Circular No 1-2009-10

To
The National Executive Members &
The Secretaries of the Affiliates

Dear Comrades,
Meeting with DAI: The delegation comprising the President Com.S.V.Deshpande, Vice-President Com. K.T.Sridharan, the Secretary General Com S.Mohan, the Addl. Secy. General Com. R.S.Dubey met DAI on 16th April 2009 @ 3 p.m. in her Cabin. After formal exchange of pleasantries we presented the following issues.
Up gradation of Pay Scales of Audit/Accounts and Senior Audit/Accounts Officers:
The Notification dated 29th August 2008 prescribing the new pay scales effective from 1.1.06 has granted the Sr .Divisional Accounts officer of IA&AD the scale of pay Rs. 8000-13500 with a Grade pay of Rs.5400 and placing them in PB3.The AOs of the IA&AD have been granted the same scale and Grade pay but placed in PB2. The SAOs of IA&AD have also been granted the same scale and Grade pay but placed in PB3.Thus the present scales have disturbed the well established vertical relativity by placing the Sr. DAO above the AO in an equal position with the SAO of IA&AD ignoring the fact that the department’s recruitment rules place the Divisional Accounts Officer in the scales equal to the AAO and the Sr. DAO has been placed in the scales applicable to the AOs only. We elaborately presented our case and the injustice done to our Cadre by the Sixth Central Pay Commission and the Government through its Notification. The response from DAI was positive and she assured that our case would be pursued with Finance Ministry with due care and attention.
Removal of age limit for promotion to I.A. & A.S.

At present, Sr.Audit/Accounts Officers are promoted to the IA&AS Cadre, according to the All India Seniority List maintained by the C & AG’s Office. But only those who have not completed 53 years of age, on the 1st July of the Panel Year are considered for empanelment. Others are not considered, even if they are otherwise qualified. This is a great injustice done to the Sr.AOs working in the Department who are stagnating for more than 15 years in the same cadre. In no other Department of the Central Government this kind of discrimination is shown to Group B Gazetted Officers. Even though the C&AG had, in the informal meetings, accepted that this was an injustice, nothing has been done in practice to remove this grave injustice. Hence the ceiling should be removed immediately. The response from DAI was positive and she explained that the department had taken much care to remove the backlog vacancies in the promotion quota in the IAAS cadre and that the situation would be reviewed after clearing the entire backlog vacancies.
Placing Sr.AOs promoted to I.A. & A.S. directly in the rank of DAG/DD instead of AAG/AD recognising their long years of experience.
At present, the Sr.AOs promoted to I.A. & A.S. cadre will be initially given the rank of A.A.G/A.D only. This is also another injustice done to the cadre of Sr.AOs. This Sr.AOs and AAGs are drawing identical scales of pay and their nature of work is also almost identical. The Sr.AOs deserves to be directly placed in the rank of DAG/Deputy Director, without being kept on probation for 2 years as A.A.G. Such probation would be appropriate only for the Direct Recruits and not to the promotee Officers with vast experience. It is pertinent to point out that the recruitment rules of IAS stipulates that the gazetted officers of the State Service will be placed in the senior times scale directly on induction in to IAS. The absence of such a stipulation in the recruitment rules of IA&AS has lead to an unacceptable anomalous situation much to the disadvantage of the SAOs of IA&AD denying them due recognition of their experience and expertise. The recruitment rules need to be revised to undo the injustice being meted out to the SAOs. The DAI stated that this view would be accommodated when a cadre review was taken up.
Increasing Promotion Quota to I.A &A.S. to 50% from the existing 33 1/3%.
There are nearly 5000 AOs/SAOs working in the I.A. & A.D. The number of IA&AS Officers working in the Department is nearly 900. Out of this, only 33 1/3 % (i.e.) 300 posts are available for promotion to nearly 5000 officers. This is totally inadequate and not in consonance with the number of AOs/SAOs working in the Department. Hence promotion quota needs be increased to 50% of the total strength of IA&AS cadre. In the Income Tax, Central Excise, Customs and other Central Government Departments, the promotion quota to Group ‘A’ posts has already been increased to 50%.The DAI has assured the delegation that this demand would be taken care of while formulating the Cadre review in our Department.
Cadre Review:
The cadre of SAOs has no promotional prospects in the department except for induction to IA & AS cadre. The induction is also a very small percentage with the conditionality of age restriction etc. This has resulted in persons stagnating in the same cadre for more than 10 to 12 years resulting in frustration coupled with de-motivation. To remove this acute stagnation and also to meet the functional needs of the department there is an urgent need to have fresh review of the cadre providing more promotional opportunities to the SAOs in the department. DAI responded that there is a proposal for a cadre review in this department. The proposal is yet to crystallise. There is tremendous work going on in respect of this in the Department. She also assured that this department would take in to confidence of the Officer’s Federation after crystallising its view in this regard.
Certain issues were also been discussed with DAI informally like, submission of food bills, travel bills for claiming the DA entitlements. Our authorities’ response is very negative in respect of accepting the Self Certification for Food bills and Travel bills. They fail to realise the difficulties faced by our Officers while on tour in respect of production of food bills and travel bills. Our Delegation had clearly presented our views in this regard as follows. The latest clarification of entitlement of TA/DA claims added further confusions. It is very obvious that the 6th Pay Commission accepted the concept of increasing the Daily Allowances whenever our Dearness Allowance increases. Whereas the Government had clarified that an option of choosing the new DA package or old DA pattern thus denying the Pay Commission benefits to those persons who have opted for the old DA pattern. It is illegal, and illogical to deny the benefits of revisions of Daily allowance entitlements even after 10 years to those who opted for old DA pattern. Hence the Clarification must be the double the rate of old DA pattern or new DA/TA entitlements would be the logical one. The DAI responded positively for this fact presented by us in this regard. She agreed to pursue this case with the Finance Ministry to enhance the old DA pattern for at least 100 percent.
We insisted that Welfare Officer Post should be created in each Audit/Accounts office without reference to the total number of staff working in that office. Further the Welfare officer post should be filled up on the basis of strictly on seniority. The DAI agreed to examine this issue. There are some positive indications in respect of the Group ‘A’ status to Sr.Aos of this Department. But DOPT clearance will be the ultimate end for this demand.
Meeting with Finance Secretary:

