ALL  INDIA  BANK  OFFICERS'  ASSOCIATION  

Circular No.13/VII/2019

July 19,  2019

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear Comrades,

FIVE DECADES OF  EXPERIENCES  OF BANK NATIONALISATION.

COUNTRY BELONGS TO MASSES NOT TO BUSINESS HOUSES.

The historical move initiated by Mrs.Indira Gandhi of Nationalisation of Private sector Banks on 19^th July 1969 was hailed as one of the bold step, which had triggered the political turmoil in our country. In her broadcast to the nation on 19^th July she said:

“As early as December 1954 Parliament took the decision to frame our plans and policies within a socialist pattern of society. Control over the commanding heights of the economy is necessary, particularly in a poor country where it is extremely difficult to mobilise adequate resources for development and to reduce inequalities between different groups and regions”

Further she explained these objectives as follows:

a.    a.Removal of control by a few; b. Provision of credit for agriculture, small scale Industries and export, c. Giving a professional bent to management of banks, d.Encouragement of new classes of entrepreneurs, e. Provision of adequate training as well as terms of service to bank Staff.

In the post independent India, there were 97 Scheduled Banks, one Imperial Bank of India, 51 exchange Banks and 81 other banks with a deposit base of Rs.2000 crores The banking system was limited both in numbers and service terms too. Today the entire scenario has changed in terms of number of banks and also services, rather it is increasing on a continuous basis. Today 149 scheduled banks with 1,40,133 bank branches. A total business mix of Rs 200 lacs crores is handled by the banking workforce. In terms of services, today we have one bank branch for every 10000 as against 1,00,000 at the time independence.

Indian banking sector responded well and remained strong during the tough times of Asian Economic Crisis in 1997 when many Asian countries were in turmoil facing currency shortages and credit crisis etc. The sub prime crisis of 2008 which critically affected the western world, our Nation’s immunity level was high and the global disturbances never affected our sector. While developmental economies suffered, Indian economy did not. All round appreciation from International print media was accorded to Indian Banking system.

The period from 1946 to 1969 the banking was under private sector control and 1969 to 1992 the banking sector was more or less under public sector control. Neo liberal economic policies adopted by the Government of India did not exclude our sector too. Acquiring the capital from the private hands was forcefully attempted to begin with State Bank of India, followed by Oriental Bank of Commerce etc. When our nation suffered the balance of payment crisis, we further succumbed to International monetary agencies conditions. Merger of New Bank of India with Punjab National Bank was the first one that happened where equity holding of Government of India was 100%.

Government of India constituted committees to go into the details of performance of the public sector Banks and the recommendations of both the committees were not enlarging the public sector philosophy for which the Nationalisation of Banks was made. The process of pricing the loans even for Agriculture Sector, dismantling of development financial Institution, reduction of exposure limit to priority sector, and merger of Banks etc are the specific recommendations. Our collective resistance through oft repeated strike actions postponed the implementation but could not halt the same.

It is cause of concern that such a strong, efficient, strategic Banking System of our Nation now face negative analysis and is being shown in poor light. It was late Com.Tarakda, the then General Secretary AIBEA on 4th September 1997, published the first volume of bank defaulters list at New Delhi, urging upon the Owners of the Public Sector Banking to take urgent steps to arrest the situation. The owners were unable to visualise the situation at that point of time with required urgency. Non Stop growth of NPAs and also increase in number of frauds committed by corporates are seriously disturbing the citizen of this Nation.

The questions arise in the context of finding justifications as to how far banks can go on writing off debts in the name of following business practices and also instructions of the controller of the Banking System? Banks, as Trustees of Public money, collect deposits from Public and operate their banking business. In the name of prudential norms and regulations, how can a Bank defend itself be decorating its Balance sheet at the cost of Public Money and interest? Banking is nothing but credibility that is created among the Public.

The position of the Banking system aimed at consolidation exercise. It started with the Associate Banks ie 2008,2010 and 2017 with State Bank of India. The parent bank suffered on many counts. But the wrath was passed on to the customers. One of the quarterly profit figure published by the Bank was on account of levying the charges for utilising the ATMs etc. The next dose of Mergers have been rolled out on 17^th September 2018, even without consulting the temple of democracy.

