|
Federation News:
Third Triennial Conference of AIBRF
The third Triennial Conference was held in Kolkata on the 1st, Second and third of March 2012.The conference was historic with attendance of around 1500 retirees thronging University Institute hall, the venue of inaugural session and about 500 Delegates/observers participating in the delegates session on 2nd and 3rd March.participation of about 45 delegates in the deliberations on the GS report speak volumes of the growing confidence and involvement of bank retirees in AIBRF.
Open Session on 01-03-12 Introductory speech by the General Secretary: The General Secretary, Shri S.C. Jain in his opening remarks highlighted the rich legacy of AIBRF of 18 years and thepending demands of the retirees Shri Sukomal Basu, Ex-CMD, Bank of Maharashtra, Chairman Reception Committee welcomed the gathering
Inaugural Address by Honourable Guest Dr. E. M. Sudarsan Nachiapan, M.P. and Ex-Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee: On this occasion he acknowledged services and significant contribution made by the retirees in the post nationalization era in highly difficult situation and because of this, India is today a leading economy in the world. He appealed that the different associations of retirees should come together to negotiate with government. Further he called IBA and the Finance Ministry to discuss the issues with the representatives of the bank retirees. He assured the house that he would see that their issues are raised in the parliament .Old age should not remain a burden. Bankers experience should be utilized for the economic growth. Key Note Address by Chief Guest Com.C.H. Venkatachalam, Convener UFBU:. He observed that the AIBRF has become a very strong organization of retirees now. He spoke at length on the main demands of Retirees that are to be immediately conceded by Govt and IBA i.e 100%D.A.neutralisation,,Pension updation, quarterly D.A revision for retirees, upward revision of Ex-gratia given to Pre 1986 retirees, LFC, Medical Aid . He said that and it will be dealt in 10th bipartite settlement.
Our job will not end by increasing the membership only, but to put our demands to the Govt. effectively. He expressed his optimism that the Conference will make AIBRF stronger. He assured support of AIBEA and UFBU for achieving Retirees’ demand. The IBA must recognize the retirees’ organization and have the periodical meetings with the representatives of the retiree’s organization; it will be demand in the coming bipartite negotiations
Other Speakers: On this occasion, other speakers who extended greetings and spoke were Shri Rajan Nagar, President AIBEA, Shri Pradeep Biswas, General Secretary, BEFI who assured full support for retirees’ demands. The function ended with Vote of Thanks by Shri Debesh Bhattacharya, Secretary, Reception Committee.
Business Session at Uttam Manch (On 2nd & 3rd March, 2012) Business Session was presided over by the Chairman Shri T. M. Mathews The Business Session was attended by about 500 Delegates and observers The General Secretary presented his report covering period of 2009 to 2011 and thereafter placed before the house for discussion and deliberations.
About 45 speakers presented their views and comments on the General Secretary Report. While they appreciated the report and found it comprehensive covering all issues of retirees. They made several suggestions on it to make the retiree movement more strong and draw effective strategy for future. Some of the suggestions were like to intensify our agitational program, better liaisoning with UFBU Constituents, to reorganise state bodies, strengthening district committees, to take up issues of private bank, foreign bank pension etc. The General Secretary gave detailed reply and thereafter the General Secretary Report was adopted unanimously The house discussed and deliberated 24 resolutions on important subjects such as Pension updation, Uniform Dearness relief to all bank retirees, enhancement of ex-gratia to pre 1986 retirees and their surviving spouses, separate welfare fund for retirees, Hospitalisation scheme to retirees and their spouses, addition to qualifying service for specialist officers vide Regulation 26, Applicability of Pension settlement to private sector banks, Recognition of AIBRF by IBA/Govt of India.and passed them unanimously with the direction to the General Secretary to take appropriate action and follow up wherever required
The following Office-bearers were elected for the ensuing term:
vii. Sri.N.V.G.Nair(CBI)
ix. Sri.V.Easwaran(BOI)
Sri.R.S.Desai(PNB) Sri.D.P.Gupta(CBI) Sri.S.V.Srinivasan(Canara) Sri.Debesh Bhattacharya(UBI)
vii. Sri.Kishor Gujrati(Dena)
ix. Sri.Sunil Srivastava(CBI)
xi. Sri.S.Velayoudam (IB) xii. Sri.A.K.Bansal(Canara)
An opinion poll conducted among the delegates and observers on 2nd and third revealed that 98% of respondent preferred all cader nature for our organization and an equal number desire that the organization be an independent one without any affiliation with any central trade union. Similarly an overwhelming number of respondents prefer negotiated settlement with IBA/Govt for securing the demands and solving problems of retirees. This is an indication of the growing perception of retirees that AIBRF is strong enough to achieve this.
One of the salient facts highlighted in the General Secretary’s report is the phenomenal growth of AIBRF witnessed during this period from a membership no of 19000 in Dec 2008 to about 52,000in December 2011.
The conference has proved that the retirees’ movement has grown stronger in these years and AIBRF is the sole organization of Bank Retirees.
