AIBOC CIRCULAR NO. 168 DATED 31.12.2010

AIBOC issued its circular No. 168 dated 31.12.2010 on the year 2010. We are reproducing the same here for our readers.

CIRCULAR NO.168                                            DATE: 31.12.2010

TO AFFILAITES/MEMBERS

                                     GOODBYE- 2010

We are at the end of the year 2010, which witnessed many epoch making events as well as disasters of very high magnitude. The year was designated as the “International year of Bio-diversity” and the “International year of Youth”. The concerns on Bio-diversity and ecological issues including global warming dominated the debates in the International Conference on preservation of the global bio-diversity and ecological balance at Cancun, Mexico. With advancement in healthcare and medicine, the number of young people is increasing and in our own country the percentage of young people below the age of 30 years being almost 30% of the total population.

The beginning of the year saw the dark shadow of global recession, still gripping the European and American continents. Greece’s sovereign rating was down graded sending shock waves throughout Europe. The financial markets across the globe saw their worst ever low. Amidst a pal of gloom, the Indian Financial Market continued to grow steadily with stability.

The Wikileaks expose sent shock waves through out the world and the hypocrisy; double standards followed by many world leaders were exposed. The expose showed the true colour of many political figures across the globe.

The year saw many African countries entering golden jubilee year of their liberation from colonial rule.

The year had its share of natural disasters. The Chilean mining employees’ trapping in the mines for 69 days and their miraculous escape, stand out as a  testimony to the indomitable spirit of human endeavour. Their miraculous escape was received with rejoicing all over the world. 

A devastating earthquake in Haiti, Chile, Qinghai, China, heavy flooding in Pakistan, led to loss of lakhs of lives and displacement of millions. The volcanic ash in Iceland posed a big threat to air traffic. There were darker moments of air crash in the Mediterranean sea, Libya, Cuba and Mangalore.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa, with Spain emerging as champion. In India the big XIX Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, showed to the world our ability to hold events of such colossal nature. India emerged as the second in medal tally with 38 golds and overall 101.

In Asian Games held in China, Indian Athletes, Tennis, Badminton Players, Kabaddi, Boxing, Archery Teams and shooters made the country proud by their extraordinary performance.

The Cricket legend Sri. Sachin Tendulkar, slammed the 50^th Test hundred to emerge as the only player to achieve this feat, in the history of Cricket.

Our country once again received  the global attention with the visit of Prince Charles of UK, Mr. David Cameroon, Prime Minister of England,  Mr. Barrack Obama, President of USA, Mr. Nicholas Sarkojy,  President of France, Mr. Dimitri Medvedev, President of Russia and  Prime Minister of China Mr. Wen Jiabao.

Our neighbour, Myanmar was in the spotlight, when the pro- democracy icon Aungsan Suukyi, was released from the house arrest by the military Junta.

The year continues to haunt the conscience of the honest Indians who have been a witness to the huge scams and frauds, reports on corruption by the politicians and people in power. Blocking the Parliamentary sessions for almost 17 days without any transaction, remains a black spot on our democracy. The year held the promise of a more matured democracy when the people of Bihar dislodged sectarian, communal politicians and voted in favour of development and progress of the state.

The following are few of achievements of Confederation during the year:

a.         The struggle for Salary Revision with highest ever increase of 17.5% of wage bill and realizing the dream of achieving another option for Pension to CPF optees  fructified with the signing of the 9^th Bipartite settlement/Joint Note on 27. 04.2010, bringing joy, happiness and cheers to a large number of employees /officers in the Banking Industry.

b.         As a result of our concerted efforts with the Labour /Finance Ministry, the ceiling of gratuity was enhanced from Rs. 3.50 lac to Rs.10.00 lac  w.e.f. 24.05.2010. under the payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act 2010.

c.         A brain storming conclave of the General Secretaries of the affiliates of the Confederation was held at Vagamon on 15^th & 16^th, May 2010, during which “Vision, Mission and Value” statements were adopted.

d.         Following a decision taken during Vagamon conclave, two “AI- Power” programmes were conducted by “NATURE” a wing of AISBOF, for three days each during August 2010 to motivate and guide second line of leadership.

e.         Consequent upon introducing 2^nd Option on pension, in order to educate office bearers regarding fixation of pension, family pension, two workshops programmes were concluded by “NATURE” during September-2010.

f.          Conclave of Presidents of the affiliates of AIBOC was conducted  on 5^th & 6^th October, 2010 at Sehore.

g.         The  NATURE celebrated its 100^th programme in Bangalore on 12^th and 13^th December -2010 in a grand manner. It was a high profile programme and the participants have appreciated the function in very high words as it was a unique programme of its kind.

h.         Two days’ seminar on the “Role of Officer Directors”, was held at Mumbai on 22^nd and 23^rd November-2010. A futuristic agenda for our representatives was set during the seminar.

i.          The Silver Jubilee Celebrations of AIBOC were held in a very meaningful manner, by undertaking many social activities to commemorate the occasion. We expressed our concerns to the problems of the society, the poor, the underprivileged, deprived through our social activities. The National Seminar on “The Impact of globalization on Trade Union Movement” showed to the world our concern for the contemporary social and economic problems. AIBOC’s emergence as a force to reckon with in the Trade Union movement in the country remains the hallmark.

Time has come for all of us to introspect on our achievements and look forward to future which unfolds many challenges, opportunities and threats to all of us in the Banking Industry, and to work out strategies to encounter the same with courage of conviction. These developments have strengthened our belief in the best things that are yet to be. The past will be the lodestone to our hearts and lodestar to our eyes and the future unfolds with many achievements, successes when all of us move together, with common purpose, with bonds of unity and  solidarity.

Goodbye 2010 and Welcome 2011.  We wish all our Affiliates, Members, Well wishers, a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

With Warm Greetings

Sd/-

(G.D. NADAF)

GENERAL SECRETARY