Saturday, October 31, 2015














Dated: 30.10.2015
Dear Comrades,

                As you are aware, the National JCA of Central Government employees has decided to organize  Dharna and  rally on 19th at Jantar Mantar. The participation in the rally, as per the decision, will be from among the comrades working in and around Delhi.  The Delhi State committee of Confederation has been requested to organize campaign programme to ensure large scale participation of comrades working in the city of Delhi.  We appreciate that the programme comes in the wake of the National festival of Diwali, which is celebrated throughout the country but with much more enthusiasm in Northern parts of the country.  This makes the task of the Delhi State Committee much more difficult.  Being the decision taken at the National level and taking into account the issues involved, we request the Delhi State committee and the office bearers to take all necessary steps to ensure large number of Central Government employees in the rally on 19th.

                We have also requested the available members of the National Sectt. at Delhi to campaign at the adjoining areas of Delhi.   The programme chalked out in consultation with them is given hereunder. 

                We request the affiliates and the concerned State Committees to give necessary instruction to organize meetings on the indicated dates and places.  They are also requested to make necessary arrangements for the comrades from these places to reach  Delhi and back.

                With greetings,

Yours fraternally,


M. Krishnan
Secretary General

Date:                     Name of the comrades                                                Place

3.11.15                  KKN Kutty & Parasar                                       Ambala
4.11.15                  .do.                                                                        Agra
3.11.15                  MS.Raja & Balwinder Singh                         Chandigarh
4.11.15                  .do.                                                                        Simla
5.11.15                  Vrighu Bhattacharya & Rajkumar              Faridabad
12.11.15 to 17.11.15: Vrighu Bhattacharya,                           Delhi
 Giriraj Singh Ashok Kanojia and others                                 Delhi
16.11.17               KKN. Kutty & Parasar & A.K. Kanojia        Ghaziabad
17.11.17               KKN. Kutty & Parasar                                      Meerut.                                               

Thursday, October 29, 2015

GRANT OF DEARNESS RELIEF TO CPF BENEFICIARIES IN RECEIPT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT W.E.F. 01.07.2015.(Click the link below for details) http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/ppwg_281015.pdf

Tuesday, October 27, 2015


CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT DECIDED TO ORGANIZE NATION WIDE CAMPAIGN AND PROTEST PROGRAMME AGAINST THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDE OF THE NDA GOVERNMENT TOWARDS CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES DEMANDS

2015 NOVEMBER 2nd TO 6th
INTENSIVE CAMPAIGN AMONG THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES BY ORGANIZING GENERAL BODY MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, OFFICE TO OFFICE SQUAD WORK, DISTRIBUTION OF PHAMPLETS AND POSTERING

2015 NOVEMBER 6th
NATIONWIDE MASS DHARNA AT ALL IMPORTANT CENTRES

2015 NOVEMBER 19th
(a)   MASSIVE DHARNA AT JANTAR MANTAR, NEW DELHI. ALL NATIONAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION LEADERS (RAILWAY, DEFENCE & CONFEDERATION) AND ALL STANDING COUNCIL MEMBER WILL SIT ON DHARNA.
(b)   NATIONWIDE PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS IN FRONT OF ALL WORK SPOTS AND OFFICES.

Dear Comrades,

The National Secretariat Meeting of the Confederation held at Hyderabad on 09th October 2015 while endorsing the decision of the National Joint Council of Action (Railway, Defence & Confederation) to organize massive protest dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 19th November 2015 and also Nationwide Protest Demonstration in front of all works spot & offices, has decided to further intensify the protest action against the negative attitude of the NDA Government by organizing the following programmes: -
(1)   2015 November 2nd to 6th - Campaign Week.
(2)   2015 November 6th – Nationwide Mass Dharna at all Important centres.

