Circular No.10/VIII/2024

15.04.2024

TO 

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS                                                                            

Comrades

IS IT A RIGHT STEP TO CONVERT THE BASE YEAR  CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FROM 1960 TO 2016 

Banking workforce gets the Dearness Allowance on quarterly basis based on the Consumer Price Index 1960 = 100 hitherto, for every rise and fall of four points. The Government of India, known for its fast forward approach in denying the legitimate rights to workers, introduced labour reforms. Consequent upon the steps, the revision of the base year from 1960 to 2016 for calculation of dearness allowance was announced in October 2020.

2.            The conversion factor stipulated is as under:

è  Converting the base year from 1960 to 1982, the multiplier is 4.93

è  Converting the base year from 1982 to 2001, the multiplier is 4.63

è  Converting the base year from 2001 to 2016, the multiplier is 2.88

3.            The consumer price index with base year 1960 has to be arrived at by multiplying the CPI of 2016 with 4.93 x 4.63 x 2.88 = 65.738 or 65.74. The merger point of 8088 (base year 1960 ) was arrived at 123.03 ( 8088/65.74 ).

4.            Quarterly average index:   Nov 22 to Jan 23 : 130.46 – 123.03 = 7.43%

                                                            Feb 23 to Apr 23 : 132.43 – 123.03 = 9.40%

                                                            May 23 to Jul 23:  132.93 – 123.03 = 9.90%

                                                            Aug 23 to Oct 23: 135.10 – 123.03 = 12.07%

                                                            Nov 23 to Jan 24:  138.80 – 123.03 = 15.77%

                                                            Feb 24 to Apr 24:  138.77 – 123.03 = 15.74%

5.            AIBOA was consistently echoing the upgradation of the DA compensation at par with LIC . While LIC got 108.10% neutralisation (base year 1960 =100) as approved by the Government of India in their last wage revision on 15.04.2021 , the banking workforce are getting only 100% neutralisation. Instead of achieving the same benefit as that of LIC, through collective efforts the base year was changed from 1960 to 2016. This change in base year from 1960 to 2016 is being opposed by Central Trade Unions since OCT 2020. It is claimed as a victory that the banking industry is the first one to adopt to the new base year of 2016. WHAT A PARADOX.?

6.            While computing the value in the standard consumption basket, Food items have not been given the due weightage, rather it is reduced from 46.2% to 39%. In Global hunger index, India is ranked as low as 94 out of 107 countries, even below Bangladesh and Pakistan. The linking factor for 22 years is 4.93 ( 1960 to 1982), for 19 years is 4.63 (1982 to 2001) and for 16 years is 2.88 ( 2001 to 2016) resulting reduction in the weightage of 62% in three years. The change in the base year from 2020 to 2016 is also very much intriguing.

7.            The Governor of RBI, Shri.Shaktikanta Das in the periodical meetings specifically focussed on containing the inflation caused due to  spiraling cost on food consumption etc. The basket to draw the 2016 index provided minimum importance to the weightage on food consumption.

8.            The three member committee constituted for revision of Dearness Allowance formula along with the management representatives finalised the same on 13.10.2023 but did not share the whole exercise to the other participating unions in the negotiations till the end.

9.            Be as it may, to accept the change in the base year from 1960 to 2016 series, the amount taken out from the kitty is very substantial, particularly for Officers. The said amount remitted back to the Kitty should have been utilized to provide reasonable and recognizable compensation to the “Branch Heads” who bear the wrath of all in today’s atmosphere.

10.   Banking Trade unions are the first to accept retrograde change in Consumer Price Index year in the financial sector,  though rejected by the Central Trade Unions.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY 

Circular No.8/VIII/2024

18.03.2024.

Camp: Pune.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrade,

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING

AT PUNE

17^TH AND 18^th MARCH 2024.

In terms of the Notice issued on 10^th March, 2024, the Second Central Committee Meeting of our organization was held at Taika Hall First Floor Shrirang House, J.M. Road, Opp.Jangal Maharaj Mandir, Shivaji Nagar Pune.

2.         The Central Committee Meeting was presided over by Com. Anil Kumar, Vice-Chairman and Com. A. N. Suresh, President of our organization.

3.         Com. Krishna Barookar, Secretary AIBOAand General Secretary Bank of Maharashtra Officers’ Association, while inviting the central committee members for participating in the CC meeting for two days presented the welcome address of Com Rajeev Tamhane, Chairman, BOMOA, for the benefit of the participants. He appealed to the member of the presidium and also the participants to pay respect to the founding leaders of AIBOA by offering flowers.

4.         IN MEMORIUM:

The house observed two minutes silence in memory of the following departed souls:

[1]Shri. Harmohan Dawan, former Union Minister;[2] Com. N. Sankaraiah, Freedom Fighter;[3]Com. Kanam Rajendram TU Leader Kerala; [4] Com.Basudeb Acharia, Veteran Leader of working class, [5] Com. Ananthalavattom Ananathan, Vice President CITU; [6] Dr.S.S.Badrinath, Founder, Sankara Nethralaya; [7] Dr.M.S.Swaminathan, Scientist; [8] Shri.K.G.George, Iconic Director, Kerala,[9] Sri.Sukhbir Singh Gill, Hockey Olympian; [10] Historian R.Champakalakshmi; [11]Sri.Bangaru Adigal, Melmaruvathur [12]Captain Vijayakanth, [13] Com.Sarabjit Singh, President AIPNBOF

5.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED:

OFFICE BEARERS

[1] Com Alok Khare; [2]Com Dr Kumar Arvind; [3]Com D S Ganesan; [4]Com K Raghava; [5]Com Ghanshyam Sharma; [6]Com Tapan Sarkar[7]Com Aswani Kumar Saini.

C .C. MEMBERS

[1] Com Ghanshyam Srivastava[2]Com Shylendra Rajpal[3]Com P K Abrol; [4]Com Arvind Porwal  [5]Com V Vishwanathan,

6.         CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES:

The confirmation of the minutes of the last committee meeting held at Mumbai on 14^th& 15^th of Sep 2023 was presented to the Central Committee by Com V Ramabhadran , DGS and was approved by the house.

7.         REPORTING ON THE 9^TH JOINT NOTE ON OFFICERS’ WAGE REVISION:

A detailed reporting on the journey undertaken by the organization from 22^nd Jun 2023 upto 6^th Dec 2023 culminated in inking the MOU on 7^th Dec 2023 through legal intervention. Subsequently AIBOA was represented in the discussion held on 11^th& 12^th Jan 2024, 13^th Feb 2024 culminating in conclusion of the 9^th Joint note on Officers’ wage revision on 8^th Mar 2024 in Mumbai. The house was appraised about the efforts taken by AIBOA to secure the recognition by 12 signatories to the 9^th joint note. The efforts to stonewall our participation till the penultimate day of signing the Joint Note by our adversaries were blown off. The negative inputs in giving a true reflection of the feelings were explained in detail viz., five days week and monetization of LTC on the lines of SBI scheme

The communication addressed by Com. Alok Khare, Chairman was placed to the committee for the better understandings of the developments and also the unfinished agenda of important in content and nature pending for the execution

In all 22 participantsspoke on the joint note making valid inputs to be taken up with IBA for necessary clarifications.

8.         ORGANISATION:

7 Participants spoke on the organization and reiterated the necessity of shifting our focus on developing the membership in the respective banks through effective campaigning. The representative from the Nainiatal Bank Officers’ Association Com PravenRabat presented his organizational viewpoint and sought the wholehearted support of AIBOA in extending support to the agitation call observed in stages likely to culminate in direct action. Our affiliate has demanded from the parent bank Bank of Baroda, which is holding 98.57% of the equity holding should merge the subsidiary – Nainital Bank ltd with them. It was unanimously decided to extend all support to the comrades who have plunged into agitation to achieve their demand of merger with Bank of Baroda.

The CC had the benefit of the development in almost all banks. The sufferings of the officers in the matter of discharging their daily routine and also unleashing of attacks in different ways to curb the benefits otherwise eligible to be granted to them in one form or other. The CC decided to initiate the appropriate steps to reverse the same by taking up with the bank managements through our affiliates.

The first day session came to an end at 7.40 pm.

9.         PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND DAY:

The status report of the action initiated of the decision of the central committee were reiterated more specifically conducting of the overdue State Committee conferences of Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan and also formation of women’s cell by UP state committee. The state committees were advised to complete the organizational assignment by 30^th April 2024. The merger of unions in Indian Bank and erstwhile Allahabad Bank should also be completed by 30.04.2024.

Issues to be taken forward for realisation through sustained campaigns/phased agitational exercises:

[1] Five days week[2]Updation of pension on RBI lines[3]Recruitment[4] Merger of RRBs with sponsoring banks [5] Undue pressure on sale of third party products[6] Realisation of OPS for the new pension optees.

