Circular No.14/VII/2022

July 15, 2022

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades

DECISIONS OF THE SECRETARIAT MEETING HELD AT HYDERABAD

In the back ground of the VIII NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF OUR ORGANISATION TO BE HELD AT CHANDIGARH from NOV 25 to 27, 2022, the need was felt to hold the Secretariat meeting to decide the broader frame work of the arrangements for the successful conduct of the conference. The meeting was held at our office at Taramandal Complex, Hyderabad.

2.         The meeting commenced its proceedings at 11.00 am and was held under the Presidentship of Com A N Suresh. Com. Alok Khare, Vice Chairman was granted leave of absence on account of his foreign visit. The house observed two minutes silence in the memory of late Com S P Bakshi, former Vice President of our organisation and first Officer Director in the then Oriental Bank of Commerce, who helped to conduct the first national conference at Mumbai in 1986.

3.         The agenda listed in the notice was taken for discussion.

1             1. Reporting of the preparatory arrangements at Chandigarh:

Com V Ramabhadran and the under signed were at Chandigarh from 1^st to 4^th July, 2022. The host state committee headed by Com Vinod Sharma, Com Gurmeet Singh, Com Chiranjeevi Joshi, Com G S Oberoi and Com Praveen Goel were present in finalising the initial arrangements. Com V. Ramabhadran, Secretary presented the entire frame work of holding of the conference and the overall expenditure expected to be incurred  to the  Secretariat members.

As the bye law of the organisation permits participation of the  delegates alone from the state committees andbased on approximate number of participants, the budget was worked out at Chandigarh. However, it was suggested that 20% of the permissible delegates should be allowed as observers in the ensuing conference. As the delegate fee and the provision of subsidy for hosting the conference were already cleared by the Office Bearers’ meeting held at Srinagar, the hotel charges @ Rs 1300 per member per day (subject to change) for three dayswill have to be remitted by the state committees to the reception committee of the 8^thconference. The details of mode of remittance will be communicated to the units in due course. The Secretariat members have approved the initial remittance of Rs 3 lacs to the AIBOA Punjab State Committee.

2               2. REMITTANCE OF LEVY AND SUBSCRIPTIONS BY AFFILIATES:

On conclusion of wage revision on the 11^th of Nov 2020, it was clearly advised by the secretariat to collect levy @ 2% of net of taxes which should be shared @ 25% each among the base, their All India, AIBOA State Committee and AIBOA central office. It was further advised that the portion belonging to AIBOA State Committee should be remitted to Central Office of the AIBOA for onward remittances to the respective state committees based on the list provided by the affiliates. Couple of units had implemented the directions. Some of them have partially responded and rest of them failed to stand up and adhere to the financial discipline. It was decided to advise the units that those who have not remitted the levy so far should  remit at an average rate of Rs 1000 per member from their general funds and 50% of the said amount will be sent to the respective state committees as  per .the list submitted by them. This exercise is to be completed within a week’s time. State Committees should ensure that allocation of delegates should be given only to the affiliates who have paid the wage revision levy.

The subscription upto 2022 should be cleared immediately and not later than 30^th Sep 2022.

3                 3. HOLDING OF STATE COMMITTEE CONFERENCES:

The Secretariat had a detailed analysis of the overdue conferences of State Committees. It was decided to inform 21 state committees to conduct their conferences and to complete it well ahead of the national conference.

4                 4. HOLDING OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE:

It was decided to holdthe penultimate Central Committee at Lucknow on 8^th& 9^th of Oct, 2022. AIBOA UP state committee should take all steps to host the same for smooth conduct of the committee.

5                  5.GENERAL MATTERS:

The Secretariat was briefed about the remittance of Rs 1 lac to the AIBOA Assam state committee for providing relief measures to the victims affected by the recent floods.

It was decided to felicitate the past office bearers and special invitees who had contributed in the last four decades in building our organisation in the respective states as well as at the All India level. The state committees will be advised to provide the past All India office bearers’ communication details for making necessary arrangements through them.

As there are certain repairs and renovations to be carried out at our institute at Mahabalipuram, the Secretariat gave the approval for transfer of funds of Rs.25 lacs to institute account to carry out the same. The implementation of the workto be entrusted to a Committee.

On the proposed bye law amendments suggested by the bye law committee, Com Anil Kumar, Convenor of bye law committee reiterated that the collection of subscriptions should be made by the Central Office @ Rs 180 per member per year and remitted to the respective state committees Rs 100 per member per year, as the state committee is the main fulcrum to implement the decisions arrived at the central office.

The logo to be unveiled for 8^th National Conference was also finalised with unanimous consent of the members present in the meeting.

It was also articulated in the meeting to host a session for youth and women to take appropriate decisions in resolving the problems confronted by them in the respective banks.

The meeting concluded at 14.30.hours with a vote of thanks to the AIBOA AP & T S committee for a fine arrangement and for the smooth conduct of the meeting.

Yours comradely

(S NAGARAJAN)

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.13/VII/2022

July 5, 2022

TO

 ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

UP-DATION OF PENSION

ON THE LINES OF RBI BROOKS NO DELAY.

Public Sector Bank workforce (except -Global Bank-SBI) is governed by the Bank Employees’ Pension Regulation 1995.

2.       The above exercise was preceded by an agreement signed on 29^th October 1993 under the Industrial Disputes act 1947/1957 by the first trade union of banking workforce (AIBEA) founded in pre independent India. Equally, our organization also signed the minutes of understanding on the same day at Mumbai. The contents of the Settlement were in the lines of RBI.

3.         As per Clause 6 of the Settlement signed on 29.10.1993, reads as under:

Dearness relief to Pensioners will be granted at such rates as may be determined from time to time in line with the dearness allowance formula in operation in Reserve Bank of India”

4.         Further Clause 12 of the said settlement states that:

“Provisions will be made by a scheme, to be negotiated and settled between the parties to this settlement by 31^st December 1993 for applicability, qualifying service, amounts of pension, payment of Pension, commutation of Pension family pension, updating and other general conditions etc. on the lines as are in force in Reserve Bank of India.

5.         The said settlement is further elaborated by a Supplementary settlement dated 24.03.1994 between IBA and the negotiating unions and these provisions agreed to were reiterated equating the provisions with the scheme in operation in RBI and was agreed to be bedrock of the settlement.

6.         During the interim period two important developments took place. The first one was introduction of Special Voluntary Retirement Scheme introduced in 2001 and another one was the achievement of one more option on the same terms and conditions of 1993, in the year 2010. It was agreed by the negotiating unions after the actuarial exercise conducted by two experts (one from Hyderabad and other from Kolkata)Rs 6000 crores was the deficit and Rs 4200 crores  was diverted to Pension Fund and the PF subscribers had contributed Rs 1800 crores to join the Pension Scheme. There deficit was made good in 2010 itself.

7.         The Regulation 11 of the Pension Regulations 1995 reads as under:

The Bank shall cause an investigation to be made by an Actuary into the financial condition of the Fund every Financial Year on the 31^st day of March and make such additional annual contribution to the fund as may be required to secure payment of the benefits under these regulations.

8.         It has been categorically committed by IBA in the supplementary Minutes of discussions on 04.01.2021 that an actuary was appointed to evaluating the requirements. Eighteen months are over. There is no information on this score provided by the IBA so far.

9.         Apart this, a certificate from the Actuary confirming should be obtained about the yearly provisions were made by the Banks without any deviation to confirm that the Regulation 11 of Bank Employees’ Pension Regulations 1995 from 2010 to 2022.

10.       As per the data available based on the Balance Sheet of the various Banks, the Pension fund as on 31.03.2021 was Rs194164 crores excluding the SBI Pension Fund corpus of Rs125806 crores.

