INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, MUMBAI CIRCLE

Venezuela President Comrade Hugo Chavez Red Salute

Comrade Hugo Chavez - a true revolutionary mass leader

Hugo Chavez – one of the most famous political leaders of the contemporary world and the President of Venezuela has died. He was a revolutionary and he contributed for major and basic changes in the economy, politics and every aspect of contemporary Venezuela. He led the country against all machinations of American imperialism and consolidated his nation into a strong and independent country having close friendship with all other countries of his South American continent in particular. He showed great guts in nationalising the oil fields and liberated them from the exploitative grip of American Corporates and turned the gains to change the lives of poor people of his country. He had a unique style of building close relationship with the masses. He was a revolutionary leader to bring basic changes in the interest of the toiling masses. He built friendship with countries like Cuba unmindful of reactions from US Imperialism. It would not be out of place to mention that several countries of the South American continent asserted their own independent development and got liberated from the clutches of exploitation of American imperialism by drawing inspiration and leadership from Hugo Chavez. He was all along the best friend of working class all over the world who are fighting against neo-liberal policies of the world corporate houses. The US Imperialism tried everything in the book to unseat him from power but the love and affection of the people of Venezuela always defeated those designs and elected him as their beloved President of the nation. He was only 58 at the time of his demise that was caused by the cancer disease for which he was getting treatment. Not only the people of Venezuela and the Continent of South America but the working people of the whole world have lost their best friend and leader.

The body of late Hugo Chavez, the beloved President of Venezuela taken on a procession from the hospital

Meeting with Chairperson, CBDT on 22.2.2013

CONGRATULATIONS FOR MAKING THE 2-DAY STRIKE ACTION A GRAND SUCESS

Meeting with Chairman, CBDT and decisions

At the outset we congratulate each and every member of the Income Tax Employees Federation, Mumbai circle for making the all India strike a grand success.According to information available the strike was success with more participation by the Central Govt. Employees than the 12.2.2013 strike action. About 8 lakhs Central Government employees took part in the 48 hour (two day) general strike yesterday and today organised by the Indian working class as per the call of the Joint platform of 11 Central Trade Unions of the country. Besides 5 lakh Defence Civilian employees are also reported to have participated in this historic action.

The Strike was total and cent per cent in Income tax and Postal departments. The participation ranged from 60 to 90% in other Government of India organisations except in the Central Secretariat. 

The strike has also been successful in almost all the sectors. 

    The Quarterly Review Meeting between the Chairperson and Representatives of JCA took place today as scheduled at 11.30AM.  First, the items discussed in the last QRM dated 17.12. 2012 and required review were taken up. The issues in the agenda items relating to the ITEF  were discussed and the outcome of each issue are as under.  The following Comrades participated from ITEF side.

1)      Hari Om (Vice President) 2) KP Rajagopal (Secretary General); (3) Ashok Kr. Kanojia (Addl. Secretary); Raveendran B Nair (Joint Secretary) and Rupak Sarkar (Finance Secretary).

1,            Present status of Cadre Restructuring Proposal:  The Officials side informed that the Committee of Secretaries has now cleared the proposal which will be submitted to the Union Cabinet for its approval and the same is expected before the end of the Financial Year.

2.            Provision  of Mobile hand set to all & laptops to Inspectors:  It was decided that the ITEF will provide further inputs and justification to the 1% incentive Committee and the Committee will submit its report to the Board within 15 days.

3.            Fixation of Pay of ITIs/AOs/PSs- Clarification regarding:  The official side informed that the Claim of ITEF for Fixation in the fitment formula of the replacement scale of Rs 7450/- and pursued vigorously by the CBDT has been rejected by the Dept. of Expenditue.  But on our request the Board agreed to issue suitable instructions to all CCsIT to consider waiver of the alleged excess payment in some charges.  The ITEF is also exploring the possibility of taking up the matter with Department of Expenditure and also through JCM forum.

4.            Increase quantum of Petrol Allowance to ITIs and NS: The proposal to increase the quantum of petrol reimbursement has been prepared and pending approval of the CBDT. It was informed that the same will be submitted to the competent authority for sanction shortly.

