17th&
18th JANUARY, 2013
AT
Com. R.S. Pande Manch
Com. M.K.
Pandhe Nagar
(AMBAJHARI, NAGPUR)
SECRETARY GENERAL’S REPORT
AIDAEA
(HQ)
(Estd. 1925)
Recognised by Govt. of India
10A, S.K. Bose Road, Kolkata-700 001
Hon’ble President, Delegates, Observers,
Wish you
all a Happy New Year and express my heartfelt thanks for attending the 59th
National Conference of AIDAEA (HQ) Kolkata. I convey my deepest sense of
gratitude to the host unit of Nagpur. City of Nagpur has a rich heritage of
struggle towards Indian freedom movement against British rule that started
nearly three century back under leadership of Peshwa Raghoj iBhonsle.
Anglo-Maratha wars, Non Co-operation movement symbolize the courage and
sacrifices of Marathas to establish rights of the natives. In sixties Dalit
movement of Nagpur was led by Dr. B R Ambedkar.
We do respectfully remind the National martyr and Hero of Nagpur Late
Hemant Karkare, a brave Police officer who sacrificed his life in terrorist
attack at Mumbai for sake of safety of the Nation.
Fashion and
modern civilization has also started journey from this small city. First
textile mill of the country was established in this city. Renowned film
celebrity Ronit Roy is also hailed from this beautiful city. We are really
proud to arrange this prestigious National Meet in this central city of the
country.
Obituary
Before
coming to any other issues of the report let us pay homage to Com. Madhukar Kashinath Pandhe, an eminent
Trade Unionist and CPI (M) leader for his valuable contribution towards the
down trodden and the working class people and died on 20.8.11. Our Homage to Pandit Ravi Shankar, The Indian
legendary Sitarist and composer died on 12.12.12 in southern California.
With great
appreciation we would like to recall the multifaceted activities of Sri I.K. Gujral, Former Prime Minister,
Sibsena Suprimo Balasaheb Thackeray, Sri K.C. Pant, Former Defence Minister, Sri Vilas RaoDeshmukh, Former Chief
Minister of Maharashtra, Captain Laxmi Saigal,
the Freedom Fighter, Pandit Vim Sen Joshi,
the Vocalist, Bhupen Hazarika, the Singer and composer, Maqbul Fida Husain, the renowned Artist and Painter. We sincerely
pay homage to all the above personalities who rendered their exemplary services
to different faculties of life. We also extend our sincerest tribute to the
sports personalities- Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Toni Greig, Leslie
Claudius, Olympiad S. Manna & for their exceptional contribution to their
respective sporting fields. Film legends – Deb Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor,
A.K. Hangal and Yash Chopra passed away during the period creating irreparable
loss to the Indian film Industry.
It is a
most shocking that in the intervening period between the 58 & 59 National
Conference thousands of people lost their lives, properties due to
unprecedented natural calamities. We pay our sincere condolence to their
bereaved families.
We also pay
homage to all our Hon’ble MEMBERs who
passed away untimely while in service during the period and express our deepest
sense of condolence to the bereaved families.
Organisation
This august
Conference is expected to focus the future guidelines of Kolkata association.
Our organisation stands on three main pillars i.e. Honesty, Democracy and true
sense of struggle. The 88 year old organisation has a rich tradition of
struggle to achieve rights of the DAD employees around the country.
Bonus for
all, Extension of retirement age, Secretariat scale etc. are the achievements
of our long drawn consistent struggle.
The AIDAEA (HQ) Kolkata always makes ceaseless efforts to
work under a democratic environment as far as feasible. Utmost effort is given
to nominate our central leadership from every Zone of DAD offices all over the
country as far as practicable. However, 1/3rd strength of CEC
members are required from Kolkata and its outskirts to execute huge
administrative work of the association HQr. This is not only a convention from
the inception of the association but an absolute need for smooth running of day
to day disposal of correspondences to various DAD offices and our Branches
regarding staff grievances, circulation of program, organisational works etc.