The Campaign and Protest Dharna will be organized mainly on the following three issues: -
(1)   Non Settlement of any of the legitimate demands raised by the JCM Staff Side, National Council by the NDA Government.
(2)   Causing engineered delay by the Government in the submission of 7th CPC report by granting four months extension upto 31st December 2015, even when the Pay Commission was ready to submit its report within the stipulated time i.e. 28th August 2015.
(3)   Unwarranted intervention of the Finance Ministry in the independent functioning of the Pay Commission by issuing a statement asking the 7th CPC to factor into its report the fiscal concern of the government and thereby to pressurize the commission not to recommend wage rise on the basis of a sound and scientific formulation.

All affiliated organizations and C-O-Cs are requested to implement the above campaign and protest programme throughout the country in a most befitting manner.

Yours fraternally,

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General

CGHS: Medical Reimbursement Claim Form for Pensioners


 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Verification Of Medical Reimbursement Claims In CGHS and Guidelines for full reimbursement CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

J&K (Relaxation of upper age limit for recruitment to Central Civil Services & Post) Amendment Rules, 2015

Data on the representation of Other Backward Classes in Central Government Services - Meeting taken by the Parliamentary Committee of Welfare of Other Backward Classes held on 14.10.2015. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Strengthening of administration - Periodical Review under FR 56 (j)/ FR 56 (L) / Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Review of payment of Group Insurance of All India Services on E-payment. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

NPS Trust will start recovering fee/charge @ 0.01% of the AUM on daily accrual basis CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS



Saturday, October 24, 2015

CABINET APPROVES BONUS CALCULATION CEILING TO RS 7,000/-

The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to double the wage ceiling for calculating bonus to Rs 7,000 per month for factory workers and establishments with 20 or more workers.

“The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to enhance the monthly bonus calculation ceiling to Rs 7,000 per month from existing Rs. 3,500 was approved by Union Cabinet here,” a source said after the Cabinet meeting.

The amendment bill will be made effective from April 1, 2015. Now the bill will be tabled in Parliament for approval.

The bill also seeks to enhance the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from the salary or wage of an employee from Rs. 10,000 per month to Rs. 21,000.

The Payment of Bonus Act 1965 is applicable to every factory and other establishment in which 20 or more persons are employed on any day during an accounting year.

The bill also provides for a new proviso in Section 12 which empowers the central government to vary the basis of computing bonus.

At present, under Section 12, where the salary or wage of an employee exceeds Rs. 3,500 per month, the minimum or maximum bonus payable to employees are calculated as if his salary or wage were Rs. 3,500 per month.

The last amendment to both the eligibility limit and the calculation ceilings under the said Act was carried out in 2007 and was made effective from April 1, 2006.

Record Note of the 5th Meeting of National Anomaly Committee (NAC) held on 29th May, 2015 and 9th June, 2015

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

‘’दशहरा के उल्‍लासमय अवसर पर
हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं



Procedure for grant of permission for commercial employment after retirement – DoPT Gazette Notification on 15.10.2015  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
Record Notes/Minutes of Anomaly Committee Meetings held on 29th May, 2015 and 9th June 2015 issued by DoPT


Tuesday, October 20, 2015


Procedure for grant of permission for commercial employment after retirement – DoPT Gazette Notification on 15.10.2015 CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

 कर्मचारी के इस्तीफे पर भी नहीं रोक सकते पेंशन: सुप्रीम कोर्ट CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Cases of promotion taking place in the pre-revised pay structure between 1.1.2006 and the date of notification of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 and the subsequent merger of the pre-revised pay scales of the promotional and the feeder posts in a common Grade - Fixation of Pay  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS


Saturday, October 17, 2015

Grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) to the Central Government Employees for the year 2014-15

No.7/24/2007/E III (A)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
E III (A) Branch
New Delhi, the October 16, 2015
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: – Grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) to Central Government Employees for the year 2014-15.

            The undersigned is directed to convey the sanction of the President to the grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2014-15 to the Central Government employees in Groups ‘C’ and ‘D’ and all non-gazetted employees in Group ‘B’, who are not covered by any Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme. The calculation ceiling for payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders shall continue to be monthly emoluments of Rs. 3500/-, as hitherto. The payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders will also be admissible to the eligible employees of Central Para Military Forces and Armed Forces. The orders will be deemed to be extended to the employees of Union Territory Administration which follow the Central Government pattern of emoluments and are not covered by any other bonus or ex-gratia scheme.

