GUIDELINES  FOR  THE  CIRCLE  UNION  TEAM  ATTENDING  PURI  WORKSHOP  ON  4th & 5th FEBRUARY 2012 

       The letter of the Circle Union circulating the names of the participants and other guidelines is reproduced below. Comrades are requested to bring it into notice of all concerns.

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All India Postal Employees’ Union Group – C

West Bengal Circle

37, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata – 700 013

No. PC – 13 / Organization.                                                            Date : 30.01.2012.

To,

   The Divl Secretary, Group-C

      ……………………………….. Divn.

                                   Sub: Attending Puri Workshop from West Bengal Circle.

Dear Comrade,

                           You are already aware that Gr-C (CHQ) has organized a workshop on Ruling, Defence etc. at Puri on 4<sup>th</sup> & 5<sup>th</sup> February 2012. A team from West Bengal Circle is participating in the program. Before finalization of the representatives divisional secretaries were consulted with and finally, the following comrade(s) are included in the team. Circle Union expects benefits from the participating comrades for welfare of our staff-members in the coming days.

1. Com. Bijan Chakraborty, Circle Union.
2. Com. Asim Deb, Circle Union.
3. Com. Manoj Shaw, Circle Union.
4. Com. Annwesha Biswas, Circle Union.
5. Com. Prabir Tahabildar, PSD, Kolkata.
6. Com. Bibhas Ghara, Central Kolkata.
7. Com. Lalbahadur Patra, Central Kolkata.
8. Com. Samit Mukherjee, Kolkata G.P.O.
9. Com. Adhir Das, South Presidency.
10. Com. Kaushik Roy, Nadia South.
11. Com. Pinaki Mondal, Howrah.
12. Com. Ananda Garai, Birbhum.
13. Com. Sudip Sen, Darjeeling.
14. Com. Saugata Dey, South Hooghly.

               Special CL should be applied for attending the workshop including the journey dates. The journey tickets have been booked by Circle Union by up & down DHAULI EXPRESS (3<sup>rd</sup> Feb from Howrah at 6-00 AM and 6<sup>th</sup> Feb from Puri at 11-50 AM). As conveyance will be arranged by the Reception Committee from Puri station to hotel and vice versa at the train timings, all comrades are requested to maintain the schedule as finalized by the Circle Union and also organizational discipline as per our tradition.

             Com. Bijan Chakraborty (98312-09684 / 94329-37329), Asstt. Circle Secretary, will discharge the responsibilities of the Team Leader. You are requested to cooperate.

                                                                                                 Comradely yours,

                                                                                                           Sd/-

                                                                                             (Janardan Majumdar)

                                                                                                   Circle Secretary

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CIRCLE  UNION  MEETS  CHIEF  PMG 

  Com. Janardan Majumdar, Circle Secretary, has met Sri S.K.Chakraborti, Circle Head yesterday to discuss some issues those required his intervention. 

   Regarding seniority in terms of pay and allowances and counting joining date for the purpose of MACP of the P.A.s recruited against the vacancies of 2005-08, Circle Union has already requested the ChPMG to issue a speaking order. The Chief PMG has again insisted yesterday that they would get seniority to the recruits of later years, who has joined before them due to delay for allegations of malpractices in recruitment process. In the discussion, the Circle Head has requested the Circle Union to prepare a report regarding the fixation and treatment of these P.A.s in different divisions so that the discrimination and differences can be categorically identified and discussed again. Divl Secretaries are requested to send the report to the Circle Union immediately.

     22 surplus qualified IPO candidates of 2009 are waiting for training and posting in our Circle. Due to complication of interpretations and court cases, the matter could not be finalised by the C.O. The Chief PMG has advised for the candidates to submit personal representations with some points, on which the Circle Secretary prefers to talk to the candidates on 8th February 2012 at Circle Union office. Candidates are requested to please contact Com. Sanjeev Roy (East Kolkata) at 9432139735 for details and attend the discussion.

       On publication of result of 2002-03 P.A. examination of South Presidency Division, the Circle Head has mentioned that the department has filed reply to the query of Hon'ble CAT regarding the malpractice exercised by the then Divl Administration in the process of recruitment. Now the department needs a speaking order from the CAT to finalise the issue. Divl Secretary will please discuss immediately with the Circle Union for further course of action.  

