Coordination Committee of Pensioners' Association, Bhubaneswar, Odisha organized protest demonstration forming Human Chain in the premises of Bhubaneswar GPO on 25th July 2025

Respected Pensioners,

Red Salute to your Unyielding Spirit.

In a rare show of determination and courage, hundreds of pensioners, many of them in their eighties and nineties, braved the continuous downpour today in the capital city of Bhubaneswar and assembled in front of Bhubaneswar GPO, forming a resolute Human Chain of protest. Age, weather, or frailty could not deter their fiery spirit — for what brought them together was not mere grievance, but a demand for justice and dignity.

Pensioners from various sectors — Postal, Telecom, BSNL, Income Tax, AG, Institute of Physics and others — many of whom had travelled long distances from the outskirts of the city, stood shoulder to shoulder in the rain. Their message was loud and clear: “Stop discriminating among pensioners in the name of the Finance Act 2025. Constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) without any further delay.”

It has been more than six months since the declaration made in January 2025 regarding the 8th CPC. Yet, there has been no formal constitution, no Gazette notification, and no meaningful dialogue from the side of the Central Government. Instead, the Finance Act 2025 continues to create an unjust divide among pensioners, leading to growing unrest and resentment.

This massive turnout in inclement weather is not just a protest — it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our senior and super-senior citizens who gave their youth and sweat to nation-building. Their gathering is not only an agitation but a moral reminder to the authorities that no law or fiscal policy should override the right to equity, justice, and dignity of life in old age.

We bow our heads in deep respect and raise our fists in solidarity — Red Salute to these warriors of justice! Their presence in today's Human Chain despite fragile health and harsh weather conditions speaks volumes about their unwavering faith in democracy and their lifelong service to the nation.

We sincerely appeal to the Government of India — do not test the patience of those who have already given their best years to this country. Withdraw the discriminatory provisions under the Finance Act 2025 and immediately constitute the 8th CPC. Justice delayed is justice denied — and it is high time the voice of the pensioners is not only heard but honored.

Let this protest be a call to conscience, and let justice prevail.

= B SAMAL =

Convenor

Coordination Committee of Pensioners' Association, Bhubaneswar

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No 223 on 8th CPC answered on 22nd July 2025

Appeal to All Pensioners ✊🏽 Rise Together for Justice – Join the Human Chain Protest on 25th July 2025

Dear Comrades, Employees, and Respected Pensioners,

It is with deep anguish and fierce determination that we raise our voice today — not just against bureaucratic apathy, but against a calculated injustice inflicted upon millions of serving and retired Central Government employees. It is now six long months since the Central Government announced the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) in January 2025. But what followed has been a shameful silence, a mockery of commitment, and a complete betrayal of trust. Even the casual and evasive reply in Lok Sabha on 21st July 2025 (Unstarred Q. No. 150) reeks of indifference towards the backbone of the nation's administration — its employees and pensioners.

As if this delay wasn’t insult enough, the Finance Act 2025 passed on 25th March 2025 has opened the floodgates for blatant discrimination among pensioners — deciding the date of implementation of CPC recommendations not as a right "as and when due", but as a favour "as and when desired" by the government. It shatters the principles of natural justice and creates a class within a class, something the Hon'ble Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled unconstitutional under Article 14 — the right to equality.

For four months now, the Government has failed to issue even a simple clarification that was assured to the Staff Side, choosing silence over justice, indifference over inclusion.

🔴 We are not beggars. We are builders of the nation.

🟡 We are not retired from our dignity. We are retired from service.

🔴 Our rights are not seasonal promises. They are Constitutional Guarantees.

And now, the time has come to rise, resist, and reclaim our dignity.

✊🏽 On 25th July 2025

The Forum of Civil Pensioners’ Associations and the National Coordination Committee of Pensioners’ Associations (NCCPA) call upon you with folded hands and a burning voice to Join the Nationwide Human Chain and Protest Demonstration at District Headquarters — not as an act of defiance, but as a march of moral strength.