The Secretary General met the Finance Secretary in his chamber on 17th April at 3.00 PM. He explained our position and difficulties being faced by this cadre in respect of up-gradation of Grade pay and further explained that the anomaly cases of Group B Officers would not be considered in the Anomaly Committee recently appointed by the Government, the Finance Secretary agreed to examine the case of establishing the mechanism to redress the anomaly cases arising out of 6th pay commission for Group B Officers.
He further explained that the difficulty faced by our officers in respect of submission of Food bills, Travel bills while on tour. The Finance Secretary responded positively and he agreed that it is a genuine issue and that he would examine this case.
General Body Meeting in DGCR office:

The Lunch Hour General Body meeting of all Audit Officers/Sr.Audit Officers was arranged by the Association of Sr.Audit Officers/Audit Officers in a very short notice on 17th April at DGCR Office. The response from the Officers was very impressive. The National executive thanked the executive committee of the Association of Sr.Audit Officers and Audit Officers for their organisational commitment.
We may get so many commitments from the authorities at various times and at various levels. Ultimately these would be implemented only if a viable organisation at field level is ready for sustained organisational programmes. Be prepared for an organisational programme to defeat the forces who question our self respect and to enhance our working environment for the better.

Yours Fraternally,

S.Mohan

Secretary General

Joint Circular- 2-2008-09 Date: 15th March 2009


To
National Executive Committee Members,
Spl. Invitees, Unit Secretaries,
Members of Women’s Committee, of Both Federations,

Protest the Clarification on TA/DA by Sending Telegrams on 20th March 2009.

Dear Comrades,
The 6th CPC in its recommendations on the subject of TA/DA observed, “These rates are grossly inadequate. Most of employees and their Service association have requested rationalisation of the present entitlements of Daily Allowance for stay in hotels. The Fifth CPC had also observed that considerable difficulties were being faced by officials in securing decent accommodation while on official tour and had recommended accommodation entitlements ranging from reimbursement of actual expenditure incurred towards normal single room rent in a hotel of a category not above 5 star in case of Top Executives and to any hotel up to a specified amount, for auxiliary staff while on official tour. These recommendations were not accepted. The situation today is, therefore, that the existing rates are totally unrealistic and Government employees, while on official tour, are unable to find any decent accommodation at the prevailing commercial rates. Accordingly, the rates of daily allowance have to be modified appropriately.” Whereas The Ministry of finance, Department of Expenditure clarified that the Rates of Daily Allowance on Tour may be regulated either in accordance with provisions of this Department OM Dated 23.09.08 or as per the old rates prevalent prior to the issue of said OM, whichever claimed by the employee. It further stressed that the option to claim will be available as a complete package for a particular tour and not be part of either orders. In other words, officers may choose to be governed either by orders dated 23.09.08 or 17.04.98 in regard to daily allowance on Tour.

By the above clarification, the Government of India has issued highly illogical clarification reversing the spirit of the recommendations of the VI CPC and its acceptance by the Government thus denying the benefit of 6 CPC recommendations on Daily allowance to its Employees/Officers while on official Tour if they are not in a position to produce the receipts for reimbursement.

In short the latest clarification by the Government of India on travelling allowance did not render justice to its employees and on the contrary, it simply brushed aside the spirit of 6CPC observations and has placed the Employees/Officers in the most disadvantageous position. Further the Clarification was so hallow on settlement of TA bills of its employees pertaining to the past periods. Due to this confused clarifications each employee/Officer will loose the reimbursement of expenditure incurred during official tour ranging from Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 per month in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department from September onwards.

The simple solution to the whole problem is to remove the word ‘reimbursement” from the Office Memorandum on Travelling Allowance Rules – Implementation of Sixth Central Pay Commission.

By this, the Government is refusing to accept certificates by the claimants resulting in need for impractical documentation and likely variations in procedures for settlements of TA and DA claims. According to GFRs even certificate of payments including self certification as a valid document for reimbursement of expenditure. The scheme of daily allowance has been turned into a quagmire from which the Audit Employees and Officers can not get out without personal loss every time they proceed on tour. The scheme of "reimbursement "is unworkable and would only result in personal loss to the employees and Officers who have to be on tour duty for prolonged periods and hence it is unacceptable.

The Government challenged its own employees and Officers that if they want to avail the modified rates then they have no other option but to produce food bill and vouchers for travel Charges. It demeaned our struggle for the past one decade to change our DA rates. Moreover it denied the pay commission recommendations in respect of DA/TA revision to its employees and Officers.

In order to ventilate our anger and anguish to the Department of Expenditure, Finance Ministry, Government Of India, and demand that the C&AG immediately permit reimbursement on self certification basis by the claimants and provide relief to the Employees and Officers of Indian Audit and Accounts Department the Federations call for observing a Protest Day on March 20th 2009 by sending telegrams by the individual members of the affiliated units.


Draft Telegram

TO

ARGEL,
New Delhi

“The members are finding it too difficult to obtain receipts for food and transport expenses while on tour duty. Pray immediate intervention in the matter to accept self certified statements for regulating claims”.

Name of the Member,
Name of the Association,
Address of the Association.