DEMONSTRATION  IN  ALL NORTH  BENGAL  DIVISIONS  ON  7th FEBRUARY

    All Branch & Divisional Unions under North Bengal Region are to hold demonstration on 7th February 2012 against the apathy of the Regional Administration to settle the long pending staff demands in the Region. Due to inaction   and non-response of the Regional Office, numerous issues have been piled up at all tiers. Staffs of Sikkim Division are the worst sufferers. Probably this is the one single division in whole India where no MACP has since been granted.

     All Branch and Divisional Secretaries are requested to send memorandum to the PMG, North Bengal by fax requesting settlement of the issues. They may please contact Com. Nanda Sen, Zonal Convener, for guidance.  

MEETING  WITH  THE  MINISTER :

BE  OPTIMIST,  BUT  BE  A  REALIST  TOO

      The Central JCA Delegation has met the Minister of State, Sri Sachin Pilot today. The memorandum submitted to him is given in the NFPE blog. A brief has also been given on the discussion on the items of GDS, Part-time workers' demands and on the revision of OTA. We have an on spot order (verbal though, needs confirmation in writing from Postal Directorate) for pay protection for GDS TRCA and a timeframe for revise cash handling norms. Revision of allowance for Part-time workers' has also attracted his attention. The leadership has carefully chosen and prepared the memorandum elaborating all arguments in support. 

       So far so good, if the concern shown by the Minister is genuine, there are elements to be optimistic. But at the same time, we would like to remind you many of such assurances made by former communication ministers, which did not turn up materialising. We had promises like abolition of ED-system from department, regularisation of 2000 strike period by earned leave, enhancement of TBOP/BCR pay scale to make it at par  with (or at least close to) those of other departments etc. So, we suggest our comrades to remain realistic also, and not to get overwhelmed with expectations. Please note that the Minister has met our leadership only because we prepared for an indefinite strike. The need to strengthen organisation is always the primary objective, nothing will come cheap.   

SIKKIM  DIVISION : VICTIM  OF  ADMINISTRATIVE  NEGLIGENCE 

     Divisional Unions of Sikkim are finally compelled to launch continuous movements against the administrative apathy. The remote state of the Circle, that also devastated by the earthquake few months back, deserves more attention from the administration due to its unusual location and hazards. But on the contrary, our comrades have been grossly neglected since long. The post of DPS is vacant for long. So far, no MACP has been granted in that Division. Many posts of Postmen and MTS are vacant and there is not minimum effort to fill those up. Each year, Sikkim gets an special allocation of North-East Fund, that has not been allotted this year. Most of the maturity claims / death claims of RPLI are pending for long. 

             After series of requests and dialogues, the divisional unions have started daily one hour demonstration at Gangtok H.O. demanding settlements of these issues. Circle Union has already taken up the matter. DPS (HQ) has taken some administrative steps to resolve. Circle Union has also tried to talk to the Chief PMG, but he was not available due to Ministerial visit in West Bengal. He will be contacted soon. 
          We are with the comrades of Sikkim. If effective action is not taken by Circle/Regional Administration within a reasonable time, all divisions would be seen protesting at every corners of Circle in support of their demands. Please bring the matter into campaigning.

CIRCLE  UNION  TEAM  TO  ATTEND  CHQ  WORKSHOP  AT  PURI  ON  4th & 5th FEBRUARY 

       Comrades are aware of the ensuing workshop organised by the CHQ at Puri on 4th & 5th February 2012. The objective and contents of discussion in the workshop are unique and appropriate for the present organisational demands. The detail has been given in the CHQ website yesterday. We recommend all to go through it without fail.

    Comrades attending the workshop from West Bengal Circle Union are --- Coms. Dipak Pal Majumdar (Malda Divn), Bijan Chakraborty (South Presidency), Annwesha Biswas (Nadia South), Manoj Shaw (East Kolkata), Ashim Deb(Barasat), Prabir Tahabildar (PSD, Kolkata), Adhir Das (South Presidency), Kaushik Roy (Nadia South), Ananda Garai (Birbhum), Pinaki Mondal (Howrah), Sudip Sen (Darjeeling), Sumit Mukherjee (Kolkata GPO), Niladri Pal (South Hooghly).

