CIRCULAR- 11/09

Dear Comrades, The 23rd National Council meeting of the Confederation was held at New Delhi from 4th to 6thDecember, 2009. The meeting was inaugurated by Com. Sukomal Sen, former Member of Parliament and former General Secretary of TUI-PAE. The inaugural session was held at Muktadhara, Gol market, New Delhi. Com. Tapan Sen, MP and Chairman, Reception Committee welcomed the Guests, Councillors, and observers on behalf of the Reception Committee. The Council was addressed by Com. M.K. Pandhe, President, CITU, Com. Umraomal Purohit, General Secretary, HMS and Secretary Staff Side, JCM, National Council. Com. S.P. Tewari, General Secretary, TUCC, Com. Subba Rao, Secretary, BMS, Com. Sreekumar, General Secretary, All India Defence Employees Federation, Com. Rajesh Menon, General Secretary, Confederation of Central Government Officers Federations. Com. Swapan Mukherjee General Secretary AICCTU, Com. Sebastiano Soares, General Secretary, TUI, Com. Nguyen Ngoc Ben, Senior Vice President, Vietnam Public Services Union had sent in their messages, which were read out at the inaugural session. On behalf of the Presidium, Com. S.K. Vyas, President, Com. C.C.: Pillai, Working President, Com. T. Narasihman addressed the session. Com Vrighu Bhattacharya, proposed vote of thanks. Com. G.L. Dhar, Secretary, AITUC, Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union, and Com S. Mohan, Secretary General, All India Audit & Accounts Officers Association addressed the delegate session on 5th Dec 2009. The subject session of the Council meeting were held at Garhwal Bhawan, New Delhi. 35 Affiliated Associations/Federations and 14 COCs were present at the subject session. From our Association Kousik Roy and N.Venkatakrishnan attended the meeting. In all 51 comrades participated in the discussion on the report. The Secretariat provided all the clarification sought by the members before adopting the accounts. The Council adopted various resolutions moved by the Sectt and a few moved by the affiliates and COC representatives. The amendments to the Constitution proposed by the National Executive Committee, which had already been circulated were adopted. Besides, the Secretariat submitted certain proposals on the basis of the feedback from the affiliates and COCs. These were also approved by the Council after deliberations. The amendments were to give effect to the following proposals. (a) To replace the existing National Council with the triennial National Conference. (b) To have a National Council as the second tier of functioning to meet once in a year. (c) To have the National Executive with the members of the elected Secretariat members, Members nominated by the affiliated organizations having membership of more than 3000 and if those organizations do not have a representative in the Secretariat. (d) To have a progressive representation of councilors/Associate Councillors for the COCs in the National Conference on the basis of paid up amount of subscription with a ceiling limit of one Councilor and four associate Councillors , the maximum subscription being Rs. 5000 and the minimum at Rs.1000. (e) To have the National Council, the representation of each of the affiliated Associations/Federation through their Chief Executive and the State Secretaries of the COCs. (f) To expand the number of Secretariat members for the ensuing term to give wider representation to the affiliates. The Council also decided to adopt the logo of the Confederation as was exhibited at the meeting and change the nomenclature of the COCs as "Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, ………….State Committee/District Committee" as the case may be. The Resolution moved by the Secretariat on Policy and Programme was discussed in the background of the Government's decision to re-introduce the PFRDA bill in the Parliament seeking even the support of the NDA partners. It was decided by the house that the Secretariat must hold discussion with the leaders of the All India State Government employees Federation and All India Defence Employees Federation to carry out the earlier proposal of organizing a day's strike action as and when the Bill is placed before the Parliament. The resolution on Policy and Programme was adopted. The same is annexed to this letter. The Council elected the following as the office bearers for the ensuing term of three years. The house unanimously accepted the suggestion of Com. S.K.Vyas, President to appoint Com. P.V. Ramachandran as Auditor of the Confederation. The Council concluded its deliberations on 6th at 6.00 PM. LIST OF MEMBERS OF SECRETARIAT OF CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS, NEW DELHI. (Elected in the XXIII National Council Meeting held on 4-6 December, 2009) S.No Name of Post Name of Comrade Parent organization Tel. Number. 1 President S.K.Vyas Audit 9868244035 2 Working President K.Ragavendran NFPE 9868819295 3 Vice Presidents: T. Narasimhan NFPE 9440056969 4 K.V.Sridharan NFPE 9868545552 5 K.P.Rajagopal ITEF 9443914467 6 M. Duraipandian Audit 9789833552 7 N. Somayya Ground Water. 9811748243 8 Secretary General K.K.N.Kutty ITEF 9811048303 9 Secretary M.S.Raja Audit 9868145667 10. Assistant Secys. Virghu Bhattacharjee Civil Accounts 9868520920 11 Ashok B Salunkhe ITEF 9869477401 12 Ishwar Singh Dabas NFPE 9968099272 13 Jayaraj.K.V. Atomic Energy 9869501189 14 S.S. Mahadevaiah GDS 9811577701 15 Finance Secretary Giri Raj Singh NFPE 9818801178 16 Organising Secys. P.K.Das IBM 9423635211 17 Ashok Kanojia ITEF 9810206426 18 Mani Achari Atomic Energy 9442155128 19 Geeta Ghoshal ITEF 9433960750 20 P.Suresh NFPE 9885077451 21 R.Seethalakshmi NFPE 9448819821 22 Nageswara Rao Audit 9912348233 23 Pijush Roy Civil Accounts 9433515577 24 P. Rajanayagam Postal Accounts 9868451466 25 R.P.Singh Agmark 9969080996 26 D.P.S.Madan Central Secretariat 9871372438 27 T.K.R.Pillai Stts.Prog. Implementation 9425372172 28 Auditor P.V.Ramachandran ITEF 9424417526

