.
The Class I Federation is back to its favourite single point agenda i.e. NOINO bashing. For a long time we did not feel it fit to take cognizance of their mindless utterances against NOINO which reeked of autocratic & myopic tendencies as we did not want to be distracted from our goal of securing a good charter for the Class I Officers. We also sincerely believe that bad blood should not be created among two organizations which ultimately will in some ways affect the Class I Officers. However, since our silence should not be construed for weakness, we want to set the record straight. We never thought it fit to comment on any of the activities (?!) of the Class I Federation till now. But when the pure & unadulterated nonsense continues to be poured (particularly since December), we feel that time has come to call a spade a spade.
The leadership of Class I Federation has been indulging in a no holds-barred vitriolic attack on NOINO which is un-necessary & unfair to say the least. Their own behaviour is a bundle of contradictions when they say a thing & do exactly the opposite. On one hand they accuse NOINO of being a management’s union & in the same breath (& same circular on meal coupon issue) they say that “We are advising all the officers to ensure that these proposals on food coupons are implemented in letter and spirit at all levels to strengthen the efforts of the Management to achieve the desired effect”. This shows that either they are blissfully unaware of the practical problems that the Class I Officers would face because of the draconian conditions or they have decided to surrender & be in the good books of the management. In an attempt to appease the management, they have gone overboard & criticized NOINO for writing a letter (which was written in a perfectly parliamentary language) to the Chairman on the issue of meal coupons. If indeed NOINO is the ‘management’s union’ why then we have written a strong letter on this issue to the Chairman?
The Federation keeps on referring NOINO as ‘splinter group’. Well, the meaning of splinter is ‘a small piece broken from a larger piece’. NOINO was not carved out of Class I Federation. We have started from a scratch & built it brick by brick.
The situation in which the Class I Federation finds itself currently, only they have to be blamed. Lack of ideological base & an equal lack of trade union experience has been the bane of many unions now-a-days & the current leadership of the Federation is no exception to it. Their knee-jerk & immature reactions are the result of the same. Their ill-conceived, directionless & quixotic agitation (?!) during the wage-revision started with a bang & ended with a whimper. The swagger has turned into a limp. The bravado bordering on foolhardiness then has now given way to meekness akin to a Siamese cat purring softly on the lap of its master awaiting his patronizing pats.
What was the reason that Class I Federation did not become a part of the joint front? Simply because they could not stand the sight of NOINO. We were of the opinion that when the Class III organizations could overcome their differences & come together, the class I Officers could have also done the same. We firmly believe that differences should not take the form of hatred & enmity. Hence, NOINO had written a letter on 28th May 2008 to all the unions including the Class I Federation appealing for a joint front. On 16th December 2009, when the joint front (which did not include Class I Federation) rejected the offer of 17.5% repeated by the management, a huge rally was witnessed at Yogakshem. Class I Federation, (though not a part of joint front), also spoke in this meeting. On behalf of NOINO our working President Shri Sudhakar Ingole in his speech publicly welcomed the Class I Federation into the joint front & said that this would strengthen the joint front. But barely a few hours later, the leadership of Class I Federation started playing truant & again objected to NOINO signing the joint letter to Chairman. The tantrums thrown by the then leadership of the Federation were to be seen to be believed.
NOINO has taken a principled stand on all important matters. What is the stand of Class I Federation on these issues? Let us examine some of the issues. This will expose the hollowness of the Class I Federation’s mischievous campaign that NOINO is the management’s union:-
DOPA: - All concerned know that DOPA is a brainchild of the Class I Federation. Nobody is happy with DOPA. NOINO has opposed DOPA tooth & nail & has demanded that DOPA should be dumped.
GI scheme: - The Federation tried to foist this scheme with the condition that only those officers who would be members of Federation would be a part of this scheme. This was done with the ulterior motive of finishing NOINO. However, NOINO not only foiled the attempts of the Federation but was successful in bringing this scheme for all Classes.
Circular 144:- This circular prescribing age-limit for marketing posts was staunchly opposed only by NOINO by organizing a mammoth rally at Yogakshem wherein more than 500 Class I Officers participated for the first time in the history. The Federation did not utter even a single word against the circular. Ultimately the age-limit condition was removed.
Previous charter: - The Class I Federation quietly accepted the 12% offer during the last charter. So much for their so-called militancy! On the contrary, NOINO though not a major force at that time, chose to fight a lone battle on behalf of the Class I Officers. The sole credit for whatever gains were secured thereafter for the Class I Officers should undoubtedly go to NOINO.
Problems of Back-up in branches: - Only NOINO recognized this problem & conducted a nation-wide survey in 270 branches & 7 Zones across the country & submitted a comprehensive 12 page report. The Federation was not even aware of such problem, leave alone taking up the issue.
In-charge allowance: - It is public knowledge that only NOINO has been pressing for the In-charge allowance & the management had agreed to it principally during the last charter & withdrew its offer in the last round of the previous charter. The Federation kept mum on this issue too.
There are several such issues like Election duty, Extension of Jeevan-aastha plan(in Jan 2009), Census duty, demand for compensation for Conversion programs, withdrawal of Ace Competition prize, the recent derogatory article(on 18th September) in the city supplements of Times on meal coupon scheme & many other where the Federation maintained a studied silence.
NOINO has locked horns with the management on several occasions on all these issues & faced its wrath because of it. However, we are carrying on undeterred. We consider this as a divine work & we have not grown at the mercy of the management but due to the hard & sincere work of our dedicated activists. The most important point is that NOINO has been operating in this field for only the last 8 years & it still has managed to secure several achievements to its credit. The Class I Federation which now & then un-necessarily raises the bogey of NOINO has been operating for several years before that & was enjoying a monopoly of sorts in the Class I Officers’ community. Who then is to be blamed for the sorry plight of the Class I Officers? Instead of spewing venom on NOINO, the Federation would do well to mend its own house & shed its convenient cloak of injured innocence. The crux of the matter is that the Federation is finding itself on a slippery ground in the wake of the relentless advance of NOINO all over the country & hence it is indulging in mud-slinging & falsities (like majority of officers in Vadodara have confirmed that they are members of Federation does not have an iota of truth. In fact, this year, the membership of NOINO in Vadodara has increased). The writing on the wall should be clear to the leadership of Class I Federation.
Sd/-
Ganesh Kamath
GS, NOINO
.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Cover drive: Car ka LIC karaya kya?
.
Refer our last post - ''Mumbai Mirror-Some Responses for NOINO'' - response no.5. We reproduce below the relevant portion of the interview to which this response refers:
(Source: The Times of India, September 18)
T S VIJAYAN , CHAIRMAN , LIC
In the marketing parlance, it is said that a brand becomes successful when it becomes a generic name. India’s biggest and the oldest life insurance company’s recent campaign with the tag line ‘LIC karaya kya’ is perhaps a direct offshoot of this phenomenon. In a country of one-billion-plus population, insurance often means buying an LIC policy. “At times, we even hear people saying ‘Car ka LIC karaya kya?', indicating an insurance for the vehicle. From there we decided on the ‘LIC karaya kya…’ campaign,” explains T S Vijayan, LIC chairman, about the logic behind its popular campaign.
(Courtesy: Upesh Kumar, HGA, BO-Rewari, Delhi DO-III)
Refer our last post - ''Mumbai Mirror-Some Responses for NOINO'' - response no.5. We reproduce below the relevant portion of the interview to which this response refers:
(Source: The Times of India, September 18)
T S VIJAYAN , CHAIRMAN , LIC
In the marketing parlance, it is said that a brand becomes successful when it becomes a generic name. India’s biggest and the oldest life insurance company’s recent campaign with the tag line ‘LIC karaya kya’ is perhaps a direct offshoot of this phenomenon. In a country of one-billion-plus population, insurance often means buying an LIC policy. “At times, we even hear people saying ‘Car ka LIC karaya kya?', indicating an insurance for the vehicle. From there we decided on the ‘LIC karaya kya…’ campaign,” explains T S Vijayan, LIC chairman, about the logic behind its popular campaign.