Let every district hear our voice. Let every bureaucrat see our unity. Let the nation feel the pulse of its retired warriors — the teachers, the postal workers, the clerks, the health workers, the defense civilian staff, the rail employees — who gave their lives for the cause of public service.

We appeal to:

🧓🏽 Pensioners – stand with your spine erect, your voice loud. You once served this nation with commitment; now serve it with courage.

👨🏽‍💼 Employees in Service – this is your future at stake. What happens to today's pensioners will become your fate tomorrow.

👩🏼‍🏫 Trade Unions, Associations, and Social Organizations – let this cause echo in your voices and your steps.

This is not a protest. This is a Declaration of Dignity.

This is not a demand. This is a Restoration of Rights.

Let the Human Chain on 25th July stretch like a river of resistance across every district of this nation. Let it become a symbol of solidarity that no Government can ignore, no Parliament can suppress, and no law can erase.

🛑 No more silence.

🛑 No more delay.

🛑 No more discrimination.

We are united. We are awakened. We are unstoppable.

Join the protest. Be the voice. Be the chain. Be the change.

IN UNITY, THERE IS STRENGTH. IN PROTEST, THERE IS POWER. IN JUSTICE, WE TRUST.

— Inquilab Zindabad!

- Pensioners Unity Zindabad!

= B SAMAL =

(On behalf of Odisha Coordination Committee of Pensioners' Association)

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Govt Employees and Workers

Odisha State CoC, Bhubaneswar 

Let's Remember the Saint of Struggle – A Call to Comrades and Admirers

Dear Friends, Comrades, and Admirers of Late Com. Banshidhar Mohanty,

       At a time when selfless leadership is rare, we were blessed to witness the life and legacy of Com. Banshidhar Mohanty, a towering figure of the P&T Trade Union Movement in Odisha, who led without greed, spoke without fear, and lived without ego. He was more than a leader — he was a saint in action, a living embodiment of truth, justice, and love.

To honour his undying spirit and the path he carved for generations of workers and comrades, the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers, Odisha State CoC, and the All India Postal & RMS Pensioners’ Association, Odisha State Committee are jointly organising the 3rd Remembrance Day of Com. Banshidhar Mohanty as।scheduled below.

🗓 27th July 2025 (Sunday), 10.30 AM

📍 S.N. Sircar Memorial Hall, Jobra Road, Cuttack - 753003

We earnestly appeal to all admirers, followers, trade union activists, and well-wishers to participate in large numbers to pay heartfelt homage to this humble titan of struggle. Let us gather not merely to remember, but to draw strength from his ideals and continue the journey he once walked.

We also extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to OrissaTODAY for publishing the tribute article “A Saint of Struggle” on 21st July 2025. Their timely and respectful coverage has beautifully preserved the memory of our beloved Comrade and shared his story with a wider audience.

Let us unite in remembrance. Let us keep his flame burning.

In Solidarity,

🙏🌹🙏

- Bruhaspati Samal - 

On behlaf of the Organising Committee

3rd Remembrance Day of Com. Banshidhar Mohanty

Cuttack | 21st July 2025

A Saint of Struggle

(Remembering Com. Banshidhar Mohanty on the eve of his 3rd Remembrance Day on 27th July 2025)

Bruhaspati Samal -

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers, 

Odisha State Coordination Committee, Bhubaneswar

In a world where people often choose either the path of spiritual detachment or the route of social and political activism, rare are those who seamlessly blend both, dedicating their lives to service, struggle, and sacrifice. Com. Banshidhar Mohanty was one such towering personality — a monk in mind, a warrior in deed. A devout follower of dharma, yet an unflinching trade unionist, he proved by his life that one can live for others, fight for justice, and still remain deeply spiritual — rooted in faith and tradition.