Copy of Resolution on Policy and Programme adopted at the National Council meeting on 6^thDecember, 2009.

RESOLUTION ON POLICY AND PROGRAMME

In the beginning of nineties, India, succumbing to the pressure exerted by the imperialist powers through the IMF, opened-up its economy to globalization, stating that it was left with no alternative. Globalization and liberalization were the panacea suggested for bringing about faster economic growth. Faster growth of economy indeed was brought about but only to the lender nations. Most of the third world countries, setting aside the planned development path adopted the neo-liberal economic policies. What emerged on pursuance of the ill advised policy is the accentuation of hunger, poverty and unemployment. Sharper division between the rich and poor countries ensued. The gulf between the haves and have-nots widened. Most of the nations in South Asia and sub-Sahara Africa suffered from high levels of hunger. The global intake of food articles was substantially reduced. Between 2003-and 2008, the cost of rice in the retail market rose by four times and corn by three times. Our country became distinct for its largest food-insecure population i.e. about 200 million.

Throughout the world, workers rose in struggle. To combat this ongoing resistance, the Trade Union rights were denied. Enactments were made to abridge the labour welfare measures. In India we even witnessed brutal physical assaults with the active collaboration of the Police and state machinery as happened in Gurgaon, Rajasthan and Orissa. Thousands of peasants ended their life during the period. There had been incessant resistance to the policies from all sections of the working people. More and more people began to participate in the resistance movement. The strike actions, under the united platform of Sponsoring Committee of Trade Unions elicited more and more participation of the workers.

The Central Government employees, who were reluctant partners in the struggle in the beginning, realized the enormity and pernicious impact of these policies in the day to day life. The strike action of 30^{th t} October, 2007

against the pension fund reforms was the manifestation of the growing realization of the issues involved. It was only on the threat of an indefinite strike action; the Government of India revised its stand and decided to set up the 6^th CPC. The downsizing, contractorsation, privatization, outsourcing etc were the various methodologies adopted to shed regular employment and usher in informalisation of workforce to carry on even the unavoidable perennial and permanent nature of functions. This has continued unabated and serious struggles are required to stem the rot. We are to take initiative in mobilizing the entirety of Central Government employees.

