SIGTUR Conference

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS

 

Manishinath Bhawan

A2/95 Rajouri  Garden

New Delhi. 110 027

Website: confederationhq.blogspot.com

E mail. Confederation06@yahoo.co.in

 

Conf/10 /2010

Dated: 28^th April, 2010

Dear Comrades,

            The IX congress of SIGTUR (Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union rights) was held at Sao Paulo in Brazil from 18^th to 22^nd April, 2010. On bebalf of the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and workers, Com.K.K.N. Kutty Secretary General attended the Congress.  The Indian delegation was led by Com.M.K. Pandhe, Vice President, CITU.  India was represented by 16 delegates representing various industry wise unions and Federations.  We reproduce hereunder the article written by  Com. Pandhe on the proceedings of the Congress.  Later we shall publish the final declaration adopted at the Congress on receipt of the same from Com. Rob Lambert.

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

 

 

K.K.N.Kutty

Secretary General

           

 

 

 

NINTH  CONGRESS OF SIGTUR.

Trade Unions in developed countries

to strengthen struggle against

globalisation and for T.U. rights.

Dr.M.K.Pandhe

One hundred and ten delegates from 26 countries who assembled at Sao Paulo (Brazil) at the ninth congress of Southern Initiative on Globalisation and T..U. rights held on 18-22 April, 2010 expressed their firm determination to fight the polities of globalisation and attacks on T.U. rights all over the world. 

            CUT, the largest trade union in Brazil hosted the congress which was held in Hotel Braston where all facilities were provided for the congress.

            Joao Antonio Felicio, Head of the international department welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Reception Committee while Rob Lambert, regional co-ordinator presented a key note address detailing the deepening crisis of the Capitalist system undertaking the need to fight the polic8ies of globalisation dictated by the world bank and IMF.  He explained the progress made by SIGTUR in unifying the T.U.movements of developing countries in the struggle against attacks on the working and living conditions of the workers in the southern part of the world.

            Countries which participated were Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Colombia from Latin America, South Africa, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Guinea, Kenya, Sicea Lione, Congo, Tunisia, Zambia, Angola and Eritrea from Africa, India, Thailand, Malayasia, Indonesia, East Timora, Philippines and South Korea from Asia and Australia. 

            Delegates participating in the debate pointed out how the offensive of the MNCs is more ferocious, than the resistance of the working class to these attacks. They noted that the dominant T.U. leadership in the world is striving for global agreements with capitalists which give very little to the working class and takes away much from them.  While pointing out the gravity of the situation created by the global capitalist economic crisis they also pointed out that the crisis cannot be arrested so long the capitalist system exist in the world.  Indian delegation explained how united movement can be built at a national level in spite of the ideological differences within the trade union movement which was clearly seen in the all in unity built in India on 5 points charter of demands. South Africa noted that the strengthening of the class struggle was the need of the hour; Latin American delegates asserted the need to fight against imperialist machinations to subjugate the national sovereignty of developing southern countries.  The delegations from Australia emphasised the need to strengthen the solidarity action to intensify the resistance of the working class.

            Sixteen member delegation from India consisted of representatives of CITU, All India State Government employees Federation, the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, All India Insurance Employees Association and the All India LIC  Agents organisation.  One representative from NTUI  from India came to attend the congress.  However, the regional co-ordination  committee disapproved his participation since he was not representing any accredited Central Trade Union in India.

            Four Commissions were organised during the congress which discussed at length the topics of current interest.

            The first commission was on the question of free trade, multilateral institutions and struggle for global justice which considered the exploitative and destructive logic of the so called free trade, free investment and the unimpeded movement of finance capital.  It discussed the role of existing multilateral institutions such as the WTO, World Bank, and the IMF which serve the needs of MNCs and global finance capital undermining the interests of the global south.  The participants in the discussions emphasised the need for MNC level co-ordination of T.U struggles and opposition to the market driven forces all over the world. 

            The second commission discussed the crisis of capitalism and how it imposed miseries on the working class and the toiling masses, while bail- out packages were provided for those who were responsible for the crisis, the working class who were not responsible for the crisis had to face the main brunt of the crisis. No bail- out package was offered to the working class who suffered most due to the closure of units leading to unemployment, ,massive retrenchment, lay off, wage cut  and reduction of social security benefits.  It reviewed the struggles conducted in various countries and called for strengthening and co-ordinating these struggles so that the interest of the working class was protected. 

            The reckless development of industries, in advanced capitalist countries has resulted in dangerously increasing carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere which has resulted in growth in temperature on the earth. They Kyoto declaration provided reduction in carbon dioxide emission levels.  However, in global north the emission levels have gone up violating Kyoto declaration.  In the Copenhagen summit the advanced capitalist countries tried to bring pressure on developing countries to bring down their emission levels.  The technology of green development is controlled by the MNCs and they charge high amount for the transfer of technology.  Climate change has thus become a profitable venture for the companies  controlling the technology.  The trade unions should fight  for free transfer of green technology and bring pressure on the Northern countries to drastically curtail their Co2 emission level.  I was given the responsibility to chair the commission.