Born on 26th November 1929 in the humble village of Kaniha under Balikuda Block of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha, Com. Banshidhar Mohanty grew up amidst the winds of colonial resistance and social awakening. Even in his youth, he was drawn more toward service and sacrifice than personal ambition. His early career began with the Department of Posts in 1949, but his soul yearned for something higher. From 1949 to 1953, he lived in the divine company of Swami Shivananda at Rishikesh, imbibing the teachings of Vedanta, selfless service, and renunciation. It was this spiritual foundation that shaped his entire journey ahead.

Responding to the call of Swamiji, he returned to join the Railway Mail Services (RMS) in the Madras Mail at Kolkata. But his vision was always anchored in Odisha. Alongside stalwarts like Late Naba Kishore Pattnaik, he dreamt of decentralizing RMS operations and shifting its nerve centre to Odisha. His persistence bore fruit when RMS 'N' Division was created with its headquarters at Cuttack, operational from 2nd December 1956. What followed was an era of postal expansion in Odisha, led single-handedly by Com. Banshidhar Mohanty. His tireless efforts led to the creation of RMS 'K' Division headquartered at Jharsuguda in 1969, and RMS 'BG' Division with its head office in Berhampur in 1978. But he didn’t stop there. Under his able leadership, RMS offices began operating in Rourkela, Jajpur, Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Baripada, Bolangir, Kesinga, Jeypore (K), Rayagada, Dhenkanal, and Kendrapara — making Odisha’s postal logistics network robust, inclusive, and accessible. His strategic advocacy also succeeded in shifting the Postal Accounts Office from Kolkata to Cuttack in 1969, thereby empowering Odisha’s administrative autonomy in postal services.

His commitment to the cause of postal and central government employees was unshakeable. He served as the Circle Secretary of the RMS Employees Union for nearly four decades — from 1960 to 1999. Simultaneously, he was the driving force behind the Joint Consultative Machinery (Staff Side), Odisha Postal Circle from 1968 to 2008. His leadership wasn’t confined to organizational management; he was the founder father of major national and state federations including the National Federation of Post and Telecom Employees (NFPTE), National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE), and the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers (CCGE&W) in Odisha. He also laid the foundation of the Cuttack City Coordination Committee of Unions and Associations and played a leading role in forming the Odisha Shramika Karmachari Ekata Manch (OSKEM) — an umbrella for the united voice of workers and employees. He was a firm believer in collective strength and often said, “Unity among the struggling masses is the only guarantee of justice.”

But what made Com. Banshidhar Mohanty different from many trade union leaders was his deep religious conviction and saintly lifestyle. A bachelor by choice and a vegetarian by discipline, he believed in ‘karma yoga’ — working tirelessly without attachment to results. A follower of the Bhagavad Gita’s eternal message, he inspired thousands with the philosophy: “Struggle is a part of life — without it, nothing can be achieved.” His speeches were peppered with references from the Gita, the Vedas, and the Puranas, and he motivated everyone to stand up against injustice with courage and calm. Popularly known as ‘Budhabapa’ among the employees and workers in Odisha including his disciples, he has been the author of as many as 17 religious books.

He was closely associated with many spiritual masters like Jatia Baba Sri Sri Bijay Krushna Goswami, Swami Shivananda, Swami Chidananda, Swami Arupananda, and Baya Baba. Through them, he internalized the values of compassion, austerity, and renunciation. His spiritual aura had such intensity that many of his followers and close associates believe he had healing powers. Numerous miraculous incidents have been narrated by people whose lives were transformed by his blessings. At the same time, his associations extended to the political domain. From Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab and Biju Pattnaik to Janaki Ballav Pattnaik, Rabi Ray, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Pandit Godabarish Mishra, and Sivaji Pattnaik — he remained a respected figure across ideologies and generations. Leaders from all sides admired his integrity and commitment to justice. For him, politics was never about power but about principle, never about position but about people.

