DA MERGER, INTERIM RELIEF AND EFFECT DATE OF 7TH CPC – OUTCOME OF NATIONAL JCA MEETING HELD ON 08.6.2015

Denial of interim relief and the benefit of merger of DA with Pay must be viewed very seriously – NC JCM

NATIONAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

4, State Entry Road New Delhi–110055

No.NJCA/2015

Dated: June 15, 2015

All the Members of the NJCA,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: National JCA Meeting held on 8th June

The National JCA, which met at the Staff Side Office on 8th June, 2015, took note of the fact that quite a few states are yet to hold the State Level Conventions. The meeting also noted that the strike decision taken on 28th April, 2015 has not been percolated down to the rank and file of the workers. The meeting wanted the affiliate to realize that the denial of the demand for wage revision to be effective from 01.01.2014 and the consequent denial of interim relief and the benefit of merger of DA with Pay must be viewed very seriously as the said decision will have far reaching consequence. The Government would discard the age old practice of grant of I.R. and merger of DA forever. It has decided to appeal to all the affiliates to chalk out independent programmes of actions in the months to come and to carry out the same in all seriousness so that the employees become fully aware of the possible outcome of the 7th CPC. The Chairman and Convenor of the National JCA will get in touch with those States, where the convention has not been held so far. The meeting decided to convey to members that the minimum wage computation, in the given situation would be on an imaginary basis. The National JCA was of the opinion that a meeting of all office bearers of the participating organizations must be convened at Delhi somewhere in the month of July to chalk out programmes of action to be pursued by the CGEs together. It was informed at the meeting that both Defence and Railways would be taking their strike ballot and would be concluded in the first week of October. The meeting, therefore, decided to advise the other units to chalk out progammes of action in July so that an ambience of struggle could be created. The NJCA also took note of the painful fact that despite assurances, Government was not convening the National Council and Departmental Councils and the JCM has been allowed to become defunct. The National JCA in conclusion decided to appeal to all affiliates to take concrete steps to invigorate the joint movement of the Central Government employees and meet the challenge that is likely to arise on receipt of the recommendations of the 7th CPC by creating an atmosphere of Unity, and determination to carry out the call of indefinite strike action scheduled to commence on 23rd November, 2015.

With greetings,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Secretary (Staff Side)

NC JCM & Convener

Source: www.ncjcmstaffside.com

DA Merger, NPS, Interim Relief, Promotion and Bonus issues – NC JCM writes to PM

NC JCM writes to PM regarding the pending demands of Central Govt Employees – DA Merger, NPS, Interim Relief, Promotion and Bonus issues

The letter is translated to English and given below for your kind consideration…

Shiv Gopal Mishra

Secretary

Ph: 2338226

National Council (Staff side)

Joint Cumulative Machinery

For Central Government Employees

13-C Feroz Shah Road, New Delhi – 110001

Email: nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

Letter No: NJC/2015

Date: 27.4.2015

Respected Prime Minister,

Government of India,

New Delhi

Sub: Reg. the grievances of Central Government Employees

Sir,

For the past few years, a solution hasn’t been found to the problems faced by the Central Government Employees. The National council JCM formed for the grievances of Central Government Employees has been totally disabled and the NC JCM meeting has not been held for the past five years.

The Pending demands of the Central Government, which include the merge of Dearness Allowance with Basic Pay, the enforcement of Old Pension Scheme in the place of New Pension Scheme, Interim Relief, Filling up of Vacancies, Increasing the bonus range, Promotion Opportunities, etc didn’t yield to a decision, hence the Railway, Defence (Civil Employees), Postal, other Central Government Sectors are forced to give a presentation in the Parliament under NC J.C.M. on 28th April 2015.

We Central Government Employees whether in Railways, Defence, Postal Department or other Central Government Sectors, are working with complete devotion towards service to the society and progress to the country. Being an integral part of your administration, we hope that you would provide us an opportunity to meet you as well as extend your help to solve our problems.

Yours Faithfully,

(Shiv Gopal Mishra)

Coordinator and Secretary

Employee Division

N.C. J.C.M.

Click to view the original letter in Hindi

Source: NC JCM Staff Side Website

Meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th Pay Commission – Detailed report including about DA Merger, Interim Relief

Meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th Pay Commission – Detailed report including about DA Merger, Interim Relief

Feedback of the meeting of NC JCM Staff Side with 7th CPC

No.NC/JCM/2015 Dated: March 25, 2014

Dear Comrades,

The 7th CPC had asked the JCM Staff Side to present their case before the Commission for wage revision on 23rd and 24th March 2015. Accordingly, the Standing Committee of the Staff Side met on 22nd March and again 23rd March 2015. The presentation was made on 23rd and 24th March 2015 before the Commission.

