carried out. Even though numerous requests are made to the landlords they hardly take any steps to improve the situation. In Piramal chambers it is indeed surprising that the same landlord does proper maintenance and repair on the upper floors housing Central Excise and looks far better than the floors housing the Income-tax department. In this regard it is suggested that in all the rented premises of the department the payment of rent should be withheld till the repair and renovation as demanded by the department is done. Here, an NOC should be obtained from the building in-charge of the respective buildings before the disbursement of rent by the Admn. from Aayakar Bhavan every month.
14. Lockers for Staff Car Drivers: As many of the lockers provided to the staff car Drivers is damaged new lockers may be provided.
15. Goregoan Guest House: The newly recruited ACs are staying the in the Guest House for too long and this creates problem in  getting accommodation to staff members who are coming to Mumbai for cancer treatment etc. The allotment of guest house for the newly recruited officials should be for a specific period and not for indefinite period. It has come to our notice that some of the CCITs/CITs/Addl.CITs etc. who came on transfer are staying in the departmental guest houses for months together thereby blocking the rooms for visitors. We also understand that such Officers are also drawing HRA which is against the Rules.
16. Conveyance to Notice Servers & Inspectors: There is an inordinate delay in payment Conveyance allowance. In the  case of Notice Servers even though the payment is to be made out of the office expenses, the DDOs are not preparing and sending the bills in time on the pretext of non-availability of funds etc. We are unable to understand how there could be shortage of funds in the office expenses regularly. In the case of Inspectors Conveyance also bills are not cleared on time and here also there is a shortage of funds. It is therefore requested to give necessary directions to the DDOs to prepare and send the bill at least on quarterly basis and funds are provided whenever required.
17. ITEF office at Aaayakar Bhavan & Piramal Chambers: Proposal repair and renovation of the office at Aayakar Bhavan is pending for more than a month after new room was allotted to the ITEF. This needs to be expedited. Proposal for furnitures etc for union office at Piramal chambers was sent to the Admn. from long back. However, in spite of assurances on various occasions given by the Addl.CIT(HQ)Admn. nothing has been done so far.
18. Utilisation of 1% incentive of F.Y.2009-10: The Finance Minister has approved utilization of 1% incremental revenue earned during F.Y. 2009-10 amounting to Rs.80.63 crore. In this regard suggestions for utilization of the same have been sought from all the Chief Commissioner of Income-tax by the Directorate of Income Tax (Admn) taking the inputs from ITGOA/ITEF/IRS Assocciation (copy enclosed). It is therefore requested to take the ITEF in to confidence before the suggestions are finalized.
19. Renovation of Aayakar Bhavan Canteen: The proposal for renovation of the canteen was given by the ITEF long time back. After persuing the matter continuously with the admn. at last the renovation work was started. But the progress of the work is very slow. There is no proper co-ordination between the Electrical and Civil wings of the CBDT thereby delaying the work. In this it is suggested that regular meetings should be held with the CPWD and the work should be completed in a time bound manner as the functioning of the canteen cannot be curtailed for too long as our members are facing problem.

Note: Alongwith these issues the matter of provision of sim cards to newly recruited MTS is also taken up.

Development on Departmental demands

INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, MUMBAI CIRCLE

Reproduced below is the Circular issued by the Central JCA on the developments with regard to the Charter of demands:

Dear Comrades,

          Reference is invited to our circular dated 17^th August, 2012 about the constitution of the Interim Committee headed by two Members of the CBDT to look into the grievances and issues raised by the JCA in the Charter of Demands.

First meeting of the said Committee with representatives of the JCA took place on 22-8-2012 at 3.30PM.  The meeting was presided by Shri S.S. Rana, Member (IT) & Shri S.C.Jaini, Member (R).  Shri S.K. Lohani, JS (Admn), Shri A.K.Chaturvedi, DS, Ad-VI and- Shri Gimkhan Mang, US Ad-IX were present from Official side. Later Shri K. Madhavan Nair, Member (Inv) also joined the meeting.  JCA was represented by Comrades Ashok B Salunkhe, A. Sitarama Rao, Rajesh D Menon, K.P.Rajagopal, Ashok Kr. Kanojia, Anantharaman N.V. Iyer and Baswa Nand.  The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere and all items in the 16-point Charter of Demands were discussed.

Prior to the above meeting, the representatives of the ITEF had a meeting with Ms. Archana Ranjan, DG (HRD) and Shri Manoj Joshi, DIT (HRD) at 11.00AM and discussed the issues pending with HRD.  Outcome of the said meeting are as under.