Moreover, being the HQrs. it is naturally privileged with the prerogative to
nominate a sizeable number of CEC members to face the immediate challenges both
organizationally and constitutionally, irrespective of leadership acumen and
potentiality.
Nevertheless, more vacancies in CEC have been created for
our upcoming and efficient leaders around the country by reducing the strength
of Kolkata-stationed CEC members. However CEC may be expanded in future to
provide more accommodation for outstation efficient leaders.
I am happy
to intimate that now our organisation is enriched with good number of
efficient, dynamic, young and educated leaders in both national and Branch
level. As you know that an ideal leadership must keep constant touch with the
members so that our beloved members feel free to communicate their grievances
to our leaders as a valuable member of the AIDAEA family. We may not solve all
the problems, but may explain the reason with logic and patience to our members
why any problem remains unsolved. Our well educated members certainly realise
the limitation of a leadership and the organisation running under the periphery
of the government rules. Senior leaders should always co-operate the new
leadership for greater interest of the organisation. We must remember ‘Kal khel mey hum rahe na rahe, gardish me
tara rahenga sada…’
You are
aware that we had been in acute crisis in the late years of the past decade
while reforming process of our Central leadership. We even lost representation
in JCM levels and could not table the then staff grievances for 2 years through
any forum. But honesty, transparency and democracy brought us back to the
present position. As a result membership strength has been substantially
increased during the period. We have been able to open up new AIDAEA Branch
Units in certain offices hitherto barred to us. It is a sorry state of affairs
that leadership of our sister organisation AIDAA (CB) Pune is speaking lie
everywhere that Kolkata Association has
since been defunct and not functioning to enhance their membership
cunningly. I would like to inform you convincingly that our organisation is now
strong enough and all crises are over. A large number of young and dedicated
members and leaders have come up to our fold to strengthen AIDAEA (HQ) Kolkata
leadership. They are capable enough to run the HQr. efficiently in the days to
come.
It cannot
be denied that our leaders are very often victimized, this is because of the
fact the we never compromise with the authority on staff welfare issues and
fight and press on towards achieving our genuine demands. HQr. leaders never
confine themselves within the perimeter of speech but also participate in
various National program like March to Parliament, strikes, gate meetings, office
campaigns etc. which are part and parcel of our functioning to protest against
the deprival.
International situation
Twenty
first century has brought a lot of progress in the world of electronics and
communication. The world is now at our finger tips. Computer, Laptop, Notepad
etc. brought a new dimension in every sphere of our daily life. The e-commerce,
e-payment, website, blogs, twitters, e-mail etc. made the communication and
transactions easy and faster. But, the majorities of the people especially in
the third world countries are still in darkness and have no capability to enjoy
these facilities when they are struggling to manage their livelihood since a
blind has no effect of light and colour in his life. During the period under
review a drastic change has taken place in socio-economic field globally. The
global economic crisis since 2007 has mainly originated from European Nations
due to reckless lending and uncontrolled economy. Recession, unemployment and
outsourcing of job have created political turmoil not only in the developed
countries but also affected in the under developed country like us, which
further aggravated the condition of working class people. In this acute
economic crisis imperialism led by US is trying to shift their burden of crisis
to the developing countries.US led developed countries are intensifying
military intervention through NATO in west Asia to establish control over Asian
region. The world economic situation and prospect 2012 released a note by
United Nations that growth rate of 4% during 2010 came down to 2.8% in 2011. It
is speculating another risk of recession in coming days. Trade Unions and some
NGOs of almost all the nations have been fighting against the neo-liberal
economic policies in their respective countries; but it is very difficult to
resist such policies wherever ruling government established imperialism and
working under pressure of the capitalist economy classes. The imperialist
hegemony of the US and former European colonizers have significantly changed
many political regimes and developments in developing countries to satisfy the
US ambition.