We have discussed the memorandum, chapter wise and the Commission made a very patient hearing and interacted with us seeking clarifications on certain matters. It is not possible to provide a detailed account of the discussions. However, we are to inform you that we came out of the discussion with a very good impression and satisfaction.

1. The Commission will adopt Minimum Wage Concept(Dr. Aykhrod Formula) as the principle of wage determination. They will however, collect the retail rates of the commodities that go into the basket.

2. We have pleaded for the adoption of the best international practices while fixing the highest salary.

3. On the demands for Interim Relief and Merger of DA, the Commission finally said that those can only be considered if Terms of Reference are amended.

4. The Commission agreed that there had been reduction in the sanctioned strength and working strength over the years despite the increased workload.

5. They have also noted that there was substantial reduction in percentage terms of the expenses on salary and wages over the years.

6. The Commission enquired, as to how multiplication factor of 3.7 was arrived at. The same was explained in detail.

7. Fitment Formula and the demand on Fixation of Pay on Promotion, were appreciated as the rationale was explained.

8. Date of effect: No commitment or comment was made by the Commission. The Staff Side explained, as to how they compromised by shifting the date from. 01.01.2011 to 01.01.2014.

9. The institution of Special Pay, especially in the wake of de-layering was explained.

10. Common Categories: We have requested the upgradation and amalgamation of the cadres of LDC with UDC and the need for bringing about parity in pay scales of the Subordinate Offices with the Central Secretariat. The problems of Staff Car Drivers were also elaborated. The contractorisation and casualisation at lower level positions and the consequent exploitation of the labour were discussed at length. The Commission has made a proposal to do away with the contractorisation/casualisation. Staff side will discuss the proposal and will send its views to the Commission in due course.


11. Classification of Posts: Our proposal has not been found favour.

12. GDS: While sympathizing with the Staff Side, the Commission wanted them to approach the Government with a view to amend the Terms of Reference.

13. Allowances and Advances: Detailed discussions were held on HRA, CCA, Transport Allowance, CEA and Special Allowance for personnel posted at North East Region. Chapters dealing with the facilities was also discussed at length, including compassionate appointment. On holidays, we have requested to include May Day in the list of holidays. The background of observance of May Day was enquired by the Commission and explained.

14. Pension and Retirement Benefit – NPS: Commission stated categorically that NPS being an Act of Parliament, they will not make any comment thereon.

Pension Computation: The rationale of 67% was explained and appreciated.

Minimum Pension: our demand for 2/3rd of the Minimum Wage was also explained.

Parity in pension of past and present pensioners was fully explained, linked with one rank -one pension scheme for Defence Personnel. We have pleaded that Civilian Pensioners should not be discriminated against. Demand for Additional Pension for both Pensioners and Family Pensioners was explained. All matters concerning Family Pension were also discussed. So also, gratuity to be computed in accordance with the Gratuity Act.

There was good response for the demands from the Commission.

Restoration of commuted value of pension: The Commission will enquire the views of the Government as to what is their objection to the demand.

Medical facilities for pensioners and discrimination between Pensioners in CGHS area and CCS(MA) Area as also the Postal Pensioners was brought home including the higher Fixed Medical Allowance for ESI persons.

Certain clarifications/elucidations have been asked for by the Commission. To provide such clarifications, another meeting with the Commission might be held after the Commission’s interaction with other organizations. The Staff Side may meet the Commission after their interaction with the other organizations are over.

With greetings,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Secretary/Staff Side NC JCM

PDF file regarding feedback of the meeting is reproduced underneath:-

Meeting with 7th Pay Commission and DoPT on 25.2.2015 – Confederation publishes brief resume of the discussions

Meeting with 7th Pay Commission and DoPT on 25.2.2015 – Confederation publishes brief resume of the discussions

Meeting with Chairman 7th Pay Commission & Discussion with Govt. on NJCA Strike Charter of Demands – 25.02.2015 – Com. K. K. N. Kutty (President), Com. M. S. Raja (Working President) & Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General) attended both the meetings on behalf of Confederation.

