During the ten years of hard, agonising struggle to assert the audit and accounts employees' right to work with dignity and have an effective instrument of collective bargaining, there were many occasions when I was told that the fight was doomed to fail. After my first removal from service, a prominent leader of the most powerful federation of central government employees advised me to 'go and apologise'. An outstanding national leader offered me a job. None expected that the campaign we built up would succeed. One top bureaucrat once asked me: "Don't you know that the Auditor General who is a dyed-in-the wool I.A.& A.S. bureaucrat gets absolute powers from the Constitution and that it is not a practical possibility that he will be impeached for what he does to his employees? Don't you know that the nature of audit is such that even if you go on strike for one year, nobody would be bothered, that every I.A.% A.S. head of office, under the umbrella of the Auditor-General, can and will behave as a feudal satrap and is free to indulge in any devil-dance?" I remembered his words when Shri Ashok Chanda, the then Auditor-General told us during our first and last meeting with him: "I shall decide the service conditions you will have. Don't look to the other departments." Looking at me, he added: "I won't allow anyone of you to criticise by officers. I won't allow my employees to address press conferences". It was a meeting which we had sought to take up with him the issue of victimisation at Rajkot. Instead of hearing us, he chastised and scolded us roundly. The Gwalior Conference in 1958 resolved to take the challenge and elected me as the Secretary-General. My compulsory retirement at the age of 27 followed.We decided to fight back peacefully. Then came another blow: the threat to withdraw recognition if I continued as Secretary-General. The Assam Conference unanimously decided, with a courage never seen so far in the government employees' movement, to face this challenge. Soon, the derecognition followed. The storm did not shake us at all. We stood firm as a solid rock.
Finally when my reinstatement came AS A RESULT OF A POWERFUL MOVEMENT ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, it came as a surprise to all.
The same was the situation after the 1960 indefinite strike when we created history by the best organised strike among all. The audit bureaucracy unleashed a hurricane of victimisation all over the department. The government simply watched the violation of their own policies and declarations made on the floor of Parliament. Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri told me in his own way that the government can do nothing to tame the Auditor-General. What came as a shock to me was the way audit employees were left in the lurch by the rest of the movement. In fact, the P&T leadership scuttled my decisions twice to go on indefinite fast. By 1962 it became clear to me that audit employees had to fight alone and we prepared ourselves for a long-drawn battle. Even the so-called revolutionary leaders condemned it as my adventure. To their surprise, we won finally in 1967. Those were years of toil and tears, sweat and blood. But through it all, the movement emerged the strongest, the best organised, totally disciplined and most trusted and united trade union organisation in the country.
During the years of battle against massive victimisation and continued derecognition ever since 1959 was established a well-functioning office in Delhi, a monthly journal born in fire and then published regularly, a building fund of Rs.30,000 started and collected during these burning years and a balance enough to meet current expenses built up. We won not only recognition, but also facilities like foreign service for the Secretary-General, universal respect and acceptance by the bureaucracy as the powerful voice and leader of the entire employees.
How could all this be done by middle class employees, most of whom were postgraduates, belonging to socially-well placed respectable families? And that too when employment was scarce and the country's economy still was only slowly recovering from centuries of colonial rule and the rules were draconian and the judiciary was still a distant factor?
The one single element that brought about this miracle was the unity of the employees, of all employees. This unity came from total love for and trust in the leadership. I had no agenda except the dignity and rights of the employees. I had no personal or political ambition. There was no divisive factor whatsoever. All decisions were taken by our leadership without any outside influence.
This great battle and the victory won should constitute the bed-rock of our unity. The story narrated in my book "A LEGENDARY BATTLE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS" is a testament of unity. The one lesson of this battle is that "WE CAN WIN, BUT ONLY THROUGH BUILDING UP AND PRESERVING A TOTALLY UNITED MOVEMENT". Unlike other departments like the Railways, P&T, Defence etc., where the powers of the bureaucracy and nature of work and the class character of the employees are very different, AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS employees cannot afford a movement divided on political, sectional, cadre, regional or any other divisive basis. Our very existence depends upon UNITY.
(E.X.JOSEPH, is OUR Former Secretary General, ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION IS THE LEGENDARY PERSONALITY WHO MADE THE AUDIT MOVEMENT AS THE VANGUARD OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MOVEMENT AND WAS DISMISSED UNDER ARTICLE 311(2) OF THE CONSTITUTION AT THE AGE OF 27)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
UNITED PLATFORM FOR ACTION
Dear Comrades,
The much waited implementation orders on Sixth CPC are pouring in piecemeal.
The employees are to draw their salary of September 2008 in accordance to the revised pay scales. The preparation of pay bills is over. Each of the employees now knows about the benefit or otherwise accrued to them.
The cheers that created by Circular No. AIA/cir11/2008 dated 5th April 2008 issued by Com. M.S.Raja proved to be short lived as in reality parity in pay scale has not been granted to Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants.
The employees now realized that the circular ibid was issued for false propaganda amongst the employees to keep the flocks together and absolve the responsibility of taking up of the issue immediately.