            The third commission was on the role of the Transnational Corporations and prospects of enhancing working class solidarity.  It reviewed how the globalisation has helped the  corporations to increase their profitability by intensifying the exploitation of workers.  They refuse to recognise the right of the collective bargaining to the workers and bribe the officials of the developing countries to ensure their connivance at their exploitation.  The turnover of some of the corporate is more than the National Budgets of some of the African Countries.  During the last two decades  these companies have acquired enormous financial power to control economy and natural resources over a large part of the globe.

            The fourth Commission was on the concept of Decent work talked over by the ILO Director General.  It discussed how informalisation of the work has resulted in casualisation and contractorisation of the workforce.  Outsourcing of a large number of jobs has drastically brought down the permanent workforce in most of the undertakings.  On the plea of competing n the global market labour costs are being curtailed through the mechanism of irregular employment.  This mechanism  has brought about the abuse of workers' rights to get decent work. Women and children are increasingly used as cheap source of labour to augment the profitability of the corporate sector.  Labour immigration, both national and international has become a common phenomenon in most of the countries.  The Governments of most of the developing countries are supporting are supporting the exploitation on the plea of boosting foreign direct investment . Workers struggles are facing brutal repression and their right of collective bargaining and strike are being callously undermined.

            A special commission was arranged to consider the gender issues and the serious discrimination being faced by the women at the workplace.  It was  participated by both men and women delegates.  Unequal wages, sexual harassment of women at workplace, denial of social security benbefits, denial of proper promotional avenues were discussed at length by the delegates.  The participation of women at policy making bodies is extremely less compared to their rise in employment.  The Commission advocated the meetings of trade unions taking gender issues more seriously and strive to ensure end of all discrimination against working women. Special emphasis was given on this question since this was the centenary year of the observation of international women's day all over the world.  

            The ninth congress was addressed by the Minister in Lula Government of Brazil.  He pointed out that the Government has to rely on the support of the Centrist parties which created limitation on the role to be played by the Government.  He explained the steps taken by Lula Government to increase the minimum wages in Brazil and the steps taken to develop a self reliant economy.  He emphasised the need to strengthen the BRIC  (Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa) as well as IBSA(India, Brazil and South Africa)alliances so that developing countries interests are protected.

            The Congress also heard the detailed presentation by Prof. Emir Sader who analysed the developments in Latin American countries which was once considered as backyard of U.S. Imperialism but which has now become the mainstay in the struggle against imperialism.  He noted how reactionary forces in Latin America backed by imperialism are playing the role of opposition to the progressive policies pursued by the left oriented Governments to bring back the rule of reactionaries in Latin America.  He expressed confidence that the people in Latin America will defeat the designs of the reactionary forces

            In a special session the congress discussed the need to use modern communication technology to convey information about the struggles conducted by trade unions in different countries.   Eric Lee explained through video conference how such a technology can be used free of cost  by the trade unions to strengthen solidarity actions in their struggles.  The concept of Union book to communicate information was also discussed by the congress.

            The Congress passed resolutions condemning the Israeli aggression in Palestine and called for solidarity action to establish a home land for the people of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. By another resolution the congress condemned  kidnapping and killings of several trade union leaders in Colombia and demanded full restoration of  trade union rights for the workers.  The Congress condemned the occupation by Moroccan  troops the territory of Saharan Republic. It supported the ten month long struggle of  the Canadian miners against the Brazil MNC VALE.  It expressed solidarity support to the people of Erritria against foreign military intervention.

            Special meetings of Trade unions in Asia, Africa and Latin America were held and the plenary session was reported about the struggfles conducted by the Trade Unions in these continents.

            The Congress further considered future activities of the SIGTUR. On behalf o f the Asian Group it was suggested to have continent wise co-ordination of activities so that global struggles could be strengthened.  The Asian Trade unions meeting decided to constitute an Asian regional co-ordination committee with Com.K.K.N. Kutty from India as the Regional Co-ordinator. 

            The Asian group suggested that there should be a dialogue between trade unions of North and South should come together to launch programme to oppose capitalist exploitation.  It further suggested that working class should be ideologically educated to accept socialism as the only alternative to capitalist economic crisis. 

            KCTU of South Korea decided to organise protest demonstration when G 20 countries meet in South Korea in November.  It was suggested that trade Unions should participate in the protest rally. The Indian delegation suggested to observe October 7^th and November, 16^th world protest and anti –repression days and ensure the observation thereof by all participating organisations in SIGTUR.

            On 22^nd April, the delegates visited the H.Qrs of CUT and President CUT gave an account of the trade union movement in Brazil.  The delegates were also explained about the landless people's movement in Brazil and the land reforms undertaken in the state which resulted in increase of food-grains production in the State.

