1

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 88th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION HELD IN VISAKHAPATNAM FROM 18TH TO 20TH DECEMBER 2012

The 88th Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation was held from 18 th to 20th

December, 2012 at Visakhapatnam(Waltair Division) of East Coast Railway, as per notified schedule. More than 30,000 participants, including Office Bearers of the AIRF and its affiliates, union

activists, delegates and observers belonging to all the affiliated unions of AIRF started gathering at Visakhapatnam, right from the evening of 17th December, 2012, coming all the way from different parts of the country. The participants were full of enthusiasm and they were offered warm welcome by the host union, i.e. East Coast Railway Shramik Union, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. The entire station building, different streets and the venue of the meeting were colorfully decorated in a befitting manner by the host union, which added to the beauty of the event. PRESS CONFERENCE On the occasion of 88th Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, a nicely arranged Press Conference was held in Hotel Dash Palla, Visakhapatnam at 9:00 hrs., which was addressed by the General Secretary AIRF, Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra and Shri Ch. Gandhi, General Secretary, East Coast Railway Shramik Union. At the outset, Shri Mishra, while offering warm welcome to media persons present, briefed the programme of AIRF‟s 88th Annual Conference and informed that the various significant issues and challenges before the Ralwaymen shall be deliberated in this three days conference.

Shri Mishra stated that, after Independence AIRF was the only organization which was the voice and the face of the Railwaymen, but because of political ambitions, another federation came into existence, however, AIRF is still largest and militant organization since its inception in the year 1924.

He further mentioned that AIRF, which has a glorious history of struggles and sacrifices, having

various remarkable achievements at its credit, has been No.1 largest organization of the Transport Workers in the world, affiliated to International Transport Workers‟ Federation, accordingly we are ought to attend the 43rd Congress of the ITF, to be held in Sofia(Bulgaria) in the year 2014.

Thereafter, he narrated in brief the glorious history of the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation.

2

Shri Mishra further informed that on 28th March, 2012 All India Railwaymen‟s Federation had organized a historic massive “March to Parliament” with the slogan – “Rail Bachao–Desh Bachao”, wherein around 50,000 Railwaymen from each and every corner of the country took part. While briefing critical financial condition of the Indian Railways, Shri Mishra stated that the common man of the country is already financially over-burdened, as such, it would not be proper to further add to their hardship by increasing the fare of the Railways. He, therefore, stressed that since the Indian Railways is the means of transport for common man of the country, Government of India should treat it as one of the priority infrastructures. He further said that, almost all the railway projects, which are already started, are not being completed due to financial crunch and demanded that the Government of India should provide rupee 50,000 crore per annum for a period of minimum 5 years to the Indian Railways, so that the Indian Railways can run efficiently, and in case it is not done, productivity, efficiency and safety of the Indian Railways shall suffer a lot. Shri Mishra further mentioned that the financial support to the Indian Railways from the general exchequer is more necessary to provide quality service to rail users as also for overall development of the Indian Railways and completion of various pending rail projects. While briefing the achievements of the AIRF, Shri Mishra expressed his anguish on the long pending demands of the Railwaymen, viz. cadre restructuring, implementation of unanimous recommendations of the Joint Committee on Package and Career Progression of Trackmen, dispensation of Written Test for the purpose of recruitment under LARSGESS, upgradation of apex level Group `C‟ posts to Group `B‟ posts, removal of anomalies of the VI CPC and MACPS, merger of Technician Grade II with Grade I, etc. etc., most of which are already agreed upon by the Ministry of Railways, but are not being implemented on account of unwarranted for involvement of the Ministry of Finance, causing serious resentment amongst the Railwaymen. Talking to media persons, Shri Mishra stated that, this 88th Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation would definitely take some concrete decisions in the wake of Railway Board‟s indifferent attitude towards fulfilling genuine long pending demands of the Railwaymen, and setting up of Seventh Central Pay Commission shall also be a major demand this time. He mentioned that, in case there is no change in the attitude of Ministry of Railways, AIRF would be left with no option but to resort to strike ballot leading to stoppage of works.

He also explained, as to how and under what circumstances VI CPC was constituted by the

Government of India. He further stated that the wage revision of the employees of a number of departments is done

every five years and the V CPC had strongly recommended for revision of wages of the Central Government Employees at least once in 10 years, as such, it is high time that the Government of India should take necessary action to constitute VII CPC.

He thereafter replied to the questions of the media persons.

3

He also informed that, wherever Railways have been privatized, the same have collapsed, and if Government of India tries to privatize the Indian Railways, we shall be left with no alternative but to go for total strike ballot. He further informed that, there are more than two lakh vacancies in the Railways, and we are pressing hard the Railway Board to fill-up the same at the earliest and we are also fighting against anti-labour policies of the Government of India.

Talking about rail accidents, he regretted that 80% train accidents are attributed to “Human Failure”, whereas reality is that these accidents take place due to system/material failure. CONFERENCE OF THE ALL INDIA COMMITTEE OF RAILWAY WOMEN WORKERS OF AIRF

The 13th Annual Conference of the All India Committee of Railway Women Workers of AIRF was held in East Coast Railway Exhibition Ground, Visakhapatnam at 10:00 hrs. on 18 th December, 2012, which was presided over by Com. Mrs. D. Shaleel, Chairperson, All India Committee of Railway Women Workers of AIRF. Around 1,000 women workers, including Chairpersons and Conveners of all the Zonal and Production Units Union Women Committees, Divisional and Branch level Office Bearers and other women activists took part in the Conference.

At the outset, Ms D. Shaleel, Chairperson, All India Committee of Railway Women Workers of

AIRF, while delivering her welcome address offered warm welcome to the participants and expressed her satisfaction that the participation of women in the unions is increasing day-by-day and they are taking keen interest in various activities at every place

General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Working President AIRF, Com. Rakhal Dass

Gupta, Com. Ch. Gandhi, Asstt. General Secretary AIRF and General Secretary, East Coast Railway Shramik Union, were also present to grace the occasion along with Mrs. Nishi Kapahi, Women Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region, ITF and Ms Champa Verma, Chairperson, Women Wing, Hind Mazdoor Sabha. All these leaders were offered heartfelt welcome by Smt. D. Shaleel and Smt. Jaya Agarwal, Convener, All India Committee of Railway Women Workers of AIRF.

While inaugurating the Conference, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, stated

that, the 13th Annual Conference of the All India Committee of Railway Women Workers of AIRF was being held in the beautiful city of Visakhapatnam(Andhra Pradesh). He further quoted a famous sher of Late Mazrooh Sultanpuri,“Main akela hi chala tha janibe manzil magar, Log saath aate gaye aur karwaan banta gaya”, and said that, Mrs. D. Shaleel long back decided to organize the Railway Women Workers, which has resulted in such a large gathering today, which is the strength of the women.

Com. Mishra further stated that, the unity of women workers not only makes women stronger but

also the Federation, and wherever women are organized, the organization itself is strong. He stressed that, no union can run without women and without union no nation. He expressed satisfaction that now, almost all our zonal unions have their respective Women Wings which are functioning very well and hoped that the Conference would seriously discuss the challenges before the Railwaymen and Rail Industry. He further called upon to forge the unity so that any move towards privatization of the Railways is opposed with full might and strength.

4

Com. Mishra also informed the house about the long pending genuine demands of the Railwaymen, viz. cadre restructuring, abolition of Written Test for the purpose of recruitment under LARSGESS, upgradation of apex level Group `C‟ posts to Group `B‟, merger of Technician Grade II with Grade I, unanimous recommendations of Joint Commission on Package and Career Progression for Trackmen, Running Staff related issues, etc. etc., are not being redressed by the Ministry of Railways and Government of India. Child Care Leaves are being denied to women workers working as Ministerial Staff, Nursing Staff, Enquiry-Cum-Reservation Clerk, Ticket Checking Staff etc. on the pretext of shortage of staff and said that AIRF is trying its best to increase the Leave Reserved Posts, so that no leave is denied to anybody.

