Circular No.33/VIII/2024

10.11.2024

                                                                                                                CAMP: ABU ROAD  

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades         

PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD CENTRAL COMMITTEE

HELD AT MANASAROVAR, ABU ROAD, RAJASTHAN

ON 9^TH & 10^TH OF NOV 2024.

In terms of the notice issued on 7^th Oct 2024 for conducting the Central Committee meeting on 9^th & 10th of Nov 2024, the third CC was held at Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya in the second floor Gulshan building.

2.         INAUGURAL SESSION: The inaugural session commenced at 10 AM in the august presence of BK Brijmohan Bhai saab, BK Mohini Didi, BK Gokul Bhai saab and compered by BK Aditi Didi.

3.         The session was also co-chaired by Com V Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman and the undersigned. The session commenced with the lighting of the lamp by Com Ashwani Pradhan, Com V Ramabhadran and BK Mili Didi. All the elders in their brief presentation emphasized the need to develop balancing exercise under various work situation.

4.         On behalf of the organization, the dignitaries were felicitated by Com Ashwani Pradhan, Com N K Sharma and Com Harnath. Our regular session commenced after tea break at 12.15 pm. Then, joint presidium consisting of Com V Anil Kumar, Vice chairman and Com Ashwani Pradhan, Vice president conducted the proceedings of the two days session. Com N K Sharma, General Secretary of the host unit welcomed the participants for a purposeful deliberations as detailed in his welcome address.

5.           The condolence resolution was moved by Com V Anil Kumar of the following leading personalities of all walks of life.Shri. V. Srinivasa Prasad, Former Union Minister, Shri Ratan Tata, Indian Industrialist, Com. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former CM, West Bengal, Shri. Manohar Joshi, Former CM, Karnataka, Com. Selvaraj, MP (Nagai), Shri Vasantrao Chavan, Congress MP, Com. Sitaram Yechury, MP, CPM General Secretary, Com. Atul Kumar Anjan, CPI Leader of Peasants, Com. Shankar Sen, Leader of AITUC in Durgapur Steel Workers Union, Com. R.Rajarajeswary, AITUC leader in Bharat Elect. Emp. Union, Shri Sambandam, Ceylon Tamil Thesiam, Com. M.M.Lawrence, Vetran TU Leader in Kerala, Justice K.S.Puttaswamy, a champion of privacy who challenged aadhar, Com. Jitendra Sharma, former President All India Lawyers Association, Shri. Sudhir Kakar, Father of Indian Psychology, Shri Pankaj Udhas, Renowned Indian Ghazal Singer, Ms. Uma Raman, Play Back Singer, Shri. K.G.Jayan, Indian Carnatic Singer, Com.Ravishankar Shukla, Leader of Bank Employees in UP, Com. Mahesh Prasad Mishra, former Chairman MPBEA, Com. A.K. Bansal, DGS, AIBRD and Com. Kaka Samant, GIC leader, Mumbai.

6.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED BY CC:

            12 office bearers and 12 committee members who could not attend due to various personal problems and due to the festivals in that area.

7.        The CC was attended by the representatives of 17 State Committees and 12 affiliated units.

8.         The CC members had offered floral tributes to the founding fathers of our Bank’s trade union movement. 

9.         Confirmation of minutes of Pune Central Committee:

             Com D S Ganesan Dy General Secretary presented the proceedings of the last CC held at Pune on 17 & 18, Mar 2024 which was adopted unanimously.

10.       REPORTING ON THE DEVELOPMENT AT THE INDUSTRY AS WELL AS AT ORGANISATION LEVEL:

            A detailed reporting pertaining to the discussion on PLI, various organizational activities on the All India affiliated units were presented for the benefit of CC members to enable them to have clarity on the various issues emerging in our industry.

11.       The house adjourned for lunch at 1.45 pm and commenced its proceedings from 2.45 pm and was participated by 15 comrades. The session stood adjourned to 6.30 pm.

12.       The second day proceedings commenced at 9.15 am for 45 minutes for facilitating the institutional heads to communicate the need to have  balanced life as the present day experience is loaded with toxic work culture. 

13.       BK Rajini Didi who conducted the classes, BK Mili Didi and BK Ruchika Didi were felicitated by Com V Ramabhadran, DGS, Com R Jawaher, Tresaurer, Com Haranath, Com N K Sharma, Com Riyaz Bhat, Joint Secretary and Com Arvind Porwal on behalf of the organization for the excellent arrangement provided by the institution for conducting the programmes and the CC meeting in a peaceful environment.

14.       A cheque of Rs 2.50 lacs was handed over to the administrative head of the institution, contributed by the CC members, AIBOA Rajasthan state committee and the Central Office.

15.       The discussions continued from 11.45 am to 3.30 pm with a lunch break of half an hour. In all, 16 comrades have presented their view points on the issues confronted by them at the bank level, unit level, and at the state level. Com Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman in his presidential address to the house reported about the alienation practiced by one of the affiliated units in the recent conference held at Hyderabad on 27^th Oct 2024, expressing strong indignation about the message spread through social media by Com Ratneshwar Chaudhary, a reminder to release the loan amount of Rs 2 lacs to the UCO bank All India Federation as decided in the CC meeting held at Pune in Mar 2024 and steps are to be initiated to resolve the long pending impasse in the MPBOA affairs within two months. He further emphasized the need to draw the plan of action to achieve the six demands listed in the earlier CC and need to form a forum for Co-operative Bank Officers at the All India Level. He was emphatic that there is no need to have conciliation with the splinter group.

16.         ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.12.2023

Com R Jawaher, Treasurer presented the audited accounts of AIBOA, Two Roses, TIBTUR, and AIBOA Trust for Unorganised Sector Relief which was adopted unanimously by the house.

17.       The proportionate levy remitted by the affiliates in Canara Bank, Union Bank and Karnataka Bank were handed over to the State Committees.

18.       REPLY BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY:

There was a detailed presentation on all the issues raised by the participants by the General Secretary, after which, the following decisions were arrived at and accepted unanimously.

19.       DECISIONS ARRIVED AT ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:

                                                    i.        Programmes of action to realise the six points listed in the earlier CC coupled with exploring the possibility of filing the court case with regard to recovery of commuted value of pension based on the interim decision delivered by Hon’ble High Court of PUNJAB AND HARYANA.

                                                  ii.        Having exhausted sufficient time and provided opportunity for an exercise of meeting of minds by the team of Office bearers headed by Com Devdas Menon, DGS, the CC decided to put a full stop for the whole exercise as they have resorted recently also in a legal case at the city civil court, Mumbai.

                                                  iii.        In order to develop the people-connect policy through the exercise of social media, efforts should be made to engage experts in handling the technology driven system.

                                                     iv.        In terms of the bye laws of the organization, state committees are well within the right to communicate their suggestions to the Central Office of AIBOA and not to resort to circulate to the members of CC independently.

                                                   v.        The CC further decided to write to the bank managements with regard to the behavioral pattern by the executives of the various layers of the administration and let loose serious fear in the minds of the officers forcing them to prefer exit from the bank at an early age itself.

                                                 vi.        The CC further decided to stand firmly with the officers of the our affiliate Nainital Bank in their agitation to realise the merger of the Bank with BOB, the parent bank.  

                                                 vii.        Realisation of pension to UTI Officers as demanded by our affiliate will be duly supported through legal intervention.

                        viii.        To extend financial assistance in the form of loan of Rs.50000/- to newly formed AIBOA (HPSC).

                                                    ix.         The CC decided to authorize Com. Riyaz Bhat, Joint Secretary to explore the possibility through legal process for misrepresentation of facts by the splinter group by using the name of the organization and emblem.

                                                    x.        The CC directed that the State Committee Conferences which are already overdue – viz Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka should be completed within a period of four months 

                                                    ii.        The CC decided to authorize Com. Riyaz Bhat, Joint Secretary to explore the possibility through legal process for mis representation of facts by the splinter group by using the name of the organization and emblem.

                                                   xii.        The CC directed that the State Committee Conferences which are already overdue – viz Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka should be completed within a period of four months.

                                                    xiii.        The property purchased by the affiliates should be registered along with the name of AIBOA and a trust should be formed.

                                                       iv.        The wage revision LEVY collected by our affiliate BOMOA & State units of AIPSBOF should be remitted to the central office immediately.

                                                       xv.        The affiliates are advised to respond to the communication in the matter of issues (PLI) pursued at the industry level and its implementation at the individual Bank level.

                                                        vi.        The CC ratified the affiliation granted to All India PNB Officer Employee Association and All India Bank of Baroda Officers Union.

                                                     vii.        The CC decided to enhance the life membership of our House magazine TWO ROSES for life subscription.  The Central Committee members should enroll them as life members as a baby step.

                           viii.        Our affiliates should ensure that officers will not respond to any of the messages received by them from the administrative heads between 8 pm & 8 am to secure the regulated working hours.

                                                     ix.        Com. Riyaz Bhat, Joint Secretary AIBOA, President, AIBOA(JK &L),and General Secretary, AIJKOA offered to host the All India Women Convention in the State of Jammu & Kashmir in the month of April,2025

                         20.             CO-OPTION OF OFFICE BEARERS:

Ø  Com. A.V. Vithal Koteshwara Rao, Secretary has been elevated as Deputy General Secretary. 

Ø  Com. D.N. Trivedi, a time-tested leader of the RRB Unions was co-opted as Secretary.

Ø  Com. Rajesh Tiwari, the CC member from UP State Committee has been co-opted as Secretary.

Ø  Com. Avinash Kumar Roy, General Secretary of AIPNBOEA was co-opted as Joint-Secretary of our organization.

21.             Thanks Giving: The CC meeting recorded its heartfelt thanks to the Institutional band of volunteers, teachers, Administrators for providing infrastructure and excellent ambience for conducting the two days session with meditation exercises. The arrangements were monitored single handedly by our Advisor Com. I. Harnath, whose contributions are worth mentioning.

The meeting concluded at 5.30 pm, with the vote of thanks by Com. V. Anil Kumar, Vice-Chairman of our organisation.

Yours comradely

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.32/VIII/202

28^THOctober 2024.

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS.

Comrades,

AIBOA –HIMACHAL PRADESH STATE COMMITTEE

 FOUNDED ON 27^TH OCTOBER 2024

 AT BILASPUR (HP).

            The preparatory committee headed by Com. Praveen Goel Secretary AIBOA formed the ad-hoc committee on the 43^rd Founding Day of AIBOA 14.02.2024 at Hotel Prem Sagar, Bilaspur.(HP). The task of conducting the foundation conference was entrusted to the Convenor Com. Gurvinder Singh with 11 member team of representatives along with  Com. Ashwani Sharma the then General Secretary of PSBOF(H.P) and Com. Parvesh Chandel, Advocate by profession and a leader of the Working Class Trade Union AITUC.

2.         In pursuance of the decision taken on the AIBOA foundation day, the ad-hoc committee took earnest steps to conduct the foundation conference at Lake View Café, Bilaspur (H.P) on 27^TH October 2024. The proceedings of the conference were anchored by Com. Praveen Goel, Secretary, AIBOA.

3.         The foundation conference had the participation of Com. Rajesh Bansal, President HBEF, as Chairman Reception Committee, AIBOA office bearers –Com. Ashwani Pradhan, Vice-President, Com. S. Nagarajan General Secretary, Com.Charanjeev Joshi Dy.Gen.Secy, Com. Gurmeet Singh, Com. Sanjay Handa Secretaries, Com. Riyaz Bhat Joint Secretary, Com. G.S.Oberoi, Advisor AIBOA, Com. Ashok Kumar Dy.Gen.Secretary AIPSBOF, Com. Paruduman President AIPSBOF ,Com.Parvesh Chandel and Com.Ashwani Sharma. A special mention to be made that female officers drawn from couple of banks participated in the august occasion.

4.         Com. Ashok Kumar DGS AIPSBOF, President PSBOF(NZ) and CC member of AIBOA presided over the Foundation Conference. After observing two minutes silence in the memory of the past leaders and bank workforce, who had lost their life during demonetization period the proceedings commenced. The invitees were felicitated with floral bouquets.

5.         Com. Rajesh Bansal, Chairman Reception Committee in his welcome address to the participants covered the details of the Himachal Pradesh, its legacy and the threats starring at the workforce in the Industry in a brief manner. The presentation made by him was thought provoking.

6.         The foundation Conference was inaugurated by Com. S.Nagarajan, Gen.Secy AIBOA, and  in his presentation to the participants elaborated the direct intervention of Technology in the work situation, the changes taking place in the work processes, the emerging real danger is the  attacks on jobs and jobs Security of the present work force in the Banks. Though Banking will exist, banks may not exist and he quoted the working of a man-less bank in the National Capital.

7.         Representing AIBOA, Com. Ashwani Pradhan, Com. Charanjeev Joshi, Com. Gurmeet Singh, Com.Sanjay Handa, Com.Riyaz Bhat and Com.G.S.Oberoi, share their experiences, in a capsule manner, viz. present plight of the officers on account of transfers, history of the struggles of AIBOA and AIBEA in securing the Pension Settlement on 29.10.1993, introduction of Digital Currency for payment of Perks to Officers, lack of manpower in the branches, safety in the workplaces, threat of privatization of Banks by the present Government, Learning to say No to the higher ups in the work situation, conducting defense representative by AIBOA central office and the efforts in securing the wage revision for officers in J&K Bank were the major points covered. Com. Paruduman President AIPSBOF shared his thought, while conveying for the success of the conference, that devotion and militancy need to be practiced without any deviation to develop in the Industry as well as enrolling the  AIBOA membership in the individual banks.