            In the end the Congress adopted a declaration stating the conclusions of the congress.  It visualised a world free from nuclear weapons, wars of aggression and occupation, economic blockades and unjustified sanctions.

            The Congress declared that it would strive to establish gender equality in all respects and creation of a world free from all forms of exploitation.  The congress called upon the working class to prepare for a united struggle against the globally co-ordinated forces of neo-liberalism in the multi-nationals, in the banks and stock markets of the world and in the IMF, World Bank and the WTO.

            The declaration ends with a clarion call to the trade unions of South to strengthen their class struggles and solidarity action so that the process of neo liberalism can be reversed through united  might of the workers struggles.

O0o

Circular No.9

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

Conf No. 9/2010

Dated: 27^th March, 2010.

Dear Comrade,

                                    Sub: National Anomaly Committee meeting

                                    And decisions.

 

The 2^nd meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held today under the Chairmanship of  the Secretary Personnel.  The Confederation was represented by Com.Vyas, President and Com. K.K.N. Kutty, SecretaryGeneral.

 

The Chairman in his initial opening remarks said that it would be the endeavour of the Government to finalise the issues of anomaly as fast as possible.  Since there  had been difference in perception on certain issues, they had to be gone into in detail and would take time more than expected.  He said that the National Council meeting which was scheduled to take place last month had to be postponed for reasons beyond.  He added that the same has now been scheduled to take place in May,15,  2010 and the notices have been issued.  He expressed his happiness that the last meeting had been held in a very conducive atmosphere and hoped that all problems would be able to be settled through dialogue.  Since the Official side representing the Pension department had to attend another meeting, he suggested to discuss the issues pertaining to Pensioners first before the other issues are taken up.  The Staff Side agreed to this suggestion.

 

Com. Raghavaiah, Leader Staff Side while thanking the official side for convening the second meeting  thanked the Chairman for the assurance of a speedy settlement of the issues.  He hoped that the official side, having not circulated the Action Taken Statement on the issues discussed at the last meeting, would indicate of the progress registered on those issues.  He then dealt with various problems emanating from the implementation of the MACP.  While the MACP assures three financial up gradation for every employees, it has resulted in certain difficulties for the existing employees.  The liberalization that is stated to have been done to the Assured progression scheme, he said, has resulted in the de-liberalization in the case of certain employees. H expressed the hope that the official side would be ale to appreciate these problems and resolve them.

 

Com. Purohit thanked the Chairman for his statement of finding settlement to all problems through discussions.  He added that the JCM was in fact formulated for that purpose and it has worked very well, through there had been aberration in the past in the periodicity of meeting etc.  He said that the 6^th CPC has treaded a path different than those of all other earlier Pay Commission, as they have introduced a new concept in the Pay structure of Central Government employees.  Initially the employees have only looked at the financial benefit but later they have realized that there had been certain basic changes effected.  He then reiterated his statement made at the last meeting over the definition of the term anomaly.  The understanding reached was to have the same definition for the term anomaly as was given at the time of setting up of the anomaly committee after the 5^th CPC recommendation.  That was on the basis of an agreement reached between the Staff Side and the Group of Ministers.  Since the Government functions are mostly on the precedence, he was afraid that the present definition would be quoted in future too.  He, therefore wanted this fact to be properly recorded so that the present definition afforded to the term anomaly would not be a dilution of what it was earlier.  He then pointed out that while all allowance in general had been doubled by the 6^th CPC for which there had been a specific recommendation, in some cases, the Commission had recommended for replacement of such allowances by another scheme viz. insurance etc.  The Insurance scheme has still not been introduced whereas the allowances were withdrawn.  He was of the opinion that these allowances must be continued till such time the alternative scheme is ushered after consultation with the Staff side and the same should be appropriately doubled.  He cited the issue pertaining to Patient care allowance and the risk allowance. He said that the insurance scheme envisaged would not be easy for being settled as many issues emanating there from will have to be discussed threadbare.

 

Regarding the issues emanating from the MACP scheme, he requested the Chairman, to set up a separately committee with a few from the official side and staff side where all issues could be discussed and then brought to the Committee for its final approval or rejection as the case may be  He also referred to the issue of merger of CCA with transport allowance and the repercussion especially in the matter of overtime emoluments of industrial workers.  He expressed the hope that the Committee would be able to address all issues and settle them in an amicable manner.

 

            The Chairman, in reply to the initial remarks made by the Leader and Secretary said that:          

(a)    Joint Committee may be set up for discussing the MACP related issues;

(b)   Reiterated his request that all problems and difficulties faced by the employees in implementation of the 6^th CPC may be brought to the notice of the Department of Personnel and these could be addressed and placed on website of the Department, so that it could obviate reference to various nodal departments of the Government. The employees could be given the clarification on these issues.

