13 lakhs Central Government Employees participated in the nationwide one day strike on 8th January 2020

13 lakhs Central Government Employees participated in the nationwide one day strike on 8th January 2020

PRESS STATEMENT

Dated 8th January, 2020

About thirteen (13) lakhs Central Govt. Employees participated in the nationwide one day strike on 8th January 2020 as per the call given by Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers. The main demand of the strike is “Scrap New Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS) & Restore Old defined Pension Scheme (OPS)”. The strike is also to express the anger and protest of the Central Government employees and Pensioners against the neo-liberal policies being implemented by the Central Government in the Central Government services, as a result of which the job security, wage structure, social security and the trade union rights of the employees are in danger. None of the 10 points Charter of Demands submitted to the Government by Confederation are settled.

In Postal department about four and half lakhs employees participated in the strike all over the country. 1,55,000 Post Offices and about 400 RMS offices remained closed. Gramin Dak Sevaks of rural post offices also went on strike. Delivery work also affected as Postmen joined the strike.

In Income Tax Department the strike is total in all the States. Work of all Income Tax Offices came to a standstill. Employees of Audit & Accounts department, Civil Accounts, Atomic Energy, Geological Survey of India, Customs and Central Excise, Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Postal Accounts, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Printing and Stationery, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), AGMARK, Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Medical Stores Depots, Film Division of India, Indian Council for Medical Research, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Central Food Processing Laboratory, Census Department, National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), Defence Accounts, Rehabilitation Department, Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Canteen Employees, Institute of Physics, LNCPE, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences, Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Passport Department, Zoological survey of India, Patent Office, Central Drug Laboratory, NADMO, National Library, Marketing Inspection, Commercial Intelligence, Homeopathy Department, Archeological Survey of India and various other autonomous and Scientific Research Institutions participated in the nationwide strike.

Strike is near total in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam, North Eastern States including Tripura. 70 to 80% participation in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. 60 to 70% strike in Uttarakhand, Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Gujrat and J & K.

Solidarity demonstrations and dharnas are conducted by Central Government Pensioners Organizastions in various states.

National Secretariat of the Confederation thanked and congratulated the Central Government employees for their massive participation and for making the one day nationwide strike a resounding success.

M.Krishnan
Secretary General
Confederation
Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

ALL INDIA GENERAL STRIKE ON 8th January 2020 - Confederation

ALL INDIA GENERAL STRIKE ON 8th January, 2020 - Confederation

PRESS MEET

DEMANDING

• recovery of Huge NPAs in Banks
• Immediate wage settlement in banks and insurance
• Recruitment in Banks, Insurance and Central Government
• Scrap NPS

Also check: 2020 Nationwide Strike calls upon entire Central Government Employees

OPPOSING

• Anti Labour Reforms
• Merger of Public Sector Banks
• Corporatisation and Privatisation of PSBs, Postal and Defence Sector
• Increase of FDI in vital and sensitive sectors.

Make the General Strike a Grand Success.

Unions in Banks, Insurance and Central Govt. AIBEA, AIIEA, CC GEW, AIBOA, AIRRBEA, BEFI, NFPE, GIEAIA, AILICEF

Source: Confederation

2020 Nationwide Strike calls upon entire Central Government Employees

2020 Nationwide Strike calls upon entire Central Government Employees

Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers Central Headquarters

Ist Floor, North Avenue Post office Building,
New Delhi-110001

No. Confdn/NS/ 2016-19

Dated-18.11.2019

Important Circular

To
1. All National Secretariat Members (CHQ Office Bearers)
2. All Affiliated organisations
3. All General Secretaries of C-O-Cs.

Confederation National Secretariat Calls upon Entire Central Government Employees

(including Gramin Dak Sevaks and Casual/Contract Workers)

To Mobilise and Participate in the 2020 January 8th Nationwide Strike
Organise Mass Dharna and Demonstrations and Rallies at all important centres and State/ District/ Divisional Headquarters on 20th December, 2019.

• Strike to be organised on 10 points Charter of demands of Confederation (attached herewith) and also the common demands of workers adopted in the National Convention of Workers.
• First and most important demand to be emphasized is "Scrap NPS and Restore OPS".
• Each affiliated organisation should independently chalkout intensive campaign programmes to mobilise their entire membership to participate in the strike. Campaign tour programmes of leaders of each affiliate should be chalked out immediately. This is most important and urgent.
• Campaign tour programmes of National Secretariat Members of Confederation will be published shortly.
• Draft copy of the pamphlet to be distributed among all the Central Government employees will be published in the Confederation website shortly. C-O-Cs and Affiliates at state/ district level to bring out pamphlets in respective vernacular, with additions/ modifications if necessary.
• State C-O-Cs should publish Posters with Confederation Charter of demands.
• Strike notice along with Charter of demands will be served on 12th December, 2019.
  Confederation Central Headquarters will serve strike notice to Cabinet Secretary. All Affiliated organisations should serve strike notice to their respective Departmental heads. Copy of the strike notice should be submitted to all lower level authorities also at State/ District/ Divisional level with mass demonstrations and gate meetings.
• Affiliated organisations should send copy of the strike notice served by them to their Departmental heads, to all their lower units and also publish the same in their websites.
• State/ District C-O-Cs should plan their own campaign programmes and mobilisation meetings.
• Confederation Central Headquarters has already written to the Secretary General of Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisation (CCGGOO) requesting to participate in the 8th January 2020 strike.
• Message of the strike and strike demands should reach each and every Central Govt. employee including Gramin Dak Sevaks and Casual, Part-time contingent, daily-rated and Contract Workers.
• All Affiliates and C-C-Cs should ensure maximum participation of Central Govt. employees in all the campaign and mobilisation programmes of Joint Action Council of Central Trade Unions and Independent Federations also.
• As in the past, Government may issue circulars, threatening the employees who participate in the strike. Ignore all such circulars and join the strike with courage and determination. Don’t believe in rumours. All information related to the strike will be published in Confederation website www.confederationhq.blogspot.com
• Mass dharna at all important centres and also at State/ District/Divisional headquarters may be organised on 20th December 2019, with maximum participation of Central Govt. Employees.
• Give maximum publicity through local media, social media and websites. Send photos and reports by whatsapp or Email to Confederation Headquarters.
• Central Government Pensioners Associations may be requested to particpate in all mobilisation programmes and also to organise solidarity programme on 8th January, 2020.
  Remember, all our existing benefits and rights are achieved through struggles and sacrifices only. No strike action will go in vain. No sacrifice will go in vain. We will fight and we will win.

Also check the 2 days nation-wide strike on 8th & 9th January 2019 - Confederation

II. National Conference of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers:
As already informed to all in the Circular dated 01-08-2019, the next National Conference of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers will be held at NAGPUR (Maharashtra) on 07-02-2020 and 08-02-2020 (7th & 8th February 2020; Friday and Saturday). Delegate fee per head is Rs.1,000/- (Rs. One thousand only). In addition to delegates, visitors are also allowed to attend the Conference on payment of Rs.1,000/- (Rs. One thousand only) per head.

All Affiliated organisations and C-O-Cs are requested to ensure maximum participation of delegates and visitors in the National Conference, including maximum Lady delegates and visitors.

Please book the travel tickets of the delegates and visitors well in advance. Last minute, confirmed tickets will not be available.

C-O-C, Vidharbha Region, Maharashtra, Nagpur, is hosting the National Conference. Contact Number: Com: Nilesh D Nasare, General Secretary, C-O-C, Vidarbha Region, Nagpur & All India Organising Secretary, Confederation CHQ, Mob: 09850354898.

Women’s Sub Committee of the Confederation will be re-constituted in the Conference and New Office Bearers will be elected.
The names and mobile numbers of leaders, delegates and visitors attending the National Conference may be intimated to the Reception Committee on or before 31-12-2019. This is required for arranging accommodation.
C-O-C Mumbai, C-O-C Nagpur and nearby states C-O-Cs may ensure participation of more delegates/ visitors/ lady comrades.