5.            Revisit to Examination Rules  and Syllabus and additional marks  for Wrong Answer Keys.  The ITEF took up the matter of wrong answer keys in the Income Tax Officers Examination- Paper-I.  The issue was brought to our notice by the Eastern UP Circle that there are five such questions in the above paper for which wrong answer keys are given thereby denying the candidates the rithful marks.  The ITEF with all documentary evidences took up the matter and sought additional marks to the candidates to the extend of wrong answer keys.  After discussion the Board agrred to constitute a committee to go into this aspect and if the claim of the ITEF is found correct, additional marks will be awarded.  Further the ITEF also pointed out that after changing into the new pattern of examination the pass percentage is coming down every year due to tough syllabus and questions  and in the examination of ITOs conducted during 2012, the percentage of  qualified candidates is less than 10% which is defeating the very purpose of conducting the Departmental Examination i.e. testing the knowledge of the candidates gained through their day to day work and their ability to carry out the responsibilities on promotion to a higher posts.  On this point also the Board agreed to look into the matter and directed the Examination wing to have a positive approach to this issue.

6.            Clarification on the Recruitment Rules of Tax Assistants: The ITEF demand for changing the Recruitment Rules of Tax Assistants to the extent of modification of the words Eligible Group D employees into Eligible MTS employeeshas been finalised and submitted to the Revenue Secretary for approval.

7.            Recruitment Rules of Canteen Employees: The ITEF demand for immediate notification of Recruitment Rules  of Canteen employees on the lines suggested by the DOPT in the model Recruitment Rules to enable the Cadre Controlling Authorities to effect recruitment and Promotions.  The Chairperson directed the DG (HRD) to finalise and submit the same for approval of the concerned authorities within two weeks.

8.            Seniority and counting of past service of Inter-Charge transferees.  The demand of the ITEF for issuing instructions as per the instant rules to the Cadre Controlling authorities on the above matter to bring about a uniform stand in the matter as the authorities are adopting different stand in different charges which has caused resentment among the employees. The Chairmen directed the Officials of Ad-VII to issue instructions as per DOPTs clarification and direct the cadre controlling authorities to strictly follow the same.

9.            Delay in according sanction for 6 Air Conditioners per Range for staff Room. ITEF pointed out that though the administrative approval for installing 6 air-conditioners per range for staff room was accorded long back, financial sanction has not been communicated and the matter is lingering on.   The Chairman directed to DG (Logisitic) to Pursue the matter with the IFU where it is pending and get the approval well in time so that the scheme is implemented during this financial year.

10. Promotion to the post of ACIT: The Chairperson informed that the clarification sought from the DOPT on the quaries raised by the UPSC is expected within a couple of days and the DPC is expected to take place immediately thereafter.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Ravindran B Nair

General Secretary.

All India strike on 20th & 21st February, 2013

INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, MUMBAI CIRCLE

Two days strike by Central Govt. Employees alongwith other sections of Working class.

The Income Tax Employees all over the country will be going 2 says strike action on 20th & 21st February, 2013, as per the call given by the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers. The strike is in pursuance of the 15-point charter of demands formulated by the Confederation and also in support of the common issues as per the Charter of demands submitted by the joint trade union movement of the country. This historic 2-days strike action is going to be the biggest ever strike action of the Indian working class on the common issues arising out of the neo-liberal economic policies  being pursued by the UPA-II Govt. which has resulted in sky rocketing prices of essential commodities and withdrawl of subsidies provided to the poor and common man of this country. The Workers are being exploited in the name of contractorisation, privatisation and outsourcing. The Pension is being privatised with the introduction of new Pension scheme and allowing FDI in Pension. In such a situation the workers are left with no other alternative but to go on a united struggle to oppose these anti-people policies. We call upon all our members to ensure that the strike slated for 20th & 21st February, 2013 is made a total success.

CHARTER OF DEMANDS FOR TWO DAYS STRIKE

PART – I

1. Take concrete measures to contain Price rise.
2. Take concrete measures for linkage of employement protection with the concession / incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs.
3. Ensure 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 Social Security Fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendation of NCEUS and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour.
5. Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs.
6. No Contractorisation of work 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 Wages 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 statutory Pension for all.
10. Ensure Compulsory registration of trade unions within a  period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos.87 and 98.