The sudden announcement of demonetisation on 8^th November 2016, introduction of FRDA bill and  also its abrupt withdrawal by the Parliament, Enactment of IBC code where hardly 5 to 10% of recovery from wilful defaulters and long queue before the NCLT by the corporatesy to declare themselves as insolvent are of serious developments that we are witnessed.

We, banking workforce, took the responsibility of financial inclusion and added nearly 22 crores accounts crossing the deposits collected Rs 1,00,000 crores under government announced scheme. Apart from this, all schemes introduced by the Government to uplift the citizen to a reasonable living are handled by us. Prominent amongst them is Mudra loans, will it be of a repeat exercise of 1978 scheme loan melas and subsequently loan waivers?

It is said that “ Trade unions are instruments for Social Change”. The first trade union of Bankmen in pre independent India , as envisaged in the foundation conference on 20^th April 1946, fulfilled its objectives of Nationalisation of Banks, making the class Banking to mass Banking. AIBOA hails the journey of Bank Nationalisation and its Success in 50 years to benefit the people at large. To conclude:

“Each of us can look back upon someone who made a great difference in our lives, some one whose wisdom or simple acts of caring made an impression upon us. In all likelihood it was someone who sought no recognition for their deed other than joy of knowing that, by their hand, another’s life had been made better”

-Stephen M.Wolf-

We bow our heads in the memory of founding fathers of great trade union movement of bankmen in pre independent India for their commitment to convert the pains of struggle as a result oriented one. Public Sector Institutions are nation Building Instruments. It has to be preserved, protected and promoted.

Yours comradely

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.12/VII/2019

July 7 ,  2019

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

ISSUES RELATED TO PENSIONERS

HISTORY TO BE REVISITED

Social media is used, misused and abused by one and all and retired Bank employees are also equally active.  One of the prominent question that is often raised was that why pensioner’s issues are not taken up with the IBA a representative body of the Bankers, by the nine constituents in the wage talks.

Let us turn the pages of history to rekindle our memory.

In the background of RBI employees getting the “Pension in lieu of Provident Fund”, the need was felt to raise the demand of Pension and clinch the same with utmost care and urgency.  When it was demanded to be included as an issue in the second joint note exercise for officers by the AIBOA Founder General Secretary Com.P.K.Menon, we were left alone, and resultantly did not sign Joint Note in 1989, due to non inclusion of the demand for meaningful resolution.

Pension in lieu of Provident Fund

Comparing the Pension scheme available in State Bank of India, there were serious debates, whether “two” retiral benefits are beneficial or “3” available in SBI was best.  But it was AIBOA that spearheaded the campaign that “two” is always beneficial than “3” and finally established its supremacy in clinching the introduction of pension on 29^th October 1993 with effect from 1st January, 1986.    Claiming superiority, Banking workforce, some of them misguided by the then “JAC” [Joint Action / Attack Committee] exercised the option in favour of DA upto 1148 points scheme in which DA was credited to PF account of the non-optees...  The first settlement signed on 29^th October 1993 was without any extra contribution to pension fund ie; 10% of Basic Pay

One more option achieved in 2010 – with additional contribution by PF optees:

The Government of India was adamant in considering the one more option,  the corpus required was stated to be Rs.26000 crores by GOI.  A committee was constituted by IBA with two independent actuaries one from Hyderabad and another from Kolkata along with 9 UFBU representatives to arrive at the mutually accepted pension corpus of Rs.6000 crores

To get back to same scheme of 1993 after 17 years ie; 2010, out of the additional corpus of Rs.6000 crores, Rs.4200 crores was credited to pension fund to extend Pension cover to serving employees 2,65,000 and 65,000 retirees.  Thus pension became a reality.  When an officer was inflicted with compulsory retirement, he / she was not extended the option in the year 2010.  It was AIBOA, which took steps to secure the cover for “compulsorily retired” officer under pension scheme too.

As on date, there are few important issues concerning the retirees.

a.              a. Family Pension

b.              b..100% DA for the retirees, retired on or before 01.11.2002. [Supreme court dismissed the case]

c.              c.Updation of pension

d.              d.Insurance backed hospitalisation scheme

In the history of wage negotiations, it was on 25.05.2015, the record note was signed by the nine constituents covering many issues including the above listed one.  In addition to the Record Note of 2015, retirees prior to 1986, they are being paid an ex-gratia of meagre amount with the approval of Government of India.  The number of retirees being few and also aged 93 years, the amount of exgratia needs to be enhanced.