IOBRA in the conference; IOBRA sent 25 delegates for this triennial Conference: The Delegates are:- S.Sri 1 AL.Chandramouli 2. B.Ramji 3. M.Pethachie 4. R.Venkatesan 5.N.Vijayaraghavan 6. C.Soundararajan 7. J.Balasubramanian 8. K.Sadasivam 9.S.Jagannathan (Coimbatore)10 R.Bhaskaran(Erode) 11.AR.Solaiyappan 12.P.Arunachalam (Tuticorin) 13 A.Kandasami (Tirunelveli) 14.V.Chellapandian (Madurai)15.G.Balachandran (Trichy)16.KM.Ramanathan 17.J.N.Nagaraj (Bangalore)18.K.C.Jacob (Kottayam)19.G.C.Basu (Kolkata) 20D.Bhaumik(Kolkata) 21Robin Ganguly(Kolkata) 22.Gadhadhar Gangopadhyaya (Kolkata) 23.S.Ramaswamy(Coimbatore).24. N.Balasundaram (Tirunelveli) 25.B.Srinivasa Murthy(Vijayawada)
Our Kolkata comrades played active role in the Reception Committee. We are happy that the contribution of IOBRA has been recognized by AIBRF and our President Sri.AL.Chandra mouli has been elected as Organising Secretary and Our General secretary Dr.B.Ramji has been re-elected as Vice-President for the ensuing term. We are also entitled to nominate 5 members to the Central Committee. We will be nominating our representatives in due course.
We are elated and it gives us utmost satisfaction that the General Secretary’s report contains the following reference to our organization
11.4 Our very special thanks are due to to Dr Sudarshan Nachhiapan who took initiatives in arranging parliamentary meeting to discuss retireedemands and for his continuous support in resolving our issues. Further we convey our thanks to comrades of IOB Retirees’ Association especially to comrade AL. Chandramouli (President)and comrade B. Ramji (General Secretary) who did continuous follow up for organizing parliamentary committee meeting.
We are thrilled that the Chief Guest of the Conference, byDr.E.M.Sudarsana Nachiappan M.P. in his inaugural address paid rich compliments to IOBRA as well as its office bearers SriAL.Chandramouli, Sri.M.Pethachie and Dr.B.Ramji for making sustained efforts to present the bank retirees’ grievances before the appropriate authorities,IBA and Banking Dept, through the forum of the Parliamentary Committee. We are determined to continue our efforts more vigorously in the coming days also.
Meeting of AIBRF:
AIBRF Central Committee meeting was held in Mangalore on 17th and 18th September 2011 and AIBRF office-bearers meeting was held in Indore on 29th January 2012.
Tamilnadu Bank Retirees’ Federation inaugurated.
11-11-11 was a memorable day for Bank retirees of Tamil Nadu. It was the day when Tamilnadu Bank Retirees’ Federation was inaugurated .The Delegates session was attended by over 296 delegates from all over Tamilnadu and presided over by Sri.A.K.Narasimhulu and inaugurated by Com.T.M.Mathew, Chairman of AIBRF. The Keynote address was delivered by Com.C.H.Venkatachalam, Convenor, UFBU. The other prominent participants were Sri.S.R.Kulkarni, President AIBRF and Sri.S.C.Jain, General Secretary AIBRF. The General Secretary’s report which was comprehensive and a wonderful document detailing the role of Tamilnadu unit of AIBRF in the historic developments in the Bank Retirees’ movement, was adopted. 31 resolutions were passed and a dynamic team of office-bearers for the triennial period of 2011-14 was elected The following IOBRA representatives have been elected: Sri.AL.Chandramouli –Chairman,Dr.B.Ramji-Vice President, Sri.S.Jagannathan(Coimbatore)-Deputy General Secretary and Sri.N.Vijayaraghavan Asst Treasurer. We have also nominated Sri.J.Balasubramaniam,Sri.G.Balachandran(Trichy) and Sri.C.Soundararajan as Committee members. We are glad that the Secretary’s report contains an appreciative reference to our organization and our President and General Secretary for the role played by us in arranging and arguing the case of retirees before the Parliamentary Committee:-
“We also would like to place on record our deep sense of appreciation and thanks to our affiliate IOB Retirees’ Association for the enormous efforts taken to represent our grievances to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice and our appreciation to the principal office bearers of IOBRA Sri AL. Chandramouli, the President and Dr.B.Ramji, General Secretary for effectively presenting our case before the Parliamentary Committee.” The general Council adopted 31 resolutions
The open session that followed in the evening was also well attended. Sri.A.K.Narasimhulu presided.Dr.E.M.Sudarsana Nachiappan M.P.Inaugurated. Dr.Cherian Varghese and Com.C.H. venkatachalam,Com.T.M.Mathew, Com.S.C.Jain. Com.S.R.Kulkarni,Com.PPS.Murthy AISBPF and other state level leaders of Constituent unions of UFBU participated. A detailed Circular issued by TNBRF is sent separately to our members in Tamilnadu.
The response and participation of members in the conference was overwhelming and make us confident of better future.
All Kerala Bank Retirees’ Federation Conference
All Kerala Bank Retirees’ Federafion, the Kerala Stete Unit of All India Bank Retirees’ Federaton, conducted its 7th conference in Palakkad on 7th February 12 at Palakkad..Sri.S.C.Jain, General Secretary AIBRF inaugurated the conference.Sri.T.M.Mathews, Chairman AIBRF was the chief guest. The open session was preceded by an impressive procession of Bank retirees , which vended its way thru the main thorough fares of Palakkad
IOBRA Delegates to AIBRF Triennial Conference Felicitated:
All the 25 Delegates attending the triennial Conference in Kolkata were felicitated by IOB Employees’Union(W.B) on3-03-12.Speaking on the occasion Dr.B.Ramji our General Secretary and Sri.AL.Chandramouli our President, paid rich tributes to Late Com.B.B.Ghosh former President of the Union who founded our IOBRA along with Com.P.Balagopala Menon and Com.V.S.T.Kumaraswami and Sri.A.Namasivayam. Com.Asok Ganguly, Former President of the Union Chaired the meeting.