10.       DECISIONS ON ORGANISTION:

      i.        Consolidation Efforts:       A small committee consisting of 5 members has been formed to take forward the organizational consolidation. The members of the committee are:

Com Devdas Menon, Com Anil Kumar, Com A N Suresh, Com V Ramabhadran and one or two members may be included for wider consultations;

    ii.        On ratification of the decision to grant affiliationto ALL INDIA BANK OF BARODA OFFICERS’ UNION shall be done after adhering to the provisions of the byelaw with a shortest period of time.

   iii.        All India Federation of UCO Bank Officers – it was decided to seek the legal intervention to secure the genuine affiliation of  that federation with our organization. The request to grant them a financial assistance of Rs 2 lacs by way of a loan was approved.

   iv.        Updation of pension– Appropriate steps to realise the updation of pension on the RBI lines proposed was approved unanimously.

    v.        Recognition of the service rendered by our legal counsels– The CC recorded its appreciation for the sterling role played by Shri BhaveshParmar, Shri Rahul Gaikwad and Shri Aman Jhawar in securing the rightful recognition for our organization in the current wage revision with IBA.

   vi.        Extending help to All India UTI AMC Officer Association– As presented by ComVishwas Utagi, Chairman All India UTI AMC Officer Association, the CC assured its organizational help at all times to realise their long pending demand of pension of the UTI AMC Officers.

   vii.        LEVY: The CC unanimously approved collection of levy @ 2% of net arrears, 1% of which is to be remitted to headquarters– 50% of which will be remitted to various state committees and the remaining 1% to be retained by the bank level units.

 viii.        Mid-course corrections: During the period travelled between Mumbai to Pune CC, there were certain un intensional slips in the functioning. We shall take steps not to allow the occurance of the same in our functioning.

    ix.        Felicitations;

Ø  Com A N Suresh, President who retired on 29^th Feb 2024 was offered a shawl by Com V Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman

Ø  Com.Anil Limbachiyawho took VRS  as Chief Manager from PNB was offered shawl by Com Devdas Menon, DGS.

Ø  Com Sanjay Handa, who retired on 30^th Nov 2023 was offered a shawl by Com V Ramabhadran, DGS

Ø  Com R Jawaher, Treasurer who retired on 31^st Aug was felicitated by offering a shawl by Com S K S Sengar, advisor.

This central committee was attended by 57 comrades from 19 state committees.

Bank of Maharashtra Officers’ Association carried the goodwill and sincere appreciation of all participants for smooth conduct of the two days proceedings without any problems. The leadership provided by Com Viay Meshram, President, BOMOA,/Joint Secretary of AIBOA, Com Krishna Baroorkar, Gen Secretary, BOMOA, /Secretary of AIBOA deserves a million thanks due to their strenuous efforts to make this central committee a result oriented one.  Both the representatives were felicitated by Com Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman and Com A N Suresh, President.

ONWARD MARCH TO REALISATION OF OUR DEMANDS

THROUGH SUSTAINED PROGRAMS  OF AGITATIONS.

Yours comradely

/S NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.7/VIII/2024

08.03.2024.

Camp: Mumbai.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades,

IXth  JOINT NOTE ON OFFICERS WAGE REVISION.

CONTENTS IN CAPSULE.

Our organisation which contributed immensely in the conclusion of 8^th Joint Note on 11.11.2020 at Mumbai, could step into the negotiating table on the last day on 07.12.2023, through legal intervention. Between 22.06.2023 and 6.12.2023, three committees were constituted viz: 1. Committee on Dearness Allowance 2. Committee on Leave and LFC and 3.Committee on Discipline and Appeal Regulations. AIBOA could get into the Discipline and Appeal Regulations once again through legal intervention only. Hence, there are lot of gaps and retrograde provisions are visible, due to the attitude of the King can do no wrong  our attempts to correct the situation was not appreciated/accepted and there is absolute lack of transparency in addressing issues like DA Series switching over from 1960 to 2016, at a heavy cost paid from the allocated amount of Rs 8284.23 crores.  To remain relevant to secure the future of the officers, Our team headed by Com. Alok Khare , Chairman and Com. A.N. Suresh President  along  with the undersigned and other office bearers were to sign the IXth Joint note to-day at Mumbai, the financial capital of the country.

We provide the contents in a concise manner:

1.SCALES OF PAY :

  Scales  1.     Rs 48480/ 2000*7/ 62480- 2340*2/ 67160-2680*7/ 85920.

               2.     Rs. 64820/  2340*1 /67160 / 2680*10/  93960.

               3.     Rs. 85920/  2680*5 / 99320/ 2980*2 /105280

               4.     Rs. 102300 / 2980*4 /114220 / 3360*2 / 120940.

               5.     Rs. 120940 / 3360*2 / 127660 / 3680*2 / 135020

               6.     Rs  140500 / 4000*4 / 156500.

               7.     Rs  156500 / 4340*4/  173860.

2. DEARNESS ALLOWANCE:  1.0 % of pay per point variation of fall or rise

over 123.03 points of    2016 = 100.

                                                Nov 22 Qr.                7.44%             Feb 23  Qr  9.40% 

May Qr. 9.90%    Aug   12.07%         Nov 23 15.77%.

3. STAGANATION INCREMENTS:  Scale I. II, and III. –    additional 2 increments.

                                                      Scale IV,V,VI and VII –  additional 3 increments.

4. H.R.A.                                       :   H.R.A. increased 1%  ie 8%, 9% and 10%.

5. C.C.A.                                        :   Rs 2300 and Rs 1900 respectively.

6. Location Allowance.              :  Rs  1200.

7. Learning Allowance.              :  Rs  850.

8. Special Allowance.                 :  Scale I  : 26.50%, Scale II & III  28.30% 

     Scale IV& V 30.50%

                                                     Scale VI & VII 31.50%  

9. Fixed Personal Pay.                :  Rs 2,680, Rs 2980, Rs 3,360, Rs 3680, Rs 4000

      and Rs.4340.plus D.A. as on 1.11.2017                                                    

10. Professional Qualification

       PAY                                     :  PQP I Rs 1370 PQP : II Rs 3425 and PQP III Rs 5480. 

11. Mid Academic Year All.          : Rs 2,500 p.m. per child max 2 children. 

  12. Closing Allowance.              : Rs 1500.00 per quarter.

13. Medical Aid                            : Rs 13,000 and Rs 15400.00

14. Compensation on transfer     : Scale I -III.   : Rs 40,000.00 and

      Scale IV –VIII Rs 50,000.00.

Other allowances like Deputation Allowance, Hill and Fuel Allowance and Special Area Allowances have been increased as per the existing practice.

While we may have feeling of financial relief, non-securing the 5 days a week and work-life balance for the workforce based on the working hours enhancement understandings arrived at on 28.02.2023 is certainly disappointing one. We are able to visualise the depressed feelings of the workforce, more than money.  At the end, Majority unions have acted against the majority members’ interest in the current wage revision exercise.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY.            

Circular No.6/VIII/2024

25.02.2024

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades,

WORK – LIFE BALANCE.

CHALLENGES STARRING AT ALL OF US.

5 DAY WEEK IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR.

In the New year circular issued by our organisation, we have clearly observed that the impending elections to the temple of democracy will decide the future course of Our Industry and also the Economic conditions also.

2.         To put in brief, our Industry is faced with the following pressure points i.e

[1] Regulatory Changes, [2] Economic Uncertainty [3] Cyber Security risks [4].Increasing Competition [5] Fintech disruption

[6] Customer expectations [7] Manpower shortage [8] Talent management.

3.         To stay in the market in the competitive environment, investment in technology, partnering with Fintech companies and also to work out new business models are becoming a compulsory exercise to be carried out by  the individual banks. When the banks are put into a stress test to combat the economic and financial crisis, capital infusion becomes a necessary step.

4.         While we celebrated the Silver jubilee conference of our orgaisation at New Delhi in February,2006, the freedom for introduction of technology was conceded by the negotiating unions under Industrial Disputes Act. Consequent upon that move, the pressure on the Officers were mounting. Sensing the seriousness of the situation and development, the conference adopted a resolution that the need had arisen to secure regulated working hours and 5 day week for the workforce. Eye-brows were raised by some of the officers, unions, when we submitted the Charter of demands to the  IBA authorities at Hyderabad. We could partially secure 2 Saturdays in the 7^TH Joint Note signed on 25.05.2015. The effective date of implementation was 1.09.2015. Thanks to the then Chairperson of  SBI and MD&CEO of Bank of India. We secured the same after 9 years and  Six months.

5.         Like the stress test on the Banks, the stress test on the bankers too be carried out. Though the working hours are stipulated average working hours of 6 ½ hours, particularly  in Rural and semi urban branches the working hours are 10 to 12 hours, besides the commutation between the work place and also home on daily basis. In this process work takes precedence over personal life. Constant overwork, neglected personal life, burn out, self -care and strained relationship coupled with loss of quality time to spend with the family members are serious reflections in the officers life.

6.         As clearly expressed in our communication addressed to Hon’ble Finance Minister of the Country, the demand of the securing remaining Saturdays as Holidays for the workforce is the top most agenda for the officers fraternity. Unions and IBA arrived at a clear understanding on 28.02.2023 that the elongated working hours for the workforce in lieu of the remaining Saturdays declared as holidays. Through reliable sources it was informed that the proposal was received by the Government authorities in November 2023 after nine months period.

7.         The MOU executed on 7.12.2023 clearly expressed the concern to realise the 5 day week issue, now the unions are dragging their feet. AIBOA along-with other officers organisations categorically decided on 13^th February 2024 that 9^th joint note should categorically include the realisation of the 5 day week to meet the ends of justice.