2. The benefit will be admissible subject to the following terms and conditions:-

(i) Only those employees who were in service as on 31.3.2015 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2014-15 will be eligible for payment under these orders. Pro-rata payment will be admissible to the eligible employees for period of continuous service during the year from six months to a full year, the eligibility period being taken in terms of number of months of service (rounded off to the nearest number of months);

(ii) The quantum of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) will be worked out on the basis of average emoluments/calculation ceiling whichever is lower. To calculate Non-PLB (Ad-hoc bonus) for one day, the average emoluments in a year will be divided by 30.4 (average number of days in a month). This will thereafter be multiplied by the number of days of bonus granted. To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of monthly emoluments of Rs. 3500 (where actual average emoluments exceed Rs. 3500/-, Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) for thirty days would work out to Rs. 3500×30/30.4=Rs.3453.95 (rounded off to Rs.345%)

(iii) The casual labour who have worked in offices following a 6 days week for at least 240 days for each year for 3 years or more (206 days in each year for 3 years or more in the case of offices observing 5 days week), will be eligible for this Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) Payment. The amount of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) payable will be (Rs.12oox30/30.4 i.e.Rs.1184.21 (rounded off to Rs.1184/). In cases where the actual emoluments fall below Rs.1200/- pm, the amount will be calculated on actual monthly emoluments.

(iv) All payments under these orders will be rounded off to the nearest rupee.

(v) The clarificatory orders issued vide this Ministry’s OM No.F.14 (10)-E. Coord/88 dated 4.10.1988, as amended from time to time, would hold good.

3. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to the respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited.

4. The expenditure to be incurred on account of Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) is to be met from within the sanctioned budget provision of concerned Ministries/Departments for the current year.

5. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

(Amar Nath Singh)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India


Friday, October 16, 2015

MINISTRY OF FINANCE
CLAIMING OF MEDICAL EXPENDITURE FOR TAX PURPOSES MADE EASY 

One of the pillars of the of the taxation proposals included in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech for 2015-16 was extension of benefits to the middle class. In this process, the Finance Minister announced extension of certain benefits in respect of medical treatment under section 80DDB. This section allows a deduction for expenditure incurred on treatment of specified ailments.

Taking the process forward, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a Notification vide S.O. No.2791 (E) on 12th October 2015 amending Rule 11DD. The amended Rule relaxes the condition of obtaining the certificate for claiming expenditure under section 80DDB in respect of specified ailments from a specialist working in a Government hospital. As per amended Rule 11DD, the prescription can be issued by any specialist mentioned in the amended Rule. Henceforth, it will not be mandatory to obtain a certificate from a specialist working in a Government hospital.

The Notification is available on the website of the Income Tax Department www.incometaxindia.gov.in (PIB 14.10.2015)


Wednesday, October 14, 2015


CONFEDERATION NATIONAL SECRETARIAT DECIDED TO ORGANIZE NATION WIDE CAMPAIGN AND PROTEST PROGRAMME AGAINST THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDE OF THE NDA GOVERNMENT TOWARDS CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES DEMANDS

2015 NOVEMBER 2nd TO 6th
INTENSIVE CAMPAIGN AMONG THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES BY ORGANIZING GENERAL BODY MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, OFFICE TO OFFICE SQUAD WORK, DISTRIBUTION OF PHAMPLETS AND POSTERING

2015 NOVEMBER 6th
NATIONWIDE MASS DHARNA AT ALL IMPORTANT CENTRES

2015 NOVEMBER 19th
(a)   MASSIVE DHARNA AT JANTAR MANTAR, NEW DELHI. ALL NATIONAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION LEADERS (RAILWAY, DEFENCE & CONFEDERATION) AND ALL STANDING COUNCIL MEMBER WILL SIT ON DHARNA.
(b)   NATIONWIDE PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS IN FRONT OF ALL WORK SPOTS AND OFFICES.