He never married, never sought comfort for himself, and spent his life in a modest way — cooking for others with love, sharing food with workers, and serving the needy. His love for humanity was unconditional. He respected all and was respected by all — from ministers to daily wage earners. Caste, creed, or social status never mattered to him. He truly lived the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The world is one family.” He established the Sri Sri Bijay Krushna Ashram at Sikharpur, Cuttack — a centre of spiritual learning and service. It still echoes with his teachings, and on every important occasion, people gather there to remember his life and legacy.

Even in his last years, he never retired from activism. Whether it was a strike call, a protest against injustice, or a program for workers’ welfare, he was always present — sometimes as a strategist, sometimes as a motivator, but always as a guiding light. He remained a torchbearer of the working class till his last breath on 27th July 2022. As Odisha prepares to observe his 3rd Remembrance Day on 27th July 2025, emotions run high among the vast number of people whose lives he touched. From postal employees to trade union leaders, from spiritual seekers to political thinkers — everyone bows in reverence to this unique combination of a sage and a struggler. His absence is deeply felt, and yet his ideals continue to illuminate paths across the spectrum of society.

In a time when selflessness is rare, his life remains a blueprint of how one can lead without greed, speak without fear, and live without ego. He was not just a leader — he was a legend, an institution, a soul whose mission was love, justice, and truth. Let us all fold our hands and bow our heads in silent tribute to Com. Banshidhar Mohanty — the saint of struggle, the guardian of workers, the lover of humanity. May his noble soul attain the highest peace. 

May his path continue to guide us in our own struggles. 

Om Shanti.

******

Artificial Intelligence and its Influence

 

Artificial Intelligence and its Influence

At a time when the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is drastically redefining the nature and future of work across all sectors — from healthcare and finance to education and agriculture — organizing a timely and insightful seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and its Influence” is not only commendable but essential for preparing the working class to face the challenges ahead. The increasing automation, algorithmic surveillance, predictive controls, and data-driven decision-making brought by AI technologies are rapidly altering job profiles, reducing human involvement in core sectors, and raising serious concerns about job displacement, working hours, data privacy, and labour rights. While AI holds the potential to enhance productivity, improve precision, and reduce manual drudgery, it also threatens to widen inequality, intensify unemployment, and erode hard-earned labour protections if not democratically governed.

In this critical backdrop, we sincerely thank the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Bhubaneswar Coordination Committee of Unions and Associations (BCCUA) for organizing this highly relevant and thought-provoking seminar on 20th July 2025 at Gopabandhu Sabha Kashya, Jaydev Vihar, Bhubaneswar. This was not merely an academic discussion but a necessary political and ideological intervention at a time when labour movements across the globe are grappling with the implications of AI and digital transformation. The presence of over a hundred committed comrades from various sectors reflected the growing interest and concern among the working masses about the future that is being shaped without their participation.

We place on record our deep appreciation to Comrade Sudip Dutta, All India Secretary, CITU, for addressing the gathering with remarkable clarity, depth, and commitment. Under the able presidenship of Comrade Bishnu Mohanty, State Secretary, CITU Odisha, the seminar unfolded as a structured and engaging discourse that did not merely present the dual character of AI but also made critical interventions about what the working class must accept and what it must resist. Com. Dutta’s presentation rightly emphasized that while the technological revolution cannot be stopped, it must be shaped in such a manner that it benefits the workers and not the capital alone. His paper on AI was both enlightening and action-oriented, equipping participants with the necessary understanding to respond to these changes in their own sectors.

The open question-answer session that followed was another highlight, where comrades and leaders from various unions actively participated and posed pertinent questions about AI’s impact on employment, surveillance mechanisms, skill requirements, and the role of trade unions. Com. Dutta patiently addressed each question with detailed responses, reflecting both his scholarship and commitment to building awareness among the working class.

On behalf of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Odisha State CoC, I was privileged to attend this seminar along with Com. Rabindranath Dhal, Com. Srikant Mallick, and Com. Dipti Ranjan Mohanty. We left the seminar enriched and more equipped to understand and address the challenges posed by the digital economy and Artificial Intelligence. It is our sincere hope that such engagements will continue across the country, empowering the working people to demand a just and inclusive transition in this AI-driven era.