11.       To an un-star question in the Parliament, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs submitted that the outstanding in the 43 accounts (above Rs 2500 crores) was nearly Rs 433000 crores and NCLT awarded settlement for nearly Rs 1,00,000 crores ie; for every Rs 100 outstanding the waiver or haircut was Rs 78. The loan losses were/are adjusted from the profit earned by the banks.

12.       It has been held by the Courts as:

“Pension, as well known, is not a bounty. It is treated to be deferred salary. It is akin to right of property. It is co-related and has a nexus with the salary payable to the employees as on the date of retirement.

13.       Hon’ble Finance Minister Government of India openly declared in a press meet held at Chennai in 2020 that up-dation of Pension of Bank retirees would also be addressed suitably as that of one Rank one Pension in the defense services.

14.       The present stand pursued in the current discussion held couple of days on the up-dation of Pension should be revisited and Our organization is of the confirmed opinion that the Up-dation should be on the lines RBI and the methodology stipulated by the Government vide their letter dated 5^th March 2019 should be strictly adhered to covering all the retirees taking the merger of D.A.up-to 4440 points.

15.       Further the Pension in Banks in shape of annuity from the Pension Fund corpus on long term investment, there is no reason for subjecting it to taxation like salary income.

Hence Up-dation of Pension on the lines of RBI brooks no delay and any deviation would add further complications. We have already experienced.

Yours Comradely,

 S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.12/VII/2022

July 5, 2022

TO

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

SAVE GEN -NEXT FROM THE JOB LOSSES.
RESIST AND REPULSE BACK ON GOVERNMENT’S MOVES
ON DENATIONALISATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS.

The Government at the Centre had earlier moved the Bill on Privatisation of Insurance Sector as a whole, though mentioned in the budget Speech that there were to do only one insurance Company. The protest was made on the floor of the Parliament and the result was suspension of twelve elected representatives in the last session. The print media carried the message, recently, that the United India may be first up for sell off in the general Insurance Space.

2.         In the new economic policy pronouncements, it was made clear that the owner would like to retain four banks in Public Sector and rest them would be merged or closed or privatized. Accordingly, right from 2016, we had witnessed merger of 5 Associate Banks with Global Bank-SBI. In 2019, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda bypassing the provisions Banking Regulation Act 1972/1980 as well as the temple of democracy having elected peoples’ representatives. We had experienced further merger of 6 more banks with four banks. Thus, as on date, we have 11 Public Sector Banks besides the Global Bank-SBI.

3.         On the forced merger of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda with effect from 1.04.2019, it was only our Organisation which has sought the Judicial intervention from Apex Court of our Nation. The Apex Court direction to the Government to file the reply 11^th March 2019 is yet to be complied with.

4.         In the first week of June 2022, the promoter of Catholic Syrian Bank, who refused to give wage revision on the lines of the industry level agreements, in spite of observing 13 days strike by the workforce, offered to take over the IDBI Bank stipulating certain conditions like LIC should remain with IDBI for five years period etc. The road shows in abroad are already underway to sell IDBI.

5.         The promoter of Catholic Syrian Bank, was the one who gave call openly the Government of India should come out of the Public Sector Banks within six months and handover the Banks to the private owners.

6.         Though there was a budget pronouncement that in addition to IDBI Bank privatization, two public sector Banks will also be privatized. The banking workforce observed two days strike in December 2021, expecting the said bill would be placed for adoption. The Government remained non-committal and GEN- NEXT performed their role in a fine manner. Hats off to them.

7.         Now, the environment, after the five States election, is providing sufficient relief to the owner of the Financial System. The recent development in the Financial Capital of the Country is emboldening to carry forward the process of reforms, which are directly affecting the common masses of the Country.

8.         Launching the 75 Digital Banking Units in the banking sector covering all Scheduled Commercial Banks except RRBs, Local Area and Payments Banks shall directly affect the employment generation and also retention of the existing workforce in our Industry. The recent announcement by the Global Bank (SBI) of establishing/ delinking the operational banking from the main banking activities is another twist in promoting contract employment culture in our industry.

9.         The current session which is expected to commence the business from third week of July 2022 is expected to witness a new twist in the matter of retention of ownership in the Public Sector Banks. The names of the two banks already shortlisted by NITIAAYOG may be the privatization candidates in the Banking Sector to begin with and ultimately  the rest of the four may too follow suit either in one go or in stages before 2024.

10.       Comrades, with the present initiatives of Digital India, delinking operational banking from the main banking activities and initiation of privatization/denationalization of public sector Banks will certainly endanger the job retentions and untimely exist of GEN NEXT from the Financial Industry is the stark reality.

11.       GEN- NEXT, Comrades, get ready for the struggles, prolonged struggles to resist and repulse the moves of the Government in dismantling the Public Sector Banks.

UNITY, STRUGGLE AND PROGRESS OUR WATCHWORD.

 Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

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Circular No.11/VII/2022
June 21, 2022


To:
ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES


Comrades,

COM.S.P.BAKSHI
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AIBOA IS NO MORE

We are sad to share the message of passing away of Com. S. P. Bakshi, former Vice President of our organization, at Delhi yesterday evening. Born on 15th August 1933, he was 89 years at the time of death.

Com.S.P.Bakshi, was the founder president of All India Oriental Bank Employees Federation. He was closely associated with the Punjab State Bank Employees Federation. He was the Central Committee member of AIBEA in the year 1976.

Com.S.P.Bakshi, was directly associated with the functioning of our organization in the primitive stage. He took special interest in facilitating in holding the Conference of our Organisation at Mumbai in trying circumstances. By virtue of his qualities, he was the natural choice of the officers’ organization to nominate him as representative of Officers’ in the board of Oriental Bank of Commerce from 1991 to 1993.

Com.S.P.Bakshi was known for his forthrightness in his presentations in our meeting. Fearless in his submissions made him to win the hearts of one and all. He had possessed all the qualities required to lead the trade union movement in general and in Bank employees movement in particular.

AIBOA dips its banner in the memory of Com.S.P.Bakshi and stand with the family members in sharing the painful moments and feelings.

COM. S.P. BAKSHI AMAR RAHE.

Yours in grief,

S.NAGARAJAN
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular  No.10/VII/2022

June 17, 2022

To

ALL UNITS/ STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

COM.RJS, THE STORMY PETREL FELL

 ON THE GROUND ON 15^TH JUNE 2013.

Com. RJS, who took the reins of our organisation in 1991, worked ceaselessly to give shape, structure and stature to the Bank officers’ movement in the country. He was one who worked with late Com.P.K.Menon to realise the demand of cradle to grave  pension scheme to bank men as a whole.  In the words of late Com.P.K.Menon, the founder General secretary of AIBOA, that AIBOA was serious and sincere in pursuing the demand of introduction of Pension in one form or the other.

2.         Establishing an Institute in the name of a legendary leader of the bank men viz: Tarak Institute of Banking and Trade union Research was yet another noble approach of Com.RJS. One more feather in his cap was the Formation of Unorganised Trust followed by the call of Regulated working hours for officers raised in the silver jubilee conference of AIBOA held at New Delhi in Feb 2006.

3.         Com.RJS, the stormy petrel fell on the ground on 15^th June 2013. He has left many unfinished tasks to shape the destiny of Bank men in the challenging times ahead. To remember his role and contribution to the society, in the recently held  office bearers meeting held at SKAUST – K-Campus, it was decided to provide financial relief to 2 students for four years in Agriculture stream in the  University practicing the Mountain Agriculture in the valley.