In this matter responsibility of Com. S.K.Vyas is more as being the only member representing the IA&AD in the Standing Committee, he did not register protest against the recorded adverse remark of the Sixth CPC and rectification of that by immediate modification of the same.
He also did not demand restoration of parity in pay scales of Senior Auditors and Senior Accountants with that of Assistants of CSS.
What he had placed in the Standing Committee meeting was, to refer the issue to the “Fast Track Committee or Anomaly Committee”.
In IA&AD or in Organized Accounts Departments of Government of India, the memory of employees is still fresh about the great betrayal by the bureaucracy of CSS in Fast Track Committee set up at the time of implementation of Fifth CPC Report.
Mr. P.K.Lahiry, the then DAI was a member of that committee and his views had been completely ignored by the Committee.
It is not understood how Com. Vyas could request the Official side to refer the demand for parity in Fast Track Committee or anomaly committee.
Normally, in meetings with the Government, the official side suggests referring any matter to anomaly committee or fast track committee to borrow time before final rejection by the Government.
More over, what is our experience on the same subject since 1992?
The demand for restoration of parity was taken up in JCM (NC).
After all these years the same is still pending with the Government.
There is no indication of implementation of the Award of Central Board of Arbitration.
If any one feels that employees of IA&AD or of organized Accounts can be fooled for all times to come he has mistaken.
The employees are fuming with anger against the betrayal meted out to them.
First, they were told “Parity has been achieved” and during the negotiation with the Secretaries Committee the issue was not raised on the plea that only “core issues” were raised by the Confederation and now they are told that we got a raw deal” to keep them engaged in mock fight through a call for “Indefinite Strike”.
The Audit and Accounts employees have got the worst recommendation this time.
They have been slighted by recorded recommendation of the SCPC.
The Central Secretariat Assistants onwards have got higher pay scales and they are going to get further hike through restructuring, which is under negotiation.
However, the leaders have betrayed Audit and Accounts Employees by not raising the issues at appropriate forum at appropriate time.
The undersigned had written to Com. Raja about the wrong interpretation he had made in the circular No.11 dt.5.4.2008 (reproduced below for ready reference) but it went unheeded.
I am placing the facts before the members with a heavy heart, as I never imagined that I should have to point out these things to the members of our beloved organization.
Ever since I joined the IA&AD I found that the employees of IA&AD remained neglected.
I personally met some CAGs during tenure of my Secretary Generalship of the All India Audit and Accounts Association.
All of them admitted their helplessness in protecting our interest as the Government treats the post of CAG as rubber stamp and the clause “ in consultation with CAG” is treated as mere formality and never any meaningful or effective consultation took place.
I have no hesitation to say that Com. C.S.V.Warrior could bring the breakthrough from the past during his Secretary Generalship by getting cadre restructuring by which parity in pay scale of senior Auditors could be achieved.
Our stand was to get parity for all the Auditors that were the nomenclature for AE personnel as the cadre was integrated and not divided.
However, the cadre separation was not his concept and he was resisting that.
Behind his back,it was done and he had to take all the criticisms for the adverse effect of separation of cadre in IA&AD.
Com. Warrior had taken voluntary retirement and remained aloof from the organization forever. During Com. Warrior’s period and thereafter till I was at the helm of affairs, we were always participating in the negotiation with the Government on our issues.
However, this time our serving representatives were not permitted to take part in the discussion and the All India Audit & Accounts Association was not the direct negotiator on issues related to Audit & Accounts cadres.
It is evident that the organization is not functioning as it aught to have functioned.
The members have no idea about who is deciding the policies and they are suffering mutely.
The longer this situation continues the more humiliation and deprivation the Audit and Accounts Employees would suffer.
Many of the centers are now seriously searching the way out to regain our credibility and ability.
Let us hope a collective effort will succeed in putting the movement on correct path to protect whatever we have achieved in the past and to further the same.
This letter has become lengthy, so I take leave of you now with a promise to come back soon to share with you my thoughts enriched by my long experience that you had allowed me to gain through your cooperation and guidance.
With greetings,
Fraternally yours,
Sd/-A.B.Sen
(A.B.Sen)
Date: 26th September 2008.
15/1093,Vasundhara
P.O.Vasundhara-201012.
Enclosure: As above.
Dear Com.Raja,
Congratulations to you and Com. S.K.Vyas for becoming members of the National Council of JCM.
In your circular letter No. AIA/ Cir-11/2008 dated 5th April 2008, you have written “The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer”.
I feel pity for you.
Your ignorance about the effect of the recommendation of the SCPC on Indian Audit & Accounts reflected in the above statement.
In Chapter 7.56 under caption “Indian Audit & Accounts Department”, the recommendations are written in simple English.
It would have been better for the interest of the All India Audit &Accounts Association that before writing the above statement you read the recommendation again and again or consulted some experienced leaders on whom you have confidence (no doubt there may not be any one left in the list).