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Secretary

Joint Consultative Machinery 

for Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001

No. NC-JCM/2015/S.C

February 26, 2015

Dear Comrade

The Standing Committee of the Staff Side, National Council has interaction with the 7th CPC on 25th Feb. 2015 followed by the Standing Committee meeting of National Council (JCM) with the Secretary DOPT in the afternoon. The meeting with the Secretary Personnel came as a result of the decisions that we have conveyed for organizing March to Parliament and other programmes, culminate as a pre pretretory meaure for an indefinite strike. The agenda for discussion with the Secretary Personnel was, therefore, the charter of demands (10 points) we had submitted to the Government after the National Convention of all Central Government Employees Organizations on 11th December, 2014. The response from the Government undoubtedly establish the fact that ultimately they have taken note of the growing discontentment of the Central Government employees manifested through various programmes we have jointly carried out by this time. We, therefore, earnestly request the affiliates and leaders of various organizations at the field formations to intensify the ongoing programmes to compel the Government to settle our demands. We give hereunder a brief resume of the discussions we had with the Pay Commission and the Secretary Personnel, which is indicative of the reflections of both the entities.

Meeting with the Pay Commission:

The Chairman informed of his inability to take a final decision on the question of merger of DA and Interim relief as the Government has not referred this matter to them and further stated that this Govt. can take decisions on the two issues, without any report from the CPC. He added that the memoranda received from the staff Side on these two issues had been forwarded to the Government. He wanted the staff side to take up the matter with the Government and assured that on receipt of the reference from the Government they would consider the matter without any loss of time. However, they indicated that the Commission would strive to submit their report to the Government within the stipulated time frame and therefore, the question of Interim relief, in his opinion should not arise at all. The Staff side requested him to appreciate the fact that the matter concerning merger of DA and interim relief has been raised by them not on account of the possible delay on the part of the Pay Commission but emanated from the fact that the erosion in the real value of wages of the Central Government has been eroded during the period drastically.

On Oral Evidence:

The methodology to be adopted by the 7th CPC in the matter was discussed at length. It was ultimately decided that the Staff Side after considering the viewpoints expressed by the CPC will draw out a plan both for the National Council Staff Side and for the organizations at the Departmental levels. The scheduled date for meetings with the Pay Commission will be finalized after Holi festival i.e. 5th March, 2015. The Staff Side will discuss the matter and will submit its consensus view to the Commission soon in this regard. In any case, the staff side would require the following information immediately at its office.

1. Name of the organization which has submitted its memorandum to CPC with date of submission.

2. Underwhich Ministry the Department function

3. Whether the organization is recognized or not

4. The number of employees, whom the organization represents

5. The total – Group C and Group B Non Gazetted – strength of the concerned Department.

Inclusion of GDS

The Chairman assured that he would go through the Supreme Court Judgment in the matter. However, fie added that the inclusion or otherwise of the GDS within the purview of the 7th CPC is the prerogative of the Government and except making its opinion clear on the subject he might not be able to do anything further in the matter.

Standing Committee meeting with Secretary Personnel: There had been no tangible result in the discussions. The impression gained was that the staff side was invited to show that the dialogue continues, However, we give here under the response of the Government in respect of the issues subjected for discussion. The rest of the issues in the charter will be discussed later on at another meeting, for which the date has not been indicated.

1. Interim relief, Merger of DA, Date of effect, Inclusion of GDS in the ambit of 7th CPC; Settlement of anomalies; The views expressed by the official on each of the above items are as under

a). Interim relief is normally given if there is an apprehension of abnormal delay. Government has been informed by the 7th CPC that they would adhere to the time schedule.

b). DA merger: Since the Pay Commission would be submitting its report soon, the question of merger of DA would automatically be in-built in their recommendation.

c). It is the prerogative of the CPC to recommend the date of effect. Govt.’s role will come only after the recommendations are received.

d). GDS: Govt. has not considered the GDS as Civil Servants. However, the latest recommendation received from the Postal Department in the matter is said to be under the consideration of the Govt.

e). The National Anomaly committee will meet again shortly and the resolution on agreed items would be expedited.

2. FDI and Privatization of Railways and Defense factories and Corporatization of Postal: The Staff Side was advised to take up the issue at a higher level as the issues raised were said to be policy matters.

3. No ban on recruitment.: The official Side clarified that the Govt. has not instituted any ban on recruitment. There is only ban on creation of posts. However, for operational posts, exemption has been provided in compelling situation.

4. Scrap PFRDA Act.: The official side will look into the letter received from the Railway and Defence Ministers. The scrapping of the Act was said to be not within the scope of discussion. The Joint Secretary Financial Services explained the various provisions of the Act and as to how the contributory pension scheme would be beneficial to the subscribers. The Staff Side requested the Government to make it optional that anybody who feels that the new scheme would be beneficial would opt for it and others will have the opportunity to opt out and adopt the old defined benefit scheme scheme of Pension.