Once again, our heartfelt thanks to CITU, BCCUA, and especially Comrade Sudip Dutta for this valuable initiative. We remain committed to collectively defending the rights of the working class and ensuring that the future of work remains humane, equitable, and democratic.

In solidarity.

🙏🤝🌹🚩🌹🤝🙏

Bruhaspati Samal

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Govt Employees and Workers

Odisha State CoC, Bhubaneswar 

The Voice of Millions: Why the 9th July 2025 General Strike Was Not a Failure

The Voice of Millions:

Why the 9th July 2025 General Strike Was Not a Failure

= Bruhaspati Samal -

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers

Odisha State Coordination Committee

In the aftermath of the 9th July 2025 nationwide general strike called by Central Trade Unions and Independent Federations, a section of non-participants have begun claiming that the strike was a failed exercise with no visible impact on the government. However, this assertion does not withstand scrutiny when examined in light of authentic reports, statistical participation, and sectoral disruptions that reverberated across the nation on that day. The truth is that the strike was a resounding expression of dissent, unified action, and strategic pressure that cannot be dismissed as futile.

According to a comprehensive report published by The Economic Times over 25 crore workers and employees participated in the general strike across various sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, construction, transport, and even parts of the power grid. The call for strike, jointly issued by all major Central Trade Unions—INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, SEWA, LPF, and UTUC etc—received broad-based support from employees’ federations and farmers’ organisations such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. Their demands were far from narrow; they revolved around deep structural issues: controlling skyrocketing prices, halting the aggressive privatization of government undertakings, creating employment by filling up all vacant government posts, withdrawing anti-labour codes, and restoring the Old Pension Scheme for employees.

In Assam, particularly Guwahati, The Times of India reported major shutdowns in the transport sector, closed down private bus services, and full closure of coal mines. Refineries and LPG bottling plants were also forced to suspend work. In various parts of Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, railway tracks were blocked by protesters, seriously affecting train movement. Banking services took a major hit too, with absenteeism recorded at over 30 percent in some areas. Even in states where transport was relatively unaffected, such as West Bengal, banks and central government offices witnessed thin attendance.

These disruptions were not accidental; they were planned, disciplined, and peaceful, aiming to draw attention to legitimate concerns. As per Associated Press coverage (AP News), the protestors voiced anger over rising inequality, unemployment, and the dismantling of labour protections through recent policy changes. The strike echoed the voice of crores who believe that India's policy direction must shift toward inclusivity and employment security rather than wholesale corporate favouritism and asset monetisation.

Despite some isolated claims of minimal impact, The Indian Express clearly stated that the strike brought together one of the largest coordinated resistance movements in recent history, challenging the post-2019 trajectory of governance that is perceived to be neglecting the working class and farmers. Workers from sectors as diverse as telecom, port and dock, oil, and power joined hands with those from the public health and education systems. The World Socialist Web Site also confirmed that tens of millions of workers across India participated in some form, shutting down work and services in industrial belts and cities alike.

To those who call it a failed exercise simply because there was no immediate rollback of policy or televised statement from the government, it must be clarified that the success of a strike lies not only in instantaneous response but in its disruptive potential, unity of purpose, and political pressure. The 9th July action created headlines in national and international media, posed logistical challenges to the administration, and brought the long-ignored demands of the working class into mainstream discourse. It was far from being symbolic or ineffectual. In labour history, no policy has ever changed overnight, but every significant reform has been preceded by persistent struggles like this.

Furthermore, government silence in the immediate aftermath does not equate to indifference. In fact, the scale and seriousness of the disruption have compelled policymakers to take note, even if they have yet to respond publicly. There are already murmurs of upcoming talks and pressure within political circles to address contentious issues like the National Pension Scheme (NPS), the new Labour Codes, and privatization of strategic PSUs.