There had been no bilateral discussions and negotiations with the Unions/Federations/Associations of the Central Government employees worth the name on the demands placed jointly by all these organizations to the Government on the recommendations of 6^th CPC. What all in the name of discussions happened was to provide an audience to the Staff Side of JCM by the Committee of Secretaries. Most of the issues/demands in the charter were rejected without adducing any reasons whatsoever. This meeting calls upon the National Executive to strive to bring those issues to the centre stage of discussion, demand negotiation with the group of Ministers and organize programme of action including strike to bring about a satisfactory settlement support thereof.

The situation makes it binding on us to prepare for a long and sustained struggle. This conference exhorts its members to strive their best to bring about a much more united and militant movement to make it possible.

On 4^th of December Secretary General and Vice-President (South) went to North Block met different officials of C.B.E.C on the pending demands and discussed with the Administration about the possibility of granting notional fixation from 01.01.1996 in the light of Cuttack CAT judgment. It was decided that another round of discussion will be held on 15^th of December with the Board officials.

In the organizational front we are receiving positive response from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra hope the aperture will be set right.

For renewal of recognition this is an SOS to all the circles and branches ‘kindly respond without more ado and send your D.D.O certificates forthwith’.

To

The President,

All office Bearers,

Circle and Branch Secretaries Comradely Yours

For wide circulation KOUSIK ROY

UPDATE - 08.12.2009

Comrades,

Many members are asking an update on the restructuring and on the future course of action. Due to time constraints, I am unable to give a detailed report. We would be issuing a detailed circular shortly for discussion in Circles so that further deliberations can be made in the upcoming CEC meeting. These are the highlights of the Committee Report.

High Powered Committee.

Proposed to create All India Central Indirect Taxes Service with the following Hierarchical Structure.

Central Indirect Taxes Officer – (CITO)19670 posts by merging Inspector CE & PO
Senior Central Indirect Taxes Officer – (SCITO) 11805 posts by merging Superintendent CE & Preventive
Senior Superintendent (Indirect Taxes) – (SS) 1400 posts – JTS with GP Rs. 5400/- in PB –3 and STS after 4 years regular service in JTS with GP Rs. 6600/-

SS would be heading Audit Teams and represent the Department before Commissioner (Appeals)/ (Adjn)

Officers promoted as SS would retain their Seniority in Group B level for promotion into IRS cadre as AC.

Inspector CE & PO to be merged and inter se seniority as per DOPT guidelines and Baradwaj Committee Report.

Transfer liability outside the zone of recruitment/ promotion would arise only at the time of promotion as SCITO with facility to return to parent zone on FIFO basis.

Superintendent CE & Prev. to be merged and promotion to SS from the combined cadre of SCITO.

To bring zonal parity, Inspector CE/PO senior in that grade to the last promoted Superintendent (CE or P) shall be re-designated as Superintendent.

Study Group II for restructuring of Integrated Commissionerate & LTU.

Creation of Principal Zones in 5 regions headed by Principal CC.

Creation of 10 more integrated Commissionerates.

Creation of 68 more Division

Creation of 290 more Ranges

Redesignating Superintendent with 25 years of service and receiving 2nd ACP as Deputy Assistant Commissioner.

Increase in posts consequent to the above proposals.

Commissioner – 30
ADC/JC - 79
DC/AC - 360
Superintendent - 1555
Inspector - 4565


Study Group I for restructuring of exclusive Commissionerates.

Creation of 17 additional Exclusive Service Tax Commissionerate

Three Chief Commissioners for ST

More Commissioner (Appeals)

Increase in posts consequent to the above proposals.

CC - 3
Commissioner – 31
ADC/JC - 63
DC/AC - 133
Superintendent - 1819
Inspector - 1879


In Central Excise reduction of 2 Commissionerates proposed.

OTHER MATTERS

The meeting w.r.t 01.01.1996 fixation said to have been held is with the Superintendent Association. However our SG had some informal meetings during his visit to Delhi between 03-05.12.2009

The GP 5400 for ACP Inspectors has been referred to DOPT. The case instituted in Cochin CAT may be taken up for hearing in early 2010.