8.         Work-life balance is the need of the hour and we should secure the same, though there is a need for money not the greed for money.

Let us hope efforts will be stepped up to secure this main demand to the secure the life for the workforce.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.5/VIII/2024

15.02.2024

Camp : BILASPUR

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

AIBOA (HIMACHAL STATE COMMITTEE)

 FORMATION OF AD-HOC COMMITTEE.

The need of the hour is to strengthen our organisation in all States as the threat to jobs and jobs security is looming large. The current  sweep of technology in all walks of life is taking a deep impact in the present work situation and also the compulsions to redesign our approach including in our organisational activities.

2.         Taking all the developments into consideration of our participation in the Industry level discussions on 7.12.2023, 11.01.2024, 12.01.2024, 02.02.2024 and 13.02.2024, we entrusted the task of organising the formation of the AIBOA (Himachal State Committee) to Com. Praveen Goel, Secretary, Com. Charanjeev Joshi DGS, Com. Gurmeet Singh Secretary, Com. Ashwani Pradhan Vice- President, Com. Riyaz Bhat, Secretary AIBOA and Com. G.S. Oberoi, Chairman AIBOA (Haryana State Committee).

3.         The team headed by Com. Praveen Goel, after due consultations with the team members conducted a preparatory meeting on the 43^rd Foundation Day of our Organisation at Bilaspur(HP), on 14^th Feb, 2024 at Hotel Prem Sagar. Within a short notice period of two days, the Union representatives of the banks met under the Leadership of Com. Praveen Goel. The members discussed to take forward the foundation of the AIBOA ( H.P. State Committee). The decisions arrived at the meeting were unanimous in content. An ad-hoc committee was formed under the Convenorship of Com. Gurinder Saini. PSBOF.

4.         The members of AD-Hoc is furnished hereunder.

Legal Advisor.   Com. Parvesh Chandel, Advocate.

Advisor. Com. Ashwani Sharma, Former General Secretary PSBOF (H.P)

and General Secretary PSBSU (HP).

The meeting took the decision to establish the AIBOA (Himachal State Committee) at the earliest possible, preferably after the winter season is over, within 90 days period. The reason for the same was the area to be covered is vast and the climate is too adverse.

With warm greetings to the members of the Ad-Hoc Committee to successfully complete the organisational task.

Yours Comradely,

 Circular No.4/VIII/2024

15.02.2024

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

OFFICERS WAGE REVISION - STATUS REPORT

As you are aware that our organisation participated in the discussion held by IBA on wage negotiations on "7th December 2023" as per the orders of the Hon'ble City Civil Court, Mumbai.

2.         The MOU was inked on that day containing the quantum of wage increase, merger of DA with the Basic pay to arrive at the new Basic pay with a restricted 3% loading, a new concept of "ex-gratia" to eligible pensioners in Public Sector Banks, with a time limit of 180 days stipulated to conclude the understandings preceded by efforts to secure the 5 days workings from the Government of India.

3.         On 11th January 2024, Core group meeting with Officers organistions was held at Mumbai, wherein the details were exchanged by Shri Om Prakash Mishra, Chairman and DMD [HR & CEO], SBI with the representatives .  The allocation of funds to various components / heads was too finalised at the conclusion of the Negotiating Committee headed by Shri M.V.Rao, MD & CEO, Central Bank of India on 12th January 2024.

4.         An exercise of cutting the "t" and doting the "i"  was attempted on 13.02.2024 in the two hour meeting held in the post lunch session with IBA representatives.  Still fine tuning of the same is engaging the attention of the authorities.

5.         The Small committee of officers met earlier had arrived at the understandings in which few issues are to be cleared / clinched.  Securing the remaining two/three Saturdays as holidays under Negotiable Act is an important issue for the officers community.  Our organisation in February 2006 had visualised in the background of work pressure on officers community and demanded introduction of 5 days working besides Regulated working hours for officers.  We realised partially "2" Saturdays as holidays w.e.f. 01.09.2015 [ie;] after 9-1/2 years.  The rest is to be realised in the current wage revision.

To  conclude, realisation of the demands of the "officers specific" is the priority.  There is a total unanimity to secure the same till then, we are to prepare to wait.

Yours comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.3/VIII/2024

05.02.2024

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades

DISCUSSIONS ON

OFFICER EMPLOYEES’( DISCIPLINE AND APPEAL REGULATIONS) 1976.

In the process of wage negotiations held from the first quarter current Financial Year by IBA, three sub-committees were constituted to explore the possibilities arriving at a consensus for onward submission to the main negotiating committee headed by Shri. M.V. Rao, Chairman, Negotiating Committee IBA and MD&CEO Central Bank of India.

2.         One of the committee was constituted with the Convenor Shri. S.P. Singh, Chief Ethics Officer, CGM, SBI, Shri.  S.K. Rana, CGM PNB and Shri. Arun Kumar, CGM, Union Bank of India. The representatives of the three officers’ organisations had participated in the earlier round of discussions held on 2.10.2023 and 02.12.2023 at 16^th Floor, Union bank of India, Central Office Mumbai. In spite of the clear direction by the City Civil Court, Mumbai to IBA to engage the undersigned in the dialogue in the meeting held on 2.12.2023, IBA was non-responsive.

3.         We have taken up with the Convener of the committee subsequently and  another meeting was conducted on 2.02.2024 at Union Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai. Besides the undersigned, the other three office bearers of AIBOC, INBOC and NOBO participated in the exercise.  It is pertinent to place on record that based on the supplementary minutes of understandings signed on 4.01.2021, there was a meeting held on 18.01.2021 by Shri. M.V. Rao, the then Executive Director of Canara Bank and now Chairman of the Negotiating Committee through VC. The step initiated by him paved the way for Government of India to release the Staff Accountability Policy to be adopted by the individual bank’s boards for safe guarding the interest of the Institution and also the officers involved in the processing exercise.

4.         In the meeting held on 2.02.2024, the representatives have emphasised the necessity to address the following issues pertaining to the departmental enquirie

·         Classification of Misconducts,

·         Authority for imposing Major Penalties.

·         Timelines for disposal of disciplinary actions cases.

·         Provisions of the Copy of the CVC Advises.

·         Personal hearing.

·         Effects of Punishments.

·         Sanction of Prosecution

·         Suspension and Subsistence Allowance.

·         Defence Assistance and retired officers to function as DR

·         Formation of Banking Administrative tribunals and

·         Proceedings after retirement from the Bank services.

5.         The meeting lasted for about two hours. We have informed the Convenor that it was agreed upon on 11^th/12^th Jan 2024 meetings that on conclusion of the Joint Note for officers, a meeting will be held exclusively within three months. Further, we urged upon him to engage the General Secretaries of the officers’ organisations in addition to the core committee members.

6.         Thus, the undersigned as the General Secretary of AIBOA participated in the discussions held on 7.12.2023,(MOU Signed) 11.01.2024,(Small Committee for Officers) 12.01.2024( Full Negotiating Committee) and 0n 2.02.2024.

( Discipline and Appeal Regulations 1976)

Our organisation shall strive hard to take adequate care to secure the respectable wage revision and facilitates comfort zone for their discharging duties in a competitive environment

With greetings,

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY 

Circular No.2/VIII/2024

12.01.2024

TO: ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

AIBOA EXTENDS MORAL SUPPORT TO THE STRUGGLES

OF THE TRADE UNIONS IN GENERAL

AND IN OUR INDUSTRY IN PARTICULAR.

In order to retain the live presence of the trade unions, it is expected that they are to link    their activities to echo the collective voices of the toiling workforce and get redressed by adhering to the programs of actions in a systematic manner.

2.         Taking stock of the growing uncertainties in our Industry, our VIII National Conference held at Chandigarh in November 2022, coined the slogan that “ SAVE GEN NEXT FROM JOB LOSSES”. Our Industry is in transformation mode even the nominal expenses /reimbursement of expenses of the Staff member are through “ Digital Wallet” in leadingbanks. While celebrating the 75^th Independence of our Nation, RBI released the circular about the “Digital Banking Operations”, in which the branch will have only one officer to handle the total business of the branch.

3.         From the pages of  history, it was only our officers’ orgaisation observed the 2 days strike in March 2022, synchroning with CTUs strike. Subsequent to the Strike adhered along with the other likeminded organisations in the industry, the resultant effect was the doors of negotiations were opened by IBA at the instance of CLC, New Delhi. Opposing IDBI privatization was a focused one in the Strike. Banks’ have already resorted to employing the workforce for a period of one year/three years akin to Agni veer model. Broad based unity is the need of the hour to handle the one of the present crisis of filling up the vacancies of all cadres in the background of the Industry becoming “officer Centric”.

4.         Challenges are many. Privatisation of the two banks are on the anvil. Fourth dose of mergers of the banks are again contemplated. Elections are round the corner. The recent results of the elections in three states is the prelude to the ensuing election to the Temple of democracy.

5.         As the officers are to handle challenging environments in our industry, we call upon our members not to do clerical work, on the proposed two days strike on19^th&20^th Jan, 2024called by the premier trade union of our Industry.

