Bruhaspati Samal
General Secretary
Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers
Odisha State Coordination Committee, Bhubaneswar
There is no contradiction to the fact that the National Federation of Posts and Telegraphs Employees (NFPTE) is the father of the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers (CCGEW). Thus, without any knowledge about the glorious history of formation of NFPTE and its outstanding activities, the importance of CCGEW will not be exactly understood. Let’s have a brief look on the glorious background of NFPTE which remained as the driving force behind formation of CCGEW.
Glorious Background of NFPTE: Just two days before India became independent, i. e. on 13th August, 1947, three unions namely, AIPRMS Union, IPTU and ITA jointly formed Union of Posts and Telegraphs Workers (UPTW) which was recognized by the Govt as a separate union without allowing merger. The UPTW conducted its first All India Conference at Madras from 24th to 27th May, 1948 with decision to go for a strike and accordingly served strike notice on 1st February 1949 with 28 point charter of demands to go on strike from 9th March 1949. The Railway Unions decided for strike from the same date. Considering the strike a plan to destabilize the new Govt., action was taken to crush it at any cost and thus the leaders (OP Gupta, V S Menon, K G Bose, Dada Ghosh and many veterans) were arrested from various places across India, houses of Union leaders were searched and Union Offices were locked by police. Those who were not arrested kept in custody with refusal of bail and shifted to their own places without food in the train. Protesting the above actions of the Govt. when Bengal Province Union of UPTW decided to go on strike from 9th March, 1949, mass arrests of workers were ordered and as many as 300 workers belonging to P&T and Railways etc remained in jail in Bengal only till end of 1949 who were charge-sheeted also. The 1949 proposed strike adversely affected UPTW with scars of victimization, dismissal and termination and the Govt. considered UPTW as a permanent menace.
After crushing the strike of Railways and Central Govt. employees, the Govt. tried to control the Trade Unions who came forward in support of UPTW demanding withdrawal of anti-worker Labour Relations Amendment Bills and realignment of unions including release of jailed workers and reinstatement of dismissed / terminated workers. UPTW organized very successfully “Anti Black Bill Day” on 29th January 1951 with support of the MPs which compelled the Govt. to withdraw the Bill. After fruitful negotiation of UPTW with the then Communication Minister Rafi Ahmad Kidwai on 7th February 1950, most of the Comrades were released from jail and reinstated by March 1950 with exception to some workers like KG Bose (dismissed on 5th October, 1950), Saroj Mohan Chateerjee (removed), Moni Bose (terminated) and some others. Regarding realignment of unions, though R A Kidwai, MoC called a realignment Conference on 15th May 1951 with suggestion to form 8 unions by 31st October, 1951 (2 unions each i.e. Class-III, Class-IV) from Postal, RMS, Telegraph Traffic and Telegraph Engineering), the proposal couldn’t be successful due to various reasons. The situation was changed in the Nagpur AIC of UPTW from 25-30 October, 1953. A delegation under the leadership of Dada Ghosh, the then President of UPTW discussed the issue with MoC (Jagjiwan Ram) and DG (P) and later Dada Ghosh appealed to all Unions to support the Realignment Scheme for unity which became fruitful.
The Realignment Scheme outlined 9 all India unions (8 as above with formation of Circle and Divisional Unions at lower level along with EDAs and a combined Class-III & Class-IV union for Administrative Offices with no unit lower than Circle Union) and a Federation at the top. The joint Conference of the 9 realigned all India Unions was held on 21st November, 1954 and thereafter AICs of all the 9 unions were held separately electing their respective all India Office bearers and a total of 100 Federal Councillors to represent their unions in the Federation. The Federal Council of elected Councillors of all the 9 unions was held at Vinaynagar, Delhi on 24th November, 1954 which established National Federation of Posts and Telegraphs Employees (NFPTE) under the leadership of Dada Ghosh (Bhupendra Nath Gosh) as the first Secretary General. NFPTE and all its 9 all India unions were recognized by the Govt. on 4th March, 1955 which enthused the entirety of P & T Workers to grow faster with formation of Circle Unions and P & T Coordinating Committees.
