Issue of Honorarium to IPs/ASPs for invigilation duty

IP/ASP cadre is confronted with a number of issues about which the members feel desperate about their solution. The issue of upgradation of GP of IPs comes at the forefront while its solution is awaited with bated breath (though final hearing in the case gets delayed). As the Department continues to remain evasive and indifferent, hope is pinned on the outcome of OA filed in the Hon’ble CAT, Ernakulam Bench (though on individual capacity).  Future course of action and the style of functioning of IP/ASP cadre will largely depend on its outcome. Among other things, the issue of nominal honourarium for strenuous job of invigilation has come up as the latest discussion point, thanks to the things set in motion by our friends in AP Circle. As usual, view of Orissa Circle Branch is asked for. There are some comments posted in the blog asking for the stand and comment of Orissa Circle.

The initiative taken by our friends in AP Circle is praiseworthy, without doubt. Irrespective the result the initiative may bring about, like many other similar things, no one can differ from the view that at least, a debate/ discussion has been started on the issue in which the IP/ASP cadre feel humiliated for being paid a token money in the form a honorarium. The issue will definitely come up for discussion in the ensuing Circle Working Committee meeting of Orissa Circle Branch in November (before the Central Working Committee meets).  While there are number of comments relating to the issue posted in blogs of different Circle Branches of AIAIASP, it is to be examined whether or not refusing straightway to carry out invigilation duty on the ground of very low amount of honorarium is a feasible / practicable option. Refusing to accept the low amount of remuneration appears different from refusing to carry out the specific duty on written orders. Will it not attract the penal provision of refusal to carry out one’s duty, particularly when the action is not uniform in all parts of the country?  And how can the uniformity be ensured without taking the members or their representative body into confidence? Orissa Circle Branch will debate on the issue in the coming CWC meeting before arriving at a definite view.

The CS Orissa Circle has his personal experience in the matter of duty related to examination conducted by SSC. As supervisor for the SSC exam conducted 2-3 years ago for Income Tax / Central Excise Assistants, the SSC had paid handsomely (i.e. around Rs.500/-) for a day’s duty 2-3 years ago. Invigilators got not less than Rs.250/- per day. If this is possible in another Govt.  organization, how and why discrimination will be there in a Department like ours. Because this issue was not presented before the Department at the appropriate level and in appropriate manner, we are made to suffer like this. And suffering does not end without struggle. And our AP friends have set the tone for the struggle on this point. As the issue has no solution at Circle level, CHQ has an important role to play at the Directorate level.  CWC has to come up with a definite resolution on the issue which needs to be communicated to Directorate clearly .

Honorarium for invigilation duty is one of many issues on which justice needs to be done. And going by the treatment practically meted out to the cadre of IP/ASP by our own Department, Orissa Circle Branch of AIAIASP is not quite optimistic of any favourable and acceptable action by Directorate unless there is any concerted agitational movement including the option of strike for which planning needs to start at least now.  IP/ASP cadre should get what is its legitimate due and not the pittance. In a sense, the Department is promoting resentment and restiveness by not treating the IP/ASP cadre with respect. Befitting action on the part of IP/ASP cadre alone can ensure justice. Taking individual credit or criticizing each other in the cadre will lead us nowhere. It is time to get united and get set for appropriate agitational programme (including strike supported by a clearly-defined charter of demand taking into account all important issues) to achieve what is due for this cadre. Piecemeal action will bring only perfunctory result.