We would be visiting Delhi on 15th and some discussions are slated. We would give an update later.


ARUN ZACHARIAH.P
PRESIDENT
AICEIA

GRADE PAY UPGRADATION AND ITS AFTERMATH

A fortnight has passed after the issuance of the pay up gradation order and the initial euphoria has given way to airing of doubts, lamentations and accusations. These broadly fall into three categories.

i) What would be the pay fixation of a person joining as direct recruit subsequent to 01.01.2006? Pay fixation of a person promoted as inspector after 01.01.2006? Pay fixation of an inspector in service on 31.12.2005?
ii) Seniors are not benefited by this pay up gradation order and hence there is no need for any hype.
iii) The Association went wrong in withdrawing the strike without getting any assurance on the other demands in the strike agenda.

I would like briefly muse on these three points.

The pay fixation of direct recruit Inspector who joined on or after 01.01.2006 is free from doubt. The initial pay in pay band would Rs. 12540/- and the gross basic pay would be Rs. 17140/-. As regards the other two cases, two views exist. The first one is that the person who was on service as inspector on 31.12.2005 would be fixed in the revised pay band, on electing for revised pay structure on 01.01.2006, at a stage corresponding to his pre-revised basic pay as on 31.12.2005 multiplied by 1.86 and rounded off to Rs. 10/- plus the grade pay of Rs. 4600/- and a person who was promoted as Inspector after 01.01.2006 would get his pay fixed after adding an increment of 3% of his pay in pay band plus the grade pay of the feeder post to the pay in pay band and the grade pay of Rs. 4600/-. The second view is that the pay in pay band so fixed in both these cases shall not go below Rs. 12540/- There is no point in Association giving a clarification; we have to seek it from the authority competent to clarify. In this regard, it may also be worth mentioning that some of the individuals who were promoted as Inspector between 01.01.2006 and 01.09.2008 opted for the revised pay structure on the date of their promotion foregoing their arrears and got the pay fixed corresponding to the stage Rs. 6500/- in the pre revised scale. When the cadre of Inspectors do not have a pre-revised pay scale of Rs. 6500-10500 after 01.01.2006, is not these individual’s pay to be re-fixed as on their date of promotion to a stage corresponding to Rs. 7450/-? If that be the case, can a senior draw a lesser pay?

Coming to the senior’s benefit – to cry that the seniors are not benefited is nothing but a myopic view. First of all the grade pay has restored the parity with analogous cadre, our dignity, our status. Leave that apart because status without pay may not be universally acceptable. Let’s examine whether this order would benefit the seniors. What are our major out standing pay related demands. Notional fixation on 6500-10500 scale with effect from 01.01.1996 and Rs. 5400/- grade pay to ACP recipient Inspectors. You may recall that the initial pay in the pay band of revised pay structure corresponded to the pay plus dearness pay plus DA in the pre-revised scale and the grade pay was the fitment weightage. When a new recruit Inspector had to start his pay in revised pay band at the stage of Rs. 9300/-, the pre-revised pay scale of Inspector was effectively down graded to Rs. 5000-8000. Without even restoring the pay scale to 6500-10500, what logical possibility is there for granting notional fixation of the scale 6500-10500 from 01.01.1996? This up-gradation is absolutely essential in pursuing that demand. As regards the second demand of Rs. 5400/-; prior to this up-gradation only a section of the Inspectors were drawing grade pay of Rs. 4800/- on ACP. Now every Inspector would receive Rs. 4800/- on ACP. Hence I wish to state that despite non-availability of immediate financial benefits to seniors, this up-gradation would benefit them in the long run.

