INCOMETAX PENSIONERS FEDERATION

NEW DELHI

E MAIL: itpfchq@gmail.com

Website address:itpfchq.blogspot.com

Dated: 1.07.2016.

Dear Comrades,

As you are aware, the Government of India took the decision to implement the various recommendations of the 7^th CPC recommendation on 29^{t June, 2016.} .  The Press conference to inform the decisions to the public at large was chaired by the honourable Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley.  The PIB immediately placed on their website the high lights.

These developments triggered a hectic day of activities for NJCA and its affiliates.  We have captured the scenario from the NCCPA Circular letter of date. We are placing the entire documents for the benefit of all our members. The members may kindly respond to this communication.   

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

KKN Kutty

Secretary General.

Copy of NCCPA Circular letter No. NCCPA/06/2016 dated 1.7.2016.

Dear Comrades,

The National Secretarait of NCCPA met at New Delhi ( AIRF Library hall) on 27.6.2016.  as scheduled. The meeting was presided over by Com. Shiv Gopal Misra, President and Com. S.S. Roy, Working President.  The  names of members who were present at the meeting are given below.  The following agenda came up for discussion.

1. Shiv Gopal Misra – 2.  Chariman,KKN Kutty – SG  3. VAN Nambiidiri – Patron 4.  S.S.Roy – Working President 5.  Dhaktod – Vice President  6. C.L.Mathur – Vice President 7. T.S.Parameswaran – Vice President 8.Pavitra Ranjan Chakraborti – Dy SG9  K.Ragavendran – DY SG  10. H.L.Sidhu – Treasurer  11. K.G.Jayaraj – ASG  12 S.K.Sharma – ASG – SCOVA Member 13.  Prabakaran Nair – ASG 14.  Ishwar Singh Dabas – ASG 15.  Somaiah – Organising Secretary.

Guests:

Sahajan – Kerala CGPA – SCOVA Member  K.B.Krishnarao – Karnataka P&T Pensioners Assn – SCOVA Member  O.P.Mathur – Rajasthan  S.K.Jaiswal  - Rajasthan

Agenda

1.      Review of the implementation of the decisions taken at the last meeting held on 7.2.2016 on all agenda items.

2.      The approach of the Department of Pension on the recommendations of the 7^th CPC on pensioners issues.

3.      Review of the deliberations held at the BCPC meeting at Delhi and the follow up action needed.

4.      Any other matter with the permission of chair.

Before the commencement of the meeting the AIPRPA Delhi (Unit ( Com. Rajinder Singh, President and Com. Deep Chand, General Secretary, presented complimentary executiuve files to all office bears. 

‘The decisions taken in brief at the meeting are as under:-

1.      The NCCPA Units and affiliates will organize a Dharna programme at all State capitals demanding that the Government must bring in parity in pension entitlements between the past and present pensioners as they have rightly awarded the one rank one pension to the Ex-servicemen personnel.  The members may be apprised of the decision of the Government, especially of the Pension Department regarding Option No.1. which is inimical to the interest of the pensioners.   The meeting must adopt the following resolution and the same may be sent to  Shri Arun Jaitely, Honourable Finance Minister, Government of India, North Block, New Delhi.  110 001.

This meeting of the pensioners held at…….. request the honourable Finance Minister  that the 7^th CPC  recommendations to allow Option No. 1 to the Pensioners may be accepted and implemented removing the words appeared in the Government Press Statement “subject to feasibility”.  The pensioners are extremely worried that the said phrase, if included in the Gazette Notification  will be taken advantage of by the Pension Department of the Government of India to deny the legitimate benefit to the pensioners, even though the Government has decided to accept the recommendation made in this regard by the 7^th CPC. “

2.      The Pensioners Association at all Places will extend solidarity support to the working employees as and when they organize the strike action.

3.      A national convention against NPS will be held at New Delhi in the second fortnight of October .

4.      The NCCPA’s next circular will have the list of all affiliates/units who are in arrears of payment of subscription.

5.      The postal registration for NCCPA Bulletin has been obtained.  The SG will go over to Kolkata to ensure that the jounal is published in page maker format.

6.      All affiliates and units will enroll more subscribers to the journal.

7.      The SG will take up the need for holding the GB meeting of BCPC with the President of BCPC.

8.      Com. S.S. Roy will submit a note on the attack on the Post office Saving bank scheme, which has been beneficial to the retired personnel.

9.      The detailed minutes of the meeting will be issued and circulated separately. 

7^th CPC recommendations and

Latest developments.