One thing all of us should appreciate that when the serving employees issues are moving in a snail pace, there is a need  to have restrain in expressions in the social media by the retirees.  Getting the family pension settled gains importance and priority besides the updation of pension on account of RBI getting the nod from Government of India in the first week of March 2019, as there exists minutes of 1994 on record between both the parties.

The existing pension corpus also includes  employees’ recruited upto 31.03.2010.  While the expectations are genuine, we should also develop patience to clinch the matter, without comprising the set of rules meant and established over a period of time.

Efforts are sincerely made to realise the above demands.  Equally patience is the need of the hour.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.11/VII/2019

June 25, 2019

To:

All UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,  

WAGE REVISION - STALEMATE.

Vide our circular dated  19th instant issued from Mumbai, it was informed that offer of covering up to Scale V officers in all Public Sector Banks is hanging in balance  due to unacceptance by all organizations. Out of the three essential ingredients of wages viz. Date of effect, Merger of D.A. for construction of New Pay scales and quantum in % terms, the first two are already agreed upon and the third one is yet to be arrived at. So far, the proposal offered is 10% Fixed Pay and 6% variable pay by IBA. Variable Pay as stated is linked to Profit earned and return on Assets of the individual Banks. In a service Industry like banking, variable pay is not going to benefit uniformly and promotes discrimination. Hence, our organization is opposed to it.

In the background of latest stand of I.B.A, the four officers' organizations held a meeting at Bengaluru to take stock of the situation for taking forward the issues for a meaningful conclusion to benefit the entire banking workforce. Our organization was represented by Com.Alok Khare, Vice Chairman, Com.A.N.Suresh, President, the undersigned and Com. V.Ramabhadran, Secretary and Convenor Wage revision committee. After a threadbare exchange of information’s amongst the representatives, it was decided to place before The Chaiman IBA for redressal of the much vexed issue latest by 02/07/2019 so as to enable the organizations to participate in the exercise of wage revision. The said communication is appended herewith.

We shall keep the units informed of the developments.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

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Circular  No.10/VII/2019

June 19, 2019                                                                                              Camp: MUMBAI.

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear Comrades,

WAGE NEGOTIATION TALKS WITH IBA.

After lapse of nearly three months, IBA invited the UFBU for a discussion today at IBA Office, Mumbai. IBA was represented by Shri.Rajkiran Rai, Chairman Negotiation Committee IBA(UBI), Shri. Alok Kumar Chaudhary(SBI), Shri.V.G.Kannan, CEO, IBA, Shri.B.Rajkumar Deputy CEO IBA, Shri.S.K.Kakkar, Advisor IR &HR IBA , besides staff of personnel department of IBA.

Shri. P.S.Jayakumar(BOB), Shri.Shyam Srinivasan(Federal Bank),Shri.M.K.Jain(OBC) and Shri.R.A.Shankaranarayanan(Canara Bank) were participating through Video Conference. Representatives of Seven Organizations participated in the discussion. The undersigned participated  in the discussion.

Chairman Negotiating Committee outlined the purpose of the meeting so as to know the stand  of the two  Officers’  Organizations in the matter of participation in the negotiation. In response ,  Convenor, UFBU submitted a letter addressed to Chairman IBA and Chairman Negotiation  Committee of IBA , reiterating that the negotiation should cover up to scale VII Officers. It was also expressed that in the earlier round held on 22.02.2019, IBA  offered to cover up to Scale V, though the mandate given earlier by the 5 Banks were up to Scale III only.

IBA in response to the submission made, expressed that it was an offer made and the acceptance was not forthcoming as it is reflected by their absence. It was also made very clear that the five workmen unions will participate in the negotiation for arriving at agreement under ID Act. It was also expressed clearly that, in the past when the officers’ organizations had not participated in the discussion, still IBA did engage themselves to arrive at the understanding with the officers’ organizations.(One in 1989 and another in 2010-one more option for Pension)  

On common issues concerning both the section of the workforce, it was reiterated that the discussions should be continued to be held with all the seven constituents of UFBU. IBA has indicated its preparedness to discuss the common issues and also willing to share the details related to record note dated 25.05.2015. In addition, the discussion on Insurance backed Hospitalization scheme was also held in the post lunch session. IBA will be taking up the issue referred herein above in the ensuing meeting scheduled to be held in the last week of this month and assured to fix up the dates for further exchange of informations. The discussion was more of explanatory in nature.