While concluding his speech he expressed his hope that the women workers will further unite and support AIRF and its affiliates so that we are able to fight against all the atrocities during the time to come and the AIRF affiliates shall succeed in securing highest votes during the ensuing secret ballot elections. Addressing the Conference, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Working President AIRF, congratulated the participants for gathering in such a large number and informed that, on account of persistent efforts of the AIRF, two extra slots could be allotted to the women at the Railway Board and Zonal level PNM and one slot at Divisional level PNM, thereby ensuring their participation in decision making.

Com. Das Gupta further informed various achievements made by the AIRF for the Railwaymen in

general and the women workers in particular, which include: constitution of VI CPC after long struggle, Child Care Leave for women workers, Privilege Passes to the Railwaymen on New Pass Rules enabling all class of the Railwaymen to travel in AC Coaches, educational assistance to educate the chi ldren of Railwaymen, women participation in Negotiation Fora, etc. etc. and called upon to strengthen the unions affiliated to AIRF in all parts of the country.

Talking about the forthcoming secret ballot elections for recognition of the unions, he recalled that

during the last secret ballot elections, AIRF affiliated unions won with overwhelming votes and expressed his hope that this time also we would succeed in securing No.1 position.

Thereafter, Mrs. Jaya Agarwal presented Annual Report of Women Activities, during the period under report, before the house.

Mrs. Nishi Kapahi, Women Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region International Transport Workers Federation, speaking on the occasion, congratulated the women participants for their unity and strength.

She further opined that this Conference of the women is significant inasmuch as they can interact

with each other and discuss their problems. She further added that, though leaving the house is very difficult for the women, but it makes them stronger and women can play a vital role in the forthcoming secret ballot elections.

She also informed that more and more training programmes would be organized during the time to

come for women leadership development. She also expressed urgent need to organize contract workers also because until and unless they

are not organized, the condition of the Railway Industry would deteriorate day-by-day. She also warned the

5

house that, for the survival of Railway Industry, we would have to organize ourselves, otherwise we would reduce to a very few numbers. Speaking on this occasion, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Regional Secretary, Asia-Pacific Region, International Transport Workers Federation, assured that the ITF is always ready to facilitate women workers in their struggle and stressed that, togetherness and unity is the demand of time to survive.

Bro. Stephen Cotton, Acting General Secretary ITF, while addressing the Conference, showed his pleasure to be a part of this titan august gathering. He said that, although AIRF is the biggest affiliate of the ITF since 1932, but this is a memorable moment for him, because he never witnessed such a huge women comrades conferencing with great zeal and enthusiasm under one umbrella.

Speaking on this occasion Ms Champa Verma, Chairperson, Women Wing, HMS stressed on

women unity and expressed her pleasure for making nice arrangements for the Conference. She further stated that the Indian Railways being one of the largest Rail Networks in the world, is

playing a vital role in national development, but its dignity is at a stake because of the policy of the government to outsource perennial nature activities of the Railways.

She reminded the house that, it was only because of AIRF‟s existence that the Railway Industry is

in its present shape, otherwise Indian Railways would have collapsed much before, and in addition, AIRF has achieved a number of privileges for the Railwaymen, which the government is trying to snatch.

Concluding her speech, Ms Champa Verma called upon the women workers to further unite and

organize themselves under AIRF affiliate unions so as to face future challenges and to achieve the demand of constitution of the VII CPC.

The Chairpersons of different affiliated unions of AIRF also presented the brief report of the women

activities in their respective Zones and Production Units.

Mrs. D. Shaleel thereafter expressed thanks to all AIRF leaders, women office bearers and participants for taking all pains in coming to Visakhapatnam for attending the Conference in masses. The Conference was thereafter concluded with vote of thanks to the Chair.

WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Working Committee of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation also met simultaneously at 12:00 hrs. which was presided over by Com. Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF.

At the outset, Com. Ch. Gandhi, General Secretary of the host union – East Coast Railway Shramik Union, honoured Com. Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Working President AIRF, Bro. Stephen Cotton, Acting General Secretary, International Transport Federation, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang, General Secretary, National Union of Seafarers of India, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Regional Secretary, Asia-Pacific Region, International Transport Federation and Mrs. Nishi Kapahi, Women Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region,

6

International Transport Federation, sitting on the dais, by garlanding them. He also offered warm welcome to all the Working Committee Members and explained the details of the programme.

Addressing the Working Committee, President AIRF, Com. Purohit, while offering warm welcome

to the distinguished guests and the participants, briefly narrated the present situation and the issues of significance for the Railwaymen.

He also opined that this is high time that we should forcefully raise our demand for setting-up of

Seventh Central Pay Commission for the Railwaymen and the Central Government Employees as their wage revision shall be due w.e.f. 01.01.2016 as per recommendations of the V CPC and more particularly in the wake of wage revision of the State Government Employees and other employees being done every five years in most of the cases.

Com. Purohit also added that the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation has always demanded “one

union in one industry” and is of firm opinion that there should be one union in the Railways elected through secret ballot, and the time has come that our affiliated unions should make all preparations to undergo the forthcoming secret ballot elections which are likely to be conducted in April 2013.

Speaking on this occasion, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, while welcoming

AIRF Working Committee Members, also briefed about various issues, including major demands of the Railwaymen, secret ballot elections going to be conducted during April 2013 for recognition of the unions. He also asked the Working Committee Members to give their suggestions to chalk out the final programme of the 88th Annual Conference of AIRF.

General Secretary AIRF, while stressing the need of serious discussion in the 88th Annual

Conference of AIRF, in the backdrop of secret ballot elections, said that, we must be prepared to launch serious struggle against the delaying tactics of the Railway Ministry and Government of India in fulfilling the major legitimate long pending demands of the Railwaymen.

Com. Rakhal Dass Gupta introduced Draft Resolution No.4 regarding Constitution of 7th

Central Pay Commission and Resolution No.5 in support of nationwide struggle launched by the Central Trade Unions. It was unanimously decided that the demand of setting-up of 7th Central Pay Commission should be taken-up in the agenda and the unions should make all out efforts to successfully face the ensuing secret ballot elections for recognition of the unions. All the Draft Resolutions were adopted unanimously for placing in the General Council.

Bro. Stephen Cotton, Acting General Secretary, International Transport Federation, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang, General Secretary, National Union of Seafarers of India, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Regional Secretary, Asia-Pacific Region, International Transport Federation and Mrs. Nishi Kapahi, Women Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region, International Transport Federation, also graced the occasion. OPEN SESSION

A largely attended massive procession was taken out in the afternoon, starting from Visakhapatnam Railway Station, passing through various important street of Visakhapatnam, which culminated into a mass meeting in the form of Open Session in the East Coast Railway Exhibition Ground.

7

Com. Umraomal Purohit, President All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, presided over the Open Session, and Bro. Stephen Cotton, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang, General Secretary, General Secretary, National Union of Seafarers of India, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Mrs. Nishi Kapahi, Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthy, President GITAM University and Chairman Reception Committee, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Working President AIRF, other Office Bearers of AIRF, Shri Anil Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Waltair Division, East Coast Railway, Shri C. Madhusudhana Rao, Addl. Divisional Railway Manager Waltair Division of East Coast Railway, Shri B.S. Rao, Divisional Secretary, All India RPF Association, Waltair Division and General Secretaries of AIRF‟s affiliated unions, Mrs. D. Shaleel, Smt. Jaya Agarwal and Ms. Champa Verma were present on the dais.