8.         Com. Parvesh Chandel, leader of AITUC was specific that division in the unions should not be promoted and rich legacy of the two organisations should be  preserved and restored back, as the Nationalisation of the Banks was the one achieved by the founding  fathers of the Banking trade union movement in our country. He was stressing for imparting knowledge through educative exercises to be conducted on priority.

9.         Com. Ashwani Sharma, while thanking the participants, in spite the strains faced due to long distance travel, insisted that the  transfer policy for officers  needs to be re-visited.

10.       RESOLUTION ON FOUNDATION OF AIBOA(HPSC): The resolution for the formation of AIBOA-HPSC was placed by Com.Charanjeev Joshi, Dy.G.S and seconded by Com.Ashwani Pradhan Vice President AIBOA. The house adopted the same unanimously.

11.       Resolution on Issues: The house adopted the resolutions after an interface with the participants. : [1]. 5day week, [2] Recruitments in all cadres [3].Regulated working hours [4]. Restoration of OPS for the NPS optees and [5]. Safety of the workforce in the workplaces, were presented by Com. Charanjeev Joshi.

12. ELECTION OF NEW TEAM OF OFFICE BEARERS: The following office bearers have been elected unanimously by the house:

Com. Parvesh Chandel, Leader of AITUC and advocate has been adopted as legal advisor of the state committee.

Com. Ashok Kumar, President of the meeting, CC member AIBOA, in his concluding remark made a pointed observations to learn say No and also work for the Institution, to which the participants belongs.

Thus, one more State unit has been added to the AIBOA on 27.10.2024.

With festival greetings,

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.30/VIII/2024

8.10.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

RRB  WORKFORCE  BROUGHT  AT  PAR

IN THE MATTER OF PENSION AS WELL AS COMPUTER INCREMENT

W.E.F. 1.11.1993

RRB workforce in the State of Kerala played a dominant role to achieve the N.I.T. award pronounced by Hon'ble Judge  Obul Reddy in the year 1989, which the principle of "Equal pay for Equal work" was upheld.

2.         AIGBOA in its steadfast approach presented to Apex Court that the "Pension in lieu of contributory PF" should be on the lines of the one introduced in Public Sector Banks with effect from 1.11.1993 by Indian Banks' Association.  Though, the apex court directed to effect the pension with effect from 01.04.2018, our affiliate pursued the issue of implementation  of the settlement of pension with effect from 01.11.1993.  In response to the contempt petition [Civil ] No. 1798 of 2018 in SLP[C] No. 39288 of 2012, Government of India came forward and filed an affidavit to extend the Pension scheme and Computer increment w.e.f. 1.11.1993.  However, Govt. of India needed time to effect the complete payment by 31.03.2025.

3.         In terms of the Apex court decision payment of arrears to existing pensioners / family pensioners upto 31.03.2018 who retired/died between 01.11.1993 and 31.03.2018 giving coverage along with consequential arrears to all those left out cases - Resignation, VRS, CRS, Medical incapability, Compassionate allowance in case of dismissal / removal / termination of service etc., who would benefit from the revised pension scheme from 1.11.1993 for immediate implementation.

4.         Govt. of India to file a compliance affidavit in Apex court by 18.10.2024. Ministry of Finance vide its letter F.No.8/4/2024-RRB dated 3rd October 2024 has directed to pay 20% of pension arrears, after receiving the due approval from the Board.  Individual RRBs to submit the compliance report to NABARD by 11.10.2024.

5.         In RRB, our organisation led by Com.D.N.Trivedi, who is the one, participated in all committees constituted by Govt. of India / NABARD from time to time and the one who championed the cause of RRB workforce in midst of stiff resistance by some vested interests If we state that he is a living link between the past and present, it not an excess in expressions

6.         AIBOA congratulate the leadership of AIGBOA for securing the "Cradle to Grave" facility to RRB workforce by systematic and consistent approach.  Keep it up.

With festival greetings,

Circular No.29/VIII/2024

20^th September 2024

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

ALL INDIA PUNJAB AND SIND BANK OFFICERS’ FEDERATION-

11^th TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE

AT CHANDIGARH.

As your aware that our affiliate All India Punjab and Sind Bank Officers’ Federation(AIPSBOF), is the recognised majority officers organisation in Punjab and Sind Bank and it was led by Com. Charanjeev Joshi as President and Com. Ratneshwar  Chaudhary as General Secretary.

2.         It was informed that the earlier decision of holding the conference was deferred for one reason or other for the best reasons known to the then General Secretary. It was also on record that the elected body In March 2019, was a out-lived one, as per the Bye -laws of the AIPSBOF.

3.         There were accumulated issues centring around the transfers of officers and almost all affiliated units of AIPSBOF were confronted with the attitude of the leadership of AIPSBOF.   All attempts to fight the attitude of the management by the units were stonewalled for one reason or other. Even the intervention of CLC (Central)  to facilitate workable solution confronted by the members was not handled in a best way to derive the advantage to the members. The then leadership of AIPSBOF was reluctant to resolve the issues at Head Office level.

4.         In view of the foregoing, an emergency meeting convened by the then President AIPSBOF at Panipat on 24.08.2024, adopted the resolutions supported by the overwhelming members of the Central Committee suspended the powers of the then Central Committee and decided to conduct the overdue conference of AIPSBOF on 15^th September 2024 at Chandigarh (PUNJAB).

5.         The 11^th triennial Conference of AIPSBOF was participated by more than 600 officers drawn from all parts of the Country. From AIBOA, Com. Ashwani Pradhan, Vice President, Com. Gurmeet Singh, Secretary, Com. Praveen Goel, Secretary, Com. Riyaz Bhat Joint Secretary, Com. G.S. Oberoi, Advisor and the undersigned participated in the Conference. Com. R.K. Gulati, Chairman Reception Committee, Com. S.P.S. Virk, General Secretary and Com. Joginder Tehri President AIPSBSO and Com. Rajesh Bansal, President Haryana Bank Employees Federation attended and greeted the conference.

6.         The 11^th Triennial Conference of AIPSBOF unanimously elected a team consisting of Chairman Com. Praveen Kumar Goel, Vice- Chairman Com. Sanjay Kumar Handa, President Com. Paruduman, Senior Vice President Com. Gopalakrishnan, General Secretary, Com. Charanjeev Joshi, Deputy General Secretary Com. Ashok Kumar and Treasurer Com. Kuldeep Singh. Due representations were given to the delegates drawn from the states.

7.         We call upon the State Committees to extend required support to the state units of AIPSBOF to realise the demands listed as resolutions for the benefit of the PSB officers and work towards upliftment of the Bank, as we strongly believe and practice that the Public Sector Bank should command the heights of the economy.

Yours Comradely

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.28/VIII/2024

06.09.2024

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

Comrades,

MAJORITY WORKFORCE IN NAINITAL BANK LTD

FORCED TO OBSERVE THE

STRIKE ON 09.09.2024.

Members of Nainital Bank Officers Association, an affiliate of our organization, had observed a day’s strike on 15.06.2024, opposing the proposed dilution of equity from 98.57% by the parent Bank  Bank of Baroda to private parties, at the instance of the “Global Audit firm”. Realising the gravity of the situation, the workmen organization NBSA decided to observe the program jointly and accordingly the Strike was to be observed on 27.08.2024. The ALC Bareilly advised the both organisations to remain present in the conciliation proceedings on 27.08.2024. Respecting the invitation from the representative of the Government authorities, the strike could not be observed. But the conciliation exercise did not bear fruits. However, the management of the bank, invited for a discussion on 30.08.2024 the representatives of NBOA &NBSA.  The end result was nothing but, we were back to square one. 

2.         Both the organisations, NBOA and NBSA, representing the majority workforce in Nainital Bank have revived the strike call on 09.09.2024. Once again, they have been invited for a discussion by the Government Labour authority at Bareilly, today and the talks failed again.

3.         In view of the adamant stand taken by the management consistently, NBOA and NBSA shall observe the strike on 09.09.2024. The demand is pure and simple ie. The parent bank Bank of Baroda should take over the Nainital Bank Ltd, based on the recommendations of Committee on Petitions, and also as per the Controller of Banking System.

4.         Our State committees ie UP, Uttrakhand, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan should extend total support to the strike on 09.09.2024.

BANK OF BARODA SHOULD TAKE OVER THE NAINITAL BANK LTD.

ONWARD MARCH TO THE STRIKE ON 09.09.2024 OF NBOA AND NBSA,

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.27/VIII/2024

31st August 2024.

To

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

COM. P.K.MENON FIRST ANNUAL MEMORIAL LECTURE.

AT SRIMAD BHAGWAD GITA SADAN KURUKSHETRA UNIVERSITY KURUKSHETRA.

In pursuance of the decision taken in the Central Committee meeting held at Mumbai in September 2023, the first memorial lecture to perpetuate the memory of Late Com.P.K. Menon, the founder General Secretary AIBOA was held at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, organized by Department of Economics, on 14th August 2024.

2.        The memorial lecture was presided over by Prof. and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences Shri. S.K. Chahal. Com. Rajesh Tyagi, Advocate Supreme Court and Com. Balbir Saini, a leading social activist were the prominent speakers on the occasion. Com. G.S. Oberoi, Chairman and Com.  Parveen Kumar Goel, General Secretary  AIBOA (Haryana State Committee) were instrumental in working out the tie up arrangement with the University authorities.

3.      The Memorial Lecture commenced with offering flowers to the photo of Com.P.K.Menon, by Mr& Mrs. Gopi Kumar Menon and Ms.Geetha Menon son and daughter of Com.P.K.Menon followed by the guests and also office bearers of AIBOA who came to participate in the function.

4.        The  program  commenced  with  the  University  Kulgeet  followed  by  the  brief welcome address by Prof Ashok Chauhan, Chairperson Department of Economics. The guests present were offered felicitations by the leading lights of university from Academic front.   Department of Economic, Kurukshetra University, felicitated the Guests on the occasion.,

5.        Com.S.Nagarajan,   General   Secretary   AIBOA   in   his   pointed   and   brief presentation  explained  the  crisis  deepening  in  the  Banking  Sector  and  also  the  job security becoming the thrust area due to Technology invasion in the financial sector.

6.        Com. Balbir Saini, in his brief presentation, vividly described the political situation prior to the Independence of our Nation. The inputs were of importance in content.

7.        Com.  Rajesh  Tyagi,  Advocate  Supreme  Court,  who  gives  the  voice  to voiceless in the society, in his 70 minutes address unfolded the details of the deep crisis that was prevailing in the political system in the pre independence period and how transfer of Power was marred by violence. The division that took place in our country due to lack of political will of that period, which has cascading effects in our country and also the inept handling by the some of the revolutionary political outfits leading to chaos even today.

8.        Prof. S.K.Chahal, while presenting his remarks on the both addresses, covered and clarified the stand taken during that period adopted by the political parties as well as intellectuals of International repute. The presentation was backed up by  the research and analysis of various verifiable historical evidences.

9.        The function attended by Com.Ashwani Pradhan, Com.Riyaz Bhat, Com.Gurmeet Singh, Com.Charanjeev Joshi, Com. Sanjay Handa, office bearers of AIBOA Com.A.V.Vithal Koteswara Rao, Com.O.Prajith Kumar, Com.Vinod Kumar, Office bearers of AIBOA,   Com.Paruduman, AIBOA [HSC],   Com. B.P.Pahwa , Com. Pawan Kumar Gupta from IBOF, Com.Vinod Sharma and Com. M.S.Jaishankar Advisors participated in the memorial lecture. Com.Vishwas Utagi, and Com.Kaveeshwar from Maharashtra who were shaped by Com.Menonda in their trade union life too attended the function. Com.R.K.Gulati, a time tested comrade of the movement graced the occasion.

10.      There was also an interaction on the presentation made by the speakers.

11.      Com. Gopi Kumar Menon, son of Com. P.K. Menon, shared the down memory lane feelings of the bipartite discussions and his father’s total involvement in the organizational activities.

12.     Due to the paucity of time, the organizer had to come to a conclusion to complete the function with presentation of mementos by the office bearers of AIBOA, which was anchored by Com. Parveen Kumar Goel, General Secretary AIBOA -HSC.

13. We place on record that the arrangements made by the university authorities in general and Department of Economics, Kurukshetra University in particular besides participants from the student fraternity and representatives from various people’s organizations deserve a million thanks to them.

LET US REDEDICATE TO SECURE A BRIGHT FURTURE TO THE GEN NEXT IN MIDST OF TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION, which is taking place.

Yourscomradely,

S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.26/VIII/2024

26.08.2024

Camp: Bengaluru.

TO:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

DISCUSSIONS ON RESIDUAL ISSUES WITH IBA.

             One more round of discussions on residual issues listed on 8^th March 2024 was conducted by IBA with the all the unions, who are party to the current wage negotiations concluded with IBA on 8^th March 2024 at Taj Bangalore today between 12.30 P.M. and 13.55P.M.

              2.         IBA team consisting of Shri. Rajneesh Karnatak, Chairman, Negotiating Committee IBA, Shri. S.L. Jain, (MD&CEO, Indian Bank), Shri. R.K. Sharma, MD&CEO, IDBI, Shri. Nidhu Saxena MD&CEO, Bank of Maharashtra, Shri. Rajesh Ingle, CGM BOI, CGM (HR) SBI, Shri. Gopal Murli Bhagat Dy. CEO IBA and Shri. Brajeshwar Sharma Senior Advisor (HR&IR) IBA participated in the discussions.