6.         AIBOA extends “moral support” to the workforce who are to observe the strike to realise their demand of Recruitment.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETAY

Circular No.1/VIII/2024

01.01.2024

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

FLASHBACK OF EVENTS OF 2023

2024  BECKONS AND  WINKS.

The entire world witnessed one of the worst calamities in Turkiye and Syria due to severe earthquake, in which 1,60,000 buildings were brought to dust, 50,000 people dead and 44,000 people severely injured. The sub-standard buildings were constructed with the knowledge of the Government. The aid from all over the world flowed to help the affected peoples of both the countries. But the sufferings cannot bring back their near and dear. Mild Tremors (2.3) caused due to the show by the International Pop Singer Taylor Swift in USA and the collection to the mega event was more than $200 million. In the population index, India crossed 1.42 billion. China’s population is next to our nation. This is on account of the China’s one child policy imposed in the year 1980 and the country is attempting to reverse the same. In sports, Saudi bought the GOLF top company and planning to bring the same under its control. In technology front, Elan Musk’s blue Bird Twitter changed its name to X.

2.         Our Country made a forward leap in conquering the space by precise landing of Chandrayaan -3 at the South Pole of the Moon in August 2023. In bringing all the Countries together, India’s G-20 Presidentship played its vital role. African Union has been inducted as a permanent member thus it has become G-21. In West Africa, the culture of “coup belt” is becoming the order of the day. The problems faced by the people are unending on account of military taking over the control of the Government. The entire World is aghast with the unrelenting war exercise of Russia against Ukraine, unmindful of the   damages caused to both nations. In the meanwhile, the sudden eruption of sharp retaliation by Israel on Hamas left so far more than 20000 died and 40% of the victims were children. In spite of 153 countries appealing to Israel, the war is day by day escalated except for a brief period.

3.         Indian Stock markets touched a peak level of $ 4 trillion (BSE + NSE) due to the investments by Foreign Institutional Investors. Ours is fifth in the list of U.S.A. CHINA, JAPAN & HONGKONG in the transactions done by the Stock markets. Tech giants are faced with a new type of crisis. Poaching the 30% experts by one company from another company and in turn the resolution of the crisis is now taken to the judicial forums. The factors considered by the experts joining the new assignments are purely based on the better compensation and equally career progression in the new Tech Company. The survival of the Start -Ups, in 2022 was 121 out of 34785 and 69 out of 15247 thus the exercise is taking a back seat.

4.         In the recent survey carried out in 2500 campuses of technology stream after interacting with 4, 40,000 students, hardly 40% are eligible to be engaged in jobs that too with AI and machine learning subjects. The plan to lay off due to the AI intervention in the work space is going to be a new challenge to the growing youngsters in hunting the jobs. In spite of the profits soaring up in multiples, still job losses are certainly starring at the Youth.

5.         Our Nation witnessed the 5 state elections, prior to the country’s preparation for the next general Elections to elect the people’s representatives. However, what we are witnessing in the current tenure is the parliamentary democracy has been reduced to elected autocracy. The laws are amended in the temple of democracy without any meaningful debates and anyone who raises the voice, was slapped with the suspension from the house which ultimately prohibits them in participating in the Committees constituted by the Government.

6.         Though our Industry has booked the profit of more than Rs 1, 00,000 Cr, an understanding was arrived at by IBA with unions for a meager increase in terms of % when compared to the situation of last wage revision inked under COVID-19 when the Industry incurred loss. The elders, who built this Public Sector Institutions, have been left high and dry in securing the pension Up-dation. 

7.         Lok Sabha elections will determine the State of the economy and our Industry is certainly going to face a new twist from mid of this year.

8.         A new year is an emblem of new beginning and a metaphor for stronger and renewed hope.

With warm new-year greetings,

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.38/VIII/2023

07.12.2023.

CAMP: MUMBAI.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEE S/ AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

OFFICERS’ WAGE REVISION- MOU CONTAINING

BROAD PARAMETERS INKED AT MUMBAI.

Our Organisation, in its journey, faced an unpleasant movement due to certain unexpected organizational developments. We were forced to seek legal intervention at Delhi and Mumbai

Ultimately, the Hon’ble Bombay City Civil Court at Bombay legally examined our prayers in the proceedings held on 30.11.2023 as well as on 06.12.2023 and directed IBA to engage our organization in the consultative exercise on 02.12.2023 as well as today in the discussions related to Service conditions as well as wages.

2.         In terms of the court order, the undersigned along with Com. DevdasMenon, DGS AIBOA and Com. V. Viswanathan President AIBOA (Maharashtra State Committee) called on Shri. GopalMuraliBhagat Dy. C.E.O, IBA, and handed over court order in the afternoon. The undersigned, your representative was allowed to participatein the discussion held today            .

3.         The IBA team headed by Shri.M.V. Rao, MD & CEO Central Bank of India, Chairman- Negotiating Committee, along with members of the Negotiating Committee Shri.Rakesh Sharma MD&CEO -IDBI Bank, Shri.Rajneesh Karnatak, MD&CEO- Bank of India, Shri. Om Prakash Mishra DMD -HR&CDO SBI, Shri. GopalMuraliBhagat Dy. C.E.O. IBA and Shri.Brajeshwar Sharma Senior Advisor (HR&IR) IBA, participated in the exercise. The discussion commenced at 16.05 hrs  and  concluded in  mid of the night. 

4.         The broad understandings arrived at are furnished hereunder:

• The wage revision will be effective from 1.11.2022 for five years.
• Wage increase is agreed at 17% which works out to Rs 12449 crores.
• Merger of Dearness Allowance corresponding to 8088 points for construction of new pay scale.
• Loading of 3% amounting Rs 1795 crores.
• One time measure Pension as an ex-gratia up to 31.10.2022   retirees, which will not attract dearness allowance.
• The finalisation of this exercise will be concluded within a period of 180 days.
•  Declaration of remaining Saturdays as holidays will be pursued with the Government. Implementation of the same should be before signing the 9^th Joint Note.
• Payment of ex-gratia to pensioners and family pensioners of private sector Banks and foreign Banks will be settled to the mutual satisfaction

5.         Thus, the exercise of inking the MOU within a shortest span time is a right step to motivate the workforce to build the Public Sector Banking to greater heights in a challenging environments.

6.         The participating unions whole heartedly acknowledged the entire IBA team particularly Shri. M.V. Rao, Chairman Negotiating Team  for the efforts put in to give a shape to the MOU inked today at midnight.

Comrades, we ultimately succeeded in signing this MOU also inspite of various forces working together to keep us out of the settlement. Your staunch and wholehearted support resulted in taking us to the negotiating table and the MOU was signed by the undersigned also as your duly elected representative.

With greetings.

Yours comradely,

S,NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.37/VIII/2023

07.12.2023.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

STATUS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS.

To enable the officers to understand the developments in the on-goingnegotiations related to Service conditions and wages of officers, we are providing relevant and available information to officers’ fraternity.   

            1 .  Formation of Committees to discuss the contentious issues:

·         Leave and monetisation of Leave Fare Concession.

·         Discipline & Appeal Regulations for officers – mostly for Public Sector Banks except SBI, as there is no provision to proceed against an officer after retirement in SBI, whereas it is in other Public Sector Banks under Pension Regulations 1995.( Members are from AIBOC, INBOC and NOBO - each one)

·         Dearness Allowance – conversion factor – Base Year to be fixed as 2016. (Members are from AIBOC, AIBEA and NCBE).

              2.    Current offer made by the Team IBA :

·         It was learnt that in the discussions held on 27^thOctober 2023, the offer given was 13%, which was available for a day only, though there was no written communication on record by the participating unions.

·         On 9^thNovember 2023, the offer was enhanced to 15% and after repeated adjournments, the offer came up-to 16% with a loading of 2.5%.

·         As it was expressed in one of the earlier meetings of nine constituentsthat entire special allowance should be merged first with substantial quantum of increase in the percentage too   .

                3.    PAST PRACTICES – DEVIATIONS MADE:

o   The construction of Pay-scales with the following loading was clinched during earlier discussions

Scale I to III     : 11% to 18%

Scale IV to VIII: 20% to 29%

o   The Basic Pay + D.A after construction of Pay scales was 8.85% of the load allocated.

o   After achieving the one more option for pension to the workforce past and present, the loading was brought down from 11to 18% to 2% , as payment of Pension is linked to last drawn Basic Pay. Adequate provisioning has to be made in the Pension corpus of Public Sector Banks except SBI.

o   In lieu of  contribution to Pension Corpus, SBI workforce right from 1.11.1993 are getting Special Compensatory allowance systematically enhanced in every bipartite.

o   Thus the introduction of Special Allowance was brought in the Pay scales from 1.11.2012, which carries Dearness Allowance.

o   The payment of D.A. on special Allowance was clinched by officers’ organisationexclusively while inking the MOU at IBA. There was no mention made while drafting the first MOU in 2015 by other constituents.

o   In the 8^th joint Note concluded on 11.11.2020, the construction of new Basic Pay was restricted to 2.5% though the demand on 22.07.2020 was 4% loading for construction of new Basic Payparticipated physically by three at IBA office, Mumbai and the representatives of officers through virtual mode. 

                 4 .  Construction of New Basic Pay – efforts by AIBOA:

·         Though the loading was specifically restricted to 2% in (2012- 2017) the construction Basic Pay loading was 2.08%

·         Likewise, in 2017-2022, the loading was specifically restricted to 2.5%, the new basic Pay was constructed with 2.88% loading.

