AIBOC CIRCULAR NO. 144 DATED 25.10.2010

AIBOC issued its circular No. 144 dated 25^th October 2010 on historic silver jubilee celebrations of AIBOC concluding ceremony held at New Delhi. We are reproducing the same here for our readers.

CIRCULAR NO:144                              25^TH OCTOBER, 2010

TO ALL AFFILIATES/MEMBERS:

HISTORIC SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF AIBOC CONCLUDING CEREMONY HELD IN A GRAND MANNER AT NEW DELHI

Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world, abundant in Cultural Wealth and an epitome of unity in diversity.  It is a city so beautiful with all its complexities, dynamism, heritage, architecture, where the rich past co-exists with the vibrant present, singing in perfect harmony. Many dynasties have ruled from here.  Many a political upheaval has taken place here.  Delhi is not just a city.  It is a book …….. a book which narrates the history of India. This city was built, destroyed, and rebuilt seven times and has been a witness to various events of pleasure and pain, where the mute monuments and icons speak eloquently of the glory of the bygone era. Emperors, Conquerors, Rich, Poor, Scholars, Academicians and Tourists have all been attracted to the mysteries of this tantalizing, fascinating city.

Today, Delhi is the seat of administration.  “If the world is the body, then Delhi is the soul,” wrote Mirza Ghalib. The wonderful city of Delhi was agog with activity.  Yes! The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation was celebrating the Valedictory function of Silver Jubilee in a grand manner. The marvelous band of volunteers of the Delhi State Unit of AIBOC had ensured that October 22^nd and 23^rd were memorable days in the history of the movement. The Silver Jubilee celebrations, which began on 24^th April, 2010 at Chennai, culminated on the 23^rd October, 2010 at New Delhi, where the mighty Confederation was born on 6^th October, 1985; twenty-five years ago.  The year long celebrations were full of social service activities, depicting the philosophy of the Confederation that “we owe our debt to the society, which has made us what we are today”.

On the occassion, a press meet was held on the 22^nd October at the press club, New Delhi, Com.G.D.Nadaf, the General Secretary of AIBOC and Com.Harvinder Singh, the Secretary of the Delhi State Unit and Vice President of AIBOC addressed the mammoth press meet. Com.Harvinder Singh welcomed and gave the introductory remarks. Com.G.D.Nadaf, spoke about the role, responsibility and the ideology of AIBOC, its social service activities, its trade union perspectives, the views of AIBOC on various economic policies of the Government and the details of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations.  “We have always opposed repressive economic policies of the Government which harm the masses and the working class. We need one more dose of Bank Nationalisation to cover many more Private Sector Banks for the Welfare of the Nation,” he said. The reporters from all leading National dailies sought clarifications on various issues, like agenda of AIBOC in the present economic scenario, inclusive finance, on wage revision, pension, banking etc., which were satisfactorily clarified by Com.G.D.Nadaf and Com.Harvinder Singh.

Later, in the evening the National Seminar on “Effect of Globalisation on Trade Union Movement” was held at the Sathya Sai International Centre, where eminent personalities like Shri.Surender Singla, former Minister of Finance, Govt. of Punjab, Dr.Kiran Bedi, IPS and Social Worker, Shri. J.D.Agarwal, Chairman, Indian Institute of Finance and Com.Dipankar Mukherjee, former member of the parliament debated on the issue. 

On the morning of 23^rd October, 2010, true to its tradition and ideology, AIBOC began the day with a Social Service activity by donating a geyser and 100 packets of Braille paper, worth Rs. 50,000/- to the “Virajanand Andh Kanya Vidyalay”, where more than 400 blind girls are given education and vocational training.  This institution, which was opened in the year 1947, by Mrs. Dhan Devi Kapoor and her family, who were refugees from Pakistan, is run entirely on donations. Many eminent personalities like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Dr. Abdul Kalam, had visited and patronized the school, which is today a shining example of self less service to humanity. Com.T.N.Goel, Com.G.D.Nadaf, Com.G.Muthuswamy, Com.B.S.Ravindra and other AIBOC leaders were present on the occassion.

Later, the Special Executive Committee meeting of the Confederation was held at the International Council for Agriculture and Research Centre.

The evening of 23^rd October created a land mark in the time capsule of the trade union movement. The genesis of AIBOC in the year 1985, by Com.S.R.Sengupta as the Founder President and Com.R.N.Godbole as the General Secretary, the saga of struggles and sacrifices at a crucial juncture in the history of the movement, subsequent consolidation and take off into a new horizon with a series of achievements in the recent years, justified the euphoria the joy and ecstasy of the jubilant comrades who had swarmed from all over, at the Swarn Jayanthi Auditorium.  Sky renting slogans echoed as the guests arrived.  The evening began with a melodious ‘Ganapati Vandana’ from Gulshan Kumar and party.  The esteemed guests of the evening Shri.Namo Narain Meena, Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Shri.O.P.Bhatt, Chairman of IBA and SBI, Prof. C.P.Chandrashekar, eminent economist.  Shri. Narayan Raja, DMD & CDO of SBI, Com.S.R.Sengupta, past President and General Secretary, AIBOC , Com.Shantharaju, Past President and General Secretary, Com.K.D.Kheda, Com.A.K.Jana, Com.R.C.Agarwal, Com.V.Eswaran, and Com.K.S.Shetty, past presidents were welcomed with bouquets and mementoes. Lighting of the divine lamp by the guests marked the pious beginning to the evening. 