4.         15^th June 2022 was a holiday in the Valley. Hence today, the team led by Com.Ashwani Pradhan Convenor and Com.Syed Tasdaq Madni Co-Convenor have presented the cheque Rs.3,00,000/- [Rs.Three lakhs only] to the Vice Chancellor of SKAUST –K Campus Prof.Nazir Ahmed Ganai in a compact meeting held in the University Campus.

Com.RJS AMAR RAHE.

5.         AIBOA conveys heartfelt thanks to the team AIBOA – J&K, Ladakh Committee led by the Convenor and the Co-Convenor in executing the decision in a timely manner. We thank the Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai for accommodating our request. We assure that the "words of wisdom" which he shared with us on 8^th June 2022 will be fulfilled in due course.

Yours comradely

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.9/VII/2022

June 10, 2022

TO

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

OBSERVE THE STRIKE CALL ON 27^th JUNE 2022

TO REALISE THE LONG PENDING DEMANDS.

Our organization, in pursuance of the decisions arrived at Ernakulam on March 5^th and 6^th, 2022 to observe the two days’ strike on 28^th and 29^th March 2022 focusing the issues of sale of IDBI to private players, privatization of two public sector Banks, non- resolution of residual issues coupled with extending solidarity to the CTUs, implemented the decisions. We are the only officers’ organization observed the strike along-with the working class.

2.         Upon receipt of the strike notice, to avert the strike, CLC (Central)  initiated the conciliation proceedings on 23^rd March and 25^th March 2022. The CLC (Central) while adjourning the proceedings advised the IBA to engage the Unions in bilateral discussions to resolve the pending issues. On 13^th April 2022, IBA held the talks with Officers’ Unions and workmen unions separately for one hour each. The list of issues presented to the IBA by officers’ Unions was circulated for the benefit of officers.

3.         The meeting of nine constituents was held at Mumbai on 8^th June 2022, in which Com. V. Viswanathan and Com. Devdas Menon President and General Secretary of AIBOA(MSC) represented AIBOA.  It was decided to take a call on the issues after the IBA meeting held in the 8th afternoon itself. The meeting was called by IBA  to discuss and decide the Insurance backed hospitalization scheme. Com. Devdas Menon represented in the IBA discussion. It was a preliminary in nature.  As there was no forward movement of the resolution of issues raised on 13^th April 2022, it was decided to observe the strike on 27^th June 2022 for realization of the pending demands viz: 5 day week, Updating Pension, scrapping of NPS, release of FAQs etc.

4.         There are calendar of programs released by the convenor of UFBU culminating in one day strike action on 27^th June 2022. We advise the State committees and affiliated Units to participate in the programs including the strike on 27^th June 2022 and make it a success.

Onward  March to 27^th June 2022 strike action.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.8/VII/2022

June 10, 2022

TO

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear Comrades

DECISIONS OF THE OFFICE BEARERS’ MEETING

HELD AT SRINAGAR

ON

THE 7^TH& 8^T OF JUNE, 2022.

The meeting of the Office Bearers was held at SKUAST – KCampus, Shalimar, Srinagar, a leading university in Mountain Agriculture on the 7^thand 8^th of June, 2022. The meeting was presided over by the Joint Presidium of Com Alok Khare, Vice Chairman and Com A N Suresh, President.

2.Com.Syed Tasaduq Madni, President, All India J & K Bank Officers’ Federation, on behalf of AIBOA- (Jammu Kashmir Ladakh Committee) welcomed the Office Bearers in the world renowned Agriculture University campus for transacting the agenda.

3.         Special address by the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Kashmir:

In his introductory remark, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor dwelled at length on the importance of the university and how the farmers are intertwined to reduce the communication gap through technology interface in promoting agricultural activities in the valley.  He reminded that the meeting is held on the World environment day and the responsibility of every citizen is to protect natural resources and also the Mother Earth. The impact of the climate change and the necessity to reduce the carbon foot print as per the Paris Accord through natural farming in our country was emphasized. His reiteration was that the agrarian economy in which our national development is directly linked, should be upgraded by technology integration. On behalf of our organisation, Com Alok Khare and Com A N Suresh garlanded and also presented a memento to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, SKUAST – K Campus.

4.         IN MEMORIUM:

Shri. K. Sankaranarayanan, former Governor Six States., Shri.  Pandit Sukh Ram, former union Minister, Shri. J.D. Rymbai, former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Smt.Anjali Ponnusamy, Freedom Fighter, Prof.Vijiyan, Structural Biologist, Padma Shri Awardee in 2004, Shri. Bhim Singh, Chief of J&K Panthers’Party, Com.Sarla Sharma, Founder member of Communist Party of India in Delhi,  Com.Shivaji Patnaik, Veteran Communist Leader, Shri. Sidhu Moose Wala, Punjabi Singer, .Shri.Krishna Kumar, (KK) Indian Play Singer Com.D.R.Kalita former General Secretary of AIBOA Assam State Committee  & Organising Secretary AIBOA, Com. Jai Prakash Dixit Vice President BEFI, Com.Vijay Branch Manager, Elaqui Dehati Bank RRB sponsored by SBI

5.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Com Vinod Bakshi, Com Arvind Porwal, Vice Presidents, Com D S Ganesan and Com Sanjay Khan, Secretaries, Com D N Trivedi and Com Tapan Sarkar, Joint Secretaries could not participate in the meeting due to various reasons. The meeting granted leave of absence to them.

6.         REPORTING ON THE DEVELOPMENTS:

As visualized by the extended Office Bearers meeting held on 5^th and 6^th March 2022 at Ernakulam, attacks on our industry i.e., privatisation of IDBI bank and two public sector banks are the priority agenda of the Government as per the print media’s consistent reports. The promoter of Catholic Syrian Bank is evincing keen interest to acquire the stake in the IDBI bank with conditions stipulated for acquiring the stakes of IDBI bank. On account of our Strike on the 28^th and 29^th March 2022 projecting non resolution of residual issues like 5 day banking, updating of Pension and rolling back of the NPS etc., observed by our  members with total commitment and conviction paved the way forward. IBA was advised by CLC (central) to engage the unions in the bi-lateral discussions to resolve the pending issues. Accordingly, IBA held a meeting with four Officers’ associations on 13^th of April 2022. The list of issues presented to the IBA in the discussion was circulated to the units.

WFTU RESOLUTION

In the matter of wages and renumeration,35 hour working week with no reduction in salary, high prices, unemployment and the privatisation are also looming large in the world. Our country is not an exception to the emerging deep crisis.

Organisational Developments

The consolidation exercise in Punjab Sind Bank officers’ union (Northern Zone,) the present attack on the Officers in Central Bank of India by effecting transfers/proposed 663 branch closures and also the developments in All India Federation of UCO bank officers were reported to the house.

7.         PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN THE BYE LAWS :

The Office Bearers had discussed the report submitted by the bye law committee headed by Com V Anil Kumar. While there was broad consensus in the matter of the overall content, it was recommended to seek opinion on the relevant portion of bye-law pertaining to model organization structure for the affiliates, sharing of the enhance annual subscription between the state committee and the district committee and pruning down the number of Office Bearers positions are kept open for further discussions. The affiliated units and state committees are to be provided with relevant portion of the bye law with an advice that they have to respond within 15 days time.

8.         CLEARANCE OF FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:

The statement of subscription/levy due was presented by Com. R. Jawaher, Treasurer. During this time, at the instance of Central Office, 50% of the levy remitted by the affiliates was sent to State Committees promptly.  The details of remittance were also shared with the Office Bearers. The Office Bearers have unanimously arrived at the following decisions to adhere to financial discipline without exception.

a)    The units who have not collected wage revision levy and collected but not remitted in full as per the directions are not entitled to attend the ensuing conference.

b)    The subscription due should be remitted without any further delay.