(Courtesy: Upesh Kumar, HGA, BO-Rewari, Delhi DO-III)
Mumbai Mirror - Some Responses for NOINO
.
Certain responses have been received by us for our letter to the Chairman on the derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror. We reproduce below few of them (due to constraints of space): .
1.
THANKS FOR KEEPING US UPDATED REGARDING ALL THE DEVELOPMENTS IN WAGE REVISION PROCESS. YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH EMPLOYEES IS VERY EFFECTIVE AND YOURS IS THE ONLY ORGANISATION THAT ACTS VERY FAST ON EVERY ISSUE AND ALSO CONVEY US THE MATTERS BY MAIL OR SMS. STILL WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER THE "MUMBAI MIRROR" ISSUE IS BEING TAKEN UP SERIOUSLY BY MANAGEMENT. THANKS ONCE AGAIN. ANITA SONAWALE, PG-II, BR-907/Mumbai DO 1
.
2.
DEAR MR GANESH, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR TAKING UP THE MATTER OF THE ARTICLE IN MUMBAI MIRROR AND UPLIFTING THE MOODS OF THOUSANDS OF LIC EMPLOYEES WHO WERE GETTING A FEELING OF DHOBI KA KUTTA NA GHAR KA NA GHAT KA. THANKS ONCE AGAIN BHAIRAVI PATEL HGA/P & GS/PARLE .
3.
Dear Shri Ganesh, Let me tell u that everyone was expecting u to write on this issue. I m not bluffing but it seems many were waiting in their respective offices on saturdy just to read ur mail and to read what u have to say on this issue. Again a well drafted letter to the chairman .keep it up.
.Vibha Pai, AO/ZUS. .
4.
CONTENTS OF THE ARTICLE ARE HORRIBLY SHOCKING.. FOR YEARS TOGETHER, OTHER PSUs HAVE BEEN ENJOYING VARIOUS BENEFITS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN HEARD IN LIC TILL NOW. WHY THIS HUE AND CRY FOR US NOW. WHEN GOVT.EMPLOYEES AND OTHER PSUs / MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT GOT RAISE IN THEIR SALARIES, WHICH WAS FAR BEYOND WHAT IS IN BASKET FOR US, WAS IT NOT PUBLIC MONEY GOING INTO THEIR BASKETS. WHY THE SAME WAS NOT MEASURED IN CRORES?
MR.VIPIN ANAND HAS BEEN VERY RIGHT IN BRINGING THIS TO LIGHT IN "REJOINDER BY LIC"
MADHU KESWANI, AO, BO-11S, DELHI DO-I.
.
5.
Dear Sir, Thanks for the information. Please find attached herewith an Interview of our Chairman. LIC has become synonymous to every type of insurance in India only because of THE EFFORTS of its Employees/Agents. Kudos to NOINO for raising voice for the Rights of Employees. Upesh Kumar, HGA, BO-Rewari, Delhi DO-III.
(The relevant portion of the interview of the Chairman referred to in this response is reproduced in our next post)
Certain responses have been received by us for our letter to the Chairman on the derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror. We reproduce below few of them (due to constraints of space): .
1.
THANKS FOR KEEPING US UPDATED REGARDING ALL THE DEVELOPMENTS IN WAGE REVISION PROCESS. YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH EMPLOYEES IS VERY EFFECTIVE AND YOURS IS THE ONLY ORGANISATION THAT ACTS VERY FAST ON EVERY ISSUE AND ALSO CONVEY US THE MATTERS BY MAIL OR SMS. STILL WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER THE "MUMBAI MIRROR" ISSUE IS BEING TAKEN UP SERIOUSLY BY MANAGEMENT. THANKS ONCE AGAIN. ANITA SONAWALE, PG-II, BR-907/Mumbai DO 1
.
2.
DEAR MR GANESH, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR TAKING UP THE MATTER OF THE ARTICLE IN MUMBAI MIRROR AND UPLIFTING THE MOODS OF THOUSANDS OF LIC EMPLOYEES WHO WERE GETTING A FEELING OF DHOBI KA KUTTA NA GHAR KA NA GHAT KA. THANKS ONCE AGAIN BHAIRAVI PATEL HGA/P & GS/PARLE .
3.
Dear Shri Ganesh, Let me tell u that everyone was expecting u to write on this issue. I m not bluffing but it seems many were waiting in their respective offices on saturdy just to read ur mail and to read what u have to say on this issue. Again a well drafted letter to the chairman .keep it up.
.Vibha Pai, AO/ZUS. .
4.
CONTENTS OF THE ARTICLE ARE HORRIBLY SHOCKING.. FOR YEARS TOGETHER, OTHER PSUs HAVE BEEN ENJOYING VARIOUS BENEFITS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN HEARD IN LIC TILL NOW. WHY THIS HUE AND CRY FOR US NOW. WHEN GOVT.EMPLOYEES AND OTHER PSUs / MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT GOT RAISE IN THEIR SALARIES, WHICH WAS FAR BEYOND WHAT IS IN BASKET FOR US, WAS IT NOT PUBLIC MONEY GOING INTO THEIR BASKETS. WHY THE SAME WAS NOT MEASURED IN CRORES?
MR.VIPIN ANAND HAS BEEN VERY RIGHT IN BRINGING THIS TO LIGHT IN "REJOINDER BY LIC"
MADHU KESWANI, AO, BO-11S, DELHI DO-I.
.
5.
Dear Sir, Thanks for the information. Please find attached herewith an Interview of our Chairman. LIC has become synonymous to every type of insurance in India only because of THE EFFORTS of its Employees/Agents. Kudos to NOINO for raising voice for the Rights of Employees. Upesh Kumar, HGA, BO-Rewari, Delhi DO-III.
(The relevant portion of the interview of the Chairman referred to in this response is reproduced in our next post)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
NOINO meets Finance Minister
(The Photograph – Centre: Shri Prakash Javadekar, President, NOINO giving memorandum to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister, Govt of India. Left: Shri S.K.Saini, Zonal President, NOINO, NZ. Right: Shri S.B.Sharan, Zonal Secretary, NOINO, NZ. Photo Courtesy: Shri H.K.Dhiman, VP, NOINO, NZ.)
.A NOINO delegation led by our President Shri Prakash Javadekar, MP met Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister, Govt of India yesterday i.e. on 20th September 2010 and discussed the issues of wage-revision and PLLI. Other members of the delegation were Shri S.B.Sharan, Zonal Secretary, NZ; Shri S.K.Saini, Zonal President, NZ and Shri H.K.Dhiman, Zonal Vice President, NZ. The details of the discussions are given below:-
1. Wage revision notification: We pointed out that our wage-revision was due since 1st August 2007, i.e. for more than 3 years. We informed him that the revised wage-structures, duly discussed with all unions and passed by LIC Board, stood sent to his ministry for getting necessary approval and notified in the official gazette. Shri Mukherjee immediately enquired about the matter from his office and informed us that Shri R. Gopalan, Secretary (Insurance) was out of country, so, he was unable to tell the exact position at that time, however, he would be informing us about the matter as soon as Shri Gopalan is back to India i.e after 2 days. We reiterated that 3 long years had passed since our wage-revision became due and that officers and employees were getting impatient. To this the Finance Minister assured us that he would see to it that the notification would be expedited very shortly.