Com.T.N.Goel, President of the Delhi State Unit, welcomed the gathering.  Welcoming all the guests and comrades to the historical city of Delhi, he said that, AIBOC has, over the years grown in size and strength to become the most powerful supervisory cadre, trade union in the financial sector. On the eve of its Silver Jubilee, we are all happy to be a part of this grand history and immerse ourselves in the glory and joy of the celebrations. He then introduced and welcomed all the Hon’ble Guests.

Com.G.D.Nadaf, the General Secretary in his introductory remarks, said that AIBOC has dedicated its last 25 years in the service of the Nation. With over 85% of the members of the Banking Industry in its fold and being a sole bargaining body of the Supervisory Cadre, AIBOC has been a responsible trade union and has ‘always kept the Welfare of its members and the society, uppermost in all it’s actions.

Tracing the pathetic conditions of the formative years of 1960’s and 70’s, when officers could not even avail of a day’s casual leave, he said that, over the years AIBOC has grown in stature and reputation and today commands attention and respect from the Government, the IBA, the intellectual class, the society and from economists of the Country.

Thanking the Hon’ble Minister Shri. Namo Narain Meena, for the 2^nd Option on Pension, the Salary revision, enhancement in gratuity, he said that there are some technical issues in the 2^nd Option on Pension which has deprived many retirees and VRS Optees, which have to be sorted out amicably.  He requested that the ILO Convention’s recommendation of recognising Professional Workers as workmen be accepted by the Government. “We have always fulfilled the plans, priority sector targets, implemented Government sponsored schemes, debt waivers, social welfare schemes of the Government serving at nook and corner of the country, faithfully.  Then why are our salaries lower than the private sector salaries? If the Banks in our country have done well, withstood global recession, it is because of the sweat and toil of our officers and employees.  Hence, we deserve and demand equal hike in salaries and perks”, he said amidst thunderous applause.

He then raised the issue of Regulated Working Hours, Five Day Week, Enhancement of the retirement age to 62 years, Staff Shortage, Recruitment, Enhancement in Housings Loans and Vehicle Loans, Reduction in the Rate of Interest on Loans and said that, as a benevolent Chairman of SBI, Shri.O.P.Bhatt has been generous and hoped that the same generosity and magnanimity would be exercised by him as the Chairman of IBA.

Later, he spoke of the important role played by AIBOC as the saviour of the Indian Economy by resisting the ill advised miscalculated moves of so-called new economic reforms and the policy of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation of the Government since 1991.  The actions of AIBOC have lead to restraint by the Government, thus saving the Indian financial sector despite the global economic mayhem and recession, created by the cascading effects of the collapse of the financial sector in the USA.  “AIBOC wants Branch expansion, financial inclusion and up-liftment of the masses and banking facility at the doorstep of every single Indian,” he said.

He ended with an appeal to one and all to work hard and ensure that the Banks perform well and prosper, so that in their prosperity we can rejoice and have a bigger share of the cake. “On this historic moment, on the dais, we have the Government, the IBA, the economist, our forefathers and the new generation infront of me in the audience.  Wish you all a happy Silver Jubilee,” he signed off.

Later, the book – ‘Momentous Journey’ a collection of all the bipartites, was released by Shri.Namo Narain Meena, the Hon’ble Minister. Speaking on the occassion he said, that it is a well-known fact that AIBOC has been championing the cause of Trade Unions with progressive thinking policies, bringing all Trade Unions under one Umbrella, conducting various negotiations and meeting emerging challenges successfully.  Referring to Shri.O.P.Bhatt, he said that all the legitimate aspirations of the officers have tobe met as, in satisfaction of their aspirations, one can keep the Morale of the industry high and expect better performance and results. ‘Keep them happy’ he said and requested the Chairman to have a grievance mechanism at his level to ensure that all grievances of officers are redressed.

“To become world class, we have to deliver greater value and reach out to customers in an ever changing, dynamic, environment. Manpower and Human resources planning, development of talent pool in critical areas, gaining skills, competencies in core areas, realignment of resources from surplus to deficient areas, thereby increasing productivity and reducing costs and making banks more competitive is important, he said.  He congratulated the officers for not hesitating to go to rural areas. He congratulated the leaders of AIBOC for showing commitment and maturity and wished the movement all the Best.