                 5.    SPECIAL ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF BASIC PAY:

·         The apex court had pronounced a judgement on 13.02.2018 Canara Bank vs Savithri Rajagopal and others, on the definition of Pay i.e.,there cannot be two pay scales  a. one for the purpose of Calculation of Salary and b. other one for the purpose of Pension.

                 6.    AIBOA SUGGESTION TO THE CONVENOR UFBU:

o   An alternative to the loading of 2.5%, new Basic Pay should be constructed viz. the existing Basic Pay + 4.34% of the D.A. difference on account of LIC +merger of D.A.at 8088 points + 50% special allowances at each stage.

7               7.Though we clinch the wage revision for officers’ considerable amount is allocated to allowances, which are not eligible for superannuation benefits on retirement.Hence, there is an imperative need to have new thinking in the construction of Pay scales for the workforce. 

8                8. 5 day Week : Though LIC workforce achieved 5 day week from April 2021, so far no light is seen at the end of tunnel for the Banking workforce till now. On 28^th Feb,2023,there was near consensus amongst the participating unions/Associations. It was agreed by IBA to take it up with the Government of India for realising the same. The workforce is restless as the recent reply given in the Temple of democracy is more of evasive.

We take note of the anxieties expressed by the comrades about our contribution to enhance the value of protective avenues in the matter of wages and service conditions. However, there are impediments created by internal as well as external forces.

We shall overcome the same with all convictions.

Yours Comradely,

S. NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETRARY.

Circular No.36/VIII/2023

20.11.2023

TO:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS.

Comrades,

TECHNOLOGY OVERTAKES THE HUMAN ASSETS

IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY.

The introduction of technology in Banking Industry commenced from  State Bank of India in the year 1989. In lieu of the introduction of technology, the compensation was secured in the form of one increment. In a competitive environment, the banks were forced to upgrade their systems and functioning. The Central Vigilance Commission advised that the Banks should undertake computerisation to cover 70% of their transactions. Thus, the technology took the centre stage of the Banking Activities. The benefit accrued to the customers can be codified as Any Time Money (ATM), Anywhere Banking (Cheques Payable at par at all branches) Anyhow Banking ( Leading banks engaged in selling Tyres/Passport application etc). One of the leading Bank having the headquarters at the Capital have installed “METAVERSE” recentlyso that the customers need not come to the branch to transact the banking business.

2.         VACANCY POSITION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS PROVIDED IN THE TEMPLE OF DEMOCRACY :
 

 3.         Merger of Banks commencing from State Bank of Saurashtra (2008), State Bank of Indore (2010) and 5 other Associate Banks in 2016 with  State Bank of Indiaensured consolidation ofbranch network, forced career Progression of clerical or the exit path were some of tit-bits of the created situation. In 2020, in one stroke six banks were merged with four banks resulting in rationalisation of bank branches, displacement of staff etc. Resistance level was at the lowest ebb.

4. WORKFORCE STRENGTH IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY (2018-2023):

Source  RBI’s Handbook of Statistics on the India Economy 2022-2023.

The fact is that the Public Sector banks handles 65% of the total business mix even to-day.Gradually, the staff strength in the Private. Sector banks have increased through contractual appointments.

5.         Introduction of Digital Banking is slowly encroaching upon the reduction of workforce in the Industry. Reducing the Clearing operations through single grid is certainly going to reduce the workforce. The recent move of spinning off the operational banking as a subsidiary by State Bank Of Indiais another indication of contractualisation of the workforce. Allowing the reintroduction of Apprentice system like Agni veer by State Bank Of India to begin with followed by another bank, which was nationalised first in 1969, has created a further dent in the strength of the clerical workforce. Service conditions vary from bank to bank.

6.         The financial inclusion exercise launched by GOI in 2014 is achieved mainly through Banking correspondents, whose number is swelling from 7,30,000 in 2020 to 18,44,000 in 2023.

7.         What we have observed in a recent exercise of series of strikes in a Bank in Western Part of the Country, the negotiating unions were compelled to accept the stand of the Bank i.e. the Govt. of India’s direction not to recruit sub-ordinate staff.

8.         Recruitment and Outsourcingare the oft-repeated twin issues raised in the nine Constituents’ meeting along with wage revision for more than one decade. Unless all the constituents are totally involved like the farmers’ struggle for a long drawn process with a sole agenda,(in the background of 8773 clerical recruitment announcement by State Bank of India)the efforts are notexpected to bear the fruits.

Please await for our next communication.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular 35/VIII/2023

12.11.2023.

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

WORKFORCE IN KARNATAKA BANK DEFERS THE FLASH STRIKE.

FLASH STRIKE ON 13^TH NOVEMBER 2023  WILL BE OBSERVED   AS MOURNING DAY BY ALL

Officers in the banking industry are now-a-days is confronted with a new crisis of compliance of the set of regulations stipulated by the various authorities from time to time. This current crisis is experienced right from the Branches to Head office of the Banks. The role controller of the banking system in this new crisis is more focussed and also demanding with timelines to adhere to without any deviations. At the branch level, young and directly recruited officers have taken extreme step of ending their life, due to work pressure coupled with the behavioural pattern of the controllers within the respective banks. The Global bank is experiencing this type of new crisis. A female officer of the e-syndicate bank ended her life in the Branch in the State of Kerala and Government of Kerala had interfered to go into the cause of the suicide of the female officer of the Bank. All the  Operating unions in that Bank were advised to appear  before the committee constituted by the State Government.

2.         This present trend had also been inflicted the top most echelons of the member of the  top management team in Karnataka Bank a couple of days back. Our affiliate decided to observe strike on 13^th November 2023 along with total workforce in the Bank. From our organisation, we have sent the letter to MD &CEO of the bank on 10^th Nov,2023. As a result of the same, there were couple of rounds discussion held in the evening of 11^th Nov,2023 and to-day also. As the culmination of the mutual discussions, which shall continue on 15^th Nov, 2023, with MD&CEO of the Karnataka Bank, 13^th Nov, 2023 will be observed by the Bank as Mourning Day instead of Flash Strike by all, as shared by our affiliate.

3.         AIBOA, stands with the family of late Shri. K.A. Vadhiraj, General Manger and Chief Compliance Officer of Karnataka Bank, who took extreme step on 10.11.2023 due to pressure of work.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

TEXT OF OUR LETTER NO.IBA:BKS:144:2023 DATED 10.11.2023  SENT TO THE MD  & CEO OF KARNATAKA BANK LTD. BY E MAIL

Sir,

LATE SHRI.K.A. VADHIRAJ G.M AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER.

LOSS OF A HUMAN JEWEL IN YOUR TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM.

We are shell shocked to hear the shocking information of budding executive of your management team Late Shri. K.A. Vadhiraj, General Manager and Chief compliance officer resorting to an extreme step of ending his life due to extra-ordinary work pressure and probably due to external pressures pertaining to compliance assignments demanded from various authorities from time to time. 

2.         Late Mr. K.A. Vadhiraj, joined the august Institution at a young and youthful age, on compassionate grounds, as his father was also an employee of this great Institution. Due to his sheer hard work and clean conduct and pleasant behavior rose to the level of one of members of the top management team.  It is aired that the present lack of people connect policy pursued coupled with new experiment of transformation exercises attempted has led to this tragic moment of the bank, when the Institution is celebrating its Centenary year.

3.         While our organization shares the grief with the family, equally urges the urgent necessity of revisiting the Bank’s new policy approach, which has disconnected the people at desk as well as at all levesl resulting  to distance themselves from the thought process.

4.         The entire workforce is under deep shock and as a solidarity action shall embark upon certain organizational actions, including direct action, for which the management is solely responsible.

5.         Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

/sd./S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular 34/VIII/2023

28^th October 2023.

To

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,
 

ENDOWMENT FUND TO CONDUCT

COM.P.K. MENON MEMORIAL LECTURE.

In pursuance of the decision arrived at the first Central Committee Meeting held at Mumbai on 13^thand 14^th September 2023, to conduct a memorial lecture on the birthday of the Founder General Secretary of our organization late Com. P.K. Menon in co- ordination with the Department of Economics, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, an amount of Rs 5,00,000 [Rs.Five lakhs] was considered for payment. The CC approved the same.Prelude to this, on July 2,2023 the undersigned along with Com. V. Ramabhadran DGS AIBOA and Com. G.S. Oberoi Chairman AIBOA (HSC) had a preliminary round of discussions with the University Authorities.

2.         It was nice synchronization that on the birthday of late Com. R.J.S. (26^th October) the meeting was held at the University hosted by Prof. Ashok Chauhan, Chairperson, Department of Economics Kurukshetra University. The place itself is historically relevant and the birthplace of one of the revered discourse“ Bhagavad Gita”. The meeting was Chaired by the Shri. Sanjeev Sharma Registrar KUK and participated by Prof. Shuchismita, Dean, Student Welfare, Prof. Sanjeev Bansal, Prof. Dara Singh, Dr. Hemlata Sharma, Dr. Archana Choudhary, Dr. Kiran Lamba, Dr. Priya Sharma, Dr. Nidhi Bagaria, Dr.Isha Garg and Dr.Manoj Kumar from Economic Department KUK.