We note to convey the developments in due course. 

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

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Circular No.8/VII/2019

April 15, 2019

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear comrades,

FOOTPRINTS  IN THE  HISTORY

To begin with,

It is all the more relevant to look back how the workers of India was placed in the pre-independent India.

“In those days, it was jungle law that prevailed.  There was no limit on hours of work.  Men, women and children were headed in these dens of capital to work and children were hearded in these dens of capital to work from 12 to 16, 18 and even 23 hours per day.  There was no Sunday, holiday, no starting or closing time.  Children of 5 to 6 years of age worked full time like the grown ups and when they died or were maimed in the machines, there was no value for their life or limbs.”

On the foundation of AITUC – 31.10.1920 …

“ The time has come for you to assert your right as arbiters of your country’s destiny.  You can not stand aloof from the stream of national life.  You can not refuse to face the events that are making history today for India.  You are the mass of the population.  Every movement on the political chess board, every step in the financial or economics arrangements of our country affects you more than it affect any other class.  You must became conscious of your responsibilities to realise you destiny.  Workers of India, the earth is your common  heritage.  It is not specifically reserved for professional politicians or the Shimla bureaucrats or the mill owning plutocrats.  Your nation’s leaders ask for Swaraj, you may not let them leave you out of the reckoning.   Politics freedom to you is of no worth without economic freedom.  You can not therefore afford to neglect the movement for national freedom.  You are part and parcel of that movement.  You will neglect it only at the peril of your liberty”

= D CHAMAN LALL =

The central nerve system of any country is the financial system and the same should be under the absolute control of Government at the centre.  The system handled by the private Bankers in pre nationalisation period led to a collapse because of mismanagement, manipulation, diversion of deposits to non financial activities, inexperienced executives and influx of refugees.  It was on 15^th April 1961, Government notified amendments to Sec.45 of Banking Companies Act ensuring job continuity and security for employees on merger of various private Banks due to efforts taken by AKBEF.  The glorious step of securing the job by the first trade union of Bank men in pre-independent India, is also relevant today.

The trade unions are instruments for social change.  A Bank worker of pre-independent India of “brick and mortar group” and present generation of Bank worker of “Techno-savy” group, the change has been brought in their life pattern and also security of jobs is purely due to the indomitable urge and sacrifice by the founders of his great organisation.  Challenges of different nature are confronting the workforce.  Artificial Intelligence has entered the Banking services to cut the cost on human employed by the management.

The successes accrued to this organisation are the results of the combined efforts of each individual working, for them, trade union was their lifeline.

“My nest is burnt, Yet I am happy

For it has spread the light to some extent

And dispelled darkness

=H.L.Parvana=

The towering leader of working class, the lifeline of AIBEA upto 18^th April 1975.

Our organisation born out of compulsions of post emergency times, salutes the founders of the first trade union of Bankmen established in pre-independent India on the banks of River Hoogly on 20^th April 1946, which is entering the 74^th year of purposeful existence.

Our revolutionary greetings to Bankmen under the glorious banner of

AIBEA

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECREGARY

Circular No.7/VII/2019

April 14, 2019

TO

ALL UNITS/ STATE COMMITTEES                                                                                                                       .

Comrades,

A NEW STAR HAS BORN TODAY

BANK OF BARODA OFFICERS’ UNION HAS COME INTO EXISTENCE.

In pursuance of the notice issued by the Central office of our organisation dated 30^th March2019, a meeting of the representatives of erstwhile Vijaya Bank Officers’ Union (VBOU) and All India Dena Bank Officers Union [AIDBOU] was held at Bengaluru (KARNATAKA) on 13^th and 14^thApril, 2019. Com.A.N.Suresh, President of our organisation conducted the proceedings of the meeting.

2.  The meeting was attended by Com.K.Raghava, Secretary, AIBOA, Com.H. Chandrasekara Shetty General Secretary AIBOA, (Karnataka State Committee), Com.A.B.Shetty, founder General Secretary VBOU and Com. K.Viswanath Naik Advisor VBOU, besides the undesigned.