Dear Comrades,

The National Secretariat Meeting of the Confederation held at Hyderabad on 09th October 2015 while endorsing the decision of the National Joint Council of Action (Railway, Defence & Confederation) to organize massive protest dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 19th November 2015 and also Nationwide Protest Demonstration in front of all works spot & offices, has decided to further intensify the protest action against the negative attitude of the NDA Government by organizing the following programmes: -
(1)   2015 November 2nd to 6th - Campaign Week.
(2)   2015 November 6th – Nationwide Mass Dharna at all Important centres.

The Campaign and Protest Dharna will be organized mainly on the following three issues: -
(1)   Non Settlement of any of the legitimate demands raised by the JCM Staff Side, National Council by the NDA Government.
(2)   Causing engineered delay by the Government in the submission of 7th CPC report by granting four months extension upto 31st December 2015, even when the Pay Commission was ready to submit its report within the stipulated time i.e. 28th August 2015.
(3)   Unwarranted intervention of the Finance Ministry in the independent functioning of the Pay Commission by issuing a statement asking the 7th CPC to factor into its report the fiscal concern of the government and thereby to pressurize the commission not to recommend wage rise on the basis of a sound and scientific formulation.

All affiliated organizations and C-O-Cs are requested to implement the above campaign and protest programme throughout the country in a most befitting manner.

Yours fraternally,

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

GUIDELINES ON FRAMING/AMENDMENT/RELAXATION OF RECRUITMENT RULES ON THE WEBSITE-REGARDING. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
  
Reiteration of the instructions on verification of claims of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes for purpose of appointment to posts/services.(Click the link below for details)


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Brief Note on JCM National Council Standing Committee Meeting held on 9th October 2015 at New Delhi.

Dear Comrades,

The Standing Committee of the JCM National Council met on 9th October, 2015.  As you are aware, earlier, the National JCA had decided to defer the strike action and organize a massive Dharna programme at Jantar Mantar on 19th November, 2015 to register its strongest protest over the Government’s engineered delay in the submission of the 7th CPC Report.   Later, the Finance Ministry has issued a statement asking the 7th CPC to factor into its report the fiscal concern of the Government, which was an unwarranted interference in the independent functioning of the Commission and to pressurise the Commission not to recommend wage rise on the basis of a sound and scientific formulation. 

The Staff side on receipt of the invitation to have the meeting on 9thOctober, decided to respond and convey to the Government their strong resentment over the virtual dilution of the negotiating forum as also the above concerns.  In the meeting the Staff side was informed that the Secretary Personnel would be meeting the Standing Committee soon and the meeting on 9thwas in fact only a prelude to understand each other’s points of views. It was in the background the meeting was held on 9th October, 2015. 

The leader and Secretary, Staff Side conveyed the unanimous decision of the National JCA as under to the Government.

(a)    The Standing Committee, as per procedure evolved, must be chaired by the Secretary Personnel.
(b)   The JCM Machinery’s functioning should not be diluted.
(c)    The promised meeting of the National Council has not taken place so far.
(d)   The minutes of the last two meetings of the National Anomaly Committee have not been formally issued.
(e)   ‘The Official side Secretary must convene a meeting of the Staff Side to iron out any difference in the draft minutes.’
(f)     Normally meetings are held after circulation of the ATS.  This has not been done.
(g)    The Official Side must convey the anguish of the employees over the delay in the submission of the report by the 7th CPC which they rightly feel has been engineered by the Government.  They also pointed out that they are constrained to believe that the Govt. was unnecessarily interfering in the functioning of the Pay Commission.

We give hereunder a brief resume of the discussions held on the agenda items.

After the initial remarks made by the Staff Side all issues in the charter of demands were discussed.  There had been however, no final settlement on any issue as the meeting itself was not convened for that purpose.  The Staff Side stated that even the promises held out in the last meeting that the Departmental Council meeting would be held soon was not honoured. 