 

Com. Vyas said that the proposed insurance scheme would not take care of the risk factor both of industrial workers and health workers, who are covered by the risk allowance and the patient care allowance.  These allowances ought to have been doubled, whereas the risk allowance has been totally stopped without introducing the insurance scheme and PCA has been continued but at old rates.  No assurance was forthcoming from the official side either on the continuation of the risk allowance or doubling the PCA, as the 6thCPC has suggested for the withdrawal of these allowances.   

 

The following issues were discussed, thereafter.

 

(I)                 Pension related issues. Agenda Item No. 8. Item closecd as having been settled in the last meeting.

(II)              Item No. 9. Anomaly in pension for Govt. employees retired/died between 1.1.2006 and 1.9.2008.  Having been permitted to opt which is beneficial i.e. last pay drawn or 10 months' average and full pension after 20 years, the matter stands settled.

(III)            Item No. 10 dropped as per the minutes of the last meeting.

(IV)           Item No. 15. The official side stated that this was not acceptable even though they had examined it on the basis of the detailed submission by the Staff Side.

(V)              Item No. 16.  (*) and 21

The official side stated that it would not be possible for them to concede the demand of the staff side as orders have been issued strictly in accordance with the recommendation of the 6^th CPC, which the staff side contested. They also did not agree to extend the benefit of last pay drawn and full pension after 20 years qualifying service in respect of pre 2006 retirees.

(VI)           Item No. 17.(*).  The official side did not agree for the reasons they had stated against item No. 16

(VII)         Item No. 18. (*) This anomaly has been removed by allowing the last pay drawn as the basis of pension computation for those retired on and after 1.1.2006. 

(VIII)      Item No. 19 (*)The anomaly has been removed in the case of all those retired between 1.1.2006 and 1.9.2008 but did not agree to remove the anomaly in the case of persons retired prior to 1.1.2006

(IX)           Item No. 22.(*)  The issue stands settled by O.M. NO. 38/37/08-P& P W (A) Pt. I  dated 3^rd October, 2008. clarification at Para 5.1.

(X)              Item No. 23.(*) The matter is under examination.  The Staff Side will submit a specific case for illustration of the issue. Relevant orders in similar matter after the 5^th CPC recommendations were implemented will also be examined,

(XI)           Item No. 24(*) and 25 &26.( same issues) Not agreed. But clarificatory orders issued stating that no retrospective deduction should be made in respect of additional commuted value of pension. The reduction in pension must start from the date of payment of additional commuted value of pension.

(XII)         Item No.36.  After some detailed discussion, it was decided that the Office side would examine this issue further.  However, they have pointed out that the amount of Rs. 3500 fixed by them would automatically undergo change as when Dearness relief is grnted  the partents/dependents.  The Staff Side pointed out that every dependent or parent need not necessarily be a pensioner or a worker in the Govt. establishment or other institutions which pays periodical DA.

(XIII)      Item No. 40(*) not agreed.

(XIV)      Item No. 45(*) The issue is under Examination.

(XV)        Item No. 48. Restoration of commutation after 15 years.  After some discussions, it was agreed that the calculation made by the Staff Side would be examined and decision taken thereafter.

(XVI)      Item Nos. 54 to 59 have been transferred to the Committee, which has been set up by the Government of Puducherry and therefore stand deleted from the list of National Anomaly Committee.  The committee so set up ( as per the order given to the Staff side at the meeting) has only official side members.  The representatives of the Association have only been permitted to present their case before the said committee.  We are of the opinion that it should be a joint committee consisting of official side and staff side on the pattern on National Anomaly Committee.

(XVII)   Discussion on Action taken on items already subjected to discussion in the last meeting of the National Anomaly Committee.

(i)                  Item No. 1 to 4 and 5(iii) The Department of Expenditure after having looked into this matter as per the suggestion of the Chairman, in the last meeting, have stated that it was not possible to agree to the staff side demand.

(ii)                Item No. 5(i) Option. This is stated to be still under examination for delegation of power to the administering Ministry to allow the second option.

(iii)               Item No. 5(iv) The Staff Side pointed out the statement made by the JS(Per) which is incorporated in the minutes (as under)

"in case where a promotee and post 1.1.2006 direct recruits are borne on the same seniority list and the senior is drawing less basic pay,than the junior, the  pay of  the senior can be stepped up." The Staff Side pointed out that orders have been issued only in respect of Railways in this regard.  The Staff Side therefore, requested for issuance of an order by the Department of Expenditure to cover the employees of other Ministries/Department.  The Official Side however, insisted that such orders should only be issued by the concerned departments after obtaining necessary consent from the Department of Expenditure. It was pointed out by the Staff Side that the nodal department for issuance of such orders being the Department of Expenditure, the stand taken by the official side in the matter was not in order.  After some discussion it was agreed that the Department of Expenditure will examine this issue further and if orders are to be issued by them, they would do so before the next meeting or else would report their stand in the  matter to the next meeting. 