Divide to rule: AIBOC Floats a Pensioners’ Confederation
The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation(AIBOC) has floated a Pensioners’ Confederation under the name All India Bank Pensioners And Retirees Confederation (AIBPARC) in Nagpur on 17-03-12. Members are requested to go through our Editorial The Course of a Movement appearing in the issue dated August 2011 of The Veteran
All India Bank Retirees’ Federation (A.I.B.R.F.) March 19, 2012 PROCEEDINGS OF THIRD AIBRF TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE HELD AT KOLKATA
(A)OPEN (INAUGURAL) SESSION ON 1st March 2012
We are extremely happy and feel proud privileged to report in brief the proceedings of the conference for the benefit of those who could not attend this historical conference for one reason or another. It was the conference of 3 days commencing on 1st March, 2012 and ended on 3rdMarch 2012.It was dedicated to the veteran and highly respected trade union leader and founder General Secretary of AIBRF, LATE SHRI RAMESH CHAKRABARTI. Opening Session which was held at University Hall on the evening of 1st March 2012 was attended by more than 1500 delegates, observers and local comrades coming from Kolkata and nearby districts. Many comrades could not enter in the hall as its full capacity was occupied. However, it did not reduce enthusiasm of the participants.
An Opening of an Open Session: The ceremony commenced with flag hosting by the Chairman,Shri T.M.Mathews in the presence of dignitaries and other participants. Thereafter, a famous song of Ravindernath Tagore “Akla Chalo Re” was sung giving the meaning that “WE SHALL MAKE OUR OWN WAYS” by the local artistes and a holly flame was lightened by the Chief Guest, Dr Sudarsan Nachipan & other dignitaries.
Introductory speech by the General Secretary: The General Secretary, Shri S. C. Jain in his opening remarks highlighted the rich legacy of AIBRF of 18 years and how retiree movement is becoming stronger day after day under its banner. He had also drawn attention of the guests present on the dais on pending demands of the retirees and gross injustice done with them in previous settlements.
Welcome Address: After completion of introductory remarks by the General Secreary, , Ex-CMD, Bank of Maharashtra, Shri Sukomal Basu delivered welcome addressed when he extended warm welcome to the guests, delegates & observers.
Inaugural Address by Honorable Guest Dr. E. M. Sudarsan Nachipan, M.P. and Ex-Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee: On this occasion he acknowledged services and significant contribution made by the retirees in the post nationalization era in highly difficult situation and because of this, India is today a leading economy in the world. He appealed that the different associations of retirees should come together to negotiate with government. Further he called IBA and the Finance Ministry to discuss the issues with the representatives of the bank retirees. He assured the house that he would see that their issues are raised in the parliament .Old age should not remain a burden. Bankers experience should be utilized for the economic growth. Further he wondered as to why the bank retired employees are not getting DA as per the central government retirees? The working class in the banking industry should respect the bank retirees.
Key Note Address by Chief Guest Comrade Venkatachalam, Chief Convener of UFBU: At the outset he expressed his feelings that, he was highly encouraged by a huge gathering of bank retirees present in the conference and it is not only reflecting unity but also interest of the people in the organization and the determination to achieve the demands. He felt that the AIBRF has become a very strong organization of retirees now. He acknowledged that, he has not seen such a vibrant organization elsewhere with embodied spirit of organization in each of the retiree. The Govt. is unable to control the inflation and the retirees are more affected by such high rise of inflation, and they must get the 100% neutralization of the inflation. 50% basic pension is not enough to sustain this rise of inflation and we shall fight for increase in it. Updation of pension is not a charity; United Forum of Bank Unions is strongly supporting these demands of bank retirees. Govt. can not reject it any longer; it will be achieved by 10th bi-partite settlement. Tapering DA formula is unjustified.100% DA formula will be there for all retirees without any discrimination. We will see that Retirees also get DA rise in every three months as per the working class employees, the existing discrimination will be eradicated soon. All the benefits of central government pensioners must be given to the bank pensioners. Family pension is a cruel joke in banking industry. A demand to raise the basic family pension will be supported by the united forum. Meager ex-gratia payment to pre-1986 retirees is humiliating and must be reversed without delay. The Govt. has agrees to raise it, but not still raising. The IBA must recognize the retirees’ organization and have the periodical meetings with the representatives of the retiree’s organization; it will be demand in the coming bipartite negotiations. Bank retirees must have LFC, Medical Aid and it will be dealt in 10th bipartite settlement. Our job will not end by increasing the membership only, but to put our demands to the Govt. effectively. This Conference will make you stronger and will get you forward and forward. Your interest is our interest; your demands are our demands. We assure you support. He also pointed out that AIBRF organization has become so strong that in coming day in-service unions will need their support.
Other Speakers: On this occasion, other speakers who extended greetings and spoke were Shri Rajan Nagar, President AIBEA, Shri Pradeep Biswas, General Secretary, BEFI who assured full support for retirees’ demands. The function ended with Vote of Thanks by Shri Debesh Bhattachrya, Secretary, Reception Committee.