2. PLLI: We informed him that PLLI for the financial year 2009-2010 was not yet paid to the employees. We also informed him that the matter was pending with his office for getting necessary approval of the parameters. We further informed him that the books of accounts for the last financial year stood officially declared on 1st September itself and, as such, the payment stood delayed to us. We requested him to ensure that all the LIC officers and employees were paid the maximum rate of PLLI (i.e. 6%) in the wake of outstanding performance of the Corporation. We further requested him to approve the parameters accordingly.
The Finance Minister noted our points and assured to get the approval expedited.
We also submitted a memorandum to him in these regards.
sd/-
Ganesh Kamath
GS, NOINO.
.
Mumbai Mirror - Rejoinder by LIC
.
Refer our 2 posts dated 18.09.2010 titled ''Derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror'' & ''Mumbai Mirror - we protest''. Consequent upon our protest against the derogatory article and submission of people's feedback on the article (our post dated 20.09.2010), LIC shot rejoinder which was published today i.e. on 21st September 2010 on page 25 in Mumbai Mirror.
The rejoinder is being reproduced below. You will observe that many points which we had raised in our letter to the Chairman have appeared in the rejoinder.
.
The Rejoinder:
This is with reference to the article that appeared in your newspaper on September 18, titled "Your money, their lunch" . The article has hurt the sentiments of thousands of dedicated employees of Life Insurance Corporation. The meal coupon scheme is not dissimilar to several meal coupon schemes, high quality subsidised canteens run by hundreds of companies in India. It is not a new or unique policy. The same is as much a part of facilities provided to our employees as any other facility provided by enlightened employers worldwide and forms a part of the cost to the company, rather than 'coming out of taxpayers' pocket'. For administering any scheme there has to be some mechanism and in the case of LIC, the attendance module was identified as one such, linking it to late coming and presenting it as bribery for punctuality is ludicrous. The article creates an impression that all employees of the corporation are late every day and that the management is a helpless bystander, which is far from the truth. The discipline in the organisation is one of the highest among public sector institutions and the improving productivity of the employees over the years is a testimony of this. LIC is a business organisation and providing benefits to its employees is part of the business operating costs of the company, funded through the Corporation's earnings and not through tax-payers' money, as your report states, or through policy-holders' funds. How the same are packaged is an internal HR issue and does not affect the policyholders or the public in general.
Vipin Anand Chief, Corporate Communications, LIC.
.
Refer our 2 posts dated 18.09.2010 titled ''Derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror'' & ''Mumbai Mirror - we protest''. Consequent upon our protest against the derogatory article and submission of people's feedback on the article (our post dated 20.09.2010), LIC shot rejoinder which was published today i.e. on 21st September 2010 on page 25 in Mumbai Mirror.
The rejoinder is being reproduced below. You will observe that many points which we had raised in our letter to the Chairman have appeared in the rejoinder.
.
The Rejoinder:
This is with reference to the article that appeared in your newspaper on September 18, titled "Your money, their lunch" . The article has hurt the sentiments of thousands of dedicated employees of Life Insurance Corporation. The meal coupon scheme is not dissimilar to several meal coupon schemes, high quality subsidised canteens run by hundreds of companies in India. It is not a new or unique policy. The same is as much a part of facilities provided to our employees as any other facility provided by enlightened employers worldwide and forms a part of the cost to the company, rather than 'coming out of taxpayers' pocket'. For administering any scheme there has to be some mechanism and in the case of LIC, the attendance module was identified as one such, linking it to late coming and presenting it as bribery for punctuality is ludicrous. The article creates an impression that all employees of the corporation are late every day and that the management is a helpless bystander, which is far from the truth. The discipline in the organisation is one of the highest among public sector institutions and the improving productivity of the employees over the years is a testimony of this. LIC is a business organisation and providing benefits to its employees is part of the business operating costs of the company, funded through the Corporation's earnings and not through tax-payers' money, as your report states, or through policy-holders' funds. How the same are packaged is an internal HR issue and does not affect the policyholders or the public in general.
Vipin Anand Chief, Corporate Communications, LIC.
.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Mumbai Mirror - People's feedback
.
Further to our post dated 18.09.2010 on the subject (meal coupon issue), we sent the feedback, received by us, to Mumbai Mirror. The feedback are reproduced below:
Lic is the most trusted brand in the world. If they are taking such steps to improve punctuality among the employees why one should oppose them? There are many Govt. departments where common man experiences huge curruption. In comparasion Lic has done much better for a common man Abhay., hardikarabhay@yahoo.in Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
It is ridiculous to point out that the benefit is used to bribe the employees. Meal coupons are widely used in the financial institutions in the country to provide additional benefit to their employees. LIC which is in the service of the nation for the past 64 years has initiated this scheme as an additional employee benefit. I would like to clarify that the wage bill of LIC as a percentage of its profits is still among the lowest in the country and in this highly competitive environment these perks are necessary to retain talented employees. Moreover in comparison to the sixth pay commission benefits extended to Central Government employees, this is a fraction of what the employees of this mighty organisation deserve. V K Tripathi, tripvinay@gmail.com Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
We are really shocked to read the article on food coupons to LIC Employees in a reputed daily like yours without going into the full details. It is gross misuse of the power of the fourth pillar to sully the image of a great organization by some vested interests, unfortunately for which you have fallen victim to. First certain important basic facts. Whatever benefits that are paid by any organization / company are paid out of the earnings that accrue due to the hard work of the employees of the company. The company compensates the employees for their hard work by various methods. It is condemnable to use the language you have used as the headline to your article without knowing this basic economic principle. Second, compare the performance of LIC vis-a-vis public sector banks or any other sector organization that is working in the country. In spite of privatization, the organization has performed creditably and grown in its performance year on year. All this are being achieved without any significant new recruitment to its working force. For a figure, after 1996-97 LIC has not gone for mass recruitment. Now even banks have started increasing the work force, but LIC is still to do that. In spite of all this, on a meagre Rs.5 Crore investment LIC is paying back the Government hundreds of crores every year. Over and above this LIC also helps the Government in 5year plans and whenever it wants to prop up the sagging stock market. Thirdly, among public sector financial institutions (RBI, Banks SRINIVASAN, susrila@gmail.com Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
This is to inform you that LIC employees(Cl-3 and Cls 4)were allowed concessions twice a month to reach late and to leave early for emergency work,when required.But it did not mean that any body was unpunctual in the organisation.The Officers any ways reach on time.Our timings in Mumbai are 10.30 to 5.30,for your kind information.This scheme which is still awaiting approval is a very internal matter and NOT swindling of any public money,because we slog a lot in the office even at the cost of sitting very very late to complete Business targets and related work.At such times,we do neglect our home and our family's dinner too.During the financial year ending quarter(Dec-March),we are back home only around 10 pm,WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATION,whatsoever.And,do we remind you that 80% of the employees in Mumbai are WOMEN??There is no Organisation anywhere in the world who does so much for so little...even at the cost of compromising on our HEALTH..ARE THE NGO'S AND MUMBAI MIRROR AWARE OF OUR DAILY PLIGHT??we do not cry in front of our policyholders n the public.We are a selfless organisation and WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN LICian.The agents do get their awards and perks,but not the employees!!Seriously,we are at a loss to understand who is the brain behind this distorted report???We were always financially very strong and not just 'doing well' now!!We have a life fund of 10 lakh crores,but never have the employees been treated even remotely like their pvt sector counterparts. Pls get your facts correct.Our corporate communication chief has rightly said that there are many dangerous and corrupt events happening in the city every day.It is only humane for the Corporation to feel for employees who do so much for the nation's growth and development.WE ARE VERY ANGRY.. SRIKALA MENON AAO LIC OF INDIA
SRIKALA MENON, srikalasantosh@gmail.com Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
I REGRET TO READ THE SCRIPT ON ABOVE GIVEN SUBJECT THAT LIC WILL SPEND RS. 335 CRORE OF TAXPAYERS' MONEY ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON FOOD COUPONS TO CAJOLE EMPLOYEES TO COME TO OFFICE ON TIME PUBLISHED IN THE TODAY'S I.E. 18.9.2010 MUMBAI MIRROR BY MR. TS SRINIVASA RAGHAVAN. AS AN EMPLOYEES OF LIC, I MR. PRASAD KAKODKAR WORKING WITH 890, MALAD BRANCH FELT VERY SORRY TO READ THE WRONG MESSAGE OPENLY GIVEN TO PUBLIC. I WANT EXPLANATION & CLARIFICATION ABOUT THE MATTER ON MY CONTACT NO. 9820303763 IMMEDIATELY. LIC IS A HUGE PUBLIC ORGANISATION AND YOU ARE SPOILING THE IMAGE OF LIC BY PUBLISHING SUCH NEWS. AS AN EMPLOYEE WELFARE LIC CAN GIVE ANY FACILITY TO EMPLOYEE AND ITS AN INTERNAL MATTER OF LIC MANAGEMENT AND ITS EMPLOYEES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY ON MY MOBILE NO. 9820303763 AS I WANT CLARIFICATION.