5. Closure of Medical Stores Depots and Printing and Stationery Departments : It was categorically cleared by the Govt that there had been no decision to close down the Printing Presses and Stationery Department. In view of the new situation in which all Departments are permitted to purchase the requisite stationery items from the market, the Urban Development Ministry has suggested certain modernization and restructuring the of Stationery Department. The Govt. was prepared to discuss the details thereof and arrive at an amicable settlement, acceptable to the Staff Side. The official side expressed willingness to discuss the matter with the staff Side of the concerned Department along with the 3 (three) members of the standing Committee. In respect of Medical store depots also, the official side clarified that the department would not be closed down and no employee will be retrenched. They also wanted the staff side to meet and discuss the issue with them to clear the doubts and suspicion in the matter.

6. Active Functioning of JCM : The Government will convene the meeting of the National Council soon. the convening of the Departmental Councils would be taken up with the concerned Departmental heads. The delay in the grant of recognition may be brought to the notice of the Department of Personnel for corrective action at their end

7. Compassionate Appointment : Government will consider lifting of the ceiling of 5% but no assurance was held out. The other issues in the charter will be subjected to discussion later on.

With Greetings

Yours fraternally,

sd/-

Shiv Gopal Mishra

Convenor

Source: Confederation

JCM Staff Side Meeting with 7th Pay Commission – DA Merger and Interim Relief

JCM Staff Side Meeting with 7th Pay Commission – Discussion about DA Merger and Interim Relief

The JCM Staff Side delegation met the Chairman, Seventh Central Pay Commission, 25/02/2015 at 11:00 hrs. The detailed report as follows…

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI . 110055

No.IV/NFIR/7th CPC/Corres/Pt.V

Dated 25/02/2015

Sub: JCM Staff Side Meeting with the Chairman, 7th CPC.

The JCM Staff Side delegation met the Chairman, Seventh Central Pay Commission, 25/02/2015 at 11:00 hrs. The following issues were raised :-

i. Merger of DA with Pay and grant of Interim Relief :-

The JCM Staff Side insisted that the Pay Commission should consider Staff Side memorandum submitted in the month of June 2014 and recommend DA merger. The Chairman, 7th CPC replied that there is no communication from the Government of India to give interim report on DA merger demand. After discussion, the Chairman 7th CPC has decided to send D.O. letter to the Government today conveying the strong protest of Staff Side/JCM.

With regard to grant of Interim Relief, the Chairman heard the point of view of the Staff Side JCM that it is only “provisional payment in view of market situation and urged upon the Commission to send suo-moto recommendation to the Government.

ii. Allotment of time slots for explaining the case of Central Government Employees as well ‘ Departments like Railways, Postal, Defence (Civil side) etc.,

The Chairman suggested that small committees may be constituted by the Staff Side for meeting the Pay Commission for deliberations and enough time will be given. He also said that the Memorandums given by JCM, Federations/Unions/Associations have been gone into by the Pay Commission fully. He further said that VII CPC will meet the teams from each department and hear their proposals.

Responding to this, the JCM Staff Side has agreed to make out the proposal for the purpose of facilitating the Pay Commission to hear the views/submissions of the Federations/Unior/Associations. The deliberations may commence somewhere after 15th March, 2015. Staff Side JCM will prepare time schedule proposal and send to Pay Commission accordingly.

iii. Gramin Dak Sewaks – The case was explained. The Pay Commission was suggested that the copy of Supreme Court Judgment may be made available for examination.

On behalf of NFIR S/Shri M.Raghavaiah (JCM Staff Side/Leader), Guman Singh, R.P.Bhatnagar and B.C. Sharma have participated in the meeting.

sd/-

(Dr M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

55 Point Charter of Demands Including DA Merger, Interim Relief and Scrap NPS

NFIR’s 55 Point Charter of Demands Including DA Merger, Interim Relief and Scrap NPS

1. Withdraw FDI, PPP in Railways – Stop Out Sourcing, Contractorisation and Privatization.

2. Scrap New Pension Scheme in Railways and restore liberalised pension scheme.

3. DA merger with pay with retrospective effect and payment of Interim Relief to Central Government employees (serving and retired).

4. Calculation and payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) on actual wages.

5. Transport Allowance be exempted from the purview of Income Tax.

6. Increase contribution to Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) by atleast 10-times for all Government employees.