9.         VIII CONFERENCE:

The eighth national conference of our organization will be held at Chandigarh on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th of Nov, 2022. The Punjab state committee has taken up the responsibility to host the conference. It was also decided that a delegate fee of Rs 2000 per member will have to be paid by the state committees to the host unit. The Office Bearers were unanimous in providing the financial subsidy looking to the steep increase in the cost of living for smooth conduct of the conference.

10.STATE COMMITTEE CONFERENCES:

As per the bye laws of our organization, State committees are to conduct the conference once in three years. Accordingly, it was directed that all the State committees should complete the conferences well ahead of the national conference.

11.       AUDITED ACCOUNTS:

The audited accounts for the year 31.12.2021 was presented by the Treasurer and the same was approved unanimously.

12.       DISCUSSION/DECISION ON ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS:

The consolidation of the units in the merged entities (PNB, Union Bank of India and Indian Bank) should be completed before the national conference. A meeting of the principal office bearers of these units should be held within 30 days. The Office Bearers have authorized Com Dr Kumar Arvind, Com V. Ramabhadran and the undersigned to oversee the whole exercise of consolidation on priority basis.

The updating of web site with latest information on service conditions should be given top priority as the younger generations are techno savvy and have an urge to know the service conditions applicable to them well ahead of their joining the services of the Banks.

The campaign opposing the sale of IDBI Bank, privatisation of two public sector banks should be carried forward through release of educational literature in regional languages, submission of memorandum to RBI on digital banking units, communication addressed to peoples’ representatives in the respective states pertaining to ill-advised moves of the Government. The State committees are expected to step up the programmes with required seriousness as loss of jobs are visible and the GENNEXT is going to be the sufferers of the situation.

The privatization of IDBI would trigger of other banks’ privatization, if the same is not resisted with full strength by the workforce in the Industry. Equally resolution of the residual issues for which a day strike was announced in April 2022. The discussion was held separately with officers’ Unions and workmen unions on 13^th April 2022. AIBOA is of the firm view that any casual approach  in the resolution of residual issues would result in linking it to future wage negotiations.

The resignation of Com M A Srinivasan, DGS, was accepted from the Office bearer post as he submitted the resignation.

On the 1^st of Aug, 2021, a meeting of the three Office Bearers of AIBOA with the representatives of BOBOU was held at Bengaluru and the unanimous decisions arrived at were conveyed to the participants for strict implementation. The same were not implemented and organizational hurdles were created thus stone walling the implementation of the decisions conveyed. One of the office bearer of BOBOU filed a case against AIBOA also. As there are court cases/ counter court cases filed by the two factions of Bank of Baroda Officers’ union, it was decided in the meeting that they should sort out the matter amongst themselves.

13. 9^thRemmebrance Day of Com.RJS.

Our organization is known for associating with social identification programs on continuous basis. The SKAUST university is actively engaging in innovation to reduce the pains of the agricultural workers, climate change and technology based agricultural activities and they are the pioneers in India.

15^th June 2022, will be the 9^thdeath anniversary of late Com. RJS. As a mark of respect to Com RJS, who believed in extending help to the needy and deserving students, the office bearers unanimously decided to extend financial help to two students for four years to meet the expenses related to the payment of tuition fees in agricultural stream in SKUAST University, Kashmir. The modalities are being worked out.

14. FELICITATIONS:

Com P N Ganguly, Joint Secretary, AIBOA, who retired on 31.05.2022 was felicitated by our Vice Chairman, Com Alok Khare.

15.AIBOA (Jammu,Kashmir,Ladakh committee) scored appreciation for their

     24/7 services rendered.       

Com SyedTasdaqMadni, President of AIJKBOF, in his brief address traced his involvement in the trade union right from the beginning and thanked for providing AIJKBOF an opportunity to host this office bearers’ meeting in a lush green environment.

Com Ashwini Pradhan, Convenor, AIBOA Jammu Kashmir Ladakh committee and Com Madni were felicitated by Com Alok Khare and Dr Kumar Arvind.

Central Office has provided the financial assistance to the State committee by handing over of a cheque of Rs 51,000 by Com K Raghava, Secretary AIBOA.

Com Alok Khare, Vice Chairman, in his concluding remarks expressed that the decisions arrived at in the meeting will have to  be implemented without any hassles and paid rich tribute to the team work exhibited by the host unit.

Yours Comradely,

S NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.7/VII/2022

May 18, 2022

Camp: Mumbai

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEE

Comrades,

ALL INDIA CENTRAL BANK OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION

CONSOLIDATION  IS COMPLETE.

At the instance of our organization a meeting of Principle office bearers and two deputy general secretaries of AICBOA along with the representatives of Nagpur, Bhopal, Jharkhand, Raipur and Mumbai was held to-day at the office AICBOA, 6th Floor Central Bank of India, Mumbai Main Office. On our request, Com.Rajan Majumdar and Com.Alam Hussain participated in the meeting.

2.  Com.R.L.Chavan, representative of Central Bank officers’ Union Mumbai welcomed all the participants to the meeting and expressed his desire that this much awaited meeting will conclude with positive note.

3.  The participants in an hour-long expressions, recalled their experiences with late Com. S.L. Das and paid rich tributes for his selfless service to one and all, irrespective of their official position in the Bank. The meeting observed two minutes silence in the memory of Com. S.L. Das and also to the victims of Global Pandemic COVID 19.

4.  The purpose of convening the meeting was presented by the undersigned and the need for working in cohesive manner to thwart the present attacks of the Government and the management combines. On the agenda of consolidation of officers under AICBOA, the house was unanimous and in one voice agreed to take it forward for the benefits of the total workforce in the Bank. Thus the consolidation was complete in real sense and the emergence of oneness was experienced by one and all.

5.   The meeting concluded with vote of thanks to Com. Rajan Majumdar specially and Com. R.L. Chavan for the arrangements made by him for transacting the agenda in AICBOA office in a smooth manner.

6.  It is yet another milestone in the organizational advancement of the Officers’ movement under the banner of AIBOA.

With greetings,

Yours Comradely,  

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY.
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Circular No.5/VII/2022
 

April 20, 2022

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

THE FIRST TRADE UNION OF BANK MEN ENTERS  77th  YEAR

Today, the first Trade Union of the Banking workforce enters its Seventy Seventh year. There is an urgent and imperative need to turn the pages of history to draw  the new strategies to combat the present attacks on the Financial Sector and more particularly in the Banking sector.

From the pages of the History:

  Concluding remarks by Sri D.N.Mukherjee M.A., Chairman, 
     Reception  Committee, 1st Conference of AIBEA -20th / 21st April, 1946

     " by merely mentioning what the responsibility of the employees to the Institution should be. 
        The first is loyalty. He should consider the Institution his own and always try to give such a shape to his works that 
        will culminate in the improvement of the Institution. The second in order is the spirit of tolerance, the employee may 
        not have his desired goal immediately but he should stick to the post. The employees are to watch the 
        managements desire to improve the staff and how such desires are being translated into action...."

 Gist of some of the relevant Resolutions adopted in the Foundation Conference in 1946.

        > Building up strong and healthy Unions/Association all over India
        > Security of Service be assured
        > Co-option of one director in the Board of Director, who will be an elected representative without the requisite 
            qualification of a shareholder. "

  By the effective leadership right from the foundation day [20.04.1946] financial upgradations have been conferred though bilateral negotiations in the Industry between [1966-2020], to the workforce in the Industry. The recent moves of the owners of the Banking system is focused to unleash the attack on jobs and the job security. The right to participate in the Board meetings as Director is cleverly denied by the present Government, though the Act passed by the Parliament categorically provides for the participative management . Restoring this right achieved in 1972 by late Com.H.L.Parvana from the unwilling hands  of the present owners brooks no delay.