               The Cabinet decision on various recommendations of 7^th CPC was made known by the Government through the Press Statement issued on 29^th itself.  The same has been widely carried by the Print and Electronic media.  We place for the benefit of our members the highlights of the Cabinet decisions.  The NJCA met on 30^th at 4.00 PM and deliberated upon the outcome of the Cabinet meeting of 29^th.  The Press Statement issued thereafter by the NJCA carries their reactions.  The same is also reproduced.  During the meeting convenor Com.Shiv Gopal Misra received an invitation from the Government over phone to meet the Home, Finance and Railway Ministers on that night itself.  The said meeting took place at 9.00 PM at the residence of the Honourable Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh.  We send herewith the Circular letter issued by the NJCA on Ist July, 2016.

               In this connection we are also to inform you that the undersigned who was a member of the delegation of NJCA took up the ambiguity in the decision of the Government in the matter of pension fitment formula recommended by the 7^th CPC.  The delegation pointed out to the Finance Minister that even though the Government has decided to accept the 7^th CPC recommendation to have two options for pensioners, it is qualified with the words “subject to feasibility”.  The Finance Minister categorically assured the delegation that the Government has accepted the recommendation in toto and the Pension department has only been asked to sort out the difficulties in implementation of the Option No. 1., if any. 

Copy  of the Press statement issued by the NJCA on 30^th June, 2016.

After Seven months of the submission of the report by the 7^th CPC the Government has now announced its decisions.  Government has rejected almost all demands raised by the employees organizations vide their letter dated 10^th December 2015. The press statement issued by the Govt after the cabinet meeting on 29^th June 2016 is an amalgam of facts, untruths and fiction. The National Joint Council of Action had demanded for legitimate and cogent reasons an upward revision of the minimum wage recommended by the 7 CPC.

The Central Govt employees at the lowest level as on 1.1.2016 receive a salary of Rs. 15,750/- (Pay 7000 + DA 8750). A paltry sum of Rs 2250/- is given to there on account of this revision. This is just 14% increase, the lowest ever by any CPC in the past 70 years. Had the recommendation of the 7 CPC been accepted and implemented in respect of insurance premium and its coverage, there would have been a net increase of Rs.555/- in the take home salary.

The minimum wage computed made by the 7^th CPC adopting Dr. Aykhoroyd formula was incorrect as they adopted this formula itself as the commuted rates adopted as the bases was unreal and imaginary. The NJCA demanded correction thereof, whereby the actual minimum wage shall be not less than Rs. 26000/-. The Government refuse to make this correction.

The one and only recommendation of 7^th CPC which was considered by the employees and pensioners as positive was the pension fitment formula (option No. 1). Even though the Press statement indicates that the Government has accepted the said recommendation, the implementation there-of has been deferred. The Pension Department in their internal note has already rejected this recommendation on the one ground that it has no document to act upon this recommendation. The pension Deptt will delay the recommendation of this vital recommendation for unlimited time and ultimately reject it. The demand for parity in pension between the past and present pensioners thus stand rejected.

The NJCA expects the Government to settle the following issues immediately.

(1)     The minimum wage to be raised to Rs 26,000/-. Consequently, the fitment formula and the pay matrix must be accordingly revised.

(2)    The option No. 1 recommended by the 7^th CPC for the pensioners as a fitment formula must be implemented without any ifs and buts.

(3)    The Committee that is set up to go into New Pension Scheme must have a specific terms of reference for the grant of guaranteed minimum pension in respect of all subscribers.

(4)  The recommendations in respect of HRA and Transport Allowance must be delinked from the committee set up by the Government to review the allowances. The revised rates of HRA and TA must be granted with effect from 1.1.2016.

(5) The Government must come forward to hold meaningful negotiation with National JCA on the 11 point charter of demands

(6)n The Government must take immediate steps to revive the functioning of the JCM at all levels.

The National Joint Council of Action met on 30^th June 2016  with the representatives of the following organizations and decided to go ahead with the strike decision commencing from 11^th July 2016 for which notice has been served on 9^th June 2016.

All India Railwaymen Federation.

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen.

`                             Confederation of Central Government employees and workers

All India Defence Employees Federation

Indian National Defence Workers Federation

National Federation of Postal Employees

Federation of National Postal organizations.

Shiv Gopal Misra.

Convenor

The NJCA delegation with Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley, Honourable Finance Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Railway Minister, Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways.