Then the Chairman of IBA, Shri.O.P.Bhatt, released the Special Issue of Common Bond.  As he rose to speak, mesmerising the audience with his charming personality, there were claps all over.  “I was also a member of AIBOC once upon a time and hence, am pleased, to be apart of this momentous journey. A great pleasure, made greater by the vast participation,” he said amidst thunderous applause.

During the last 25 years, AIBOC has shown what a responsible trade union it is he said.  He hailed AIBOC for the good wage settlement, despite constraints.  In most Bank Boards, representatives of AIBOC co-operate and take important decisions.  Indian economy is growing because of Indian Banks.  All Kudos to the officers and employees and to the leadership of AIBOC he said. He complemented AIBOC for saving Indian Banks and the economy from the catastrophe and calamity of the financial crisis.  He said that the GDP of the country is growing at a fast pace of over 8%. Banks have to perform better to keep pace. Hence, our responsibility increases in the areas of productivity, customer service, development of new products and reduction of NPA’s. The power of the institutions and the power of the leaders, their wisdom, responsibility and maturity, matters he said.  Hence, there is need to redefine strategies, goals, roles and make the response more holistic.  It is necessary to blend our traditional ways of thinking with innovative methods of implementation. From the leaders of the past we need to be leaders of the future, change levels of decisions making to be more effective he said.  He said that his relationship with the federation in SBI is very cordial. “We talk loudly, but we talk and at multiple levels. Hence, in my new role also, we shall be successful” he said. 

We are living in a knowledge society.  We need to work with a blend of head and heart.  AIBOC has risen to this level of expectation. It has just entered its youth – 25 years.  Let it shift gears and grow further, said the charmer and the hypnotizer of the masses with his enchanting smile.

Prof. C.P.Chandrashekar, Professor in Jawarharlal Nehru University and an eminent economist was the key person in the compilation of the report on the Independent Commission on Banking and Financial Policies constituted in the year 2005. He spoke about the independent nature of the commission, and the unbiased opinions given by eminent scholars who constituted the commission and said that the opinions generated, matched with the ideology and stand taken by AIBOC on crucial economic policies and parameters.  He complimented the Bank Officers for going to the streets to protect the Public Sector Banks and to save the country. He said “yet the agenda is unfinished.  AIBOC has a greater role to play in completing the task of stalling the process, which has led great economies, worldwide, into difficult situations of downfall”.

Later the past Presidents and General Secretaries of AIBOC were honoured with shawls and mementos by Com.P.K.Sarkar, President and Com.G.D.Nadaf, General Secretary. They had built the movement brick by brick, at a time when there were no modern means of communication, when the situation was hostile and nebulous and inter-union rivalry were rampant. These leaders and legends need to be saluted for what we are today.  Hats off to them for their yeomen service. Their presence electrified the entire gathering and was a source of inspiration to all the future leaders who had assembled in large numbers. As the names of the great leaders Com.S.R.Sengupta, Com.Shantharaju, Com.K.D.Kheda, Com.A.K.Jana, Com.R.C.Agarwal, Com.V.Eswaran, Com.K.S.Shetty, were called, the entire audience gave a standing ovation to the great leaders.

Later, Com.P.K.Sarkar, the President of AIBOC tracing the history of the movement remembered the contributions of Com.R.N.Godbole and Com.S.R.Sengupta for building the movement from the scratch.  He spoke in detail about the wage revision, comparison with the sixth pay commission etc.  He said that if affiliates are strong, AIBOC can grow strong.  There is a need to attract younger generation, in a changing environment.  The biggest challenge of today is to build a second line leadership.  He appealed to the youngsters, to come forward and carry the movement for many more years to come.

Com. Harvinder Singh, the State Secretary proposed the vote of thanks.  The programme was ably compered by Miss.Sonia Bareja.  The entire band of volunteers, the silent backstage workers who are the real architects of the success of the event need accolades and praise.  Their untiring efforts, have taken the celebrations to greater heights.  The Delhi State Unit of AIBOC under the leadership of Com.T.N.Goel and Com.Harvinder Singh need all praise. Com.B.S.Ravindra, the Convenor of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations and his committee planned and co-ordinated the year long, series of programmes of all the affiliates, the conduct of the Vagamon Conclave, the Sehore Conclave and the A-I Power programmes 1 & 2, in an excellent manner.  He deserves praise.  All the affiliates very religiously conducted social service activities as a part of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations. Kudos for their sincerity and commitment. The venue of the ICAR - International Centre for Agricultural Research, was out of the world; with its sprawling campus spread over eight kilometers.

As curtains were drawn on the Silver Jubilee Celebrations the eternal warrior, the trade unionist, picks up his cudgel and moves away from the blind of the glare and glory of Silver Jubilee to prepare for yet another struggle, yet another battle……… Let’s move on …………

LONG LIVE AIBOC

LONG LIVE THE MOVEMENT

With greetings,

Sd/-

(G.D. NADAF)

GENERAL SECRETARY