Formal notice of the National Conference will be issued shortly.

Number of Delegates and Quota Remittance:

Number of eligible delegates of each Affiliated organisation and C-O-C is decided based on the quota remitted. The National Secretariat meeting of Confederation held at Hyderabad on 19th October 2019, has decided that the subscription/ quota dues list of affiliates will be placed in the Comnfederation website by the Financial Secretary shortly and all will be once again asked to pay out the arrears by 20-12-2019. On the basis of remittances received thereupon, voting rights will be compiled and exhibited in the website.

Contact number of Com.Vrigu Bhattacharjee, Financial Secretary, Confederation CHQ - 09868520926 and 09013163804.

All the Affiliated organisations and C-O-Cs are once again requested to remit the subscription/quota dues on or before 20-12-2019 without fail and ensure participation of maximum delegates and visitors in the National Conference.

Let us meet at Nagpur after the Historic 2020 January 8th Strike.
Let us strenghten our unity further.
Unity for struggle and struggle for unity.

Fraternally yours,
M. Krishnan,
Secretary General,
Mob: 09447068125
Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

10 Points Charter of Demands of Confederation

1. Scrap New Contributory Pension scheme (NPS). Restore Old defined benefit Pension Scheme (OPS) to all employees. Guarantee 50% of the last pay drawn as Minimum Pension.
2. Honour assurance given by Group of Ministers (GoM) to NJCA leaders on 30-06-2016. Increase Minimum Pay and Fitment formula. Withdraw the proposed move to modify the existing time-tested methodology for calculation of Minimum wage. Grant HRA arrears from 01-01-2016. Withdraw “Very Good” bench mark for MACP, Grant promotional heirarchy and date of effect from 01-01-2006. Grant Option-I parity recommended by 7th CPC to all Central Govt. Pensioners. Settle all anomalies arising out of 7th CPC implementation.
3. Stop corporatisation / privatisation of Railways, Defence and Postal Departments. Withdraw closure orders of Govt. of India Printing Presses. Stop proposed move to close down Salt Department. Stop closure of Govt. establishments and outsourcing.
4. Fill up all six lakhs vacant posts in the Central Government Departments in a time bound manner. Reintroduce Regional Recruitment for Group B & C posts.
5. (a) Regularisation of Gramin Dak Sevaks and grant of Civil servant status. Implement remaining positive recommendations of Kamalesh Chandra Committee report.
   (b) Regularise all casual and contract workers including those joined on or after 01-09-1993.
6. Ensure equal pay for equal work for all. Remove disparity in pay scales between Central Secretariat staff and similarly placed staff working in field units of various departments.
7. Implement 7th CPC Wage Revision and Pension revision of remaining Autonomous bodies. Ensure payment of arrears without further delay. Grant Bonus to Autonomous body employees pending from 2016-17 onwards.
8. Remove 5% condition imposed on compassionate appointments. Grant appointment in all eligible cases.
9. Grant five time bound promotions to all Group B & C employees. Complete Cadre Review in all departments within a time-frame.
10. (a) Withdraw the anti-worker wage/labour codes and other anti-worker Labour reforms. Stop attack on trade union rights. Ensure prompt functioning of various negotiating forums under the JCM Scheme at all levels.
    (b) Withdraw the draconian FR 56 (j) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension Rules 1972

NJCA Circular dtd. 09-02-2019

NJCA Circular dtd. 09-02-2019

NJCA

National Joint Council Of Action
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi- 110055

No.NJC/2019/7th CPC

February 9,2019

To
All Constituents of NJCA

Dear Comrades,
A delegation of the National JCA consisting of Com. M. Raghaviah, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Com. Guman Singh, Com. K.K.N. Kutty, Com. Ashok Singh, Com. L.N. Pathak, and Com. R.N. Parasar met the honourable Home Minister on 8th February, 2019 at 9.30 Am. The delegation conveyed to the honourable Home Minister, the discontent and anger of the central Government employees over the dishonouring the assurance held out by the group of minister headed by him on 30 th June, 2016 in the matter of the upward revision of the minimum wage and fitment formula.
They pointed out the honourable home minister that on all previous occasions, the Government had revised the minimum wage recommended by the respective pay Commission after negotiation with the Staff Side JCM. The growing concern of the Central and state Government employees manifested in large scale mobilisation of the newly recruited employees over the new contributory Pension scheme was also brought to his notice.

The employees and officers who are recruited in Central Government service after 1.01.2004 are extremely agitated over the meagre amount of annuity they are entitled to receive even after paying huge amount of subscription to the scheme devoid of cost indexation. Family pension protection ect. The delegation also brought to the notice of the honourable Minister that the number of employees and officers who are presently covered by the new scheme has crossed over 50% of the total strength and the demand for bringing back the old Pension scheme has gained momentum. It unfortunate
that the Government did not heed even to the modest suggestion made by the Staff Side before the pension committee to the effect to guarantee a minimum amount of annuity to those who are covered under the new scheme. The delegation also stated that they are constrained to belive of a concerted effort on the part of the Government to kill the negotiating forum JCM as repeated pleading made to revive the joint consultative Machinery has not been responded.

They pointed out that the National Council of the JCM met about 9 years back and the meetings of the Standing committee and national Anomaly Committee has been few and far between . Since no meetings are convened at the apex level, the departmental Councils had also become defunct, they added. In other words, they said that there has been virtually no interaction worth the name between the Government and the employees organisation , which has proliferated the litigation and in most of the cases, the Government has lost out in the Courts. They also pointed out that the official side had been taking extremely nugatory attitude and had not been acting upon even on the verdicts of the Supreme Court.

The Honourable Home Minister gave a patient hearing and recalled the interaction he had with the Staff side earlier, when an assurance to revisit the quantum of minimum wage and fitment formula had been held out . He assured the delegation that he would cause a discussion of the matter with the Honourable Prime Minister.

The National JCA met later at the Staff side office when Com. M.S. Raja and Com. Giriraj Singh joined the meeting. The issues were discussed at length, especially taking into account the ensuing general Election in the country. The meeting finally decided to organise the following programme of actions.

13th March 2019

A massive demonstration cum dharna will be organised under the auspices of the National JCA to highlight and focus the demand for the withdrawal of the new Pension scheme and restoration of the old Pension scheme for Central Government employees. The National JCA will simultaneously write to all Political parties to make their stand clear on the issue of the New Pension scheme in their respective manifesto. The National JCA will spcarhead a campaign amount the employees for the acceptances of the demand by the political parties. The dharna will be at jantar Mantar and the same will be participated by the employees working in and around Delhi besides the NJCA leaders. On the same day, similar dharna and demonstrations will be held in front of all Central Government offices throughout the country. The employees will also be requested to wear black badges projecting the demand for the withdrawal of the NPS.

28th MARCH 2019

A protest day long dharna will be organised at jantar Mantar on 28.03.2019, in which all the National council members will take part. A huge demonstration will also be organised on the same day in front of the dharna venue in which the employees working in and around Delhi will take part. The dharna will highlight the need to revive the JCM forum and thus constant and continuous inter action between the Government and the employees. It will also focus the intolerable attitude of the official side even in issuing orders, where the supreme Court has given the verdict in favour of the employees. The Cabinet Secretary will be informed of this decision well in advance.