The NJCA delegation ( from left to right) Shri K.K.N. Kutty (Confdn), Shri M. Raghavaiah,(NFIR) Shri Shiv Gopal Misra,(AIRF) and Shri C.  Sreekumar.(AIDEF)

The Circular letter issued by the NJCA on 01.07.2016

Dear Comrades!

We are to inform you that the NJCA had a discussion with Government of India, i.e. 30.06.2016 over certain demands contained in our Charter of Demands. In the meeting following Ministers were present:-

Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Home Minister
Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minsiter
Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Hon’ble Railway Minister
Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble MoSR

On behalf of the NJCA the following participated in the discussion:-

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, Convener NJCA
Shri M. Raghavaiah, Chairman NJCA
Shri K.K.N. Kutty, Member NJCA
Shri C.Srikumar, Member NJCA

The government has proposed to refer the issue of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula to a committee for reconsideration.

The NJCA will await communication in this regard from the Government.

The NJCA will again meet on 6th July at 11:00 hrs, in JCM office, 13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi, for taking appropriate decision.

With Fraternal Greetings !

Highlights of the Govt. Decisions on 7^th CPC Recommendations

GENERAL FEATURES

| Recommendations of 7th CPC on pay and pensionary pensionary benefits benefits will come into effect from | 7th CPC recommendations are being implemented within 6 months from the due date.

| Arrears of pay & pensionary benefits to be paid during FY 2016-17 itself, unlike past when parts

of arrears were paid in the next FY.| Award of 7th CPC approved by Cabinet will

benefit over 1 crore employees including over 47 lakh central government employees and 53 lakh

pensioners, pensioners, of which 14 lakh employees employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from defence forces.

PAY

| Separate Pay Matrices for Civil, Defence and MNS   | Minimum Minimum Pay increased increased from 7000 to 18000  | Fitment factor of 2.57 to apply for pay revision of all  | Rate of annual  increment retained at 3%.  | Two dates of increments in place of existing one : 1st Ja & 1st n & 1 J l st u y  | Improvements made in Defence Pay Matrix:

y Index of Rat o a sat o ionalisation for Brigadeir inc eased r from 2.57 y Additional stages provided in Levels of Lt. Col., Col & Brig.

PENSION

| General recommendations of Commission on pension and  related benefits approved | Both options of Commission regarding pension revision accepted subject to feasibility of their implementation

| R ii ev s on of pension using second f l ti ormulation b d ase on  fitment factor of 2.57 shall be implemented immediately. | Committee to address the implementation issues  anticipated in first formulation.  | First formulation to be made applicable if its implementation implementation is found feasible feasible after examination examination by  proposed Committee which is to submit its Report within 4| G t it ra u y i d ecreased from 10 to 20 l kh a

 ALLOWANCES AND ADVANCES

| Committee headed by Finance Secretary to examine recommendations on Allowances in view

of significant significant departure departure from existing existing system and demands from employees for review| Report of Committee to be submitted in 4 months| Pending final decision based on the report of the Committee, all allowances to be paid as per existing rates in existing pay structure| Interest bearing advances – HBA and PCadvance retained. HBA ceiling raised to 25 lakh

from 7.5 lakh| All interest free advances abolished except for –medical treatment, TA on tour/Transfer, TA forfamily of deceased deceased employee employee and LTC to avoid hardship to employees

OTHER ISSUES

| The f existing rates of monthly contribution towards Group Insurance - CGEGIS to continue.| MoF to work out a customized group insurance scheme with low premium and high risk cover.| Ex-gratia lump sum compensation for civil and defence forces personnel payable to Next of Kin enhanced from 10-20 lakh to 25-45 lakh.| Military Service Pay increased from  1000 2000 1000, 2000,4200 & 6000 to 3600, 5200, 10800 & 15500| Terminal gratuity for Short Service Commissioned Officers exiting between 7 and 10 years of service increased to 10.5 times reckonable emoluments.

OTHER ISSUES (CONTD.)

| All administrative issues other than p y, pension and allowances to be examined by concerned

Ministries/Departments| Two separate Committees to be set up to  suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS);y t o l k i t li lik l t i t f look into anomalies likely to arise out of implementation of the Commission’s Report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

| Additional financial impact, as per 7th CPC, account of implementation of all its recommendations recommendations for 2016-17 will be  1,02,100crore (including Allowances)| Additional implication of  12,133 crore on account of payments of arrears of pay and pension for two months of 2015-16

INCOMETAX PENSIONERS FEDERATION.