 Generations after generations have come and become part of the history of our Industry. The philosophy of a trade union organisation continue to demonstrate to stand together to resist the attacks unleashed against the workforce in any Industry. 

To quote from the Presidential address in the Foundation Conference of  AITUC in 1920 

"Class consciousness:    organised capital has destroyed many an old civilisation, enslaved religion, chained science and placed in bondage all the forces of nature and human  intellect. Humanity is its bond slave....Militarism and imperialism are the twin children of capitalism; they are one in three and three in one. Their shadow, their fruit and their bark, are all poisonous. It is only lately that an antidote has been discovered and that antidote is organised labour.... 

Think as a class, organize and act as a class." =founder President of AITUC Com. Lala Lajpat Rai=

It is relevant to quote of a poet, to present the position of our Nation:

                                                "Think of your Countr y, You foolish Men
                                                   Troubled Times ar e to come
                                                    the writing is clear on t he hor izon
                                                    if you do not take heed,
                                                    you will be wiped out,
                                                    O' people of Hindustan
                                                    Nothing of you will r emain
                                                    In the annals of the World Histor y"

We convey the first Trade Union of Bank men established in 1946, which continues to play dominant role in changing the society successfully right from 1969, appeal to focus new forms of struggles to resist the current attempts to 
reprivatise the banks by the present Government, and ensure jobs and job security to flourish, to benefit the Gen Next.

With Greetings to achieve 100 years
                                                         
                                                     When Go Home, Tell them of us
                                                     Tell Them "f or your t omorrows we gave our t oday's"
Yours comradely,
/S.NAGARAJAN/
GENERAL SECRETARY

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Circular No.4/VII/2022

March 29, 2022

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

Congratulations !!

THE CALL GIVEN WAS OBSERVED WITH TOTAL DEDICATION.

Our Organisation, in pursuance of the decisions arrived at Ernakulum, Kerala, served the notice of Strike on Government of India as well as on IBA on our demands. The Government of India representative’s expressed in the conciliation proceedings  that there is no forward movement in the matter of privatisation of two public sector Banks at present. The Government has already initiated the step to seek expression of Interest from willing Institutions in the matter of IDBI disinvestment exercise.

2.         The two days’ strike call on 28^th and 29^th March 2022 to realise the demands raised by our organisation was observed, by and large, with total dedication. Reports have also been received from units that the participation by our members in the strike call was in a disciplined manner. Everyone was appreciated of the approach made on our issues and our Concern. Clearing operations were also hampered to a greater extent. We the members of AIBOA extended the solidarity support to CTUs in opposing the economic and labour policies of the Government of India. Our deep concern is in the name of National Monetisation Policy, the Nation is on sale. Dividing the Institutions, as Strategic and Non Strategic is also with certain hidden agenda. Forced exit of the employees from the Institutions is also possible.

3.         We, the banking workforce, are to have necessarily the people connect to make them understand the role of the Government in not creating jobs and also ensuring the continuation of the existing jobs for the youth at large. The step taken by our organisation is a baby step towards enveloping the workforce completely. Com. Binoy Viswam Hon’ble Member of Parliament also took up the matter with the Government of India and urged them to revisit their decision in respect of IDBI.

4.         Our representatives at all levels should take up the tasks sincerely and seriously to explain our stand in the matter of Privatisation of Public Sector Banks and also of sale of IDBI to private players. The new concept of 40 hours of work, 40 weeks of work and exit at 40 years of age is the new slogan of corporates. Jobs and jobs security to Gen next is the real threat to the workforce.

5.         We shall take necessary steps to enlarge the workforce in right direction to secure the future of the Nation and secured working environments for the gen next workforce.

ALL GLORY TO THE STRIKING WORKFORCE OF BANKS AND CTUS FOR

MAKING THE STRIKE TOTAL.

Yours comradely

 S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY   

Camp: NEW DELHI.

Circular No.3/VII2022

March 22, 2022.

TO:

ALL UNITS /STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

CONCILIATION EXERCISE BY ADDL.CLC (CENTRAL)

Our organization, in pursuance of the decision arrived at in the extended office bearers meeting held at Ernakulum on 5^th and 6^th March 2022, served the Strike notice on 11^th March 2022, on CLC (Central) as well as to IBA listing out our demands. In response to our notice, Addl. CLC (Central) initiated the conciliation proceedings and fixed the today’s date.

2.         Our organization was represented by the undersigned, Com. Sanjay Khan, President, AIBOA (DSC) and Secretary AIBOA, Com A.V. Vithal Koteswara Rao,General Secretary AIIDBIOA and Joint Secretary AIBOA and Com.G.S.Oberoi, General Secretary AIBOA (Haryana State Committee) in the meeting. IBA was represented by Senior Advisor (HR&IR).

3.         On behalf of our Organisation, we have presented in detail, our opposition to Privatisation of Banks, Not to allow the Sale of IDBI to private players,  satisfactory resolution of pending demands listed in the MOU dated 04.01.2021, scrapping of NPS and restoration of OPS, removal of anomaly in payment of D.A between LIC and Banks and extension of our solidarity to the CTU’s demands of opposing the retrograde economic and labor policies, in a cogent manner, duly supported with documents.

4.         The Senior Advisor (HR&IR) presented the views and role of IBA in the whole process of negotiation based on the mandates given to them by the member banks. As expected, on Government policies, they have no say.

5.         The Addl. CLC (Central) after observing the presentations by both sides, advised the IBA to engage our organization in the mutual discussions, equally appealed to us not to go ahead with the two days strike on 28^th and 29^th March 2022. Since the representative from Government was not present in the proceedings, Addl. CLC adjourned the meeting to Friday, the 25^th March 2022 at 14.30 hrs.

6.         Comrades, the wolf is at the doorstep. The print media is also circulating the names of the Banks, which in the list finalized by Niti Aayog. Attack on jobs and jobs Security, is on the rise.

Hence, units are advised to make all necessary preparations to make the strike on both days successful.

With greetings,

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY
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Circular No.2/VII/2022

March 11, 2022

To

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

TWO DAYS STRIKE ON 28^TH AND 29^TH MARCH 2022  ON OUR DEMANDS.

As decided in the extended office bearers’ meeting held at Ernakulam (KOCHI) on 5^th and 6^th March,2022, AIBOA shall participate in the two days strike programme on 28^th and 29^th March 2022 to pursue our demands and also synchronising with the CTU’s thereby extending solidarity to the striking workers.

2. The demands are:

OPPOSING :            PRIVATISATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS.

                                    STOP SALE OF IDBI TO PRIVATE PLAYERS.

 DEMANDING :       5 DAY WEEK

                                    UPDATION OF PENSION.

                                    CHILD CARE LEAVE

                                    SCRAP NPS.

                                    RESTORE OLD PENSION SCHEME.

                                    REMOVE ANOMALY IN DA BETWEEN LIC AND BANKS.

EXTENDING   :        SOLIDARITY TO CTUS OPPOSING THE

RETROGRADE ECONOMIC AND LABOUR POLICIES.   

3.         We advise our State committees and Affiliate units to effectively mobilise the members for their participation in the Strike programmes.

With greetings,

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.1/VII/2022

March 8, 2022

To

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear Comrades,

EXTENDED OFFICE BEARERS’ MEETING DECIDES

TO OBSERVE TWO DAYS STRIKE

ON 28^TH& 29^TH OF MARCH 2022

ON OUR DEMANDS.

The extended Office bearers’ meeting convened at a short notice was held at Ernakulam (Kerala) on the 5^th & 6^th of March 2022 to decide the course of action to save and secure the future of the younger generation who are faced with the stark reality of joblessness in the industry.