Circular No 12

To
The National Executive Members &
The Secretaries of the Affiliates.

Dear Comrades,

Group ‘A’ status to Sr.Accounts/Sr.Audit Officer:

Consequent to the 6 CPC recommendations and with the implementation of the new pay scales, classification of Sr.Accounts/Sr.Audit Officers posts is due in our Department. You may recall that after the implementation of 5th Central Pay Commission report, it was the most humiliating treatment meted out by the Sr.Accounts/Sr.Audit Officers, after having been classified as Group ‘A’ vide Notification dated 20th April 1998, were reclassified as Group ‘B’ after three months by another Notification dated 29th July 1998 specifically applicable to IA&AD. It was the most discriminatory treatment meted out to the Senior Accounts/Sr.Audit Officers in as much as in no other Departments where the officers drawing the pay scale of Rs.8000 – 13,500 were classified as Group ‘B’ except those in the I.A & A.D and other organized Accounts Cadre.

It was also quite an extra ordinary that this was done even after the C&AG of India had asserted that his consent had been given for classification of Sr.Audit Officers/Sr.Accounts Officers as Group ‘A’ and despite the fact that this department enjoys certain special status under Article 148 of the Constitution. Then Authorities of the IA&AD have not been able to stop the discriminatory treatment meted out to this cadre. It should be especially noted in this context that the Notification dated 29th July 1998 has not been even circulated by the then C&AG administration to field Offices and further that the Senior Accounts/Senior Audit Officers stand classified as Group ‘B’ in all the orders issued by the Administration subsequent to the above development.

Send Telegraphic resolution to C&AG:

Now it is time to fight the discrimination. Government of India (DOPT) is to classify the posts in the new pay scales as per the Notification of the 6th Central Pay Commission. It is our Historical Duty to fight the injustice rendered to us. In this background the All India Audit and Accounts Officers Association gives a clarion call to all of its affiliated units, its members and members who still not with us are to rise as one man to demand justice. It is the right time to renew our vigor and develop a stiff resistance to the authorities who often exploit us very cruelly and clamp us to a novel slavery system. All India Association has already taken up this issue with the Comptroller and Auditor General through a letter. It is necessary that this issue is supported by mass action. Hence it has been decided that all the field units affiliated to our Federation should send a telegram to the C&AG as given below on 29th Jan 2009. To make the programme effective and purposeful, hold demonstration and General Body meetings on 29th Jan 2009 and send the telegram to C&AG.

The copy of the telegraphic resolution will be handed over to local heads of offices for onward transmission to C&AG.


Yours Fraternally,

S.Mohan.
Secretary General.


TEXT OF THE TELEGRAM

To
ARGEL

Grant Group ‘A’ status to Sr.Accounts/Sr.Audit Officers

Name
General Secretary,
Name of the Association.

Circular No 11

• 
  HAPPY NEW YEAR
  
  Dear Comrades,
  Meeting with Finance Secretary:
  The Secretary General met the Finance Secretary on 30th Dec 2008. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. From our side we raised the issue of Revision of Pay scales of Audit officer/Accounts Officer and Sr. Audit Officer/Sr.Accounts Officer and the following points were stressed before the Finance Secretary.
  
  1. The present scales of AOs/Sr.AOs in the Indian Audit and Accounts department have disturbed the well established relativity by placing the Sr. DAO above the AO in an equal position with the SAO of IA&AD ignoring the fact that the department’s recruitment rules place the Divisional Accounts Officer in the scales equal to the AAO and the Sr. DAO has to be placed in the scales applicable to the AOs only.
• 
  2. The AOs & SAOs are better qualified (SOG Examination) and are eligible for consideration for promotion to the cadre of IA&AS after promotion to the cadre of SAOs. They also supervise the Sr.DAOs. This being the actual relative status in the Department and it is illogical,anomalous to retain the AOs in PB 2. They should, in fact, be placed at a higher status by granting them the Grade Pay of 6600. The SAOs being a higher cadre to AOs should, in all fairness and equity, be placed in the Grade Pay of 7600.
• 
  3. Traditionally AOS of IA&AD were always on a grade higher than that of SOs of CSS. The SAOs were in the grade of 8000-13500 as per the recommendations of the V CPC only on that basis. The VI CPC did not even attempt proper evaluation of the work and status of the cadre.
• 
  4. In this regard it is pertinent to point out that the recruitment rules of IAS cadre stipulates that the gazetted officers of the State Service would be placed in the senior times scale directly on induction in to IAS. The absence of such a stipulation in the recruitment rules of IA&AS has lead to an unacceptable anomalous situation much to the disadvantage of the SAOs of IA&AD denying them due recognition of their experience and expertise. The recruitment rules need to be revised to undo the injustice being meted out to the SAOs.
• 
  5. The financial commitment to the Central Government because of acceptance of this demand of AO/Sr.AOs is very minimal and very marginal.
  The Finance Secretary gave a patient hearing the points made by the Secretary General and appreciated the need for a re-look at the pay scales offered to AO/Sr.Aos by the 6th CPC. He promised to examine the whole issue and to make appropriate recommendations.
  
  Meeting with Expenditure Secretary:
  On the advice of the Finance secretary the secretary General met the expenditure Secretary on the same day in her chambers and pressed the above said points. The Expenditure Secretary also gave a patient hearing and promised to examine the issue and to make appropriate recommendations.
  
  Meeting with the C&AG:
  The President and Secretary General met the C&AG in his cabin on 2.01.09 and after exchange of pleasantries; we raised the issue of up gradation of pay scales of AOs/Sr.AOs and insisted that only direct intervention by the C&AG would fetch desired results in this regard. The C&AG informed that he was already pursuing the case and would try to expedite the case.
  