In India
the struggle against imperialism, globalization and the anti-people neo-liberal
policies are inter-linked. The US led capitalist countries are constantly
trying to establish imperialism in third world countries initially by the form
of globalization and neo-liberal policies. This 59th Conference of
All India Defence Accounts Employees’ Association appeals to all our members to
extend their solidarity and support to the struggle against imperialist
domination and defend National sovereignty.
National Situation
It has been
experienced that during the past decade Union Govt. is recklessly trying to
implement pro-rich and neo-liberal economic policies in the name of economic
reforms or globalization. As a result poverty is intensifying day by day.
Peasants find no way to survive and working class people are on the threshold
of starvation. Prices of essential commodities, diesel, LPG, electricity are
mounting high. On the other hand the number of millionaires in the country is
on the increase. Un-employment is on the sharp rise. The latest NSS data shows
that total employment growth rate in India came down to 0.8% during 2005-10
while the same rate was 2.7% during 2000-05. Wealth and assets of big business
houses have reached to sky high in past two decades. UPA-II government is
putting its best efforts to disinvest core Banking and National Insurance
sectors, welcoming FDI. Globalisation requires ‘labour market flexibility’
which ultimately converts a labour to a bonded labour and reduces the rights to
Trade Unions. In United States only 7% labour are registered out of total
labour force working in the country.
Now let us
find out the reason why Union Govt. is trying to disinvest various sectors
despite experiencing recession of developed European countries and welcoming
FDI, which further destroy the future of small scale industries and retailers
of the country. The recession and protest against outsourcing in Western
countries have created massive curtailment in our Service & IT sectors
resulting reduction of export capital. To balance the export, our import is
also required to be reduced to stable the national economy. This is called
‘Current Account Deficit’ control. Higher the CAD rate greater the inflation.
Unfortunately the present pro-US Govt. will not stop importing foreign goods
because they are on the same boat of economic liberalisation and globalisation.
The alternate solution is to put more finance and resources to lessen CAD rate.
Since a huge amount of interest is periodically paid towards IMF loan it is not
possible to provide mammoth financing at this juncture. Hence foreign investors
are invited in various sectors with their laid down conditions. Besides levies
on fertilizers, fuels, LPGs etc. are withdrawn to arrange more finance to
control CAD rate. In such way National Economy can be controlled for a limited
period and not for ever. By this way developing countries are exploited by the
US-led foreign investors to establish economic imperialism. The situation can
only be permanently solved by boosting national industries, small scale
industries and controlling high level of corruption. Later one will be a
permanent solution for a healthy economy.
In our
country poor economy is the root cause of all the menaces, be they economic,
social or otherwise. Our Government miserably fails to provide basic needs of
food, shelter and education to all. The utter disparity of wealth and wide gap
between the haves and have-nots cause darkness to the society which erupts
criminal activities vigorously. The crime incidences of Molestations on women
are happening everyday around the country. We are helpless to save our
daughters. This House strongly condemns every humiliation committed against any
women and children. The wrong-doers must be sentenced by exemplary punishments.
Central Govt. Employees Movement :
The history
of revision of the wages of CG employees shows that they have to struggle for
wage revision for each occasion. The wage revision in last 6 CPC w.e.f.1.1.06
has lost its relevance with hike of prices of all essential commodities. Hence
revision of existing pay structure appointing 7 CPC immediately from 1.1.11 is
extremely logical. There are five major factors in support of the demands.