In Para-7.56.3 the Commission has truthfully recorded the demand we have made through our JAC Memorandum, therefore I do not want to make any further comment.
In the next Para i.e.7.56.4 the Commission has analysed the existing hierarchical structure of Accounts /Audit posts in IA&AD, therefore no comment is necessary.
Actual distortion started in the next Para i.e. 7.56.5.from the following lines “…. However their pay scale was subsequently revised to Rs.5500-9000 by the government in a separate and unrelated development arising out of implementation of recommendations of Fifth CPC.
The genesis of this up gradation was that the Fifth CPC had upgraded pay scales of some ministerial categories in the Railways. This affected the established relativities of those posts vis a vis the accounts staff in Railways whose pay scales had traditionally been higher as under.
(a) Prior to Fifth CPC the posts of Accounts Assistants in Railways was in the scale of Rs.1400-2600 (revised Rs.5000-8000 whereas that of Head Clerk in the lower scale of Rs.1400-2300 (Revised Rs 4500 -7000). However, after the Fifth CPC the posts of Accounts Assistants and Head Clerk were that of Office Supdt. placed in the identical scale of Rs.5000-8000.
(b) Prior to Fifth CPC, the post of Section Officer / Inspector of Accounts was in a higher pay scale of Rs.1640-2900 (revised Rs.5500-9000) vis a vis that of Offfce Supdt. Gr.II which was in the scale of Rs.1600-2660 (revised: 5000 –8000). Fifth CPC placed these posts in an identical pay scale of Rs. 5500-9000.
(c) Junior Accounts Assistants and Senior Clerk were in the same Fourth CPC pay scale of Rs. 1200-2040 (Revised: 4000-6000). Fifth CPC placed the post of Senior Clerks in the scale of Rs.4500- 7000 whereas Junior Accounts Assistants remained in the lower scale of Rs.4000-6000.
7.55
.
7.56.7 the demand for parity between these posts was subsequently considered in arbitration proceedings before the Board of Arbitration who observed that identical pay scales having already been given by the Government, the demand for parity between Sas and Assistants in CSS had to be conceded.
7.56.8 It is, therefore, observed that the Government has never conceded the principle of parity between Assistants of CSS and the Senior Auditors/Accountants in various organized Account Department including IA&AD.
The demand for parity has again been raised because the pay scale of Assistants in CSS was subsequently revised to Rs.6500-10500.
This has led to a similar dispensation being demanded by SAs in all organized accounts department including IA&AD.
The Commission does not consider it necessary to go into the merit of the demand of parity between SAs and Assistants of CSS because it is recommending merger of the pre-revised pay scales of Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 which will automatically place Assistants in CSS and SAs in an identical revised pay band and grade pay.”
The above arguments have been put forth to establish that:
(a) A comparison was drawn between the cadres of Head Clerk, Office Supdt, Office Supdt. Gr.II Senior Clerks and the Accounts Staff of Railway Accounts for grant of parity in pay scale vide the order dated 28.2. 2008.
It has to be understood that all these arguments were put forth before the Central Board of Arbitration to negate our claim for parity in pay scale of Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants and Accounts Assistants of Railways with Assistants of CSS.
We could prove that the Audit and Accounts cadres were not comparable to the other categories of Railways employees.
The Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants and Accounts Assistants of Railways were comparable with Assistants of CSS could be established by us by submitting documentary evidence before the Central Board of Arbitration. All the three Members of the Board unanimously accepted our evidence.
(b) Placement in same PB automatically establishes parity in pay scales. This is incorrect.
Therefore the above paragraphs of the Commission are misleading and liable to be rejected. It has to be strongly opposed.
Hence, as stated above, your publicity that “The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer” is incorrect. Even if we look at the following recommendations we will find that a special mention of grant of pre revised upgraded pay scale has been mentioned in case of Section officer post to grant higher revised pay scale.
” The post of Section Officer would, therefore, also need to be upgraded. The post will consequently be placed in the next higher grade carrying grade pay of Rs.4800 in pay band PB-2 of Rs.8700-34800 that corresponds to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7500-12000. This up gradation will place the posts of Section Officer and Assistant Accounts/Audit Officer in an identical pay scale, thus necessitating the up gradation of the latter category.
The posts of Assistant Accounts/Audit Officer and Accounts/Audit Officer should, therefore, be merged in the pay band PB-2 of Rs.8700-34800 along with grade pay of
Rs.4800 that corresponds to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7500-12000. “”
The posts of Assistant Accounts/Audit Officer and Accounts/Audit Officer should, therefore, be merged in the pay band PB-2 of Rs.8700-34800 along with grade pay of Rs.4800 that corresponds to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7500-12000. “
Similarly in case of Divisional Accountant the Pay Commission has upgraded the pre-revised scale from Rs.5500-9000 to Rs.6500-10500 before recommending putting them in PB-2 (see table under 7.56.13.).
It is shameful that the Secretary General of All India Audit & Accounts Association would ignore the above mentioned recommendations and claim ““The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer”.