               3.         Representatives of the eleven unions were present in this discussion. Representing AIBOA, the undersigned participated in to-day’s discussions.

               4.         While initiating the discussions Dy. CEO IBA, with the formal welcome, suggested the members of the negotiating committee of IBA to share the developments taking place in our Industry. The Chairman Negotiating Committee expressed that the pressure to mobilise the CASA is the priority, as the deposit growth is not matching with growth of Lending, which was emphasised in the recent meeting held by Hon’ble Finance Minister Government of India on 19^th August 2024. The Governor RBI and also the Secretary, D.F.S., Government of India had also stressed the need for sourcing the funds for the purpose of lending. Other team members of IBA also reiterated the position and the necessity to work towards the performance of the industry. MD&CEO, IDBI added the new area of concern [i.e] Cyber Security in the Banks.

                 5.         The Senior Advisor (HR&IR) IBA, while elaborating the issues, initially suggested the participants to complete the minutes prepared by IBA on PLI and Insurance backed Hospitalisation scheme by duly affixing their signatures. On PLI, it was made clear that the understanding in the meeting held on 15.06.2024 was out of the 8 parameters listed 5 parameters would be chosen by mutual discussions with the unions in the individual Banks on the modalities and also the Metrix. Whereas, it was responded that the managing committee of IBA has decided to give more flexibility to decide the issue of PLI at Bank level.  A hint was dropped instead of providing incentivization, it may lead to counter-productive.   Further, there was a reference made by IBA about the outsourcing clause mentioned in the earlier settlement and also the legal intervention/interpretation delivered by the Apex Court.

                  6.           RESIDUAL ISSUES:

                       5 days Banking: Though IBA has taken up Government, the matter is resting with the Government.
                      
                       Leave Bank: IBA has shared the note on the captioned matter. However, IBA expressed that the Tax angle should be examined.

                       Insurance Backed Hospitalization Scheme: RFP has been already floated. The developments in this regard will be shared.
                      
                       Conveyance Allowance for Physically Challenged Staff: The circular was already released , enhancing the quantum from
                              Rs 400/- to Rs 600/ p.m.

                       Income Tax Exemption on Contribution of 4% made to NPS Optees: In the current budget, the same has been taken care of
                               by the Government.
                      
                       Implementation Up-dation Pension and Ex-gratia to Private Sector Bank retirees: IBA stated thatthe matter is resting with Apex         
                                Court, still, ex -gratia has been considered in the current wage revision for Public Sector Bank retirees, it was submitted that since  
                                the Private Sector Banks were also party to Pension Settlement in 1993, payment of ex-gratia should be considered for them.
                      
                       Discipline and Apeal Regulations : It was submitted that an exclusive discussion should be held, as the report submitted by the
                              committee needs to be revisited afresh. IBA agreed to the submission made.

                       Compassionate Grounds Appointments: It was submitted that the compassionate ground appointments should be considered
                              delinking from the recruitment specifications stipulated by the Government.

                       SMG SCALE V officers retired between 1.11.2017 and 31.10.2020 should be given the benefit of the first stagnation increment for the
                               purpose of pension with effect from 1.11.2024.  IBA, stated that  there was no fund available for the same.

                       L.F.C. Monetisation: It will be discussed in due course.

                       Uniform cash hours and business hours : IBA stated that it is linked to 5 days banking

                       Staff Welfare Allocation: Though the Government has issued a revised guidelines enhancing the  quantum allocated but the basis
                               is still linked to net Profit. It was submitted the same should be taken up by IBA once again that the % should be linked to
                               operating profit and not on Net profit.

Thus, the discussions have been concluded.

Yours Comradely,
/S.NAGARAJAN/
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.25/VIII/2024

21.08.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES /AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

OUR AFFILIATE NAINITAL BANK OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

ALONG WITH NAINITAL BANK STAFF ASSOCIATION

DECIDED TO OBSERVE ALL INDIA STRIKE ON 27.08.2024

           Our affiliate Nainital Bank Officers Association [NBOA] relentlessly opposing the proposal of "disinvestment" of the parent Bank's capital from the present level of 98.57% to private parties as advised by the "Global Audit Firm".  Relying on the advice of the Labour Authorities Government of India, a committee was constituted by the management of Nainital Bank in which the representatives of NBOA along with the undersigned participated.

            2.         The representatives have placed before the committee, the following proposal.

                          a.         The Board of Nainital Bank Ltd., should adopt the resolution for takeover of the Bank by the parent Bank-Bank of Baroda.

                          b.         The recommendations of the both "committees on Petition" should be scrupulously implemented.

                          c.         The controller of the Banking system did suggest to "Bank of  Baroda" to take over the subsidiary "The Nainital Bank Ltd.,"
                                        which needs to be implemented by the parent Bank.

             3.         Officers of Nainital Bank Ltd., earlier observed a strike on 15.06.2024 and the management of Nainital Bank remained totally non-responsive to settle the genuine issues raised by our affiliate.  In the meanwhile, there was hacking on the RTGS system was hacked causing loss to the tune of Rs.17 crores plus.  The officers are suspended pending investigation by the authorities.  Taking the developments in full measure to secure the safety and security of the total workforce, "Nainital Bank Staff Association" decided to participate in the strike on 27.08.2024 along with our affiliate, for which the strike notice was served on the management.

              4.         ALC, Kanpur, initiated the conciliation proceedings which was held on 14.08.2024 and management maintained their stand that the parent Bank "Bank of Baroda" is handling the issue of disinvestment and management of "Nainital Bank Ltd.", is not having the information of the said process.  As there was no resolution of issues listed in the strike notice dated 08.08.2024 our affiliate along with Nainital Bank Staff Association [ affiliated to AIBEA] have been forced to observe one day All India Strike on 27.08.2024.

                5.         We call upon the State Committees [ie;] UP, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi to extend support to striking workforce of Nainital Bank Ltd., and make it a resounding success.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. 24/VIII/2024

16.08.2024

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

ATTACK  ON  AN  INDIVIDUAL

AMOUNTS

TO  ATTACK  ON  THE  COMMUNITY.

          “Trade Unions are considered as an instrument for Social Change”, the saying goes. Right from the pre-independence period till today, the social well-being of the Nation and also   of the work- force in our Industry have been duly recognized and achieved by the trade unions only. Due to patriotic fervor, the Nationalisation of the banks (14) was achieved on 19^th July 1969 in the first phase and in (6) the second one on 14^th April 1980. It was secured by single handedly with a clear vision to make the finance available to people across the country by the founding fathers of the first trade union of bank union established on 20^th April 1946.

2.         It is often expressed every now and then that a man once declared dead, with him all his actions of bad and good comes to end. One such inadvertent slip sparked into an instrument to divide the trade unions, which should have been totally avoided. However, bank management has stepped in,  in the avoidable controversy.

3.         In order to secure the respect the standing of the banking trade union and also the representatives of the bank wise organization, a national Strike on 28^th August 2024 has been given by the first trade union of Bankmen -AIBEA- founded on 20^th April 1946, in the pre-independence India

4.         While we extend the fraternal support to the workforce in the Banking Industry for participating in the proposed Strike Call on 28^th August 2024, call upon our officer comrades not to handle the clerical work and also not to accept the keys of the departments in all offices.

With fraternal greetings,

Yours Comradely, 

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular 23/VIII/2024

01.08.2024.

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

NATURE’S FURY

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY

WORST AFFECTED.

The hilly areas of Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district became the site of calamity as massive landslides swept through several villages killing 238 people. The whole of western Kerala, which is a hilly terrain with sharp slopes, is susceptible to landslides. The first landslide occurred was at 2.00 A.M and another one at 4.00A.M, when almost the people were in deep sleep.

2.         The tragedy struck in the midnight, which meant most of the dead were buried in their sleep., with little chance to escape. As per the assessment of the competent authority, this landside was the biggest landside related disaster in the State till now, at least in terms of the casualties so far.

3.         The Mundakkai Junction and Chooralmala have turn into Ghost towns. Buildings have been flattened due to sudden floods, mud filled pot holes and cracked land dotted with huge boulders are scenes in the both places. A lottery seller recounts the horror experience and his family’s miraculous late night escape. Another survivor stated that “I looked around and saw the river flowing all around us” Bodies were recovered from the river and around 200+ are still missing. 

 4.         The      authorities have already plunged into relief operations. However, the weather condition is not so favorable to hasten the process of resettling the displaced families in a safe place. Army Choppers have dropped the food and water for the stranded families and volunteers at the site.

5.         Our organization stands with the families at this time grief in full measure.  Our organization is known for identifying with the people who are in distress at all times and efforts are being taken to extend the required help through our AIBOA KERALA STATE COMMITTEE in due course. 

Yours Comradely,

/S NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.22/VIII/2024

29.07.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

INSURANCE BACKED HOSPITALISATION SCHEME

             The Insurance backed Hospitalisation scheme was brought as part of the understandings arrived at on 25.05.2015 [7th Joint Note] with Indian Banks Association.  The individual Banks which were having "in-house" mechanism of reimbursing the Hospitalisation expenses based on "AIIMS" rates were relieved of the strains of the processing of the bills of "in service" employees once and for all.

2.         As a matter of information, the present scheme was first offered by "K.M.Dastur" to "SBI" in the year 2012 through IBA.  The officer representative [AIBOC] at that point from AISBOF refused to be the party to the understandings entered into in 2015 thereby, the workforce in SBI is out of industry level understandings, till date.

3.         Our organisation sent a communication along with the executive summary of CAG Report on health insurance to the eight constituents in the earlier settlement period itself to initiate corrective steps in the matter of premium collected from in-service employees as well as retirees.  While concluding the understandings on 11.11.2020  [8th Joint Note] except minor changes like coverage part, no corrections were incorporated, inspite of adverse experiences at the ground level.

4.         As per our experience, in haste, on 19.07.2023 two unions forced others to arrive at an understandings on hospitalisation scheme, [ie;] introduction of uniform base policy of Rs.2,00,000/- with certain negative clauses incorporated thereby in service workforce is better placed than retirees.  Our organisation was not a party to the understandings 

5.         Owing to certain predecided approach by some of the unions, our organisation was compelled to seek the intervention of the judiciary, at Mumbai.  On 1.12.2023 the Hon'ble court has ordered to allow our organisation to participate in the discussions.  Still, IBA was reluctant to allow us to contribute in the exercise [ affecting officers] scheduled on 02.12.2023.  Once again, we sought the legal intervention.  Based on the order dated 6.12.2023 in the suit No. 2775 of 2023 delivered by the Hon'ble City Civil Court, Greater Bombay, our organisation participated in the discussions right from 07.12.2023 till the last one held on 02.07.2024 independent of other organisations.

6.         The IBA has initiated the process of "Request for proposal" for the period 1.11.2024 to 31.10.2025.  The shift in the approach are:

            *           The amount of coverage is Rs.4 lacs and Rs.3 lacs for officers and award staff [ in-service as well as retirees] instead of uniform base                             policy of RS.2 lacs.

            *           The commencement of the policy is also common as per the earlier understanding from 1.11.2024

7.         Further in addition to our organisation, Shri Rajesh Matkari representing [AIBASM] and Shri Amey Prakash Kandrailkar [ABKSM] and other eight unions too parties to all the understandings hitherto entered into with IBA right from 07.12.2023 till 02.07.2024.

8.         We shall circulate the minutes of the meetings duly signed by all participants, on receipt of the same from IBA.

The two most powerful warriors

are time and patience.

= Leo Tolstoy=

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.21/VIII/2024

17^th July 2024.

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

19^th JULY 2024 – BANK NATIONALISATION DAY.

The Nationalisation of the 14 banks on19^th July 1969, was the day, that created a political turmoil in the ruling party. All types of obstacles were created by the votaries of private sector to reverse the decision of the Government of India. Even today, the pressures are built to see that the number of public sector banks are reduced in tune with the present Government’s earlier announcements.

2. OBSERVATIONS OF THE CONTROLLER OF BANKING SYSTEM:

   …… “The predominance of the Government banks in India has contributed to Financial Stability in the Country.   Experience has shown that even deterioration in bank financials does not lead to erosion of consumer confidence in such banks. This kind of consumer confidence does not extend to private sector Banks. “

3. SHAREHOLDING BY THE OWNER IN PSBS: (%)

SBI: 56.92;  CANARA:62.93:  BOB 63.97: PNB 73.15; INDIAN: 79.86 – (MERGED ENTITIES)

PSB: 98.25:  IOB: 96.38 UCO: 95.39: CBI: 93.08 BOM: 90.97 and BOI: 81.41. There are press reports that some of the banks are contemplating to reduce the Government shareholding from the present level, as the time is ripe due to market upswing. The Public Sector banks booked a net profit of Rs 1.41,000 crores for the financial year ended 31.03.2024. Let us wait and watch for the Budget announcements with regard to Public Sector Banks.

4.         FINANCIAL INCLUSION -ROLE OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS VS PVT SECTOR BANKS:

[FIGURES AS ON 03.07.2024 GOI WEBSITE].

5.         CONTRIBUTION OF RRBS SPONSORED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS/PVT.SECTOR BANK.

There are 43 RRBS functioning in our country, out of which 42 are sponsored by Public Sector Banks and One by J&K Bank. The break-up are: SBI: 14, PNB: 9 Canara 4, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Indian Bank 3 each; Central Bank: 2 BOM, UCO, Union Bank and IOB 1 each. The total business handled by them for the financial year ended 31.03.2023 was Rs10,19247 cr and 21995 branches are functioning in Rural and Semi urban branches. The RRB branches are equal to SBI branch network in our country.