The first meeting of the Federal Executive comprising office bearers of NFPTE and the General Secretaries of 9 affiliated unions was held on 3-6 March 1955 with decision to organize a Demands Day on 20th April, 1955 for which 30 demands concerning various cadres and section were finalized which include appointment of Second Pay Commission, grant of full Trade Union rights, restoration of 20 days CL, increase in rate of pension etc. NFPTE showed its strength with participation of as many as 5000 workers and wide publicity in all newspapers. The first anniversary of NFPTE was celebrated at Delhi on 24.11.1955 followed by its first Federal Council at Calcutta from 28th December 1955 to 2nd January 1956 with adoption of a Charter 30 Points Demands which was submitted to the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who just forwarded to the MoC Shri Raj Bahadur.
Formation of Confederation: Although some of the demands were related to P & T alone, since many demands were of a general nature concerning all the Central Govt. employees, it was felt by the Federation leadership especially by Dada Ghosh, SG NFPTE that an organization of the Central Govt. Employees is required for wider unity and struggle. On his appeal to all the Central Govt. establishments though Railways and Defence Federations did not join, other Central Govt. employees’ unions showed much enthusiasm. A joint meeting of all the interested unions was held at New Delhi on 16.08.1956 and Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers was formed with participation of 10 unions (NFPTE, PTIWU, GoISOA, Survey of India, Civil Aviation, Income Tax, CPWD, Meterological Workshop, Malaria Institute and Indian School of Mines) only under the leadership of S Madhusudan as first Secretary General. Dada Ghosh continued as Vice-Chairman of the Confederation.
NFPTE with its phenomenal growing influence and close connection with the people remained as the driving force behind the formation of Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers which brought many important and crucial developments for the employees and workers organizing many struggle programmes.
Important Activities / Achievements: Soon after formation of CCGEW, the issue of Puja Festival advance (which has already been granted to P&T employees and Railway Workers in Bengal and not extended to other Central Govt. employees) was taken at all India level and finally, the authorities issued order on 24.09.1956 granting festival advance to the extent of Rs.50/- and Rs.30/- to Class-III and Class-IV employees respectively in four instalments which was, on serious protest by CCGEW later increased on 29.09.1956 to one month’s basic pay subject to a maximum of Rs.75/-.
Starting the stage of another struggle, the CCGEW gave a call to boycott the pay on first day of January 1957 and observed “Pay Boycott Day” demanding appointment of 2nd CPC and sanction of DA according to CPC recommendations which was a big success with massive participation including NFPTE. Notice was served to go on strike from midnight of 8/9 August 1957. A meeting was conducted on 26.07.1957 with Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, MoC Lal Bahadur Shatri and and Labour Minister Gulzarilal Nanda without any decision. ESMA was promulgated on 05.08.1957 and the strike was declared illegal. After movement of a non-official resolution by K K Warrier, MP belonging to CPI, finally Govt. announced appointment of CPC along with EDA Committee on 08.08.1957 (which was finally constituted on 21.08.1957) and the proposed strike was called off.
The Glorious Strike of July 1960: Demanding Interim Relief, Confederation and NFPTE observed “Interim Relief Day” on 13.09.1957 which was accepted for Rs.5/- only. As per the call of the CCGEW, signature campaign was launched against meagre interim relief from 16.02.1958 and “All India Protest Day” was observed on 11.03.1958. The 2nd CPC submitted its report in November 1959. Immediately Confederation issued a statement against unsatisfactory recommendations and observed “Protest Day” on 07.01.1960. As per the decision taken in Confederation Executive met at Bombay on 23-24 January, 1960 discussion was made with All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) and All India Railwaymen Federation (AIRF) and after organizing a Convention of these three organizations at Bombay on 02-03 April 1960, it was decided to call for a strike from 19.06.1960 of 6 Points Charter of Demands. The Joint Council of Action (JCA) comprising CCGEW, NFPTE, AIRF and AIDEF postponed the strike to midnight of 11/12 July 1960 due to non-availability of the Prime Minister for discussion. Subsequently, taking an irrational stand, the Prime Minister rejected the demands of the JCA which compelled the JCA leadership to serve strike notice on 21.06.1960. The Prime Minister called the strike as “Civil Rebellion”. ESMO was promulgated making participation in the strike as also instigation for strike punishable with six months and penalty of Rs.500/- and one year imprisonment and penalty of Rs.1000/- respectively. The confrontation in between the C G employees and the Govt. continued inviting the five days glorious strike of July 1960. Along with the ordinance and threats, malicious propaganda, misleading information and confusing statements were issued by the Govt. Even the last minute discussion to stop the strike could not be materialized and the biggest strike of the C G employees in the independent India started on 11/12 midnight of July 1960 with the support of CTUs (except INTUC) beyond the expectations of the Govt. with arrests, imprisonments, dismissals, suspensions, terminations and punishment of lakhs of employees. In Dohad Railway Workshop five workers were killed in firing excluding nine outsiders. Apart from employees (17780 arrested and 1630 convicted), Trade Union stalwarts, independent democrats, socialist leaders, outsiders and MPs belonging to Communist Party (2359 arrested and 234 convicted) who supported the strike were arrested and imprisoned.