The issue  per se i.e. A person who is promoted cannot be fixed on pay less than the minimum of the pay scale was raised by the Staff Side further. Normally a directly recruited person to a post is given the minimum of the pay scale or pay band to which he is appointed.  The 6thCPC has recommended the minimum to which every directly recruited person was to be fixed.  That being so, a promotee under the extant fundamental rules cannot be fixed less than such prescribed minimum.  The Official side argued that the CCS(RSP) 2008 has modified the above provisions of FR for all time to come.  The Staff side stated that no rule can be amended unilaterally which would adversely affect the service conditions. It cannot therefore, be unilaterally implemented.    It will be further discussed in the next meeting.

(iv)              Item No. 5(v) Rule 9 Date of next increment. The preponement of increment in the case of those employees whose increment dates falls between 1.2.2006 to 1.6.2006 to 1.1.2006 in the pre- revised scale of pay as has been done in the case of persons whose increment date was on 1^st January, 2006 would be considered further and decision taken before next meeting as a one time measure.

(v)                The Department of personnel has asked all administering Ministries to take up with them the matter of fixation of Grade pay at Rs. 1800 in the case of Temporary Status employees.  They have also informed that wherever such reference has been received the same has been disposed of.. The organizations are, therefore,  requested to take up the issue with the Heads of departments and ensure that a reference is made to the Department of Personnel so that the temporary status employees are imparted training and granted Rs. 1800 Grade pay with effect from 1.1.2006

(vi)              Item No. 47(*)  This issue was discussed at length. The problem of postponement of increment by one year in respect of persons availing extra ordinary leave on private affairs even for a day between 1^st January and 30^th June was highlighted by the Staff Side.  The Official side explained that the clarification issued by them to the Ministry of Defence was on the basis of the extant instructions in the matter .After some discussion, the staff side proposed that if an employees has completed six months service during a particular year, he should be entitled to get his increment on Ist July.  The Official side has agreed to consider this proposal and after such consideration they will issue appropriate orders before next meeting.

 

The next meeting of the Anomaly Committee would be in the month of June, 2010.

With greetings,

 

Yours fraternally,

sd/  

K.K.N. Kutty.

Secretary General.

.  .

Circular.No.8

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

 

 

 

Conf/8/2010

Dated: 23^rd March, 2010

Dear Comrade,

 

                                    PFRDA Bill and action thereon.

 

            As per the decision taken at our last National Secretariat meeting, the Secretary General had attended the meeting of the National Executive of the All India State Government employees Federation at Nashik.  The main purpose of the meeting was to explore the possibilities of bringing about a united movement of the State and Central employees on the common issue of opposing the PFRDA bill which is slated to be tabled in the floor of the Parliament at the current session.  The Budget session of the Parliament will meet after the break on 15^th April, 2010.  It is likely that the proposed PFRDA bill would be tabled in the third week of April, 2010.  We may not be in a position to know in advance the exact date the bill is proposed to be placed.  The issue was discussed with the leaders of the AISGEF.  It was decided that we should organize a joint demonstration on the day on which the Bill is tabled, if advance information is available and if not, on the next day of the event. Since there would be little time for mobilizing the employees, it is desirable that the information of holding the joint demonstration is provided to the mass of the employees well in advance. The AISGEF in their meeting at Nashik has decided to organize a walk out on that day and hold demonstration.  Since the walkout for a few hours in operational offices ( Postal organizations) is infeasible we may not be able to give a similar call.

 

            The State Secretaries of the Confederation will get in touch with the respective leaders of the AISGEF in the concerned States and try to co-ordinate and ensure that a joint demonstration is held at a centrally convenient place.  The leaders of the School and College teachers Federations are being contacted for enlisting their support and participation in the programme.  We are also trying to get in touch with the leaders of the AIDEF in the matter. 

 

            During the discussion with the leaders of the AISGEF at Nashik it has been agreed upon that the Confederation of CGE and workers and AISGEF should strive to organize a strike action on certain important issues, including the Pension fund privatization scheme, Direct Taxes Code, Filling up of Posts, price rise etc. A meeting of the leaders of all willing organizations would take place separately for this purpose so that the proposed strike could take place in the next session of the Parliament.

 

Observance of May Day.

 

            May Ist, the international workers day, this years falls on a Saturday. Most of the Administrative Offices will have a closed holiday.  Except the Central Government offices, most of the private and public establishments including many State Government offices have given closed holiday on May Ist.  The said issue was a subject matter of discussion at our last National Council meeting in the form  of a resolution.  The resolution adopted at the National Council has demanded the Government of India to declare May 1 as a closed holiday.  In order to provide impetus to this resolution, we call upon the affiliates to advise their branches, divisions and circles to organize meeting of all employees on 30^th April, 2010 (Friday) and advise the members to participate in the rally, demonstration etc,. being organized by the working class jointly in the respective places on Ist May, 2010. The meeting may adopt a resolution urging the government to declare May Ist as a closed holiday for all Central Government offices .

 

                                                National Women convention of

                                                CGEs.