(B) Business Session at Uttam Manch (On 2nd & 3rd March, 2012)
Business Session was presided over by the Chairman Shri T. M. Mathews as per the provisions of the Constitution and call the meeting into order and thereafter asked the General Secretary to take up agenda items for transacting the business. The Business Session was attended by about 500 Delegates and observers (The List is displayed on the web-site )
After approving minutes of the last delegate session held at Chennai on 13th & 14th December, 2008. The General Secretary presented his report covering period of 2009 to 2011 (Full text of the report is available on the website) and thereafter placed before the house for discussion and deliberations.
About 45 speakers presented their views and comments on the General Secretary Report. While they appreciated the report and found it comprehensive covering all issues of retirees. They made several suggestions on it to make the retiree movement more strong and draw effective strategy for future. Some of the suggestions were like to intensify our agitational program, better liasioning with UFBU Constitution, to reorganise state bodies, strengthening district committees, to take up issues of private bank, foreign bank pension etc. ( Note: full details of deliberation will be available in the minutes which will be circulated in due course)
The General Secretary gave detailed reply on the various observations and suggestions made on the report and assured the house that all necessary steps will be taken for resolution of our demands. Thereafter the General Secretary Report was adopted unanimously without amendment.
Other business items transacted were (a) Approval of audited accounts for the years 2008 to 2011 (b) Appointment of statutory auditors for the year 2012 to 2014 (c) Approval of 17 constitutional amendments
The election of new office bearers took place thereafter and all office bearers were elected unanimously by the house ( List of new office bearers is already displayed on the website)
The house discussed and deliberated 24 resolutions circulated by the General Secretary concerning the retiree demands and passed them unanimously with the direction to the General Secretary to take appropriate action and follow up wherever required (Note – 24 resolutions are already displayed on our website)
On this occasion, booklet running into 142 pages giving material on different topics was given to each delegate and observers who attend the conference. Interested person may obtain its photo copy from the delegate / observers.
In nutshell the Conference was great success and has created new enthusiasm and commitment among the retirees. It has provided new direction to all of us. Let us now work to make our dream realty.
Our millions of thanks to all Delegates, Observers, our Guest and the organiser, Bengal Provincial Retired Bank Employees Association, its General Secretary, Shri Debesh Bhattacharya and his entire team, who took all pains to make it successful. Because of their efforts, we left Kolkata with sweet memories.
With regards S. C. JAIN General Secretary
Please do visit AIBRF web-site (Website address – www.aibrf.com)
3RD TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF ALL INDIA BANK RETIREES’FEDERATION HELD AT KOLKATA
ON MARCH 1-3, 2012
RESOLUTIONS 01.UNIFORM DEARNESS RELIEF TO ALL BANK RETIREES:
The Government of India which did not consider 100% DA neutralization earlier has realized their mistake and corrected the same while implementing V CPC recommendations with effect from 01-01-1996. Also, Pension Settlement dated 29.10.1993 envisages payment of dearness relief on pension on the lines as are in force in RBI. In RBI, 100% neutralisation of dearness relief has already been conceded with effect from 01-02-2005. However, in the banking industry, 100% DA neutralization has been conceded only for employees retired on or after 01-11-2002. Thus those who retired prior to 01-11-2002 were denied 100% neutralization on full pension. Instead they were paid DA on tapering down in 4 stages and also are being allowed change in DA on half yearly basis as against quarterly revision to working employees. This distortion is neither moral nor logical nor legal. This is against principles of equality enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests the IBA & the Government to rectify the same on priority basis expeditiously, since most of the affected bank retirees belong to the age group of 69+.
02.UPDATION OF PENSION:
Pension concept has been in existence not only in our country but in the whole world and pension is considered as a reward for the past services rendered and has been termed as deferred wage (which he earns during service and avails after retirement) and becomes a right under Article 14 of the Constitution of India. In our country, Central/State Government employees, RBI, SBI, Allahabad Bank have been paying pension to their employees since long time.
Thanks to bank employees/officers, Unions/Associations we had Pension Settlement on 29-10-1993 by sacrificing bank’s contribution to Provident Fund. Pension has been accepted by the democracy of this country as a welfare measure and hence it should have been proper to secure this pension as a third retiral benefit. Not only that this did not happen, but in spite of clear understanding in the Settlement that updating the pension on the lines as are in force in RBI has been conveniently omitted resulting in pensioners of earlier years suffering financial loss and unable to make their livelihood in the heavily increased cost of living of the present day. Such non-updation of pension created separate class in the same class of pensioners as per their date of retirement. Some of the Chairmen of the banks who are drawing pension on the basis of their working as General Managers in the years of 1995, 1996 are drawing lesser pension than even very junior staff of present years. This great disparity and diversity is not only irrational, but also totally unacceptable not only in the eyes of administration, but also in the eyes of law. Creation of different types of pensioners in the same class of pensioners is illegal as per many judgments pronounced by Supreme Court of India. The Central government of India which is ruling this country and from whose rules pension regulations have been formulated corrected their mistake while implementing 5th CPC recommendations and updated the pension as per their wage increase given to central govt. employees. Following suit of central govt. decisions, State Governments. also updated the pension of State Govt. retired employees. RBI employees have also secured updation of pension in their recent settlement. In 1968, on a writ filed, Supreme Court ruled that “Pension is a binding obligation of the govt. and not a gift/reward or bounty.” (WP No:217/1968.) Supreme Court opined that the employees have to lead a peaceful and honourable life after retirement and if honourable life is to be assured, updation of pension is the prime necessity”.