      As there is restriction of delegate number, all willing comrades could not be accommodated. So, the responsibilities of the attending comrades are huge. Please note the directions of CHQ in the program, stringency of the schedule and prepare suitably. We need effective reproduction of the acquired knowledge on return.   

HISTORIC  DECISION  OF  THE  CENTRAL  JCA : UNITED  STRIKE  ON  28th  FEBRUARY  

    Simultaneous with the decision of calling off the indefinite Postal Strike, the Central JCA has taken and announced another decision --- to join the 28th February 2012 strike called by all recognised Central Trade Unions for the first time in India. It would not be an exaggeration if we call this decision HISTORIC. The JCA leadership has responded to the call of the soul of the Postal workers and identified the need of the time. 

     Please recall the strike of 1946, when Postal employees proceeded to strike against the British imperialism. The fate of the common people is no better now, apart from the fact that the exploitation and corruption is now coming from people rooted in our soil. We may have a look to the 10-points charter of demands :

1. Concrete measures to contain price rise
2. Concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with the concession/incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs
3. Strict Enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws
4. Universal social  security cover for the unorganised sector workers without any restriction and creation of a National Social Security Fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendations of NECUS and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour  
5. Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs 
6. No contractorisation of work of permanent / perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry / establishment 
7. Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wages at not less than Rs. 1,000/-
8. Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund: increase the quantum of gratuity 
9. Assured Pension for all and 
10. Compulsory Registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate rectification of the ILO Conventions numbers 87 and 98. 

          These are all about social rights, right for employment & living with minimum honour, protection for the workers, ensuring social security. We are also experiencing same bureaucratic attack on our professional lives. Let us campaign wholeheartedly to make the 28th Feb strike a landmark in the Trade Union Movement of our country so that we can make the Govt scrap the neo-liberal anti-labour policies by the dictate of capitalists.  

CIRCLE  CONFERENCE  OF  IPO/ASPOs ASSOCIATION  HELD  AT  CHANDANNAGAR

         The Circle Conference of All India Association of Inspectors & Asst. Supdts. Posts, West Bengal Circle Branch, has been held at 'Swagatam', Chandan Nagar on 7th & 8th January 2012. The delegates of the conference has elected Sri Ananda Chakraborty, ASPOs, 1st Sub-Divn, North Kolkata as the President, Sri Arup Shil, ASPOs, Franking, C.O. as the Circle Secretary and Sri Kallol Biswas, IPO, F.S., C.O. as the Treasurer of the Circle Union. Sri Nirmalya Mitra, ASPOs (Divn), South Presidency and Asst. General Secretary of the All India Union was present. From Circle Administration, Sri M.Sampath, PMG (SB Region) and Sri Sanjeev Ranjan, DPS (HQ) attended the conference.

      From NFPE Group of Circle Unions, Com. Janardan Majumdar, Circle Secretary, Group-C, was present and addressed the conference with the request to cooperate and participate in the fight to save the establishment of the department for the sake of staffs and the nation. NFPE congratulates the newly elected committee and wishes the best for it.

CIRCLE  ADMINISTRATION ARRANGES  ESSAY  COMPETITION  ON  PLI 

   West Bengal Circle Administration has announced an essay competition in Bengali/English/Hindi on PLI/RPLI in two groups. The topic of Group-A (age limit 16 years) is 'Different types of PLI/RPLI and their benefits'(within 500-700 words). The topic of Group-B (above 16 years) is 'The importance of Life Insurance and why PLI/RPLI is the best option' (within 1000-1500 words). The participant himself/herself or any of his/her parents should have a PLI/RPLI policy, the number of which is required to be quoted on the paper on which the essay is written. The essay is to be submitted to DDM (PLI), C.O. Last date of submission is 15.02.2012. The detail has been published in leading newspapers on 15.01.2012. In each group, the 1st prize is Rs.10,000/-, 2nd prize is Rs.5000/-, five 3rd prizes for Rs.1000/- each,ten consolation prizes for Rs.100/- each.