I am writing this letter as, after a long, you have posted a letter in my E mail address claiming that “the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer”.
You should understand that placement of various cadres in a Pay Band do not mean that all of them are in the same pay scale because it is a running pay scale. Assistants of CSS got Pay Scale of Rs.6500-10, 500 by an order issued only in September 2006 i.e. just before official appointment of the SCPC.
The letter of Manoj Joshi suggested that this issue would be referred to the SCPC for taking a holistic view. In reality that reference had not been made at all and the letter of Manoj Joshi has not found any place in the Report to suggest that any such reference was made at ll.
As an Organisation of repute, it was your bounden duty to quote such incidents to strengthen our claim that Audit and Accounts has been a victim of bureaucratic conspiracy to keep audit and accounts at a lower pedestal than the Central Secretariat.
Your failure cannot be shown as your victory. To day, the position is such that the JAC of Accounts and Audit Employees and Officers Organisation has been removed from the actual negotiation with the Government on the issue of grant of parity in pay scale of Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants and Accounts Assistants of Railway Accounts by implementation of the Award of Central Board of Arbitration.
The latest circular of Confederation of C.G.Employees and Workers on the outcome of discussion in the Standing Committee meeting held on 7th March 2008 suggests that even on the question of implementation of Arbitration Award -no further discussion was allowed and the government communicated that the Cabinet Secretary would take the final decision.
Since your circular under reference will create misunderstanding about our demand for parity in pay scales with Central Secretariat Services and generate complacency amongst the members, for the best interest of the All India Audit &Accounts Association and its members I shall send my letter to all affiliates at my cost.
With greetings,
Fraternally yours,
(A.B.Sen)
Special Invitee,
To
Com. M.S Raja,
Secretary General,
All India Audit & Accounts Association,
Vasundhara.
ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION
AUDIT LEKHA BHAWAN
15/1089-90, VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012
Ph: 0120-2881727/4101593/ 0 – 98681 45667
E-mail: auditflag1923@gmail.com
Reference: AIA/Circular-11/2008 Date: 5th April 2008
To
Unit Secretaries,
Members of Women’s Committee &
Members & Spl. Invitees – NE
Dear Comrades,
All INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION IS THE SOLE VOICE OF
AUDIT &ACCOUNTS EMPLOYEES IN JCM
Lastly, the inevitable has happened. For long the administration tried to put hurdles in the way of getting proper representation to All India Audit & Accounts Association.
It delayed the nominations to national Council JCM citing one reason or the other, often misquoting the rules. It refused to accept the nomination of Com SK Vyas to the National Council as well as to the Departmental Council.
Though the administration conceded that we are the true and only representative body in IA&AD, it delayed the nomination of Secretary General clubbing it with the nomination of Com SK Vyas.
And when the name was forwarded it was only of Com SK Vyas, that also seeking clarification whether Com Vyas is eligible or not.
Even after DOPT clarified the position, when both the names were forwarded it was with certain ‘sermon’ and also with fantastic interpretations of the rules by the administration of CAG.
As it has to be, the DOPT was not carried by the musings by the CAG Administration.
It stuck to rules and Cabinet Secretary gave approval to the nominations of Com SK Vyas as well as Com MS Raja, Secretary General.
CONSOLIDATE THE GAINS, STRENGTHEN ORGANISATION
The message of the official acceptance of All India Audit &Accounts Association as the real and sole representative of Audit & Accounts personnel has to be taken to the mass of membership.
The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer.
The message is loud and clear: Strengthen your mother organisation. All those who kept away from the movement for some time for some reasons are requested to come back to the parent organisation whether in Audit & Accounts.
Those who really care for the future of the Department, those who wish better treatment to employees and officers cannot avoid the call – join the mainstream of the movement, strengthen it - it is yours, it is ours.
…………………
With greetings,
Yours fraternally
(M. S. Raja)
Secretary General
The much waited implementation orders on Sixth CPC are pouring in piecemeal.
The employees are to draw their salary of September 2008 in accordance to the revised pay scales. The preparation of pay bills is over. Each of the employees now knows about the benefit or otherwise accrued to them.
The cheers that created by Circular No. AIA/cir11/2008 dated 5th April 2008 issued by Com. M.S.Raja proved to be short lived as in reality parity in pay scale has not been granted to Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants.
The employees now realized that the circular ibid was issued for false propaganda amongst the employees to keep the flocks together and absolve the responsibility of taking up of the issue immediately.
In this matter responsibility of Com. S.K.Vyas is more as being the only member representing the IA&AD in the Standing Committee, he did not register protest against the recorded adverse remark of the Sixth CPC and rectification of that by immediate modification of the same.
He also did not demand restoration of parity in pay scales of Senior Auditors and Senior Accountants with that of Assistants of CSS.
What he had placed in the Standing Committee meeting was, to refer the issue to the “Fast Track Committee or Anomaly Committee”.
In IA&AD or in Organized Accounts Departments of Government of India, the memory of employees is still fresh about the great betrayal by the bureaucracy of CSS in Fast Track Committee set up at the time of implementation of Fifth CPC Report.