Copy of the letter addressed to the Cabinet Secretary is enclosed. All participating organisations are requested to make the programme a grand success. The NJCA will meet again on 28.03.2019 to discuss of the future course of action to be mounted in the days to come.
With greetings,

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Convener

Source: Confederation

National Council will sit on Dharna on 28.3.2019 at New Delhi

National Council will sit on Dharna on 28.3.2019 at New Delhi

National Joint Council Of Action
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi- 110055

No.NJC/2019/7th CPC

February 9, 2019

The Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India & Chairman,
National Council/JCM
Rastrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
We invite your kind reference to the representations made by the staff side both in writing and orally during discussions bilaterally and otherwise on innumerable occasions over the need to convene the National Council meeting of the JCM, which met last about 9 years back.

Since there had been no meeting of the National Council the directive issued by the Department of personnel to various Ministries of the Government of India to convene the Departmental Council meeting had also not been dwindled. We regret to write that inspite of our persistent persuasion you have unfortunately no found time for holding the meeting.

There had been no reason whatever for such inordinate delay in convening the meeting. This apart, the periodicity with which the National Standing committee used to meet has also been dwindled. The National Anomaly Committee set up in the wake of the 6th CPC is still to finalise its business.
The Staff Side, which met on 8th February, 2019 at New Delhi, has come to the inescapable conclusion that it must tread the path of struggle to get the negotiating forum revived we are therefore, constrained to take recourse to agitational programmes and have decided that all the Staff Side members of the National Council will sit on dharna on 28th March, 2019 at New Delhi.
We hope you will take note of the growing. discontent in the matter and take corrective steps to revive the JCM and to convene the meetings immediately.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Convener

Source: Confederation

NJCA: Meeting of the National Joint Council of Action on 8th February 2019

NJCA:  Meeting of the National Joint Council of Action on 8th February 2019

NJCA Meeting on 8.2.2019
National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) on 8th February 2019
NJCA
National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road New Delhi - 110055

No.NJCA/2018

Dated January 28, 2019

All Members of the NJCA

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Meeting of the NJCA
Ref : This office letter of even number dated 30.11.2018

It has been decided to hold meeting of the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) on 8th February 2019 from 11:00 hrs in JCM Office, 13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi, to take stock of the current situation in regard to non-settlement of major pending issues, viz

(i) Improvement in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula
(ii) No Progress in respect of NPS Covered Central Government Employees
(iii) Other pending issues related to National and Departmental Anomalies.

All of you are requested to make it convenient to attend the aforementioned meeting of the NJCA, so as to take the consensus decision for future course of action in the prevalent scenario.

With Fraternal Greetings,
Comradely yours,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Convener

Source : Confederation

PRIVATIZATION OF PASSENGER TRAINS

PRIVATIZATION OF PASSENGER TRAINS

New Delhi: The discussions are on with senior officials and experts whether to allow private players run passenger operations and fix fares, a senior Railway Board member said Friday.

At an event organized by Centre for Transportation Research and management, Railway Board Member (Traffic) Girish Pillai said that senior officials are now currently discussing the matter.
There have been many changes in train operations across the world and I think it’s time that India should discuss the options of allowing private operators to operate passenger trains.

"Whether they can be permitted to fix fares, construct terminals, senior officials of railways and experts in the field are discussing this," said Pillai.

He also said that there was a need to separate the freight sector and passenger services.
The senior official maintained that running train services in the country is loss making endeavour and only a few trains are making any profit, while others are running in losses.

He said that only 15 percent of the non-sub-urban passengers travel in reserved classes among whom around five percent travel in higher classes and 10 to 11 percent travel in sleeper classes.

"Most of them travel in unreserved category. There is a need for changes in freight as well as passenger fares and there needs to be more flexibility in them, he said.

Pillai pointed out that with the nod for private players to enter the freight sector around 50 private freight terminals have come up in the country and railways wants more to come up.

He said that in the USA, the rail operator has only 25 percent of the wagon and container services and the other 75 percent are with private businesses. In Russia, he said, the govt has no stake in these services.

Source: Confederation

NFPE CALLS UPON POSTAL EMPLOYEES TO MAKE 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th TWO DAYS STRIKE - A GRAND SUCCESS

NFPE CALLS UPON POSTAL EMPLOYEES TO MAKE 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th TWO DAYS STRIKE - A GRAND SUCCESS

THE FOLLOWING IS THE EDITORIAL PUBLISHED IN 'POSTAL CRUSADER' THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES (NFPE)

IMPORTANCE OF JANUARY 2019 TWO DAYS STRIKE

National Convention of Workers organized by Central Trade Unions (except BMS), independent Federations and Associations viz; Central Government and State Govt. Employees, Banks, Insurance, Defence production employees etc, held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 28th September 2018, has decided to conduct two days nationwide strike on 8th& 9th January 2019. Earlier, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers, in its National Convention held at Hyderabad on 10th June 2018, has decided to go for one day's nationwide strike on 15th November 2018, demanding settlement of 10 points Charter of demands of Central Govt. Employees, Pensioners, Gramin DakSevaks and casual/contract workers. In the changed circumstances, Confederation has decided to postpone the 15th November 2018 one day strike and to join the two days strike on 8th and 9thJanuary 2019 announced by the National Convention of Workers. There is no change in the 10 points charter of demands of Confederation adopted in the Hyderabad National Convention.

The declaration adopted in the National Convention of Workers held on 28th September 2018 has stated as follows:

“Government is dragging its feet on wage negotiations of public sector in bipartite settlement and 7th Central Pay Commission anomalies of Central Government employees. Four sub committees were formed by the Government to address several issues raised by Central Government employees (NJCA) such as scrapping of New Pension Scheme (NPS) review of Minimum wage and fitment formula, restoration of allowances and allowing option-I as one of the pension benefit formula. But nothing has been done.
The Central Government Employees organisations including the Defence and Railways have been planning united action against the betrayal of the Government and asserting their genuine demands including scrapping of New Pension Scheme. This National Convention extends full support to their struggle and upholds all their demands."

Thus, the entire Trade unions (other than BMS) has taken serious view of the negative attitude of the Central Government towards the demands of Central Government employees and Pensioners and extended full solidarity and support to our struggle.

Unrest among the New Pension Scheme (NPS) employees is rising day by day. Those NPS employees who retired from service, in 2015 to 2018, after completing ten years' service are getting a paltry sum of Rs.1000 to 3000 only as monthly annuity pension. How can a pensioner and his family live with such a megre amount as pension. This is equal to "No Pension", Under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) an employee who completed minimum ten yearsservice is eligible for 50% of last pay drawn as minimum pension.

Regarding increase in Minimum Pay and Fitment formula, the assurance was given to the NJCA leaders by none other than the Hon'bleHome Minister and Finance Minister on 30.06.2016. Two years are over but nothing happened. Government has replied in Parliament that, at present, there is no proposal for increasing Minimum Pay and Fitment formula. Thus the entire Central Govt. Employees are betrayed. Regarding Pensioners, the one and the only favourable recommendation of the 7th CPC i.e. Option-I, stands rejected by Government.

Three lakhs GraminDakSevaks of the Postal department conducted a heroic strike for sixteen days and finally Govt. was compelled to accept their demands.But while issuing orders, eventhough new pay scale recommended by the Kamalesh Chandra Committee is implemented, regarding arrears the Committee's recommendation was rejected and modified by Govt. Some important recommendations like Children Education Allowance, Time bound three financial upgradations etc. are still pending. Regarding revision of wages of Casual Labourers, orders issued by Postal Directorate is yet to be implemented in some Circles and Divisions and their demand for regularisation is not considered favourably by Govt.

The situation in the country is deteriorating day by day. National economy including value of Indian currency, suffered serious setback due to pro-corporate, anti-labour and anti-people neo-liberal policies pursued by the Central Government, grievously impacting the livelihood of the working people and farmers.