Manishinath Bhawan,

A/2/95 Rajouri Garden

New Delhi. 110 027.

website: itpfchq.blogspot.com.

email address: itpfchq@gmail.com.

Dated: 5th June, 2016.

Dear  Comrades,

We are sending herewith a copy of the NCCPA Circular letter along with its enclosures, which contains the details of the latest developments in the negotiation with the Government over the recommendations of the 7th CPC.  You will see therefrom that the NJCA has been constrained to tread the path of agitation since the Government has not come forward to settle the issues.  The most disturbing factor in so far as the pensioners are concerned is the Government's decision to reject the recommendation of the Commission providing Option No. 1 in the pension fitment formula.  We request our members to be in close touch with the ITEF and ITGOA  and their members who will be carrying out the directive of the NJCA in the coming days and do the best possible to make their programmes of action a grand success. 

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,
Sd/-
KKN Kutty
Secretary General.

Copy of NCCPA circular letter dated 5th June, 2016.

Dated: 5^th June, 2016.

Dear Comrades,

Ever since the 7^th CPC was set up, the JCM Staff Side had been striving to make a united common approach on all issues/demands of the Central Government employees before the Commission.  Having failed to elicit a  favourable response from the then Government on the question of grant of IR and DA merger, the National JCA came into being to spearhead the agitational programmes.  The Staff Side JCM could unite almost all organisations, especially those who were participating in the JCM.  They could make a memorandum, after detailed deliberations with all stake holders, which was accepted and endorsed by large number of Federations barring a few.  It is a fact, evidenced from the report itself, that the Staff Side memorandum could become the central document of consideration and discussion by the 7^th CPC.

In the matter of retirement benefits, the Staff Side authorised Late Com. S.K. Vyas to cause inter action with all Pensioners’ Associations and formulate a common view. Late Com. Vyas accomplished the task admirably well and the document he presented was deliberated upon by the Staff Side thoroughly and with certain minor modification was incorporated in the main memorandum itself.  Elaborate discussions with the Commission as a follow-up measure on issues both pertaining to the working employees and retired personnel were held  by the Staff Side JCM. 

The final recommendations of the 7^th CPC was far below the expectation and the Staff Side rightly came to the conclusion that the last minute intervention of the newly elected Central Government had a big role in effecting reversal of the pronounced stand of the 7^th CPC on various issues. The Commission’s report is beset with very many dissenting note, which  is indicative of the state of affairs in the Commission’s functioning.  It became clear that unless sanctions are generated, no satisfactory settlement on even core issues could be brought about. The National JCA acted swiftly and apart from organising various programmes of actions,  It submitted a charter of demands consisting 26 issues for effecting improvement in the recommendations of the Commission by the Government. The charter was the  product of the wide ranging discussions the staff side  held with various organisations of the working employees and the retired personnel. The said charter was then  subjected to discussion with the empowered committee set up by the Government under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary on 1.3.2016.

There had been no response from the Government after the said meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for nearly two months.  On 24^th the Convenor sought and obtained a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary in which the undersigned also took part.  The Cabinet Secretary was candid enough to inform the delegation that except a slight increase in the minimum wage, no other issues are likely to be modified.  He also informed the delegation that the Option No. 1 provided for as an alternative in the pension fitment formula, which many pensioners felt was a very positive recommendation, might not be accepted by the Government on the plea of the non availability of the relevant records and the consequent infeasibility and impracticability of implementation of the recommendation.  On his advice, the Staff Side met the Secretary Pension on 3^rd May, 2016.  The meeting was attended by the representatives of various Ministries.  Almost every one of them expressed the probable difficulties that would be encountered in the implementation of Option No. 1. due to the possible non-availability of the relevant records.  They also pleaded that quite a number of anomalies might arise if the recommendations were to be acted upon.  The official side also stated that some of the Pensioners organisations had written to them expressing the fear and anxiety over the anomalies that might arise on implementation of the recommendation of the Commission.  The following were those organisations who had made representation of the Pension department.

A.     The Railway Senior Citizen Association, Chandigarh.

B.     The Karnataka Post and Telecommunication Pensioners Association, Bangalore.

C.     Bharath Pensioners Samaj. New Delhi.

D.     Atomic Energy Retirees Welfare Association, Mumbai.

E.      One Shri S.N. Gupta.

The thrust of the argument of the official side was that the implementation of the decision requires the records for verification and under the extant instruction on the retention of records, such verification might not be possible. 

               On behalf of the Staff Side, the following submissions were made.