3.         Our team consisting of Com.G.S. Oberoi, Chairman, Com. Praveen Goel, General Secretary AIBOA(Haryana State Committee) Secretary, AIBOA, Com. Charanjeev Joshi, General Secretary AIBOA(Punjab State Committee) Dy.Gen.Secretary, AIBOA and the undersigned participated in the meeting. After a formal introduction and welcome address by Prof Ashok Chavan, who inaugurated the delegates’ Session of 8^th National Conferenceof AIBOA, Prof Sanjeev SharmaRegistrar, KUKappreciated the decision of our organisation for holding the Memorial lecture on the birth day -26^th JUNE- of Com. P.K. Menon every yearand further advised to explore the possibilities of apportioning a portion of the interest to be given as Scholarship to a Student. On behalf of AIBOA, the undersigned presented the role of our organization in extending the help to deserving people in the society and towards the targeted aim, the endowment is created to perpetuate the memory of the late Com. P.K. Menon.

4.         Our team presented the demand draft of Rs 5 Lacs to the University Authorities and the brief function was concluded. AIBOA(HSC) has been entrusted with the responsibility of co-ordinating with the University Authorities in conducting the Annual Lecture.

ALL GLORY TO LATE COM P.K. MENON

FOR HIS DEDICATED LIFE TO UPBRING THE BANK WORKERS

FROM 1985 TILL HIS LAST BREADTH.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.33/VIII/2023

18^th September 2023.

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST CENTRAL COMMITTEE

MEETING HELD AT MUMBAI.

14^th&15^th September 2023.

In terms of the notice dated 1^st September 2023, the first Central Committee meeting was held at Privilege Inn, Malad-Link Road, Malad, Mumbai under the joint presidium of Com. Alok Khare, Chairman and Com. Anil Kumar Vice-Chairman of our Organization.

2. Com. Devdas Menon, General Secretary, AIBOA - Maharashtra State Committee and DGS  AIBOA welcomed all the members of the Central Committee and shared his concern and appealed to them to bear with the shortcomings, if any, in the arrangements. He requested the Chairman and Vice-Chairman to commence the session by lighting of the lamp coupled with paying floral tributes to the founding fathers of our movement. All other participants also paid floral tributes to the departed leaders, who had sacrificed their life to give light to the banking fraternity.

3. IN MEMORIUM:  The house observed two minutes silence in the memory following leaders.

a.) Sri. Surya Narayan Patro, former Speaker of the Odissa Assembly, (b) ISRO scientist Ms. N. Valarmathi, Voice behind Chandrayan 3 landing. (c) Indian Poet Jayant Mahapatra                (d) Com. Sarojini Balanandan, Senior Leader of women’s movement in Kerala, (e) Com. Gaddar Aka Vithal Rao, popular folk singer, Telengana (f) Sri.Sampath Prakash, Veteran TU leader, g) Ms. Vani Jayaram, famous play back singer, (h) Sri. Madan Das Devi, RSS ideologue, (I) Com.S.D. Dhopeshswarkar former President of AIBEA (j) Com.R.C.Bansal, veteran leader of MPBOA, Com. K.Bhaskaran, former vice President of AIBOA and Chairman IBOF. (l) Com. T.V. Radhakrishanan former Assistant Secretary AIBOA (j) Com. S.D. Ponkshe, former President BOMOA and others who had lost their lives due to natural calamities.

4. LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED: 1. Com. A.N.Suresh President 2. Dr.Kumar Arvind                3. Com.Guriminder Oberoi, Vice-Presidents, 4. Com.K.Raghava, 5. Com.A.V. Vithal Koteswara Rao, 6. K.V.V.S.N. Murali, Secretaries AIBOA.

CC MEMBERS AND OTHERS:

1. Com. N.K. Sharma, 2. Com. R.K. Mahendru, 3. Com. Rakesh Saxena, 4. Com. Suraj Kumar Patro, 5.Com. Shaliendra Rajpal, 6. Com. Peeyoush Payal, 7. Com. K. Sreenivasa Rao      8.Com. Pawan Kumar Abrol and 9.Com.M.S.Jaishankar.

The above members of the central committee were absent due to health and family reasons of self and dependents. The CC granted the leave of absence.

5. REPORTING OF THE DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 8^TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD AT CHANDIGARH:

The General Secretary in his brief presentation covered the developments viz: Strike Call in Jan 2023 to realise the demands of 5 days week, Up-dation of Pension, commencement of current wage negotiations and resolution of the pending residual issues. Two rounds of discussions were held with IBA, one in Jan 2023 and another in the month of Feb, 2023. IBA came out with two circulars, one on revision of rate of reimbursement of expenses in transporting the personal effects and another one on clarifications on Stagnation increments.

• ·         Completing the Standalone agenda of Election of office bearers of 8^th National Conference: The CC had the benefit of reporting of the decisions of the office bearers taken in the Virtual meetings between December 2022 and May 2023. The process of E-Voting and completion of the same with the help of the Service provider were explained.

• ·         The General Secretaries of AIPNBOF, AICBOA in their capacity as President and General Secretary AIBOA- Delhi State Committee, filed the case against the E-Voting in Dwarka Court Delhi and its closure was also shared.

• ·         Another Contestant from Maharashtra has filed the case in Dindoshi, Goregaon, Mumbai, which is yet to be taken up by the court for further exercise.

• ·         Against E-Voting, there were 189 representations out of which 35 were repeaters and 39 contested in the election process. The 115 requisitions (net) were held on record on 17^th May 2023, which falling short of 1/3^rd of delegates participated in the Chandigarh Conference i.e., 210. Hence calling for a special session by the General Secretary did not arise.

• ·         In the meanwhile, there were discussions on 21.06.2023, 19.07.2023, 28.07.2023, 07.08.2023, 31.08.2023 and 13.09.2023 held by IBA with 8 constituent unions. Understandings on Insurance backed Hospitalisation for retirees and 100% D.A. Neutralisation for the retirees prior to 1.02.2005 were inked by the 8 constituents.

• ·         WE TOOK UP WITH IBA, WHO IN TURN SHARED THAT THE STONE WALLING WAS BY UFBU ON OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE DISCUSSIONS.

• ·         We reiterated in person that IBA should go by the practices adopted and in the absence of the any restraint order from the competent authorities, IBA should not take a stand that our organization will not be allowed to participate in the negotiations due to the objections raised by four bank-wise representatives i.e., AIPNBOF, AICBOA, AIPSBOF and BOBOU.

• ·         The house was briefed about the special session convened by the four representatives on 27^th August 2023, our efforts to seek the legal intervention and outcome of the same.

• ·         It was further shared with the members of CC about the efforts made by the General Secretary AITUC on 26^th July 2023 and on 12^th August 2023 to iron out the differences and also accommodating the aspirants. Though, the office bearers had given authority to accommodate 2 or 3 persons from the splinter group for the sake of unified team, the core committee went up to 5 with different nomenclature in the officer bearers’ positions. It was Com. Sanjay Khan, who insisted for 10 additional positions in addition to 5 offered on 16^th August 2023 (over mobile). Our core team members were clear and candid in making our stand, that none of the 34 office bearers elected will be asked to step down as 441 delegates had reposed faith in the team.

• ·         In spite of the commitment made by the four representatives in the court on 26^th August 2023, they have not adhered to the directions given by the Hon’ble Court without knowing the after-effects of the breach of assurances made before the judicial authority.

 In this context, CC members were advised to present their viewpoints so as to enable us to take further course of actions. Accordingly, the following decisions were arrived at after hearing 34 Comrades spreading over a period of 8 and half hours.

a.    a.Overwhelmingly, it was expressed by the members that AIBOA should get back to the negotiating table with IBA at the earliest possible time.

b.   b. Legal proceedings against the four representatives should be expedited including contempt proceedings by AIBOA.

c.    c.As IBA is maintaining an un-reasonable approach in the matter of according representative character to the newly elected body in the six sittings, appropriate action should be initiated including legal intervention.

d.    d.The door should be kept open for further dialogue with four representatives to envelope them as a part of the team.

e.    e.On external intervention by some individuals, appropriate steps should also be undertaken by AIBOA to halt the hate campaign let loose against the present team of office bearers.

To take forward the meeting of mind exercise, a team consisting of Com. V. Ramabhadran, Com. Praveen Goel, Com. A.V. Vithal Koteswara Rao, Com.I.Haranath, Com.Rajesh Tiwari, Com.S.K.S.Sengar and Com. B.B. Phawa was formed.

6. STATUS REPORT ON THE DECISIONS TAKEN IN THE OFFICE BEARERS MEETING HELD AT MAMALLA PURAM ON 10^th and 11^th June 2023:

·         AIBOA – BIHAR STATE COMMITTEE ELECTION: Com. V. Ramabhadran, DGS and Com. Ghanshyam Srivastava General Secretary of AIBOA Jharkhand State Committee will undertake the exercise at the earliest possible time.

·         CONDUCTING OVERDUE STATE COMMITTEE CONFERENCES. : The General Secretaries of Maharashtra and Gujarat have been advised to conduct and complete the conferences at the earliest possible time. Com. N.K. Sharma, General Secretary AIBOA Rajasthan, will also be advised to undertake the organizational task and complete the same.