  Meeting with the Pr.Director (Staff):
  On the eve of the New Year on 31st Dec 2008 the President and Secretary General met the Pr.Director (Staff) and discussed the following issues.
  (1) Upgradation of pay scales to AO/Sr.AOs: The attention of the Pr.Director (Staff) was invited to the Memorandum submitted to the C&AG of India regarding this issue earlier. The Association had highlighted therein the hollowness and the illogical conclusion of the Sixth Pay Commission for retaining the SAOs at the existing level. That the just demand of the Association had been turned down without any reasoning is painfully flabbergasting and further we explained that the level of frustration faced by AO/Sr.AO cadre of the Department and we insisted that there was urgent need for upgrading of their grade pay. The Pr.Director agreed to pursue the issue seriously with the Ministry.
  
  (2) Clarification on TA/DA: We explained the peculiar situation faced by our officers and employees and the problem faced by them in the light of TA/DA orders issued consequent to the 6th CPC and the need to reexamine the whole issue. We cited the new rules framed by the Railway Ministry brought out in the latest order on Daily allowance to its employees. The Pr.Director informed that the C&AG administration had already approached the Ministry in this regard and would try to solve the problems faced by the officers and Employees of IA&AD.
  
  (3) Recognition to P&T Audit officers Association: We expressed our anguish that even though the P&T audit officers have completed all the formalities for the recognition before one year but till now that the association was not recognized. It was ironical that the subscription deducted through check off system by the administration of DG P&T was neither paid to the Association nor returned to the members and on the contrary was being retained by the administration though it belonged to the members for more than one year. The Pr.Director agreed to intervene in the matter.
  
  Meeting with the Pr.Director (C):
  The President, the Secretary General & the President of Association of Sr.AO(Commercial) & AO (Commercial) met the Pr.Director (C) in his cabin on 1st January and insisted for a formal meeting with the Association (commercial) for settlement of urgent issues affecting the commercial AOs/Sr.AOs. He agreed to arrange for formal meeting with DAI (C) soon.
  
  Though the meetings with Finance Secretary, Expenditure Secretary, and the C&AG on the up gradation of Pay scale of AOs/Sr.AOs were on a positive note we cannot afford to be complacent in the matter. We have no choice but to vigorously follow our negotiations through organizational efforts and create tremendous pressure to achieve our demands. Our experience all along has been that the authorities take a lackadaisical approach in all the matters relating to benefits and facilities to the AOs /Sr.AOs. The Association has, therefore decided to mobilize the entirety of its membership throughout the country and to wage a relentless battle under the banner of our Association. Our National Executive has correctly decided on these lines. We have to mobiles our cadres to wear black badge in all duty places as follows on 21st January.
  
  “We demand
  Meaningful Negotiation and Immediate Settlement of Charter of Demands”
  
  Further the Association calls upon all of its affiliates to prepare every one of our officers to participate in the lunch hour demonstration during the day long Dharna before the C&AG’s office by the National Executive Committee Members.
  It is further requested that each affiliated Association should intimate the number of the members who would participate in the Lunch Hour Demonstration before the C&AG Office to the Central Head Quarters Association by 3rd week of January.
  
  Increment benefit in case of SAOs who were promoted after 1.1.2006:
  It has come to the notice of the CHQ that in many field offices AOs who are being promoted as SAOs are not being granted the benefit of one increment. It is further learnt that in some offices in case of SAOs who were promoted after 1.1.2006 were initially given the benefit of one increment but at the time of retirement that benefit is being withdrawn and consequential recovery being affected. In fact in C&AG’s office the benefit is being given. If any field makes a reference, C&AG’s office will clarify the position. Therefore all those who are adversely affected are requested to prefer representation to C&AG through proper channel. The Secretaries of units are requested to send the details of such cases to CHQ to take up the matter with C&AG. They are also requested to insist on their heads of offices to refer the matter to C&AG again.
  
  Strike Notice by the Central Government Employees:
  On 2nd January 2009, the Central Government employees assembled in thousands and in one voice declared their determination to go on indefinite strike from 20th January 2009 in pursuance of the 20 point charter of demands. After a massive rally in front of the Parliament, the President and Secretary General of Confederation together served strike notice on the government. As these demands have a direct impact to our cadre also we fully support the agitation programme. The Federation therefore calls upon all its units to support the agitation and to extend full cooperation for the success of the programme. We also request all our members not to send any report to authorities regarding absence of members of affiliates of All India Audit & Accounts Association who participate in the Indefinite Strike.
  
  
  Yours Fraternally,
  
  
  S.Mohan.
  Secretary General.

Observe Demands Day
On 30th December

Mobilise all Audit/Accounts Officers
Sr.Audit/Sr.Accounts Officers
In Your Office/Station
Hold Lunch hour General Body Meeting
Adopt the Charter of Demands
Pass the resolution unanimously

Prepare every one of our Officer
For wearing Black Badge
To the cause of our upgradation of Grade Pay
During the third week of January

Prepare every one of our Officer
For Day Long Dharna
Before C&AG Office
To the cause of our upgradation of Grade Pay
During the Budget Session of Parliament

Send report to Head Quarters
Intimate Number of members
Willing to participate in the
Lunch Hour Demonstration
During the Day Long Dharna

----Secretary General

Circular No 10-2008-09

To
The National Executive Members &
The Secretaries of the Affiliates.
Dear Comrades,

National Executive on 7th & 8th Dec: The National Executive Committee met at Hyderabad on 07-12-2008 & 08-12-08. The National Executive Committee Members including special invitees attended the meeting. The Meeting was presided over by Com.K.T.Sridharan. Com. V.Nageswara Rao, General Secretary of Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Andhra Pradesh Unit inaugurated the National Executive Meeting. Veteran leaders Com.V.Srinivasan, Former Treasurer of Our Association and Com.K.Premkumar former Asst. Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Association greeted the meeting.