In the Settlement dated 29-10-1993, it is mentioned that formula for updating pension should be on the lines of the same given in RBI Pension Scheme. Any change therein should be introduced only after mutual agreement. If the Central Govt. employees or the State Govt. employees are getting updated pensions against no profit earned by their employers, it is totally unfair and unjustified that banks who are making huge profits are not permitted by the Govt. of India to update pension for retirees on the pretext of affordability. Non-acceptance of updating the pension to bank retirees has no basis, logic or legality. But it is mere unwillingness on the part of the govt. of India, that too, discriminating them against central/state govt. retirees. The concept or principle of updating the wages of working employees is in relation to cost of living and the same principle of updation of pension as per cost of living is not followed is devoid of logic and deliberate discrimination. If pension is termed in the Constitution as a welfare measure, non-updation of pension is a violation of the same principle.
The arguments put forth that the increase in DA is given to retirees is totally untruthful statement and the same can be seen from the principle adopted in the wage revision settlement by merger of DA into basic and allowing DA on the basic pay after merger.
With a view to ensure parity between past and present pensioners, a suitable formula aimed at total equity as between pensioners who retired before 01.11.2007 and those who retired later should be evolved by the IBA/Govt.
In other words, all Pre-01.11.2007 pensioners be brought to the level of 9th BPS/Joint Note dated 27-04-2010 by notional fixation of pay of the bank retirees (from the bipartite settlement/joint note during which period they retired to the latest Settlement), in the same way as was done for serving bank employees. (Viz: by adopting the same formula as for the serving employees so that past pensioners also get the benefit of same per centage of increase.) This alone would ensure total parity.
AIBRF Conference unanimously resolves and requests the IBA and the Government that the already delayed updation of pension be immediately considered without harassing the bank retirees further.
03.ENHANCEMENT OF EX-GRATIA TO PRE-1986 RETIREES:
It may be noted that number of Pre-1986 retirees (aged 85+) and getting Rs.300/- + DA are few hundred only or even less. These retirees badly need financial support at the fag end of their life and the delay in getting any benefit will be virtually denial thereof. This matter has been represented many times before IBA and Government of India and also to the Chairman, Public Grievances Committee who all positively responded, but with no results so far. AIBRF unanimously resolves and ardently appeals to the Government that this issue be considered on priority basis for enhancing the ex-gratia amount from Rs.300/- + DR to Rs.2000/- + D.R.
04.ENHANCEMENT OF EX-GRATIA TO SURVIVING SPOUSE OF PRE – 1986 RETIREES: With effect from 01-12-2006, the surviving spouse of Pre-1986 retirees are being paid a consolidated ex-gratia of Rs.1000/- only (without any dearness relief). While other classes of pensioners are being compensated for periodical increase in cost of living through increased rate of dearness relief, these segments of pensioners who are very few are facing vagaries of sky-rocketing price rise without any compensation. Hence, AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests the Government to increase Ex-gratia amount to Rs.1000/- + DR which will take care of increased cost of living.
05.FACILITY OF HOSPITALISATTION SCHEME TO RETIREES & THEIR SPOUSES:
The banks have to look after the welfare of the retirees who have rendered lifelong dedicated services to their beloved institutions. Hospitalisation schemes are more necessary for retired employees/officers as compared to working employees/officers. The bank managements have forgotten this responsibility of taking care of their retired employees, but have provided Schemes for working employees by linking the schemes with insurance companies. Insurance companies, naturally, are happily serving the hospitalization schemes of working employees as they make huge profits as number of claims will be much less from younger cadres.
AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests that all the banks should negotiate uniform hospitalization scheme with insurance companies covering the whole group of employees and retirees together and take such a group insurance policy which will benefit all uniformly. Thus the premium payable will be reasonable and competitive and the bank also will be in a position to pay the premium out of welfare funds earmarked to employees/retirees.
06.SEPARATE WELFARE FUND FOR BANK RETIREES:
Allocation of separate welfare fund from profits earned by the bank exclusively for the welfare of retirees is the need of the hour. Till today, the system prevailing in the banking industry has been that very small portion of welfare fund allocated to staff is being shared by the retirees. This system naturally discomforts the serving employees and also is not meeting the expectation of the retirees.
AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests the bank managements that at least 3% of the bank profits be exclusively given to retirees, as retirees’ welfare is also the responsibility of the bank managements. Hospitalisation/Medical expenses are to be defined as the first measure under welfare measures, as retirees are more prone to such health hazards/risks in the twilight of their years. Such welfare fund should be utilized in consultation with Bank-wise Retirees’ Organizations for avoiding improper use of welfare funds.
07.MEDICAL AID TO RETIREES:
In most of the Banks, there is no provision for medical aid for regular check-ups and domiciliary treatments are not covered in the hospitalization scheme. Considering these aspects, some of the banks have come forward to pay specified amount of money every year for these purposes on declaration basis. Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda etc have provided quantum payment yearly. As such, AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests that at least Rs.5000/- towards medical aid be paid to all retirees annually on declaration basis.