(i)                It would be unfortunate and unethical if the Government rejects a recommendation on the ground of lack of records for verification.

(ii)              In every pay fixation formula evolved by the successive Pay Commissions, certain anomalies  had  arisen and the matter had been subsequently discussed at length and attempts made to resolve those anomalies.  For fear of anomaly,  never in the past a decision has been taken to reject the recommendation of the Pay commission.

(iii)             Even in the matter of pay fixation of the working  employees, anomalies might arise but that cannot give rise to the decision not to have any fitment formula at all.

(iv)             The Staff Side is prepared to consider any well thought out alternative without compromising the benefit the pensioners might get on implementation of the 7^th CPC recommendation, if it is advanced by the official side.  However, virtual negation of the recommendation is not acceptable to them.

(v)              ‘The Staff side may be provided with the copies of the representations received by the Pension departments from various pensioners’ organisations to enable it to study and suggest the ways and means to address the issue.

(vi)             The staff side added that Option No.1 is an alternative and the Commission has suggested that the revision initially must be on the basis of the second formulation i.e. application of the multiplication factor.  It is only in the case of those pensioners, who might be benefited by resorting to Option No.1. representation  will be received and  they will naturally  submit the  documents required for the purpose of verification.  The leftover would be small in number and can be addressed as to what course to be adopted later after discussions.

(vii)            The official side stated that in none of the representation received by them any alternative has been put forth. 

You will recall that the Option No.1. suggested by the 7^th CPC is the only positive recommendation and all other demands raised by the Pensioners Organisations jointly and the Staff Side JCM have been rejected by the Commission.   The Commission has not even suggested for a small rise in the FMA.  The insurance coverage suggested by them is vague and no suggestion to address the specific problems faced by the Government during their attempt to implement the earlier recommendation of the 6^th CPC  was made.  If the Government decides to reject the one and only positive recommendation of the 7^th CPC, the pensioners especially those retired prior to 2006 will stand bereft of any benefit.  This must also be looked into in the background of the Government accepting the demand of armed forces personnel for one rank one pension scheme.

It is in this background that the NJCA met on 3^rd June, 2016 evening.  We enclose herewith the copy of the communication issued by the convenor, Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra  conveying the decisions taken at the meeting.  You will see therefrom that the working employees would be serving the strike notice on 9^th June, 2016 by holding massive demonstration in front of all offices.  We appeal to our constituents to advise their units and branches and members to ensure that the Pensioners join in that demonstration at the respective work places.   The National JCA has also decided to organise a massive march to Parliament on 24^th June, 2016 at Delhi.  The Constituents must advise the pensioner comrades who are staying at Delhi and nearby places to join that rally on 24^th .   The NCCPA National Sectt. is scheduled to meet on 27^th June, 2016 at Delhi (AIRF librbary).  The SCOVA meeting is also scheduled to take place on that very date.  Therefore, the meeting will be scheduled for 3.30 PM on 27^th June, 2016 so that some of the comrades who are required to attend the SCOVA meeting will also be able to make their presence in the NCCPA meeting.  Further Course of action will be decided in the National Sectt. meeting.

               With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

sd/- 

K.K.N. Kutty,

Secretary General.

Copy of NjCA Circular letter dated 4^th June, 2016.

NJCA

Dear Comrades,

               We hope you must have gone through our communication dated 26.5.2016 detailing the brief discussions, we had with the Cabinet Secretary.  We had, as you are aware, done everything possible at our end to bring about a negotiated settlement on the charter of demands, we submitted to the Government immediately after the submission of the report by the 7^th Central Pay Commission. i.e. on 19^th November, 2015.  On 19^th May, 2016, we have crossed the six months period since the Commission submitted the report to the Government.   You are aware that the Commission had concluded their deliberations and prepared their report in Feb. 2015 itself but was delayed by the unwarranted intervention of the present Government.   Even on the first occasion when we met the authorities after the submission of the report by the 7^th CPC we had conveyed the anguish and anxiety of the employees over the delay especially in the background of the denial of the interim relief and merger of DA.  We had pointed out that unlike in the past the employees had not been granted any financial help in the  form of interim relief or DA merger even in the face of the unprecedented erosion of the real value of wage due to the high level of inflation in the economy.  We had then requested the Government the need to  take an expeditious decision over the recommendations of the 7^th CPC, at-least on the core issues pertaining to wage revision.