Finally the allegation that strike was withdrawn without obtaining all the demands – If you follow the actions and persuasions done by this Association during the last one year, you would be able to understand that the strike was not simply called on a one fine moment. Step by step, the grade pay issue was brought to the negotiation table. After several rounds of discussion, when finally the issue reached a stalemate, which could not be resolved except through a strike, notice was served. The other points were included in the charted so as to draw attention to it. In the matter of calling strike and calling off strike, I submit that the members should show the magnanimity of giving sufficient lee way to the leadership who would be assessing the situation and it may not be possible to share everything that is happening due to strategic reasons. Strike is similar to the game of brinkmanship used in the diplomatic circles. Only the persons in the first line of action can take the decision.

Before parting, I wish to say that the success in the grade pay issue is only because of our unity and let’s all be proud of that. This is a morale booster for all our future endeavors. We will work together to achieve that.


ARUN ZACHARIAH.P
PRESIDENT
AICEIA

Dear Comrades,

The leaders of the 4 organizations on behalf of which we submitted the Strike Notice on 5^th November 2009, intimating the Government that the employees and officers of the Revenue department would be on strike on 26/11/2009 met ton 17th of November 2009 at Rajouri Garden New Delhi. In view of the decision taken by the Govt., to grant higher Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- to all those who were in the pre-revised scale of 6500-10500. The meeting decided to withdraw the Strike Action slated for 26/11/2009. We send herewith the copy of communication intimating the withdrawal of the proposed strike action. It is quite heartening to note that ultimately the Government took the decision to concede the demands for revised Grade Pay for Inspectors and other similarly placed officials even before the commencement of the Strike.

We take this opportunity to convey our sincere gratitude and congratulations to every one of you for the strenuous efforts you had undertaken in mobilizing the members for the strike action. The two month long agitation and campaign programme undertaken by our All India Association starting from 15^th of July to 9^th of September in the wake of our decision to go for sustained struggle in the Chandigarh C.E.C had created an electrifying atmosphere and determination in the minds of our members to fight out the unjust denial of higher grade pay for Inspectors, Notional fixation of the pre revised pay scale from 01.01.1996, grade pay of Rs. 5400/- for the Inspectors working in the grade pay of 4800/- for four (4) years and removal of stagnation in the cadre of Inspector and Superintendent. As you are aware, our All India Association had been making serious efforts to settle this issue without resorting to an industrial action. In the initial stages we were under the natural impression that the Government having notified that it would revise the Grade Pay of all those who were in the erstwhile pay scale 6500 - 10500 and whose functions were distinct from that of the cadres carrying the pay scale of 5000 - 8000 and 5500 - 9000, the demand for higher Grade Pay for Inspectors, Administrative Officers and Private Secretaries would become a reality without much loss of time.

We came to the inescapable conclusion after the last rounds of discussion with the Official Side of the Dept. of Expenditure held on 7^thOctober 2009 that this simple issue had been complicated in order to delay the grant of legitimate benefit to the employees of the department of revenue. We are extremely thankful to the leaders of the Income-Tax employees Federation, Income-Tax Gazetted officers’ Association and the All India Customs Preventive Services Federation for having expressed their readiness to go along with AICEIA for an eventual Strike Action. But for the serving of the Strike Notice and the mobilization unleashed by us this demand would not have been possible to be achieved. We are also happy to note that our decision to go on strike has not only benefited our members but all those employees and officers in the departments of Govt. of India who had been on the pay scale of 6500 - 10500 prior to the 6^th CPC recommendations came into existence.

It indeed confirms that the struggles are the precursor for achievements and building up a militant Trade Union movement and retaining it vibrant at all times is the pre-requisite. We have taken the firm resolution in Chandigarh CEC that we shall fight against all injustices and will tread the path of struggle in pursuance of our demands.

We once again congratulate all of you for demonstrating this firm commitment in no uncertain terms which has emboldened us to take the decision to go on strike action. We hope that it would not be inappropriate on our part to call upon the comrades who are in the cadre of Inspectors and who are the beneficiaries of the decision presently taken by the Government to contribute for sustaining the financial health of our organization. Accordingly, we request Circle/ Branch General Secretaries to approach every Inspector of their charge to contribute towards the working fund of our All India Association.