3. The proceedings commenced with a brief introductory cum welcome address by Com.K.Srinivasa Rao, General Secretary VBOU. Com.A.N.Suresh, President AIBOA initiated the discussion detailing the purpose of the meeting and also the need to tackle the new emerging situation in the new entity, which has come into existence with effect from 01.04.2019. Following the presentation, the undersigned supplemented the need to address issues confronted by the officers in the new entity and also the experience of the merger earlier initiated by the Government pertaining to the five associate Banks merger with SBI with effect from 1.04.2017.  The AIBOA’s  stead forward approach in challenging the Alternative Mechanism of the Government in taking forward agenda of merger of Banks in a fast forward manner brushing aside the provisions of the Banking Regulations Act 1970/1980 was appreciated by the participants.

4. Com.Srinivasa Rao, General Secretary VBOU addressed the participants about the consistent struggles to get the benefits to the officers in Vijaya Bank whereas the other organisation was a mute spectator to various developments.  Com.Neeraj Srivastava, President, AIDBOU and other representatives of All India Dena Bank officers Union too presented their experience and their efforts to fight back the menace of the Bad loans in Dena Bank in a planned manner.

Com.K.Viswanath Naik, founder General Secretary of VBWO and presently DGS AIBRF, shared his experience in a brief way and appealed to every one to undertake the task of building the organisation with oneness.

Com.K.Raghava, Secretary AIBOA, President of the AIBOA(KSC) and Convenor of the Private Sector Bank Officers’ Forum addressed the participants the necessity to come together as a strongest unit  of officers in Bank of Baroda.

After a detailed deliberation, the following decisions have been arrived at unanimously;

a.  The amalgamated entity will function from Bengaluru, from  the erstwhile VBOU HQ.

b.  The subscription varying from Rs 100 to Rs 200/ per month agreed to  standardise the same @ Rs 180/- per month per member and remitted to Central Office of the new entity functioning from Bengaluru.

c. The subscription received from the members will be shared @ Rs 100, Rs 40 and Rs 40 to Central Office, Zonal and Regional Units respectively.

d. Out of the 9 units of AIDBOU, the registered units numbering three will take steps to amalgamate the units as per the provisions TU Act 1926. Remaining units will initiate the required steps to dissolve / amalgamate by adopting a resolution in the meeting convened for the said purpose.

e. The accounts of the individual units will be closed after the receipt of the current month subscriptions ,with net amount to be remitted to the central office at Bengaluru.

f.  An amount equal to the amount remitted to Central Office may be drawn as an advance by the Zonal Units for smooth functioning. Proper submission of bills against the advance availed by the units is prerequisite for effective functioning of the units with Accountability.

g. After mutual consultations amongst the participants, the  representatives were entrusted the responsibilities  in the Zonal Units as Presidents  and General Secretaries. [ List is enclosed]

With these, the first day proceedings came to conclusions at 19.40 hrs and adjourned to next day.

SECOND DAY PROCEEDINGS:

On 128^th birth anniversary of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar coupled with the New Year of three States the second day proceedings commenced at 09.30 A.M under the Presidentship of Com.A.N.Suresh to give a final shape for the new organisation in the name and style of Bank of Baroda Officers’ Union. While taking the confirmation of the proceedings of the previous day decisions, the next agenda of formation of the amalgamated entity of erstwhile VBOU and AIDBOU was taken up. With the consent of the all participants the  office bearers were entrusted the responsibilities of conducting the affairs of the BOBOU. [List is enclosed]

The new logo of the organisation was unveiled by Com.A.B.Shetty, Founder General Secretary of VBOU and advised the banner of BOBOU has to be preserved as an apple of eye and taken to greater heights in BOB.

It was decided to take up the issue of Check Off facility and also closing the disciplinary actions cases of non financial in nature  of members of both organisations so as to enable the officers of BOBOU to focus the attention in Bank building activities.

The second day session had the final and finer touch given by Com.H.Chandrasekara Shetty, General Secretary AIBOA(KSC), of his best wishes for the growth of the organisation, with the induction of youngsters as office bearers, as their future is interlinked with BOBOU.  Com.Vinay Kumar, Joint Secretary, AIBOA presented his view points on NPS to be taken up in the negotiations by AIBOA.