        We have an humble suggestion for our Circle Administration. What about holding an essay competition, for staffs only, on 'How to improve the service of PLI/RPLI and timely disposal of claims to minimise policy holders' grievances'? And we do not need any prize for the position holders.   

THE  SETTLEMENT  REACHED  WITH  THE  DEPARTMENT  WHICH  LED  TO  CALLING  OFF  THE  STRIKE  BY  JCA  HAS  BEEN  GIVEN  IN  THE  BLOG  OF  FEDERATION & CHQ.  COMRADES  ARE  REQUESTED  TO  FOLLOW  ONLY  THOSE  AS  AUTHENTIC.

        Circle Union  office-bearers in divisions within & around Kolkata are requested to remain present at Circle Union office on Tuesday evening, 17th, for a quick assessment and review of the situation.

THE  INDEFINITE  STRIKE  FROM 17th JANUARY 2012  HAS  BEEN  CALLED  OFF  BY  THE  CENTRAL  JCA.

The minutes are under preparation, so, details have not yet been notified by the JCA. It will come up in their blog later on.

Postal Coordination Committee

NFPE including GDS/PWU Unions

West Bengal Circle

37, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata-13.

No: PC-25/Strike                      Dated 09.01.2012.

GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING STRIKE 

FROM 17.01.2012 AT THE CALL OF JCA

Dear Comrades,

                             We are very near to the Nationwide indefinite Postal Strike on 25 Points Charter of demands. While conducting strike, our comrades / members have to follow the following guidelines :-

1. The indefinite strike should commence at 6 A.M. on 17.01.2012. In RMS/MMS strike will start from the commencement of duty on 17.01.2012.
2. Circle Unions will function round the clock from 10 AM on 16.01.2012 till settlement of strike. All the Branch / Divisional Unions will ensure constant touch with their respective Circle Union. Control unit is also to be maintained at Branch / Divisional level.
3. All who are in-charge of office and Joint Custodian should keep the keys with them. However if the department wants surrender of those keys, the same should be done on proper acquittance.
4. Ensure adequate cash in hand (union fund for conducting strike) before commencement of strike.
5. The Department through field officers may ask each employee to submit a declaration to state whether he / she is going to participate in the strike or not. The declaration be returned to the Head of the Office with a statement of the concerned official that he / she will act as per the directive / decision of the Postal Joint Council of Action.
6. Ensure gathering of striking employees in front of the closed office. Constant propaganda with red flag / festoons / microphone be maintained. There should be an arrangement (on behalf of our organisation) for attendance of the employees attended in the strike gathering.
7. All rumours through media / press / interested quarters be ignored and nobody should believe such news unless it is verified from respective Circle Union / CHQ / Federations.
8. This is unanimous decision of all the Circle Unions that at Branch / Divisional level based on reality, only the local head (like Chief Postmaster / Sr. Postmaster / SP / SSP) will be allowed to enter in his / her office. In no circumstances, the second person will be allowed. In R.O. / C.O., Officers from Director and above will be allowed.

                                                                                                            Comradely yours

                                                                                                                     Sd/-

                                                                                                          Janardan Majumdar

                                                                                                                 Secretary

SOUTH  PRESIDENCY  HOLDS  CULTURAL  COMPETITION  AT  BARUIPUR  H.O. 

        

           South Presidency Divisional Branches organised their first ever cultural competition centrally at Baruipur H.O. on Sunday, 8th January 2012. Staffs and their family members participated in the competition in huge numbers. there were four items to compete ---- Sit & Draw for children, Dance, Song and Recitation. According to age, three groups were formed in each item. The enthusiasm was so high that the total number of staffs and families reached almost 250. Bad weather could not deter the determination and comrades from remotest area of Choto Mollakhali islands in Sundervans left their home at 3 A.M., took a 5 hours ride in boat under rain to reach Baruipur in the morning. Even families of few members of FNPO have also participated and won awards. The awards will be distributed in a cultural evening on 22nd January 2012 at Rabindra Bhawan, Baruipur.