               In the absence of any formal meetings or fruitful negotiations which had been the practice at all earlier occasions,  the rumour mongers who represent none, had a field day.  The NJCA had been in constant touch with the authorities.  You will recall that at the request of the Cabinet Secretary, when we met him on Ist March, 2016, we deferred our decision to go on strike in April, 2016.  The empowered Committee set up by the government could have met the JCA leaders during the months of April and May and could have discussed the various pros and cons so that by the end of May, certain views could have emerged on all matters.

               It was in this background that the National JCA met on 3^rd at the Staff Side office.  The meeting considered the piquant situation that has emerged due to the wanton inaction on the part of the Government,  despite the NJCA agreeing to defer the strike action.   The meeting, therefore, came to the inescapable and inevitable conclusion unanimously that in the face of the nugatory attitude of the Government, we must adhere to our earlier decision to tread the path of struggle and serve the strike notice on 9^th June, 2016 to commence the indefinite strike action on 11^th July, 2016.  The meeting also decided to exhort the constituent organizations to mobilize their members without losing any time as the time available for preparation being very short  i.e. hardly a month.  I am also to convey to all of you the following decision taken at the meeting and appeal to you to create a vibrant situation throughout the country to convey the impression to all concerned that we  stand united with determination.

1.      Every Association/Federation/Union and all its units will serve the strike notice  on 9.6.2016 by holding massive demonstration at all work places.  The strike notice shall have the 11 point charter of demands (copy enclosed) and the respective organizations can include their department-specific demands as Part B of the charter of demands.

2.      The Constituents will plan and execute a massive mobilization campaign to cover each and every employee/worker in which all the National and State leaders must take part.

3.      The Unions/Federation/Associations will suspend immediately all ongoing negotiations with their departmental heads/authorities and concentrate on the mobilization campaign.

4.      On 24^th June, 2016, a massive united demonstration under the auspices of the NJCA will be held before the Parliament.  The constituent organizations will decide upon the quota for each State Unit and communicate the same so that the state units can take necessary steps to ensure that their members reach Delhi on 24^th.

5.      The NJCA (CHQ) will write to the leaders of all the Political parties as also the Central Trade Unions seeks their support and solidarity as also explaining as to why the NJCA had to take the extreme step of organizing the strike action.

6.      All the Constituent organizations and the State Units shall write such letters to the members of Parliament of their respective States and shall make efforts to meet them in person  to seek their support.

7.      All the State Units of the Constituent organizations either jointly or independently organize Press Conferences to cover the Print and Electronic media. 

8.      The NJCA(CHQ) will hold such a Press Conference at Delhi on 23^rd June, 2016 i.e. just one day prior to the mammoth demonstration planned before the Parliament.

9.      The Constituent organizations will get in touch with the Associations/Federations of the retired personnel both at the All India and State levels to seek out their support for the strike action and enlist their participation in all demonstrative programmes organized by the working employees in support of the strike.  The Pensioners organizations may be informed of the Government decision to reject the recommendation of the 7^th CPC to provide Option No. 1 to the Pensioners as an alternative pension fitment formula.

10.   The constituents will also seek the participation of those organizations in their respective Departments  who are not associated with the NJCA being not participants in the JCM Scheme.

We appeal to all constituents and through them each and every member of the Central Government employees’ community to take all out efforts to make this historic decision an all time memorable event, which must go into the history as the largest participated strike action of the Central Government employees and workers. We must consider this as a really historic moment provided to us by the harsh turn of events and as an opportunity to reassert our strength, unity and determination not only to win laurels today but to function as an effective bargaining entity for years to come. 

We are fully aware of the enormous task ahead and equally aware of the possible response, a brutal Government might take in the circumstances.  Without minimizing the impact of such a retaliatory action on the part of the Government (from our experience in the past) we  know that no power on earth will be able to subdue  our unity and determination and we shall march forward well realizing that the ultimate victory in all struggles belong to the working class. 

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Shiv Gopal Mishra.

Convener

PRESS STATEMENT.

4.06.2016

The National Joint Council of Action of Central Government Employees organizations participating in the Joint Consultative Machinery i.e. the workers and employees of the Railways, Defence, Postal and all other Central Government departments, has decided to serve the strike notice for an indefinite strike action commencing from 11^th July, 2016 on 9^th June, 2016.  The strike notices will be served by all the Constituents separately on their respective heads of the Departments on the stipulated date of 9^th June, 2016.   The strike has become inevitable due to the nugatory attitude of the Government over the charter of demands submitted more than six months back and despite deferring the strike action earlied decided to be organized in the month of April, 2016 at the instance of the Government. 