On the question of Pay revision related issues, viz. Interim relief, DA merger, inclusion of GDS etc . elaborate discussions were held.  It has come out clearly that on all these issues, the Finance Ministry has taken an nugatory Stand, even though the arguments put forth were extremely untenable.  It was pointed out by the Staff Side that the Interim relief and DA merger was denied on the specious plea of submission of the report in the stipulated time.  Having extended the time, the Govt. ought to have considered the grant of these two demands.  There had been a very elaborate discussion on the question of inclusion of the GDS within the purview of the 7th CPC.  The Postal Department’s representatives narrated the efforts made by them to the Government for conceding this demands.  The Finance Ministry has stood firm and objected to the demand being agreed to.  The Staff Side has, in the given situation of the 7th CPC having finalised its report, requested the Government to refer the matter to a Judicial Committee headed by the present Chairman, 7th CPC as he has now been fully apprised of the functioning of various ministries and Departments of the Government through the interaction with the Staff and official sides.    No commitment was however made by the Government to the above suggestion.

On the question of induction of FDI in Railways, Corporatisation of Postal Department and Defence organisations, the representative of the Railway Ministry stated that they are constantly discussing the issues with the Railway Federations and was exploring the possibility of reaching an agreement.  In the case of corporatisation of the Postal Department, it was stated that the recommendations made by the Committee was discussed with the Federations and it has been agreed that except induction of  certain professionals at the managerial level to fine tune the functioning of the Department in the changed scenario, the Federations have been assured that no structural changes would be made without consulting them.  However, in the case of Defence, no discussions with the Federations have been held so far.

PFRDA.  The Staff Side pointed out the present scenario in the Government offices, where the number of employees and officers who are outside the ambit of the statutory pension scheme has grown and have reached in certain organisations to the extent of 25 to 30%.  These employees are extremely concerned of the new scheme and their anguish have been expressed in many forms.  The Unions would be compelled to take drastic action if the Government refuses to heed to their plea to effect a relook or revisit on the matter.  The representatives of the Railways pointed out that the Honourable Minister for Railways was convinced of the situation and that was the reason why he had written to the Finance Ministry that in the given situation of the Railway functioning, the new scheme would not only jeopardise the interest of the Railwaymen but also of the Railway Industry itself.

On the specific question raised by the Staff side in the last meeting in respect of resolving the issues of Medical Store Deport and the Printing and Stationery department,  the Staff Side stated that only the meeting of the Medical Store Depot was held and the issues have been resolved to some extent.  The Printing and Stationery Department has now sent a communication to the Staff Side fixing the meeting on 15th October ‘15. The general issues emanating from the policy of outsourcing and contractorisation was also discussed at length. 

JCM functioning had been the central point of discussions.  The Staff Side has pointed out that unless the Government makes up its mind that the machinery should be put on operation, no industrial peace would come in the functioning of the various departments of the Govt. of India.  The Staff side asked the Department of personnel to collect the information of the number of cases litigated in the courts by the Government employees in 1991 and 2015 and make a comparison to know the seriousness of the problem.

On compassionate ground appointments question, it was  stated by the Staff Side that despite advancing no cogent argument by the official side for retaining the 5% ceiling,  the Department of personnel does not want to make a relook into the matter.  The Staff Side pointed out that large number of applications were pending in various Departments, and the concerned department would not be able to clear them even after 20 years for want of the requisite vacancies.  They also pointed out that the decision of the Government to impose the 5% ceiling was amounting to a cruelty imposed on the family members of the Government servants who dies in harness.

The Labour Ministry representative was present at the meeting. The meeting did not discuss the merits and demerits of the labour reforms as the Trade Unions in the country has rightly concluded that it has been conceived to favour the corporate houses and to take away the existing privileges of the workers.  The point at issue, however, at the meeting was as to why the Labour Ministry did not cause a consultation with the Industrial Federations in the Government of India, for whom the Industrial Disputes Act is applicable. The Labour Ministry has assured to convene a meeting of the representatives of such organisations soon. 