Well began is half done, thus the roaring entry of our organisation in Bank of Baroda had commenced.

Yours comradely,

 /S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.    

BANK OF BARODA OFFICERS’ UNION

LIST OF ALL INDIA OFFICE BEARERS

1-SVP and 3 Joint General Secretaries Post kept vacant

BANK OF BARODA OFFICERS’ UNION

ZONAL UNITS’  PRESIDENTS  AND GENERAL SECRETARIES

Circular No.6/VII/2019

March 28, 2019

To:
ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear comrades,

MERGER OF BANKS OUR CASE IN SUPREME COURT

Our organisation, taking into consideration the various emerging situations, with due consultation with our legal counsel filed an interim application, as the earlier application filed in the Hon’ble High Court of Rajasthan, Jaipur Bench was listed for hearing originally on April 4^th, 2019 by the Supreme Court of India.  The main contention in our interim application was the legality linked to the whole process of merger exercise of Alternative Mechanism, a new apparatus, has been used to substitute the Parliament procedure ie; to lay the proposal of amalgamation or merger before the both houses of the Parliament.

2.         In our Interim Application filed before the highest court, non of the respondents have filed any written reply till date.  The case was listed on 26^th March, 2019, as the last item in the list.  Our Counsel mention the same before the Hon’ble Justice R.F.Nariman and Justice Vineet Sarin citing the urgently of the matter and the same was listed for hearing today morning.

3.         Today the case taken up for hearing and the legality involved in the process was not answered.  Mr.Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India appeared for the Government and Mr.Mukul Rohtgi, former Solicitor General of India represented Bank of Baroda.  They argued that as the three Banks are under Public Sector, the service conditions are identical in content and nature and employees’ interest are not going to be adversely affected, hence our prayer for Interim order has not been considered favourably.  However, the hearing on our Writ Petition will continue in due course after the reply is submitted by the Government / respondent Banks.

4.         Our organisation has taken right steps to thwart the merger exercise in the best possible ways, as the merger of Banks is the only issue remaining unimplemented agenda of Narasimham Committee I and II.  Reduction of Branches, transfer of workforce and arresting the future employment are the serious direct fall out of this unchecked exercise of the Government.

Our fight both legally as well as organisationally will nevertheless continue against Bank mergers.

In the meantime comrades are called upon to consolidate our membership in the new entity for effective safeguarding of our interest.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

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Circular No.5/VII/2019

March 4, 2019

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

OFFICE BEARERS MEETING AT HYDERABAD – 03.03.2019

DECISIONS ARRIVED AT

An urgent office a bearer meeting of our organisation was convened at Hotel Central Park,Hyderguda, Hyderabad on 03.03.2019 to take the stock of emerging situations and roll out a plan of action to address the issues confronting the officers’ community as a whole.

2.         The proceedings were conducted by the Joint Presidium – Com.Alok Khare, Vice Chairman and Com.A.N.Suresh, President and commenced at 10.35 am.

3.         The leave of absence was granted to Com.Narendra Kotiawala, Dy.General Secretary, Com.Vinod Sharma, Com.D.N.Trivedi, Com.Giri Srinivasa Rao and Com.Rajesh Tiwari Joint Secretaries as they were held up with certain prior commitments.

4.         After the welcome address by Com.V.Anil Kumar, General Secretary, AIBOA – AP & T State Committee the meeting commenced its proceedings.

5.         IN MEMORIUM:  The house observed two minutes silence in the memory of the “40” CRPF Jawans killed by the terrorist outfit at Pulwama and other martyrs after Pulwama attack and also Com.G.Gunasekaran, Treasurer of our organisation.

6.         While placing developments right from last CC held at Mamallapuram on September 8-9, 2018, followed by the Secretariat Meeting held at Mumbai on 13.10.2018 and State Presidents and General Secretaries meet at Jaipur on 17.11.2018, the programme unleashed by AIBOA right from “Postering Campaign”, programme observed by the nine constituents culminating in a day’s strike and escalating to judicial intervention with the present status of the case before Supreme Court of India were placed.