The situation due to steep rise in petrol and diesel prices with cascading effect on increase in prices of all daily life utility items, especially food items, is resulting in torturous impact on common masses. The unemployment situation is getting aggravated with employment generation practically turned negative even in most labour-oriented sectors. The agricultural sector and farmers are in deep distress. The after-effects of demonitisation and faulty GST Continue to adversely impacting the deep crisis set in the fast-paced neo-liberal economic policies of the Government. Lack of job opportunities on the one hand and continued job losses, retrenchments, illegal closures on the other hand are imposing miserable condition on the ordinary families for their food, education of children and medical care of the sick and elderly, Aggressive move to sell the shares of the Public Sector undertakings and onslaught of privatization through various routes like outsourcing, PPP etc. is going on in full swing. The demand for universal social security with guaranteed pension has fallen on deaf ears.

Central Govt. not only refused to respond to the just and genuine demands of the organized agitation of working class, but has been continuing its aggression against the hard-won labourrights of the workers, employees and Trade Unions. It is in this background the entire working class of our country has decided to fight back the onslaught of the Govt. against the working class and peasants.

National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE) has been in the forefront of the struggle against the neo-liberal policies of the Govt. especially against the negative attitude of the Govt. towards the Central Govt. Employees demands including Postal employees.

On January 8th& 9th, about 18 to 20 crores organized and unorganized workers will go on two days strike. NFPE HQ calls upon the entirety of Postal and RMS employees including GraminDakSevaks and Casual, Part-time, Contingent employees to join the strike en-mass. It is a struggle for our survival.

Source: Confederation

Confederation One Day Strike on 15.11.2018 Postponed

Confederation One Day Strike on 15.11.2018 Postponed

CONFEDERATION ONE DAY STRIKE ON 15-11-2018 POSTPONED TO 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th.

TWO DAYS STRIKE JOINTLY WITH CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS AND ALL INDIA STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES FEDERATION (AISGEF).

NO CHANGE IN THE CHARTER OF DEMANDS

SCRAP NPS WILL BE THE NUMBER ONE DEMAND.

Dear Comrades,
As you are aware, in the National Convention of Workers held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 28th September 2018, all the Central Trade Unions (except BMS) and all other independent Federations have declared two days nationwide strike on 8th & 9th January 2019 against the anti-people and anti-labour policies of the NDA Government.

In the resolution adopted in the June 10th Hyderabad National Convention of Confederation and also in the National Secretariat meeting held thereafter, we have decided that the 2018 November 15th strike of Confederation will be changed, if the Central Trade Unions declare nationwide strike, so that the dates of both strikes will be synchronized to make it a joint strike.

Accordingly, the National Secretariat of Confederation has decided to postpone the 15th November 2018 strike to 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th. The strike will be for two days. There is no change in the Confederation charter of demands.

SCRAP NPS AND RESTORE OPS FOR ALL

will be the number one demand. All India State Government Employees Federation has also decided to postpone the strike to 2019 JANUARY 8th & 9th.

M.Krishnan
Secretary General
Confederation
Mob. & WhatsApp:
09447068125

Source: Confederation

Press Release on Nationwide General Strike on 8th & 9th January 2019

Press Release on Nationwide General Strike on 8th & 9th January 2019

Press Release

28/09/2018

Central Trade Unions call for
Nationwide General Strike on 8th and 9th January 2019

National Convention of Workers decides to go for Nationwide General Strike on 8-9 January 2019 against the anti-people, anti-worker, anti-national policies of the BJP-led NDA Government.

The National Convention of Workers held today, the 28th September 2018, in Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi, decided to go for two days’ Nationwide General Strike on 8-9 January 2019 against the anti-people, anti-worker, anti-national policies of the BJP-led NDA Government.

The convention was jointly called by the ten Central Trade Unions (INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC,TUCC, AICCTU, SEWA, LPF, UTUC), in association with all independent National Federations of Workers and Employees, of both Industrial and Service sectors, Central Government and State Government employees, including Railways, Defense, Health, Education, Water, Post, Scheme Workers etc; in the public sector undertaking such as Banks, Insurance, Telecom, Oil, Coal, Public Transport etc, Factories, and from the unorganised sectors-Construction, Beedi, Street vendors, Domestic Workers, Migrant Workers, Scheme workers, Home based workers, rickshaw, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, agricultural workers etc., expresses serious concern over the deteriorating situation in the national economy due to the pro- corporate, anti-national and anti-people policies pursued by the Central Government and some of the States ruled by the BJP, grievously impacting the livelihood of the working people across the country.

The Presidium of the Convention consisted of Ashok Singh, Ramendra Kumar, S. N. Pathak, K. Hemlata, R. K. Sharma, Probir Banerjee, Lata, Santosh Rai and Shatrujeet Singh. Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy (INTUC), Amarjeet Kaur (AITUC), Harbhajan Singh Sidhu (HMS), Tapan Sen (CITU), Satyavan (AIUTUC), G.R.Shivshankar (TUCC), Manali Shah (SEWA), Rajeev Dimri (AICCTU), Sanmugham (LPF), Ashok Ghosh (UTUC) addressed the Convention. Shivgopal Mishra( AIFR) and Guman Singh (NFIR) also addressed the convention.

The Convention noted with utter dismay that the Government has been continuing to arrogantly ignore the 12 point Charter of Demands on minimum wage, universal social security, workers’ status and including pay and facilities for the scheme workers, against privatization of public and government sector including financial sectors and mass scale contractorisation, ratification of ILO Convention 87, 98 etc. being jointly pursued by the entire trade union movement of the country. The ILO Convention 177 on Home Work and 189 on Domestic Work are also yet not ratified.

The Convention expressed its grave concern on scraping of hard-won 44 Central Labour Laws and replacing them with 4 employer-friendly Labour Codes and introduction of Fixed Term Employment through executive order. The Convention also expressed its anguish over New Pension Scheme and demand restoration of the old Pension Scheme. The Convention expresses solidarity with the fighting farmers and the Transport Workers of Rajasthan who are on an indefinite strike since 16th September, 2018.

This National Convention of Workers recorded its strong denunciation against the communal and divisive machinations on the society being carried on with the active patronage of the Government machinery. The BJP Governments are using draconian UAPA, NSA as well as the agencies of CBI, NIA, IT to harass and suppress any dissenting opinions. The peace loving secular people in the country are facing a stark situation of terror and insecurity all around. Working Class will raise its strong voice of protest.

In order to serve the interests of the multinational companies with Indian corporate, the present Government is pursuing blatantly anti-people, anti-workers and anti-national policies at the cost of severely damaging the national economy and destroying its indigenous productive and manufacturing capabilities. Such a regime must be defeated squarely to force the pro-people changes in policies on all fronts. This united platform of the working class resolves to heighten its struggle to that end.

The National Convention of workers adopted the following programmes:

1. State level, district level and industry/sector level joint conventions to be held during October/November 2018
2. Joint Industry-level gate meetings, rallies etc. during November and December,2018
3. Submission of strike notice jointly with demonstrations during 17-22 December, 2018
4. Two days countrywide General Strike on 8th and 9th January 2019.

The National Convention called upon working people across the sectors and throughout the country irrespective of affiliations, independent unions, federations, associations to make the above programmes a total success.

(Declaration attached)

Source: http://confederationhq.blogspot.com/

An Overview of New Contributory Pension System (NPS) - Confederation

An Overview of New Contributory Pension System (NPS) - Confederation

NEW CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SYSTEM (NPS)

M.Krishnan

Secretary General
Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers

Pension system was in vogue in India for a century or more and the British Government during the pre-independence era introduced Pension Rules for Government employees and thus made it statutory. In the year 1982 Supreme Court in its landmark judgement in Nakara's case declared that - "as per India's constitution, Government is obliged to provide social and economic security to pensioners and that Government retirees had the fundamental right to pension….. Pension is not a bounty nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet will of the employer. It is not an ex-gratia payment, but a payment for past service rendered. It is a social welfare measure, rendering socio-economic justice to those who in the hey days of their life, ceaselessly toiled for their employers on the assurance that in their old age, they would not be left in lurch."