2.         The meeting was held at Hotel Presidency, Ernakulam North. It was jointly presided over by Com Alok Khare, Vice Chairman and Com A N Suresh, President of our organization. The commencement of the meeting at 10.30 am was with a short and sweet welcome address by the newly elected General Secretary Com. O. Prajith Kumar, of the host unit.

3. IN MEMORIUM: -

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces and 12 others, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, a veteran fighter against racism, Sri Konjeti Rosaiah, former Chief Minister of A.P., Sri Sadanand Singh, former Minister of Bihar,  Prof.N.D.Patil, leader of Peasants and workers in Maharashtra, Com.Upen Talukdar, former President, AITUC-Assam, Sri C.R.Chandrasekaran, our Advocate and former President of NCBE, Sri T.Dinakaran, Chartd.Accountants-our Auditor, Com.K.K.Nair, former General Secretary, INBOC and Chairman UFBU, Com.S.C.Nayak, former General Secretary, AIBOA-Odissa State Committee, Com.R.Muthuswamy, former  CC member of AIBOA [ IOBOU ], Smt Bani Chakraborti, wife of Late Com Tarakda, Lata Mangeshkar – famous singer, Com. K Ramakrishna Reddy – General Secretary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Employees Union, Mr.Bappi Lahiri – Music director, Ms.K P A C Lalitha – cine artist and Mr.Shane Warne – Australian Cricketer, Civilians in Nagaland.  The house observed two minutes silence to pay homage to the departed souls.

4.         On our invitation Com Binoy Viswam, Hon MP (Rajya Sabha) was present to provide the birds’ eye view of the whole development in the country and the retrograde economic and labour policies pursued by the Govt at the center. The host unit presented the growth trajectory of AIBOA through an effective power point presentation for the benefit of the participants. The participants had the benefit of the history of Nehru Trophy snake boat race observed by the  Kerala State right from 1952 to emphasis the effect of the team work. Com Binoy was honored by Com Alok Khare and Com A N Suresh with shawls. In his seventy minutes address he covered the crisis slowly accumulating in various forms affecting the livelihood of the common man of this country. He was emphasizing that the Bank officers should stand with the struggles for the betterment of the common man of this great nation. In his own simple way he appealed to the participants that Bank Officers under the banner of AIBOA, having a patriotic duty to save the present and future, to join in the ensuing strike announced by CTUS. His speech was simple, appealing and aptly convincing in content. On behalf of our organization a memento was presented by the joint presidium and Com R Jawahar Treasurer, AIBOA.

5.         After the lunch break of 45 minutes, 16 state representatives and representatives of the affiliated units presented the grass root level realities as the new generation have joined the banking Industry hardly one decade back. The discussion was for  a period of 3 ½ hours. The house unanimously authorized the joint presidium and the General Secretary to draw the ways and means to finalise the approach of observing the strike as per the majority members’ expressions. The first day’s session concluded at 5.45 pm with an appeal to reassemble at 9.30 a.m. on 06.03.2022.

6.         As decided, second day the session commenced at 9.45 am to transact the issues concerning organizational matters. The house was informed of the collective decision arrived at to observe the strike on 28^th& 29^th Mar 2022 on our issues and efforts are to be made to bring other Officers’ organizations too to join the strike, for the betterment of the younger generations thereby ensuring security of jobs.

7.CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE: - Reporting by Com V Ramabhadran.

At the initiative of Com B S Ram Babu, Secretary AIBEA, a co-ordination committee meeting was held on 03^rd of February 2022 through VC. The committee consisting of Com V Ramabhadran as a Convenor and Com K Raghava and Com Devidas Menon as members, participated and exchanged the views that there is a need to re-build the relationship to get the gains of consolidation for the benefit of the total work force in the industry. The initiative was a baby step and broader committee of the Principal Office Bearers of AIBOA & AIBEA, along with the convenors are to meet again shortly to prepare the blue print for the future course of action.

8.LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED: -

Com Dr Kumar Arvind, Com Vinod Bakshi, Com S A Sridhar, Com Arvind. Porwal, Vice-Presidents,  Com D N Trivedi and Com Vinod Sharma, Joint Secretaries were granted leave of absence as they have been held up due to various health and personal reasons.

9. MERGER OF UNIONS: -

Representatives of the Unions have informed the house that the steps taken by them collectively to merge the union as a single entity in PNB, Union Bank of India and Indian Bank for the benefit of the participants. Wherever the counselling is required from the central office of AIBOA, it has been decided to extend the same so that the whole exercise should ultimately result in absolute integration without any problems could be concluded.

REPORTING ON BOBOU

The house was briefed about the initiatives taken by Com.A.B.Shetty, leader of erstwhile Vijaya Bank, to narrow down the functional and organizational differences between the office bearers of BOBOU on 1.08.2021 participated by Com.A.N.Suresh, President, Com.K.Raghava, Secretary and the undersigned. One of the office bearer of BOBOU has filed a case against AIBOA also.

10. BYE LAW AMENDMENTS: -

Com Anil Kumar, Convenor of the bye law committee, reported to the house the broad consensus arrived at in the meeting held on 02^nd March 2022 through Video Conference and assured to submit the same to the Central Office of AIBOA within a weeks’ time.

11.STATE COMMITTEE CONFERENCES:

It has been decided that the state committee conferences should be held prior to the national conference and adherence of the provisions of the bye law should be followed. The affiliation fee as well as the wage revision levy should be collected from the affiliated units without any exception before holding the State conferences.

During this period AIBOA -TNSC held its delegates' session on 23^rd October 2021 and the host unit held its conference on 8^th& 9^th of January 2022.  AIBOA- AP & TS has decided to hold the conference in the month of August 2022.

12. FULFILLING THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS:

The affiliated units having collected the wage revision levy are to necessarily remit the same without any further delay. Wherever the units have not implemented the direction of collection of levy should ensure implementation of the same without any excuses. The decision taken in this regard in Nagpur CC, subsequently reiterated in Chennai CC shall be implemented.

Com R. Jawaher, the Treasurer, presented the levy collected from the affiliated units and shared the details of remittance to the state committees as per the details provided by the units to Central Office of AIBOA. The financial discipline shall have to be strictly followed and implemented which is a pre-requisite for the units’ participation 6tin the ensuing national conference.

VIII NATIONAL CONFERENCE: -

The State committees of Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat and U P have offered for holding the conference. The tentative dates will be in the second week of November 2022. The delegate fee for attending the conference will have to be enhanced keeping in view the steep increase in expenses involved in holding the conference. The secretariet shall meet within a short period to decide the issues involved.

APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR: -

As our auditor, Mr T Dinakaran, passed away recently, the necessity has arisen to appoint M/s M A Suriyanarayanan & Co, as our auditor at the same remuneration. The house approved the same unanimously.

TWO ROSES: -

The house was shared with the information about the demitting from the assignment by Com S Lakshminarasimhan on completion of launching of 100^th issue, due to health reasons. The problems related to renewal from RNI and penalty paid for non-submission of the annual returns as per the requirements were reported to the house. The reconstruction work is already underway.

CONSTITUTION OF WAGE COMMITTEE:-

The house unanimously approved the constitution of wage committee under the Convenorship of Com V Ramabhadran, Secretary, AIBOA.

The following are the members of the committee:

Com Nirmal Kumar Dutta, Joint Secretary, Com Sanjay Khan, Secretary, Com Gaurav Goel,  CC member Uttarakhand and Com Jayakala, Joint Secretary, AIBOA KSC.

TRANSIT HOME AT VELLORE: -

The house was appraised of the necessity of procuring a transit house for the benefit of the banking work force for medical treatment at Vellore, Tamilnadu. After the finalization, the developments in this regard will be reported in due course.