        In the gradually increasing environment of anarchy and cultural degradation in West Bengal, these types of efforts will sustain our glory and legacy. Congratulations Comrades. 

STRIKE  DISCUSSION  FAILED

INTENSIFY  PREPARATION & UNITY 

      The discussion on strike charter of demands with the Secretary (Posts) alongwith other Postal Board Members held yesterday, 10.01.2012, has failed due to rigidity of the department. The discussion continued for 10 hours (11 AM to 9 PM). All items were discussed but department did not offer any solution to the demands. The Central JCA is holding meeting today from 11 A.M. The decision will be communicated after the meeting concludes.

        The Circle Union, in this situation, requests all comrades to intensify the strike preparation and try to form JCA at all levels from our part. Unity is the need of the moment.

  

iCODE  CARD  LAUNCHED  FOR  SALE  THROUGH  POST  OFFICE  WINDOWS  IN  WEST  BENGAL  CIRCLE 

       After Maharashtra, Goa, Tamilnadu & few other Circles, iCode card is now made available in West Bengal through select post offices. This card will be sold at a cost of Rs.300/- from our offices, out of which Rs.100/- per card will be profit of the department. From this, Rs.20/- will be distributed among counter PA and his supervisor, treasury PA & his supervisor as their incentive.

      iCode card will contain a unique iCode no. which will be required for registering in the iCode website (www.icodecity.com) by job-seekers and employers. iCode website is an online data bank having details of vacancies in different private sectors. After registering themselves, the iCOde card users will get the facility of lifetime access to these data. The company, which calls itself an online employment exchange having its registered office in Mumbai, signed a MoU with DoP. The accounting procedure has already been circulated by the C.O. to the Divisions. Cards will be supplied shortly. In the first lot, 47000 cards are reported to be made available and 47 offices will be supplied 1000 cards each.

       Just watch ---- some private companies in this way are making money taking the advantage of huge number of unemployment in our country! 

CENTRAL  TRADE  UNIONS  HOLD  RALLY  AT RANI  RASMONI  ROAD, KOLKATA,  IN  SUPPORT  OF  28th FEBRUARY 2012  STRIKE 

             The strike  called on 28.02.2012 by all Central Trade Unions ---- CITU, INTUC, AITUC, BMS, UTUC, HMS etc. ----  is going to be the first strike in independent India in which all recognised central trade unions are participants. The main demands are against price rise, lay-offs and for minimum wages and workers' rights  and totally against the neoliberal economic attacks and anti-labour policies of the Central Govt.

              In today's meeting in Kolkata, which is a part of nationwide campaign for the strike, Com. Tapan Sen, Gen. Secretary, CITU, Com. Gurudas Dasgupta, Gen. Secretary, AITUC, G.Sanjeev Reddy, President, INTUC et. al. were present. Significantly, despite being a live member of Rajya Sabha from Congress, Sri Reddy has campaigned against the policy of the Congress-led Central Govt and called for absolute unity of the working class. 

            Reddy said, "Political parties win or lose elections every five years, but workers remain and it is their interest which is foremost. We are giving more importance to our unity than political parties. Unity of trade unions was more important than political parties' stand on workers' interests.".
      Addressing the rally, CITU general secretary Com. Tapan Sen said, "Our movement is against the Centre's neo-liberalism, anti-labour policies and unbridled price rise and for securing workers' rights. Com. Gurudas Dasgupta (AITUC) said, "When Kingfisher faces a crisis, the Prime Minister meets the owner to find a way-out, but he does not have time to listen to the problems of workers. Finance minister ({Pranab Mukherjee) is happy that the prices of vegetables have gone down, but has the prices of other essentials gone down?". 

       Due to bad climate over the city sky for the last couple of days, the program needed to be cut short than scheduled. Later the leaders also spoke to the media. But we are sure that tomorrow the majority of media will blackout the news as usual. We have to shoulder the responsibility of campaign again.