 

            The West Bengal State Committee has indicated to us that they would be pleased to hold the National Women Convention at Kolkata.  In our last National Council meeting, we had taken a decision to organize women committee in all affiliates and form such committee for all Central Government employees at the State and  Central levels.  We propose the following methodology of constituting such committees.

 

(a)    Every affiliate may convene a meeting all women comrades at the State level and elect delegates (@ One delegate for every 20 members attending the said meeting) to participate in the State level convention of women Central Government employees,.

(b)   The State level meeting of the women Central Government employees thus select one delegate for every members attending the State level meeting to depute to participate at the National Convention.  Besides electing delegates, the meetings may also decide upon the affiliate-wise committees and  the State CGE committee for women employees.

(c)    The National convention will elect the National Committee of women CG Employees at Kolkata.

(d)   The process of such meeting is to be completed by 30^th September, 2010 so that the National Convention could be convened in October/.November at Kolkata.

With greetings,

 

Yours fraternally,

 

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General

letter

	CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

 

 

 

Dated 16.3.2010

 

Dear Comrade,

            In the last meeting, The Staff Side had with the Health Ministry officials, we were given a Note on Salient features of C.G./ Employees and Pensioners health Insurance Scheme. The full text in the scheme is available in the official website of the Ministry of Health, accessible  on

  

 http://www.mohfw.nic.in/RFP%20For%20CGEPHIS.pdf

 

kindly go through the same and let us have your comments thereon. We shall subject the same to discussion in our next Secretariat Meeting.

 

            With greetings

 

Yours fraternally

 

sd/ 

KKN Kutty

Secretary General

International Women's Day

Dear Comrades,

 

On the eve of International Women's Day, Organise Meetings, Seminar, Convention, etc., in all Offices.

 

 

Fraternally Yours,

 

K K N Kutty

Secretary General - Confederation

Anomaly in fixation of Pay of promotees and direct recruits

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027 Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303 Dated:6.03.2010 D-16/2010 Ms. Sushama Nath Secretary Expenditure Ministry of Finance North Block New Delhi-01   Dear Madam, Sub: Anomaly in fixation of Pay of promotees and direct recruits –    agenda item No.5(iv) of the National Anomaly Committee-regarding   We solicit your kind reference to the minutes of the National Anomaly Committee meeting held on 12th December 2009 under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Personnel)- on the above issue at pages 4 and 5, circulated Vide O.M.No.11/2/2008- JCA dated 5.2.2010.  The operative part of discussion, as is incorporated in the last sentence in page 5 reads as under:   "The Chairman suggested the Department of Expenditure to re-exam the matter"   During on discussion , The Joint Secretary(Personnel) had observed that in case where the promotee and post 1.01.2006 direct recruits are borne on the same seniority list and the senior is drawing less basic pay than junior, the pay of senior can be stepped up. This no doubt, only partially remove the anomaly.               As per the above observation the ministry of Railways issued an order, on 17.2.2010 a copy of which is enclosed for your ready reference. In para 2 thereof, it has stated that the said order has been issued in consultation with the Ministry of Finance.               We shall be grateful if similar orders are issued by the Department Expenditure so that the employees similarly placed in other departments could get the benefit thereof, howsoever limited it is.               Thanking you Yours faithfully   KKN Kutty Secretary General   Copy of letter in S.No. PC-VI/88 RBE No. 28/2010 No. PC-VI/2010/I/RSRP/1 dagted 17th Februrary, 2010 from the Government of India, Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) addressed to allthe GMs/CAOs® The GMs/CAOs(R), All Indian Railways & Production Units (As per mailing list)  Subject: Applicability of minimum pay/stepping up of pay clarification reg. A number of references have been received in this office regarding applicability, for departmental promotees, of minimum entry pay prescribed for direct recruits (appointed on or after 1.1.2006) in Section II of Part A of the First Schedule of RS(RP) Rules, 2008. References have also been received regarding stepping up of pay of senior promotees with references to such of their directly recruited juniors who are recruited on or after 1.1.2006 and whose basic pay is more than that of their seniors. 2. The matter has been examined in consultation with Ministry of Finance. In this connection it is clarified that the revised pay structure comprises grade pays and running pay bands and in the case of those Railway servants who were already in service before 1.1.2006. Sixth Pay Commission has not prescribed a minimum pay in the running pay band with reference to the minimum entry level pay prescribed for direct recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006. Further, the Sixth CPC has not prescribed minimum pay in the pay band for the purpose of fixation of pay on promotion in the case of any grade and fixing of minimum pay in the pay band in the case of each grade pay for departmental promotees would defeat the very purpose of introduction of running pay bands. As far as the matter relating to bringing the pay of existing Railway servants as on 1.1.2006 at par with the pay of direct recruits recruited on or after 1.1.2006 is concerned, it is clarified that the pay of those Railway servants who joined the Railway as direct recruits on or after 1.1.2006 is to be fixed as per Section II, Part 'A' of the First Schedule to the RS(RP) Rules, 2008 and the procedure of pay fixation is based on a specific recommendation of the Sixth Pay Commission, which has been accepted by the Government. As far as pay fixation in respect to those Railway servants who were already in service on 1.1.2006 is concerned, the same is to be done as per the provisions of Rule 7 of RS(RP) Rules, 2008 and in accordance with the fitment tables annexed with this Ministry's letter No.PC-VI/2008/I/RSRP/1 dated 11.9.2008.  4. In the light of the foregoing, it is clarified that in terms of RS(RP) Rules,2008:- (a)   no minimum pay in the pay band can be prescribed in the case of promotion of Railway servants from one grade to another (except in the case of change in pay band); and (b)  pay of those Railway servants who were already in service on 1.1.2006 can not be fixed with reference to the minimum entry pay prescribed for those who joined the Railways as direct recruits on or after 1.1.2006 as per Section II, Part 'A' of the First Schedule to the RS(RP) Rules, 2008. 5. However, stepping up of pay of seniors can be permitted with reference to such of their directly recruited juniors borne on the same seniority list who are recruited on or after 1.1.2006 and whose basic pay is more than that of the seniors, subject to the following conditions:-  (a)   Stepping up of the basic pay of seniors can be claimed only in the case of those cadres which have an element of direct recruitment and in cases where a directly recruited junior is actually drawing more basic pay than the seniors. In such cases, the basic pay of the seniors will be stepped up with reference to the basic pay of the juniors. Stepping up will be applicable from the date junior direct recruit is actually drawing higher basic pay than the senior. (b)  Further, Railway servants cannot claim stepping up of their revised basic pay with reference to entry pay in the revised pay structure for direct recruits appointed on or after 1.1.2006 as laid down in Section II of Part A or First Schedule to the RS(RP) Rules, 2008, if their cadre does not have an element of direct recruitment, or in cases where no junior is drawing basic pay higher than them. (c)   Stepping up of pay of the seniors shall not be applicable in cases where pay of direct recruits has been fixed at a higher stage on account of grant of advance increments etc. at the time of recruitment. 6. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways. (Hari Krishan) Director, Pay Commission –II Railway