1. On the matter of Cadre Composition. The Directorate has assured that the Directorate will expedite the proposal for merger of cadres in the same grade pay will be finalised and put up to Board for approval. The proposal for merger of SCD in the mainstream cadres were also discussed and the proposal to this effect will also be expedited for approval of the Board.
2. Fixation benefit on up gradation of pay to Inspectors/PS/AOs in the pre-revised scale of 7450.  The Directorate will earnestly pursue the matter of fixation of pay of the above categories, pending with the Department of Expenditure.
3. 3.     Grand Financial benefit to Office Supdt. and Stgr. on promotion. In the background of Government agreeing in the Anomaly Committee Meeting to grant incremental benefit on promotion, this issue has been allowed to pend.
4. 4.     Advance Increment to Sr. TAs & Stgr. Gr.II. The Directorate will again take up the matter with the Department of Expenditure.

1. Regarding issuance of clarifications sought by various Chief Commissioners on the following issues pending with the Directorate for long, we have been assured that the necessary clarifications will be issued immediately.

a)    Implementation of MACP in the case of Notice Servers.

b)    Counting of past services rendered by inter-charge transferees for promotion to the cadre of Sr. TAs.

c)     Consideration of on merit candidates of SC & ST for promotion.

Outcome of the meeting with Interim Committee headed by Members of CBDT.

1. Cadre Review proposal.  The Official side shared the present status on the matter.  It was officially informed that the same is pending with the Committee of Secretaries.  Inspite of sufficient inputs and justification provided and earnest steps being taken by the CBDT, the impasse continues.  It was therefore decided in the meeting to suggest to the Board the proposal for sending a joint team of Officials and representatives of the three Associations to the Finance Minister to seek his intervention and appraise him the need of early clearance of the proposal. But, this will be preceded by a meeting of the interim committee with HRD & JCA, for bringing about a consensus on contentious issues and forge a united front.

1. 2.     Agreement with JCA on CPC functioning & stop outsourcing of regular nature of works:  The committee after discussion decided to have further deliberation in the matter in the presence of DG (System) etc. and  to suggest to the Board to maintain statusquo in these matters till a finality is reached.
2. Regularisation of Casual Labours: After detailed discussion it was decided that ITEF shall provide details of the situation obtaining in other Department in general and the modus oprandi adopted by the Railway in regularising  the casual labours.

1. Provision of Mobile handsets to All:   It was decided to direct the CIT (C&S), CBDT to expedite the proposal to the concerned for approval as has been decided in the quarterly review meeting.

1. PROMOTIONS 
   1. ITO to ACIT

After thorough deliberations, following was agreed to :

1. Proposals for the panel year 2012-13 along with back-log vacancy of 2011-12  will be sent to UPSC latest by 28-8-2011.
2. Board has already written a Letter to UPSC for regularization of Ad-hoc promotion (effected on 30-3-2011) to the grade of JCIT for 2000 & 2001 batch, numbering to 295. This will be followed-up for early regularisation. Thereafter, proposals for regularizing similar Ad-hoc promotions effected on 27-10-2011 & 14-8-2012 will be sent to UPSC. Promotion Quota out of the Chain vacancy in the grade of ACIT consequent to regularization of the above JCIT promotions, will also be taken-up in a time-bound manner.

1. B.    ACIT to DCIT

Following actions were proposed :

1. Lettter written to DOPT for a one time relaxation for promoting 2006 batch officers w.e.f  1-1-2011 will be followed up.
2. Promotion for 2007 batch officers will be effected immediately on removal of deficiency of APAR and outer limit for the same will be 15-9-2012.
3. Once the relaxation is received from DOPT for 2006 batch, similar relaxation will be sought for 2007 batch also for promoting them w.e.f 1-1-2012.
4. In the event, requisite relaxation from DOPT is not forthcoming, then possibility for giving notional promotion w.e.f 1-1-2011 & 1-1-2012, will be explored.
5. IRS Rules 1988 be amended such that date of entry in Group ‘A’ be the date of reckoning for promotion to the grade of JCIT (JAG)
6. Work relating to promotion of 2008 batch officers will be started immediately, so that promotions can be granted on time i.e.1-1-2013.

1. C.    GENERAL

With an eye on permanent settlement of the grievance relating to undue delay in promotions to all grades, it was decided that there is an urgent need for streamlining the Reporting & Reviewing of APAR and then maintain the same in electronic format. For this a core team will be formed at Board and also at CCIT(CCA) level, involving representative of ITGOA.

Once the existing APARs are all digitized, then in future, responsibility will also be fixed for not meeting the deadlines stipulated.