THE  STRIKE  POSTER  FROM  THE  CIRCLE  UNIONS  ARE  READY  AND  AVAILABLE  AT  CIRCLE  UNION  OFFICE.  KOLKATA  CITY  AND  NEARBY  DIVISIONS  ARE  REQUESTED  TO  COLLECT  THROUGH  MESSENGERS. POSTERS  FOR  FAR-FLUNG  DIVISIONS  WILL  BE  DESPATCHED  TOMORROW.

ORGANISATIONAL  PROGRAMS  IN  COOCHBEHAR & BURDWAN  DIVISIONS 

     In support of the revived indefinite postal strike called by Central JCA from 17the January 2012, all divisions are holding orhaniastional campaign programs. On 08.01.12, Sunday, Coochbehar & Burdwan divisions held general meetings.

    The Convention of Coochbehar Division was organised at ground adjacent to Coochbehar H.O. The participation and presence of staffs in the convention was huge and spontaneous. Apart from Postal, leadership from 12th July Committee and Insurance sector were also present. The Divisional Unions have prepared and displayed posters and flexes in support of the strike. Decision was taken that from 11th to 15th, there would be exhaustive tours in the division campaigning the strike. Com. Nanda Sen was present in the convention from the Circle Union.

       Burdwan Divisional Unions organised their general meeting at Burdwan H.O. The presence there was also the best in recent times. Apart from Postal, RMS comrades were also present in the meeting. Com. Janardan Majumdar, on behalf of the Circle Unions, spoke before the audience.  

MEETING  OF  CIRCLE  UNION  WITH  OUR  COMRADES  IN  POSTMASTER  CADRE  

         As pre-scheduled, the meeting of the Circle Union with representatives of the Postmaster Cadre has been held yesterday evening at Tarapada Memorial Hall, Kolkata. This was a preparatory meeting for further plans, so comrades of only Kolkata city and neighbouring divisions were requested to attend the meeting.

             16 officials belonging in Postmaster Grade-I & II attended the meeting. As all of them were very conversant with their problems, the discussion came out very fruitful. The day-to-day problems of office management and the flaws of the administration on policy matters ---- both had been reflected subjectively. Problems like embargo to appear in IPO & PSS Group-B examination for Postmaster Cadre officials, absence of exercising options before routine transfers, limited financial power, absence of clarity regarding appointing & disciplinary authority in recruitment rules, , futile career and financial prospects, unilateral communication from higher tiers of administration without scope of feedback, difficulties due to circle liability of transfer posting ----- all these had been discussed in details. Circle Union also elaborated standpoint of NFPE and efforts taken in this connection.

        The meeting has unanimously agreed upon the fact that fighting to set right these problems under the united banner of NFPE is the only recourse, as NFPE considers that these are not the problems of Postmaster Cadre only, but of entire Group-C and the organisation as well. Conclusion was drawn to the meeting with the decision that a Circle Convention of Postmaster Cadre officials will be organised soon after the strike issue is resolved with sufficient time in hand for preparation of everyone to attend it from all corners of the circle. From the convention, a cell will be constituted which will look into each issue in depth and take up with the administration through the Circle Union.

       From Circle Union, Coms. Tapan Dasgupta, Janardan Majumdar, Asim Deb, Gouranga Deb Maity, Asit Bangabas, Bijan Chakraborty, Annwesha Biswas, Uttam Paul, Manoj Shaw and Com. Asit Das (Circle Secretary, SBCO, NFPE) were present.     

DAY  OF  SARASWATI  PUJA  IS  DECLARED A  HOLIDAY IN  WEST  BENGAL --- RESULT  OF  EFFORT  OF  RC JCM  

        The day of January 28, 2012, Sri Panchami & Saraswati Puja, was declared initially a working day in the holiday list published from the West Bengal Circle Office for this Circle for 2012. As this Puja is widely observed, the Regional Council of JCM wrote a letter to the Circle Head few days back and also talked to the C.O. The C.O. has released yesterday an order declaring 28th January 2012 a holiday instead of 10th August 2012, Janmasthami. 

          PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ORDER WILL NOT BE EFFECTED IN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES (C.O./R.O./DIVL OFFICES), ANDAMANS AND THE STATE OF SIKKIM. In these areas, 28.01.12 will remain as usual day as Saturday and 10.8.2012 a holiday. 