6.         FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT- OBSERVATIONS:

Low Bad Loans, higher provisioning, good capital provisions, satisfactory earnings paving way  for  the steady credit expansion are the relevant observations of PSBs report card. The break up details are as follows.:

                                                                                                          (Amount in lakh crores)

7.         The public sector workforce is the one who stood with the test of times in the history of the nation. Be it may, the unscientific exercise of demonetization to have the treasure hunt of black money or the COVID -19 period, the services rendered by the workforce were of noteworthy.  We have been given the status of Frontline warriors by the Parliamentary Committee. But, the loss of life of the workforce during the COVID 19 period, how many of the dependents were immediately given job by the Bank were unknown. With adverse working conditions with least staff compliments at the branches, still we are discharging the duties. Are we really realized the relief of 5day week in our Industry as well as the compensatory system conceded by the Government is certainly inadequate when LIC workforce had secured twice the one from 1.08.2017 and the other from 1.08.2022.  

8.         Public Sector Banks are the nation building Institutions. They are preserved, protected and to be promoted with all required efforts with all seriousness. Threat of privatization as well as merger of existing public sector banks are looming large. Attempts to handover the Developmental Financial Institution like IDBI to private players are also on the card. The present political dispensation is also actively preparing the grounds for the same as per the print media reports.

9.         THE WAY FORWARD: To halt the Government from the contemplated attempts against Public Sector Banks, are we prepared to launch a sustained struggle like the 13 months farmers struggle, losing the members of the family and 14750 chargesheets and also present humiliation meted out to them recently by the Government.

” WE LIVED IN A WORLD WHERE ECONOMICS DOMINATED POLITICS.

NOW POLITICS IS DETERMINING ECONOMICS “

HAIL THE NATIONALISATION !   HALT THE PRIVATISATION !

AND DISINVESTMENT OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.19/VIII/2024

03.07.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

ALL INDIA PUNJAB AND SIND BANK OFFICERS FEDERATION

RESCIND THE STRIKE CALL ON 30TH JULY 2024 

AIPSBOF, our affiliate is under constant pressure to secure the transfer policy for officers in a transparent manner.  To achieve the set goal, last year there was a programme of agitation launched and a MOU was inked on 09.02.2023 by the President and General Secretary of AIPSBOF with the management of Punjab and Sind Bank.  AIPSBOF, in terms of the understandings submitted a comprehensive document on Transfer Policy for officers to the management for further discussions.

2.         Inspite of best efforts to maintain cordial atmosphere, the management of the Bank not only amended the transfer policy but also not adhered to the various provisions of Govt. guidelines, pertaining to "Female officers", "physically challenged dependants", "caregiver" and officers with children aged 2 years.  Efforts were made to iron out the differences, but there was no forward movement visibly experienced at the grass root level.  AIPSBOF was compelled to serve the strike notice to the management of the Bank with an intimation to CLC, New Delhi to realise the following demands:

            1.         Honor the commitments made in the MOU dated 09.02.2023 executed by             the management with our Federation.

`           2.         Implementation of GOI guidelines on transfer of female employees in PS                           Banks.

            3.         Uphold the sanctity of bilateralism in the matter of Industrial  relation matters

            4.         Victimisation and targeted attack / harassments on Union activists / office                         bearers.

            5.         APAR evaluation issues and its misusages / manipulation / forensic audit                          thereof.

            6.         MPP in Bank and is related issues

            7.         Repeated posting of officials in HO HRD /ZO/HRD cell etc.

3.         AIPSBOF representatives were invited for a discussion by the Bank yesterday at Delhi.  After a detailed discussions on men and matters a MOU was inked by AIPSBOF representatives with the Bank.

4.         CONGRATS to the AIPSBOF team led by Com.Charanjeev Joshi, President and Com.Ratneshwar Chaudhary, General Secretary for sorting out the matters with the management.

Thus the strike on 30.07.2024 by AIPSBOF is averted.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY     

Circular NO: 18 /VIII/ 2024.

02.07.2024.

To

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

VIRTUAL MEETING HELD BY IBA NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE.

            IBA, vide its email dated 01.07.2024, intimated that the Negotiating Committee of IBA to hold the meeting with the negotiating unions today between
11.00 am to 12.00pm to discuss the following agenda items:

a)      Performance linked Incentive and b) Insurance backed Hospitalisation scheme.

  2.         The Team IBA was led by Shri. Rajneesh Karnatak, Chairman, Negotiating Committee and MD&CEO, Bank of India, Shri. S.L. Jain, MD&CEO Indian Bank, Shri. NidhuSaxena, MD&CEO, Bank of Maharashtra, Shri. R.K. Sharma MD&CEO IDBI, Shri. B.K. Mishra DMD SBI, Shri. GopalMurliBhagatDy.CEO IBA and Shri.Brajeshwar Sharma Senior Advisor (HR & IR).

  3.         Looking to the time schedule stipulated, our organization has sent a communication to IBA on both the issues yesterday itself. The contents of the letter are reproduced.:

  4.         IBA has informed that the Managing Committee of IBA has approved the revised parameters to decide the PLI as discussed in the earlier meeting held on 15^th June 2024 and it is expected to issue an advisory to the Banks within couple of days.

  5.         On Insurance backed hospitalization Scheme, it was informed that the following inputs will be stipulated while calling for the RFP from the Insurance companies: Viz: [a]Combined policy for the workforce and the retirees [b]. For the workforce covering Domiciliary treatment and for retirees Hospitalization alone;[c.] critical illnessamount of Rs1 lacs (remain the same) [d]. Bufferof Rs 100cr + GST [e].Monitoring Committee – TPAs and also the right to delist the hospitals [f].Inclusion or deletion of dependents and g. Syncronisation of the commencement of the policy for the workforce as well as for retirees.6. The meeting commenced at 11.35 am and concluded at 12.35pm.

  6.         We have the information on hand that the SBI has cleared PLI for the financial year 2023-2024 based on grading termed as “AAA”, “AA” and “A” for the clerical staff up-to Top Executive Grade SS II ; Rs. 18,700 to Rs 6,60,000; Rs 6,200 to Rs 2,20,000; Rs3,100 to Rs 1,10,000; respectively.

  7.         In the earlier round of the discussions held on 15^th June 2024, emphasis was more on the operating profit substantially earned by SBI and the workforce was unable to have the maximum benefit of PLI i.e. .15 days, thus new conditions were brought in for the discussion by IBA. It is certainly intriguing.

Yours comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY
===========================================================================================================================
IBA:BKS:112:2024

01.07.2024

[By E mail / Regd.Post]

Shri Brijeshwar Sharma
Senior Advisor [HR & IR]
Indian Banks Association
MUMBAI

Sir,

Re:      Virtual Meeting of the Negotiating Committee with Unions/Associations on 2.07.2024  11.00 am to 12.00 pm.

Ref:     Your email HR&IR/XIIBPS/AIBOA/ dated 1.07.2024.

 We  prefer to submit our organisational stand points pertaining to the two important issues listed for discussion in the meeting scheduled to take place tomorrow, as the time available is limited.

2. PERFORMANCE LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME ;

• For the financial year ended 31.03.2024, the payment of PLI to staff members should be based on the understanding in vogue as mentioned in the 8^th Joint Note inked on 11.11.2020.
• The managing committee of IBA has proposed the changes linking to 5 parameters out of 8 parameters to enable the individual banks to work on the same in consultation with the unions in the banks.
• As the said proposal of IBA is the substitute to PLI Scheme inked as part of the 8^th Joint note inked on 11,11,2020,  IBA should follow the same procedure of written understanding with the negotiating unions, at the Industry level.
• Further, the individual banks, should also be suggested to engage the all unions on quarterly basis about the performance achieved in the 5 parameters agreed upon between the Banks and the Unions. The unions operating in the individual banks will be facilitated to keep the staff members to gear up to achieve the targets set for the financial year.
• We have the information that State Bank of India has already advised the payment of PLI based on the grading for the financial year 2023-24.

3. RENEWAL OF INSURANCE BACKED INSURANCE SCHEME

• It was proposed in the last meeting that there can be a combined policy for the serving workforce coupled with retired staff.
• The scheme available in State Bank Of India for the serving and retired workforce should be made available to the workforce and retired staff.
• There are various shortcomings encountered by the individual banks with the TPAs and Insurance company in settling the claim from 2015 onwards.
• For example, we have submitted a live case of a serving officer, who is seeking the intervention of Insurance Ombudsman for settling the bills of around Rs 20,00,000.00 for the critical illness of his spouse. The role of the Insurance company in denying the claim speaks volumes about their working.
• Utilisation of buffer provided by the bank and its disbursements to various banks are unknown except in one occasion, they presented through slides.
• While finalising the scheme, earlier experiences faced by the workforce and retirees should not be allowed to recur.
• The formation of committee at the bank level to sort out the grievances, time lines for settling the disputes etc should be taken care of.
• The recent guidelines issued by IRDAI should be incorporated for effective implementation of the scheme.

Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.17/VIII/2024

19.06.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

v                            Disinvestment by Parent Bank - Bank of Baroda

v                           Nainital Bank Officers Association our affiliate observed strike on 15.06.2024

v                           Kudos to the NBOA members for their successful completion of the one day token strike
                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Nainital Bank Officers Association [NBOA] our affiliate is continuously protesting about the disinvestment exercise contemplated by the parent bank Bank of Baroda.  It is worth mentioning that the earlier attempt to have the "Digital Venture" at a heavy cost was thwarted by filing a complaint before the "Committee of Petition in 2018" Lok Sabha by NBOA.  In its findings, it had expressed that the parent Bank should merge "Nainital Bank" as the bank hold nearly 100% of the equity.

2.         Repeated exercise of talking to the authorities and also with the representatives of the people did not provide any relief.  The whole exercise is towards handing over the Bank to "Private parties" for which the Global Audit Firm is a facilitator.  The key person involved in this exercise was also directly instrumental earlier in the "digital adventure" also.

3.         Our representatives were absolutely reasonable and tried their level best to advance reasonable submissions to the authorities of the bank in countless time.  But the parent bank was adamant to concede the reasonable demand of merger of the bank with the parent bank Bank of Baroda.

4.         There was a conciliation meeting held at ALC, Kanpur on 07.06.2024 and the results were as expected, thus NBOA was alone forced to observe One day Token strike on 15.06.2024 against the move of disinvestment exercise by Bank of Baroda.

5.         Our representatives at UP [Lucknow], Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan were directed to extend total support to the NBOA members who were on strike on 15.06.2024 for a realising a reasonable demand.

6.         The strike was supported by the "Staff Association" in the Bank.  The Officer members of NBOA have exhibited the right steps with courage and conviction against the moves of the parent Bank.

             We congratulate the membership of NBOA and also thank the Staff Association for their support to make the strike a successful one.

Kudos to NBOA leadership and also to the Members

                                                                                                who have participated in the strike on 15.06.2024

Yours comradely

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.16/VIII/2024

15.06.2024.

Camp : MUMBAI.

To

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

GIST OF THE DISCUSSIONS HELD BY IBA TODAY.

IBA  held two rounds of discussions one on 18^th April 2024 and other on 13^th May 2024 on three issues Viz: Review of Ex-gratia to Retirees as mentioned in the 9^th Joint Note inked on 08.03.2024, Profit Linked Incentive Scheme and improvement in the Hospitalisation scheme for serving employees and retirees.

2.         In continuation of the above two discussions, a physical meeting of the representatives of the trade unions who are party to the understandings on 8^th March 2024 was  conducted today in the IBA office at Mumbai.

3.         The IBA team of Shri. Rajneesh Karnatak, Chairman Negotiating Committee and MD&CEO Bank of India, Sri. S.L. Jain, MD&CEO Indian Bank, Sri. Nidhu Saxena  MD&CEO, Bank of Maharashtra, Shri. Gopal Murli Bhagat, Dy.CEO, IBA, Sri. Brajeshwar Sharma, Senior Advisor, HR&IR, IBA along with HR officials participated in the meeting.

4.         The original proposal mooted in the last wage revision ie Performance Linked Incentive by IBA, was subsequently converted to Profit Linked Incentive by the collective efforts. The basis was Operating Profit. In the 9^th Note inked on 08.03.2024, it was made clear that provisions in the previous joint notes which have not been amended, modified or superseded by this joint note, shall continue to remain force. In effect, for the financial year ended 31.03.2024, the Profit Linked Incentive should be based on the only factor “ Operating Profit.”

5.         In spite of the fact that the banks have booked operating profit, the matrix fixed in the last wage revision was not facilitating maximum benefit to maximum workforce, as per observation made by the Team IBA. It has been proposed  to lay down eight parameters viz.

·        CASA, NPA, SMA, Net Interest Income, Total Business, Profitability , ROA/ROE and Government Schemes.

Out of the above parameters mentioned, the individual banks may chose five parameters after the mutual discussions with the Unions and fix the matrix also. Depending upon the  cumulative scores secured the incentives will be from 5 days to 15 days payable at the end of the financial year.

6.         Thus Profit Linked Incentive introduced in the last wage revision at the Industry level is in the process of being converted to Performance Linked incentive to be decided at the Bank level. IBA is expected to issue the advisory to the banks on the above lines. If implemented, it will lead to a situation of deviating from the policy of uniform wages and service conditions for the banking industry who are party to IBA settlements. It may lead to further bank wise understandings and settlements.