·         FORMATION OF WOMEN CELL: The CC decided to entrust the task of holding the Women Convention to AIBOA – U P State Committee. We have advised    Com.  S.K.S. Sengar to provide the plan to Central Office to enable us to release the circular well in advance and the establishment of the women cell can be completed.

·         MERGER OF UNIONS. As far as the merger of IBOF and AIABOF, expeditious steps should be undertaken by IBOF leadership and implementation of the understandings already arrived at on 19^th December 2021at Delhi.

The merger of AIPNBOF, AIOBOA and UBIOEA should also be concluded immediately in terms of the understandings arrived at Panipet on 13.06.2020 and on 2.09.2022 at New Delhi.

·         COURT CASE AT DINDOSHI GOREGAON:  The court case of Dwarka got dismissed on 11.07.2023. The other court case pending at Dindoshi Goregaon Mumbai came up for hearing on 11.09.2023 and the judge did not attend the court on the said date and hence adjourned to 11.10.2023.

·         CONDUCTING DEFENCE CLASS: It has been decided to conduct the defence class for our members with a maximum strength of 40 participants, drawn from all state committees at our RJS Bhavan for two and half days duration.

·         Subscriptions to House Magazine TWO ROSES: The General secretaries of the State committees are to undertake this special task to enroll the members for our house magazine on urgent basis and achieve the overall target of 10000 copies per month.

·         SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM; The CC decided to form the Social media team to percolate the information to members through this medium; The team  members are :

1.    Com.D.S.Ganesan. 2.Com.V.Ramabhadran, 3. Com.Gurmeet Singh 4.Com.Krishna Baroorkar and 5. Com.I. Haranath.

·         Resolution of the dispute in BOBOU: As advised by Com. Anil Kumar, the minutes drawn by us on 01.08.2021, made available to CC members for their information. 

·         ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICE BEARERS OF AIBOA: The sharing of responsibility amongst office bearers shall be shortly completed and it will be made available to all.

·         EXTENDING SUPPORT TO AIUTIOA: While the CC had the benefit of the efforts initiated by Com. Vishwas Utagi, Hon. Chairman of the UTI Association, it was decided to extend the support to the affiliate in realizing the demands including removal of anomaly in Pension.

7. Any other matters with the permission of the chair: The CC members have expressed the following for taking up on urgent basis.

• The mandate for wage revision is not submitted by some of the private sector Banks, which needs to be taken up on priority.

• ·         Recruitment of staff should be focused by our organization as the pressure on officers are mounting leaps and bounds and in some cases it has led to suicides by the officers in our Industry.

• ·         PLI should also include Private sector Banks and it should not be left to the choice of private sector Bank managements.

• ·         The current impasse prevailing in MP state Committee should be sorted out immediately.

• ·         The CC decided that the immovable property purchased in the name of the individual units earlier or from now on should necessarily include the name of AIBOA and the trust should be formed in the best interest of all concerned.

• ·         The CC gave the approval for establishing a chair in Kurukshetra University in the name of Late Com. P.K. Menon the founder General Secretary of AIBOA by paying Rs. 5 Lacs.

• ·         AIBOA shall  pursue the issues of Recruitment of Officers, 5 day week, Up-Dation of Pension, pressure on sale of third party products, NPS to OPS and DA Anomaly vis a vis LIC.

• ·         Further, the number of growing suicides in our Industry should be appropriately addressed by our organization by taking up the matter with higher authorities.

·         Statement of Accounts for the period ending 31.12.2022 was presented by Com.R.Jawaher, Treasurer which was adopted unanimously.

Implementation of clause 31 of Bye laws of the Organisation:

The reply submitted by one of the bank-wise representative for the show cause served on him for his anti-AIBOA activities was presented to the house. The house after a serious discussion came to unanimous decision to authorise the General Secretary to take appropriate action to enable the affiliates and its members to adhere to organisational discipline without exception.

Introduction of new CC members:  Due to paucity of time, the self- introduction of newly inducted CC members could not be completed.

ALL GLORY TO AIBOA – MAHARASHTRA STATE COMMITTEE:

With minimum man-power, hosting a CC meeting consisting of 50 members drawn from Sixteen State committees, in the Financial capital was indeed a tough task, as a concluding remark in the thanks giving address by D.S. Ganesan, DGS, AIBOA.

AIBOA MAHARASHTRA STATE COMITTEE

HAS DONE IT AGAIN.

RED SALUTES TO THE TEAM

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY 

Circular No.32/VIII/2023

11.09.2023

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

LIC vs BANK.

D.A. ANOMALY.

SHOULD WE TO BE

 A SILENT SPECTATOR.?

We have communicated the glaring discrimination in the matter of D.A. neutralization for the workforce in our Industry vis-à-vis LIC. There were certain observations about our communication by some individuals, ignorant of the evolution of D.A. neutralization in our Industry. This circular is attempting to clarify our position.

2. The Pillai Committee recommendations (PCR) was implemented in the Public Sector Banks from 1.07.1979 and In State Bank of India w.e.f.1.10.1979. The recommendations in the matter of D.A. were based on rise or fall of 8points/16points/24 points cycle. The concept  accepted was the higher the Basic the lower the D.A.compensation. In the year 1985 an improvement was made to shrink the concept to 8 and 16 points cycle. In 1992, further it was reduced to 8 points cycle.

3. In 2005 joint note the D.A. was paid from 1.11.2002 to31.01.2005 as under:

0.18% of the Pay up-to Rs 9,650.00.+

0.15% of the Pay above Rs 9650 and Up-to Rs 15350.00 +

0.09 % of the Pay above Rs 15350 and up-to Rs 16,350 +

0.04% of the Pay above RS 16,350.00.

For the period from 1.02.2005, that 100% D.A. neutralization was achieved through out the scale.

4. While the % for every four points rise the 100%D.A was common between Banks and LIC in 2007,2012 wage revisions, LIC workforce got 0.08% for every four points rise meaning thereby that LIC workforce is compensated @108.10%. instead of 100% D.A.neutralisation.

L.I.C workforce merged in the previous wage revision 4708 points and the D.A. payable per four points rise was 0.010%. Last wage revision, they too merged 6352 points and D.A. payable for 4 points rise 4708*0.10%/6352 = 0.074%.If 0.074% represent 100% neutralization then 0.08% represents 108.18%

5. We have annexed the chart to show the difference in % D.A. paid for the LIC and Bank employees for the period under reference.We shall pursue to the issue of differential treatment meted out to Banking workforce from 1.11,2017.

Yours comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.31/VIII/2023

02.09.2023

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

LIC  vs  BANK

D.A. ANOMALY

WILL WE WAKE UP ?

Government of India vide its notification dated 15th April 2021 announced the revision of wages to the workforce of LIC. They got wage revision benefits, better than Banking workforce in the following areas.

• Better D.A. per 4 points rise                                                                 0.08%

• Percentage of loading to construct the new basic pay                      15%

• 5 days working with effect from:                                                        15.04.2021

2.         Normally, the D.A. compensation per 4 points rise is common in the financial sector, right from 01.11.2007, as we got 100% neutralization of D.A with effect from 1.05.2005. The comparative chart is as hereunder:

3.         LIC workforce has got D.A. @ 0.08% per 4 points rise whereas they should have been paid only 0.074% ie; 0.006% extra for every 4 points rise.

4.         As on November-January 2022, the difference of D.A. was 4.34% excess drawn by the LIC workforce per Rs 100.00.  As on today the D.A. differential is 6.32% [ie;] LIC workforce is drawing more D.A. than bank employees.

5.         Our organistion’s demand is to set right the anomaly.  But the affected Banking workforce is suffering in silence.  Time and again, we brought it before the UFBU constituents, but none of them felt it necessary to clarify and unwilling to take steps to secure the benefits. When there was D.A. anomaly between RBI and Bank Employees in the 3^rd bipartite in the year 1978 anomaly was set right by late Com. Prabhat Kar the then General Secretary of AIBEA.

6.         Our organization took up the issue with DFS, Government of India in August 2021 and demanded the corrections. Subsequently also it was raised in the residual issues discussions with IBA, but no forward movement took place in this matter. The major constituents of UFBU repeatedly felt that LIC has got huge profits and no seriousness was shown in settling this serous anomaly. Not correcting it at least in this current wage revision exercise, not only existing workforce would suffer lifelong but also the retirees.

7.         Will the workforce rise to occasion to demand justice from the negotiating unions who are engaged in the second round of negotiations with the Bankers before it is too late?

ARISE, AWAKE AND

STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED

                                                                                         = Swami Vivekananda=

We shall keep you posted with the developments in due course.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.30/VIII/2023

01.09.2023

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

Meeting at Mumbai on 30th August 2023

The constituents of UFBU met at Mumbai on 30th August 2023.  AIBOA was represented by Com.V.Viswanathan, President, AIBOA -Maharashtra State Committee in the meeting as the principal office bearers were held up.

2.         On behalf of our organisation Com.V.Viswanathan raised the issue of D.A. payable to LIC compared to Bank employees.  As on date, the LIC workforce is drawing nearly 6% more.  This is going to have cascading effect in our current wage revision as well as going to be permanent gap in our retiral components too, in the long run.