The National Executive Committee paid rich tributes to Com C.S.V. Warrier, former Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Association and Com.P.S.Rana former Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Officers Association who expired last month.

At the out set the entire National Executive condoled the death of common people in the recent terror attacks in Mumbai and placed on record its appreciation of the role played by the exemplary Police Officers during terror attack in Mumbai in defending them and also the brave role played by our Commandoes during these times. The National Executive condemned in unequivocal terms the terror attacks on the common, ordinary, innocent human beings.

The National Executive unanimously adopted the amended Constitution of the Association which was approved by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

The National Executive discussed with great concern about the treatment meted out to our main demand of up gradation of Pay scales of AOs and Sr.AOs. The National Executive decided to build a rock like unity of all Audit and Accounts Officers to pursue the cause. It appealed to all its members must stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and express our unity unequivocally. It is imperative to demonstrate that such denial of justice would only reinforce our determination to seek justice relentlessly and that we would not be demoralized by such heinous denial by the pay commission, by the government or by the department.
The National Executive unanimously decided on the following programmes:
(a) To prepare the officers for an ultimate ‘Direct Action’ to support our efforts through negotiation with the Govt./C & A.G of India to achieve the up gradation of pay scales for SAOs/AOs by March ’08. With this direction in mind, the affiliated organizations were directed to organize ‘All India demands day on 30th December. (Charter of Demands enclosed).
(b) To organize ‘Black Badge wearing’ by all officers in the Head office as well in the field duties during Feb. ’08.
(c) To conduct the ‘Day Long Dharna before C&AG office by the National Executive, inviting all the officers to participate in the lunch Hour Demonstration before the C&AG Office supported by field level Lunch hour Demonstrations during the month of February/march.
Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers is on War Path: The Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers has called upon all its affiliates to Serve Strike Notice on 2.01.09 for Indefinite Strike to commence from 20th Jan 2009 on 20 point charter of Demands. As these demands have direct impact on our cadre also we fully support this agitation programme. The leaders of Confederation of Central Government Officers have discussed amongst themselves about this Strike Call. The Federation therefore calls upon all its units to render their opinion in this regard which should be communicated to the Head quarters.

Yours Fraternally,

S.Mohan
Secretary General.

R E S O L U T I O N
This General Body meeting of ……..Association, O/o……held on 30th December 2008 notes with concern that there is no meaningful dialogue by the C&AG administration with All India Audit and Accounts officers Association on its charter of demands.
This General Body meeting records it deep resentment over the drastic reduction of manpower over the years which has affected the overall performance of the Department and demands that all the vacant posts be filled in so as to enable proper compilation/maintenance of accounts and effective conduct of audit to the fullest possible extent.
This General body meeting is of the strong view that to boost the morale of the Officers which is at its lowest ebb – time bound promotions in these cadres be introduced without any delay.
This General body meeting takes strong exception to the denial of bare minimum democratic rights to Officers to organize and record their democratic dissent. In many stations recognition has not been granted to Associations despite passage of more than a year. On the other hand attempt is made to stifle the voice of protest by not even forwarding their representations/resolutions to the head of the department without observing laid down norms and even on being pointed out no corrective action is initiated.
This General Body meeting therefore urges upon the CAG of India to:
1 Settle all the Demands submitted in the Charter.
2 Fill up all vacancies in the Department so as to enable the AO/Sr.AOs to
Perform their duties effectively.
3. Grant time bound promotion to AO cadres.
4. Honour democratic rights of Officers serving in this Department. Grant/Restore
Recognition of field Associations.


Adopted Unanimously.

…………………….
President (of the meeting)

Charter of Demands
1. Audit /Accounts Officers and Senior Audit/Accounts Officers should be given Scale of Pay in PB 3 with Grade Pay of Rs.6600/-and Rs.7600/- respectively.
2. Age restriction of 53 Years for induction into IA&AS should be removed.
3. Quota for induction into IA&AS cadre should be increased to 50% from existing 331/3 %.
4. Confer status of I.A. & A.S to promoted Sr. A Os directly in the rank of DAG/DD instead of AAG/AD, by giving weightage to their long year’s experience.
5. (a) Fill up all vacancies in the Department so as to enable the AO/Sr.AOs to perform their duties effectively and to do their Accounts and Auditorial functions efficiently.(b) Adequate number of posts should be created in all the Audit/Accounts offices, corresponding to the increased workload in the cadre of AOs/SAOs.
6. (a) Welfare Officer Post should be created in each Audit/Accounts office without reference to the total number of staff working in that office. (b)Welfare officer post should be filled up on the basis of strictly on seniority by the C&AG himself without being referred to the UPSC.
7. Wards of AOs/SAOs dying in harness should be given Compassionate Appointment without taking into account their Terminal Benefits.
8. (a) Dilution of Audit function should be stopped. A thorough review of the existing Audit Plans should be made and audit made more effective.
(b) Audit of Panchayat Raj institutions should be strengthened by creating adequate number of posts in that wing.
(c) The financial transactions of LIC, Public Sector Banks, Privately held public Limited companies, Non Government Organizations, Companies which are substantially financed by the Government without any limitation on the percentage of share capital, all regulatory bodies, Special Purpose Vechicles should be subjected to audit of C&AG.
9. AOs should be promoted to the cadre of SAOs immediately after completing 2 years in the AOs cadre as was done previously by adopting the "Prospective Seniority List".
10. (a) Frequent interventions in the Democratic functioning of Association by the Administration should be stopped. (b) Harassment of Office Bearers of the Associations should be stopped immediately; (c) All types of victimisations should be vacated; (d) Conducive working atmosphere should be created in the dept. (E) Restoration of Grievance redressal Machinery in field offices. (F) Periodical, “Formal meetings” should be conducted for settling the local problems.
11. Re-imbursement of food bills should be made on the basis of Self Certificates.
12. Railway Audit Parties on tour duty should be allowed to stay in hotels as per their entitlements whenever accommodation is not available.
13. Uniform Transparent transfer policy should be devised in the Commercial, Railway audit, P&T audit wings. There should not be any arbitrary transfer.
14. Closure of Resident Audit units in the Commercial Audit wing and reduction of posts in the MAB offices should be stopped.
15. Reduction of posts and down sizing of the P&T audit wing should be stopped.