FELICITATIONS TO THE CC MEMBERS:

Com.Rajiv Tamhane, Com. Rajesh Tiwari Joint Secretaries AIBOA, Com. Krishna Kumar,(AIPNBOF),Com.V.Viswanathan(MAHARASTRA), Com.G.Srivastava(Jharkhand), Com.P.K.Baruah (Assam), Com.K.Srinivasa Rao (BOBOU) and Com.V.Ramabhadran Secretary were honoured by Com.Alok Khare  Vice- chairman and Com.A.N. Suresh, President, AIBOA.

GOODWILL GESTURE OF THE HOST UNIT:-

As presented in the commencement of the session, a replica of the snake boat race was presented to all the participants to remind that collective work is the necessity of the time and also a sharp reminder to all the participants for the performance at state as well as the unit level in fulfilling the demands of the organization.

VOTE OF THANKS: -

Prior to vote of thanks ,a recording of a melodious song sung by Com Parvathi of KSC, recorded in a shortest time of the famous singer Late Lata Mangeshkar was played.

Com D S Ganesan, Secretary AIBOA profusely thanked the host unit for the excellent arrangements made to host the important meeting at the shortest possible time. The team work by the office bearers led by Com M D Gopinath and Com O Prajith Kumar were duly acknowledged. The session came to an end at 14.00 hours.

ONWARD MARCH TO THE TWO DAYS STRIKE ON 28^TH& 29^TH MARCH 2022.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.24/VII/2021

December 31, 2021

TO

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

2021 – A YEAR OF LESSONS LEARNT.

The Global challenges are multiplying. Prominent amongst them are: Pandemics, Energy crises, climate change, cyber attacks, besides regional security threats. The economy is global; politics are local, regional and transnational also.  The rapid return of Taliban to power in Afghanistan is a serious to the Security.  The ongoing tussle between India and China on Border issues, the conflict between Taiwan and China in South Sea, and Iran’s nuclear programme drives home the point of concerns that Asia is becoming epic centre of security risks. The new combination of forces emerged between China, Pakistan, and Russia to extend support to the new Afghan Government.  The emergence of QUAD (Australia, India, Japan and US) and also an agreement to supply nuclear submarines to Australia to change the dimensions of the conflicts with China, which is also preparing to heap the attacks in the sea front also.

2.         Given the developments in a nutshell, the conclusions are clear i.e. global governance institutions have weakened; there is no regional security apparatus to secure the Asian nations; there is no norms, set of rules and practices to ensure stable and predictable interstate relations in Asia. The survival of their own Governments, the new voice of nationalism and populism, are echoed to establish their legitimacy providing no space to arrive at workable solutions amongst the various Nations.

3.         New Work Culture: The Global Pandemic COVID -19 has prepared the work force to accept the Work from Home culture. This has led to reduction of physical interactions and dispensing with the need for face-to-face meetings. It took a long time and also to experience the trial and error to find a solution to the cost to disease problem.  A new digital society is emerging. Human beings are to convert themselves as data sets.

4.         COVID -19: The half of this year was a hit by the disease and the second half was showing recovery path of the economy. The first wave hit the urban India and second wave hit the hinterland.  The focus was shifted to vaccinations against the availability of the medicines.  It started with 1.7 million jabs per day and steadily raised to a level of 7 million. 1.29 billion Citizens have been vaccinated so far.

5.         The recovery rate of taxes during this year was certainly to an unexpected level. Direct taxes, Excise duty on Petrol Diesel, custom duty and Goods and Service Taxes have come to coffers of the Government. The equity market boom was witnessed.

6.         The Government at the Centre had to faces stiff resistance from the farmer’s community against the enactment of three farm laws without any discussion in the Parliament. 13 months struggle, 48000 charge sheets against the agitating farmers and 700 people losing their lives coupled with the impending elections in 5 states made them to retreat from forceful implementation of three laws.  The saying Homer has been proved i.e “The force of union conquers all“. The united struggle with a firm determination to reclaim the space for a negotiation is to be acknowledged. The Government at the Centre does not relish the voice of discontent even in the floor of the Parliament. For the protest made by the 12 MPs against adoption of the bill pertaining to Insurance Sector without any discussion in the last session, they were suspended to participate in the current session.  Even the reconciliation meeting proposed to be held between the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha was not in a proper direction.

7.         ELECTIONS IN THE STATES: The straight wins by the opposition in three States is West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were of shock to the ruling dispensation at the Centre. The bureaucrat who had stood with the Government at the State was inflicted with a punitive exercise on the last day of his service by the Centre. Change of Guard suddenly in Karnataka and Gujarat was also intriguing in all aspects.  Equally sudden changes of the Governors of some states are without any serious reasons.  

8.         FINANCIAL SYSTEM IS UNDER ATTACK: The Government at the Centre announced the new policy for Public Sector Undertakings in the first week of this year.  IDBI, a DFI, founded in 1964 has to be handed over to private sector during the current year. One non-life Insurance company was proposed to be privatised along with two public Sector Banks as proposed in the Budget. In the monsoon session of the Parliament the bill was adopted without any discussion to privatise all the 4 non -life Insurance Companies. The workforce in the Banking Sector observed two days strike in March 2021 followed by in December expecting the Banking bills would be placed for introduction, consideration and finally adoption.  The Gen Next had responded well with total dedication and commitment much against the expectations of the leaders. But this is a baby step on our part. We have to learn from the Farmers’ Struggle.  The new work culture is emerging i.e. 40 hours of work, 40 weeks of work and 40 years work.  With Artificial Intelligence seeping into all spheres of work, how will protect the jobs and Jobs Security of youth? The stark realities are starring at us in real sense. Do we not take it seriously?

FUTURE OUT LOOK: Effort must focus on building sustainable banking business, by which economy can also expand. The setbacks if any to be faced can also be countered in a proper way.

EMERGENCE OF OMICRON HOW IT SHAPES OUR OUTLOOK 

REMAINS TO  BE  SEEN  IN  2022 ?

With greetings,

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY
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Circular No.23/VII/2021

December 21, 2021

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Dear Comrades,

LONG CHERISHED DREAM COMES TRUE.

ONCE AGAIN AIBOA MAHARASTRA STATE COMMITTEE HAS DONE.

Com. Narendra Kotiawala the then Deputy General Secretary of AIBOA, whose continuous efforts right from December 2005 to own premises for AIBOA at Mumbai was realized on 19^th October 2020. He was continuously straining hard to inaugurate the premises with all seriousness to synchronize the same with the signing of the 8^th Joint Note of Officers’ wage revision at Mumbai. The Global pandemic has become the stumbling block to complete the renovation work in the premises.

2.         The central committee meeting of our organization was held at Nagpur on 13^th and 14^th February 2021, marking the completion of forty years of purposeful existence to serve the workforce in the Industry as well as Customers of the Banks. The proceedings of the CC were worth remembering. Com.Narendra was taking earnest steps to inaugurate the office before Feb 2021.  But the icy hands of the death had snatched the comrade 0n 13^th March 2021. It was a bolt from the blue.

3.         With all environmental constraints in the City of Mumbai, there was a meeting held on 11^th December 2021 to remember the services rendered by Com.Narendra to all of us specifically to Mumbaikars. It was held at Corporation Bank Employees Union, Fort, premises, where AIBOA held its meeting on 27^th June 1984 after submitting the first Charter of Demand under the leadership of Com. Prabhat Kar and Com.P.K.Menon thethen founder President and General Secretary of AIBOA.

4.         The meeting was conducted by the joint presidium of Com.R.N.Patil, Chairman and com.V.Viswanathan President of the AIBOA (MSC). On our request, Com.Nandakumar Chavan Vice President AIBEA and President of MSBEF and Com.Vishwas Utagi, Joint Convenor of Trade unions attended the meeting.