Prasad Kakodkar
Dev. Officer, Br 890/Mumbai DO 3
.
Further to our post dated 18.09.2010 on the subject (meal coupon issue), we sent the feedback, received by us, to Mumbai Mirror. The feedback are reproduced below:
Lic is the most trusted brand in the world. If they are taking such steps to improve punctuality among the employees why one should oppose them? There are many Govt. departments where common man experiences huge curruption. In comparasion Lic has done much better for a common man Abhay., hardikarabhay@yahoo.in Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
It is ridiculous to point out that the benefit is used to bribe the employees. Meal coupons are widely used in the financial institutions in the country to provide additional benefit to their employees. LIC which is in the service of the nation for the past 64 years has initiated this scheme as an additional employee benefit. I would like to clarify that the wage bill of LIC as a percentage of its profits is still among the lowest in the country and in this highly competitive environment these perks are necessary to retain talented employees. Moreover in comparison to the sixth pay commission benefits extended to Central Government employees, this is a fraction of what the employees of this mighty organisation deserve. V K Tripathi, tripvinay@gmail.com Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
We are really shocked to read the article on food coupons to LIC Employees in a reputed daily like yours without going into the full details. It is gross misuse of the power of the fourth pillar to sully the image of a great organization by some vested interests, unfortunately for which you have fallen victim to. First certain important basic facts. Whatever benefits that are paid by any organization / company are paid out of the earnings that accrue due to the hard work of the employees of the company. The company compensates the employees for their hard work by various methods. It is condemnable to use the language you have used as the headline to your article without knowing this basic economic principle. Second, compare the performance of LIC vis-a-vis public sector banks or any other sector organization that is working in the country. In spite of privatization, the organization has performed creditably and grown in its performance year on year. All this are being achieved without any significant new recruitment to its working force. For a figure, after 1996-97 LIC has not gone for mass recruitment. Now even banks have started increasing the work force, but LIC is still to do that. In spite of all this, on a meagre Rs.5 Crore investment LIC is paying back the Government hundreds of crores every year. Over and above this LIC also helps the Government in 5year plans and whenever it wants to prop up the sagging stock market. Thirdly, among public sector financial institutions (RBI, Banks SRINIVASAN, susrila@gmail.com Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
This is to inform you that LIC employees(Cl-3 and Cls 4)were allowed concessions twice a month to reach late and to leave early for emergency work,when required.But it did not mean that any body was unpunctual in the organisation.The Officers any ways reach on time.Our timings in Mumbai are 10.30 to 5.30,for your kind information.This scheme which is still awaiting approval is a very internal matter and NOT swindling of any public money,because we slog a lot in the office even at the cost of sitting very very late to complete Business targets and related work.At such times,we do neglect our home and our family's dinner too.During the financial year ending quarter(Dec-March),we are back home only around 10 pm,WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATION,whatsoever.And,do we remind you that 80% of the employees in Mumbai are WOMEN??There is no Organisation anywhere in the world who does so much for so little...even at the cost of compromising on our HEALTH..ARE THE NGO'S AND MUMBAI MIRROR AWARE OF OUR DAILY PLIGHT??we do not cry in front of our policyholders n the public.We are a selfless organisation and WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN LICian.The agents do get their awards and perks,but not the employees!!Seriously,we are at a loss to understand who is the brain behind this distorted report???We were always financially very strong and not just 'doing well' now!!We have a life fund of 10 lakh crores,but never have the employees been treated even remotely like their pvt sector counterparts. Pls get your facts correct.Our corporate communication chief has rightly said that there are many dangerous and corrupt events happening in the city every day.It is only humane for the Corporation to feel for employees who do so much for the nation's growth and development.WE ARE VERY ANGRY.. SRIKALA MENON AAO LIC OF INDIA
SRIKALA MENON, srikalasantosh@gmail.com Dated : Saturday, September 18, 2010
I REGRET TO READ THE SCRIPT ON ABOVE GIVEN SUBJECT THAT LIC WILL SPEND RS. 335 CRORE OF TAXPAYERS' MONEY ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON FOOD COUPONS TO CAJOLE EMPLOYEES TO COME TO OFFICE ON TIME PUBLISHED IN THE TODAY'S I.E. 18.9.2010 MUMBAI MIRROR BY MR. TS SRINIVASA RAGHAVAN. AS AN EMPLOYEES OF LIC, I MR. PRASAD KAKODKAR WORKING WITH 890, MALAD BRANCH FELT VERY SORRY TO READ THE WRONG MESSAGE OPENLY GIVEN TO PUBLIC. I WANT EXPLANATION & CLARIFICATION ABOUT THE MATTER ON MY CONTACT NO. 9820303763 IMMEDIATELY. LIC IS A HUGE PUBLIC ORGANISATION AND YOU ARE SPOILING THE IMAGE OF LIC BY PUBLISHING SUCH NEWS. AS AN EMPLOYEE WELFARE LIC CAN GIVE ANY FACILITY TO EMPLOYEE AND ITS AN INTERNAL MATTER OF LIC MANAGEMENT AND ITS EMPLOYEES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY ON MY MOBILE NO. 9820303763 AS I WANT CLARIFICATION.
Prasad Kakodkar
Dev. Officer, Br 890/Mumbai DO 3
.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Mumbai Mirror - we protest
.
Further to our last post titled ''Derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror'' we reproduce below the protest letter which we (NOINO & NOIW) wrote to the Chairman against the article:
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE OFFICERS NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE WORKERS (Affiliated to B.M.S.)
18.9.2010.
The Chairman,
L.I.C. of India.
Respected Sir,
Re: Article in Mumbai Mirror
We draw your attention to the article ‘Your money, their lunch’ in today’s edition of Mumbai Mirror. The article is in a very bad taste & paints the LIC employees as perennial latecomers & work-shirkers. The entire tone of the article suggests as if till now all the LIC employees were coming late & the Corporation has to enforce discipline through such measures. We have received countless angry reactions from the employees on this issue.
. The title of the article is most offensive & highly objectionable. The article contains many basic errors like the number of employees (which has been inflated to 1.40 lakhs). It also uses objectionable language (like LIC is bribing its employees to come on time) & throws barbs at the employees (weird variation of mid-day meal scheme). Media ethics like verifying facts from the officials of the Corporation have been given a convenient go-by. We also object to the term ‘Taxpayers’ money being spent’ which again is not true. .