Homage to Com.C.S.V.Warrier

The All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association expresses its profound grief and shock at the passing away of Comrade C.S.V.Warrier, Former Secretary General of All India Audit and Accounts Association. Com. Warrier suffered from throat Cancer and expired on 12th November 2008 despite the best medical attention at his home town. He was 78 years old. The demise of Com.Warrier marks the obliteration of one of the personifications of the workers movement from the face of the earth. He shall be ever remembered for the courage and zeal with which he headed the All India Audit & Accounts Association during 1981 to 1988, a task he willingly undertook at a time when it was facing crisis.
Com. Warrier was the best among the outstanding First generation of leaders who developed the workers movement in Indian Audit and Accounts department after Independence. Reared in the glorious revolutionary traditions of the Workers’ movement in Kerala, he rose to be an able exponent of working class politics, a brilliant strategist and organizer of the All India Audit and Accounts Association.
It was Com. Warrier who, by his relentless effort, fuelled by commitment to the cause, built the Association and its infrastructure of today. Under his leadership, the All India Audit and Accounts Association became a powerful and consolidated force. It was due to his untiring efforts, which took a toll on his health, that the All India Audit and Accounts Association occupies the place of pride in the Working Class movement in India. He was a leader who enjoyed the confidence at all levels of the members of this great Association.
He set an exemplary standard in adhering to Middle Class unionism and applying it creatively to the development of the audit movement in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. He led a simple life and his whole time and energies during his tenure were devoted to the Association.
In his untimely death, the All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association and the leadership have suffered a grievous loss. The workers movement in IA&AD owes its revival and rejuvenation to the demised comrade. He paid a heavy price for the cause by losing his health and sacrificed his family life and gave up only when he could not carry on anymore on account of his ill health. The memory of the comrade will forever shine as a guiding star to us all and his achievements serve as inspiring benchmarks.
The All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association pay its respectful homage to our beloved Comrade C.S.V.Warrier. The National Executive vows to emulate him.
Words fail to convey the grief and the deep sorrow at the demise of the great son of our movement. Nonetheless we hereby endeavour to express our condolences to his family members.
When one recalls his time with Com. Warrier the first to be recalled is his defiant spirit that never faltered before challenges. He was like Norbert Capek who defied Hitler in the face of death. The following would personify the defiant spirit.

Norbert Capek

It is worthwhile to live and fight courageously for sacred ideals.
O blow ye evil winds into my body's fire my soul you'll never unravel.
Even though disappointed a thousand times or fallen in the

and everything would worthless seem,
I have lived amidst eternity --Be grateful, my soul --My life was worth living.
He who was pressed from all sides but remained victorious in spirit

is welcomed into the choir of heroes.
He who overcame the fetters giving wings to his mind

is entering into the golden age of the victorious.
(composed in Dresden Prison in 1941, shortly before he was transferred to Dachau concentration camp, where he died in October, 1942)

Diwali Greetings from Commercial Comrade to All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association

The new company bill (introduced in the parliament on 23rd October 2008) contains all the provisions of the existing section 619 Which provides powers to audit the accounts of Public Sector undertakings by C&AG except that a time limit has been added. I must congratulate the commercial comrades for the valiant fight against the move to do away with the supplementary/test audit of the accounts of the government companies on the basis of the J.J.Irani committee recommendations. This is a historic moment not only for the commercial comrades but also for all the comrades in Indian Audit and Accounts Department who demonstrated that even the high & mighty cannot impose its dictates against the combined will of the united Employees and Officers. Certainly it is a historic moment indeed which calls for celebrations and a renewed pledge for strengthening the organization.

Diwali Greetings

Wish u and your family a happy

Colourful, Delightful &

cheerful DIWALI.

.........S.Mohan

United States Financial System is in turmoil….

No!!! Never!!!
Then……………………..

$700,000,000,000 for what?

First, it was the shock. Then it began to sink in. Then it came to anger.
In a little over a week the American people first heard of, then digested and are now grappling with the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s and with the Bush administration’s demand that they hand over $700 billion of their hard-earned tax dollars to bail out Wall Street. The Bush administration has proposed a massive bailout plan of at least $700 billion (maybe as much as $1.7 trillion) to stabilize the financial system amid the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, a Bush appointee, and the President are pushing for Congress to rapidly pass the plan this week with little debate and no amendments. The right wing and the banks want a plan that gives a blank check to Wall Street with no oversight.
The full extent of the current crisis and its impact on working people cannot now be fully comprehended, but the crisis is deep and cannot be easily resolved is apparent. Furthermore, the criteria for any plan to solve the crisis must be what’s good for the working people of United States of America and the world, not what’s good for the mega-rich and massive monopolies that got ordinary American into this mess.
If comments of people on the street here are any indication, there is deep resentment about having to trade, as New York Times columnist Paul Krugman put it, “cash for trash.”