5.         The meeting commenced with the brief presentation by Com.Devdas Menon, Joint General Secretary of AIBOA (MSC) detailing the purpose of meeting. The members’ present have paid floral tributes to Com.Narendra Kotiawala one by one. It was followed by the rich tributes paid by Com.R.N.Patil, Com.V.Viswanathan, Com.Nandakumar Chavan, Com.Vishwas Utagi, Com.Patwardhan, Com.Arvind Chougule, Com.S.N.Kallur, Com.V.Phaniraj, Com.Dhiraj and finally by the undersigned. We have lost one of the driving forces in the state of Maharastra. It is difficult to fill the void created by his demise.  

6          CO-OPTION OF OFFICE BEARERS: Com.Devdas Menon has been coopted to lead the AIBOA MSC as General Secretary. In his place Com.Francis Menezes was elevated as Joint General Secretary. Com.Gurminder Singh Oberoi and Com.S.N.Kallur have been coopted as Vice Presidents. Com.V.Phaniraj has been inducted as a Secretary in the team of Office bearers. The meeting placed on records the appreciation to the comrades of Corporation Bank Employees Union who had facilitated the conduct of the memorial meeting. The session stood adjourned for lunch at 14.15hrs

7.         INAUGURATION OF THE OFFICE PREMISES:

The opening of office premises at 602, Darshan Building, 6^th Floor, Raghunath Dadaji Lane, Near Handloom House, Fort, Mumbai-400 001 was inaugurated at 15.45 hours by the undersigned. The function was attended by Com. Vishwas Utagi.   Visualising the changes happening in the Industry as well as in the Individual Bank level in providing a roof to unions, the premises acquired by AIBOA MSC would benefit the units functioning in the state of Maharastra / Mumbai.

As suggested in the Secretariat of AIBOA, the new premises has been named after Com.Narendra Kotiawala

as 
NARENDRA BHAVAN

Thus the opening of our premises at Mumbai is added advantage on our performance.

With greetings,

Yours comradely

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

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Circular.22/VII/2021

December 17, 2021

To:

ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

HALT THE SALE OF THE NATION TO PRIVATE CORPORATES.

SAVE THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM OF THE COUNTRY.

TWO DAYS STRIKE BY THE WORKFORCE – A RESOUNDING SUCCESS.

In order to achieve the disinvestment target of Rs 1,75,000 crores, the Government at the Centre has released the list of assets to be leased out in the name of National Monetisation Policy (NMP).

The rent to be received by the Government in our years will be Rs.6,00,000 Crs.    

Government will hold the assets on paper only.

2. SALE OF IDBI & TWO PUBLIC SECTOR PRIVATISATION:

In the current year budget, it was clearly spelt out that IDBI and two public Sector banks will be privatized. As far as IDBI is concerned Government at the Centre is holding 46% and LIC has invested 51% thus 97%   of the capital is held by Government and a Public Sector Financial Institution. LIC was directed to withdraw its 51% investment in one stroke. DIPAM has already engaged itself to step up the sale of IDBI to private owners. It is claimed that INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK AND CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA are the two banks shortlisted by NITI AAYOG and forwarded to the Finance Ministry for taking up the issues further. This is the beginning of putting the clock back to 1969. As it had appeared in the print media, the important functionary in the Finance Ministry, clearly indicated in phases all the Public Sectors banks will be taken back to the position prior to 1969.

3. SEVEN APEX LEVEL UNIONS TOOK STEPS TO RESIST THE MOVES OF THE GOVERNMENT.

On pronouncement of the proposed bank privatization in the budget, the entire workforce under the aegis of nine unions observed the two days strike call on 15^th and 16^th March 2021. There was no move to place the bill in the Parliament in the monsoon session. But in the current session, the bill to amend the Banking Laws of 1970 &1980.was listed for introduction, consideration and adoption Still after a detailed discussion, we were forced to observe the strike on 16^th and 17^th December 2021 as the Government was not keen in assuring that the said bills will not be taken for discussion in the current session. Reports are highly encouraging about the observance of Strike throughout the country. Young and Old, seniors and Juniors, men and women have shown their total support to the two days strike by the bankmen. Banking activities have been brought to a grinding halt.

It is only a baby step on our part.

4. EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER:

The farmers’ agitations stretching to 13 months period, witnessed 700 individuals sacrificed their life and 48000 court cases against the farmers in various high courts and ultimately the Government has to come down and the repealed three farm laws in the first day of the current Parliament session and committed in writing to discuss further with the farmers’ representatives on their demands.Collective sacrifice, conviction to achieve the desired decisions and rock like unity have brought the relief to the agitating farmers.

Hence our two days strike is only the baby step towards the long journey of the struggle. Get ourselves prepared for the same. Our struggle is for the nation building exercise and halt the sale of the Public Assets to the private hands and Public Sector Banks are Nation building instruments. The PSBs are to be preserved, protected and promoted. The efforts on our part is to prevail upon the powers that Private Sector Banks are to be nationlised to protect the interest of the depositors, investors and also public at large.

ALL GLORY TO UNITED MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT LINE WARRIORS OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM

With revolutionary greetings to all,

Yours comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.21/VII/2021
December 6, 2021


To:
ALL UNITS / STATE COMMITTEES

Comrades,

COMRADE SUBHASH CHANDRA NAYAK IS NO MORE.

Comrade Subhash Chandra Nayak, former General Secretary of AIBOA(Orissa State Committee) and Central Committee Member of Our Organisation passed away today in the early hours at Apollo Hospital. 

2. Born on 12th March 1949, on completion of Graduation, joined as a clerk in Central Bank of India in 1972 and promoted to officer in 1981.He was forced to opt out of the Bank on account of his transfer by the management of Central Bank of India.

3. Com.Subhash Nayak was the founder General Secretary of Orissa State Central Bank Employees union and on the formation of Orissa State Central Bank Officers union, he was the natural choice of the people to lead the officers’ movement from the front. He was the General Secretary of AIBOA (Orissa State Committee) from its foundation till 2010. Quarter Century he led the officers’ movement.

4. He was one of the respected comrades in the State for his sterling qualities. He admired by one and all in the State as well as in AIBOA.

5. AIBOA movement has lost one of the finest comrade. We share the grief of the family members and convey our heartfelt condolences to them.

AIBOA dips its banner in the memory of the departed comrade.
COM. Subhash Chandra Nayak Amar Rahe Amar rahe.


Yours in grief,
S.NAGARAJAN.
GENERAL SECRETARY

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Circular No.20/VII/2021
December 1, 2021

TO
ALL UNITS / STATE OMMITTEES

Comrades,

                                       TWO DAYS STRIKE ON 16th and 17th December 2021
                                             RESISTANCE STEPS BY SEVEN CONSTITUENTS &
                                                  LONG DRAWN STRUGGLE IS IN THE OFFING.

The nine constituents met on 29th and 30th November 2021 through Video Conference. The first day meeting was participated by Com. V. Ramabhadran Secretary AIBOA. Second day meet was participated by the undersigned. It was decided to observe two days’ strike on 16th and 17th December 2021 opposing the proposed move of the Central Government introducing, consultations and consideration the bill pertaining to the Amendments of Banking Regulations Act 1972 and 1980.

2. All our State Committees and Affiliated units are to coordinate with the State committees and make the programmes a resounding success.

Participate enmass and prepare for a long drawn struggle against the Government,

Comrades.
The circular issued in this regard by UFBU is sent herewith.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN. 
GENERAL SECRETARY.

ENCL AS ABOVE.

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Circular No.19/VII/2021
November 23, 2021

TO