7. Merge Technician-II with Technician-1 with Grade Pay Rs.2800/- (PB-I) in Railways.

8. Revise entry grade pay of Station Masters as Rs.4200/- in PB-2.

9. Replacement of Grade Pay Rs.4600/- with Rs.4800/- (PB-2) w.e.f. 01/01/2006.

10. Revise upwardly the kilometrage rates of Running Staff w.e.f. 01/01/2006 – Settle Running Staff issues as per agreement dated 7th February, 2014.

11. Implement agreement for Up-gradation of Apex Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted in Railways.

12. Allotment of higher Grade Pay to the Loco Pilots and Guards.

13. Count Temporary status Casual Labour Service in full as qualifying service for retirement and other purposes.

14. Allot entry Grade Pay of Rs.5400/- to the Group ‘B’ Gazetted staff.

15. LARSGESS be extended to GP Rs. 2400/- and above.

16. Track patrolling – Support man provision be complied with.

17. Rectify MACPS anomalies.

18. Rectify Sixth CPC anomalies.

19. Enhance Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs.500/- p.m. to not less than Rs.2000/- p.m., for all retired employees.

20. Extend special privileges and facilities for Women employees for their
empowerment.

21. Ensure full implementation of the report of Joint Committee for career
growth of Track Maintainers.

22. Abolish 12/- Hours duty in Railways – Introduce 8 hours duty roster for Running and Safety categories staff. Classify Running Staff working high
speed trains as “Intensive” – NFIR’s proposals on the recommendations of High Power Committee (R&S) be considered for reaching negotiated settlement.

23. Remove hardships being faced by Train Controllers.

24. Reduce Duty Hours of Nursing Staff, thus honour Government’s decision.

25. Create ticket checking staff posts for manning trains.

26. Casual Labour acquired temporary status prior to 01/01/2004 should be covered under Liberalised Pension Scheme.

27. Implement norms approved by Railway Board and sanction new posts of SSE/JE (Signal), ESM, Helper (Signal) etc.

28. Amend Rules for providing employment to Wards of Employees.

29. Provide quality Health care to employees, their families besides retired employees.

30. Fill vacancies of Doctors, Para Medical Staff and provide Super specialists in all Railway Hospitals — enhance superannuation age of Railway Doctors.

31. Cover all Railway employees under Incentive Scheme in Workshops, PUs etc., wherever not covered.

32. Grant parity in Pay Structure for Stenographers in Railways at par with CSS/RBSS.

33. Training Allowance should be revised to 30% of pay in all Training Centres/Schools.

34. Implement agreement on stepping up of pay of Loco Inspectors.

35. Review SPAD definition – Prevent harassment and victimisation of Running and safety categories staff.

36. Make upward revision of Income Tax exemption limit in the case of running staff.

37. Running Rooms should be improved, air-conditioned and upgraded on priority.

38. Grant Project incentive allowance to the staff working in projects on Indian Railways.

39. Negotiating foras of PNM, DC/JCM & NC/JCM should be made effective for resolving issues speedily – Implement agreements reached in PNM, DC/JCM & special meetings etc., immediately.

40. Ensure creation of posts in safety/operational/public image categories for manning new services and maintaining new assets without linking to matching surrender.

41. Grant Daily Allowance to Staff Car Drivers.

42. Absorb quasi administrative units/offices staff against posts in GP Rs. 1800/- PB-1.

43. Induct Course Completed Act Apprentice against vacancies.

44. Ensure quality Uniform to all employees and supply of quality protective gears — concede NFIR’s proposals.

45. Grant Patient Care Allowance to all para-medical staff.

46. Provision of single woman Hostel facility at all Divisional Headquarters and important stations.

47. Setting up of a multi-disciplinary training institute for imparting training in rail related electronic technologies for the wards of Railway Employees.

48. Extension of medical facilities to the dependent parents of railway employees.

49. Liberalize compassionate appointment provisions.

50. Remove restrictions on payment of Children Education Allowance/Hostel subsidy.

51. Allot adequate funds for maintenance of Railway Quarters as well as construction of new quarters.

52. Introduce warning/ Hooter system to prevent deaths of Track Maintainers etc., while on duty.

53. Grant Study leave with attendant incentives liberally o the employees for pursuing higher studies.

54. Enhance Night Patrolling Allowance for Track Maintainers.

55. Allot Pay Band-4 to Junior Administrative Grade Officers in Railways.

Source: www.7thpaycommissionnews.in