08. ON FAMILY PENSION:
For Central Govt. Servants, concept of Family Pension was introduced in April 1950. Those who have put in a service of 25 years were eligible for FP. FP was 50% of Pension. It was allowed for a total period of 10 years subject to a maximum of 5 years beyond date of retirement. The stipulation of 25 years service was reduced to 20 years from 1.4.1957. Family Pension Scheme 1964 was introduced and it was made applicable to all those who were in service as on 31.12.1963. Upto 22.9.1977 two months gratuity was deducted towards Family Pension. Deduction of 2 months Gratuity was withdrawn thereafter on the basis of Supreme Court Judgement. From 1.1.1986, on the basis of CPC recommendations, upto the Basic Pay of Rs.1, 500/- FP was 30% of Pay with a minimum of Rs.375/-. For those who drew a Basic Pay of Rs.1501 to 3000 it was 20% of pay with a minimum of Rs.450/- p.m. and for those who drew a Basic Pay above Rs.3,000 it was 15% of pay with a minimum of Rs.600/- p.m. The ceiling of Family Pension was Rs.1,250/- p.m.
As per 6th CPC recommendations, with effect from 1.1.1996 FP is granted @ 30% of Last Pay Drawn. Minimum Pension of Rs.1,275/- is made applicable to family Pensioners also from 1.1.1996. Both Son and daughter are eligible to receive FP upto the age of 25 years or marriage or employment whichever is earlier. But physically and mentally challenged children are eligible to get FP for life. 5th CPC introduced the concept of ‘Enhanced Family Pension’ for 7 years or pensioner would have attained the age of 67 whichever is earlier, if the employee died in harness. Justifying special dispensation, with effect From 1.1.2006, on the basis of 6th CPC recommendations, the period of 7 years was increased to 10 years (for those who died in harness). As per the existing orders, if the period of 7 years falls beyond 1.1.2006, then FP at enhanced rate should be given for 10 years.
Thus, while considering the pension package for Central Government employees, various Pay Commissions have kept in view the hardship caused to surviving spouses on account of payment of meagre Family Pension and have sympathetically liberalized the FP rules over the past decades. But in the Bank Employees’ Pension Scheme modelled on Central Civil Services Pension Rules, there has been no perceptible improvement in Family Pension for more than 16 years since introduction of Bank Employees’ Pension Regulations 1995.
Hence AIBRF unanimously resolves to place the following demands before the IBA and the Govt. for their sympathetic consideration:
09.ELIGIBILITY FOR FULL PENSION: In the 6th CPC recommendations accepted by the Govt., eligibility for full pension has been made as 20 years as against 33 years. In the banking industry, we still are maintaining 33 years as eligibility for drawing full pension.
AIBRF unanimously resolves to demand that in the banking industry also, eligibility for drawing full pension should be made as 20 years and last drawn pay or 10 months average emoluments, whichever is more beneficial, should be the criterion for fixing the pension.
10.ALLOWING ANOTHER OPTION FOR PENSION TO THOSE WHO RETIRED UNDER OSR, COMPULSORILY RETIRED EMPLOYEES & RESIGNEES:
In the MoU/Settlement/Joint Note signed on 27-11-2009 & 27-04-2010 by the UFBU with IBA, the beneficiaries are all categories of retirees. Whereas the IBA has interpreted that Officers retired under OSR & those compulsorily retired have not been covered under the Settlement. In spite of continuous follow-up by the UFBU, no fruitful results could come. In the absence of any other alternative, such affected retirees have been forced to approach the Court of Law seeking justice. But organizations cannot remain silent without pursuing the matter.
As such, AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests the UFBU to continue to follow-up the matter with IBA/Govt. for extending the benefit of another option for pension to officers retired under VRS-OSR and also to compulsorily retired employees. Further, in the light of Supreme Court judgment delivered on 28.07.2011 in respect of Sheelkumar Jain Vs New India Assurance Co. Ltd., the Foundation Conference further demands that the IBA/Government should extend another option for pension to all the resigned bank employees.
11.SECOND OPTION FOR PENSION:
This offer should have been made available to bank resignees, as is made eligible by the judgement delivered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court on 28.07.2011 in respect of Sheelkumar Jain Vs New India Assurance Co. Ltd.
In respect of those who retired prior to 29-09-1995, they did not opt for pension in the first instance, when the right of option was available. But later when the second option for pension was opened up and offered, this category of retirees that is retired prior to 29-09-1995 who wanted to opt for pension now are denied the opportunity for no fault of theirs. Hence AIBRF unanimously resolves to demand that the right of 2nd option be extended to such retirees also.
12.WEIGHTAGE FOR QUALIFYING SERVICE TO SPECIALIST OFFICERS: Pension Regulations 1995 permits weightage in qualifying service of Specialist Officers, under its Regulations No.26 on certain conditions. But banks are not following this regulation due to which many Specialist Officers are being deprived of benefit available to them under the aforesaid regulation No.26. Viz: 5 years weightage for the purpose of pension. Hence, AIBRF unanimously resolves to demand that the aforesaid weightage is extended to all specialist officer retirees as per Pension Regulation 26.
13.ADDITIONAL PENSION TO VERY OLD RETIREES: In the 6th CPC, the Government of India have rightly identified that this category of pensioners 80+ need to be considered specially and an enhanced pension for the retiree and their families was recommended and accepted by the govt. As such, AIBRF unanimously resolves to place the demand that this category of pensioners Viz 80 years and above and the Family Pensioners be given additional pension to old old retirees.