In conclusion, it is misleading and disrespectful to dismiss the 9th July 2025 general strike as a failure. The mass participation of workers, the disruption across sectors, and the powerful message delivered to the ruling establishment make it a strategically impactful, socially resonant, and politically necessary event. It reaffirmed the will of India’s working population to fight for their rights, livelihoods, and dignity. The moth of cynicism and apathy should be stopped not by argument alone but by reminding people of the sacrifice, unity, and courage it took to bring millions together on one platform for the sake of collective justice. The general strike was not just a day of resistance—it was a landmark in the ongoing battle for an equitable India.

*****

Don't Corporatize Trust

Don't Corporatize Trust 

- Bruhaspati Samal - 

In the quiet village lanes of rural India, where even the reach of roads is uncertain, there exists one institution that has never failed to arrive—the post office. It may not bear the glitz of a private courier or the automation of a modern bank, but its presence is sacred. The red letterbox, the khaki-clad postman, and the familiar voice calling out names with letters from afar—this has been India Post for nearly 170 years. For millions, especially in remote and underprivileged areas, it is not merely a government department but a lifeline of emotion, memory, trust, and service. It is in this deeply emotional context that the recent statements by Union Minister for Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, have caused unrest among postal employees and concerned citizens.

On 2nd July 2025, Mr. Scindia, while addressing the Postal and Sorting Assistants, praised the spirit of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa”—rightly recognizing the Department of Posts as a service-oriented institution with a rich legacy of connecting India’s people. However, within days, in an interview published by The Times of India on 7th July 2025, he made remarks that stand in sharp contrast. He proposed to transform India Post into a “profit centre” and announced a planned revamp of its six operational verticals: mail, international mail, parcel, postal life insurance, post office savings bank, and citizen-centric services. He also spoke about exploring the option of leasing certain post office buildings. These statements have sparked justified fears that the government is once again contemplating the corporatization of India Post under the broader ideological push for privatization, typical of the present regime.

This apprehension is not unfounded. The resemblance between Mr. Scindia’s current approach and the recommendations of the Task Force Committee headed by former Cabinet Secretary T.S.R. Subramanian in 2014 is striking. The Task Force, constituted by the NDA government after coming to power, had strongly recommended restructuring India Post into six independent corporate units, essentially converting the department into a set of business enterprises. The rationale was to make India Post financially self-sustaining and efficient. However, the proposal met with countrywide protests by postal employees, trade unions, and other stakeholders, who viewed the corporatization plan as a threat to the department’s service mandate. Due to massive resistance and political sensitivity, the recommendations were shelved. Yet, they were never officially rejected, and their shadow seems to reappear in today’s policy language.

What makes Mr. Scindia’s position particularly curious is that he was also the Minister of Communications in the UPA government in 2008 when Project Arrow was launched. That project, aimed at “Look and Feel Good” modernization of post offices, focused on computerization, improved customer interface, and dignified working environments, all without tampering with the core character of the department as a public service entity. It was reform without rupture. The current line of thinking, however, is more aggressive and aligned with a commercial mindset, where profitability is seen as the goal and service is seen as a cost. This inversion of priorities is deeply problematic.

India Post is not just another government department—it is the largest postal network in the world, with over 1.6 lakh post offices, of which nearly 1.4 lakh are in rural India. Its geographical spread is unmatched, and its workforce, particularly the Gramin Dak Sevaks, are often the only state representatives seen in remote hamlets. To treat such a service giant as a commercial enterprise is to completely misread its purpose. The strength of India Post lies not in revenue charts, but in public faith. It is not designed to generate profits but to generate access. Expecting profitability from post offices in deserts, hilltops, tribal belts, or border villages is as unjust as asking a primary school in a forested region to sustain itself financially. These institutions exist not for gain, but for justice and equity. They are part of the social contract, not market competition.