Firstly, wage revision in PSUs and other sectors usually take place in every 5
years. But we need to wait for more than a decade for the same. Secondly, the
existing pay structure by 6 CPC from 1.1.2006 is not only anomalous but also
irrational. There is no logical derivation of fitment benefits. Normally amount
of fitment benefit is the difference of revised and pre-revised minimum pay and
derived in pre-revised percentage. In 6 CPC only 40% of pre-revised maximum has
been given as Grade Pay or fitment benefit. In fact, after 1.1.2013 CG
employees will be getting lesser emoluments than that would have got as per 5 CPC
wage structure. Thirdly, in 5CPC structure we were awarded merger of 50% DA
with Pay to rationalize our pay structure. Unfortunately, 6CPC formula strips
of the benefit that we received earlier. So, we had to go for strike on these
issues alongwith other demands viz. withdrawal of PFRDA Bill (NPS), withdrawal
of bonus ceiling etc. Fourthly- to establish the right to strike. CG employees
are compelled to go for strike as last weapon when Govt. failed to honour its
commitments to provide minimum facilities for survival of a Govt. employee.
Fifthly- withdrawal of restriction to Compassionate Appointments. Purpose of
such appointment is to provide support to the bereaved families immediately on
humanitarian aspect. Should it be restricted by any means when the ill-fated
families need extreme monitory support after passing away of their dear ones?
So,
Confederation of CG Employees had to express the grievances by March to
Parliament on 26.2.12 followed by one day token strike on 12.12.12 on 15 point
Charter of demands. Nearly ten lakhs CG employees including AIDAEA (HQ) Kolkata
took part on one day token strike on Dec, 12. Though the demands are common and
logical ones for all the CG employees, unfortunately a few sections of
employees kept themselves away from such movements. We, the leaders must
introspect whether we have any lacuna to make all the employees aware and
conscious about the indispensability of the Strike action. Let this 59th
NC evolve some guidelines to our leaders on the strength of which we may achieve 100% participation in such
programs in future.
Departmental Issues:
DAD
employees all over the country have grievances in many issues time to time
which need to be addressed sincerely and properly in the various level of JCM.
HQr Association always pays attention to sort out all grievances of staff
members within the periphery of Govt. rules.
During
the last tenure we sorted out several issues like Promotion of Canteen
employees, conducting of departmental examination for MTS, promotion of MTS to
the grade of Clerk, Promotion of Record clerk to Clerk on priority basis,
payment of HRA and its arrear to DAD employees who are not residing in govt.
accommodation, Repatriation after immediate completion of tenure, long pending
Compassionate ground appointments, MACP benefits to DEOs, publication of All
India seniority list of Auditors for pay fixation, Duplicate copy of Service
Book to the individuals etc.
Besides,
some are the issues like stepping up of pay in respect of promoted Auditors and
direct recruited Auditors, promotion of Clerks and Auditors after completion of
5yrs. and 3yrs. of service respectively, Pay parity for SO/AAO at par with
IA&AD, Repatriation from Non-tenure station at own/state expenses,
Retrospective effect for belated promotion, Posting of spouse at same station,
Reduction of station tenure for Aruvankadu/Wellington, Regularization of daily
wages labour engaged in PCDA(Navy) Mumbai, more DAD accommodation at Mumbai,
Extension of CSD Canteen facilities, Fixation of retention period/tenure for
Jaipur station are on our priority list of constant effort and persuasion
towards its implementation.
Departmental
issues are very much related with the present economic policy of the Union
Government. The international and national developments are important factors
to decide in what way departmental issues would come up and how we are to
combat the problems. So we too are
partially dependent upon the mainstream trade union united movement. Vital
issues of our staff interests in our department are being ignored by the
Central Government. A number of anomaly cases and demands are lying unsolved in
DOPT since long. Departmental council and JCM - III at the level of CGDA are
not paying proper attention to solve the problems. So comrades, we have no alternative but to
choose a long-drawn agitation program which should be started immediately.