PART – II

11. Revise the wages of the Central Government employees including Gramin Dak Sewaks with effect from 1.1.2011 and every five years thereafter by setting up the 7^th CPC.
12. Merge DA with Pay for all purposes with effect from 1.1.2011 including for Gramin Dak Sweaks.
13. Remove restriction imposed on compassionate appointments and the discrimination on such appointments between the Railway workers and other Central Government Employees.
14. [a] Departmentalise all Gramin Dak Sweaks and grant them all benefits of regular employees; End Bonus discrimination and enhance bonus ceiling to 3500/-; Withdraw open market recruitment in Postman / MTS cadre; Revise cash handling norms; Grant full protection of TRCA; Grant Time Bound Promotion and Medical Reimbursement facility etc.

[b] Regularise the daily rated, contingent, casual workers and introduce a permanent scheme for periodical regularization. Pending regularization, provide them with pro-rata salary at 6th CPC rates.

15. (a) Revive the functioning of the JCM. Convene the meeting of the Departmental Councils in all Ministries/Departments. Settle the anomalies raised in the National Anomaly Committee as also in the Departmental Anomaly Committees. Hold National Council meetings as specified in the JCM constitution. (b) Remove the anomalies in the MACP Scheme.(c) Grant recognition to all Associations/Federations, which have complied with the formalities and conditions stipulated in the CCS(RSA) Rules.
16. Fill up all vacant posts and creates posts n functional requirements.
17. Stop downsizing outsourcing, contractorization, corporatization and privatization of Government functions.
18. Stop Price rise; Strengthen the PDS.
19. (a) Stop the proposal to introduce the productivity linked wage system; (b) discard the performance related pay structure; (c) introduce PLB in all Departments; (d) remove the ceiling on emoluments for bonus computation.
20. Revise the OTA, Night duty allowance and clothing rates.
21. Implement all arbitration awards.
22. Make the right to strike a legal and fundamental right of the Government employees on par with the other section of the working class.
23. Grant Five promotions to all employees as is provided for in the case of Group-A services.
24. (a) Withdraw the PFRDA Bill. (b) Rescind the decision to allow FDI in pension sector;(c) Scrap the new contributory pension scheme (d) Extend the existing statutory defined pension scheme to all Central Govt. employees irrespective of their date of entry in Government service.
25. Vacate all Trade Union victimisation, and more specifically in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.

Diamond Jubilee celebration of ITEF

INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, MUMBAI 

The Income Tax Employees Federation is completing 60 years of its existence on 10.02.2013. In its long history the Federation had to under go trials and tribulations and our leaders had to face repressions from the authorities. It was the sacrifices of many of our comrades which made this Federation a strong and militant organisation. It will be in the fitness of things we celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner. 

The Federation Day programme is being organised with various programmes in Mumbai on 11.2.2013. The celebration will commence with the hoisting of the Federation Flag at 11.00 a.m. This will be followed by Homage to Martyrs, reading of Presidents Message, Songs and speech by leaders. The programme will be held infront of Aayakar Bhavan.

In the afternoon the programme will be in the Birla matoshri Sabhagruha from 2.30 p.m. onwards. The Chief Guest of the programme will Shri TK Shah, Hon'ble Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, (CCA), Mumbai. Our Guests of Honour include Com. KKN Kutty, Secretary General of Confederatio n of Central Govt. Employees & Workers, New Delhi. The programme include felicitation of veteran comrades and an entertainment programme.

All are invited. 

With Warm Greetings on the occasion of Federation Day.

Ravindran B Nair

General Secretary.

MASSIVE LUNCH-HOUR DEMONSTRATION ON 21.1.2013 AND HALF DAY WALKOUT ON 23.1.2013

Agitation in Tamilnadue Circle against engagement of Outsiders for office work.