At the outset, Com. Ch. Gandhi, General Secretary and Com. N. Satpathy, President of the host

union honored the office bearers of AIRF, Acting General Secretary of the ITF and other dignitaries present on the dais by the presenting them bouquet, shawl and memento. Thereafter, Com. Umraomal Purohit along with General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Com. Rakhal Das Gupta, Bro. Stephen Cotton, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Office Bearers of AIRF and other dignitaries present on the dais lighted up a ”Deep” to formally inaugurate the Open Session. Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthy, while welcoming all the dignitaries present on the occasion, stated that 18th December was really a “Red Letter Day” in the history of Visakhapatnam and offered warm welcome all the participants of the 88th Annual Conference of AIRF present on this occasion. In his welcome address, he further stated that the Railways do play a vital role in the development of the country and despite several problems, shortage of manpower Railway employees are running Indian Railway System safely, smoothly and efficiently.

He further stressed that the Indian Railways require more attention and until and unless the Government of India pay due attention on it, there cannot be desired improvement in the system as Indian Railways is a part of nation‟s wealth. While addressing the gathering, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang appreciated AIRF and its leadership for securing a number of achievements and privileges for the Railwaymen and their families.

Speaking on this occasion, Bro. Mahendra Sharma stated that the ITF has been conducting Trade Union Education, Women Education and HIV/AIDS Awareness and Leadership Development Programmes for AIRF and its affiliated unions for the last more than 25 years and this has helped a lot in strengthening the Federation and its unions on Zonal Railways and Production Units.

Bro. Sharma stressed upon that, in the changed scenario when corporatization is being resorted to

in several activities related to Railways, it would not suffice to work for the organized workforce but there is urgent need to organize the unorganized workers employed in the PSUs related to Indian Railways, like Metro Railway, RITES, CONCOR, IRCON, etc., then and then only trade union movement can sustain its strength.

8

Addressing the large gathering, Com. Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, media persons, leaders of AIRF and all the participants talked about all the important issues, the present state of affairs and the challenges before the Railwaymen.

He emphatically added that the cadre of all the AIRF affiliates should remain fully prepared to face

the challenge of the forthcoming secret ballot elections so as to achieve the goal of “One Industry-One Union”.

Com. Purohit also opined that this is high time to put-forth our demand before the Government of

India to set-up 7th Central Pay Commission, as wage revision of the Railwaymen and Central Government Employees shall invariably become due w.e.f. 1st January 2016 as per recommendations of the V CPC.

Acting General Secretary ITF, Bro. Stephen Cotton, while addressing the gathering spoke about

the world situation and congratulated the AIRF for its unified struggle against the policies which are causing harm to the Railwaymen and are against the interests of the working class.

He stated that the International Transport Workers Federation is committed to safeguard the rights

of the workers of the Transport Industry across the world and the Railwaymen in particular. He further stated that the AIRF, being the oldest and one of the largest organizations of the

Railwaymen, affiliated to International Transport Workers Federation, has to play a vital role in this endeavor.

Shri Anil Kumar, while representing Railway Administration, welcomed all those who were present on the occasion.

He stated that, labour interests have always remained top priority of All India Railwaymen‟s

Federation. He expressed his hope that this Conference would deliberate the issues of Railwaymen‟s interests as also for the betterment of the Railway Industry.

General Secretary AIRF, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra offered warm welcome to Bro. Stephen

Cotton, Bro. Abdulgani Y. Serang, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Ms Nishi Kapahi, distinguished guests - Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthy, Shri Anil Kumar and Shri C. Madhusudhana Rao, Shri B.S. Rao, Office Bearers of AIRF and its affiliates, Zonal Secretaries of AIRF, Delegates and the entire audience.

Addressing the Conference, Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, explained in

detail current status of various major demands of the Railwaymen and the efforts being made by the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation to resolve the same.

Com. Mishra mentioned that, though we have succeeded in achieving some of the long pending

major demands of the Railwaymen during this period, viz. one additional increment to those whose annual increment was due between February and June 2006, exemption of PET from LARGESS, appointment on compassionate ground to non-Matriculate wards of Railway employees, illiterate widows, travelling facilities in Duranto Trains on Duty on Passes, payment of arrears of Overtime Allowance from 1.1.2006 etc., however, a number of issues, particularly those which are already agreed upon in the Negotiating Fora, are still hanging fire, causing serious resentment amongst the Railwaymen, and in case Ministry of Railways

9

and Government of India do not take necessary steps to address these issues, direct trade union action shall become inevitable.

He expressed his full trust and belief that our affiliated unions shall secure even better results

during the forthcoming Secret ballot elections, going to be held in April next year. He called upon to make all out effort to strengthen the organization by ensuring active participation

of the Youth and the Women Workers in the unions for a successful struggle during the time to come. Concluding his speech, Com. Mishra stressed that, in case Ministry of Railways continues with

indifferent attitude to address the genuine long pending demands of the Railwaymen, AIRF would left with no alternative but to go for strike ballot for an Indefinite Strike in the Railways. The Open Session ended with vote of thanks to the Chair and the participants dispersed shouting the slogans of their unions, AIRF and their leadership. DELEGATE SESSION

The Delegate Session of the 88th Annual Conference of AIRF started at 10:00 hrs. on 19th

December, 2012 in East Coast Railway Exhibition Ground, Visakhapatnam and Com. Umaromal Purohit was in the chair. Before commencement of Delegate Session, Com. Umraomal Purohit unfurled the flag of AIRF in the presence of thousands of Railwaymen and narrated in brief the history of Red Flag, which the flag of the AIRF also.

Com. Purohit, while offering welcome to Office Bearers of AIRF and its affiliates and Delegates, briefly discussed about the issues to be deliberated to arrive at some conclusion for future course of action. He then handed over the dais to Com. Rakhal Dass Gupta, Working President AIRF, for further proceedings.

Com. Rakhal Dass Gupta also offered heartfelt welcome and greetings to the participants and took

over further agenda for deliberation thereon. In the beginning, the house paid heartfelt homage to those who passed away during the

intervening period, the names of whom are given in the attached “Annexure”. On being called upon, the General Secretary made a detailed report and delivered more than one-

and-a-half hour long speech, explaining in details all the issues, organizational matter, socio-economic situation, etc. etc.

He gave a clarion call to the entire cadre to come forward to make the organization more and more

stronger, keeping in view secret ballot elections. Com. J.R. Bhosle, Treasurer AIRF, presented audited Statement of Income & Expenditure of the

AIRF in the house for consideration.

10

Five Draft Resolutions, 1st Resolution on Socio-Economic Problem(moved by Com. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, AGS/AIRF and seconded by Ms. Champa Verma), 2nd Resolution on Problems of the Railwaymen(moved by Com. J.R. Bhosle, Treasurer/AIRF and seconded by Com. Ch. Shankara Rao, AGS/AIRF), third Resolution on Secret Ballot(moved by Com. Mukesh Galav, AGS/AIRF and seconded by Com. Mukesh Mathur, GS/NWREU), fourth Resolution on 7th Central Pay Commission(moved by Com. Rakhal Das Gupta), and fifth Resolution on supporting the agitations launched by all the Central Trade Unions(moved by Com. Rakhal Das Gupta), were placed before the house for deliberation.

Thereafter, a meaningful debate was held to deliberate on General Secretary‟s Report, Accounts of

AIRF and the Five Draft Resolutions, wherein General Secretaries of the affiliated unions, Office Bearers of AIRF and other union and Delegates took part.

