A Battle Half Won

Comrades,

                  The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers has been demanding  before the Government right from 2011 onwards for constitution of 7^th Central Pay commission, DA merger, settling of various anomalies, and other demands as per the 15 charter of demands. In the Kolkatta conference the 48 charter of demands was drafted in continuation of our 15 charter of demands.       

              

           
Many programs were conducted from past two years by Confederation of Central Government Employees for demanding the 7^th CPC and other 15 charter of demands including two strikes and also directed its members for conducting strike ballot for indefinite strike in December 2013.

Now Central Government has announced the constitution of 7^th Central Pay Commission. While welcoming the decision of the Government, we are disappointed to note that our demand for five years wage revision w.e.f. 01.01.2011 and merger of DA has not been considered favourably by the Government. Even though the today the DA declared is 90%. The CPI will be around 242 points in January 2014 and by next few months DA will cross 100% mark thus naturally DA should be merged. Thus by appointing pay commission without DA merger or interim relief employees will not be getting any financial benefit right now, we have to wait for next three years till the 7^th CPC give its report and Government accepts its recommendations.

The demand for inclusion of Gramin Dak Sevaks under the purview of the 7^th CPC and grant of merger of DA to GDS is also pending.

The price rise has been at its peak from past six years, compared to past 50 years, last six years has witnessed a major increase in price rise, as per the trends available it will continue to rise further. Compared to price rise of over 200% we have got an DA of just 90%., The house rents have increased to over 300% without any  compensation, those who live in rented houses have suffered a lot, also the  dearness allowance on tour is insufficient for meeting food expenditure during tour.    

The major beneficiary  of the 6^th CPC recommendations were the Group “A” and above Officers, where as others got  just 25 to 30 % increase in salaries, this is also nullified by the price rise hence the lower level employees are facing difficulties in  leading a decent life.

The 7^th CPC appointment is just one step forward but the battle is half won today, we cannot simply keep quite now, many more agitations have to take place till Government accepts the 15 Charters of demands including merger of DA and also rectifies the anomalies in 6^th CPC recommendations, parity in wages of central secretariat staff and subordinate staff etc.

Today after winning the half battle, we should demand interim relief , we should put pressure on the Government to see that the real wages are paid to us, the minimum wages should be not less Rs 20,000/-. The anomalies should be rectified. Five promotion policies should be implemented with clear difference in Grade Pay.  All allowances should be tripled. Proper DA formula should be made available for CG employees etc.

Hence Comrades we should be more active and prepare for the real battle ahead. At the same time we should conduct seminars and workshops for presenting papers to the 7^th CPC, so that we should be able to present the demands of employees properly.

                  

Comradely yours

(P.S.Prasad)

General Secretary