John Sweeney, president of the American Federation of Labour-Congress of Industrial Organasations, the nation’s largest labour federation, said last week, that the American people were faced with the choice of committing more than a trillion dollars of public money to rescue the financial system, or facing a complete collapse of the credit markets, and all the economic activity that relied on credit. He further voiced his doubts as to how the programme would be implemented? “Would we finally help the millions of Americans losing their jobs, their homes, their health insurance and their pensions? Or would this be another bailout without conditions, leaving Main Street in crisis and guaranteeing that Wall Street’s crisis will continue in another form?”
Permanent solutions can only be found, Sweeney said, “in the economic programme of re-regulation of the financial markets, a government focused on creating good jobs by investing in infrastructure and solutions to the energy crisis, health care for all Americans, a government that will protect and improve Americans’ retirement security and a guarantee that American workers can bargain for their fair share of the wealth they create.”
Developments are evolving fast and their full impact has yet to be felt, but let’s make sure that American workers, those who made their country rich, do not further suffer at the expense of the financial elites, those who have created this crisis. Working people of America Slogan is “Save Main Street not Wall Street!”
So what?
We Indians are in no way affected by this crisis!!!
Is it so?
Our GDP is so Strong!!
Our Growth rate is so excellent!!!
Our Potential is so rampant!!!!
All Jingoistic Slogans will sustain.
What is the reality?
Rate of Inflation is 12.5%
78 per cent of Indian people just about manage to survive on less than Rs 20 a day
Beware!!!
Our pension funds are to be invested in Dalal Street!!!
Do Not Forget….
Already Workers' Provident Fund Amounts have been gifted to Corporates!!!
The trustees of the Employees Provident Fund at the behest of the Central government (tainted Manmohan Singh Government) have handed over huge amounts of workers Provident Fund contributions to Finance companies for speculative purposes. By this decision around Rs 2, 40,000 crore in the corpus fund and another Rs 30,000 crore of the annual incremental fund will be literally gifted to the Corporates.
The Character of Dalals is similar in nature whether in United States of America or in India. Here also the time is not far that we may also coin the similar slogan.
“Save Main Street not Dalal Street!”
Beware of these polices
Prepare for the struggle.

Prevent such disaster

An Interaction with the leader

Recently one of the comrades wanted to know as to what the programmes of the Association had actually achieved. He was of the strong view that it was of no use to agitate for the association had failed, for instance in computerisation despite all its agitation.
I was surprised at his argument.
What the comrade has failed to understand was that the association did not oppose the computerisation in total but only attempted to prevent the implementation of technology rendering many of us jobless. The Association had succeeded in its endeavour to certain extent. I am sure that those who had watched the progress will agree that the agitation programmes brought a regulated and transparent rules and procedures and saved many from being declared redundant. It is now for the comrade to decide whether the programmes of the Association stopped immediate reduction in man power. Let the ones like this comrade contemplate on this point- what will happen if you do not agitate against the atrocities of the authorities?

With regards,

Commercial comrade.

A Caution Note from commercial comrade

The C&AG's office is insisting that every Association should amend its constitution prescribing a quorum of 1/3 of the primary membership for its meeting. The C&AG's office is fully aware that in the Audit wing it will be impossible to mobilise such a quorum as the members are always on field duty or in Resident Audit Parties at outstation and hence it will be an expensive exercise for the Association. But why then is this insistence? The idea appears to be to immobilise the Recognised Associations. When associations are immobilised anything will be a simple task for the Authorities.

comrades beware !!!!

With regards to you All,

Commercial Comrade

Resolution for adoption on 19th September 2008

The General Body meeting of the ……….(name of the Association) held on 19th September 2008 at ………….(place) made a detail analysis of the notifications and orders issued by the Government of India for the implementation of the VI central pay commission recommendations in respect of Indian Audit and Accounts Department. After analysis the meeting notes that:

Non consideration of the demand for granting the pay scale equivalent to Under Secretary and Deputy Secretary Posts of Central Secretariat to Audit/Accounts and Senior Audit/Senior Accounts Officers of Indian Audit & Accounts Department was very disappointing. The non consideration of the demand though it was justified both on merits and historical background was further disheartening. It further negated the basic foundation of wage fixation in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department by introducing an argument that the parity of pay scales between the Central Secretariat employees and the IA&AD employees were never agreed to by the Government of India ignoring the conscious decision taken by the conclusions of the IV and V Central pay Commission in this regard. This decision has contributed to the merger of the Cadre of Section Officers (Group B non-Gazetted) and Asst. Audit Officers/Asst. Accounts Officers (Group B Gazetted) into a single Grade Pay. Further the placement of Sr. Divisional Accounts Officer cadre above the level of Audit Officers/Accounts Officers though the Divisional Accountants are not expected to qualify in the SOG Exam and are supervised by the AOs in their functions has created Cadre specific anomalous situation. The negation of the benefit accrued to the Employees/Officers of IA&AD after prolonged struggle which was also based on an arbitration award under the scheme of JCM as well as the decision of the Government of India represented by the Group of Ministers based on merit is further creating displeasure in the minds of the Employees and Officers of Indian Audit and Accounts Department. The denial of the existing benefits of restructuring in the IA&AD enjoyed from 1.3.1984 and endorsed and expanded by the IV and V central pay commissions is not acceptable.

The meeting therefore, after careful examination urges upon the Government of India that the Audit/Accounts Officers and Sr.Audit/Sr.Accounts Officers of IA & AD be granted pay band PB3 with grade pay of Rs.6600/ and Rs.7600/ respectively. The meeting also urges upon the Comptroller & Auditor General of India to intervene immediately in the matter of pay scales of Audit/Accounts Officers and Sr.Audit/Sr.Accounts Officers.

The meeting further resolves to forward the copy of the resolution to Honourable Prime Minister, Honourable Finance Minister Government of India, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India urging their immediate intervention in the matter.