We register our strong protest on this issue. The image of the employees & consequently the Corporation is at stake. We demand that the Corporation should immediately shoot a strong rejoinder to this newspaper & demand an apology from the writer of this article for hurting the sentiments of the employees & showing them in a poor light. The Corporation should also take the extreme step of stopping all advertisements to this paper in case the apology is not forthcoming. We also reiterate our earlier demand that no conditions should be attached with any benefit as this is giving rise to the above false impression. .
Yours faithfully, Sd/-
Ganesh Kamath
GS, NOINO
Sd/- Dnyanesh Paranjape Secy., NOIW
.
Further to our last post titled ''Derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror'' we reproduce below the protest letter which we (NOINO & NOIW) wrote to the Chairman against the article:
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE OFFICERS NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE WORKERS (Affiliated to B.M.S.)
18.9.2010.
The Chairman,
L.I.C. of India.
Respected Sir,
Re: Article in Mumbai Mirror
We draw your attention to the article ‘Your money, their lunch’ in today’s edition of Mumbai Mirror. The article is in a very bad taste & paints the LIC employees as perennial latecomers & work-shirkers. The entire tone of the article suggests as if till now all the LIC employees were coming late & the Corporation has to enforce discipline through such measures. We have received countless angry reactions from the employees on this issue.
. The title of the article is most offensive & highly objectionable. The article contains many basic errors like the number of employees (which has been inflated to 1.40 lakhs). It also uses objectionable language (like LIC is bribing its employees to come on time) & throws barbs at the employees (weird variation of mid-day meal scheme). Media ethics like verifying facts from the officials of the Corporation have been given a convenient go-by. We also object to the term ‘Taxpayers’ money being spent’ which again is not true. .
We register our strong protest on this issue. The image of the employees & consequently the Corporation is at stake. We demand that the Corporation should immediately shoot a strong rejoinder to this newspaper & demand an apology from the writer of this article for hurting the sentiments of the employees & showing them in a poor light. The Corporation should also take the extreme step of stopping all advertisements to this paper in case the apology is not forthcoming. We also reiterate our earlier demand that no conditions should be attached with any benefit as this is giving rise to the above false impression. .
Yours faithfully, Sd/-
Ganesh Kamath
GS, NOINO
Sd/- Dnyanesh Paranjape Secy., NOIW
.
Derogatory article in Mumbai Mirror
.
Mumbai Mirror (a Mumbai based newspaper) and Pune Mirror (a Pune based newspaper) published a derogatory article in their newspapers today i.e. on 18.09.2010 about the meal coupon scheme in LIC of India.
When it came to our knowledge, NOINO & NOIW (jointly) immediately wrote a strongly worded protest letter to the Chairman.
First we reproduce below the article which was published:
Heading: Your money, their lunch
Subheading: In a weird variation of the mid-day meal scheme, LIC will spend Rs 336 crore of taxpayers’ money across the country on food coupons to cajole employees to come to office on time
The Article:
Punctuality is the norm in any professional environment and employees disregarding it are duly penalised. However, in a bizarre Pavlovian initiative, the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is virtually bribing its employees to come to office on time. From October onwards, LIC employees across the country who come in on time will receive food coupons worth Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000 along with their monthly salary. “But to get this benefit, the employees should log in to their computers by 10 am or within the 10-minute grace period. All employees, from part-time staff to zonal managers, who log in on time will receive food coupons ranging between Rs 50 and Rs 200 daily,” an LIC source told Mumbai Mirror. LIC has put in place an elaborate scheme to enable its employees to encash the coupons at select food outlets and malls. Interestingly, the food coupons redeemed will not attract income-tax, thus becoming a double whammy of sorts for the employees. LIC’s chief of corporate communications, Vipin Anand, termed it an internal matter. “Is it big news? There are hundreds of other things happening in the country. Why don’t you write about it?” he snapped. Basic math suggests that the PSU giant stands to lose Rs 336-crore annually (an average of Rs 2000 per month multiplied by 12 months for 1.4 lakh employees). We are taking only 20 working days because added to the ‘punctuality incentive’, they will still avail of their leaves – the PLs, SLs, CLs and other bank holidays. M Vijayanand, co-founder and president of Fifth Pillar, a well-known NGO which fights corruption at high places and reckless spending of public money, said the move was ridiculous. He plans to file an RTI application to obtain more details on the issue. “LIC has set a bad precedent,” Vijayand said. “By paying an incentive to ensure punctuality is an admission that the service rules are not being imposed effectively. LIC is now doing well financially. In future, if it is to face a downturn and has to withdraw the incentive, the employees would then say ‘why should we come on time since you don’t pay us’,” Vijayanand said. Meanwhile, Life Insurance Agents Federation of India (LIAFI) national secretary Shyamal Chakraborthy went on a different tangent. His grouse was LIC agents should not be excluded from the food coupon incentive system. “We have told LIC executive director (marketing) T Chattopadhyay that it was unfair, because we are the ones who bring maximum business to LIC,” he said. On how LIC would ensure effective attendance monitoring, an official explained, “Ours is a highly computerised organisation. Sitting in Mumbai, our chairman can evaluate the business performance of our Kolar office. So, we know who comes in late.”
T S Sreenivasa Raghavan
mirrorfeedback@indiatimes.com
Our protest letter to the Chairman is reproduced in our next post.
.
Mumbai Mirror (a Mumbai based newspaper) and Pune Mirror (a Pune based newspaper) published a derogatory article in their newspapers today i.e. on 18.09.2010 about the meal coupon scheme in LIC of India.
When it came to our knowledge, NOINO & NOIW (jointly) immediately wrote a strongly worded protest letter to the Chairman.
First we reproduce below the article which was published:
Heading: Your money, their lunch
Subheading: In a weird variation of the mid-day meal scheme, LIC will spend Rs 336 crore of taxpayers’ money across the country on food coupons to cajole employees to come to office on time
The Article:
Punctuality is the norm in any professional environment and employees disregarding it are duly penalised. However, in a bizarre Pavlovian initiative, the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is virtually bribing its employees to come to office on time. From October onwards, LIC employees across the country who come in on time will receive food coupons worth Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000 along with their monthly salary. “But to get this benefit, the employees should log in to their computers by 10 am or within the 10-minute grace period. All employees, from part-time staff to zonal managers, who log in on time will receive food coupons ranging between Rs 50 and Rs 200 daily,” an LIC source told Mumbai Mirror. LIC has put in place an elaborate scheme to enable its employees to encash the coupons at select food outlets and malls. Interestingly, the food coupons redeemed will not attract income-tax, thus becoming a double whammy of sorts for the employees. LIC’s chief of corporate communications, Vipin Anand, termed it an internal matter. “Is it big news? There are hundreds of other things happening in the country. Why don’t you write about it?” he snapped. Basic math suggests that the PSU giant stands to lose Rs 336-crore annually (an average of Rs 2000 per month multiplied by 12 months for 1.4 lakh employees). We are taking only 20 working days because added to the ‘punctuality incentive’, they will still avail of their leaves – the PLs, SLs, CLs and other bank holidays. M Vijayanand, co-founder and president of Fifth Pillar, a well-known NGO which fights corruption at high places and reckless spending of public money, said the move was ridiculous. He plans to file an RTI application to obtain more details on the issue. “LIC has set a bad precedent,” Vijayand said. “By paying an incentive to ensure punctuality is an admission that the service rules are not being imposed effectively. LIC is now doing well financially. In future, if it is to face a downturn and has to withdraw the incentive, the employees would then say ‘why should we come on time since you don’t pay us’,” Vijayanand said. Meanwhile, Life Insurance Agents Federation of India (LIAFI) national secretary Shyamal Chakraborthy went on a different tangent. His grouse was LIC agents should not be excluded from the food coupon incentive system. “We have told LIC executive director (marketing) T Chattopadhyay that it was unfair, because we are the ones who bring maximum business to LIC,” he said. On how LIC would ensure effective attendance monitoring, an official explained, “Ours is a highly computerised organisation. Sitting in Mumbai, our chairman can evaluate the business performance of our Kolar office. So, we know who comes in late.”