Among those who took part in the debate were Com. Basant Chaturvedi, Zonal Secretary/AIRF,

Com. S.K. Brahma, General Secretary ERMU, Com. A.M. D’Cruz, AGS/AIRF, Com. P. Ganesan AGS/LRS/SRMU, Com. Daljeet Singh, Divisional Secretary, Ferozepur Division NRMU (NR), Com. Asish Biswas Jt. Genl. Secretary NFRMU, Com. S.K. Bose Jt. Genl. Secretary NRMU (CR), Com. M.N. Bajpayee, Vice President AIRF, Com. S. Bhattacharjee, President Running Staff, Branch Waltair Division of East Coast Railway Shramik Union, Com. Smt. D. Shaleel.

While giving valuable suggestions, the speakers mainly demanded removal of anomalies of the VI

CPC, MACPS, liberalization of LARSGESS, amendment in HOER, implementation of unanimous recommendations of the Cadre Restructuring Committee, Joint Committee on Package and Career Progression of Trackmen, settlement of long pending demands of the Railwaymen, grievances of the Running Staff. They also recalled the history and achievements of the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation. Speaking on ensuing secret ballot elections going to be held in April 2013, the speakers assured that they shall leave no stone unturned to achieve grand success therein.

The speakers highly appreciated the leadership of the host union for making nice arrangements for

holding 88th Annual Conference of AIRF successfully. Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, while replying to the debate on General Secretary‟s Report, thanked all those who had appreciated his report and assured the house that the suggestions made by the speakers for the betterment of AIRF would be kept in mind in future. He also reiterated that, for early fulfillment of our demands, AIRF leadership would chalk out the strategy of our struggle in the month of January and we may go for strike ballot thereafter.

He again urged upon to remain fully prepared for the ensuing secret ballot elections without any lethargy and reminded that AIRF is a great organization, of which we are true soldiers. He also expressed the need to improve upon the financial condition of AIRF by increasing affiliation fees and as well requested the affiliated unions to come forward for financial assistance not to smoothly and efficiently run AIRF but also the Library established to commemorate Late Com. J.P. Chaubey. He heartily appreciated the leadership of ECoRSU for making fantastic arrangements for holding AIRF‟s 88th Annual Conference successfully.

11

After detailed deliberations, the General Secretary‟s Report, Audited Statement of Income & Expenditure of AIRF and the five Draft Resolutions, placed before the house, were unanimously passed by the house, and the future course of action was also finalized as per resolutions. In his Presidential speech, Com. Umraomal Purohit stated that, whatever AIRF has done for the betterment of the Railwaymen should be explained to grassroots workers. He further added that, besides demanding fulfillment of our long pending demands we should demand constitution of the VII CPC. He also stressed upon the need of unity of the Railwaymen and stronger unions. He thanked the leadership of the host union for holding AIRF‟s 88 th Annual Conference in an excellent manner.

Com. Ch. Gandhi, General Secretary, ECORSU paid his thanks to all the Delegates, Observers for their co-operation.

The meeting was concluded after vote of thanks to the chair.

No.AIRF/3 Dated: January 9, 2013 Forwarded to, General Secretaries, all affiliated unions of AIRF – for information. Comradely yours, (Shiva Gopal Mishra) General Secretary

12

ANNEXURE - `A’

RESOLUTION NO.1 - SOCIO ECONOMIC PROBLEM

This 88th Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, held at Visakhapatnam from

18th to 20th December, 2012, notes with concern that wide socio-economic disparities are not only prevailing but aggravating day-by-day causing social tension. The Government vouched of inclusive growth. The growth should be shared and pro-poor. Growth should be coupled with equal opportunities. Poverty is a crime, it must be eliminated. Where there is economic poverty, there is socio–cultural poverty as well and they interlinked. Educational empowerment can uplift a person financially, which in turn, exhumes their socio- cultural status. Price stability, financial stability and growth are interlinked and cannot be compromised on any of them. Unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, corruption, nepotism, favouritism need to be addressed. The inclusive growth cannot be viewed in terms of progress in social and financial inclusion. A large part of the population, particularly segments like landless agricultural labours, marginal farmers, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes continue to suffer social and financial exclusion. There is demographic divide. There are regional imbalances. The GDP of India at constant price on 2004–2005 has been increased from Rs.45,07,637 crore to Rs. 48,85,954 crore during the year from 2009–2010 to 2010–2011. Per capita income rose from Rs.53,331 to Rs.60,972 during the period 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, people at the bottom level live on Rs.16.78 per day in villages and Rs.23.40 per day in cities. This is as per 68 th round of the National Sample Survey conducted during 2011–2012, sample based on 7,391 villages in 59,070 households where the top billionaires are holding assets up to $ 21 billion. What a stark disparity? The Government had appointed number of committees to determining poverty line. According to Arjun Sengupta Committee, 77% of the people in our country are poor. Suresh Tendulkar Committee appointed for the purpose laid down that persons earning below Rs.32 in Urban and Rs.26 in Rural Area are considered as Below Poverty Line. The Government in its affidavit before the Hon‟ble Supreme Court has also upheld the position. But the Planning Commission has revised and laid down that persons whose daily income is less than Rs.28.65 in Urban and Rs. 22.40 in Rural Areas are to be considered as person living Below Poverty Line. The Planning Commission has reduced the calorie intake for person from 2400 to 1800 to arrive at the revised figure. The Government has almost stopped supply of food articles to the persons living Below Poverty Line. The Government was considering to bring Food Security Bill, but come-up with a proposal to pay the subsidy in cash through the banks. The persons for that matter should have registered themselves in ADHAAR. Large number of people living Below Poverty Line will not be able to register their name in this process and they will be deprived of having their minimum necessaries at subsidized rate. The Government wanted to implement the system as a part of report of Kelkar Committee who has recommended to reduce the burden of subsidy through various means. Due to steep rise in price of all the essential commodities, it has become impossible for the poor and lower middle class to maintain their family budget. The Public Sector Banks are providing loan to the Corporate Houses most generously while they are very strict in respect of granting loan to downtrodden needy persons. For non-payment of loan, the downtrodden persons are to face confiscation of their poor assets, while there is Debt Tribunal to deal with

13

the loans of Corporate Houses. Banking loan due to Corporate Houses rose from Rs.1,41,151 core during 2010–2011 to Rs.2,05,692 crore during the year 2011– 2012, i.e. an increase of 45.71%. Their approach is before the Corporate Debt Restructuring Cell of Banks is for restructuring of their debts. Because of these, Non-Performing Assets of the Public Sector Banks has been increased from Rs.52,807 crore during the year 2002–2003 to Rs.1,11,664 crore as on March, 2012. Business houses are evading payment of Income Tax. It is only service holders who are captive of the circumstances and are paying Income Tax correctly. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has recommended to raise the ceiling of Income Tax from Rs.1.8 lakh to Rs.3 lakh. This conference strongly feels that the recommendation should be implemented to give relief to the service holders. Survey on Child and Mother Nutrition in Rural India during the period 2010- 2011 released by a person no less than the Prime Minister 1.42% child under 5 years of age are under Nutrition, 3.6% mothers are under nutrition and 5.5.% mothers are anemic. In the matter of education, private schools have been flourishing and running of school became a big business. Data collected for 558 rural districts, over 1600 villages, 3.3 lakh household and 6.3 lakh children, it has been found that 50 percent schools are run by private bodies. Poor people are unable to bear the hefty fee and education of their children is suffering despite enactment of Right to Education Act. Government schools are unable to provide minimum facilities to the students.