Decentralization:
The Authority thinks that decentralization is essential to meet the needs of
the user services promptly. On many
occasions we differ with the authority on policy matters since hardship and
distress of the DAD employees are ignored while decentralization of the DAD
offices. Defence Accounts always has been upholding a tradition of work culture
that never lets down our clients to raise any adverse complaint. We believe
that quality of work in DAD cannot be improved until mental and physical
condition of the DAD people is properly evaluated. Before decentralization of
any office attention should be given to back up with other tasks in
compensation for survival of the employees concerned. In fact, the creation of
new PCDA, CDA offices in different places are only to provide promotion of IDAS
at the cost of transfer of general staff for manning of new offices. Early days
DAD was controlled by only 11 Controllers and now those have been increased to
more than 40. For example Factory
Command was efficiently controlled by one Controller and more than 5000 staff
including officers working under the Controller. Now Factory Command is on the process of
decentralization to create higher posts. Hence, decentralization will simply
cause abolition of lower posts from an office which later intensify the
probability of transfer and unrest among general staff members, Moreover,
overloading of jobs, inhuman transfer etc. are squeezing scope of employment in
lower posts as well as promotions in certain cadres.
Compassionate
appointments on harness ground are extremely necessary for the bereaved
families immediately after passing away of their only earning member of the
family. We have strongly opposed the decimation of old cases (more than three
years) since the affected families have no lapse in formalities. Some long
pending cases of recruitment on compassionate ground has already been
materialised by constant negotiation with the authority. Residual cases of
compassionate appointments expected to be sorted out shortly.
As regard
transfer it is a ground reality that our department has not yet created a
comprehensive transfer policy with a pragmatic approach, so that both office
and staff will be benefited, despite our unending solicitation through table
talks and series of written communications.
We should have a realistic thought to run the DAD offices smoothly.
Office interest and staff problem both has to be taken into account while
manning in DAD offices. It is experienced that outstation transfer of staff is
neither beneficiary to the office nor beneficiary to the staff. Posting of
employees to distant stations do not only increase individuals’ personal and
his family problem but also deteriorates service quality of the employees
concerned who are transferred to outstations. They take frequent leaves to
visit their home stations and it further enhances Govt. expenditure to a large
extent. These unwanted problems hampered the work of the Department as a whole.
People having all India transfer liability serving throughout the country in a
complex network of Army, Air Force and Navy need to have a realistic transfer
policy with a human face motivating transferees to take up their new
assignments after completion of their tenure without any reservation or
resentment. Further, people residing
nearer to or in the distant station should not be disturbed at the cost of
others. Unfortunately some HoD still use
transfer as their tool to harass staff without having valid reason.
Our
Association has demanded Zonal Transfer, exemption of transfer of lady
employees, no transfer beyond 50 years of age, posting at choice station
immediately after completion of tenure of hard/tenure station etc. since long.
We strongly condemn CGDA’s any change in the existing transfer policy without any
consultation with both the Association in JCM forum. The discussions over
suggestions/proposals submitted by both the Associations for formulation of
transfer policy had been held time to time. The same could not be finalized so
far. Our outlook and perception on the subject is clear that the policy should
be formulated on the basis of humanitarian angle. We are also sincerely
thinking to find a solution in this regard. Our proposed Zonal Transfer Policy
can only solve staff deficiency in certain offices as well as staff
resentments. Authority should realize that the matter cannot be solved by them
alone by ruthless administrative ruling. In this 59th National
Conference the AIDAEA may further review the transfer policy on the present
context and take a unanimous decision for smooth running of offices and find
relief and save employees from their mental agonies.
Of late
CG’s attitude and response is positive and realistic to some extent in this
regard. Fresh recruits who are being posted far off places outside their home
state/zone are being repatriated to the station of their choice after
completion of tenure. Utmost effort has been given to post lady employees to
their home or choice stations. At this stage we are optimistic to reduce staff
grievances on outstation transfer and be able to formulate a comprehensive
transfer policy in consultation with the HQr Office.