T S Sreenivasa Raghavan
mirrorfeedback@indiatimes.com
Our protest letter to the Chairman is reproduced in our next post.
.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Teej & Ganesh Chaturthi
.
Gajananam Bhutaganadisevitam Kapitthajambuphalacharubhakshhanam!
Umasutam Shokavinashakarakam Namami Vighneshwarapadapankajam!!
Teej evam Vainayaki Shri Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat ki hardik shubhkamnayein!!
.
Gajananam Bhutaganadisevitam Kapitthajambuphalacharubhakshhanam!
Umasutam Shokavinashakarakam Namami Vighneshwarapadapankajam!!
Teej evam Vainayaki Shri Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat ki hardik shubhkamnayein!!
.
Friday, September 10, 2010
NOINO discusses Meal Coupon with ED(P)
.
Further to our protest lodged with the Chairman immediately after introduction of Meal Coupon Scheme on 1st September 2010, NOINO & NOIW discussed the matter with ED (Personnel) on 8th September 2010 i.e. yesterday.
We give below the details of our discussions held:
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE OFFICERS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE WORKERS
(Affiliated to B.M.S.)
9.9.2010.
DISCUSSIONS WITH ED (PERSONNEL) ON MEAL COUPON SCHEME
LIC introduced the scheme of meal coupons from 1st September 2010. However, the joy of the employees was short-lived when it was found that there were a lot of draconian conditions attached to it. A lot of resentment has been generated on this count. NOINO & NOIW immediately wrote separate letters to the Chairman expressing our resentment. NOINO/NOIW also decided to conduct protest demonstrations on 8th September against the conditional grant of meal coupons. However, the ED (P) appealed to us not to go ahead with these demonstrations & discuss the issue instead. We then decided to suspend the demonstrations in view of the appeal. The discussions took place on 8th September 2010 with the ED (P). The discussions continued for more than an hour & all issues relating to this scheme were discussed thread-bare. The delegation consisted of Shri Ganesh Kamath, GS, NOINO; Shri Manish Patankar, Jt. Secy, NOINO, WZ; Shri Dnyanesh Paranjape, Secy, NOIW; Shri Brahmesh Hardikar, Secy, NOIW; Shri Nitin Paranjape, CC member, NOIW. Following are the details of the discussions:-
At the outset, we placed on record our views about the issue. We reiterated our firm opposition to any conditions being attached with any benefit & demanded that any benefit should be given without any strings attached. We also protested the fact that the management did not take into confidence NOINO & NOIW before taking this decision & said that such unilateralism did not bode well for the industrial relations. Then we discussed the following points:-
Grace period: - ED (P) assured that the facility of grace period would continue.
Late coming: - ED (P) assured that the facility of late-coming two times in a month would continue. However, the employee would not get coupons for those days. We have opposed this. We then pointed out that the employees who have the intention to attend in time but due to circumstances out of control (e.g. trains running late, or strike of some sort etc) sometimes cannot attend in time & hence natural justice would be denied to them if the coupons were to be refused for that day.. The ED (P) replied that in the circumstances wherein there is a problem affecting a large number of employees or if it related to office exigencies, the late would be condoned & the coupon would be intact. However, it would not be condoned if there was some personal reason or if the problem relates to only one or two employees. We then raised the issue of ‘express permission’ which has been mentioned in the meal coupons circular. ED (P) said that it related to such situations as explained above where the concerned officer had the discretion to waive the late-coming. We then demanded that management should issue clarification about the doubts. ED (P) assured to look into it.
Login through E-Portal: - We pointed out that such system was not in vogue in majority of the government institutions/PSU like RBI, SBI, Income-tax, Central Govt, and Banks. In some institutions there is a swap-card system in practice but that is more related to security rather than attendance. ED (P) was firm that the login system would not be done away & was here to stay. We reiterated our firm opposition to it & said that this system was impractical.
Issues concerning Class I Officers:- We pointed out that the brunt of the employees ire would have to be borne by the Class I Officers. The Class I Officers, particularly in the branches have to run the show with the co-operation of the Class III/IV employees. If they were to walk out at the official closure of office timings even during closing period (due to the resentment against the scheme) then the entire burden would then fall on the already hard-pressed Class I Officers. We also said that leaving too much to the discretion of Class I Officers would spell more trouble for them & give rise to daily squabbles. We therefore insisted that a circular should be issued defining the general circumstances where the discretion could be used to minimize the problem. We also pointed out that the scheme would further increase the work pressure of the Class I Officers because now they have been asked to login for Class IV employees, handicapped employees etc. in addition to marking the muster manually till such time the muster practice was discontinued. In addition to that, now the ‘Approver’ has to actually ratify the presence of those employees who have logged in. ED (P) said that management would take care of that. However, we said that it was easier said than done.
Impracticalities in the scheme: - We pointed out that the respective OS departments would have a tedious job at hand. This would also lead to unnecessary loss of precious man-hours.
½ day leave: - We argued that if a person availed ½ day leave, he would still work for 3½ hours on that day. When the coupons would be issued for Saturday for the same number of working hours, then the same logic should have been applied here too. ED (P) replied that the logic for issuing coupons on Saturdays was different. It was because for all practical purposes Saturday is treated as a full working day & if an employee takes leave on Saturday it is treated as full day leave. We did not agree to that & demanded that any type of leave should be excluded for the purpose of grant of this coupon. At the most the habitual & perennial offenders may be brought under the ambit of this scheme.
Early going facility: - We demanded that the early going facility should be restored immediately. We also pointed out that in case of an unforeseen emergency both the employee required to go early from the office as well as his immediate officer would be in trouble in view of the wordings ‘ apart from any other action taken by the Competent authority’. ED (P) replied under such extraordinary circumstances, the management would consider not taking any action in such cases. However, in other cases, the employees should apply for ½ day leave.
Training/Tour :- On this issue, ED (P), assured that wherever the employee was not eligible for TA, DA, he would be paid the meal coupon e.g. one day training. We also raised the issue about the officials not being eligible for coupon when he would be late from an official tour which would be unfair if the circumstances would be beyond his control. However, the ED (P) was not positive about this.
Other issues: - We said that though now an amount was specified for each cadre, it would be insufficient after some time due to inflation & suggested that there should be a system to review it periodically & link it to the Dearness allowance. ED (P) has noted this point. We also pointed out that the coupons beyond 100 rupees would attract tax on perks & demanded that this should be absorbed by the Corporation. ED (P) has assured to look into the matter.
In the end, we reiterated our earlier stand that the scheme should be de-linked from the conditions & the scheme was not acceptable to us in the present format & the conditions should be removed forthwith & improvements be made. We also reiterated that there should not be any further unilateral decisions & insisted that the management should consult/discuss NOINO/NOIW before taking any policy decisions regarding employees.
Sd/-
Shri Ganesh Kamath
GS, NOINO
Sd/-
Shri Atul Deshpande
GS, NOIW
.
Further to our protest lodged with the Chairman immediately after introduction of Meal Coupon Scheme on 1st September 2010, NOINO & NOIW discussed the matter with ED (Personnel) on 8th September 2010 i.e. yesterday.