During the advent of globalisation policies in 1980's the pension reforms also started simultaneously. IMF & World Bank started publishing so many reports and documents emphasizing the need for pension reforms. They also started studying about the reforms to be undertaken in the pension sector in India. In 2001, "IMF work paper on pension reforms in India" and World Bank India specific report "India - the challenge of old age income security" were published. Their work reports emphasized that "Pension obligations or promises made by the Governments which have potential of exerting pressure on Govt. finances, have been a subject of increased focus in assessing medium to long term fiscal sustainability." In tune with the dictates of IMF and World Bank BJP-led NDA Government appointed Bhattacharjee Committee in 2001 headed by Ex-Chief Secretary of Karnataka, to study and recommend pension reforms. Thus after creating ground for pension reforms, under the pretext of implementing recommendations of Bhattacharyya Committee, the NDA Government introduced New Pension System called Defined Contributory pension system for all employees who join service on or after 01-01-2004. The Congress-led UPA Government which came to power in 2004 continued with the reforms and promulgated an ordinance to legalise NPS. But UPA-I Govt. could not pass the Pension Bill in Parliament due to stiff opposition of Left Parties supporting it. Later when UPA-II Government came to power the Pension Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill was passed in the Parliament with the support of BJP, the then opposition party. Many State Governments governed by political parties other than Left Parties, introduced Contributory Pension System for their employees from various dates after 2004. Left Front Governments of Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura refused to introduce the New Pension Scheme and they continued with the old defined benefit pension scheme. Congress-led UDF Government introduced NPS in Kerala. After BJP coming to power in Tripura also Contributory Pension Scheme is introduced recently. In West Bengal old Pension Scheme continues even now. Not only newly appointed Central and State Government employees, almost all new entrants of public sector and Autonomous bodies are also brought under the purview of NPS.

As per New Contributory Pension Scheme an amount of 10% of pay plus Dearness Allowance will be deducted each month from the salary of the employees covered under NPS and credited to their pension account. Equal amount is to be credited by the Government (employer) also. Total amount will go to the Pension Funds constituted under the PFRDA Act. From the pension fund the amount will go to the share market. As per the PFRDA Act - "there shall not be any implicit or explicit assurance of benefit except (share) market based guarantee mechanism to be purchased by the subscribers". Thus the amount deposited in Pension Fund may or may not grow depending on the fluctuations in the share market. After attaining 60 years of age i.e., at the time of retirement, 60% of the accumulated amount in the Pension Account of the employee will be refunded and the balance 40% will be deposited in an Insurance Annuity Scheme. Monthly amount received from the Insurance Annuity Scheme is the monthly pension i.e., Pension is not paid by Government, but by the Insurance Company and hence NPS is nothing but Pension Privatization..

Thus it can be seen that the growth of the accumulated amount in the Pension fund depends upon the vagaries of share market. If the share markets collapse, as happened during the 2008 world financial crisis, then the entire amount in the pension fund may vanish. In that case employee will not get any pension. Every fluctuation in the share market will affect the future of pension of those employees who are covered under NPS. Uncertainty about pension and retirement life looms large over their heads. Even if there is a stabilized share market the 40% amount in the annuity scheme is not enough to get 50% of the last pay drawn as pension, which is the minimum pension as per old pension scheme. Many employees who entered in service after 01-01-2004 has retired in 2017 and 2018 after completing 12 & 13 years of service. They are getting Rs.1400- to Rs.1700- only as monthly pension from Insurance Annuity Scheme. If they have entered service in 2003 i.e., in the old pension scheme, they would have got 50% of the last pay drawn as pension subject to a minimum of Rs.9000- as minimum pension, that too without giving any monthly contribution towards pension from their salary. In short, NPS is nothing but NO PENSION SYSTEM.

As per clause 12(5) of the PFRDA Act even the employees and pensioners who are not covered under NPS, can be brought under the Act by a Gazette notification by the Government. Thus NPS is a Damocles' sword hanging over the head of all employees and pensioners.

Who is the beneficiary of this pension reforms? As in the case of every neo-liberal reforms, the ultimate beneficiary is the Corporates. The huge amount collected from the workers through pension fund is invested in share market by the Pension Fund Managers and this amount in turn can be utilied by the multi-national Corporates for multiplying their profit. Amount deducted and credited to the Pension fund from each newly recruited employees plus the employer's share amount will remain with the pension fund and share market for a period of minimum 30 to 35 years i.e., till the age of 60 years. During this long period of 35 years crores and crores of rupees will be at the disposal of share market controlled by multinational corporate giants. Ultimate causality will be the poor helpless employee/pensioner.

Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers and All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF) has been opposing the NPS from the very beginning and a one day strike was conducted on 30th October 2007. It was one of the main demand in all other strikes during these period. The campaign and struggle against NPS continued and as of now the subjective and objective conditions for a bigger struggle against NPS has emerged as almost 50% of the total employees in Central, State, Public sector and Autonomous bodies are now covered under NPS and are becoming more and more restive and agitated. 7th Central Pay Commission Chairman Retired Supreme court Judge Sri. Asok Kumar Mathur has correctly pointed out that "Almost a whole lot of Government employees appointed on or after 01-01-2004, were unhappy with New Pension Scheme. Govt. should take a call to look into their complaint".

As per the recommendations of 7th CPC, Central Government appointed a Committee called "NPS Committee" for streamlining the functioning of NPS. The Staff-side has demanded before this Committee to scrap NPS and guarantee for 50% of the last pay drawn as minimum pension subject to a minimum of Rs.9000-. Even though, the Committee has submitted its report 18 months back, the Government has not yet disclosed the recommendations of the Committee.

Confederation and AISGEF has decided countrywide intensive campaign culminating in one day strike on 15th November 2018 demanding that the Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (New Pension Scheme - NPS) imposed on new entrants must be scrapped and the Government should reintroduce the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Old Pension Scheme - OPS) that was in vogue for a century or more. We are also exploring the possibility of organizing an indefinite strike in the coming days exclusively on one demand i.e., SCRAP NPS, RESTORE OPS for which wider consultations are being made with all like-minded organizations.

Mob & whatsapp: 09447068125

e-mail: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source: Confederation

Revival of Indefinite Strike - AIRF & NFIR yet to take a decision

Revival of Indefinite Strike - AIRF & NFIR yet to take a decision

Railway Federations (AIRF & NFIR) are yet to take a decision regarding revival of indefinite strike

NJCA MEETING  18-08-2018

CONFEDERATION, NFPE AND AIDEF INSISTED REVIVAL OF INDEFINITE STRIKE - AUTHORIZED NJCA CHAIRMAN AND CONVENER (RAILWAY FEDERATIONS - AIRF & NFIR) TO TAKE FINAL DECISION REGARDING INDEFINITE STRIKE .

NJCA meeting was held on 18-08-2018. Government has ignored the ultimatum given by NJCA and has not given any cognizance to NJCA's Resolution adopted on 03-07-2018 and the letter dated 03-07-2018 addressed to Cabinet Secretary.

Government has betrayed NJCA and entire Central Government employees and Pensioners. Therefore, the Representatives of Confederation, NFPE and AIDEF insisted to revive the indefinite strike and start preparations for the strike immediately, as all employees are eagerly waiting for such a decision from NJCA.

Railway Federations (AIRF & NFIR) are yet to take a decision regarding revival of indefinite strike. After discussion it was decided to authorize the Chairman & Convener of NJCA (Railway Federations - AIRF & NFIR) to take final decision and convey the same to Government and also to all constituent organizations of NJCA.