               The Secretariat of ITEF CHQ which met today, the 19^th January, 2013 expressed grave concern about the situation in Tamilnadu Circle due to outsourcing. Members of ITEF, Tamilnadu Circle have embarked upon an agitation against outsourcing of core functions of the Department by the administration by engaging outsiders through a private vendor in the name of providing secretarial assistance to the Assessing Officers.  The process initiated by the Administration in Tamilnadu, is based on the instructions issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, vide F.No. HRD/CMD/123/2/2011-12 dated November 23, 2012

In spite of our objections to such methods and alternative methods suggested by us in our letter No. N-1/12-15/,Dated:27^th November, 2012 to overcome  the situation due to  the shortage of manpower and unmanageable workload, if any, the authorities have not considered to amend the said instructions.  In Tamilnadu, the administration, ignoring the suggestions and assurances given by the representatives of Tamilnadu Circle to deal with the situation, went on with the process of engaging the outsiders.  Upon the arrival of a big contingent of outsiders and occupying the various offices in Chennai, the ITEF, Tamilnadu Circle, in tune with the decisions of the Federation, decided to walk out from office till the outsiders are removed from the office and the same is continuing from the afternoon of 17^th January, 2013.  The Secretariat, after discussing the situation in Tamilnadu and taking into consideration the decision of the authorities to allow totally unaccountable and irresponsible outsiders to occupy the office and carry out the sensitive  functions of the Department, decided to call upon all the circles to carry out the following programmes in solidarity with the agitating Tamilnadu Circle comrades.

1. To hold Lunch Hour demonstration at all places on 21.01.2013 against outsourcing and send the following telegram to the Chairman, Central Board of Direct taxes, New Delhi with the following message.

INCOME TAX EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, MUMBAI CIRCLE

Historic One Day Strike of CG Employees.

                We once again congratulate and salute all the ITEF leaders and members for making the one day strike on 12.12.2012 a historic one in the Income Tax Department along with the members of ITGOA. On behalf of the Secretariat, we convey our sincere gratitude and thanks to all our State/District/Branch level leaders and through them to all the members who participated in the strike.

                Meeting with Chairperson on 17.12.2012 and its outcome.

                The quarterly Review meeting of the Chairperson with the representatives of the JCA was held on 17.12.2012, as scheduled at 3.30PM.  The Meeting chaired by Dr. Poonam K. Saxena, Chairperson, was also attended by Shri S.S. Rana Member (P&V) and other officials.  One behalf of ITEF the following comrades attended the meeting.

                Comrades: A.B. Salunkhe (President); KP Rajagopal (Secretary General); Ashok Kr. Kanojia (Addl. Secretary); Ravi B Nair & Yshwant Purohit (Joint Secretaries).  Comrades Sita Rama Rao (President); Rajesh D Menon (Secretary General) and Anathanarayan V Iyer (Treasurer) were present on behalf of the ITGOA.  Outcome of the meeting on the issues pertaining to ITEF is as under.

1. Immediate implementation of Cadre Restrucgturing. The Official side informed that DOPT and DOE had raised certain queries and the same were replied.  Further a meeting was held with the Finance Minister on this issue on 14.11.2012.  The Chairperson also informed the staff side that the Finance Minister has laid out assurances of his intervention and speedy approval of the proposal.

2.           Outsourcing of permanent nature of work. The Official side informed that this is resorted to in view of acute shortage  of manpower.  Department is taking steps to ensure sufficient manpower is made available at the earliest. It was also agreed to give priority to finalise the cadre composition  and training to the newly recruited stenographers under overall monitoring of the CBDT.

3.                 Advance Increment to Sr. TA/Stgr. II on passing ITI Exam.The officials side informed the stand of the DOPT and DOE that the extant rules proscribed grant of advance increment to any category.  The proposal if pushed may lead to the review of the entire scheme of advance increment and stoppage of the same to other categories also. Therefore, the issue was allowed to pend to be taken up at the appropriate time.

4.       Provide Mobile Hand set to all.  The Chairperson informed the same will be reviewed and a positive approach will be made at the earliest.

5. Fixation of Pay of ITI/AO/PS- Anomaly thereof:  The officials side informed that the matter is being pursued at the highest level and with all sincerity.  Meanwhile necessary instructions will again be issued to stop the recovery until the issue is finalised by the DOE.                                                    

 6.       Setting up of Committee at CCA level for sanctioning prosecution by CBI.  The Officials side informed that as per the procedure the Appointing authorities are to accord sanction applying the mind in each case.  However instructions will be issued to all concerned that due diligence is adopted in dealing with such cases.

7.  Increase quantum of Petrol Allowance too Inspectors and Notice Servers.  The Chairperson pointed out that this issue needs examination since it is a new proposal and assured a speedy decision on the issue.