On 3rd October, 2012, Hon‟ble Supreme Court had directed all the State Governments to equip all the schools with appropriate facilities, such as toilet, drinking water, classrooms and teachers within six months to ensure that schools meet the standard set by „Right to Education Act‟. Number of unemployed persons is on the increase. Out of total population of 121 crore, 46.88 crore are in the working age group. Only 41.49 crore of them are employed fully or partially and rest 5.39 crore are unemployed. Out of these 41.49 crore, only 1.79 crore are employed in Organized Public Sectors while 1.08 crore are in Organized Private Sector. Women folk are discriminated against in respect of employment. Even in Organized Sector, the total share of women workers is only 20.80 percent. The persons working in the Unorganized Sector are being denied even the Statutory Minimum Wage, they are bereft of social security and are free for hire and fire. Large number of unemployed and under-employed persons is causing social tension. As per Human Development Index, framed by United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), India stands at 134 position out of 187 countries. The main ingredients of determining Human Development Index are: Health, Education, Housing, availability of potable water, sanitation etc. The expenditure of Central Government, both planned and non-planned on social services, as percentage of total expenditure were 4.28 percent during 2006–2007, has come down to 4.24 percent during 2010–2011. Similarly, for health and family welfare, this has been reduced from 1.87 percent to 1.83 percent during same period.

Public Sector Undertakings(PSUs) are one of the strongest pillars in the matter of economic stability of the country. 158 PSUs have earned a profit of Rs.1.13 lakh crore during 2010–2011, major being ONGC, NTPC, Coal India etc. The decision of disinvestment of the PSUs is quite detrimental to the interest of the country as a whole. These PSUs are generating employment and also putting coffer for boosting the economy. The Government had taken decision to secure Rs.40,000 crore through disinvestment of PSUs

14

during the year 2011–2012 and for the year 2012–2013, the programme for disinvestment is for Rs.13,000 crore. The decision of disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings has been taken by the Government ignoring tooth and nail protest by all the Central Trade Unions. Black money is being parked in tax heavens. The black money is generated by evading taxes and by acquiring them unlawfully. On 6th February, 2012, the ex-CBI Director has said that Rs.24.6 lakh crore black money has been parked of Swiss Banks. There was pressure to implement General Anti Avoidance Rule vigorously to arrest the incidence of black money. But an Expert Panel, appointed by the Government, headed by Shri Partha Sarathi Shome, has recommended to defer implementation of General Anti Avoidance Rule for a period of three years. The Government is not serious to arrest the incidence of Black money, reason best known to the Government. Corruption and criminalization are eating away the vital parts of the country. There has been nexus between the politician and bureaucrats in the matter of siphoning of country‟s wealth. Natural resources has become soft target for the purpose. The CAG in its report, submitted on the floor of the Parliament on 17 th August, 2012, has held that coal block option, numbering 142, has rendered loss of Rs.1.85 lakh crore to the exchequer. There has been continuous violation in the iron ores. Pending cases of corruption in different courts have gone up from 6,000 to 11,000 within a period of last 5 years. The trial of the corruption cases is badly delayed. Hon‟ble Supreme Court has asked the Government to complete trial of corruption cases within a period of one year. Hon‟ble Supreme Court has also said that the Government should sanction prosecution of the officials within a period of 4 months from the date the same is sought for, so that trial can be completed within a reasonable time. On 31st January, 2012, Hon‟ble Supreme Court further directed the Government to amend Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 so that Government takes the maximum time of 4 months in sanction prosecution against erring officials and Hon‟ble Supreme Court further observed that if, no decision is taken within time limit of 4 months, the same will be deemed to have been granted, and the process of prosecution should be continued. The Government has decided to embark on major reform. On 13th September, 2012, price of diesel has been increased by Rs.5 per liter and decision has been taken to reduce the supply of LPG to a maximum of 6 cylinders in a year at subsidized rate. On the next day, Government announced its decision that 51% share of retail market will be thrown open to Foreign Direct Investment(FDI). It has also been decided that overseas investment in Aviation will be 49% and FDI on Broadcasting has been decided to be increased from 49% to 74%. FDI in Power Sector has also been decided to be increased. There was heated exchange in respect of FDI in retail on the floors of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Due to volte-face of certain political parties, the proposal for FDI in retail remain unaffected. Thus, the market is being opened for Walmart and Caryfort, who have lost their credibility in their home land. There was demonstration on 16th November, 2012 against Walmart by its own employees. This Conference decides to continue and intensify struggle:-

1. For inclusion of „Right to Employment‟ in Part – III of the Constitution where Fundamental Rights have been enshrined.

2. To stop disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings.

3. For improvement in Education, Health and other Social Welfare Schemes.

15

4. To protect and improved Public Distribution System.

5. To provide social security to the workers of all sections in general and Unorganized Sector in particular.

6. To arrest corruption and criminalization

7. To resist all anti-poor and anti-people steps by the Government in the name of so called reform.

RESOLUTION NO.2 - PROBLEMS OF THE RAILWAYMEN

This 88th Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, held at Visakhapatnam from

18th to 20th December, 2012, notes with serious concern that despite representations at all levels, more than 2.5 lakh posts in different categories of the Indian Railways are lying vacant for an indefinite period, of which 1.26 lakh belongs to Safety Categories. The Safety Review Committee, headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, has also raised a serious concern on the large number of posts lying vacant in Safety Categories and recommended in its report that Safety Categories posts should be filled up at least within three months.

To meet the public demand, new trains are being introduced and new assets are being created, but

additional posts are not being created on the plea of Matching Saving not being available. All these have put extra burden to all the categories of staff. Due to non-filling up of posts in Safety Categories, Running Staff, Operating Staff and other staff belonging to the Safety Categories are being compelled to work longer hours, beyond their normal duties, their periodical rest is abrogated without rest and their due leave are being refused. Classification of Duty Hours of staff are downgraded from “Intensive” to “Continuous” and “Continuous” to “Essentially Intermittent” without any job analysis and posts are being surrendered on thumb rule, causing safety hazard for the travelling public and safety of the staff themselves.

Perennial nature jobs in thousands are being outsourced, violating the provisions of the Contract

Labour(Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970. Contract labours are being exploited in the matter of wages, working hours etc. and they have no service security.

New Pension Scheme has been introduced from 01.01.2004 at the teeth of opposition of AIRF.

This has straight away reduced the wages of the persons appointed on or after 01.01.2004 by 10% than their counterparts appointed earlier. Although the deduction is defined, but the benefit is not defined. Nobody knows what amount of pension one will get. There is no provision for family pension. This conference feels strongly that the New Pension Scheme should be scrapped and all the staff, irrespective of their date of appointment, are covered under the Old Pension Scheme.

Grievance Machineries, like PNM and JCM, have been made ineffective. Meetings are not being

held at regular intervals and whenever held, even the agreed decisions are not being implemented making a mockery of negotiated machineries.

After the report of 6th CPC, Anomaly Committees have appointed both at the National and

Departmental levels. Agreed decisions of the Departmental Anomaly Committee have resting in cold storage of Finance Ministry. National Anomaly Committee meetings were held on 12.12.2009, 27.03.2010,

16

15.02.2011, 05.012012 and 17.07.2012. Except a few cases, like annual increment, option for fixation of pay on promotion, no other issue could be resolved, causing serious frustration amongst the Railwaymen.

The 6th Pay Commission has recommended for widening the promotional scope of different

categories of staff through the process of Cadre Restructuring Committee. Cadre Restructuring Committee has been set up and meetings of the Cadre Restructuring Committee were held on 08.12.2009, 04.06.2010, 20.05.2011, 17.10.2011 and 11.04.2012. Decision on restructuring of most of the categories have been agreed upon by the Anomaly Committee, but except orders for Asstt. Loco Pilot, no other order has been issued, causing serious resentment amongst the Railwaymen.