The other Issues Government had already instructed our Board to find solution and our Board took a meeting of our All India Association in the Chamber of Member (P&V) on 16^th of September. As decided in the meeting with the Board

1. The issue of Rs. 5400/- grade pay for all those inspectors who are in the grade pay of 4800/- for four (4) years has been sent to DOP&T as par our demand, we argued that expenditure is not the competent authority to clarify any dispute on ACP matter and DOP&T is the only authority to elucidate the dispute. Side by side the CAT case in Kerala is going on, for derth of fund sometimes we are unable to fight the case, hope situation will improve with your help.
2. The Issue pertaining to the notional fixation from 01.01.1996 has been sent to Expenditure once again as chairman’s reference, it is wothy to mention that this issue already got several VIP’s recommendation.
3. In its letter dated 12^th October 2009 Board intimated us that the stagnation related issue is of great concern for CBEC, it is underway in HRD and under the care of AD-IVA secxtion of CBEC and we have come to know that the separate service as we have demanded shall be taken care of at the time of restructuring.

For the above three issues and the issue recently solved we sent several letters inclusive of an SOS letter to the Gazetted Officers Association depicting that 75% of the demands undertaken by our Association relates to the demands of Central Excise Superintendents but a reply is still awaited. Hope in coming days we will be able to shorten the gap between the two Associations.

Sooner or later we will be confronting the CBEC and the Govt., over these issues. These anomalies presently are the subject matter of discussion at various levels. The next course of action will be decided in our next CEC which is likely to be held in Rajasthan in December 2009. Assuring you of our continued efforts in finding resolutions to these issues and with greetings.

Comradely Yours

KOUSIK ROY

4600 achieved ------- CONGRATULATION !

Comrade,

Congratulation to all of you, we have achieved 4600 grade pay ( Rs. 7450/- pay scale )

from 01-01-2006.

Sincerely Yours

Kousik Roy

Notice for Strike (scanned copy)

Circular 09-09

Comrades,


On 5th of November 2009 at Rajouri Garden New Delhi it was decided from a joint meeting of Income-tax Employees Federation, Income-tax Gazetted Officers Association, All India Central Excise Inspectors Association and All India Customs Preventive Services Federation will be on a one day’s strike on 26th November, 2009. These organizations have submitted a Strike Notice to the Revenue Secretary . The demands in pursuance of which the employees will embark upon the strike action are also enclosed.
Our organization decided in our Chandigarh C.E.C to go for strike after exhausting all possible means of persuasion and comrades our association feels that now we have no other option left but to go for one day token strike on our four (4) point charter of demand issued to board on 14.08.2009.
We are enclosing copy of the Strike Notice and charter of demand to all concerned. All the circle and branch Secretary’s are hereby requested to forward the strike notice to the concerned Commissioner/C.C on 10th of November with huge rally and continue lunch hour demonstration on every alternate day up to 25th of November.
Comrades we have our experience of three days strike and with the help of that experience we have to participate in this strike. To make it a grand success we request you all to intensify campaign programme so that a message could reach our Ministry that The Inspectors of Revenue Department have the courage to protest against the whims and fancies of the Government.
The Association surely assures you that we are ready to face any odd and to take any action if our cadre’s interest is not given proper importance. We believe in an administration that we are working only persuasion without proper action shall not bring the feudal lords into terms.
We have already completed our campaign programme in the whole of North India, part of South India and West except Mumbai, Pune and Andhra Pradesh we would like to request Branch Secretaries of Mumbai, Pune, Vizag, Hyderabad, Guntur to organize campaign programme immediately, 0n 16th and 17th of November Office Bearers are going to Mumbai for joint campaign programme with Income-Tax, another team shall go to Andhra Pradesh under the Leadership of N. Balraj and Vekata Krishnan by next week.

We have to complete our campaign programme at the most 20th November, 2009.
All the unit office bearers are once again requested to submit their remaining D.D.O certificates immediately.

Yours fraternally,


The President & ( Kousik Roy)
All Office Bearers of AICEIA
(for wide circulation of inputs to
the Members of all Circles/Branches)