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	CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

 

 

 

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE NATIONAL ANOMALY IS LIKELY TO BE HELD ON 27^th MARCH,2010.

 

KKN KUTTY

SECRETARY GENERAL

CGHS issues.

Placed hereunder is the gist of discussion the staff side had with the Health Ministry officials on 3rd March, 2010 on CGHS related issues.

	CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL  GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS. A-2/95,Manishinath Bhawan,Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027
Website:www.confederationhq.blogspot.com.  Email:Confederation06@Yahoo.co.in Tel: 011-2510 5324:  Mobile: 98110 48303

 

Conf/07/2010

Dated: 4.01.2010

Dear Comrades,

 

            As intimated to you earlier (through sms) the meeting with the Health Secretary was to be held on 3^rd March, 2010.  Since the Health Secretary was engaged otherwise, the meeting was chaired by the Joint Secretary in charge of the affairs of the CGHS.  The following staff side members attended the meeting.

           

                        1. Com. U.M. Purohit:   Secretary Staff Side,

                        2. Com. S.K. Vyas                    Member, Staff Side.

                        3. Com. Shivgopal Misra.           Member, Staff Side.

                        4. Com. K.K.N. Kutty               Member, Staff Side,

                        5. Com. Guman Singh                Member, Staff Side.

                        6. Com. M.S. Raja                    Member, Staff side.

 

            At the outset the Staff Side pointed out the inordinate delay in holding the meeting. The last meeting was held on 4.08.2008.  The Action taken statement( which was incomplete) on the minutes of the said meeting was only circulated at the meeting on 3^rd March, 2010.  The official side agreed to circulate a comprehensive action taken statement within a few days.  It was also assured that the next meeting would be held within the next three months.  The Official side also circulated a copy of the document containing the salient features of Central Government Employees and pensioners Health Insurance Scheme.

 

            It was decided that Action taken statement would be discussed on the basis of the minutes of the last meeting.  Accordingly the following points were discussed.

 

1.       Computerization of the functions of CGHS dispensaries and related problems.. The official side stated that the functions of all dispensaries in Delhi have been computerized.  The problems faced by the beneficiaries have been sorted out.  In other cities, the work has been undertaken and is at various stages.  There would be some problem in the initial stages.  This would be resolved as has been done in the case of Delhi Dispensaries.

2.       Plastic Cards.  In the case of 60% beneficiaries the cards have been issued in Delhi.  The other 40% constitute the non receipt of application or mismatch with the names and photos.  The official side agreed to place in the notice board of each dispensaries, the names of those whose cards are prepared but not collected.  It was also informed by the official side, that after a certain period, the CGHS would lock the operation of the cards and the beneficiaries would have to approach the CGHS authorities for getting the cards and activate the same.  The Plastic cards would enable the beneficiaries to go to any dispensary and get the OPD treatment.