As NJCA could not take any final decision regarding strike, Confederation shall go ahead with its decision to organize one day nationwide strike on 15th November 2018. In the mean time all Central Trade Unions (other than BMS) and independent Federations (including Confederation) are holding a National Convention at New Delhi on 28th September 2018. If any decision for strike is taken in that convention, the date of the Confederation's strike will be changed to synchronize with the date(s) of the Central Trade Unions and independent Federations, as already decided in the June 10th Hyderabad National Convention.

M.Krishnan
Secretary General
Confederation
Mob & Whatsapp:
9447068125
e-mail:
mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source: Confederation

Meeting of the National Anomaly Committee

National Anomaly Committee

Staff Side
Meeting Notice

F.No.11/2/2016-JCA(Pt)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment (JCA-2) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated July 13, 2018

Meeting Notice

Subject: Meeting of the National Anomaly Committee – regarding

The next meeting of National Anomaly Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P) is scheduled to be held on 17.07.2018 (Tuesday) at 11.00 A.M. in Room No.119, North Block, New Delhi.

2. Kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.

sd/-
(Juglal Singh)
Deputy Secretary (JCA)

To
All Members of the National Anomaly Committee of National Council (JCM) – (As per list attached)

Source: Confederation

NJCA Letter with Resolution dated 3.7.2018

NJCA Letter with Resolution dated 3.7.2018

Resolution and Letter to Cabinet Secretary
National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi- 110055

No.NJCA/2018

Dated: July 3, 2018

Dear Comrades,
The NJCA met today and took note of the inordinate delay in honouring the commitment made by the Government on 30th June, 2016 in respect of Minimum Wage, Fitment Formula, Scrapping the New Contributory Pension Scheme, Option No.1 to Pensioners, Outsourcing, Regularization of Contract/Casual Workers, JCM revival etc.

At the end of the deliberations it was decided to adopt a resolution and forward the same to the Government.

Copies of the Resolution and letter to the Cabinet Secretary are enclosed herewith, which are self-explanatory.

The NJCA will again meet on 18.08.2018 to finalize the future course of action in the matter of Indefinite Strike which was deferred on 06.07.2016.

Comradely yours,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Convener

Letter to Cabinet Secretary

National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road New Delhi - 110055

NO.NJCA/2018
Daled: July 3, 2018

Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India,
Rashlrapali Bhawan Annexe,
New Delhi-110001

Dear Sir,
The NJCA of the organizations, participating in the JCM, met today and adopted the enclosed resolution.

The NJCA was extremely unhappy to nole that the government did not honour its commitment made to the leaders of the organizations when they metlhe Hon'ble Home Minister and Finance Minister in the presence of the then Railway Ministers on 30.06.2016 on the basis of which the Indefinite Strike which was to commence on 11 .07.2016 was deferred.

The reply 10 a question asked by Shri Neeraj Shekhar in the Upper House of the Parliamcnl(Rajya Sabha) given by Hon'ble Minister of State for Finance, Shri P. Radha Krishnan, on 06.03.201 B Minister, which is reproduced below, has further angered the Central Government employees.
"Question of Shri Neeraj Shekhar(1170)

(a) Whether Government Is actively contemplating to increase minimum pay from Rs.18,000/· to Rs.21,000/· and filment factor from 2.57 to 3, in view of resentment among the Central Government employees over historically lowest increase in pay by 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC);

(b) If so, the details thereof and the date from which it would be implemented; and

(c) If not, the reasons for the callous attitude of Government towards Government Employees?"

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI P RADHAKRISHNAN )

"(a),(b)&(c ) - The minimum Pay of Rs .18,000/- p.m. and filment factor of 2.57 are based on the specific recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in the light of the relevant factors taken into account by it. Therefore, no change therein is at present under consideration".

The NJCA has decided to meet again on 18.08.2018 10 consider the response, if any, from the government to this letter and to the enclosed resolution.

In case of the continuing negative attitude of the government, the NJCA will be left with no other alternative but to revive the decision of Indefinite Strike action, which was deferred on 06.07.2016 on the basis of the assurance given by the Group of Ministers on 30.06.2016.

Sincerely yours,
(Shiv. Gopal Mishra)
Convener

Resolution

National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road New Delhi - 110055

RESOLUTION

The National JCA, which met today (03.07.20 18) at New Delhi as per the notice issued by the Convenor, after deliberations, came to the painful conclusion that the government had been unfortunately indulging in chicanery for the past two years by not honouring their commitment made to the NJCA leaders on 30.06.2016. The NJCA which was formed to pursue the demands and issues of the Central Government Employees especially those emanating from the recommendations made by the 7th CPC in the matter of Wage Revision, New Pension Scheme etc. had deferred the Indefinite Strike action, which was to commence from 11 .07.2016, on the solemn announcement held out by the Group of Ministers, consisting of the Hon'ble Home Minister, Finance Minister and the then Railway Ministers. The Govt had categorically stated that they should set up a High Power Committee to look into the matters concerning the upward revision of Minimum Wage Fitment Formula etc. with a direction to submit its report within four months. The NJCA had made reasoned submissions as to the fallacy of the computation of Minimum Wage made by the 7th CPC.

The meeting further noted that the report of the committee, set-up by the Government under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Pension, to look into the grievances of the employees and officers over the newly introduced Contributory Pension Scheme in place of the existing Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, has been kepi pending by the Government without taking any action whatsoever, thereby denying the benefit of Defined Benefit Of Pension to the employees recruited on or after 1.1 .2004.

The meeting also noted that, rejection of Option No.1, recommended by the 7th CPC, to the Pensioners on the specious ground that the said recommendation was not feasible to be implemented, was nothing but denial of legitimate parity between the past and present Pensioners.

The meeting noted with deep concern and anguish that the government has virtually closed down the doors of negotiation by not convening the meeting of the National council JCM for the past 8 years.
The meeting in the above circumstances and given the totally nugatory attitude of the government has decided to revive the Indefinite Strike action, which was deferred on 30.06.2016, immediately and call upon the Central Government employees to prepare themselves for an otherwise inevitable show down. The meeting noted that the government had been dillydallying the issue for the past two years. The meeting desired that the government must immediately address the following issues and bring about negotiated settlement thereof without any further delay.

a) Upward Revision of Minimum Wage and Fitm ent Formula
b) Scrapping the New Contributory Pension Scheme.
c) Allow Option No.1 as one of the Pension Fitment Formula.

The meeting has directed the Convenor to bring to the notice of the Cabinet Secretary and through him the government lhe resentment and discontent of the employees and await their response up to 07.08.2018 and put into operation the deciSion to revive the decision of Indefinite Strike action immediately, thereafter, in case no negotiated settlement is brought about on the various demands included In the Charter of Demands .

(Shiva Gopal Miishra)
Source: Confederation
Convener

Dated: 3rd July, 2018
Source: Confederation

Application of "Very Good" bench mark for grant of Financial upgradation under MACPS

Application of "Very Good" bench mark for grant of Financial upgradation under MACPS

No. 35014/1/2017-Estt.D
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel P.G & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 11.05.2018

To
Shri M. Krishnan,
Secretary General & Member,
Standing Committee National Council JCM,
Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers,
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building,
New Delhi.

Sub:- Application of "Very Good" bench mark for grant of Financial upgradation under MACPS, regarding.


I am directed to refer to your letter No. Confdn/Genl/2016-19 dated 14.03.2018 on the above mentioned subject and to state that there is no question of allowing second opportunity of representation against the APAR which are post 2009 as these are already disclosed to the employees in APAR process. However, instructions prescribing modalities of implementation of 7th CPC recommendations for enhancing the benchmark from "Good" to "Very Good" in respect of promotion, is yet to be issued. The matter is under consideration.