The Govt. put all its oppressive machinery to crush the strike for which it was unconditionally withdrawn on 16.07.1960. In spite of heated discussion in the Lok Sabha on 08-09 August, 1960 on the brutal way, the strike was dealt with, the Govt. defended the brutal actions and the recognition of NFPTE and its affiliated unions and other organizations which called for the strike was withdrawn. The employees who couldn’t face the loss of job committed suicide. The price to be paid by the strike was heavy. The loss to the employees was unimaginable. The P & T employees had to bear maximum victimization (out of 17780 arrested, nearly 12000 were P & T employees and out of 27000 suspended, 18000 from P&T). However, after a lot of persuasion and pressures from Members of Parliament and persistent demands from the Federation the Govt. finally restored the recognition to NFPTE and all its 9 affiliated unions on 23.09.1961.
The Govt. which was sitting idle on the recommendations of the 2nd CPC without taking any decision was compelled to finalize and on 02.08.1960, Morarji Desai, Finance Minister announced Govt.’s decision implementing the recommendations of 2nd CPC with effect from 01.07.1959.
The above struggle of the CG employees might not have gained any material benefits, but, it has awakened the workers, made them conscious of their rights, privileges and responsibilities and showed the world that the workers had a just cause and their action was justified. The Govt. stood exposed before the workers and people. The Govt. preaching socialism was quite unsympathetic and against the working class and their demands. But the members of public appreciated with their increasing sympathy for the demand of the employees to stop the steep prices of essential commodities which compelled the Govt. to form an expert committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mahalonobis to examine and recommend on the matter and also how to compensate the employees for the same. These five days glorious strike remained as a shining star inspiring and encouraging lakhs of Central Govt. employees to continue their struggle for progress and their betterment.
Introduction of JCM Scheme: Further, the Govt. realized that unless there is some platform for discussion and negotiation on demands of the employees’ strikes and struggles will continue. After restoration of recognition, the Govt. initiated discussions with Central Govt. Employees Federations and Unions. A series of meetings were held by Home Minister Gulzarilal Nanda, Labour Minister G Sanjeeviah, MoS Home Affairs J L Hati and the Govt. Secretaries of these departments. After many discussions with C G employees’ organizations, the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Scheme with a National Council at Central level, another at Departmental level and the third at Regional level was finalized covering all regular civil employees of Central Govt. except Class-I and Class-II services.
The Confederation observed “All India Day” on 12.08.1964 to bring down prices, grant full neutralization of DA, correct cost of living indices, arbitration for revision of DA formula etc. The Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shatri conducted a meeting with Confederation leadership and appointed a One Man Committee, S K Das, retired judge of Supreme Court on 27.08.1964 to examine the rates of DA only which didn’t satisfy the Confederation. A “Protest Day” was observed on 21.09.1964 and Demonstration on 24.10.1964. Das Committee submitted its report in April 1965 recommending 100% full neutralization of DA as demanded.