7.         INSURANCE BACKED HOSPITALISATION SCHEME: The proposal articulated in the discussions were specifically centring around reduction of Premium and increase in the benefits. Suggestions made were Viz. Composite Policy for serving and retired workforce, Coverage as available in SBI, Involving SBI Insurance in the process of participating in the Expression of Interest, Exemption of GST, Constitution of Committee as per the agreement of 25^th May 2015 at the bank level to settle the disputes, harassment of the TPAs for production original bills for processing the claims etc.

The further developments if any will be informed in due course.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.12/VIII/2024
01.05.2024.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Dear Comrades,

1st MAY-
THE DAY TO BE REMEMBERED BY EVERY WORKER IN OUR INDUSTRY.
OUR SLOGAN OF 8TH CONFERENCE IS BECOMING MORE RELEVANT.

In 1886, a large demonstration took place in America where the workers demanded eight hours of work on a daily basis. Soon, the demonstration went out of hand and in Chicago lot of people got hurt. This incident came to be known as The Haymarket Affair. This incident marked the start of the International Day. In 1889, lot of likeminded organisations owing allegiance to welfare of the people came together to celebrate May 1 as International Labour Day.

2.TU RIGHTS AND PRIVATISATION: The assaults on the collective bargaining and other longstanding rights of workers are systematically denied due to the neo-liberal policies adopted by the rulers of our Nation. The sale and privatization of essential state provided services and entities related to healthcare, education, transport, water, electricity and energy provision directly assail not only the workers who face retrenchments, deteriorating working conditions, negative pension reforms and loss of job security but also the public at large who finds it challenging to access the privatized service on a commercial basis, resulting in increasing cost of living for them.

3.TECHNOLOGY LEADS TO REDUCTION OF MANPOWER: AI is a field of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. It has revolutionized various industries by providing advanced solutions and automation.

4.AI Usage in our Industry: Some of AI technology systems used in banking sector are robotics, computer vision, virtual agents and machine learning which enable enhanced digital reach to the customers but causing manpower redundancy.

5.EXPECTED RESULTS: AI can increase corporate profitability by 38% in 2035 as per an international report prediction. It further states that bank can achieve a substantial increase in volume of business/transactions with the same head count.

6. FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY; The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said that
Change was the only constant in life; Your strategies were different yesterday, different today and will be different tomorrow. While challenges and approaches may be different, remember that in the end what must be preserved at all costs are the core organizational values- pride, loyalty and commitment not to a person, but to the Institution, and between unions and management trust, mutual respect and charity.

7. TASKS ON OUR HAND: In terms of the decisions arrived at in the CC meeting held at Pune on 17th and 18th March 2024, the following issues are to be realized through sustained agitational programs in a planned manner by out State Committees:

     • 5 day week,
     • Up-dation of Pension on the lines of RBI.
     • Recruitment of the workforce.
     • Merger of RRBS with the sponsoring Banks.
     • Withdrawal of the pressure exerted by the banks on sale of third party products.
     • Restoration of OPS to the NPS optees.

8. GREETINGS TO ALL ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY and pay our respectful homage to the workers of Chicago who fought for 8 hour work a day in 1886, which is yet to be realized by the officers in our Industry.

ONWARD MARCH FOR THE PREPARATIONS FOR A SUSTAINED PROGRAMS OF AGAITATIONS.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.
GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.11/VIII/2024
18th April 2024.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILLIATED UNITS:

Dear Comrades,

MEETING OF IBA STANDING COMMITTEE ON HR
WITH THE UNION REPRESENTATIVES.

IBA vide its communication dated 17th April,2024 informed that a meeting of IBA standing committee will be conducted today between 4.00 to 5.00pm.
Another communication followed listing the issues for discussions

2. IBA Standing Committee HR headed by Chairman Sri. Rajneesh Karnatak MD&CEO, BOI, Deputy Chairman Shri. S.L. Jain MD&CEO Indian Bank,
Shri. Lal Singh ED BOB, Shri. Rajeev, CGM SBI, Shri. S.K. Rana CGM PNB, Shri. Arun Kumar CGM UBI, Ms Poppy Sharma GM CBI,
Shri. Manish GM,UCO, Shri. Gopal Murli Bhagat Dy. C.E.O IBA and Shri. Brajeswar Sharma, Senior Advisor HR&IR IBA participated in the discussions
held with union representatives. AIBOA was represented by the undersigned in the meeting.

3. The agenda listed for discussions were: 1. Ex-gratia for Pensioners including SBI: 2. Performance Linked Incentive Scheme 3. Any other matter with the
permission of the Chair.

4. The issues were piloted by the Senior Advisor HR &IR for discussion.
a. Ex-gratia for Pensioners: As there was an understanding to review the ex-gratia in April 2024 in the joint note, IBA expressed categorically that existing system
will continue up-to 31.03.2025, as the financials results are yet to be finalized by the bank and the availability of resources are also to be ascertained, hence
the decision to continue the payment with the existing one.
b. Performance Linked Pay : Reiteration of above stand was emphasized. However, subject to the finalization of the working results by the banks, IBA is
open to discuss the matter, as there was certain observations expressed by the then Chairman of Negotiating Committee IBA. On pointing out
the payment of difference in PLI based on the revised Salary from November 2022, team IBA expressed their affirmative approach In this regard.
The meeting lasted for less than 40 minutes and the agenda, any-other matter with the permission of the chair was not taken up by IBA.

5. On our part, on receipt of the intimation from IBA with the set agenda, we have submitted a letter containing the list of issues which are to be
clarified by the IBA as banks have also approached IBA. The letter addressed to IBA is reproduced overleaf.

6. To sum it up, the exercise carried out by IBA today, was to convey their stand on both the issues.

Yours comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN
GENERAL SECRETARY.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TEXT OF OUR LETTER NO.IBA;BKS;61;2024 SENT TO IBA

“Re: HR Committee Meeting scheduled to be held today.

We are in receipt of the communication addressed to our organization and the undersigned will participate in the proposed meeting scheduled to be held to-day.

2.In addition to the agenda listed under “any other matter with the permission of the chair” We request you to include and to respond to the following pertaining
to the 9th Joint Note On Officers’ Wage Revision. The present situation has arisen due to non-sharing of the joint notes with our organization earlier except
a fast forward power point presentation in the second week of February 2024.

•Stagnation Increments: The text part pertaining to stagnation increments and the fitment chart annexed to the joint note differs in quantum of increment
mentioned. It needs correction.
•INCREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF JAIIB AND CAIIB : A detailed advisory needs to be released to the banks on priority basis as there is lot of
confusion among bankers as well as Officers.
•DEPUTION ALLOWANCE: The facility of drawing deputation allowance to an officer, who has been deputed to training Institute, which was established
decades ago, was available till 31.03.2024, is withdrawn. It needs to be restored back as most of the Banks are having Training Institute of their own at the
place where the Central Office of the bank is functioning. A serious departure from the past.
•Boarding/Lodging/Diem Allowance st the time of initial joining on Promotion/transfer: In addition to compensation on transfer, banks have different
facilities for officers at the time of joining the branch either on transfer or on promotion The said facilities should continue. The 9th joint note is silent on this matter.
•Discussion on Discipline and Appeal Regulations: The dates for the discussion should also be finalized.

3. We are confident that our above submissions will be taken for consideration.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Circular No.10/VIII/2024

15.04.2024

TO 

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS                                                                            

Comrades

IS IT A RIGHT STEP TO CONVERT THE BASE YEAR  CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FROM 1960 TO 2016 

Banking workforce gets the Dearness Allowance on quarterly basis based on the Consumer Price Index 1960 = 100 hitherto, for every rise and fall of four points. The Government of India, known for its fast forward approach in denying the legitimate rights to workers, introduced labour reforms. Consequent upon the steps, the revision of the base year from 1960 to 2016 for calculation of dearness allowance was announced in October 2020.

2.            The conversion factor stipulated is as under:

è  Converting the base year from 1960 to 1982, the multiplier is 4.93

è  Converting the base year from 1982 to 2001, the multiplier is 4.63

è  Converting the base year from 2001 to 2016, the multiplier is 2.88

3.            The consumer price index with base year 1960 has to be arrived at by multiplying the CPI of 2016 with 4.93 x 4.63 x 2.88 = 65.738 or 65.74. The merger point of 8088 (base year 1960 ) was arrived at 123.03 ( 8088/65.74 ).

4.            Quarterly average index:   Nov 22 to Jan 23 : 130.46 – 123.03 = 7.43%

                                                            Feb 23 to Apr 23 : 132.43 – 123.03 = 9.40%

                                                            May 23 to Jul 23:  132.93 – 123.03 = 9.90%

                                                            Aug 23 to Oct 23: 135.10 – 123.03 = 12.07%

                                                            Nov 23 to Jan 24:  138.80 – 123.03 = 15.77%

                                                            Feb 24 to Apr 24:  138.77 – 123.03 = 15.74%

5.            AIBOA was consistently echoing the upgradation of the DA compensation at par with LIC . While LIC got 108.10% neutralisation (base year 1960 =100) as approved by the Government of India in their last wage revision on 15.04.2021 , the banking workforce are getting only 100% neutralisation. Instead of achieving the same benefit as that of LIC, through collective efforts the base year was changed from 1960 to 2016. This change in base year from 1960 to 2016 is being opposed by Central Trade Unions since OCT 2020. It is claimed as a victory that the banking industry is the first one to adopt to the new base year of 2016. WHAT A PARADOX.?

6.            While computing the value in the standard consumption basket, Food items have not been given the due weightage, rather it is reduced from 46.2% to 39%. In Global hunger index, India is ranked as low as 94 out of 107 countries, even below Bangladesh and Pakistan. The linking factor for 22 years is 4.93 ( 1960 to 1982), for 19 years is 4.63 (1982 to 2001) and for 16 years is 2.88 ( 2001 to 2016) resulting reduction in the weightage of 62% in three years. The change in the base year from 2020 to 2016 is also very much intriguing.

7.            The Governor of RBI, Shri.Shaktikanta Das in the periodical meetings specifically focussed on containing the inflation caused due to  spiraling cost on food consumption etc. The basket to draw the 2016 index provided minimum importance to the weightage on food consumption.

8.            The three member committee constituted for revision of Dearness Allowance formula along with the management representatives finalised the same on 13.10.2023 but did not share the whole exercise to the other participating unions in the negotiations till the end.

9.            Be as it may, to accept the change in the base year from 1960 to 2016 series, the amount taken out from the kitty is very substantial, particularly for Officers. The said amount remitted back to the Kitty should have been utilized to provide reasonable and recognizable compensation to the “Branch Heads” who bear the wrath of all in today’s atmosphere.

10.   Banking Trade unions are the first to accept retrograde change in Consumer Price Index year in the financial sector,  though rejected by the Central Trade Unions.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY 

Circular No.8/VIII/2024

18.03.2024.

Camp: Pune.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrade,

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING

AT PUNE

17^TH AND 18^th MARCH 2024.

In terms of the Notice issued on 10^th March, 2024, the Second Central Committee Meeting of our organization was held at Taika Hall First Floor Shrirang House, J.M. Road, Opp.Jangal Maharaj Mandir, Shivaji Nagar Pune.

2.         The Central Committee Meeting was presided over by Com. Anil Kumar, Vice-Chairman and Com. A. N. Suresh, President of our organization.

3.         Com. Krishna Barookar, Secretary AIBOAand General Secretary Bank of Maharashtra Officers’ Association, while inviting the central committee members for participating in the CC meeting for two days presented the welcome address of Com Rajeev Tamhane, Chairman, BOMOA, for the benefit of the participants. He appealed to the member of the presidium and also the participants to pay respect to the founding leaders of AIBOA by offering flowers.

4.         IN MEMORIUM:

The house observed two minutes silence in memory of the following departed souls:

[1]Shri. Harmohan Dawan, former Union Minister;[2] Com. N. Sankaraiah, Freedom Fighter;[3]Com. Kanam Rajendram TU Leader Kerala; [4] Com.Basudeb Acharia, Veteran Leader of working class, [5] Com. Ananthalavattom Ananathan, Vice President CITU; [6] Dr.S.S.Badrinath, Founder, Sankara Nethralaya; [7] Dr.M.S.Swaminathan, Scientist; [8] Shri.K.G.George, Iconic Director, Kerala,[9] Sri.Sukhbir Singh Gill, Hockey Olympian; [10] Historian R.Champakalakshmi; [11]Sri.Bangaru Adigal, Melmaruvathur [12]Captain Vijayakanth, [13] Com.Sarabjit Singh, President AIPNBOF

5.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED:

OFFICE BEARERS

[1] Com Alok Khare; [2]Com Dr Kumar Arvind; [3]Com D S Ganesan; [4]Com K Raghava; [5]Com Ghanshyam Sharma; [6]Com Tapan Sarkar[7]Com Aswani Kumar Saini.

C .C. MEMBERS

[1] Com Ghanshyam Srivastava[2]Com Shylendra Rajpal[3]Com P K Abrol; [4]Com Arvind Porwal  [5]Com V Vishwanathan,

6.         CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:

The confirmation of the minutes of the last committee meeting held at Mumbai on 14^th& 15^th of Sep 2023 was presented to the Central Committee by Com V Ramabhadran , DGS and was approved by the house.