Trackmen, Gatemen, Trolleymen, Keymen, Mate etc. are exploited a lot. After years long struggle

of the AIRF, a Joint Committee for the purpose of addressing their grievances was appointed and the committee has submitted its unanimous recommendation to Ministry of Railways on 28 th June, 2011. In utter dismay, it is seen that orders have been issued diluting the recommendations in respect of restructuring the cadre. AIRF had to register its strongest protest against this arbitrary action and had to observe “Black Week” throughout the country demanding implementation of the report in to to.

AIRF has been demanding job for the wards of the Railwaymen. The demand was partially

conceded in the year 2004 in the shape of “Safety Related Retirement Scheme”, later on modified and renamed as “Liberalised Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment of Safety Staff”. On the demand of AIRF, Physical Efficiency Test has been excluded, but Written Examination is yet to be dispensed with. AIRF also demanded to extend the scope of recruitment of the wards of the Railwaymen in all other categories as well.

After 34 years long struggle, Bonus in the shape of Productivity Linked Bonus has been agreed

upon and implemented. The ceiling limit of Rs.3500 is yet to be removed. Patient Care Allowance and Hard Duty Allowance are yet to be doubled and Transport Allowance,

Special Duty Allowance etc. are yet to be exempted from the purview of Income Tax. Payment of T.A., O.T., N.D.A. etc. are not being paid on the plea of fund crunch. This tells upon

badly on the family budget of the staff. Medical facilities are too inadequate. There is acute shortage of medical and paramedical staff.

Staff being compelled seek outside medical assistance, but medical reimbursement is being denied. The staff working at road side stations and ganghuts are being denied even the available medical facilities. The announcement of former Railway Minister for treatment to the parents is yet to see the light of the day. Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs.300, as has sanctioned to Retired Railwaymen living beyond 2.5 km away from the Hospital/Health Units, is too inadequate. Orders for issuing Smart Card to RELHS beneficiaries are yet to be implemented in many places.

Various Welfare Schemes announced by the earlier Minister for Railways for the benefit of Railway

employees, their wards and families, have also not seen the light of the day. Problems of the Running Staff, Operating Staff, Artisan Staff, Technical Supervisor, Ministerial

Staff, Medical Staff, staff of the Stores Department are yet to be addressed. Condition of the Railway quarters, colonies has been deteriorating day-by-day. Due to non-maintenance, the staff are being

17

compelled to stay in the quarters which are not habitable. When staff refused to take such inhabitable quarters, the payment of HRA is denied to them.

This Conference notes with anger that if the following burning grievances of the Railwaymen are

not resolved in a time- bound programme, AIRF would be compelled to conduct strike ballot as a first step for a decisive struggle.

1. Filling-up all vacant posts.

2. Sanction additional posts in commensurate with increase in the number of trains and workload.

3. Stop outsourcing of perennial nature jobs, violating the provision of Contract Labour(Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970.

4. Scrap New Pension Scheme and cover all the staff with pension and family pension scheme as

available to staff appointed prior to 01.01.2004.

5. Implement recommendations of Cade Restructuring Committee.

6. Remove all the anomalies of the 6th CPC as agreed upon in the meeting of Departmental Anomaly Committee and resolve all the anomalies pending before National Anomaly Committee.

7. Recommendations of the Joint Committee constituted to study the Career Progression and

Package for Trackmen has been diluted arbitrarily. The recommendation should be implemented in to to.

8. Merger of grades of Technician Gr. II and Gr. I duly granting GP of Rs.2800.

9. Provision of GP of Rs.4800 in place of Rs.4600 to all Senior Supervisors.

10. Upgradation of 15% apex level Group `C‟ posts to Group `B‟.

11. Grievances of the Running Staff, such as granting of Running Allowance w.e.f. 01.01.2006 duly

improving ALK, reduction in Duty Hours, Provision of Additional Allowance to Running Staff working in Goods Trains and also to Traffic Running Staff working as Goods Guards and Passenger Guards, improvements in the condition of Running Rooms etc.

12. Upgrade all categories of staff in Grade Pay of Rs.2400 to Rs.2800.

13. Parity of grade pay to Stenographers between the field staff and the staff working in Secretariat.

14. Reckoning of 100% Casual Labour Service rendered as Qualifying Service for seniority and

pensionary benefits is still pending in spite of Hon‟ble Supreme Court judgment.

15. Stepping up of pay of seniors who are drawing less pay than the juniors consequent on fixation of pay due to implementation of VI CPC recommendations between the direct recruits and promotees.

18

16. Stepping up of pay of senior employee on par with junior employee consequent on modification of

ACP Scheme as MACP is pending with the Railway Board.

17. Safety Related Voluntary Retirement Scheme has been modified as LARSGESS permitting the Railway employees in Safety Categories to give Voluntary Retirement so as to enable their wards getting appointed. Lot of conditions were imposed diluting the intention of this scheme by introducing Written Examination. Large number of wards of the employees who have applied for appointment under LARSGESS in 2010 cycle have failed in the PET. Later, PET was abolished for the wards appearing under LARSGESS 2012. AIRF has demanded waival of PET for failed candidates of LARSGESS 2010 and requested the Board to issue necessary orders to Zonal Railways for absorbing them in the Railways. The matter is yet to be resolved at Board‟s level.

18. Granting of one increment for the employees in the categories like MCMs, Loco Running Staff, SMs, P. Way Supervisors etc. when they get horizontal promotions without reckoning the same as “Promotion” for the purpose of granting financial upgradation under MACP.

19. The demand of recruitment of wards of Railwaymen as Substitutes has not been implemented by the GMs of the Zonal Railways due to several restrictions imposed in the orders of the Railway Board.

20. Welfare Schemes announced in the Railway Budget, such as opening of Nursing Colleges,

Medical and Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, Kendriya Vidyalas for the children of the Railwaymen, extension of medical facilities and pass to both dependant father and mother of Railway employees etc. are yet to be implemented by the Board. The announcement of the scheme - “House to All” has also not seen the light of the day.

21. Entitlement of Privilege Passes to travel by “Duronto Express” trains is yet to be finalized.

22. As per decision taken in the DC/JCM Meeting, 5% of the sanctioned strength of the Section Officers in the pre-revised scale of Rs.6500-10500 was earmarked to non-qualifying Appendix III Accounts Assistants. Consequent upon implementation of VI CPC recommendations, the same was revised to 1% of the combined strength of SOs & SO(A)s , reducing the percentage. The demand of increasing the same to 5% on the combined strength of SOs and SSO(A)s is still pending with the Railway Board.

23. Grievances of AC Mechanics and AC Attendants deputed to work on trains is yet to be resolved by

the Board.

24. Running Allowance should be paid to medically de-categorized Running Staff kept on supernumerary posts.

19

25. Even though technical categories working in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering(Works), erstwhile Mistries and supervisors have been merged in the cadre of JE, in the Civil Engineering the Senior P. Way Supervisors are rotting in their category without merger with JE category. This issue is pending with the Railway Board.

26. Even though several times the issue of absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff was discussed, no orders have been issued so far for the absorption of quasi-administrative offices staff in the Railways.

27. Improvement in the conditions of Railway Hospitals and filling up of all the vacancies of Doctors, Nurses and Paramedical Staff. Provide medical facilities to the staff posted at roadside stations and ganghuts.

28. Increase the amount of Fixed Medical Allowance and issue Smart Card to all RELHS beneficiaries.

29. Grant parity in pension and family pension to the staff/family retired prior to 01.01.2006.

30. Revise the rates of Patient Care Allowance and Risk Allowance and grant Patient Care Allowance to the staff of Medical Department working in Kitchen, Store, Watching duties etc.