One more focussed presentation was on the present stand taken by other two officers’ organisations in the last two rounds of discussions with IBA, on the issue of “fractured mandate”.  The information related to the interaction with General Secretary AIBOC at Kolkata [24.02.2019] and also with General Secretary NOBO at Chennai [27.02.2019] were also informed.  Com.V.Ramabhadran, Secretary, AIBOA, who is also the Convenor of the Wage Committee, presented details pertaining to the current status of the wage revision, as per the advice of the Joint Presidium, for the benefit of the office bearers / participants.

7.         On the both issues, a detailed deliberations took place by all office bearers with the following observations.

a.    a.  While on the Bank merger issue taking to judicial recourse is welcome and necessary step simultaneous campaign to educate Bankmen as well as customers and common people with more details about ill effects of the Bank mergers must continue.

b.     b.  Wage Revision – On developments relating wage revision it was felt that safeguarding and strengthening the process of bilateral negotiations while making these effective and meaningful is the prime need of the hour.  AIBOA  must therefore continue it’s efforts to evolve cohesive approach to secure expeditious settlement.  In regard to Mandate issue while IBA having conceded up to Scale V coverage is a success of negotiating process efforts must continue to secure coverage for all grades of officers as in the past.

8.         Office Space Acquired:  The meeting held at Hyderabad was after our oganisation acquired a premises in our name on 9^th January 2019 and the same was as per decision of the Secretariat.  The office space is being utilised by AIBOA-AP & T State Committee and steps taken by Com.V.Anilkumar, General Secretary, AIBOA-AP&T State Committee, was noteworthy.

9.         On organisational front, the present status in AIOBOA and AIPSBOF was also reported.  Our affiliate in Central Bank initiating steps to arrive at the consensus is eluding final conclusion / fruitful execution of plans.  The IDBI-LIC deal and the Supreme Court decision negating our affiliates prayer was also reported.

10.       Constitution amendments/formation of committee:  As proposed in our meeting at Jaipur on 17.11.2018, to draw a balanced approach between the State Committee and affiliated Units in its representation in the office bearers team, more emphatically in strengthening the grass root level contacts through District Committee formation etc., a committee has been constituted for amending bye laws of the organisation, to be placed before the ensuing Central Committee meeting.

a.    Com.Anil Kumar [AP&T ] Convenor

b.    Com.K.Sathyanathan [Kerala]

c.    Com.G.S.Oberoi [Haryana]

d.    Com.Sanjay Khan [Delhi]

e.    Com.D.S.Ganesan [Tamilnadu] and

Com.Arivind Porwal, Vice President, AIBOA will also associate with the committee.

11.       Co-Option of Treasurer:      Com.R.Jawaher, CC Member, AIBOA, Deputy General Secretary, AIBOA[TNSC] and General Secretary, IBOF has been co-opted as Treasurer of our organisation in the vacancy caused due to untimely demise of Com.G.Gunasekaran former Treasurer.  The decision will be ratified in the Central Committee.

Kudos to Team – AP&T State Committee “Captained” by Com.V.Anil Kumar who collectively executed the assignments in a short time provided, flawlessly.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

“Small Deeds done are better than

Great deeds planned.”

Circular No.4/VII/2019

March 1, 2019

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades

MERGER OF BANKS

STATUS OF THE INTERIM APPLICATION

We have informed earlier that on 10^th January 2019, Hon’ble High Court of Rajasthan, bench at Jaipur, after hearing our counsel, ordered to “serve the notices to respondents [ie;] Union of India, RBI, Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank] returnable by six weeks “.

One of the respondents Bank of Baroda filed a case in Supreme Court of India for staying the proceedings in Rajasthan and Delhi and other High Courts.  The counsel representing the Bank of Baroda is Shri Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India along with four others.  The case came up on 06.02.2019 and the Bank requested time for filing an application which was granted.  It came up for hearing on 08.02.2019, before Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R.Banumathi and Mr.Justice R.Subhas Reddy.  The case was slated to be heard on 28.03.2019, an ex-parte stay obtained by Bank of Baroda.

Our organisation, on analysing the developments, engaged Shri P.S.Narasimha, former Addl.Solicitor General, through Shri Pradeep Chaudhary and Shri Ajay Chaudhary, Advocate on record filed an Interim application to hear our case expeditiously as the effective date of merger will be 01.04.2019.

The Interim application filed by our organisation has come up for hearing in the Supreme Court of India today along with other writs also.  Upon hearing, Hon’ble Supreme Court has agreed to transfer all writ petitions together to Supreme Court, with the directions to all petitioners to file the copies of other original writ petitions before the Supreme Court by 06.03.2019, with the respondents to file reply by 11.03.2019.  On mentioning before Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, a date would be given soonest for final hearing.

