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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Of Grade Pay Issue of IPs

As the Govt. sits over the proposal of upgradation of GP of IPs taking CAT case (in OA No.381/2010 in Ernakulam Bench) as the pretext, the IPs and ASPs across the country helplessly wait and watch the development of the CAT case with keen interest. It is mentioned (vide link: http://aipif.blogspot.com/2010/07/our-cat-case-posted-on-260710-monday.html/ ) that the CAT case which was scheduled for hearing on 19.07.2010 is posted to 03.08.2010 for further hearing as the Counter Affidavit has not yet been filed by the Respondents.

As the facts stand, the applicant in the CAT case first resigned from the membership of the AIAIASP and then went ahead in filing the case with the support of like minded IPs across the country. Of course nothing can be done now by IP and ASP cadres except to wait for the outcome of CAT case. Several arguments have been advanced in favour and against the move of going to CAT on the issue. At this stage rationalization of past action will not help. It has to be viewed in the context of something in which both IP (whether direct or promotee) & ASP cadres have equal and undivided interest (as both will benefit from upgradation) and to deal with the case accordingly.

It is very much expected that the Govt. (which does not appear to be in a mood to accept the genuineness of the demand for upgradation of GP of IPs) will oppose the OA advancing same argument by which the upgradation proposals were returned earlier. Let us assume that the Govt. will repeat its stand that IP cadre is not comparable with Inspectors of CBDT / CBEC and Assistants in CSS because of the existence of ASP grade in between IP and PS Gr.B cadres. In such a situation there is need to mention from the applicants’ side that the AIAIASP has already expressed its willingness in writing to the Govt. for merger of IP and ASP cadres. And there is merit and justification for upgradation beyond doubt as the DOP has submitted the proposal to MOF not just once, but twice. The ball is, therefore, in the court of the Govt. to decide whether merger of IP and ASP cadres is necessary or not for granting the upgraded GP.

In retrospect it is observed that the DOP moved with the proposal for upgradation of GP of IPs so slowly that its motives in getting the proposal implemented appeared doubtful. The delay broke the patience and ultimately led to filing of CAT with individual effort as the Association did not think of fighting a legal battle as an entity or of supporting the move for filing CAT case as it was not sure of positive outcome through a legal battle, going by the past experience. The reality is that the interest of the entire IP and ASP cadres is now at stake though the AIAIASP has remained aloof of its involvement in the CAT case. The question is whether the entire IP and ASP cadre can still afford to remain aloof. If something goes wrong in the CAT case (God forbid it does not happen) how can AIAIASP wash its hand of the blame for it? So, will it not be appropriate to offer moral and material support to Mr. Permanand & Co. (it is hoped they will not spurn the offer) for going ahead with the legal battle effectively?

The Orissa Circle Branch of AIAIASP is of the opinion that the AIAIASP (CHQ) should give a serious thought to the issue before anything goes wrong and before it is too late.  

NB: The line in italics is modified subsequently alongwith the last line of the posting. 

3 comments:

D.K. Samal. ASP from Odisha said...

Respected CS,
We are unaware of the stand taken by the CHQ/other Circle branches of the Association. If You have any, please post.If they are silent should we not start unilateral action on the stand taken by you, as a leader?
ChQ is unable to convince the Department that the applicant in the OA has done so on individual basis. If the Department really favours the up graded GP, how can an individual derail it? How could the negotiation channel with the CHQ be stopped? It only proves two things-(a) Crocodile tear (pretention) of the Officers. (b) Weakness of our leaders.
Mr Premanand has done a good service to the cadre. He is belligerent and farsighted.

AIAIASP, ODISHA CIRCLE BRANCH, BHUBANESWAR said...

Dear Sri Samal,
The CS AIAIASP spoke to the GS on the issue. The GS showed agreement with the views and mentioned that he is watching the reply of the Govt. in Counter Affidavit. It is not known what more the GS intends to do in the matter.
Kerala Circle Branch does not appear to be supportive of the activities of Mr. Permanand. The stand of other Circles is not known.
CS, AIAIASP, Orissa Circle Branch.

Hari Mohan said...

Mohantyji you know the intent of our central leadership very well. As a member of the union I can not understand why we are not writing letters, protest letters or memorandum by name directly to the Secretary (Post). Handing over letter at Director (SR) level will never serve the purpose rather It shows our weakness. Even we at Circle level write union letters directly to Circle heads than for what we are afraid of in writing letter to Head of the department .Our leadership should understand that an employee joins the union because of their belief that it is an effective way to secure adequate protection from various types of vulnerability put forth by the administration.
The JCA has achieved its endeavor by acquiring assurance on many points put forth before the administration in the shape of charter of demand only by threatening to go on strike. What IP/ASP got out of it-nothing-why? Because our leadership do not have the courage to think for bargaining and to create nuisance value as the others do. History speaks that achievements can only be through struggle. We should raise ourselves from personal interest and do struggle for the welfare of cadre. My comments in your blog and Punjab blog spot that threat of a strike even without strike by a union is a powerful tool that often causes the administration to accept the genuine demands of the workers has vindicated my view point-the Postal JCA has achieved without strike. Be Brave!

I through these comments request you to please ask central leadership to submit charter of demand with DG with a threat to go on mass casual leave once in a month, daily bearing of black badges and non cooperation till we are heard successfully.Mohantyji our stand is clear and supportive to all those who are brave.
Hari Mohan
CS Punjab