Mr. P.K.Lahiry, the then DAI was a member of that committee and his views had been completely ignored by the Committee.
It is not understood how Com. Vyas could request the Official side to refer the demand for parity in Fast Track Committee or anomaly committee.
Normally, in meetings with the Government, the official side suggests referring any matter to anomaly committee or fast track committee to borrow time before final rejection by the Government.
More over, what is our experience on the same subject since 1992?
The demand for restoration of parity was taken up in JCM (NC).
After all these years the same is still pending with the Government.
There is no indication of implementation of the Award of Central Board of Arbitration.
If any one feels that employees of IA&AD or of organized Accounts can be fooled for all times to come he has mistaken.
The employees are fuming with anger against the betrayal meted out to them.
First, they were told “Parity has been achieved” and during the negotiation with the Secretaries Committee the issue was not raised on the plea that only “core issues” were raised by the Confederation and now they are told that we got a raw deal” to keep them engaged in mock fight through a call for “Indefinite Strike”.
The Audit and Accounts employees have got the worst recommendation this time.
They have been slighted by recorded recommendation of the SCPC.
The Central Secretariat Assistants onwards have got higher pay scales and they are going to get further hike through restructuring, which is under negotiation.
However, the leaders have betrayed Audit and Accounts Employees by not raising the issues at appropriate forum at appropriate time.
The undersigned had written to Com. Raja about the wrong interpretation he had made in the circular No.11 dt.5.4.2008 (reproduced below for ready reference) but it went unheeded.
I am placing the facts before the members with a heavy heart, as I never imagined that I should have to point out these things to the members of our beloved organization.
Ever since I joined the IA&AD I found that the employees of IA&AD remained neglected.
I personally met some CAGs during tenure of my Secretary Generalship of the All India Audit and Accounts Association.
All of them admitted their helplessness in protecting our interest as the Government treats the post of CAG as rubber stamp and the clause “ in consultation with CAG” is treated as mere formality and never any meaningful or effective consultation took place.
I have no hesitation to say that Com. C.S.V.Warrior could bring the breakthrough from the past during his Secretary Generalship by getting cadre restructuring by which parity in pay scale of senior Auditors could be achieved.
Our stand was to get parity for all the Auditors that were the nomenclature for AE personnel as the cadre was integrated and not divided.
However, the cadre separation was not his concept and he was resisting that.
Behind his back,it was done and he had to take all the criticisms for the adverse effect of separation of cadre in IA&AD.
Com. Warrior had taken voluntary retirement and remained aloof from the organization forever. During Com. Warrior’s period and thereafter till I was at the helm of affairs, we were always participating in the negotiation with the Government on our issues.
However, this time our serving representatives were not permitted to take part in the discussion and the All India Audit & Accounts Association was not the direct negotiator on issues related to Audit & Accounts cadres.
It is evident that the organization is not functioning as it aught to have functioned.
The members have no idea about who is deciding the policies and they are suffering mutely.
The longer this situation continues the more humiliation and deprivation the Audit and Accounts Employees would suffer.
Many of the centers are now seriously searching the way out to regain our credibility and ability.
Let us hope a collective effort will succeed in putting the movement on correct path to protect whatever we have achieved in the past and to further the same.
This letter has become lengthy, so I take leave of you now with a promise to come back soon to share with you my thoughts enriched by my long experience that you had allowed me to gain through your cooperation and guidance.
With greetings,
Fraternally yours,
Sd/-A.B.Sen
(A.B.Sen)
Date: 26th September 2008.
15/1093,Vasundhara
P.O.Vasundhara-201012.
Enclosure: As above.
Dear Com.Raja,
Congratulations to you and Com. S.K.Vyas for becoming members of the National Council of JCM.
In your circular letter No. AIA/ Cir-11/2008 dated 5th April 2008, you have written “The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer”.
I feel pity for you.
Your ignorance about the effect of the recommendation of the SCPC on Indian Audit & Accounts reflected in the above statement.
In Chapter 7.56 under caption “Indian Audit & Accounts Department”, the recommendations are written in simple English.
It would have been better for the interest of the All India Audit &Accounts Association that before writing the above statement you read the recommendation again and again or consulted some experienced leaders on whom you have confidence (no doubt there may not be any one left in the list).
In Para-7.56.3 the Commission has truthfully recorded the demand we have made through our JAC Memorandum, therefore I do not want to make any further comment.
In the next Para i.e.7.56.4 the Commission has analysed the existing hierarchical structure of Accounts /Audit posts in IA&AD, therefore no comment is necessary.
Actual distortion started in the next Para i.e. 7.56.5.from the following lines “…. However their pay scale was subsequently revised to Rs.5500-9000 by the government in a separate and unrelated development arising out of implementation of recommendations of Fifth CPC.
The genesis of this up gradation was that the Fifth CPC had upgraded pay scales of some ministerial categories in the Railways. This affected the established relativities of those posts vis a vis the accounts staff in Railways whose pay scales had traditionally been higher as under.