The Labour Ministry representative also stated that the government has agreed to raise the bonus ceiling but it would not be appropriate for him to make a mention of the quantum as the Cabinet is yet to give its clearance.  The Government would be able to take a decision in the matter only after the Bihar elections are over.


The Staff Side explained the background of the demand for five promotions.  The reaction of the official side was that the matter must be appropriately discussed only after the 7th CPC report is made available. 

WOMEN'S WORKSHOP CONFEDERATION

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

REPORT ON THE TWO-DAY ALL INDIA WOMEN’S WORKSHOP HELD AT HYDERABAD ON 9-10 OF OCTOBER 2015

Mehadi Manzil, Income Tax employees Quarters located at Hyderabad has been the buzz of activity with reverberating assertive voice of the women employees of the various Departments of the Central Government, who congregated from all over the country for a two-day workshop. This workshop is organized under the aegis of Confederation of Central Government employees and workers.

The programme commenced with the hoisting of Confederation Flag by Com. Usha Bonepalli, Chair Person, Women’s Sub-Committee accompanied by com. R. Seethalakshmi, Convenor, Women’s Sub-Committee. Led by Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, Confederation all the Secretariat members and women delegates paid floral tributes to Com. S. K. Vyasji and other martyrs.

Inaugural Session on 09-10-2015 commenced with the warm welcome address by Com. V. Nageswara Rao, General Secretary, Confederation of AP and Telangana State. Com. Usha Bonepalli with her thought provoking Presidential address set the tone of the Workshop.

Com. Hemalatha, Convenor, All India Working Women’s Coordination & National Secretary, CITU inaugurated the Workshop with her insightful address on the topic “ Indian Working Class – Challenges and Our Task”. Com. Hemalatha, recapitulating the tremendous success of the nationwide Strike on 2nd September 2015, probed the reasons for relating the demands of the strike by different sections of the society and the working class. The strike call was given by 11 Central Trade Unions, independent Federations and Associations.

The last minute of withdrawal by BMS saying that they are satisfied with the positive response of the Government is most unfortunate. The ground reality on the price rise, the minimum wages, bonus, FDI, contract workers, casual workers is entirely different and there is no positive response from the government. Government is openly and brazenly going ahead with the anti worker policies with increased pace.

The participation of the large sections of the people and workers in the strike gauges the resentment of the people at large and workers and employees in particular. The price rise posed a big threat to the women and common worker. The issue of minimum wage is very important issue for the lakhs of Asha workers numbering one crore are not paid any wage by the Government. They are paid only incentive ranging from Rupees 2000 to 3000. The other demands like Casualization, Contract and Out sourcing, Amendment to Labour Laws, FDI in Railways & Defence etc are the issues which are affecting the employees and common people alike. Com. Hemalatha identifying the connecting factor of all these ills, exhorted the employees to fight against that root cause. The germination of all these demands of the workers is the “policy of the successive governments”. The content of the policy has to be understood and attacked. The names coined to dress these policies are very attractive. The phrases like Structural changes, De-regulation, Empowering, Reform etc are deceptive. These policies originated from the philosophy of neo-liberal economics were implemented by the previous governments and being implemented by the Government of the present day more vigorously are the root cause of the misery of the common people and workers. The Trade unions, which are opposing these policies, are branded as anti-development. The result of implementation of these policies is maximization of profit to the national and multinational corporates and reduction of share of wages, joblessness, casualization and controctorisation of permanent employment pushing the large sections of the society to poverty and insecurity.

The biggest challenge to the working class now is to establish the credentials that it is not anti-development.  The perception and vision of the development of the rulers is not in the interest of the majority of the population of this country. The Trade Unions are questioning this lopsided development.

The present day labour laws are not applicable to the 94% of the workforce of this country. Now the present Government wants to even deprive the 6% of the workforce the protection of the labour laws. To tilt the balance in favour of the few industrialists and give them the unchecked power to hire and fire the amendments to the existing labour laws are proposed. The untiring effort of the government to amend the Land Acquisition Act is only to favour the corporates. The proposed amendment of labour laws is intended to ban the strikes with the threat to impose a fine of Rs.25000 to 50000 and jail term for going on strike and for encouraging the strike. 