The 7^th CPC submitted its report to the Government on 19^th November, 2015 even though the Commission had concluded their deliberations as early as in Feb. 2015.  The delay in the submission of the report itself was caused by the unwarranted intervention of the Government.  It is now more than six months that the report is with the Government and the empowered committee set up by the government had neither come to any conclusion thereon nor has it caused any meaningful negotiation with the leaders of the Central Government organizations so far  Exasperated over this highly nugatory attitude of the Government and the delay, the NJCA which met yesterday had to take this decision to go on indefinite strike from 11^th July, 2016 onwards.  The list of demands on which the strike action is organized is enclosed.  We also enclose a copy of our communication, we have sent to our constituents, which explains the circumstances and issues.

We shall be grateful if the Press Statement is covered by your esteemed daily. 

Shiv Gopal Mishra,

Convener.

Charter of Demands

1.     Settle the issues raised by the NJCA on the recommendations of the 7 CPC sent to Cabinet Secretary vide letter dated 10^th December 2015.

2.     Remove the injustice done in the assignment of pay scales to technical/safety categories etc. in Railways& Defence, different categories in other Central Govt establishments by the 7 CPC.

3.     Scrap the PFRDA Act and NPS and grant Pension/family Pension to all CG employees under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 & Railways Pension Rules, 1993.

4.     i) No privatization/outsourcing/contractorisation of governmental functions.

ii) Treat GDS as Civil Servants and extend proportional benefit on pension and allowances to the GDS.

5.     No FDI in Railways & Defence; No corporatization of Defence Production Units and Postal Department.

6.     Fill up all vacant posts in the government departments, lift the ban on creation of posts; regularize the casual/contract workers.

7.     Remove ceiling on compassionate ground appointments.

8.     Extend the benefit of Bonus Act,1965 amendment on enhancement of payment ceiling to the adhoc Bonus/PLB of Central Government employees with effect from the Financial year 2014-15.

9.     Ensure Five promotions in the service career of an employee.

10.  Do not amend Labour Laws in the name of Labour Reforms which will take away the existing benefits to the workers.

11.  Revive JCM functioning at all levels.

INCOMETAX PENSIONERS FEDERATION.

A/2/95 Rajouri Garden,

New Delhi. 110 027.

Website address: itpfchq.blogspot.com

e mail: itpfchq@gmail.com

Dated: 30.5.2016.

Dear Comrade,  

We reproduce hereunder the Circular letter issued by NCCPA and NJCA. which are self explanatory.  Kindly take note of the developments.  with greetings, yours fraternally, KKN.Kutty. Secretary General. 

NATIONAL CO-ORINATION COMMITTEE

OF PENSIONERS ASSOCIATIONS.

13/c  Feroze shah  Road,

 New Delhi. 110 001

Dated: 30.5.2016

Website: www.nccpahq.blogspot.com

Email. nccpahq@gmail.com

Dear Comrades,

                We send herewith a copy of the NJCA Circular letter dated 27^th May, 2016.  The same is self-explanatory.  You could see there-from that the  Government might not positively react to the demands placed by the NJCA over the recommendations of the 7^th CPC.  Simply raising the minimum wage by a few rupees without any consequential change in the fitment formula or pay matrix will not bring about any tangible benefit. The revision of the minimum wage along would benefit only those who are likely to be recruited to the cadre of MTS in future.  As you are aware, the 7^th CPC had not accepted any demand of the employees.  It is beset with dissenting notes in many chapters.  The fight between the personnel in the organized Group  A Services and all India Services had triggered such dissenting note on the part of the Member who retired from the IAS.  A significant section of the Secretaries to various Departments, we were told, were against any revision over the recommendations of the 7^th CPC.  In any case, we are to await the outcome of the discussions at the NJCA meeting scheduled to be held on 3^rd June, at New Delhi.