(a) Prior to Fifth CPC the posts of Accounts Assistants in Railways was in the scale of Rs.1400-2600 (revised Rs.5000-8000 whereas that of Head Clerk in the lower scale of Rs.1400-2300 (Revised Rs 4500 -7000). However, after the Fifth CPC the posts of Accounts Assistants and Head Clerk were that of Office Supdt. placed in the identical scale of Rs.5000-8000.
(b) Prior to Fifth CPC, the post of Section Officer / Inspector of Accounts was in a higher pay scale of Rs.1640-2900 (revised Rs.5500-9000) vis a vis that of Offfce Supdt. Gr.II which was in the scale of Rs.1600-2660 (revised: 5000 –8000). Fifth CPC placed these posts in an identical pay scale of Rs. 5500-9000.
(c) Junior Accounts Assistants and Senior Clerk were in the same Fourth CPC pay scale of Rs. 1200-2040 (Revised: 4000-6000). Fifth CPC placed the post of Senior Clerks in the scale of Rs.4500- 7000 whereas Junior Accounts Assistants remained in the lower scale of Rs.4000-6000.
7.55
.
7.56.7 the demand for parity between these posts was subsequently considered in arbitration proceedings before the Board of Arbitration who observed that identical pay scales having already been given by the Government, the demand for parity between Sas and Assistants in CSS had to be conceded.
7.56.8 It is, therefore, observed that the Government has never conceded the principle of parity between Assistants of CSS and the Senior Auditors/Accountants in various organized Account Department including IA&AD.
The demand for parity has again been raised because the pay scale of Assistants in CSS was subsequently revised to Rs.6500-10500.
This has led to a similar dispensation being demanded by SAs in all organized accounts department including IA&AD.
The Commission does not consider it necessary to go into the merit of the demand of parity between SAs and Assistants of CSS because it is recommending merger of the pre-revised pay scales of Rs.5500-9000 and Rs.6500-10500 which will automatically place Assistants in CSS and SAs in an identical revised pay band and grade pay.”
The above arguments have been put forth to establish that:
(a) A comparison was drawn between the cadres of Head Clerk, Office Supdt, Office Supdt. Gr.II Senior Clerks and the Accounts Staff of Railway Accounts for grant of parity in pay scale vide the order dated 28.2. 2008.
It has to be understood that all these arguments were put forth before the Central Board of Arbitration to negate our claim for parity in pay scale of Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants and Accounts Assistants of Railways with Assistants of CSS.
We could prove that the Audit and Accounts cadres were not comparable to the other categories of Railways employees.
The Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants and Accounts Assistants of Railways were comparable with Assistants of CSS could be established by us by submitting documentary evidence before the Central Board of Arbitration. All the three Members of the Board unanimously accepted our evidence.
(b) Placement in same PB automatically establishes parity in pay scales. This is incorrect.
Therefore the above paragraphs of the Commission are misleading and liable to be rejected. It has to be strongly opposed.
Hence, as stated above, your publicity that “The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer” is incorrect. Even if we look at the following recommendations we will find that a special mention of grant of pre revised upgraded pay scale has been mentioned in case of Section officer post to grant higher revised pay scale.
” The post of Section Officer would, therefore, also need to be upgraded. The post will consequently be placed in the next higher grade carrying grade pay of Rs.4800 in pay band PB-2 of Rs.8700-34800 that corresponds to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7500-12000. This up gradation will place the posts of Section Officer and Assistant Accounts/Audit Officer in an identical pay scale, thus necessitating the up gradation of the latter category.
The posts of Assistant Accounts/Audit Officer and Accounts/Audit Officer should, therefore, be merged in the pay band PB-2 of Rs.8700-34800 along with grade pay of
Rs.4800 that corresponds to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7500-12000. “”
The posts of Assistant Accounts/Audit Officer and Accounts/Audit Officer should, therefore, be merged in the pay band PB-2 of Rs.8700-34800 along with grade pay of Rs.4800 that corresponds to the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.7500-12000. “
Similarly in case of Divisional Accountant the Pay Commission has upgraded the pre-revised scale from Rs.5500-9000 to Rs.6500-10500 before recommending putting them in PB-2 (see table under 7.56.13.).
It is shameful that the Secretary General of All India Audit & Accounts Association would ignore the above mentioned recommendations and claim ““The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer”.
I am writing this letter as, after a long, you have posted a letter in my E mail address claiming that “the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer”.
You should understand that placement of various cadres in a Pay Band do not mean that all of them are in the same pay scale because it is a running pay scale. Assistants of CSS got Pay Scale of Rs.6500-10, 500 by an order issued only in September 2006 i.e. just before official appointment of the SCPC.
The letter of Manoj Joshi suggested that this issue would be referred to the SCPC for taking a holistic view. In reality that reference had not been made at all and the letter of Manoj Joshi has not found any place in the Report to suggest that any such reference was made at ll.