3.         Updation of Pension:  In the absence of the confirmation of the pension provision in the individual Banks as at the close of 31.03.2022 [ by obtaining actuarial certificate] the issue of updation remains a non starter.

4.         Current wage revision:  Our representative made it amply clear that the exercise attempted to arrive at a consensus pertaining to the wage revision  in the meeting, should have been carried out on 06.08.2023 prior to the first round initiated by IBA.

5.         Participation in the IBA Discussion:  The cause of action arose, as the four individuals, conducted the meeting in their personal capacity on 27.08.2023 at Delhi.  Besides this action, they had represented to UFBU Convenor to allow them to participate in the meeting held at Mumbai on 30.08.2023.  It was decided by the UFBU constituents on 30.08.2023 that there "exists a" legal dispute, no one will be allowed to participate in the discussion with IBA.

We shall keep the developments informed from time to time.

Yours comradely,

 /S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETAR

Circular No.29/VIII/2023

29.08.2023

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS :

Comrades,

MEETING HELD ON 27^TH AUGUST 2023 ON PERSONAL CAPACITY AT NEW DELHI.

Our attention has been drawn to an information circulating in Social Media claiming to represent  our Organisation, which need not be given cognisance at all. The author of the message was a delegate, who represented Delhi State Committee, participated in the preliminary discussions with other office bearers of AIBOA with a service provider on 17.02.2023 and also signed the minutes of the meeting for conducting through E-Voting process.  Not only he was party to the decisions collectively arrived at the meetings held after the 8^th National Conference held at Chandigarh in Nov 2022, but also filed the nomination for the post of General Secretary in the E-voting processand secured only 31 votes out of the 441 votes polled. In addition to this, troubles brewed at the Conference venue in third day, as he collected the delegate cards and distributed to the delegates not belonging to Delhi State.

2. The four representatives had indulged in an anti-organisational activities with a sole motive to deny the officers of their rightful expectations from  the organisation. In spite of our sincere counselling not to indulge in anti -organisational activities, they did breach our advices in a blatant manner. The organisational discipline and decorum were breached at the conference venue, which the delegates had witnessed/experienced.. Our efforts to accommodate the  individuals, who were aspiring tooccupy important positions, did not bear fruits.

3. In view of the above, State committees and affiliated units are to percolate this message in clear and louder tone not to be carried away by the information circulated as the decision of the meeting, as the same is convened in their personal capacity.

With greetings,

Yours Comradely,

 S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY

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4.       The case has been posted for further hearing on 29th  November 2023. In the event of any deviation made by the defendants the same will be considered as contempt of the court.

5.       The  proposed  meeting  is  convened  by  them  is  in  their  personal capacity and not on behalf of AIBOA. We appeal to all delegates not to be swayed away by the social media messages let loose by one of defendants and restrain from participating in the gathering.

6.       We shall keep you informed about the future developments in this regard

Yours Comradely,

 /S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY. 

Circular No.26/VIII/2023

15.08.2023

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS

 Comrades,

DO NOT BE CARRIED AWAY BY SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

ABOUT THE MEETING ON

27^th AUGUST 2023 AT DELHI

In our 8th National conference held at Chandigarh on 25^th-27th Nov,2022, there was a demand in writing that the election of new team of office bearers should be held through Secret Ballot. Due to paucity of time and the disruptions occurred on the second and third day of the proceedings of the conference, the elections was postponed for conducting the elections through secret ballot.

2.         Taking into consideration of the financial burden of the individual units as well as travel time by all 630 delegates to converge in one place to complete the standalone agenda of election of office bearers for the ensuing term, with due consultations with outgoing office bearers, the e-voting process was carried out by the Election officer, who is time tested comrade of our movement. He had sent 8 advisories to all 630 delegates individually along with the list of delegates drawn based on the list submitted by the General Secretaries of the State Committees. Against the announcement of e-voting process, two of the signatories of the current circular had gone to the court at Delhi and the prayer made by them was not considered by the learned judge.

3.         There were requests made by delegates through emails(emanated mostly from one email address) for conducting a special session for election of office bearers through physical voting, brushing aside the occurrence of the manhandling of the General Secretary of the affiliated unit on the second day of the conference at Chandigarh. There were representations from the delegates who had filed the nominations for participating in the e-voting process and in addition to the above, representations were also repeated i.e.one delegate submitting more than one requisition. At the end, it was falling short of the required number for calling for a special session, as prescribed in the bye laws of our organization.

4.         On completion of the e-voting exercise conducted by a Government Authorized Company having HQs at Mumbai for 48 hours ie 8.00 AM of 20.05.2023 to 8.00AM of 22^nd May 2023, the elected list of 35 office bearers was released by the election officer. Out of 35 office bearers, one office beareropted out due to the best reasons known to him only.

5.         Having felt that they have been humbled down by the 441 delegates i.e70% of electorates, they have resorted to new diversionary tactics of circulating the blank notice for requisitioning a meeting.

6.         Our appeal to all delegates, who had experienced the shifting stand of some of the signatories in their conduct, should not fall prey to their malicious propaganda of the current one.

7.         The office bearers who have been elected through the e-voting process, shall strive to preserve identity of the organisation with all sincerity and seriousness to secure the demands of the rank and file, as we did it in the past.

HENCE, donot fall prey to the malicious campaign by couple of representatives for a meeting on 27^th August 2023 at New Delhi.

Yours Comradely

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.24/VIII/2023

17.07.2023

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

19^th July 2023 – 55^th BANK NATIONALISATION DAY.

19^th July is always to be remembered by the bankmen of the past and present, as on this day in the year1969 decisions were arrived at to nationlise 14 private sector banks first and subsequently another six banks in April 1980. The sole motive was to make the banking services available to the rural masses who were in the grip of deep financial crisis.

2.            The benefits accrued to the society and growth in the economic activities are multifold. Our Banking system stood the test of times. When sub prime crisis of 2008 pulled down the banks in the West, Public Sector Banks of our country stood as the role model for the entire world. Dr. Y.V. Reddy, former Governor of RBI delivered a lecture in foreign country, for the benefit of the Bankers, about the role played by the Public Sector Banks in protecting the interest of the savers.

3.            It was highlighted in our 7^th National Conference held at Hyderabad in December 2016 that the Banking Industry has to be saved as the burgeoning of the bad loans would completely wipe out the Banking System in our country and recovering the bad loans was projected as the main tool to revive and retain the Banks in the Public Sector.

4.            The multiple attacks unleashed by the Government at the Centre right from the introduction of New Economic Policy from 1993, are listed out for the benefit of the workforce  

5.   The current trend of rating the Public Sector Banks is based on the Scorecard prepared containing % digital target achievement and % merchant acquisition. Based on this exercise, the following banks are classified Good performers viz. Canara, UCO, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab and Sind Bank, SBI, Indian Bank, IOB and PNB. The average performers are Bank Of Maharashtra, IDBI, Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India.

6.            The top banks by NPA Write offs are;

The amount written off by Public and Private Sector Banks for the year ended 31.3.2022 was Rs 174,968 crores

7.  Digitalised Banking Units have come into stay from last year thereby the lending to a customer is based on the Aadhar card and customer too feel comfortable with the present arrangements, leading to defeat of physical interface between the customer and banker. 

8. One of the leading banks, has recently established the Banking activities through Virtual mode. It is nothing but man-less banking. The slogan of eighth National Conference recently held at Chandigarh in Nov 2022 was Save Gen Next from Job Losses and Secure Job Security.

9.  The task before the workforce is to protect,preserve and promote Public Sector Banking for the betterment of the common people of this Nation. There are serious attempts to dilute the capital of three leading banks and also to privatize three banks, the names are seriously making rounds in the social media etc 

10. While, we remember the sacrifices made by the founding fathers of the movement and hail the Nationalisation of Banks, we call upon the entire workforce to be in readiness to launch a sustained program against ill-advised moves of the Government as well as Controller of Banking System. Our future struggles shall be akin to the struggles of the farmers, if we really serious to halt the approach of the Government.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY.

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Circular No.23/VIII/2023

12.07.2023

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES/ AFFILIATED UNITS                                             

Comrades,

TRUTH AND JUSTICE GO HAND IN HAND –

DWARAKA COURT JUDGEMENT

You are aware that a civil case was filed against AIBOA in the Dwarka Court, New Delhi seeking the legal intervention to restrain us from conducting the election of Office Bearers through e-voting process. The case was listed on 18^th May 2023 and posted for hearing on 19^th May 2023. Upon hearing the advocates of the Plaintiffs, the court was not inclined to grant the stay. The case was posted for hearing on 11.07.2023.

2.         The process of election was conducted for 48 hours from 8.00AM of 20.05.2023 to 8.00AM of 22.05.2023. The new team of office bearers was declared elected by the Election Officer on 22^nd May 2023.

3.         Yesterday, the case came up for hearing and the following judgement pronounced which is as under:

“The present suit has become infructuous by disappearance of the cause of action and pursuing with the present case would amount to abuse of process. Accordingly, the present suit/plaint filed by the plaintiffs is thus not maintainable, same is rejected".

File be consigned to Record Room after compliance with due formalities.”

Now that the legal recourse is also over, all our affiliates are advised to concentrate on strengthening the organization in every manner.

Yours comradely

(S NAGARAJAN)

GENERAL SECRETARY