14.RECOGNITION OF AIBRF BY IBA/GOVT FOR NEGOTIATIONS:
We are the only representative body at the industry level representing all types of retirees from messenger to General Manager and Voluntarily retired, Technical and all other categories of retirees. We operate through bank wise All India Organisations who in turn, function through their State Units. We also have Statewise Units of All India Bank Retirees’ Federation. Except SBI, most of the retirees’ associations of banks are our affiliated units and we have representations in all the States across the country having national character. The United Forum of Bank Unions which is the negotiating body at the industry level and signatory to all bi-partite settlements are fully supporting our organization and are taking up our issues with IBA/Govt. This system is operating at present, as we are not allowed to negotiate directly with IBA. But this position is embarrassing to us as well as to UFBU, as conceding some of the monetary benefits to retirees cuts the pocket and quantum of benefit which otherwise the working employees might be able to secure. This situation naturally comes in the way of certain rightful benefits which the retirees could have secured by now like updation of pension, 100% neutralisattion of DA, improvement in Family Pension etc. Hence it would be fair that as retirees also were the major participants for the growth of banking industry they deserve such benefits.
AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests the IBA that Retirees’ Organisations need to be recognized for negotiation with IBA independently and secure the benefits without embarrassing UFBU and without adding the cost of the benefits in the package of serving employees.
15.ENHANCEMENT OF CEILING ON GRATUITY AND IT’S APPLICABILITY: The recent enactment which has increased statutory ceiling on Gratuity to Rs.10 lacs has been made applicable to all government undertakings with effect from the date of their wage revision. Unfortunately, as is being done in many such other cases, employees in banking industry are again given step motherly treatment and this enhancement is made effective from 24-05-2010 only. In the interest of equity and fairness, AIBRF unanimously resolves to demand that this enhancement is made effective from the date of wage revision i.e. 01.11.2007.
16.DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT TO VRS & OTHER RETIREES:
Superannuated retirees, VRS retirees, SVRS retirees, resignees and all other types of retirees to be treated equally. At present, there is continued prejudice especially against VRS retirees and they are not being allowed to enjoy the facilities/benefits offered by banks Viz: participation in Hospitalisation Schemes, booking of holiday homes, concessional rate of interest on deposits/loans/lockers etc. In fact, these VRS category of retirees have obeyed by taking the VRS in due regard to the wishes of the bank managements for reducing the establishment cost and thus reduction of staff. Thus, instead of appreciating their action, they are being denied all normal facilities offered to normal retirees. Similar is the case with other category of retirees and resignees. Hence, AIBRF unanimously resolves to demand IBA and the Government that there should be no discrimination in offering facilities by banks amongst the retirees. In other words, mode of exit from bank’s service need not be the criterion for extending facility to bank retirees.
17.APPLICABILITY OF PENSION SETTLEMENT TO PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS:
In our country with democratic principles and justice to all, the denial of pension to private sector employees of the same banking industry where most of the banks are nationalized is totally unjustified. As a matter of policy also, the govt. of India never allowed a private bank employee to lose his employment even when a private sector bank failed. Those of the private banks who were not doing well and some private banks who are prepared to get merged were always merged with stronger banks and then the employees get all benefits including pension. Further, these private sector bank managements are also signatories to the industry level settlement/joint note. Under these circumstances, denying pension to private sector bank employees is totally discriminatory and unjustified.
AIBRF unanimously resolves to demand that private sector bank employees are allowed to exercise another option for pension with reference to Pension Settlement/Joint Note made between IBA and UFBU on 27.04.2010. (Ing Vysya, Bank of Rajasthan etc.)
18.TREATMENT OF PRE-MERGER RETIREES:
It has been the trend that small banks are getting merged with major private or nationalized banks. The RBI while allowing mergers is giving free hand which is taking the merger to leave the fate of merged bank employees to their own fate in certain matters. Particularly those retirees of pre-merger are becoming orphans to facilities like pension option, ex-gratia, loan facilities, identity cards etc by denial. The cost of allowing these facilities is meagre, but the image of the bank which is taking the merger is lost much more.
AIBRF unanimously resolves that these facilities should be extended to the taken over bank retirees also.
19.PROTECTION OF PENSION FUND CORPUS:
We are perturbed to note from the press reports that steps are on the anvil to invest/manage huge funds in the Pension Fund corpus of the Employees of Public Sector Banks with Private Pension Fund Manager/s. The Conference notes with concern that the above move is a serious matter concerning post retirement benefits of lakhs of serving employees, existing pensioners and family pensioners. Pension Corpus Funds are hard earned money of every past and present employees of the Bank accumulated over a period of time and needs to be dealt with prudence and financial wisdom. Presently, the funds are being invested only in notified securities. As retirees, it needs to be assured that the corpus of their pension fund is in the safe hands of the Bank and it is the moral obligation of the Bank to ensure that sense of security prevalent in its employees/pensioners remains invulnerable.
Hence, AIBRF unanimously resolves to urge upon the Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Government of India to abandon the aforesaid move.