As an Organisation of repute, it was your bounden duty to quote such incidents to strengthen our claim that Audit and Accounts has been a victim of bureaucratic conspiracy to keep audit and accounts at a lower pedestal than the Central Secretariat.
Your failure cannot be shown as your victory. To day, the position is such that the JAC of Accounts and Audit Employees and Officers Organisation has been removed from the actual negotiation with the Government on the issue of grant of parity in pay scale of Senior Auditors/Senior Accountants and Accounts Assistants of Railway Accounts by implementation of the Award of Central Board of Arbitration.
The latest circular of Confederation of C.G.Employees and Workers on the outcome of discussion in the Standing Committee meeting held on 7th March 2008 suggests that even on the question of implementation of Arbitration Award -no further discussion was allowed and the government communicated that the Cabinet Secretary would take the final decision.
Since your circular under reference will create misunderstanding about our demand for parity in pay scales with Central Secretariat Services and generate complacency amongst the members, for the best interest of the All India Audit &Accounts Association and its members I shall send my letter to all affiliates at my cost.
With greetings,
Fraternally yours,
(A.B.Sen)
Special Invitee,
To
Com. M.S Raja,
Secretary General,
All India Audit & Accounts Association,
Vasundhara.
ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION
AUDIT LEKHA BHAWAN
15/1089-90, VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012
Ph: 0120-2881727/4101593/ 0 – 98681 45667
E-mail: auditflag1923@gmail.com
Reference: AIA/Circular-11/2008 Date: 5th April 2008
To
Unit Secretaries,
Members of Women’s Committee &
Members & Spl. Invitees – NE
Dear Comrades,
All INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION IS THE SOLE VOICE OF
AUDIT &ACCOUNTS EMPLOYEES IN JCM
Lastly, the inevitable has happened. For long the administration tried to put hurdles in the way of getting proper representation to All India Audit & Accounts Association.
It delayed the nominations to national Council JCM citing one reason or the other, often misquoting the rules. It refused to accept the nomination of Com SK Vyas to the National Council as well as to the Departmental Council.
Though the administration conceded that we are the true and only representative body in IA&AD, it delayed the nomination of Secretary General clubbing it with the nomination of Com SK Vyas.
And when the name was forwarded it was only of Com SK Vyas, that also seeking clarification whether Com Vyas is eligible or not.
Even after DOPT clarified the position, when both the names were forwarded it was with certain ‘sermon’ and also with fantastic interpretations of the rules by the administration of CAG.
As it has to be, the DOPT was not carried by the musings by the CAG Administration.
It stuck to rules and Cabinet Secretary gave approval to the nominations of Com SK Vyas as well as Com MS Raja, Secretary General.
CONSOLIDATE THE GAINS, STRENGTHEN ORGANISATION
The message of the official acceptance of All India Audit &Accounts Association as the real and sole representative of Audit & Accounts personnel has to be taken to the mass of membership.
The fact that we could make the 6 CPC come round on the claim of Parity – albeit indirectly – with Central Secretariat should be conveyed to every Audit & Accounts employee and officer.
The message is loud and clear: Strengthen your mother organisation. All those who kept away from the movement for some time for some reasons are requested to come back to the parent organisation whether in Audit & Accounts.
Those who really care for the future of the Department, those who wish better treatment to employees and officers cannot avoid the call – join the mainstream of the movement, strengthen it - it is yours, it is ours.
…………………
With greetings,
Yours fraternally
(M. S. Raja)
Secretary General
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
"2nd OCTOBER "- A DAY TO REMEMBER
The only antidote for anger and violence is compassion. The "Gandhi Jayanthi" is being observed as "Non-Violence Day"by the International Community. Compassion and non- voilence are the corner Stones for a Trade Union Movement.
The Audit and Accounts employees and movement had got the "Comradeship" as well as the doctrine of "fighting for the right" in a peaceful way imbibed into it, thanks to the Leadership of Late Comrade. K.A.Sundaram, our leader. Today we observe his "first death anniversary" we recall his services to the cause of the Indian Audit and Accounts employees for over two decades and salute him. It is he who channelised the "angry young men in the AG's Office, Madras" into a "Fighting Organisation". During 1965, the then garlanding organisation" was converted as an intrument of unity and united struggle of the Audit and Accounts employees of Madras State (now Tamil Nadu).
We recall the 60% participation of Audit and Accounts employees of Tamil Nadu in the the first ever "One Day Token Strike" action of the Central Government employees on 19-09-1968 under his "Leadership". It was the struggle to sow the 'seed' for 'Need based Minimum Wage' which is now yielding the fruit through 6th Central Pay Commission recommendations, at least partially. Comrade K.A.Sundaram was 'suspended' for his participation and Leadership during 1968 strike.The helpful attitude of Shri.C.N.Annadurai, the then Chief Minister of TamilNadu, had minimised our loses during 1968. During the Centenary year of "Anna", we recall his "Labour friendly attitude" with gratitude.