7.         REPORTING ON THE 9^TH JOINT NOTE ON OFFICERS’ WAGE REVISION:

A detailed reporting on the journey undertaken by the organization from 22^nd Jun 2023 upto 6^th Dec 2023 culminated in inking the MOU on 7^th Dec 2023 through legal intervention. Subsequently AIBOA was represented in the discussion held on 11^th& 12^th Jan 2024, 13^th Feb 2024 culminating in conclusion of the 9^th Joint note on Officers’ wage revision on 8^th Mar 2024 in Mumbai. The house was appraised about the efforts taken by AIBOA to secure the recognition by 12 signatories to the 9^th joint note. The efforts to stonewall our participation till the penultimate day of signing the Joint Note by our adversaries were blown off. The negative inputs in giving a true reflection of the feelings were explained in detail viz., five days week and monetization of LTC on the lines of SBI scheme

The communication addressed by Com. Alok Khare, Chairman was placed to the committee for the better understandings of the developments and also the unfinished agenda of important in content and nature pending for the execution

In all 22 participantsspoke on the joint note making valid inputs to be taken up with IBA for necessary clarifications.

8.         ORGANISATION:

7 Participants spoke on the organization and reiterated the necessity of shifting our focus on developing the membership in the respective banks through effective campaigning. The representative from the Nainiatal Bank Officers’ Association Com PravenRabat presented his organizational viewpoint and sought the wholehearted support of AIBOA in extending support to the agitation call observed in stages likely to culminate in direct action. Our affiliate has demanded from the parent bank Bank of Baroda, which is holding 98.57% of the equity holding should merge the subsidiary – Nainital Bank ltd with them. It was unanimously decided to extend all support to the comrades who have plunged into agitation to achieve their demand of merger with Bank of Baroda.

The CC had the benefit of the development in almost all banks. The sufferings of the officers in the matter of discharging their daily routine and also unleashing of attacks in different ways to curb the benefits otherwise eligible to be granted to them in one form or other. The CC decided to initiate the appropriate steps to reverse the same by taking up with the bank managements through our affiliates.

The first day session came to an end at 7.40 pm.

9.         PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND DAY:

The status report of the action initiated of the decision of the central committee were reiterated more specifically conducting of the overdue State Committee conferences of Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan and also formation of women’s cell by UP state committee. The state committees were advised to complete the organizational assignment by 30^th April 2024. The merger of unions in Indian Bank and erstwhile Allahabad Bank should also be completed by 30.04.2024.

Issues to be taken forward for realisation through sustained campaigns/phased agitational exercises:

[1] Five days week[2]Updation of pension on RBI lines[3]Recruitment[4] Merger of RRBs with sponsoring banks [5] Undue pressure on sale of third party products[6] Realisation of OPS for the new pension optees.

10.       DECISIONS ON ORGANISTION:

      i.        Consolidation Efforts:       A small committee consisting of 5 members has been formed to take forward the organizational consolidation. The members of the committee are:

Com Devdas Menon, Com Anil Kumar, Com A N Suresh, Com V Ramabhadran and one or two members may be included for wider consultations;

    ii.        On ratification of the decision to grant affiliationto ALL INDIA BANK OF BARODA OFFICERS’ UNION shall be done after adhering to the provisions of the byelaw with a shortest period of time.

   iii.        All India Federation of UCO Bank Officers – it was decided to seek the legal intervention to secure the genuine affiliation of  that federation with our organization. The request to grant them a financial assistance of Rs 2 lacs by way of a loan was approved.

   iv.        Updation of pension– Appropriate steps to realise the updation of pension on the RBI lines proposed was approved unanimously.

    v.        Recognition of the service rendered by our legal counsels– The CC recorded its appreciation for the sterling role played by Shri BhaveshParmar, Shri Rahul Gaikwad and Shri Aman Jhawar in securing the rightful recognition for our organization in the current wage revision with IBA.

   vi.        Extending help to All India UTI AMC Officer Association– As presented by ComVishwas Utagi, Chairman All India UTI AMC Officer Association, the CC assured its organizational help at all times to realise their long pending demand of pension of the UTI AMC Officers.

   vii.        LEVY: The CC unanimously approved collection of levy @ 2% of net arrears, 1% of which is to be remitted to headquarters– 50% of which will be remitted to various state committees and the remaining 1% to be retained by the bank level units.

 viii.        Mid-course corrections: During the period travelled between Mumbai to Pune CC, there were certain un intensional slips in the functioning. We shall take steps not to allow the occurance of the same in our functioning.

    ix.        Felicitations;

Ø  Com A N Suresh, President who retired on 29^th Feb 2024 was offered a shawl by Com V Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman

Ø  Com.Anil Limbachiyawho took VRS  as Chief Manager from PNB was offered shawl by Com Devdas Menon, DGS.

Ø  Com Sanjay Handa, who retired on 30^th Nov 2023 was offered a shawl by Com V Ramabhadran, DGS

Ø  Com R Jawaher, Treasurer who retired on 31^st Aug was felicitated by offering a shawl by Com S K S Sengar, advisor.

This central committee was attended by 57 comrades from 19 state committees.

Bank of Maharashtra Officers’ Association carried the goodwill and sincere appreciation of all participants for smooth conduct of the two days proceedings without any problems. The leadership provided by Com Viay Meshram, President, BOMOA,/Joint Secretary of AIBOA, Com Krishna Baroorkar, Gen Secretary, BOMOA, /Secretary of AIBOA deserves a million thanks due to their strenuous efforts to make this central committee a result oriented one.  Both the representatives were felicitated by Com Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman and Com A N Suresh, President.

ONWARD MARCH TO REALISATION OF OUR DEMANDS

THROUGH SUSTAINED PROGRAMS  OF AGITATIONS.

Yours comradely

/S NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.7/VIII/2024

08.03.2024.

Camp: Mumbai.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades,

IXth  JOINT NOTE ON OFFICERS WAGE REVISION.

CONTENTS IN CAPSULE.

Our organisation which contributed immensely in the conclusion of 8^th Joint Note on 11.11.2020 at Mumbai, could step into the negotiating table on the last day on 07.12.2023, through legal intervention. Between 22.06.2023 and 6.12.2023, three committees were constituted viz: 1. Committee on Dearness Allowance 2. Committee on Leave and LFC and 3.Committee on Discipline and Appeal Regulations. AIBOA could get into the Discipline and Appeal Regulations once again through legal intervention only. Hence, there are lot of gaps and retrograde provisions are visible, due to the attitude of the King can do no wrong  our attempts to correct the situation was not appreciated/accepted and there is absolute lack of transparency in addressing issues like DA Series switching over from 1960 to 2016, at a heavy cost paid from the allocated amount of Rs 8284.23 crores.  To remain relevant to secure the future of the officers, Our team headed by Com. Alok Khare , Chairman and Com. A.N. Suresh President  along  with the undersigned and other office bearers were to sign the IXth Joint note to-day at Mumbai, the financial capital of the country.

We provide the contents in a concise manner:

1.SCALES OF PAY :

  Scales  1.     Rs 48480/ 2000*7/ 62480- 2340*2/ 67160-2680*7/ 85920.

               2.     Rs. 64820/  2340*1 /67160 / 2680*10/  93960.

               3.     Rs. 85920/  2680*5 / 99320/ 2980*2 /105280

               4.     Rs. 102300 / 2980*4 /114220 / 3360*2 / 120940.

               5.     Rs. 120940 / 3360*2 / 127660 / 3680*2 / 135020

               6.     Rs  140500 / 4000*4 / 156500.

               7.     Rs  156500 / 4340*4/  173860.

2. DEARNESS ALLOWANCE:  1.0 % of pay per point variation of fall or rise

over 123.03 points of    2016 = 100.

                                                Nov 22 Qr.                7.44%             Feb 23  Qr  9.40% 

May Qr. 9.90%    Aug   12.07%         Nov 23 15.77%.

3. STAGANATION INCREMENTS:  Scale I. II, and III. –    additional 2 increments.

                                                      Scale IV,V,VI and VII –  additional 3 increments.

4. H.R.A.                                       :   H.R.A. increased 1%  ie 8%, 9% and 10%.

5. C.C.A.                                        :   Rs 2300 and Rs 1900 respectively.

6. Location Allowance.              :  Rs  1200.

7. Learning Allowance.              :  Rs  850.

8. Special Allowance.                 :  Scale I  : 26.50%, Scale II & III  28.30% 

     Scale IV& V 30.50%

                                                     Scale VI & VII 31.50%  

9. Fixed Personal Pay.                :  Rs 2,680, Rs 2980, Rs 3,360, Rs 3680, Rs 4000

      and Rs.4340.plus D.A. as on 1.11.2017                                                    

10. Professional Qualification

       PAY                                     :  PQP I Rs 1370 PQP : II Rs 3425 and PQP III Rs 5480. 

11. Mid Academic Year All.          : Rs 2,500 p.m. per child max 2 children. 

  12. Closing Allowance.              : Rs 1500.00 per quarter.

13. Medical Aid                            : Rs 13,000 and Rs 15400.00

14. Compensation on transfer     : Scale I -III.   : Rs 40,000.00 and

      Scale IV –VIII Rs 50,000.00.

Other allowances like Deputation Allowance, Hill and Fuel Allowance and Special Area Allowances have been increased as per the existing practice.

While we may have feeling of financial relief, non-securing the 5 days a week and work-life balance for the workforce based on the working hours enhancement understandings arrived at on 28.02.2023 is certainly disappointing one. We are able to visualise the depressed feelings of the workforce, more than money.  At the end, Majority unions have acted against the majority members’ interest in the current wage revision exercise.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY.            

Circular No.6/VIII/2024

25.02.2024

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades,

WORK – LIFE BALANCE.

CHALLENGES STARRING AT ALL OF US.

5 DAY WEEK IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR.

In the New year circular issued by our organisation, we have clearly observed that the impending elections to the temple of democracy will decide the future course of Our Industry and also the Economic conditions also.

2.         To put in brief, our Industry is faced with the following pressure points i.e

[1] Regulatory Changes, [2] Economic Uncertainty [3] Cyber Security risks [4].Increasing Competition [5] Fintech disruption

[6] Customer expectations [7] Manpower shortage [8] Talent management.

3.         To stay in the market in the competitive environment, investment in technology, partnering with Fintech companies and also to work out new business models are becoming a compulsory exercise to be carried out by  the individual banks. When the banks are put into a stress test to combat the economic and financial crisis, capital infusion becomes a necessary step.

4.         While we celebrated the Silver jubilee conference of our orgaisation at New Delhi in February,2006, the freedom for introduction of technology was conceded by the negotiating unions under Industrial Disputes Act. Consequent upon that move, the pressure on the Officers were mounting. Sensing the seriousness of the situation and development, the conference adopted a resolution that the need had arisen to secure regulated working hours and 5 day week for the workforce. Eye-brows were raised by some of the officers, unions, when we submitted the Charter of demands to the  IBA authorities at Hyderabad. We could partially secure 2 Saturdays in the 7^TH Joint Note signed on 25.05.2015. The effective date of implementation was 1.09.2015. Thanks to the then Chairperson of  SBI and MD&CEO of Bank of India. We secured the same after 9 years and  Six months.

5.         Like the stress test on the Banks, the stress test on the bankers too be carried out. Though the working hours are stipulated average working hours of 6 ½ hours, particularly  in Rural and semi urban branches the working hours are 10 to 12 hours, besides the commutation between the work place and also home on daily basis. In this process work takes precedence over personal life. Constant overwork, neglected personal life, burn out, self -care and strained relationship coupled with loss of quality time to spend with the family members are serious reflections in the officers life.

6.         As clearly expressed in our communication addressed to Hon’ble Finance Minister of the Country, the demand of the securing remaining Saturdays as Holidays for the workforce is the top most agenda for the officers fraternity. Unions and IBA arrived at a clear understanding on 28.02.2023 that the elongated working hours for the workforce in lieu of the remaining Saturdays declared as holidays. Through reliable sources it was informed that the proposal was received by the Government authorities in November 2023 after nine months period.

7.         The MOU executed on 7.12.2023 clearly expressed the concern to realise the 5 day week issue, now the unions are dragging their feet. AIBOA along-with other officers organisations categorically decided on 13^th February 2024 that 9^th joint note should categorically include the realisation of the 5 day week to meet the ends of justice.

8.         Work-life balance is the need of the hour and we should secure the same, though there is a need for money not the greed for money.

Let us hope efforts will be stepped up to secure this main demand to the secure the life for the workforce.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.5/VIII/2024

15.02.2024

Camp : BILASPUR

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

AIBOA (HIMACHAL STATE COMMITTEE)

 FORMATION OF AD-HOC COMMITTEE.

The need of the hour is to strengthen our organisation in all States as the threat to jobs and jobs security is looming large. The current  sweep of technology in all walks of life is taking a deep impact in the present work situation and also the compulsions to redesign our approach including in our organisational activities.

2.         Taking all the developments into consideration of our participation in the Industry level discussions on 7.12.2023, 11.01.2024, 12.01.2024, 02.02.2024 and 13.02.2024, we entrusted the task of organising the formation of the AIBOA (Himachal State Committee) to Com. Praveen Goel, Secretary, Com. Charanjeev Joshi DGS, Com. Gurmeet Singh Secretary, Com. Ashwani Pradhan Vice- President, Com. Riyaz Bhat, Secretary AIBOA and Com. G.S. Oberoi, Chairman AIBOA (Haryana State Committee).

3.         The team headed by Com. Praveen Goel, after due consultations with the team members conducted a preparatory meeting on the 43^rd Foundation Day of our Organisation at Bilaspur(HP), on 14^th Feb, 2024 at Hotel Prem Sagar. Within a short notice period of two days, the Union representatives of the banks met under the Leadership of Com. Praveen Goel. The members discussed to take forward the foundation of the AIBOA ( H.P. State Committee). The decisions arrived at the meeting were unanimous in content. An ad-hoc committee was formed under the Convenorship of Com. Gurinder Saini. PSBOF.