Once the profit logic creeps in, deterioration of service becomes inevitable. When services are leased or privatized, decision-making is guided not by need, but by market viability. Fees rise, access shrinks, and accountability suffers. The rich get better services, the poor get neglect. This is not a hypothetical fear—it is a lived experience in various sectors that have undergone privatization in India. If India Post is corporatized, it will lose its sovereign accountability, its inclusive spirit, and ultimately, its soul.

It is also important to ask—why this push for corporatization at all? If the goal is efficiency and outreach, the same can be achieved by empowering India Post through investment in training, technology, and better infrastructure. Instead of dismembering it into business units, the government should reinforce its public utility character. The IPPB, while an attempt at modernization, should remain under full government ownership with public welfare as its primary goal. Rather than leasing post office premises, the focus should be on utilizing them as digital service centres for the common citizen—offering everything from e-governance to financial services under one trusted roof.

Mr. Scindia must also be reminded that trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild. The red box of India Post is not just a brand—it is a symbol of reliability across generations. The postman is not a vendor—he is a friend, a guardian, a silent messenger of the state. The letter he carries is not a product—it is emotion, hope, and memory. Any move that reduces this to a mere business transaction will not only erode service quality but irreparably damage the emotional bond India Post shares with its people. Rather, it should be nurtured, not monetized; reformed, not corporatized. If anything, its network and services should be expanded, and its employees respected as essential service providers, not as cost liabilities.

At a time when the world is realizing the value of strong public institutions, India must not let one of its finest fade into a profit-first shadow. Let India Post continue to be the department of the people—serving without conditions, reaching without profit, and delivering with care. For in every red box lies not a business opportunity, but a promise. And a nation must never break the promises it makes to its people.

*****

(The writer is a Service Union Representative and a Columnist. Mobile: 9437022669)

Salute to the Strikers

 Salute to the Strikers

Bruhaspati Samal

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers

Odisha State Coordination Committee

They marched with hope, with hearts so bold,

Not for riches, nor for gold.

They bore the sun, the rain, the blame,

Yet rose each time to play the game.

Their voices rang through dusty roads,

With banners high and heavy loads.

For justice, rights, and fairer days,

They lit the path with burning blaze.

They stood for those who could not stand,

With empty plates and calloused hand.

They struck not for a selfish cause,

But to mend a system’s unjust flaws.

Each shout they gave, each step they took,

Is now a line in history’s book.

The wage you earn, the leave you take—

All fruits of battles strikers make.

We bow our heads with deepest pride,

To those who walk the stormy tide.

Who faced the wrath, the state's disdain,

Yet held their ground through fear and pain.

And while they stood, some turned their face,

Mocked their toil with sly disgrace.

Called them selfish, called them loud,

Unaware they spoke from clouds.

Oh critics safe in comfort’s shade,

Whose ease the strikers' blood has made,

You throw your stones from gallery height,

Yet never join the workers’ fight.

What do you know of hunger’s weight?

Of sleepless nights and workers’ fate?

Of broken backs and dreams denied,

Of promises the rulers lied?

You talk of peace, yet reap from strife,

You scorn the hand that guards your life.

The very rail, the road, the post,

Were earned by those you taunt the most.

So hush your tongue, and learn with grace,

The price of each secured workplace.

Or better still, step in the fray—

Let sweat and truth your words outweigh.

Let gratitude, not envy, reign,

Let empathy replace disdain.

For strikers stand where silence kills,

They speak when silence feeds the ills.

And when tomorrow blooms and thrives,

Know well it came from daring lives.

So honor them, both young and old—

These hearts of fire, these nerves of gold.

*****

A Heartfelt Note of Gratitude on the Resounding Success of the 9th July 2025 One-Day General Strike in Odisha

The 9th of July 2025 shall remain etched in the hearts of every conscious employee and worker who stood united, rose with conviction, and voiced their collective dissent against anti-worker policies through the historic nationwide general strike. In Odisha, this strike was not just a protest—it was a declaration of unity, resistance, and hope. The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Odisha State CoC, bows its head in deep gratitude to each comrade, young and old, who contributed to the grand success of this one-day strike. Without your spirit, leadership, and dedication, such a resounding strike would have remained a distant dream.