2. This issues with the approval of Joint Secretary (E).

Yours faithfully,
(Kuldeep chaudhary)
Section Officer
Ph. No-23040398

Source: Confederation

Proposal of the Staff Side to record disagreement of unsettled 6th CPC anomalies and to refer the same to Arbitrator Comments

Proposal of the Staff Side to record disagreement of unsettled 6th CPC anomalies and to refer the same to Arbitrator Comments

No.35014/1/2014-Estt.D

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel P.G. & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Dlehi
Dated: 02.02.2018

Office Memorandum

Sub: Proposal of the Staff Side to record disagreement of unsettled 6th CPC anomalies and to refer the same to Arbitrator Comments, regarding

The undersigned is directed to refer to JCA Section’s OM No. 11/1/2015-JCA dated 29.11.2017 and OM No. 3/3/2016-JCA dated 18.01.2018 on the above mentioned subject. With regard to request of JCA Section to discuss the issue with Staff Side. It is stated that it is not known on which issue Staff-Side desires to discuss the issue. Since the MACP Scheme is very complex, it would be appropriate that the matter may be discussed in the JCM meeting itself. However, latest status on the issue raised by Staff Side in the Standing Committee meeting held on 27.07.2012, 25.10.2016 and 03.05.2017 are furnished as under:-
FOLLOW UP ACTION AND LATEST STATUS ON THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING ON MACP HELD ON 27.07.2012

S.No.	Item	Recommendations	Follow up action	Latest Status
1.	Grant of MACP in the promotional hierachy	Staff side was informed that it was not possible to agree to the demand. Demand for allowing individual option for either ACPS or MACPS was also not agreed to.	No, action is required	Matter is sub- judice before Hon'ble Supreme Court.
2.	Date of effect of MACP Scheme	Staff side was advised to reconsider their demand for making MACPS effective from 01.01.2006.	No action.	No action
3.	Counting of 50% of service rendered by Temporary Status Casual Labour for reckoning 10/20/30 years under MACP Scheme that post.	It was decided that this issue may be taken up by the staff side in the National Council separately.	No action is required
8.	Stepping up of pay of senior incumbents at par with junior incumbents as a consequence of ACP/MACPS.	Official side states that steeping up of pay in the pay band or grade pay w.r.to junior getting more pay than the senior on account of pay fixation under the MACP Scheme can be considered as a special dispensation and suitable clarificatory instructions will be considered.	1. Instructions in this regard have been issued vide OM dated 04.10.2012. 2. On a reference from Ministry of Railways, the issue was considered, wherein it was categorically stated that the anomaly in Accounts Cadre of Railways cannot be attributed to ACP/MACP Schemes, but due to facility cadre structure.	7th CPC has recommended in Para 11.40.81 for stepping up of pay in circumstantial ground prevalent in M/o Railways. On the proposal of M/o Railways for accepting this recommendation of 7th CPC, file has been referred to D/o Expenditure for approval
9.	Benchmark for MACP	Suitable instructions to be issued that wherever promotions are given on non selection basis (seniority- cum-fitness) the prescribed benchmark as mentioned in para 17 of Annexure 1 of MACPS dated 19.05.2009 will not be applicable and the benchmark for promotion will apply for the purpose of MACPS.	Instructions in this regard have been issued vide OM dated 04.12.2012	As per recommendations of 7th CPC, Benchmark for MACP has been enhanced to Very Good for all the posts vide OM dated 28.09.2016
10.	Grant of ACP benefit to Artisan Staff of Ministry of Defence.	Official side informed that the matter has already been examined and it is not amenable so acceptance.	The matter has been again examined on a reference from M/o Defence.	The matter has been closed in the meeting of Standing Committee held on 03.05.2017.
11.	Issues already resolved and hence closed	Multiple issues	Closed.	No action.
12.	Employees who got one promotion prior to 01.09.2008 and completed over two decades of service without benefit of promotion and are denied third MACPs.	Official side has stated that this is a peculiar situtation and agreed to consider this issue on the basis of a reference to be made by the Ministry of Railways.	On a reference from M/o Railways the issue was examined in consultation with the D/o Expenditure and the proposal was not agreed to.	No action.

Follow up action on the meeting of Standing Committee held on 25.10.2016 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P) on the issues relating to MACPS

S.No.	Item	Recommendations	Follow up action
5(xii)	Ensuring Five Promotions in the Service Career and Grant of MACP in the promotional hierarchy.	It was observed by Secretary (P) that the reason behind delay in promotion was also due to delay in completion and implementation of cadre review report and instructions would be issued to speed up cadre review.	Action required from CRD Division. With regard to other demand i.e. grant of MACP in promotional hierachy, it is stated that if MACP will be granted in the promotional hierarchy, it will give rise to uneven benefit to employees falling in the same pay scale since several organizations adopted different hierarchical pattern. Consequently employees working in organizations having  greater number of intermediate greater number of intermediate grades will suffer because financial upgradation under MACPS will place them in lower pay scale vis-à-vis similarly placed employees in another organization that had lesser intermediary grades.Further, 7th CPC has also recommended that MACP will continue to be administered in the hierarchy of level in the Pay Matrix
6(vii)	Grant of 3rd MACP in GP Rs. 4600/- to the Master Craftsman (MCM) of Defence Ministry who were holding the post of MCM in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs. 4500-7000/- as on 31.12.2005.	Joint Secretary (Estt.). DoP&T informed that the issued would be re-examined.	Formal proposal of M/o Defence has been received. The matter was discussed with the representatives of M/o Defence twice i.e. on 19.01.2016 and 26.01.2016. The issue will be referred to D/o Expenditure for reconsideration of their earlier advice.
6(xiii)	Withdraw the stringent conditions unilaterally imposed by Government for grant of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) in promotion and grant MACP on promotional.	Staff Side demand that Government should either make MACP promotional hierarchy centric or they should not make it conditional..Joint Secretary (Estt.). DoP&T explained that the principle stil remains the same as for promotion also, the benchmark is "Very Good".	No action is required.

 Follow up action on the meeting of Standing Committee held on 03.05.2017 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (P) on the issues relating to MACPS

S.No.	Item	Recommendations	Comments of Establishment Division
12.	Ensuring Five promotions in the Service Career	It was informed that when this anomaly was earlier pointed out to the Joint Committee it was promised that this would be reconsidered and rectified. They suggested that if the MACP scheme was considered more beneficial the employee should be given option to choose whether be wants ACP Scheme of MACP scheme. The Chairman desired to know if there was any pay commission recommendation on this issue, on which he was informed that there was not. It was decided that the Establishment Division would examine the issue further.	It is stated that if MACP will be granted in the promotional hierarchy it will give rise to uneven benefit to employees falling in the same pay scale since several organizations adopted different hierarchical pattern. Consequently employees working in organizations having greater number of intermediate grades will suffer because financial upgradation under MACPS will place them in lower pay scale vis-à-vis similarly placed employees in another organization that had lesser intermediary grades. Further, 7th CPC has also recommended that MACP will continue to be administered in the hierarchy of levels in the Pay Matrix.
19.	Grant of 3rd MACP in GP Rs. 4600 to the Master Craftsmen (MCM) of Defence Ministry who were holding the post of MCM in the pre-revised pay scale of Rs. 4500-7000 as on 31/12/2005	Establishment Division had through their letter dated 09.02.2017 informed that a formal proposal of M/o Defence had been received. The matter was discussed with the representatives of M/o Defence twice i.e. on 19.01.2016, and 26.01.2016. The issue will be referred to D/o Expenditure for reconsideration of their earlier advice. The Staff-Side expressed satisfaction with the action taken. It was decided that the item may be closed.	No action.
25	Withdraw the stringent conditions unilaterally imposed by Government on grant of Modified Career Progression (MACP) in promotions and grant of MACP on promotional hierarchy.	JS (Admn and JCA) informed that ever since the introduction of disclosure of APARs, the number of employees getting higher level of gradings may rise. Proposal needed to be evidence based. It was decided that the Ministry of Railways may provide data on the trend of recorded gradings of APARS.	Though the matter assigned to M/o Railways, however, it is stated that the issue of enhancing the benchmark for promotion is under active consideration of the Government and the modalities decided in the matter of promotion will be made applicable in the case of MACP.