1968 Historic Strike: Demanding (1) Need-based Minimum Wage to all Central and State Govt. employees on the basis of the norms evolved by the 15th Indian Labour Conference, (2) Full neutralization of cost of living, (3) Merger of DA with basic Pay, (4) No Retrenchment / Victimization and (5) No reduction in retirement age, a joint statement was issued by CCGEW and All India State Govt. Employees Federation (AISGEF) on 12.07.1968. The National Convention of Confederation held at New Delhi on 13.07.1968 expressed strong protest at the negative stand of the Govt. which refused to refer to arbitration the two issues of Need-based Minimum Wage and Merger of DA. “Demand Day” was observed on 08.08.1968. Confederation, NFPTE, AIRF and AIDEF held their Executive Committee Meetings and decided to go on a One Day Token Strike on 19th September, 1968 and observed “National Mobilization Day on 13.09.1968 and massive demonstrations on 17.09.1968.
The historic strike began at 6 AM on 19.09.1968. Thousands and thousands of employees in Post Offices, RMS offices, Telephone Exchanges, Telegraphs Offices, and other Central Govt. Offices walked out of their duty places. The entire communication system in the country remained standstill. Treating the strike as “Revolt”, ESMA was promulgated and indiscriminate arrests made all over the country. It was a war-like situation. Arrest of leaders started on 18th September itself. About 3000 employees and leaders were arrested from Delhi alone. All over India about 12000 Central Government employees and leaders were arrested and jailed. In spite of all these repressive measures the strike was a massive success all over India and in all departments including Railways, Defence, P&T, Audit and etc. About 64000 employees were served with termination notices, thousands removed from service and about 40000 employees suspended. Eight employees were brutally killed at Pathankot and Bikaner. Govt. issued orders derecognizing all Unions and Federations which had served strike notice.
19th September 1968 strike is written in red letters in the history of Indian Working Class. The strike was historic in more than one sense. The same government which refused to accept the demands was compelled to implement some of them afterwards. DA was granted regularly. Third CPC was set up in 1970. Liberalized pension scheme was introduced in 1973. No struggle goes in vain. The long term impact of a struggle for a genuine cause should be understood properly. The benefits of past struggles often accrue to the present / future generation.
The saga of glorious journey continues: The saga of glorious journey of CCGEW playing a constructive role in shaping the life and career of the Central Govt. employees in particular and handling the common issues affecting the members of public and working class in general is quite eventful. All the benefits now enjoyed by the Central Govt. employees are the gifts of the continuous and uncompromised struggles of Confederation only. Nothing has been given by the Govt. suo moto. It has conducted / is conducting so many agitational programmes including observance of Black Days on several anti-employee issues, demonstrations, dharnas, strikes, Divisional / State / National level conventions to protect the interest of the working class. In addition, several Trade Union classes are being organized to educate the employees to understand their rights and responsibilities. In association with the Central Trade Unions, Confederation is always at the forefront of all struggle programmes organized to protect the interest of the working class as a whole.
It has never compromised with its aims and objectives in protecting the interest of the employees and workers in spite of serious victimization by the Govt. During the neo-liberalization period since 1990-91, as many as 21 nationwide general strikes of Central Govt. employees have been organized which clearly defines the role of Confederation towards C G employees’ movement. Illustratively, 3 strikes have been conducted continuously in 2012, 2013 and 2014 only for constitution of 7th CPC. It may be noted that CCGEW is demanding wage revision of Central Govt employees in every 5 years instead 10 years.
Challenges Ahead: Now, the biggest challenge before Confederation is to protect the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) which has been snatched away from 01.01.2004 by an Executive Order on 22.12.2003. Continuous struggle programmes are being organized since 2004 for complete restoration of OPS. Though some improvements, viz, grant of DCRG, Family Pension and withdrawal facility etc. have been noticed in the National Pension System (NPS) due to frequent agitations, Confederation has not stopped demanding complete scrap of NPS. To accelerate its movement, a Joint Forum for Restoration of OPS (JFROPS) has been constituted under National Council of Action (NJCA) along with Railway Federations, Defence Federations, AISGEF and teachers.
Besides, CCGEW has to fight for withdrawal of Labour Codes, constitution of 8th CPC, filling up of all vacant posts, protection of trade union rights, stoppage of closer / merger of Central Govt. establishments, stoppage of privatization / corporatization / outsourcing, regularization of part-time casual workers including GDS with status and pension and many common issues affecting the life of employees and workers.
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