ORGANISATIONAL  PROGRAMS  HELD  IN  DIFFERENT  DIVISIONS 

• On 04.01.12, Central Kolkata divisional unions held their joint working committee meeting at Tarapada Memorial Hall, Kolkata. The presence was remarkable in the meeting. The focal point of discussion of the meeting was the preparation for the ensuing strike. Com. Tapan Dasgupta & Com. Nirmal Dey were present in the meeting from Circle Unions. 
• On 05.01.12, Midnapore division organised a demonstration at their divisional office on long pending issues. A 17-point chater of demands had been submitted to the divisional administration. There were issues like curtailment of trade union facilities like posting of elected treasurer at Headquarters, stopping inordinate delay in settlement of personal claims etc. There were some issues which required interventions from R.O./C.O. Circle Union will follow those up at appropriate levels. Com. Janardan Majumdar was present in the demonstration.
• On 06.01.12, Barabazar H.O. Branch Unions have organised their Working Committee meetings. In the second half, they held a joint session where Com. Janardan Majumdar & Com. Nirmal Dey were present. They spoke on the issues that led to the decision to revive the strike.
• On 06.01.12, a meeting of the Circle Technology Sub-Committee was held at Group-C Circle Union Office. The meeting had discussion over the situation arisen after the open denial of the department to set up a separate System Administrator/ Technology Cadre like other departments, despite clear & repeated assurances and provision in the Information Technology Act, 2000. Com. Janardan Majumdar was present in the meeting. It has been decided the the Circle Union will forward a write-up by the SUb-Committee to the CHQ with some suggestions. The draft is being prepared.

ACCEPTANCE  OF  STAFF-SIDE  DEMAND  REGARDING  GRANTING  INCREMENT  IN  PRE-REVISED  SCALE  BY  NATIONAL  ANOMALY COMMITTEE 

    The Confederation has notified that in the meeting with the National Anomaly Committee on 5th, the Govt side has agreed to grant one increment on 01.01.2006 in pre-revised scale for the officials whose original increment date fell between 01.02.2006 to 30.06.2006. They will be granted another increment on 01.07.2006.

      
     We are satisfied that in the meeting it has been agreed upon, but please note that about a year back, similar assurance was given in the meeting by the Govt side, but not effected. So, please let us wait for the actual order till it is released. Another aspect is, such types of orders, when issued, come out with several types of ambiguities. So, our comrades are requested to please follow the process and the implementation of the order, after release, very closely and vigilantly.

THREE  PHASE  SOCIO-CULTURAL PROGRAM  STARTS  IN  SOUTH PRESIDENCY  DIVISION 

 

     South Presidency Divisional Unions of NFPE have started their three-phase socio-cultural program with Blood Donation yesterday, at Baruipur Head Post Office. This is the their first such effort. Two teams from Calcutta Medical College  & NRS Medical College attended the camp organised with West Bengal Voluntary Blood Donation Forum. Total 59 donors donated blood in the camp. Divisional Unions honoured the donors with a blossoming rose and a beautiful memento. From Circle Unions Com. Nirmal Dey, Circle Secretary, P-IV and Com. Sachchidananda Biswas, Org. Secretary, Group-C visited the camp. The enthusiasm of our comrades were so remarkable that the camp took a shape of celebration and joy.

              The next phases of programs are cultural competition with staff, their families & relations, on sit & draw, vocal music, dance and recitation on 8th January 2012, and finally on 22nd this month, a cultural evening will follow at Rabindra Bhawan, Baruipur. We congratulate the divisional unions for taking up such efforts.  

       Sit-in Demonstration Program Today on Strike Demands Called by Extended Circle Working Committee Meeting (dated 17.12.11) is Cancelled As The Central JCA Has Called Same Program on 10th January 2012. 

COM. TAPAN SEN DELIVERED 
COM. K.G.BOSE MEMORIAL SPEECH

AT  CENTENARY HALL, UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA

    Remembering Com. K.G.Bose's 37th Death Anniversary, CGCC, West Bengal arranged the annual speech this year yesterday by Com. Tapan Sen, General Secretary, CITU, on  'Occupy Wall Street and Fight of the Maruti-Suzuki Workers ---- New Directions of Trade Union Movement'.