2. This issues with the approval of Joint Secretary (Establishment).

(Kuldeep Chaudhary)
Section Officer
Ph.No. 23040398

Source: Confederation

HISTORIC GDS ALL INDIA STRIKE: NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

GDS

HISTORIC GDS ALL INDIA STRIKE: NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND WORKERS
CENTRAL HEAD QUARTERS

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
CENTRAL HEAD QUARTERS

1st Floor, North Avenue Post office Building, New Delhi - 110001

HISTORIC GDS ALL INDIA STRIKE
ORGANIZE ONE DAY HUNGER FAST IN FRONT OF MAJOR POST OFFICES ON 31st MAY 2018, THURSDAY, 10 AM TO 5 PM
JOIN THE SANCHAR BHAWAN MARCH (MARCH TO COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER'S OFFICE NEW DELHI) IN LARGE NUMBERS ON 1st JUNE 2018 AND MAKE IT A GRAND SUCCESS

Dear Comrades,
As you are aware the indefinite strike of GDS Unions (AIPEU-GDS, AIGDSU, NUGDS & BEDEU) entered the 8th day today. All India strike percentage is 96%. Five rounds of discussions held with Secretary, Department of Posts, Additional Director General, Posts and conciliation meetings of Regional Labour Commissioner failed due to the adamant and negative attitude of the Government and Department. As per the call of NFPE and all affiliates of NFPE, departmental employees in Postal department organised black badge campaign and protest demonstration as solidarity support to the GDS strike. In five states (Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal) departmental employees also organised solidarity strike eventhough in four states (Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal) they have withdrawn the solidarity strike on the fourth day due to compelling reason. In Kerala departmental employees of NFPE and FNPO are continuing their strike. In all states including those states where the departmental employees have withdrawn the solidarity strike, 100% GDS employees are continuing their strike.

Confederation of Central Government employees & Workers has already given call for daily demonstration in front of Postal and RMS offices and also extend full support and solidarity to the strike.

As the strike is continuing Confederation National Secretariat and NFPE Federal Secretariat has decided to organize mass hunger fast in front of major Post office/RMS offices on 31st May 2018 Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is also decided to mobilise maximum number of employees from Delhi and nearby states in the Sanchar Bhawan March already announced by the striking GDS Unions on 1st June 2018 Friday at 10:30 AM.

All affiliates and State/District Level Coordinating Committees of Confederation and NFPE are requested to organize the above mentioned programmes in an effective manner with biggest participation of employees.

Yours fraternally,

(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General
Confederation
Mob: & WhastApp - 094470688125

(R. N. Parashar)
Secretary General
NFPE
Mob: WhatsApp - 09868819295

Source: Confederation

LDC to UDC Upgradation - Railway Board Report

LDC to UDC Upgradation - Railway Board Report

ABOLISH AND UPGRADE ALL POSTS OF LOWER DIVISION CLERKS (LDCs) TO UPPER DIVISION CLERKS (UDCs) - MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS IS NOT IN FAVOUR OF THE STAFF SIDE DEMAND

Action taken report on the minutes of the standing Committee National Council JCM held on 03.05.2017

Minutes - Reacting to the comment made by the official side, the staff side pointed out that prima-facie, on introduction of computerized functioning in almost all departments, the functions assigned to LDCs have become redundant.

Decision - What is required is to get the report from each department and take a conscious decision, as LDC is a common category.

Report of the Ministry of Railways (OM dated 01.12.2017)

In view of functional requirement of Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) and promotional aspects of MTS, proposal to abolish and upgrade all posts of LDCs (LDC now as Junior Secretariat Assistant) to UDCs (now called as Senior Secretariat Assistant) may not be recommended and besides this, RBSCS is patterned on the lines of the CSCS and the existing system is working well, unless there is any change in CSCS, no change is desirable in RBSCS. 7th CPC has also not provided upgradation of to LDCs; therefore to abolish and upgrade all posts of LDCs to UDCs is considered not feasible.

Source: Confederation

7th CPC Minimum Pay and Fitment Factor: Confederation writes to NJCA

7th CPC Minimum Pay and Fitment Factor: Confederation writes to NJCA

NJCA 

 

CONFEDERATION WRITES TO NJCA LEADERS

Ref: Confdn/Genl/2016-19

Dated: 14.03.2018

To
1. Shri M. Raghavaiyya
Chairman,
National Joint Council of Action of JCM (NC) Staff Side organisations (NJCA) & General Secretary

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
Leader Staff side NC (JCM)
3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi - 110055
2. Shri Shiv Gopal Misra
Convenor, NJCA & General Secretary
All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) & Secretary, Staff side,
National Council (Staff Side) JCM
13- C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi - 110001

Dear Comrade,
As you may be aware the Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance, has given the following written reply in Parliament for a question asked to Minister of Finance, regarding our demand - "Increase in Minimum Pay and Fitment Formula".

Reply given by Minister of state for Finance:

"The minimum pay of Rs.18000/- p.m. and fitment factor of 2.57 are based on the specific recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in the light of the relevant factors taken into account by it. Therefore, no change therein is at present under consideration".

From the above it is crystal clear that Govt. has gone back from the assurance given on 30.06.2016 by Group of Ministers including Sri Rajnath Singh, Home Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister and Shri Suresh Prabhan, then Railway Minister, that Minimum Pay and Fitment formula will be increased and for that purpose a High Level Committee will be appointed to submit report within four months.

Now that Govt. has gone back from its assurance, I on behalf of Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers, which is a constituent organisation of NJCA, request you revive our deferred agitational programmes immediately and for that purpose, if necessary, an urgent meeting of the NJCA may be convened.

Awaiting response,

Yours fraternally,

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

Mob: 0944768125

Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source: Confederation

Grant of Tough Location Allowance to Central Govt. Employees of Darjeeling

Grant of Tough Location Allowance to Central Govt. Employees of Darjeeling

"Consider grant of any kind of Special Duty Allowance/Tough Location Allowance/High Altitude Allowance as a special case"

Ref: Confdn/Genl/2016-19

Dated : 14.03.2018

To
The Secretary
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
North Block, New Delhi - 110001

Sir,
Sub:  Grant of Tough Location Allowance to Central Govt. Employees of Darjeeling.

This is to bring to your kind notice that Hill Compensatory Allowance (HCA) was being paid till June 2017 to the employees of Darjeeling. Unfortunately HCA has been withdrawan from the month of July 2017 onwards after implementation of 7th CPC Allowance Committee report. However, the neighbouring state, Sikkim is still getting the Special Compensatory Allowance (SCA). It is worth mentioning that Darjeeling and Sikkim share same type of terrain, alongwith climatic conditions. It is further to mention here that the employees of some hill areas viz; Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, comparatively similar to Darjeeling Hills, are enjoying Tough Location Allowance (TLA). But the employees of Darjeeling are deprived of both the Tough Location Allowance (TLA) and Special Compensatory Allowance (SCA).

Darjeeling being the world famous tourist spot and the "Queen of Hills" is one of the expensive place to live in as all the basic commodities are to come from Siliguri, which is a 'Y' category city with 16% HRA. This has led the employees of Darjeeling being economically handicapped with the removal of Hill Compensatory Allowance.

In view of the above, I request you to review the orders withdrawing the Allowance already enjoyed by the employees of Darjeeling, and Consider grant of any kind of Special Duty Allowance/Tough Location Allowance/High Altitude Allowance as a special case, considering the geographical, climatical and economical hardship faced by the employees.

Awaiting response,

Yours faithfully,

(M. Krishnan)

Secretary General

& Member, Standing Committee

National Council (JCM)

Mob: 09447168125

Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

Source: Confederation