4.         The members of AD-Hoc is furnished hereunder.

Legal Advisor.   Com. Parvesh Chandel, Advocate.

Advisor. Com. Ashwani Sharma, Former General Secretary PSBOF (H.P)

and General Secretary PSBSU (HP).

The meeting took the decision to establish the AIBOA (Himachal State Committee) at the earliest possible, preferably after the winter season is over, within 90 days period. The reason for the same was the area to be covered is vast and the climate is too adverse.

With warm greetings to the members of the Ad-Hoc Committee to successfully complete the organisational task.

Yours Comradely,

 Circular No.4/VIII/2024

15.02.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

OFFICERS WAGE REVISION - STATUS REPORT

As you are aware that our organisation participated in the discussion held by IBA on wage negotiations on "7th December 2023" as per the orders of the Hon'ble City Civil Court, Mumbai.

2.         The MOU was inked on that day containing the quantum of wage increase, merger of DA with the Basic pay to arrive at the new Basic pay with a restricted 3% loading, a new concept of "ex-gratia" to eligible pensioners in Public Sector Banks, with a time limit of 180 days stipulated to conclude the understandings preceded by efforts to secure the 5 days workings from the Government of India.

3.         On 11th January 2024, Core group meeting with Officers organistions was held at Mumbai, wherein the details were exchanged by Shri Om Prakash Mishra, Chairman and DMD [HR & CEO], SBI with the representatives .  The allocation of funds to various components / heads was too finalised at the conclusion of the Negotiating Committee headed by Shri M.V.Rao, MD & CEO, Central Bank of India on 12th January 2024.

4.         An exercise of cutting the "t" and doting the "i"  was attempted on 13.02.2024 in the two hour meeting held in the post lunch session with IBA representatives.  Still fine tuning of the same is engaging the attention of the authorities.

5.         The Small committee of officers met earlier had arrived at the understandings in which few issues are to be cleared / clinched.  Securing the remaining two/three Saturdays as holidays under Negotiable Act is an important issue for the officers community.  Our organisation in February 2006 had visualised in the background of work pressure on officers community and demanded introduction of 5 days working besides Regulated working hours for officers.  We realised partially "2" Saturdays as holidays w.e.f. 01.09.2015 [ie;] after 9-1/2 years.  The rest is to be realised in the current wage revision.

To  conclude, realisation of the demands of the "officers specific" is the priority.  There is a total unanimity to secure the same till then, we are to prepare to wait.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.3/VIII/2024

05.02.2024

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades

DISCUSSIONS ON

OFFICER EMPLOYEES’( DISCIPLINE AND APPEAL REGULATIONS) 1976.

In the process of wage negotiations held from the first quarter current Financial Year by IBA, three sub-committees were constituted to explore the possibilities arriving at a consensus for onward submission to the main negotiating committee headed by Shri. M.V. Rao, Chairman, Negotiating Committee IBA and MD&CEO Central Bank of India.

2.         One of the committee was constituted with the Convenor Shri. S.P. Singh, Chief Ethics Officer, CGM, SBI, Shri.  S.K. Rana, CGM PNB and Shri. Arun Kumar, CGM, Union Bank of India. The representatives of the three officers’ organisations had participated in the earlier round of discussions held on 2.10.2023 and 02.12.2023 at 16^th Floor, Union bank of India, Central Office Mumbai. In spite of the clear direction by the City Civil Court, Mumbai to IBA to engage the undersigned in the dialogue in the meeting held on 2.12.2023, IBA was non-responsive.

3.         We have taken up with the Convener of the committee subsequently and  another meeting was conducted on 2.02.2024 at Union Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai. Besides the undersigned, the other three office bearers of AIBOC, INBOC and NOBO participated in the exercise.  It is pertinent to place on record that based on the supplementary minutes of understandings signed on 4.01.2021, there was a meeting held on 18.01.2021 by Shri. M.V. Rao, the then Executive Director of Canara Bank and now Chairman of the Negotiating Committee through VC. The step initiated by him paved the way for Government of India to release the Staff Accountability Policy to be adopted by the individual bank’s boards for safe guarding the interest of the Institution and also the officers involved in the processing exercise.

4.         In the meeting held on 2.02.2024, the representatives have emphasised the necessity to address the following issues pertaining to the departmental enquirie

·         Classification of Misconducts,

·         Authority for imposing Major Penalties.

·         Timelines for disposal of disciplinary actions cases.

·         Provisions of the Copy of the CVC Advises.

·         Personal hearing.

·         Effects of Punishments.

·         Sanction of Prosecution

·         Suspension and Subsistence Allowance.

·         Defence Assistance and retired officers to function as DR

·         Formation of Banking Administrative tribunals and

·         Proceedings after retirement from the Bank services.

5.         The meeting lasted for about two hours. We have informed the Convenor that it was agreed upon on 11^th/12^th Jan 2024 meetings that on conclusion of the Joint Note for officers, a meeting will be held exclusively within three months. Further, we urged upon him to engage the General Secretaries of the officers’ organisations in addition to the core committee members.

6.         Thus, the undersigned as the General Secretary of AIBOA participated in the discussions held on 7.12.2023,(MOU Signed) 11.01.2024,(Small Committee for Officers) 12.01.2024( Full Negotiating Committee) and 0n 2.02.2024.

( Discipline and Appeal Regulations 1976)

Our organisation shall strive hard to take adequate care to secure the respectable wage revision and facilitates comfort zone for their discharging duties in a competitive environment

With greetings,

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY 

Circular No.2/VIII/2024

12.01.2024

TO: ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

AIBOA EXTENDS MORAL SUPPORT TO THE STRUGGLES

OF THE TRADE UNIONS IN GENERAL

AND IN OUR INDUSTRY IN PARTICULAR.

In order to retain the live presence of the trade unions, it is expected that they are to link    their activities to echo the collective voices of the toiling workforce and get redressed by adhering to the programs of actions in a systematic manner.

2.         Taking stock of the growing uncertainties in our Industry, our VIII National Conference held at Chandigarh in November 2022, coined the slogan that “ SAVE GEN NEXT FROM JOB LOSSES”. Our Industry is in transformation mode even the nominal expenses /reimbursement of expenses of the Staff member are through “ Digital Wallet” in leadingbanks. While celebrating the 75^th Independence of our Nation, RBI released the circular about the “Digital Banking Operations”, in which the branch will have only one officer to handle the total business of the branch.

3.         From the pages of  history, it was only our officers’ orgaisation observed the 2 days strike in March 2022, synchroning with CTUs strike. Subsequent to the Strike adhered along with the other likeminded organisations in the industry, the resultant effect was the doors of negotiations were opened by IBA at the instance of CLC, New Delhi. Opposing IDBI privatization was a focused one in the Strike. Banks’ have already resorted to employing the workforce for a period of one year/three years akin to Agni veer model. Broad based unity is the need of the hour to handle the one of the present crisis of filling up the vacancies of all cadres in the background of the Industry becoming “officer Centric”.

4.         Challenges are many. Privatisation of the two banks are on the anvil. Fourth dose of mergers of the banks are again contemplated. Elections are round the corner. The recent results of the elections in three states is the prelude to the ensuing election to the Temple of democracy.

5.         As the officers are to handle challenging environments in our industry, we call upon our members not to do clerical work, on the proposed two days strike on19^th&20^th Jan, 2024called by the premier trade union of our Industry.

6.         AIBOA extends “moral support” to the workforce who are to observe the strike to realise their demand of Recruitment.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETAY

Circular No.1/VIII/2024

01.01.2024

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

FLASHBACK OF EVENTS OF 2023

2024  BECKONS AND  WINKS.

The entire world witnessed one of the worst calamities in Turkiye and Syria due to severe earthquake, in which 1,60,000 buildings were brought to dust, 50,000 people dead and 44,000 people severely injured. The sub-standard buildings were constructed with the knowledge of the Government. The aid from all over the world flowed to help the affected peoples of both the countries. But the sufferings cannot bring back their near and dear. Mild Tremors (2.3) caused due to the show by the International Pop Singer Taylor Swift in USA and the collection to the mega event was more than $200 million. In the population index, India crossed 1.42 billion. China’s population is next to our nation. This is on account of the China’s one child policy imposed in the year 1980 and the country is attempting to reverse the same. In sports, Saudi bought the GOLF top company and planning to bring the same under its control. In technology front, Elan Musk’s blue Bird Twitter changed its name to X.

2.         Our Country made a forward leap in conquering the space by precise landing of Chandrayaan -3 at the South Pole of the Moon in August 2023. In bringing all the Countries together, India’s G-20 Presidentship played its vital role. African Union has been inducted as a permanent member thus it has become G-21. In West Africa, the culture of “coup belt” is becoming the order of the day. The problems faced by the people are unending on account of military taking over the control of the Government. The entire World is aghast with the unrelenting war exercise of Russia against Ukraine, unmindful of the   damages caused to both nations. In the meanwhile, the sudden eruption of sharp retaliation by Israel on Hamas left so far more than 20000 died and 40% of the victims were children. In spite of 153 countries appealing to Israel, the war is day by day escalated except for a brief period.

3.         Indian Stock markets touched a peak level of $ 4 trillion (BSE + NSE) due to the investments by Foreign Institutional Investors. Ours is fifth in the list of U.S.A. CHINA, JAPAN & HONGKONG in the transactions done by the Stock markets. Tech giants are faced with a new type of crisis. Poaching the 30% experts by one company from another company and in turn the resolution of the crisis is now taken to the judicial forums. The factors considered by the experts joining the new assignments are purely based on the better compensation and equally career progression in the new Tech Company. The survival of the Start -Ups, in 2022 was 121 out of 34785 and 69 out of 15247 thus the exercise is taking a back seat.

4.         In the recent survey carried out in 2500 campuses of technology stream after interacting with 4, 40,000 students, hardly 40% are eligible to be engaged in jobs that too with AI and machine learning subjects. The plan to lay off due to the AI intervention in the work space is going to be a new challenge to the growing youngsters in hunting the jobs. In spite of the profits soaring up in multiples, still job losses are certainly starring at the Youth.

5.         Our Nation witnessed the 5 state elections, prior to the country’s preparation for the next general Elections to elect the people’s representatives. However, what we are witnessing in the current tenure is the parliamentary democracy has been reduced to elected autocracy. The laws are amended in the temple of democracy without any meaningful debates and anyone who raises the voice, was slapped with the suspension from the house which ultimately prohibits them in participating in the Committees constituted by the Government.

6.         Though our Industry has booked the profit of more than Rs 1, 00,000 Cr, an understanding was arrived at by IBA with unions for a meager increase in terms of % when compared to the situation of last wage revision inked under COVID-19 when the Industry incurred loss. The elders, who built this Public Sector Institutions, have been left high and dry in securing the pension Up-dation. 

7.         Lok Sabha elections will determine the State of the economy and our Industry is certainly going to face a new twist from mid of this year.

8.         A new year is an emblem of new beginning and a metaphor for stronger and renewed hope.

With warm new-year greetings,

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.38/VIII/2023

07.12.2023.

CAMP: MUMBAI.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEE S/ AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

OFFICERS’ WAGE REVISION- MOU CONTAINING

BROAD PARAMETERS INKED AT MUMBAI.

Our Organisation, in its journey, faced an unpleasant movement due to certain unexpected organizational developments. We were forced to seek legal intervention at Delhi and Mumbai

Ultimately, the Hon’ble Bombay City Civil Court at Bombay legally examined our prayers in the proceedings held on 30.11.2023 as well as on 06.12.2023 and directed IBA to engage our organization in the consultative exercise on 02.12.2023 as well as today in the discussions related to Service conditions as well as wages.

2.         In terms of the court order, the undersigned along with Com. DevdasMenon, DGS AIBOA and Com. V. Viswanathan President AIBOA (Maharashtra State Committee) called on Shri. GopalMuraliBhagat Dy. C.E.O, IBA, and handed over court order in the afternoon. The undersigned, your representative was allowed to participatein the discussion held today            .

3.         The IBA team headed by Shri.M.V. Rao, MD & CEO Central Bank of India, Chairman- Negotiating Committee, along with members of the Negotiating Committee Shri.Rakesh Sharma MD&CEO -IDBI Bank, Shri.Rajneesh Karnatak, MD&CEO- Bank of India, Shri. Om Prakash Mishra DMD -HR&CDO SBI, Shri. GopalMuraliBhagat Dy. C.E.O. IBA and Shri.Brajeshwar Sharma Senior Advisor (HR&IR) IBA, participated in the exercise. The discussion commenced at 16.05 hrs  and  concluded in  mid of the night. 

4.         The broad understandings arrived at are furnished hereunder:

• The wage revision will be effective from 1.11.2022 for five years.
• Wage increase is agreed at 17% which works out to Rs 12449 crores.
• Merger of Dearness Allowance corresponding to 8088 points for construction of new pay scale.
• Loading of 3% amounting Rs 1795 crores.
• One time measure Pension as an ex-gratia up to 31.10.2022   retirees, which will not attract dearness allowance.
• The finalisation of this exercise will be concluded within a period of 180 days.
•  Declaration of remaining Saturdays as holidays will be pursued with the Government. Implementation of the same should be before signing the 9^th Joint Note.
• Payment of ex-gratia to pensioners and family pensioners of private sector Banks and foreign Banks will be settled to the mutual satisfaction

5.         Thus, the exercise of inking the MOU within a shortest span time is a right step to motivate the workforce to build the Public Sector Banking to greater heights in a challenging environments.