 8.       Tie up with Hotels for the benefit of Group B & C Officials on Training and Tour. It was informed by the officials side that necessary instructions have been issued on 26.11.2012 to all CCsIT for making tie-up with hotels within their entitlements by 15.01.2013( Copy of the letter is attached).  All the Circle General Secretaries are requested to take up the matter with the CCIT (CCA) and expedite the matter in identifying hotels at places where MSTU,RTI and CCA stations for this purpose.

 9.       Inordinate delay in settlement Medical Claims/advances above Rs 2 lakhs.  We have pointed out the inordinate delay in passing the medical claims.  It was also pointed out that the IFU is returning the bills with unnecessary and repeated objections several times even in the cases were bills are presented in total conformity with the requirement laid out in the  check list. .  They requested the Chairperson to bring the same to the notice of the  concerned authorities.  The Official side assured that the matter will be taken up with the Revenue Secretary and FFinancial Advisor.

Next Working Committee Meeting and Diamond Jubilee Function at PURI(Orissa). As already informed and as decided in the last CWC at Hyderatabad the next CWC Meeting and Diamond Jubilee function will be held at Puri on  1^st  and 2^ndFebruary, 2013.  The working Committee session is scheduled to be on 1^st February and the Diamond Jubilee functions on 2^nd February, 2012.  Notice for the same is being issued.  Details about the venue and other arrangements will be intimated by the Orissa Circle.  We have decided to invite our veteran leaders who have held posts in the Central Headquarters in the past, to this functions.  Invitations to the veterans are being sent through the respective Circle General Secretaries.  They are requested to take care of the travel and other requirements of the veteran comrades to enable them to attend the functions.

This small circle, apart from holding the CWC Meeting, has been given the additional task of holding the Diamond Jubilee function and has to take care of all the invited veterans.  You will appreciate the financial burden involved in the same. The Host Circle is bringing out a Souvenir in commemoration of the above occasion.  We therefore request you to extend financial help to the host unit by contributing Souvenir Advertisements.  Though we are not fixing any specific target to each circle, efforts may be made to contribute minimum of Rs 50,000 by major circles and Rs 25,000 by other circles.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

(KP Rajagopal)

Secretary General

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS
Manihsinath Bhawan
A/2/95 Rajouri Garden
New Delhi. 110 027.
Website: confederationhq. Blogspot.com.
E mail:confederation06@yahoo.co.in.