31. Exempt Transport Allowance and Special Duty Allowance for the purview of Income Tax deduction.

32. Raise the ceiling limit of Rs.3500 for the purpose of payment of PLB.

33. Raise the ceiling of Income Tax deduction from Rs.2.00 lakh to Rs.3.00 lakh, as recommended by the Standing Committee on Finance.

34. Repair quarters, roads, drains and do not compel staff to stay in inhabitable quarters and pay House Rent Allowance to such staff.

35. Limit duty hours of the staff to a maximum of 7 hours a day.

36. Scrap classification of duty hours as “Essential Intermittent” and “Excluded”.

37. Pay T.A., O.T., N.D.A., National Holiday Pay etc. regularly.

38. Increase the rate of Special Duty Allowance by 25% with retrospective effect from 01.01.2011.

RESOLUTION NO.3 - SECRET BALLOT

This 88th Annual Conference of the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, held at Visakhapatnam from

18th to 20th December, 2012, notes with pride that the AIRF, since its formation in the year 1924, fought successfully against retrenchment and all forms of injustice.

20

AIRF decided to launch an indefinite All India Strike from 27 th June, 1946. On the strike threat, Justice Rajadhyaksha was appointed on 23rd April, 1946 to adjudicate in the matter of Hours of Work, Leave, Leave Reserve etc., and on the recommendation of the adjudication, Running Staff has been brought under the purview of HOER, Leave Rules were revised and the percentage of Leave Reserve in different categories was decided. Subsequently, 1st Pay Commission was appointed on 10th May, 1946 and pay scales and other benefits were improved. Pension was recommended by the 1st Pay Commission and was introduced subsequently from 1st April, 1957. The PNM has been introduced in the year 1951 upon a discussion between Lok Nayak Jaya Prakash Narayan, President/AIRF and Shri Gopalaswami Ayyenger, the then Minister for Railways.

Against the anti-labour report of the 2nd CPC, countrywide strike was launched by the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation and other Central Government Employees from the midnight of 11th July, 1960. The strike was declared illegal, promulgating Essential Services Maintenance Ordinance (ESMO). 5(five) persons were killed at Dohad(Western Railway), 6,708 persons were arrested, 10,800 were suspended and dismissal orders were issued against 17,938 persons. Summary trials of arrested persons were conducted inside the jail. The recognition of AIRF and its affiliated unions was withdrawn, which was subsequently restored after decision of various High Courts.

Setting up of JCM, from 1966, was the outcome of 1960 strike. As per JCM scheme, Pay and Allowance, Hours of Work and Leave are compulsory Arbitrable, but the government refused to accept the demand of “Need Based Minimum Wage” and full neutralization in the shape of D.A. under JCM Scheme and also refused to refer the same to Arbitration, which was compulsory. This has compelled All India Railwaymen‟s Federation and other Central Government employees to launch one-day Token Strike on 19th September, 1968 when 9 persons were killed, five at Pathankot, and 12,695 Railwaymen were arrested/ removed/suspended. Similarly, utter dissatisfactory report of the 3 rd CPC had compelled the AIRF to launch 20 days historic strike from 8th May to 27th May, 1974 when 4 persons were killed inside the jail, 15,959 Railwaymen were removed/dismissed from services.

On the strike threat of AIRF, the government had agreed to pay Productivity Linked Bonus to the Railwaymen in November, 1979. Full neutralization of D.A. has been sanctioned from 1st January, 1984. Services of over three lakhs Casual Labours have been regularized.

Similarly, on the strike threat of AIRF, 5th and 6th Pay Commissions were appointed, and on the

recommendations of those Pay Commissions, pay scales, allowances, promotional scope etc. have been improved. Through the process of Cadre Restructuring/Promotional Scope has been widen and many anomalies of the successive Central Pay Commissions were resolved, but many problems are yet to be resolved.

AIRF raised protest voice against introduction of New Pension Scheme (NPS) and conducted

many protest programmes. On 25th November, 2011, AIRF along with other Central Government Employees, State Government Employees, Employees of Public Sector Undertakings, School and College Teachers Associations etc. staged a massive demonstration before the Parliament against the proposed Bill of Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) which was scheduled to be introduced on the floor of Parliament. The massive demonstration had compelled the government to hold the introduction of PFRDA Bill.

21

On 28th March, 2012, over 50,000 employees staged before the Parliament on 29-points Charter of Demands under the leadership of AIRF. This was followed by massive protest on 28 th June, 2012 against non- implementation of unanimous Report of the Joint Committee of Trackman. Protest was lodged on 18 th July, 2012 on the problems of Artisan and Technical Supervisors. On 9 th August, 2012, protest was registered against the injustice done to Loco and Traffic Running Staff. On 30 th August, 2012 against non-resolving the anomalies of the 6th CPC and non-implementation of the report of various meetings of the Cadre Restructuring Committee. On 19th September, 2012, massive dharna was staged, demanding scrapping of New Pension Scheme. In the meantime, AIRF had to observe “All India Black Week” during last week of August 2012 against arbitrary reduction in the percentage of restructuring in higher graded posts of Trackmen/Gatemen/ Trolleymen/Watchmen/Keymen/Mates. As there was no positive response from the Government, AIRF had to conduct a mass hunger strike on 9 th October, 2012 throughout the length and breadth of the country.

One of the demands of 1960 strike was “One Union in One Industry” through the process of secret

ballot. Secret ballot for determining representative character of the union was held in November, 2007. It is gratifying to note that AIRF has secured a massive mandate of 45.37% of the valid votes, whereas, INTUC led NFIR could secure only 34.12% votes. On the persistence demands of AIRF, Railway Board have agreed to conduct similar secret ballot during April, 2013.

This Annual Conference of AIRF gives a clarion call to all the Railwaymen working across the

country to register their massive support in favour of AIRF so that AIRF and its affiliated unions can secure decisive mandate and carry forward relentless struggle against all forms of injustice and secure justice – economic and social for all categories of the Railwaymen.

RESOLUTION NO.4 - CONSTITUTION OF THE SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION

The report of the 6th Pay Commission has been implemented from 1st January, 2006, which has failed to do justice to the Railwaymen in the matter of granting minimum remuneration, pay scales and allowances, promotional scopes etc. Large number of anomalies of the 6 th CPC could not be resolved even after formation of Anomaly Committees both at Departmental and National levels in the year 2009. Due to stiff rise in prices of all essential commodities, the rates of Dearness Allowance had reached 51% as on 01.01.2011. According to the report of the 5th Pay Commission when Dearness Allowance reached 50%, the same was treated as Dearness Pay and on the Dearness Pay all allowances and pension were enhanced by 50%, whereas this time, only some allowances have been increased by 25% only from 01.01.2011 when rates of Dearness Allowance reached 50% and there is no increase in basic pension as was done on the recommendation of the 5th CPC. The Railwaymen are Industrial Workers and they got a raw deal by the 6th Pay Commission. The wages and allowances of the industrial workers working in Public Sector Undertakings are being revised in every five years. The Railwaymen also should be considered alike for revision of salaries, allowances and other benefits.

The Fifth Central Pay Commission had specifically recommended that the salaries of the Central Government Employees need to be revised every 10 years duration to neutralize market inflation and to

22

ensure parity with other Government of India Undertakings etc. The recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission came into effect from 01.01.2006, and to affect revision of salaries after 10 years as per recommendations of the Fifth Central Pay Commission, i.e. w.e.f. 01.01.2016, there is urgent need that the Central Government should constitute Seventh Central Pay Commission. It is more necessary because salaries of the workers of the Public Sector are revised every 5 years.