We give below the details of our discussions held:
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE OFFICERS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF INSURANCE WORKERS
(Affiliated to B.M.S.)
9.9.2010.
DISCUSSIONS WITH ED (PERSONNEL) ON MEAL COUPON SCHEME
LIC introduced the scheme of meal coupons from 1st September 2010. However, the joy of the employees was short-lived when it was found that there were a lot of draconian conditions attached to it. A lot of resentment has been generated on this count. NOINO & NOIW immediately wrote separate letters to the Chairman expressing our resentment. NOINO/NOIW also decided to conduct protest demonstrations on 8th September against the conditional grant of meal coupons. However, the ED (P) appealed to us not to go ahead with these demonstrations & discuss the issue instead. We then decided to suspend the demonstrations in view of the appeal. The discussions took place on 8th September 2010 with the ED (P). The discussions continued for more than an hour & all issues relating to this scheme were discussed thread-bare. The delegation consisted of Shri Ganesh Kamath, GS, NOINO; Shri Manish Patankar, Jt. Secy, NOINO, WZ; Shri Dnyanesh Paranjape, Secy, NOIW; Shri Brahmesh Hardikar, Secy, NOIW; Shri Nitin Paranjape, CC member, NOIW. Following are the details of the discussions:-
At the outset, we placed on record our views about the issue. We reiterated our firm opposition to any conditions being attached with any benefit & demanded that any benefit should be given without any strings attached. We also protested the fact that the management did not take into confidence NOINO & NOIW before taking this decision & said that such unilateralism did not bode well for the industrial relations. Then we discussed the following points:-
Grace period: - ED (P) assured that the facility of grace period would continue.
Late coming: - ED (P) assured that the facility of late-coming two times in a month would continue. However, the employee would not get coupons for those days. We have opposed this. We then pointed out that the employees who have the intention to attend in time but due to circumstances out of control (e.g. trains running late, or strike of some sort etc) sometimes cannot attend in time & hence natural justice would be denied to them if the coupons were to be refused for that day.. The ED (P) replied that in the circumstances wherein there is a problem affecting a large number of employees or if it related to office exigencies, the late would be condoned & the coupon would be intact. However, it would not be condoned if there was some personal reason or if the problem relates to only one or two employees. We then raised the issue of ‘express permission’ which has been mentioned in the meal coupons circular. ED (P) said that it related to such situations as explained above where the concerned officer had the discretion to waive the late-coming. We then demanded that management should issue clarification about the doubts. ED (P) assured to look into it.
Login through E-Portal: - We pointed out that such system was not in vogue in majority of the government institutions/PSU like RBI, SBI, Income-tax, Central Govt, and Banks. In some institutions there is a swap-card system in practice but that is more related to security rather than attendance. ED (P) was firm that the login system would not be done away & was here to stay. We reiterated our firm opposition to it & said that this system was impractical.
Issues concerning Class I Officers:- We pointed out that the brunt of the employees ire would have to be borne by the Class I Officers. The Class I Officers, particularly in the branches have to run the show with the co-operation of the Class III/IV employees. If they were to walk out at the official closure of office timings even during closing period (due to the resentment against the scheme) then the entire burden would then fall on the already hard-pressed Class I Officers. We also said that leaving too much to the discretion of Class I Officers would spell more trouble for them & give rise to daily squabbles. We therefore insisted that a circular should be issued defining the general circumstances where the discretion could be used to minimize the problem. We also pointed out that the scheme would further increase the work pressure of the Class I Officers because now they have been asked to login for Class IV employees, handicapped employees etc. in addition to marking the muster manually till such time the muster practice was discontinued. In addition to that, now the ‘Approver’ has to actually ratify the presence of those employees who have logged in. ED (P) said that management would take care of that. However, we said that it was easier said than done.
Impracticalities in the scheme: - We pointed out that the respective OS departments would have a tedious job at hand. This would also lead to unnecessary loss of precious man-hours.
½ day leave: - We argued that if a person availed ½ day leave, he would still work for 3½ hours on that day. When the coupons would be issued for Saturday for the same number of working hours, then the same logic should have been applied here too. ED (P) replied that the logic for issuing coupons on Saturdays was different. It was because for all practical purposes Saturday is treated as a full working day & if an employee takes leave on Saturday it is treated as full day leave. We did not agree to that & demanded that any type of leave should be excluded for the purpose of grant of this coupon. At the most the habitual & perennial offenders may be brought under the ambit of this scheme.
Early going facility: - We demanded that the early going facility should be restored immediately. We also pointed out that in case of an unforeseen emergency both the employee required to go early from the office as well as his immediate officer would be in trouble in view of the wordings ‘ apart from any other action taken by the Competent authority’. ED (P) replied under such extraordinary circumstances, the management would consider not taking any action in such cases. However, in other cases, the employees should apply for ½ day leave.
Training/Tour :- On this issue, ED (P), assured that wherever the employee was not eligible for TA, DA, he would be paid the meal coupon e.g. one day training. We also raised the issue about the officials not being eligible for coupon when he would be late from an official tour which would be unfair if the circumstances would be beyond his control. However, the ED (P) was not positive about this.
Other issues: - We said that though now an amount was specified for each cadre, it would be insufficient after some time due to inflation & suggested that there should be a system to review it periodically & link it to the Dearness allowance. ED (P) has noted this point. We also pointed out that the coupons beyond 100 rupees would attract tax on perks & demanded that this should be absorbed by the Corporation. ED (P) has assured to look into the matter.
In the end, we reiterated our earlier stand that the scheme should be de-linked from the conditions & the scheme was not acceptable to us in the present format & the conditions should be removed forthwith & improvements be made. We also reiterated that there should not be any further unilateral decisions & insisted that the management should consult/discuss NOINO/NOIW before taking any policy decisions regarding employees.
Sd/-
Shri Ganesh Kamath
GS, NOINO
Sd/-
Shri Atul Deshpande
GS, NOIW
.
Monday, September 6, 2010
NOINO not in strike on 7th Sept.
.
Few Trade Union Organizations have given call for strike on 7th September 2010 i.e. tomorrow.
We like to clarify that NOINO (or any affiliate of BMS) is not participating in the strike. As such, all NOINO office-bearers and members will remain present in the office tomorrow i.e. on 7th Sept. .
Few Trade Union Organizations have given call for strike on 7th September 2010 i.e. tomorrow.
We like to clarify that NOINO (or any affiliate of BMS) is not participating in the strike. As such, all NOINO office-bearers and members will remain present in the office tomorrow i.e. on 7th Sept. .
NOINO Amravati (WZ) committee
.
The NOINO committee in Amravati(WZ) has been reconstituted.
On 19.08.2010 a meeting of National Organisation of Insurance Officers, Amravati Unit was held in the presence of Shri Sudhakarrao Ingole, All India Working President; Shri Vishwas V. Shastri, Zonal Secretary, WZ; Shri D.V.Aloni, All India Treasurer and Smt. Anagha Sant, Organising Secretary, WZ. The following Officer Bearers were elected:
President: Shri N.A. Bais, Chief Manager, Achalpur B.O.
General Secretary: Shri. S.S.Sapkal , A.O. Amravati D.O.
Vice Presidents:
1. Shri. S.J.Ladsawangikar, Chief Manager, Washim B.O.
2. Shri M.G.Patkhedkar, Sr.Branch Manager, Khamgaon B.O.
3. Shri S.V.Gaikwad, Dy.Manager, CLIA, Amravati D.O.
4. Shri.S.S.Deotare, A.A.O., Yavatmal CBO I
Organising Secretaries:
1. Shri. A.S.Pande, Branch Manager, P&GS Unit, Amravati.
2. Smt.A.S.Akolikar, A.A.O., Amravati CBO-I.
Joint Secretaries:
1. Shri. Suresh Nair, A.O. Yavatmal CBO II
2. Shri. S.S.Kuptekar , A.A.O., Buldhana B.O.
3. Shri. S.S.Deshmukh, A.A.O. Amravati D.O.
4. Shri. S.S.Mulaokar, A.A.O. Amravati D.O.
Treasurer :
Shri. A.A.Kothiwan , A.A.O. Amravati D.O.