1. ALL INDIA SENIORITY LIST OF ITO

After deliberations, it was decided as under :

Authenticated data will be called for from all CCsIT (CCA) w.r.t Promotions to the grade of ITO from 19-6-2001 to 31-12-2011 within 2 weeks i.e. by 7-9-2012. Thereafter the All Indian Seniority List of ITOs will be compiled.

1. IMPLEMENT HON’BLE SC’S ORDER OF S.K. SHUKLA UNIFORMLY

After deliberations, it was decided that this issue be deferred, as the Court judgments and its applicability in general needs further study.

1. GRIEVANCE RELATING TO TRANSFER POLICY & TRANSFERS

After a thorough discussion, in the presence of Shri K. Madhavan Nair [Member (Inv.) /Placement Committee], it was decided as under :

1. All the grievances relating to Transfers of DCIT/ACIT be placed before Chairperson-CBDT on 23-8-2012, along with the request that the relieving may be deferred for those who have represented till a final decision.
2. In case, if all the requests cannot be considered now, on account of the need to fill-up the vacancies in deficient regions, then such cases will be considered at the time of posting of officers consequent to promotion for panel year 2012-13 or in AGT-2013.
   1. GENERAL

With an eye on permanent settlement of such grievances, a definite proposal for suitable change in the Transfer Policy shall be made, after discussion in the Interim Committee or a separate committee as decided by CBDT.

1. 1% INCREMENTAL INCENTIVE

On all the points raised by JCA, it was decided that CIT (CO) will be asked to follow-up with appropriate authorities and report back, before next meeting.

10. AMENDMENT TO IRS RULES 1988

OBJECTION  TO  CONCEPT  OF  ‘YEAR  OF  INDUCTION’

After detailed discussion, it was decided that on 23-8-2012 Members of Interim Committee for Grievance redressal will find out from the DG (HRD), status of the file and also on the assurance of Chairman, CBDT given in meeting held on 30-5-2012 for withdrawal of the file. The issue will be discussed  in next meeting.

AMENDMENT FOR  AD-HOC  FILLING  UP  OF  ACIT & JCIT

This will also be taken-up with other amendments, after discussion with JCA.

11. IMPLEMENT CAT-MUMBAI’s ORDER FOR NOTIONAL EFFECT FROM 1.1.1996 :

On this issue, it was informed that while DOLA was against filing of any further appeal Dept. of Expenditure has advised to file appeal. Meanwhile, ITGOA will submit a detailed note justifying acceptance of the said judgment. CBDT will then take-up the matter with Dept. of Expenditure

12. DEPUTATION ALLOWANCE TO MSTU OFFICIALS  :

The interim committee felt urgent need to bring about a uniformity in the rate of Deputation allowance / Special Pay to officers/officials in NADT & DTRTI and MSTU. A detailed note in this regard properly justifying such a dispensation will be submitted by JCA and the same will be followed by HRD & CBDT.

The Committee also discussed modalities and framework for Permanent Machinery for Grievance Redressal to be set up in the Department at all levels.  It was decided that the JCA will submit its written suggestion and the same will be finalised in the next meeting of the Committee.

The above development, we reiterate, has come about only because of the pressure and sanction created by all of you by successfully implementing the agitation from 3^rdMay, 2012 to 17^th August, 2012.  We once again thank all members of JCA for the same.        

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

(K.P. Rajagopal)	(Rajesh D. Menon)

National Convention of Workers Convention at New Delhi

INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, MUMBAI CIRCLE

News From Confederation

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

Manishinath Bhawan

A2/95 Rajourigarden

New Delhi-10027

website: confederationhq.blogspot. com.

e mail: confederation06@yahoo.co.in

Conf/ 16/2012 Dated: 6th September, 2012

Dear Comrade,

The National convention of workers, as intimated earlier, was held at Talkatora Stadium on 4th September, 2012. The convention was organised by the united platform of Central Trade Unions in which the representatives of all Federations, Associations and Unions took part. The convention was addressed by the leaders of the eleven Central Trade Unions. Copy of the declaration is enclosed. The following programme of action to press for the demands viz. to contain the ever rising prices of essential commodities, to take concrete measure for employment generation, enforcement of the existing labour laws, universal social security scheme for all workers,( i.e. assured pension for all) stoppage of disinvestment of PSUs, granting the minimum wage at Rs. 10,000/- etc have been unanimously adopted.

Programme of action:

To hold State/District level joint conventions throughout the country to mobilise the workers during September, October and November, 2012.

To organise Satyagraha / Jail-Bharo / Court-Arrest programme on 18 or 19th

December in all States.

To organise a massive march to Parliament on 20th December, 2012 at Delhi from among the workers stationed at Delhi and adjoining States of U.P. Haryana, Punjab etc.

Organise a countrywide Two days General Strike on 20th and 21st February, 2013.