                Coming to the issues pertaining to the Pensioners, we must recall that the 7^th CPC had rejected almost all the demands unanimously placed before them by the Pensioners organizations. While tendering oral evidence the Staff Side had inter alia pressed for the parity for the past pensioners before the Commission, especially in the background of the granting of one rank one pension to the Defence Personnel.  It is ironic to note that the Defence Ministry which had piloted the demand of the Ex-service men for one rank one pension i.e.parity between the past and present pensioners has now taken a stand against such parity for civil servants.  No personnel either in the organized Group A services or All India Services would stand benefited by the present recommendation of the 7^th CPC except a few as most of them were in receipt of almost time bound promotion in their career.  The modified parity one must recall has only benefited the upper echelons in the bureaucracy.  One can understand that the Govt. refusing to make improvements over the suggestion made by a Commission.  But it must be most intolerable when the Govt. refuses to implement a recommendation which was the outcome of a persistent presentation jointly by almost all the beneficiaries.  The plea advanced for non acceptance of the recommendation is the alleged impracticability due to the non availability of the relevant records.  Should the pensioner suffer for the reason that the concerned department of the Government has not kept the records properly? It is the most callous approach and must be resisted with all the force that we can command. We cannot afford to have this situation to develop. We are certain that most of the individual pensioners would be able to provide the requisite information needed to consider the first option in the pension fixation to the concerned department and most of the Departments would be able to verify the same with the available documents with them.  We must however await the decision of the NJCA in the matter.

                In the meantime, all affiliates will take such action needed to mobilize the pensioners and undertake a serious educational campaign.

                With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

KKN.Kutty.

Secretary General.

Copy of National Joint Council of Action circular letter dated 27.5.2016.

Dear Comrades,

As there had been no response from the Government to our communication dated 2^nd May, 2016,we decided to seek an appointment with the Cabinet Secretary.  Accordingly a delegation consisting of the following members of the NJCA met Cabinet Secretary, Shri P.K.Sinha, on 26th May, 2016.

                                                Com.Shiv Gopal Mishra, Com.Guman Singh,Com.K.K.N. Kutty.

From the discussions, it appears that the empowered committee has made up their mind to recommend to the Government a slight increase in the minimum wage.  No indication was, however, given as to the consequential revision of the fitment formula and pay matrix.  There had also not been hint about the need to restore the percentage of the house rent allowance which the 7^th CPC has recommended for reduction.  On advances and allowances abolished, the government might be advised to set up a Committee to go into the matter and make suggestions.  In the matter of the New Contributory Pension Scheme also, the government might refer the demand to a committee.

On the question of pension benefit to the retired personnel who are covered by the defined benefit pension scheme,  the Cabinet Secretary indicated that, both the Department of Pension and the Defence Ministry were of the firm view that the first option recommended by the 7^th CPC to bring about parity between the past and present pensioners  being infeasible and impracticable (due to the non availability of the requisite records) might not be accepted and acted upon.

Surprised over this development  the delegation request for an official formal meeting of the Standing committee so that the considered view of the Staff side could be presented.  The delegation  informed the Cabinet Secretary that non acceptance of the recommendation of the 7thCPC in the case of Pensioners will be extremely disappointing for them and will give rise to avoidable discontent.  The Cabinet secretary suggested to the Staff side to reach out to the Department of Pension and Ministry of Defence in the matter, So far he is concerned, he has an open mind on the subject provided it is workable.

The National JCA will meet on 3^rd June,2016 at New Delhi to consider these developments and take appropriate decisions.

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

Shiv Gopal Mishra.

INCOMETAX PENSIONERS FEDERATION

NEW DELHI

E MAIL: itpfchq@gmail.com

Website address:itpfchq.blogspot.com

Dated: 28.05.2016

Dear Comrades,

                              We refer to the circular letter we have issued and placed on the website after the meeting of the Sectt. Held at New Delhi in April, 2016.  In the meeting, it had been decided to give priority for obtaining the registration from the Registrar or Societies for our Federation.  One of the pre-requisite for the same is to have the name and address of the member affiliates along with the list of office bearers and the copy of their Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws. We have placed the copy of our Constitution on our website.  The meeting has authorized the Secretary General and the Addl. Secretary to make necessary amendments to the bye-laws required to enable the registration.  To enable us to pursue the matter we request you to kindly send us by speed post, the copy of the Constitution, (i.e. Memorandum of Association and bye laws, Registration Certificate, List of office bearers, the name of the Chief Executive and the address of the organization.). 

                              We also had decided that we must compile the grievances of the pensioners in respect of the functioning of the CGHS, wherever the CGHS facilities are provided.  The next meeting of the CGHS Sub Committee is likely to meet soon.   The Secretaries of the affiliates are requested to prepare a self contained Note of the various infirmities in the functioning of the CGHS along with the suggestion to make improvement thereon.   Kindly place your views on our e mail and send an SMS to the undersigned in his telephone No. 09811048303 so that the same can be accessed from anywhere in the country.

                             

                              With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.K.N. Kutty.

Secretary General