To the Leadership and Members of ITEF Odisha Circle, ITGOA, and ITPA

Our heartfelt thanks and revolutionary greetings to Com. Chittaranjan Pattnaik, General Secretary, ITEF Odisha Circle, whose impeccable leadership and organizational capability made the strike meeting at Aayakar Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, a vibrant expression of resistance. The presence and active participation of ITGOA under full unconditional support and the dignified involvement of the Income Tax Pensioners' Association added immense value to the programme. The spirited turnout of young comrades under NPS and their attentive participation in the address by Com. B Samal, General Secretary, and Com. Dipti Ranjan Mohanty, Financial Secretary, was a special hallmark of this gathering. 

The Confederation Odisha State CoC deeply appreciates the Presidents, General Secretaries, Office Bearers, and the staff of ITEF, ITGOA, and ITPA, Odisha, for making this event both powerful and purposeful.

To the Courageous Fighters of GSIEA, Odisha State Unit

The strike programme organized by the GSIEA, under the dedicated leadership of Com. Iswar Chandra Sahoo, along with the active involvement of Com. Somanath Nayak, Com. Ajaya Moharana, Com. Kabita Panda, and many others, stood as a glowing example of unity in action. We are equally grateful for the strong presence of young employees under NPS who listened with serious concern as Com. B Samal explained the threats posed by the new Labour Codes, NPS, UPS, and the draconian provisions of the Finance Act 2025. Com. Dipti Ranjan Mohanty, along with Confederation members Com. Lingaraj Sahoo and Com. Padmalochan Nayak, graced the event with their solidarity and commitment. 

The Confederation Odisha State CoC salutes Com. Iswar Chandra Sahoo and his vibrant team for their steadfast contribution to the success of this historic action.

To the Inspiring Team of PIV NFPE, Bhubaneswar Division

Despite being deprived of coordinated support from other wings of NFPE, the PIV NFPE Bhubaneswar Division under the fearless leadership of Com. Ajay Kumar Barik, Divisional Secretary, displayed exceptional resilience and capability. Gathering hundreds of postal comrades for the strike meeting in front of the office of the Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle, was no small feat. Com. B Samal, Com. Dipti Ranjan Mohanty, and Com. Rabindranath Dhal, State President, addressed the gathering with passion and clarity. The presence of Com. J K Mishra from the Institute of Physics, and comrades like Com. Sudhir Kumar Swain, Com. Srikant Mallick, and Com. Bishnu Prasad Das further strengthened the morale of the striking employees. 

The Confederation extends its sincere thanks to Com. Barik and each member of his dedicated team for organizing such a forceful and impactful event.

To the Torchbearers Across Odisha—Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Beyond

While the General Secretary was physically present in specific locations, the spirit of strike reverberated throughout the length and breadth of Odisha. In Cuttack, under the guidance of Com. R N Dhal, our State President, the strike was conducted with dignity and intensity. We also acknowledge the vital role played by Com. MCS Rao, All India President of PIV NFPE CHQ, for mobilizing a strong base in Berhampur. The success of the strike in Sambalpur, particularly in Rourkela, under the leadership of PIV NFPE comrades, proved that Odisha’s working class stood shoulder to shoulder on this critical day. Last but not the least, the wholehearted support of the All India Postal and RMS Pensioners’ Association, Odisha Circle, lent moral strength to the strike everywhere.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every individual, every team, and every organization whose hands joined in solidarity to script this day of workers’ unity. Your contribution is not just acknowledged—it is revered. Together we proved that resistance, when united, is unstoppable. Thank you, comrades. Let this be just the beginning of greater struggles and greater victories.

In unity, with gratitude,

= Bruhaspati Samal -

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers

Odisha State Coordination Committee