EC Members:
Shri V.M. Ghate, A.O. Akola CBO I,
Shri. M.G.Lonkar, A.A.O., Divl. Off.
Shri. M.K.Pendke, A.B.M.(S) Buldhana B.O.
.
The NOINO committee in Amravati(WZ) has been reconstituted.
On 19.08.2010 a meeting of National Organisation of Insurance Officers, Amravati Unit was held in the presence of Shri Sudhakarrao Ingole, All India Working President; Shri Vishwas V. Shastri, Zonal Secretary, WZ; Shri D.V.Aloni, All India Treasurer and Smt. Anagha Sant, Organising Secretary, WZ. The following Officer Bearers were elected:
President: Shri N.A. Bais, Chief Manager, Achalpur B.O.
General Secretary: Shri. S.S.Sapkal , A.O. Amravati D.O.
Vice Presidents:
1. Shri. S.J.Ladsawangikar, Chief Manager, Washim B.O.
2. Shri M.G.Patkhedkar, Sr.Branch Manager, Khamgaon B.O.
3. Shri S.V.Gaikwad, Dy.Manager, CLIA, Amravati D.O.
4. Shri.S.S.Deotare, A.A.O., Yavatmal CBO I
Organising Secretaries:
1. Shri. A.S.Pande, Branch Manager, P&GS Unit, Amravati.
2. Smt.A.S.Akolikar, A.A.O., Amravati CBO-I.
Joint Secretaries:
1. Shri. Suresh Nair, A.O. Yavatmal CBO II
2. Shri. S.S.Kuptekar , A.A.O., Buldhana B.O.
3. Shri. S.S.Deshmukh, A.A.O. Amravati D.O.
4. Shri. S.S.Mulaokar, A.A.O. Amravati D.O.
Treasurer :
Shri. A.A.Kothiwan , A.A.O. Amravati D.O.
EC Members:
Shri V.M. Ghate, A.O. Akola CBO I,
Shri. M.G.Lonkar, A.A.O., Divl. Off.
Shri. M.K.Pendke, A.B.M.(S) Buldhana B.O.
.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
NOINO protests conditional meal coupons
.
NOINO has written a letter to the Chairman on the issue of conditional meal coupons. The letter is reproduced below:
1st September 2010
The Chairman, L.I.C. of India.
Respected Sir,
Re: Announcement of Meal Coupons
On behalf of all LIC employees, we wish you a very happy anniversary. LIC has completed 54 glorious years of its existence & the credit goes to all the classes of employees who have left no stone unturned in bringing the Corpoartaion to its present enviable position.
We also thank you for introducing the concept of meal coupons.
However, we have serious doubts/objections in the proposed scheme as follows:-
1. Withdrawal of early going facility:- This is a retrograde step because:- * Employees have been availing this facility for the last so many years. There is no logic in withdrawing this facility as the incidence of disturbance in work is minimal. * As it is, many employees do not avail this facility as they do not stand a chance of going home even on time due to the heavy work-load. * If the early going facility is withdrawn & the same is linked to the meal coupons, then whether the management will compensate for the late-sitting? The logic cannot be applied only one-way. * This will also lead to employees resorting to going early without any official sanction but with the understanding of their superiors in event of any emergency. What is then the need of un-necessary imposition of this step? Heavens will not fall if we continue with this facility. We strongly demand the restoration of this facility.
2. Linking with attendance :- It is one thing to encourage attendance for those who are habitual offenders & another to treat leave as if it is a cardinal sin. Leave is a privilege earned by the employees after a long struggle. It would not be out of place to say that leave/break is absolutely necessary for an employee for relaxation/recreation/rejuvenation. We suggest that at the most, the clause should be modified & only leave after a particular limit should be brought under the ambit of this scheme if at all the intention is to curb excess leave.
3. We also demand that the benefit should be paid for all the days of the month whether working or not.
We again request you to consider the above demands & ensure that any benefit granted should be without any draconian conditions.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- Ganesh Kamath GS, NOINO.
.
NOINO has written a letter to the Chairman on the issue of conditional meal coupons. The letter is reproduced below:
1st September 2010
The Chairman, L.I.C. of India.
Respected Sir,
Re: Announcement of Meal Coupons
On behalf of all LIC employees, we wish you a very happy anniversary. LIC has completed 54 glorious years of its existence & the credit goes to all the classes of employees who have left no stone unturned in bringing the Corpoartaion to its present enviable position.
We also thank you for introducing the concept of meal coupons.
However, we have serious doubts/objections in the proposed scheme as follows:-
1. Withdrawal of early going facility:- This is a retrograde step because:- * Employees have been availing this facility for the last so many years. There is no logic in withdrawing this facility as the incidence of disturbance in work is minimal. * As it is, many employees do not avail this facility as they do not stand a chance of going home even on time due to the heavy work-load. * If the early going facility is withdrawn & the same is linked to the meal coupons, then whether the management will compensate for the late-sitting? The logic cannot be applied only one-way. * This will also lead to employees resorting to going early without any official sanction but with the understanding of their superiors in event of any emergency. What is then the need of un-necessary imposition of this step? Heavens will not fall if we continue with this facility. We strongly demand the restoration of this facility.
2. Linking with attendance :- It is one thing to encourage attendance for those who are habitual offenders & another to treat leave as if it is a cardinal sin. Leave is a privilege earned by the employees after a long struggle. It would not be out of place to say that leave/break is absolutely necessary for an employee for relaxation/recreation/rejuvenation. We suggest that at the most, the clause should be modified & only leave after a particular limit should be brought under the ambit of this scheme if at all the intention is to curb excess leave.
3. We also demand that the benefit should be paid for all the days of the month whether working or not.
We again request you to consider the above demands & ensure that any benefit granted should be without any draconian conditions.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- Ganesh Kamath GS, NOINO.
.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
NOINO activist in Commonwealth Games
.
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT SHRI HIREN B. SHAH (PG - 1) WHO IS OUR ACTIVE EC MEMBER IN NADIAD HAS BEEN SELECTED AS TECHNICAL OFFICIAL FOR SWIMMING EVENTS IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES TO BE HELD IN DELHI FROM 3rd OCTOBER 2010.
SHRI HIREN B. SHAH ALSO OFFICIATED IN YOUTH COMMONWEALTH GAMES AT PUNE IN 2008. HE HAS ALSO BEEN OFFICIATING IN NATIONAL GAMES SINCE 2000.
WE WISH HIM BEST OF LUCK. NOINO IS PROUD OF HIM.
GANESH KAMATH GS, NOINO. .
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT SHRI HIREN B. SHAH (PG - 1) WHO IS OUR ACTIVE EC MEMBER IN NADIAD HAS BEEN SELECTED AS TECHNICAL OFFICIAL FOR SWIMMING EVENTS IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES TO BE HELD IN DELHI FROM 3rd OCTOBER 2010.
SHRI HIREN B. SHAH ALSO OFFICIATED IN YOUTH COMMONWEALTH GAMES AT PUNE IN 2008. HE HAS ALSO BEEN OFFICIATING IN NATIONAL GAMES SINCE 2000.
WE WISH HIM BEST OF LUCK. NOINO IS PROUD OF HIM.
GANESH KAMATH GS, NOINO. .
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