During the years 1970 -1973, Glorious struggles were conducted under his leadership. The '1970-Anti-Computer agitation' saw Comrade K.A.Sundaram and ten other comrades "arrested" during mid-night from their residence and suspended. The "Supplemental list for Revenue Audit Examination" was achieved during 1972. During this heroic Struggle, which was fought only in O/o AG-Tamil Nadu Comrade P.Ramamurthy, M.P visited our office and in spite of his phyiscal disability, walked through the entire four floors of our office (the now AG(A&E) building) and reported to Shri.S.Renganathan, the then Comptroller and Auditor General of India (who also happened to be his college-mate), about the total "mass backing" for the struggle, which resulted in 'Mass Promotion" of Section Officers during 1972-73 and in the early closure of Comrade Duraisamy's case. We salute Comrade.P.Ramaumurthy for his patronage for our organisation, during the year of his centinary celebration as well.
The 1973 struggle was a 'water shed' in the saga struggle waged by the MCAA. Nearly for 45 days, the members were ' on Dharna" outside the Office and 8 comrades were terminated and 25 members/leaders were placed under suspension for various periods ranging between 16 to 30 months. Comrade. K.A.Sundaram, suspended for 30 months, also faced a notice for "compulsory retirement" from service. As a Additional Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Association, he consolidated Audit and Accounts employees movement. As a General Secretary of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers, Madras unit , as a founder of the Madras Trade Union Council and Convenor of the Co-ordination Committee of Central and State Government Employees, he broad-based the Audit and Accounts employees movement as " Mass based" and fought relentlesly for the welfare of the entire working class.
We salute to the Great Leader of the Audit and Accounts employees movement and resolve to follow his footsteps to serve the humanity without any political, religious, caste or communal conisderations.
With greetings,
D.BALASUBRAMANIAM,
Former President,
The Madras Civil Audit and Accounts Association,
The Association of Senior Audit officers and Audit Officers Association,
Former Vice President,
All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association
The Audit and Accounts employees and movement had got the "Comradeship" as well as the doctrine of "fighting for the right" in a peaceful way imbibed into it, thanks to the Leadership of Late Comrade. K.A.Sundaram, our leader. Today we observe his "first death anniversary" we recall his services to the cause of the Indian Audit and Accounts employees for over two decades and salute him. It is he who channelised the "angry young men in the AG's Office, Madras" into a "Fighting Organisation". During 1965, the then garlanding organisation" was converted as an intrument of unity and united struggle of the Audit and Accounts employees of Madras State (now Tamil Nadu).
We recall the 60% participation of Audit and Accounts employees of Tamil Nadu in the the first ever "One Day Token Strike" action of the Central Government employees on 19-09-1968 under his "Leadership". It was the struggle to sow the 'seed' for 'Need based Minimum Wage' which is now yielding the fruit through 6th Central Pay Commission recommendations, at least partially. Comrade K.A.Sundaram was 'suspended' for his participation and Leadership during 1968 strike.The helpful attitude of Shri.C.N.Annadurai, the then Chief Minister of TamilNadu, had minimised our loses during 1968. During the Centenary year of "Anna", we recall his "Labour friendly attitude" with gratitude.
During the years 1970 -1973, Glorious struggles were conducted under his leadership. The '1970-Anti-Computer agitation' saw Comrade K.A.Sundaram and ten other comrades "arrested" during mid-night from their residence and suspended. The "Supplemental list for Revenue Audit Examination" was achieved during 1972. During this heroic Struggle, which was fought only in O/o AG-Tamil Nadu Comrade P.Ramamurthy, M.P visited our office and in spite of his phyiscal disability, walked through the entire four floors of our office (the now AG(A&E) building) and reported to Shri.S.Renganathan, the then Comptroller and Auditor General of India (who also happened to be his college-mate), about the total "mass backing" for the struggle, which resulted in 'Mass Promotion" of Section Officers during 1972-73 and in the early closure of Comrade Duraisamy's case. We salute Comrade.P.Ramaumurthy for his patronage for our organisation, during the year of his centinary celebration as well.
The 1973 struggle was a 'water shed' in the saga struggle waged by the MCAA. Nearly for 45 days, the members were ' on Dharna" outside the Office and 8 comrades were terminated and 25 members/leaders were placed under suspension for various periods ranging between 16 to 30 months. Comrade. K.A.Sundaram, suspended for 30 months, also faced a notice for "compulsory retirement" from service. As a Additional Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Association, he consolidated Audit and Accounts employees movement. As a General Secretary of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers, Madras unit , as a founder of the Madras Trade Union Council and Convenor of the Co-ordination Committee of Central and State Government Employees, he broad-based the Audit and Accounts employees movement as " Mass based" and fought relentlesly for the welfare of the entire working class.
We salute to the Great Leader of the Audit and Accounts employees movement and resolve to follow his footsteps to serve the humanity without any political, religious, caste or communal conisderations.
With greetings,
D.BALASUBRAMANIAM,
Former President,
The Madras Civil Audit and Accounts Association,
The Association of Senior Audit officers and Audit Officers Association,
Former Vice President,
All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association
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