Membership position:
Lot
of irregularities towards exercising Option for Association Membership has been
taken place at different offices throughout the country. Unfortunately, the
roles of administration in some offices were not impartial. Even administration
in some offices indulged in unfair means to help increase membership strength
of our sister association and simultaneously hatched plans to reduce AIDAEA
membership strength. In many offices guidelines of CGDA in this regard are not
maintained properly. Option forms are distributed in a bunch without having any
serial number or being registered. This is because of the fact that AIDAEA(HQ) KOLKATA
never compromises with the administration and becomes a stooge or yes-man in
the hands of administration. It is only the staff interest and welfare of the
staff which is be all and end all of its existence. Despite all these problems we could however
increase our membership strength notably in the last year. Membership strength
of PCA(Fys) Main Office and BGF has been increasing gradually. Strength also
enhanced in Allahabad, Delhi, Meerut, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Chennai etc. As per
the latest official information our present membership strength accounts for
6207 – less than 1735 than the membership strength of our sister organization
which is bent upon opposing our entry in the offices of PCDA(O) Pune, PCDA(SC)
Pune and CDA, Guwahati PCDA, Bangalore by undemocratic means The aforesaid
offices account for a sizable number of employees - more or less 4000 in number
which wholly belongs to our counterpart and which makes all the difference.
An Employees’ Association must be functioning in a vibrant and
dynamic way with definite purpose. It should have the capacity to organize
members of different nature and should fight for its members to achieve
justice. On the other hand it would be the constant endeavour of the primary
members to make themselves aware of the mainstream movement and to spend
minimum time when campaign programs are held. The Branch leadership at the base
level is the nuclear force of all activities and carries out program under
directive of HQr. association. They should have regular contact with the
members as well as HQr. association. Efforts should be given to keep regular
contacts with the members who are vacillating and lacking confidence towards
the organization. They should draw out the latent power of members who have the
capacity to enrich our organization. Branch leaders should regularly pass on
information on HQr activities as communicated to the grass root members.
Comrades, our 88 year old organization has a glorious history
of struggle for achieving our rights in DAD department. The benefits that we
are enjoying now are the result of united movement and dedication of our past
and present leadership. A section of employees believe that our authority or Govt.
provides us certain benefits on suo-moto basis. It is their ignorance or lack
of awareness towards the activities of association since they neither
participate in any program of the association nor enrich the organization by
any other support. Unfortunately they only restrict themselves by criticizing
the association/organization. Criticism with sincerity and objectivity is
welcome for an organization but criticisms with a malefied purpose never
strengthen us and ultimately reduce the resources of the organization. Sadly,
this association of ours also undergoes decadence and negativity arising out of
unrestricted personal ambitions of a few which get the better of the wellbeing
of the organization as a whole. These so called associationists prove themselves
to be sheer power- mongers and obsessed with posts and parks. Kolkata
association never compromises with injustice, never believes in tricks. We do
fight for the employees in true sense. We respond to the main stream programs
of Confederation. We physically take part in national program like March to Parliament & strikes for our logical demands.
Lastly I would like to remind you that the Association
leadership has no magic-stick so that all our grievances can be solved
instantly. The duty of the association is to raise voice on our demands through
meetings, rallies and campaigns. Only your active support in response of our
call is the basic need to achieve our demands. Unfortunately, a section of
people neither join in any meeting nor give passive support to the organisation
and restrict themselves to the roll of critic. They become conscious only when
they themselves are individually victimized. It is an irony of fate that this
set of people dream to reap rich dividend by weakening the association.
Practically, this is an absurd phenomenon. One can never be blessed with
automatic benefits from an association which has become a victim of their overt
or covert opposition day in and day out.
Of late a good number of young members have come forward to uphold the
flag of Kolkata association and expand our Branches in every corner of the
country. I am very much optimistic that these young members are capable enough
to maintain the rich tradition of the Kolkata association in years to come.
With
warm greetings,
LONG
LIVE AIDAEA (HQ) KOLKATA
Date
:17THJanuary, 2013. G. P. DUTTA
Ambajhari SECRETARY GENERAL