Com. Hemalatha, in her analytical address appealed to the workers and employees to face this challenge by safeguarding the unity in spite of the attempts to divide the workers in the name of religion, region community, caste, gender and language. The unity emerged at the national level, she said that, should percolate to the grass root level. The unity should be achieved by crossing the barriers of organized, unorganized, central, state and private employees. Concluding her speech com. Hemalatha gave a call to the entire women employee to play a larger role in building up such a united movement to safeguard the interest of this country.

The Second lecture is delivered by an eminent and well-known Social Scientist Professor, G. Haragopal, Fellow ICSSR, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a visiting Professor National School of Law, Bengaluru. His talk is on “Neo-liberal economic model – Women”. In his inimitable way he explained how the assumption of the capitalist philosophy that the human beings are driven by self-interest. They are self centered, egoistic, autonomous is erroneous and more particularly in the case of women. Women gives life, nurtures that life sacrificing everything and by any stretch of imagination women can be called a human being driven by self-interest. He explained how the capitalism rocks the women of her essence, dignity and equality. He thoroughly exposed the hollowness of the assumption of the capitalism that human beings are driven by self-interest etc. In the Capitalism the labour of millions of women is going unrecognized because of the value system. The violence against the women became structural. Patriarchal values extended to work place and harassed and attacked the women dignity. The neo-liberal model has gone one step ahead and defined human being selfish and concern for others come from the weakness of the incomplete human being. It replaced the meaningful life with comfortable life. It has dehumanized the human being. Such philosophy is dangerous and more disasters for women. In that frame work every relationship becomes a commodity. Prof Haragopal very emphatically declared that the neo-liberal economic model is the negation of the essence of human life and hence it has to be discarded. Human beings should work for collectivism and for a better society. Women are by nature humane. They should not only humanize the family but also should act change agents to make the society a better place to live in.  

In the afternoon session, Ms. Shyamasundari, Advocate has taken a class on the awareness on the women’s Law. She has explained the various legal provisions and constitutional rights of women.

Com. Mallu Swarajyam, the living legend of Telangana Armed Struggle addressed the women delegates and inspired them. She narrated how the common people including women fought the injustice and atrocities of the landlords, Zamindars and Nizam. She described the valiant fight of the great women Ilamma to protect her four acre land. She exhorted all women to fight the present day exploitation with determination.

The first day session concluded with scintillating street play “Veera Telangana – The Peasants Armed Struggle” by Praja Natya Mandali.

The Second day of the Workshop is presided by Com. Seethalakshimi. She has brilliantly narrated the present day problems of the women and need for participation of women in the union activities.

Com. Girija, Assistant General Secretary, All India Insurance Employees Association has taken class on the topic “Role of Women in Trade Union and Society.” She has narrated how the working women are subjected to discrimination. She told about the absence of Committees at many work places against the Sexual harassment of women. She vividly explained the need for women to jointly fight with men against the anti-employee policies. She emphasized the need for women to take part in the union activities and responsibilities. Com. KKN, Kutty, President addressed the delegates and briefed the latest developments. He stressed the need for making the struggle on the demands of the central government employees a grand success by active participation of the women comrades. In the interactive session all the members of Secretariat of Confederation spoke and greeted the delegates. Women delegates from various states participated in the discussion and expressed their opinion. About 20 delegates addressed the workshop with clarity of thought, conviction and confidence. About 200 delegates attend the workshop. The youngest delegate is 24years of age and the oldest delegate is 59 years of age. The Workshop ended with vote of thanks by Com. Manushi Choudary, Member of Women’s Sub-Committee, NFPE.

The entire proceedings were conducted in a disciplined manner. The enthusiasm shown by the women delegates, their involvement and participation proved that the purpose of the workshop is attained. The Reception Committee made all the arrangements for stay and to conduct the workshop in a serene and congenial atmosphere.  It is sure that the Hyderabad Workshop shall be remembered for its rich content, hospitality and brilliant participation for times to come.



(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General