20.INTRODUCTION OF SYSTEM TO AVOID UNWANTED LITITGATION: It is observed that from many of the cases pending before various High Courts/Supreme Court that banks and IBA are unnecessarily and wantonly dragging the cases against bank retirees evidently to buy time or to frustrate the retirees with delays and spending of money. Of late, it is found that even in legally tested cases as well as IBA agreed cases/matters also, such unnecessary litigations and wastage of public money is being done. This is happening for the reason that no accountability is fixed on those officials who are knowingly dragging these litigations to various high courts and Supreme Court, ultimately resulting in loss of face and public money. Hence AIBRF unanimously resolves to appeal to the IBA and the Government that matters where the judgment at high court level are clear and no further litigation would help the bank managements, in such cases, the verdict of the high court should be implemented by all banks without further appeals and protracted litigation. Such gesture by bank management would help saving of hard earned money of the retirees and will help him in availing the benefit during his lifetime and in times of their need.
21. 50% CONCESSION IN RAIL FARES:
AIBRF unanimously resolves and requests the Hon’ble Union Railway Minister to announce 50% travel concession to male Senior Citizens ( 60+ ) as is already given to Women Senior Citizens in the ensuing Railway Budget for 2012 – 2013. The Foundation Conference also requests the Railway Minister to make available this concession for all trains, including passenger trains, so that the poor senior citizens in the rural areas also get the benefits. It is further requested that Old–old Senior Citizens (85+) should be considered as physically challenged persons and the facility of one escort free should be allowed to them.
22.ON ORGANISATION & OUR IMMEDIATE TASKS:
Bank service is, in a way, national service. Bank employees’ services to the public, contribution to the advancement of the economy and the country are immense. During our service life in Banks, we were rooted in trade union philosophy and we nurtured the mainstream movement of the bank employees and officers through conscious involvement in various types of organisational activities/programmes for realising our demands.
Pension Settlement/Joint Note dated 24-10-1993 is a product of collective bargaining on account of protracted struggle paving the way for its introduction. Thus Pension Scheme was introduced in banking industry on 29.09.1995. It baptized the bank retirees as pensioners irrespective of their past designations & restored their links with bank as pensioners. This landmark achievement in the history of bank employees as well as bank retirees necessitated organising bank retirees for redressal of their legitimate grievances and eventual improvement in pensionary benefits. The difficult task of organising bank retirees across the country was initiated by none other than the Founder General Secretary of All India Bank Employees’ Association, Late Com. Romesh Chander Chakraborty along with Sri T.M.Mathews and other bank retirees with the objective of forming an inclusive all-cadre national organisation of bank retirees. It is a historical coincidence that the national organisation of bank retirees - ALL INDIA BANK RETIREES’ FEDERATION was born on 1st May in 1994 at Ahmedabad.
The founders of bank employees’ movement always cherished a dream of a single united organisation of bank employees – Officers and Workmen under one banner. The dream could not become reality due to Pillai Committee, legal discrimination and fragmentation of Trade Unions on political ideologies. But, in respect of retired bank employees, there is no conflict of interest amongst retirees. Bank Employees’ Pension Regulations treat all bank retirees irrespective of past designation in the bank as a retiree without any discrimination.
The formation of AIBRF gave fillip to organising bank retirees throughout the country and bank wise organization at State and all India level were formed in majority of banks – both in public sector and private sector. AIBRF and its units have played major role in bringing the issue of another option for pension to PF retirees also in the discussion with IBA/Govt through Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel & Public Grievances, Law & Justice. The bank retirees are already on struggle for realising demands like 100% neutralization in D.A to pre-2002 retirees, Updation of pension and Uniform Hospitalisation Scheme etc. Bank wise Retirees’ Organisations have been successfully handling individual grievances of retirees with respective bank management.
To redress our legitimate grievances and to get proper facilities for a dignified and decent living as human beings in the post-retiral phase, we shall endeavour our best to make common cause with other organisations of bank retirees. Injustices and inequities heaped on the retirees cannot be removed by individual efforts. Hence the Retirees are uniting themselves under the banner of their own associations. It is therefore high time for us to muster strong for furtherance of our own cause. Unless we are united, nothing material can be achieved and nothing concrete can be done.
AIBRF, therefore, unanimously resolves to fervently call upon all our Units/activists/functionaries at all levels to rise to the occasion and come forward with their whole hearted cooperation and unstinted support to organise the bank retirees.
23.ON PENSION SETTLEMENT/JOINT NOTE DATED 27-04-2010:
When Pension Scheme was introduced in banking industry during 1995, due to doubts, apprehensions, short-sightedness of the middle class, and virulent propaganda, many remained in PF. But within a few years, virtually all the Provident Fund Optees realised and understood that Pension is good for all as a social security measure and started demanding another option for pension.
But it has taken more than a decade to achieve the demand for one more option to join the pension scheme. With so much of organisational efforts and lot of struggles backed up by intermittent strike actions, UFBU could at last achieve this long cherished demand of bank employees/retirees on 27.04.2010, by signing Settlement/Joint Note with IBA, providing for another option for joining existing DA linked pension scheme benefitting not only 2,60,000 serving employees but also more than 50,000 bank retirees in the face of multiple challenges and hurdles.
3rd Triennial Conference of AIBRF held at Kolkata on March 1-3, 2012 unanimously resolves to welcome and hails the Settlement/Joint Note dated 27.04.2010 as historic achievement and the Conference in one voice conveys its heartiest congratulations to the United Forum of Bank Unions for this spectacular victory wrested from the unwilling hands of the IBA-Govt. combine.
Tamilnadu Bank Retirees' Federation
Mobile : 094440 30035
|