       Com. Sen mesmerized a full house of audience in Centenary Hall, University of Kolkata, as he unfolded the intensity of spontaneous hatred of common people reflected against the International Finance Capital that is responsible for the increasing discrimination and polarisation of property, leaving unemployment and poverty for the 99% of world's population. He explained that the expansion and locations of the movement worldwide (almost in 2000 cities now) show us that the protesters have identified the culprit, and targeting the centers of the casinos ---- stock exchanges. But he has also warned us that spontaneous movement cannot bring change automatically as it is triggered and developed mostly by emotions. To complete the change by using this opportunity, class-conscious movement should be built up.

       He also enlightened the facts of Maruti-Suzuki movement. Workers there did not demand more salary (though their salary is poor), they only formed their union. The leaders were sacked, local government supported the capitalist owners. He placed numerous statistics to establish that Suzuki Corpn and such other MNCs are making much more benefits from factories in developing countries like India, than in their own countries. That is why they are so terrified when workers tried to get united. 

         Comrades present in this seminar have been tremendously benefited from his deliberation. We request them to please spread the information and the realities in coming days and take effort to record a historic strike on 28th February 2012, called by all Central Trade Unions, for the first time in India. The CGCC has directed all comrades to attend the meeting of Sri Sanjeev Reddy, President, INTUC, on 9th January 2012, at Rani Rasmoni Road, at 3-30 P.M.      

P.A.s  OF  2005-08  BATCH  TO  WRITE  TO  THE  CHIEF PMG  FOR  THEIR  SENIORITY  TO  THE  SUBSEQUENTLY  RECRUITED  CANDIDATES : DIVISIONAL  SECRETARIES  PLEASE  NOTE 

   After a lot of turmoil, successive court orders and consistent organisational programs and persuasion, P.A.s recruited against the vacancies for the years 2005-08 have been finally appointed. But there are several types of discrepancies and discriminations in the divisions in their treatment. Only a part of the judgements has been implemented by appointing them, but the issue of seniority or the period regularisation has not yet been resolved. The Circle Union had discussion with the Chief PMG, West Bengal Circle, but the issue has not yet been clinched. As a result, subsequently recruited PAs would be treated senior to them.

         In a meeting today with them at the Circle Union office, it has been decided that they will approach the Circle Head through proper channel (i.e., through respective Divisional/ Unit Head) seeking their seniority. Holding the legal proceedings good, the efforts to exhaust departmental remedies will also be thus made simultaneously. Circle Union will continue pursuing their applications.

        A model application is drafted below for guidance, which may be somewhat altered depending on the local situation, in consultation with the divisional/Circle Union.

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To,

   The Chief Postmaster General,

   West Bengal Circle, 

   Kolkata-12.

                                              (Through Proper Channel)

                                     Sub: Prayer for granting service regularisation/seniority.

Respected Sir,

                            Your kind attention is invited to the fact that despite my selection as a successful P.A. of ................ division against the vacancies for the year ......... and completion of induction training (if applicable), I was not given appointment for ....... months/years for reasons best known to my authorities.

                       However, subsequent upon judicial pronouncements, when finally I have been given appointment and joined on ..........., I am being treated as junior to the PAs recruited in the same batch but allowed to join before me, and even junior to the subsequently recruited PAs, though most of them have joined service only with in-house training but drawing salary in entitled scale of pay and grade pay.

                       As such, they are naturally treated senior to us in terms of pay and service seniority and will be enjoying the benefits like MACP before us. In this way, this would be a permanent deprivation to us throughout my service span.

                     Therefore, I beg most humbly to you to kindly consider the situation sympathetically and arrange to pass such orders so as to provide me service seniority to the subsequently recruited PAs and regularisarion at par with the all PAs in the same batch with all benefits, for the act of which I shall remain grateful.

                      With regards,

                                                                                                         Yours faithfully,

Place:

Date :

                                                                                            (Name & Designation)

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     Please get the final draft checked by your divisional secretary and consult Circle Union, if necessary. Please send a copy to the Circle Union.