3.       Claims adalat. The system of holding claims adalat has been commenced in Delhi. This would be extended to other CGHS cities after the trial run in Delhi. The Staff Side pointed out the inordinate delay in processing the claim in the Health Ministry where their approval is required under the rules.  They also brought to the notice of the official side of the sad death of a beneficiary who did not get the advance sanctioned for getting admitted in the Hospital. They gave copies of the various representations received from different cities where the decision from the Health Ministry was pending for quite some time.  The official side stated that in all such matters, the discretion of the Health Ministry has been taken out and a technical committee has been constituted to consider those claims and give a final decision within a month's time. 

4.       Meeting of the Local Advisory Committee in each dispensary.  This is being held in each month.  The Staff Side suggested that a meeting with the concerned Additional Director CGHS once in six months should be arranged so that the problems not settled in the local dispensary meeting could be addressed.

5.       Recognition of Hospitals.  The official side stated that the proposal to prescribe the floor minimum for in patient treatment for various diseases on the basis of the cost factor has not been found favour with the Govt.  It has been decided that the rates and recognition of hospitals would be decided on the basis of the receipt of tenders.  The tender for 2009 has already been floated.  There would be two different types of recognized hospitals. Viz. Super-specialty hospitals and hospital for general diseases. The list of recognized hospitals in various cities and the rate structure would be furnished to each member of the Staff Side National Council. 

6.       The suggestion of the Staff Side to engage Specialist Doctors  on contract basis till such time regular appointments are made have been accepted and acted upon.  The orders are stated to be under issue of posting the specialist doctors. Their placement list would be supplied to the Staff Side.

7.       The official side stated that wherever the dispensaries are computerized, instructions have been issued to the Doctors in charge to telephonically get in touch with the beneficiaries above the age of 80 years once in a month.

8.       Opening Ayush Dispensaries.  The official side stated that the department is exploring the possibilities.

9.       Local purchase of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines. List of approved firms have been circulated to all CGHS dispensaries.

10.   Credit facilities to Pensioners in private recognized hospitals. In the case of Hyderabad, the problem has arisen due to the court order in favour of the recognized hospitals. The Court is expected to give a final decision before summer vacation as directed by the Supreme Court.  So this problem would be resolved soon.

11.   Extension of CGHS facilities to P & T pensioners.  It was informed by the Official Side that the Committee of Secretaries have agreed to take P & T Dispensaries in CGHS Cities only.  The benefit of CGHS would be extended to those employees working in the CGHS cities.  Unlike in the case of other CG employees, the P & T pensioners would be getting the CGHS benefit only if they retire from the CGHS citifies, since the matter is sub-judice.

12.   Revision of fixed medical allowance.  The proposal to revise the fixed medical allowance to Rs. 500 plus DA thereon is pending before the Department of Expenditure

13.   Revision of dependency criterion at Rs.1500 p.m. to be effective from 1.1.1996. The matter has been referred to the Committee of Secretaries and the same is pending before them.  The Official side agreed to expedite the matter.

14.   The official side agreed to put on their website  the copy of the order as and when the patient care allowance is decided to be extended beyond 31.3.2010.

15.   The official side wanted some more time to finalize the demand to extend the CGHS facilities to the Divisional Accountants.

16.    Dispensary in Wadi area Nagpur. It was decided that the Deputy Secretary would be deputed to visit the area and staff side has agreed to provide the contact number of the local representatives to assist him.

17.   Inclusion of  residents of Suburban area of Mumbai City. The official side stated that the dispensaries of Matunga would be merged with Mahim dispensary and Goregaon dispensary has been closed and Charkop has been merged with Kandivli.  The staff side demanded that the doctors and staff that had become available due to the merger and closure dispensaries must be utilized for opening dispensary to cater to the requirements of beneficiaries residing in Thane and other suburban area. This was agreed to.

18.   Health screening of CGHS beneficiaries.  Staff Side pointed out that the orders issued in 2007 has not yet been implemented in respect of beneficiaries belonging to Group B C & D employees.  The official side informed that as an experimental measure routine health check up of CGHS beneficiaries about 40 years of age has been started in south zone of CGHS  Delhi with effect from 24.2.2010.

19.   Placing chronic renal failure in the disability list. Not agreed to. 

20.   The exorbitant increase in the rate of subscription of CGHS amounting to almost 300% was raised by the Staff Side.  The official side pointed out that on all previous occasions, the rate had been increased by 300%. And any discussion in the matter should be held in the National Council.

 

 

To our SMS some State Committees and others have responded.  Whatever communications we have received in this regard have been gone through.  The issues raised are being compiled.  It has been decided to send these issues for the consideration of the Committee in the next meeting. Similarly the Staff Side has also handed over a list of items taken up by the Confederation  through correspondence. These items would be discussed in the next meeting.

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

 

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General