The Confederation of CGEs and workers has decided to endorse this decision and calls upon all its affiliates and State Committees to take necessary steps to make the various programmes successful. The National Sectt. of the Confederation will meet after 12th December, 2012 to chalk out campaign programme for the ensuing two days strike. The State Committees of U.P, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may take necessary steps to enlist participation of large number of Central Government employees for the 20th December, rally and March to Parliament. All State Committee may kindly get in touch with the units of the All India State Government employees Federation and other Central Trade Union units to jointly hold the State and District level Conventions.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally

Sd/-,

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General.

DECLARATION OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF WORKERS,

HELD AT NEW DELHI, ON 04.09.2012

This National Convention of Workers held on 4th September, 2012 at Talkatora Stadium. New Delhi, participated by workers representatives from all over India from all sectors, expresses its deep concern and anguish at the total non-response of the Govt. to address the burning Issues of the working people viz containing price-rise, universalisation of social security rights for unorganized sector workers, ensuring proper minimum wages, mass scale contractorisation, rampant violation of labour laws and onslaught on trade union rights etc., despite consistent persuasion by all in united platform of the entire trade union movement in the country through various forms of countrywide programmes and agitations in a democratic manner since last three years. Such non-response of Govt. to the all-in-united activities and persuasion by trade unions is nothing but an affront on the democratic rights and aspirations of the working people of the country, which the trade union movement cannot accept lying down.

While condemning the government for Its inaction and total indifference towards the miserable plights of the working people who keep the wheel of the economy moving, this National Convention strongly opposes the move of the Govt. to curtail budgeted allocations for pro-people employment and welfare schemes like NREGA and ICDS meant for rural populace and women and child care respectively. The Govt. is hell bent upon carrying the financial reforms by amending the bank and insurance laws to allow entry of MNCs and Corporates in these vital sectors and also pushing through the privatization process in phases through disinvestment of shares in blue chip PSUs In the core and strategic sectors of the economy. The Govt. is gifting natural and mineral resources of the country to corporates and MNCs paving the way for their loot.

Labour law violations are on increase, corporates have been given tree hand to suppress democratic trade union rights including the basic right of forming a trade union and increase in deployment of contract labour on jobs of regular nature. Many millions of workers employed to run several central govt. schemes, like ICDS, ASHA, mid-day-meal, sarva-silksha etc are being denied even the statutory minimum wages and associated rights. The state administration has become subservient to MNCs, and Corporates. The recent unfortunate incident in Maruti Suzuki Plant in Manesar and its aftermath including arrest of 150 workers and dismissal of over 500 workers is a glaring instance of corporate govt. nexus.

It appears the govt. is bent upon continuing the same anti people economic policy even seeking to enact legislations that run contrary to the interest of working people and their social security rights besides generating a severe recessionary impact on the national economy. The growth of economy is as low as 5.2 and index of industrial production declining to less than 1 percent with unemployment situation aggravating severely.

The Convention expresses its deep concern at the refusal of the Central Govt. to respond to the just demands of the united platform of trade unions on which the country had witnessed, as never before, a massive general strike on 28th February 2012.

This Convention while taking note of the precarious economic situation of the country, steep rise in the price of essential goods and commodities and all out attack on trade union aid social security rights and rampant labour law violations decides to further intensify the joint struggles, that were being carried out lot last three years on the following demands.

While reiterating the live point demands formulated jointly by the Central Trade Unions and Federations for 1) concrete measures to contain price rise, 2) concrete measures for employment generation, 3) strict enforcement of labour laws, 4) universal social security cover for organized and unorganized workers and creation of National Social Security Fund and 5) stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs/ Undertakings, the National Convention demands immediate action by the Govt. of India to ensure :-

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

Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs.10,000/- linked with cost price Index.

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

Assured Pension for all

Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate atification of the ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98.

The National Convention adopts the following action programme to press for once again the above burning issues facing the working people:

Programme:

Stated / district / sector level Joint Conventions during September, October and November 2012

Satyagraha /Jail Bharo / Court Arrest on 18th / I9th December2012 in all the states through out the country

March to Parliament on 20th December2012 (mobilization by the unions from the states adjoining Delhi)

Countrywide Two Days General Strike on 20th and 21st February 2013.

The National Convention appeals to the working people of the country and their unions/federations irrespective of affiliations to respond in a massive way the call for countrywide united struggle and participate enmasse in the action programmes formulated by this all-in united platform of workers and employees to press for these vital demands embracing all sections of the toiling class.

BMS        INTUC       AITUC       HMS      CITU

AIUTUC      TUCC      AICCTU      UTUC      LPF      SEWA

And Independent Federations of Workers and Employees