One step forward from our end to seek justice from the Highest Court of our Country.

We shall keep you informed of the developments in due course.

Yours comradely,

 /S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.2/VII/2019

January 11, 2019

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear comrades,

AIBOA SEEKS JUDICIAL INTERVENTION ON

THREE BANKS MERGER

On 17^th September, 2018, an apparatus called “Alternative Mechanism” by the present Government at the centre, made an announcement of amalgamation of three banks [ie] Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank and the three Banks’ were informed of the decision of the Government of India, to take it forward.

The steps that are to be initiated to achieve the desired goal of amalgamation are :

1.    The proposals must start from the Boards of the Banks

2.    The decision regarding creating strong and competitive Banks would be solely based on commercial considerations

3.    The proposals received from Banks for in principle approval to formulate scheme of amalgamation shall be placed before the Alternative Mechanism [AM].

4.    After in-principle approval, the Banks will take steps in accordance with law and SEBI’s requirements.

5.    The final scheme will be notified by Central Government in consultation with Reserve Bank of India.

The amalgamation of the Banks needs approval from both Houses of Parliament as per the Banking Regulations Act 1970 /1980.

As amalgamation or merger of Banks is not in the interest of people at large, such a step should necessarily be opposed and resisted by Trade Unions.

We have closely observed that the decision has been imposed from the owners and not emanated from the individual Bank’s Boards,  hence there is need to interfere and also bring it to the notice of the members as well as all concerned in the Banking Industry.  An added element is that the provisions of Banking Regulations Act 1970/1980 has not been complied with in full measure.

Our organisation along with Dena Bank Officers’ Union sought the judicial intervention by filing a case in the High Court of Rajasthan, at Jaipur.  The case came up for hearing yesterday.  The Hon’ble judge, while issuing the directions to serve the Notice to the five respondents, returnable in four weeks, made a passing remarks that the provisions of law has not been complied with.

            “ A thousand miles journey starts with a small and tiny step”

which our organisation has commenced.

We keep to inform the details to all concerned in due course.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.1/VII/2019

January 7, 2019

TO

ALL Units / State Committees

Dear Comrades,

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE SCHEME:

DILUTION OF GOVERNMENT’ S CAPITAL.

Government of India, as a part of New Economic Policy promotion, right from 1992-93, had fallen a trap to Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation ie. LPG.  There were recommendations by the Standing Committee for Finance to reduce the Government capital in Public Sector Banks from the present level of 51% to 33%. However, the earlier Government , after returning to power in 2004, the first  open declaration made by Dr.Man Mohan Singh was to retain the Government Capital upto 51%, thus the Public Sector character of Banks are still now maintained.

2.         The capital can be acquired through three ways : [a]. Thro’ Profit Generation [b]. Government providing  Capital [c]. Acquiring the capital from the Markets.  As bad loans are increasing, provisioning towards that, eat away the profit thus capital is not increased through internal Generation. Government has taken a stand that there are not in a position to provide from the Budget, a policy decision. The avenue available to shore up the capital is to acquire from the market. Before resorting to that exercise some of the banks have now started to float the scheme of Employee Stock Purchase Scheme. Before releasing the capital to the banks, majority unions were compelled to sign a MOU with the Management and in turn submitted to Government for receiving the capital support. There was not even a mention about the move now exercised by the Bank.

3.         By purchasing the shares of the Bank by employees, Bank management talk of Sense of commitment to the Bank. They talk about employees’ contribution for the progress of the Bank. Further, they talk of sense of feeling ownership. They talk about the sense of belonging to the Bank. They also talk of selling the shares for making profit.   These expressions are nothing but enticing the workforce for subscribing to the ESPS.

4.         AIBOA, strongly rejects the proposal of the various Bank managements of ESPS. It is nothing but backdoor privatisation of the Public Sector Banks. Instead of initiating steps to recover the Bad loans from the wilful defaulters, these attempts are noting but diverting the attention of the workforce.

Our Organisation directs the workforce not to subscribe for the ESPS proposed by the Bank managements. Don’t lend your hands to privatise the Public Sector Banks.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.