This 88th Annual Conference of the All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, held at Vishakhapatnam from 18th to 20th December, 2012, demands that the Seventh Central Pay Commission should be appointed for the revision of pay and allowances, widening of promotional scope, improvement in retirement benefits bringing all Railwaymen, irrespective of date of appointment, in the ambit of Pension and Family Pension and for improvement of other fringe benefits etc. keeping in view the parity of pay of wages of the Railwaymen with other industrial workers working in Public Sector Undertakings.

RESOLUTION NO.5 – PROGRAMME OF AGITATION DRAWN BY THE CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS – EXTENDING SUPPORT THERE FOR

This 88th Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation, held at Vishakhapatnam from

18th to 20th December, 2012, reiterate its all out support to the programme drawn in the National Convention of all the Central Trade Unions held on 4th September, 2012 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.

It is gratifying to note that the affiliated unions of All India Railwaymen‟s Federation have

participated in the programmes of agitation drawn by in the above cited National Convention of the Central Trade Unions.

This Conference extends its solidarity and moral support to the countrywide two days general strike

on 20th and 21st February, 2013. This Conference calls upon the Government of India to take immediate action on the following

demands formulated in the above-mentioned National Convention of the Central Trade Unions.

1. No contractorisation of workS of permanent/perennial nature of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry/establishment.

2. Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs.10,000 linked with Cost Price Index.

3. Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of

gratuity.

4. Assured pension for all.

5. Compulsory registration of the Trade Unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos.87 and 98.

23

ANNEXURE

NAMES OF THE IMPORTANT DIGNITARIES WHO PASSED-AWAY DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REPORT

During this period, a number of prominent figures and personalities from different spheres of life have passed away for their heavenly abode, the names of some of whom are appended below:- 19.11.2011 Smt. Moorti Devi Chaubey, daughter-in-law of Late J.P. Chaubey, former General

Secretary AIRF 27.11.2011 Ustad Sultan Khan, Sarangi Maestro and Classic Singer 04.12.2011 Dev Anand, renowned film actor 11.12.2011 Mario Miranda, internationally renowned cartoonist 17.12.2011 Kim Jong il, King of North Korea 18.12.2011 Vaclav Havel, first President of Czech Republic 05.01.2012 Com. Biru Chatterjee, Working President/NFRMU 25.01.2012 Com. M.D. Sathe, Ex. AGS and VP/WREU 31.01.2012 Com. Mani Ram Bagri, Veteran Socialist leader and Parliamentarian 06.02.2012 Com. Nageswar Singh, Veteran leader, Hind Khet Mazdoor Panchayat 07.03.2012 Ravi Shankar Sharma, renowned Music Director of yesteryear 09.03.2012 Joy Mukherjee, veteran film actor 01.04.2012 N.K.P. Salve, Veteran Congressman and Ex. BCCI President 23.04.2012 Smt. B. Devi, mother of Com. R.P. Bhatt, AIRF WCM & Divisional Secretary/Workshop

Division/NERMU/GKP 30.04.2012 Smt. K.S. Srilakshmi, mother of Com. K.V. Raghvendra, DS/SBC/ SWRMU 04.05.2012 Smt. Nutan Goyal, Convener, Women Wing, MB/NRMU(NR) 06.05.2012 Nand Gopal Bhattacharya, Ex. Minister of West Bengal, who also used to be Co-Chairman

of the Reception Committee of AIRF formed during AIRF‟s 82nd Annual Convention held on 21-23 November, 2006 in Kolkata

24

09.05.2012 Prabhu Narain Singh, Veteran Socialist and Trade Union leader, former Member of Lok

Sabha and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and President HMS 09.05.2012 Brij Bhushan Tiwari, Senior Samajwadi Party leader and Member of Parliament 20.05.2012 Com. K.S. Murthy, Ex. Working President, SERMU & AIRF WCM/SERMU 07.06.2012 M.B. Johnson, father of Com. Paul Maxwell Johnson, DS/MAS/SRMU and AIRF WCM/

SRMU 13.06.2012 Mehdi Hassan, Ghazal legend 18.06.2012 Dipankar Mukherjee, a veteran trade union leader and National Secretary CITU 01.07.2012 Com. Jagdish Ajmera, Ex. President and Vice President and Patron, WREU 08.07.2012 Com. B. Mukherjee, Ex. AGS/NRMU and WCM/AIRF 12.07.2012 Dara Singh, Rushtme-Hind in Wrestling and film actor 17.07.2012 Mrinal Gore, veteran socialist leader and ex-MP 18.07.2012 Rajesh Khanna, first superstar of Hindi film industry. 23.07.2012 Capt. Lakshmi Sahgal, a prominent freedom fighter and a member of Netaji Subhash

Chandra Bose's INA 14.08.2012 Vilasrao Deshmukh, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Minister 23.08.2012 Com. Dilip Ghosh, President, Bongaigaion Branch of NFRMU 25.08.2012 Com. K.C. Roy Karmakar, Jt. GS/NFRMU and Zonal Secretary/AIRF/ NFRMU 26.08.2012 A.K. Hangal, veteran film actor 15.09.2012 K.S. Sudarshan, an RRS ideologue and a staunch advocate of Swadeshi. 21.09.2012 K.L. Bapuji, eminent freedom fighter and well-known figure in Telangana Movement. 28.09.2012 Brajesh Mishra, former National Security Adviser 01.10.2012 Eric Hobsbawm, renowned British left-wing historian. 03.10.2012 Kedarnath Sahni, Veteran BJP leader 07.10.2012 B. Satyanarayana Reddy, freedom fighter and former Governor of Uttar Pradesh

25

21.10.2012 Yash Chopra, Veteran Bollywood Director 22.10.2012 Com. Sher Singh Yadav, Ex. VP/WREU and Ex. Divisional President, Ajmer Division 23.10.2012 Sunil Gangopadhyay(Ganguly), Renowned Litterateur and Sahitya Akademi President 24.10.2012 Jaspal Bhatti, famous comedian, actor and satirist 29.10.2012 Kameshwar Upadhyaya, Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister 30.10.2012 Mother of Com. C.S. Bajwa, Divisional Secretary, Ambala Division, Northern Railwaymen‟s

Union 02.11.2012 K. Yerran Naidu, Senior Telugu Desam Party(TDP) leader and former central minister 03.11.2012 Kailashpati Mishra, Veteran BJP leader and former Governor of Gujarat and Rajasthan 15.11.2012 K.C. Pant, Former Defence Minister 16.11.2012 Khyali Dutt, Peon of AIRF and Attendent of Purohit Ji 17.11.2012 Bal Thackeray, Shiv Sena Chief 30.11.2012 Inder Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister of India Com. S.K. Thomas, District(Thrissur) General Secretary HMS Com. Daulat Ram, Ex. DC/SECRMU/BSP & Ex. WCM/AIRF/SECRMU

Victims of the ghastly fire that broke out in Kolkata‟s AMRI hospital on 09.12.2011, victims of the stampede that took place on 14.01.2011 during a religious gathering in Ratlam, on 19.02.2012 in a temple in Junagarh, on 23.09.2012 in Barsana (Mathura), on 24.09.2012 at an Ashram in Deoghar(Jharkhand) and in Adalat Ganj area of Patna on 19.11.2012 during Chhath Celebrations, victims of the plane that crashed in Pakistan on 20.04.2012, in Nepal on 14.05.2012 and 28.09.2012 and in Nigeria on 03.06.2012, victims of train/road accidents, bomb blasts/terrorist attacks and other natural calamities, viz. floods, cyclones, fire etc. etc. We pray the Almighty for the eternal peace of their departed soul in heaven and to grant courage to the bereaved family/kith and kin to bear the sudden shock and jerk.

26