No. Conf/20/2012 Dated: 14th December, 2012

GLORIOUS RESPONSE TO STRIKE CALL

Dear Comrades,
                The one day strike on 12.12.12 in pursuance of the 15 point charter of demands elicited magnificent response from the Central Government employees. As per the reports received at the Confederation Headquarters from the State Committees and Affiliates, near about 70% of the CGEs whom the Confederation represents is reported to have participated in the strike action
                On behalf of the Secretariat, we convey our sincere gratitude and thanks to all our State/District/Branch level leaders and through them to all the members who participated in the strike.  We reproduce the Press statement issued by us on 12^th which is reflective of the extent of participation state-wise and organisation-wise.  During the three months long campaign and mobilisation programmes undertaken by our leaders, we could convincingly bring to the understanding of the rank and file of our membership the pernicious impact of the neo-liberal economic policies pursued by the Government since 1991.  The employees could realise more than ever before the need for united, organised and sustained struggles and responded admirably to the call.
                We were no doubt apprehensive of our decision to organise a day's strike sans the major section of the CGEs i.e. Railways and Defence Federations. We were also aware of the erosion of the efficacy of the Confederation came about in the background of prolonged confabulations and negotiations in the JCM sans struggles.   It, therefore, goes to the credit of the leaders of the affiliates and members of the State Committees that we could successfully overcome our weakness and bring about vibrancy and cohesiveness and enthuse our members for a decisive action.  The crowning success in our endeavour which was considered by many as adventurously risky in the beginning will embolden us to go ahead and chalk out much more intensive struggles in the days to come.
                The issues which we have projected through this highly successful strike action are of paramount importance and require to be settled without delay. We firmly believe that in the action programmes that will unfold in the coming months, those who did not have the courage to walk along with us on 12^th December, 2012 will join and this Government will be compelled to reverse its policies or perish.  We will ensure through sustained struggles and with unwavering determination that the PFRDA bill is withdrawn, the outsourcing, privatisation, contractorisation is ended; there are no informal, daily rated workers, the Grameen Dak Sewaks enjoy the  status, privileges , perks and salary of a regular employee;  discrimination on various matters like the compassionate appointment, overtime allowance, Bonus entitlement etc., is removed; that the Government employees enjoy the trade union rights, i.e. right to collective bargaining and strike,; that posts are created as per the work requirement; a decent career advancement scheme is evolved to all employees and above all revision of wages is effected through the setting up of the 7^th CPC together with the merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay for all purposes.
                We know there are innumerable problems, hurdles and difficulties.  We also know that nothing is insurmountable.  Let us with determination go ahead and intensify our campaign to make the next struggle, the two days strike on 20^th and 21^st February a grand success. 
                We must record our appreciation over the efforts of the State Committees in organising Press media meet and conferences, which immensely helped in getting widest possible coverage for the strike.   We thank those comrades who could persuade the honourable Members of Parliament to take up our problems with the Government.  Our communication to the Political Parties, Central Trade Unions, Federations and Associations has helped in bringing our demands and problems within the knowledge of the cross section of our countrymen.  We shall intensify our efforts in this regard. The strike action was covered extensively and widely by the Regional Electronic and Print Media and as usual was spurned by the National Media owned by the rich corporate houses.
                We express our gratitude to Com. Basudeb Acharya, Member of Parliament, Leader of the CPI(M) in Lok Sabha and a very senior leader of the CITU for raising our demands in the Parliament on 12^th December, 2012.  His submissions as it appeared in the Lok Sabha records are reproduced. 
`               The National Secretariat of the Confederation will meet on 2^nd January, 2013 at New Delhi.  Notice is issued separately and copy is enclosed.   We shall review the strike participation at the meeting with a view to remove the weakness manifested in certain areas during this struggle.  To help us to evolve the appropriate strategy to make the future struggles significantly of a higher dimension we request you to kindly favour us with a report in the following format.

Income Tax Employees & Promotee Officers strike total in Mumbai & all over the Country

We thank all officers and Staff members for making the strike in Income Tax Department in Mumbai  a total success. See below the Press Statement issued by the Confederation of Central govt. Employees & Workers, New Delhi on the impact of the Strike action. We strongly condemn the Mumbai Press for not taking congnigence of the strike action for whatever reason.

With greetings,

Ravi Nair,
General Secretary.

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

P R E S S     S T A T E M E N T

Dated: 12^th December, 2012

Nearly Ten lakhs Central Government employees took part in the one day token strike today, the 12^thDecember, 2012 on the call of the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, paralyzing the governmental functions in various departments throughout the country.  The strike was to protest against the continued efforts of the Government to enact the PFRDA Bill, whereby the existing defined benefit pension of Government employees is sought to be converted into a defined contributory pension scheme. Every reason, the Government advanced at the time of the introduction of the new scheme is found to be incorrect and misleading by the Experts Committee set up by the Government itself.

Besides, the employees had been demanding wage revision by setting up the 7^th Central Pay Commission, filling up large number of vacant posts, regularization of the service of Grameen Dak Sewaks/Casual/daily-rated workers, revival of the negotiating machinery i.e. JCM, removal of restrictions on compassionate appointments, introduction of Public Distribution system to arrest the ever increasing prices of essential commodities, stoppage of outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization etc. 

 As per the report received the strike was total in Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and beyond 80% in Maharashtra, Karnataka, U.P. Bihar, and about 60% in other States.  The Postal, Income tax, Groundwater Board departments came to a grinding halt in all States,  as the offices could not be opened at all. In Income tax Department, the promotee officers also joined the strike paving way of a complete closure.  Many establishments of Atomic Energy, Printing and Stationery, Defence accounts, Medical Depots, Audit and Accounts  Departments, Civil Accounts, CGHS, Indian Bureau of Mines, Directorate of Marketing Inspection, Geological Survey of India, Archaeological  and Botanical Survey of India etc. remained closed. 

 The organizers of the Strike have asserted that they will make the general strike of workers slated for 20^thand 21^st February, 2013 a grand success by enlisting participation of  all sections of the Central Government employees. 

 The Confederation will strive to organize an indefinite strike in pursuance of the 15 point charter of demands in 2013 if no settlement is brought about by the Government by then.  

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General