6.         The participating unions whole heartedly acknowledged the entire IBA team particularly Shri. M.V. Rao, Chairman Negotiating Team  for the efforts put in to give a shape to the MOU inked today at midnight.

Comrades, we ultimately succeeded in signing this MOU also inspite of various forces working together to keep us out of the settlement. Your staunch and wholehearted support resulted in taking us to the negotiating table and the MOU was signed by the undersigned also as your duly elected representative.

With greetings.

Yours comradely,

S,NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.37/VIII/2023

07.12.2023.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

STATUS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS.

To enable the officers to understand the developments in the on-goingnegotiations related to Service conditions and wages of officers, we are providing relevant and available information to officers’ fraternity.   

            1 .  Formation of Committees to discuss the contentious issues:

·         Leave and monetisation of Leave Fare Concession.

·         Discipline & Appeal Regulations for officers – mostly for Public Sector Banks except SBI, as there is no provision to proceed against an officer after retirement in SBI, whereas it is in other Public Sector Banks under Pension Regulations 1995.( Members are from AIBOC, INBOC and NOBO - each one)

·         Dearness Allowance – conversion factor – Base Year to be fixed as 2016. (Members are from AIBOC, AIBEA and NCBE).

              2.    Current offer made by the Team IBA :

·         It was learnt that in the discussions held on 27^thOctober 2023, the offer given was 13%, which was available for a day only, though there was no written communication on record by the participating unions.

·         On 9^thNovember 2023, the offer was enhanced to 15% and after repeated adjournments, the offer came up-to 16% with a loading of 2.5%.

·         As it was expressed in one of the earlier meetings of nine constituentsthat entire special allowance should be merged first with substantial quantum of increase in the percentage too   .

                3.    PAST PRACTICES – DEVIATIONS MADE:

o   The construction of Pay-scales with the following loading was clinched during earlier discussions

Scale I to III     : 11% to 18%

Scale IV to VIII: 20% to 29%

o   The Basic Pay + D.A after construction of Pay scales was 8.85% of the load allocated.

o   After achieving the one more option for pension to the workforce past and present, the loading was brought down from 11to 18% to 2% , as payment of Pension is linked to last drawn Basic Pay. Adequate provisioning has to be made in the Pension corpus of Public Sector Banks except SBI.

o   In lieu of  contribution to Pension Corpus, SBI workforce right from 1.11.1993 are getting Special Compensatory allowance systematically enhanced in every bipartite.

o   Thus the introduction of Special Allowance was brought in the Pay scales from 1.11.2012, which carries Dearness Allowance.

o   The payment of D.A. on special Allowance was clinched by officers’ organisationexclusively while inking the MOU at IBA. There was no mention made while drafting the first MOU in 2015 by other constituents.

o   In the 8^th joint Note concluded on 11.11.2020, the construction of new Basic Pay was restricted to 2.5% though the demand on 22.07.2020 was 4% loading for construction of new Basic Payparticipated physically by three at IBA office, Mumbai and the representatives of officers through virtual mode. 

                 4 .  Construction of New Basic Pay – efforts by AIBOA:

·         Though the loading was specifically restricted to 2% in (2012- 2017) the construction Basic Pay loading was 2.08%

·         Likewise, in 2017-2022, the loading was specifically restricted to 2.5%, the new basic Pay was constructed with 2.88% loading.

                 5.    SPECIAL ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF BASIC PAY:

·         The apex court had pronounced a judgement on 13.02.2018 Canara Bank vs Savithri Rajagopal and others, on the definition of Pay i.e.,there cannot be two pay scales  a. one for the purpose of Calculation of Salary and b. other one for the purpose of Pension.

                 6.    AIBOA SUGGESTION TO THE CONVENOR UFBU:

o   An alternative to the loading of 2.5%, new Basic Pay should be constructed viz. the existing Basic Pay + 4.34% of the D.A. difference on account of LIC +merger of D.A.at 8088 points + 50% special allowances at each stage.

7               7.Though we clinch the wage revision for officers’ considerable amount is allocated to allowances, which are not eligible for superannuation benefits on retirement.Hence, there is an imperative need to have new thinking in the construction of Pay scales for the workforce. 

8                8. 5 day Week : Though LIC workforce achieved 5 day week from April 2021, so far no light is seen at the end of tunnel for the Banking workforce till now. On 28^th Feb,2023,there was near consensus amongst the participating unions/Associations. It was agreed by IBA to take it up with the Government of India for realising the same. The workforce is restless as the recent reply given in the Temple of democracy is more of evasive.

We take note of the anxieties expressed by the comrades about our contribution to enhance the value of protective avenues in the matter of wages and service conditions. However, there are impediments created by internal as well as external forces.

We shall overcome the same with all convictions.

Yours Comradely,

S. NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETRARY.

Circular No.36/VIII/2023

20.11.2023

TO:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS.

Comrades,

TECHNOLOGY OVERTAKES THE HUMAN ASSETS

IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY.

The introduction of technology in Banking Industry commenced from  State Bank of India in the year 1989. In lieu of the introduction of technology, the compensation was secured in the form of one increment. In a competitive environment, the banks were forced to upgrade their systems and functioning. The Central Vigilance Commission advised that the Banks should undertake computerisation to cover 70% of their transactions. Thus, the technology took the centre stage of the Banking Activities. The benefit accrued to the customers can be codified as Any Time Money (ATM), Anywhere Banking (Cheques Payable at par at all branches) Anyhow Banking ( Leading banks engaged in selling Tyres/Passport application etc). One of the leading Bank having the headquarters at the Capital have installed “METAVERSE” recentlyso that the customers need not come to the branch to transact the banking business.

2.         VACANCY POSITION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS PROVIDED IN THE TEMPLE OF DEMOCRACY :
 

 3.         Merger of Banks commencing from State Bank of Saurashtra (2008), State Bank of Indore (2010) and 5 other Associate Banks in 2016 with  State Bank of Indiaensured consolidation ofbranch network, forced career Progression of clerical or the exit path were some of tit-bits of the created situation. In 2020, in one stroke six banks were merged with four banks resulting in rationalisation of bank branches, displacement of staff etc. Resistance level was at the lowest ebb.

4. WORKFORCE STRENGTH IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY (2018-2023):

Source  RBI’s Handbook of Statistics on the India Economy 2022-2023.

The fact is that the Public Sector banks handles 65% of the total business mix even to-day.Gradually, the staff strength in the Private. Sector banks have increased through contractual appointments.

5.         Introduction of Digital Banking is slowly encroaching upon the reduction of workforce in the Industry. Reducing the Clearing operations through single grid is certainly going to reduce the workforce. The recent move of spinning off the operational banking as a subsidiary by State Bank Of Indiais another indication of contractualisation of the workforce. Allowing the reintroduction of Apprentice system like Agni veer by State Bank Of India to begin with followed by another bank, which was nationalised first in 1969, has created a further dent in the strength of the clerical workforce. Service conditions vary from bank to bank.

6.         The financial inclusion exercise launched by GOI in 2014 is achieved mainly through Banking correspondents, whose number is swelling from 7,30,000 in 2020 to 18,44,000 in 2023.

7.         What we have observed in a recent exercise of series of strikes in a Bank in Western Part of the Country, the negotiating unions were compelled to accept the stand of the Bank i.e. the Govt. of India’s direction not to recruit sub-ordinate staff.

8.         Recruitment and Outsourcingare the oft-repeated twin issues raised in the nine Constituents’ meeting along with wage revision for more than one decade. Unless all the constituents are totally involved like the farmers’ struggle for a long drawn process with a sole agenda,(in the background of 8773 clerical recruitment announcement by State Bank of India)the efforts are notexpected to bear the fruits.

Please await for our next communication.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular 35/VIII/2023

12.11.2023.

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

WORKFORCE IN KARNATAKA BANK DEFERS THE FLASH STRIKE.

FLASH STRIKE ON 13^TH NOVEMBER 2023  WILL BE OBSERVED   AS MOURNING DAY BY ALL

Officers in the banking industry are now-a-days is confronted with a new crisis of compliance of the set of regulations stipulated by the various authorities from time to time. This current crisis is experienced right from the Branches to Head office of the Banks. The role controller of the banking system in this new crisis is more focussed and also demanding with timelines to adhere to without any deviations. At the branch level, young and directly recruited officers have taken extreme step of ending their life, due to work pressure coupled with the behavioural pattern of the controllers within the respective banks. The Global bank is experiencing this type of new crisis. A female officer of the e-syndicate bank ended her life in the Branch in the State of Kerala and Government of Kerala had interfered to go into the cause of the suicide of the female officer of the Bank. All the  Operating unions in that Bank were advised to appear  before the committee constituted by the State Government.

2.         This present trend had also been inflicted the top most echelons of the member of the  top management team in Karnataka Bank a couple of days back. Our affiliate decided to observe strike on 13^th November 2023 along with total workforce in the Bank. From our organisation, we have sent the letter to MD &CEO of the bank on 10^th Nov,2023. As a result of the same, there were couple of rounds discussion held in the evening of 11^th Nov,2023 and to-day also. As the culmination of the mutual discussions, which shall continue on 15^th Nov, 2023, with MD&CEO of the Karnataka Bank, 13^th Nov, 2023 will be observed by the Bank as Mourning Day instead of Flash Strike by all, as shared by our affiliate.

3.         AIBOA, stands with the family of late Shri. K.A. Vadhiraj, General Manger and Chief Compliance Officer of Karnataka Bank, who took extreme step on 10.11.2023 due to pressure of work.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

TEXT OF OUR LETTER NO.IBA:BKS:144:2023 DATED 10.11.2023  SENT TO THE MD  & CEO OF KARNATAKA BANK LTD. BY E MAIL

Sir,

LATE SHRI.K.A. VADHIRAJ G.M AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER.

LOSS OF A HUMAN JEWEL IN YOUR TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM.

We are shell shocked to hear the shocking information of budding executive of your management team Late Shri. K.A. Vadhiraj, General Manager and Chief compliance officer resorting to an extreme step of ending his life due to extra-ordinary work pressure and probably due to external pressures pertaining to compliance assignments demanded from various authorities from time to time. 

2.         Late Mr. K.A. Vadhiraj, joined the august Institution at a young and youthful age, on compassionate grounds, as his father was also an employee of this great Institution. Due to his sheer hard work and clean conduct and pleasant behavior rose to the level of one of members of the top management team.  It is aired that the present lack of people connect policy pursued coupled with new experiment of transformation exercises attempted has led to this tragic moment of the bank, when the Institution is celebrating its Centenary year.

3.         While our organization shares the grief with the family, equally urges the urgent necessity of revisiting the Bank’s new policy approach, which has disconnected the people at desk as well as at all levesl resulting  to distance themselves from the thought process.

4.         The entire workforce is under deep shock and as a solidarity action shall embark upon certain organizational actions, including direct action, for which the management is solely responsible.

5.         Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

/sd./S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular 34/VIII/2023

28^th October 2023.

To

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,
 

ENDOWMENT FUND TO CONDUCT

COM.P.K. MENON MEMORIAL LECTURE.

In pursuance of the decision arrived at the first Central Committee Meeting held at Mumbai on 13^thand 14^th September 2023, to conduct a memorial lecture on the birthday of the Founder General Secretary of our organization late Com. P.K. Menon in co- ordination with the Department of Economics, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, an amount of Rs 5,00,000 [Rs.Five lakhs] was considered for payment. The CC approved the same.Prelude to this, on July 2,2023 the undersigned along with Com. V. Ramabhadran DGS AIBOA and Com. G.S. Oberoi Chairman AIBOA (HSC) had a preliminary round of discussions with the University Authorities.

2.         It was nice synchronization that on the birthday of late Com. R.J.S. (26^th October) the meeting was held at the University hosted by Prof. Ashok Chauhan, Chairperson, Department of Economics Kurukshetra University. The place itself is historically relevant and the birthplace of one of the revered discourse“ Bhagavad Gita”. The meeting was Chaired by the Shri. Sanjeev Sharma Registrar KUK and participated by Prof. Shuchismita, Dean, Student Welfare, Prof. Sanjeev Bansal, Prof. Dara Singh, Dr. Hemlata Sharma, Dr. Archana Choudhary, Dr. Kiran Lamba, Dr. Priya Sharma, Dr. Nidhi Bagaria, Dr.Isha Garg and Dr.Manoj Kumar from Economic Department KUK.

3.         Our team consisting of Com.G.S. Oberoi, Chairman, Com. Praveen Goel, General Secretary AIBOA(Haryana State Committee) Secretary, AIBOA, Com. Charanjeev Joshi, General Secretary AIBOA(Punjab State Committee) Dy.Gen.Secretary, AIBOA and the undersigned participated in the meeting. After a formal introduction and welcome address by Prof Ashok Chavan, who inaugurated the delegates’ Session of 8^th National Conferenceof AIBOA, Prof Sanjeev SharmaRegistrar, KUKappreciated the decision of our organisation for holding the Memorial lecture on the birth day -26^th JUNE- of Com. P.K. Menon every yearand further advised to explore the possibilities of apportioning a portion of the interest to be given as Scholarship to a Student. On behalf of AIBOA, the undersigned presented the role of our organization in extending the help to deserving people in the society and towards the targeted aim, the endowment is created to perpetuate the memory of the late Com. P.K. Menon.

4.         Our team presented the demand draft of Rs 5 Lacs to the University Authorities and the brief function was concluded. AIBOA(HSC) has been entrusted with the responsibility of co-ordinating with the University Authorities in conducting the Annual Lecture.