President

Resoloution on Policy and Programmes of our Conference

The 33rd Conference of the All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association held in Nagpur on 29th and 30th August 2008 discussed the problems confronting the Central Government Employees’ & Officers in particular and the working Class of this country in general in the background of developments at the national and international level. The conference notes that the uncontrolled inflation has resulted in spiralling prices making the living conditions of the working Class including the middle class to which majority of Central Government Employees’ & Officers belong miserable. The meeting notes that even after the implementation of VI CPC recommendations real wages has eroded as a result of inflation.

The conference notes with concern the decision to implement the recommendations of the VI Central Pay Commission with effect from 1.1.2006 without considering any of the demands made by Staff Side JCM and Officers Organisations. The VI Central Pay Commission while agreeing to grant the wages linking with raising prices and Dr.Ackroid’s formula had erred in adopting the norms. The selection of wrong basis for the calculation of the minimum need for a family based on price level created by a newspaper and ‘adhoc’ addition of 20% towards housing transport and medical needs of the Employees’ totally ignoring the 25% addition towards social obligation and educational need, has resulted in lesser minimum wage minimum pension/family pension to the employees in the lower strata and officers up to Group ‘B’ level. The assumption that the Group D scales are going to be subsumed in the future and providing the ‘minimum wage’ at the level of “Group C” entry stage had thrust upon a permanent injustice on the Central Government Employees and Pensioners. The failure to provide equal fixation benefit for all grades of Central Government Employees by adopting the multiplication factor of 2.625 of pre revised basic pay, the proposal to introduce revised price Index for Central Government Employees as well as an adverse commutation table, withdrawal of existing benefits like CGHS, CCA, benefit of fixation on promotion at the rate of 10 percent of grade pay and pay in pay band with a minimum benefit of Rs.1000, denial of loans and advances at reasonable rates from consolidated fund of India, and denial of Interest free advances to the lower strata of employees etc, coupled with introduction of the contractorisation and outsourcing at the level of Joint secretaries and above has increased the discontent among the Central Government Employees and Officers.

It is therefore demanded that the Government of India should discuss the proposals made by the ‘Staff side – JCM’ and the other Employees’/pensioners’ Federation/Officers’ Confederation with a view to settle the ’above said anomalies’ at an early date. This 33rd Conference of All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association, therefore, endorsed the “18 point Charter” finalised by the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers and authorise the National Executive to endorse the programme of action finalised by the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, including the decision to participate in the “Indefinite Strike” action during December’08 if such an action is inevitable.

In respect of the Employees and Officers working under the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the Conference notes with dismay that the VI Central Pay Commission totally ignored the demand made by the employees and officers Federations. It further negated the basic foundation of wage fixation in the IA&AD by introducing an argument that the parity of pay scales between the central secretariat employees and the IA&AD employees were never agreed to by the Government of India ignoring the conscious decision taken by the conclusions of the IV and V Central pay Commission in this regard. This decision has contributed to merge the Cadre of SOs (Group B non-Gazetted) and AAOs (Group B Gazetted) into a single pay band and placement of Divisional Accounts Officer cadre above the level of AOs though the Divisional Accountants are not expected to qualify in the SOG Exam and are supervised by the AOs in their functions. Such action has resulted in the negation of the benefit accrued to the Employees/Officers of IA&AD after prolonged struggle which was also based on an arbitration award under the scheme of JCM as well as the decision of the Government of India represented by the Group of Ministers based on merit. The denial of the benefits of restructuring in the IA&AD enjoyed from 1.4.1984 and endorsed and expanded by the IV and V central pay commissions has to be highlighted and protected by suitable organisational action. The continued denial of Group ‘A’ status to the Sr.AOs, the arbitrary conditionality of age restriction of 53 years for entry into the cadre of Group ‘A’, failure to enhance the percentage of promotional avenue to the Sr.AOs to 50% of the Group A sanctioned strength and other organisational grievances which are listed in the charter of demands merit further pursuance with C&AG of India. The task of getting adequate TA & DA on tour for IA & AD employees also needs continued attention.

It is noted with concern that the cadre of AOs/Sr.AOs were not subjected to review so far. The Officers serving in the Central Government enjoy promotional avenues as well as ACP up to the level of Joint Secretaries. The Government of India has now extended the benefit of ACP to the Group “A” services as well. The Conference therefore authorises the National Executive Committee to initiate the ‘Dialogue” to explore the possibilities of “Cadre review” of SAO/AOs in the IA & AD.

The Conference therefore authorises the National Executive to draw suitable programme of action in the event of a failure to get a negotiated settlement with C&AG. The Conference notes with satisfaction the progress made in Joint struggles by the Group ‘B’ and promotee Officers through the Confederation of Central Government Officers and the Joint Struggle by Co-ordination Committee of Audit and Accounts employees and Officers Organisations. The Conference also authorises the National Executive to develop the Co-ordination and to implement the call given by these mass organisations.

The result of Computerisation, Contract employment and outsourcing of employees coupled with unscientific reduction of Staff strength based on the recommendation of the ‘task forces’ appointed by the C&AG, failure to fill up the vacancies under the lower level and the failure to operate the leave reserve etc has thrust enormous work load on the AOs & SAOs. We are also concerned with the wilful negation of the C&AG of India in discharging his Constitutional functions under the guise of Audit Plan, Performance Audit, arbitrary reduction of “Audit Paragraphs” under the Suo-motto reviews, waiver of basic accounting checks of classification and restriction placed on the normal checks while authorising the Entitlement functions to the State Government Employees and the constraints under which the officers in IA&AD are subjected to work. Our demand for sanction of adequate staff for “Local Body Audit Function” and continued reluctance to bring the public Sector organisations like LIC, Banks under the audit purview of the C&AG of India also merit sustained struggle till these demands are achieved. To achieve these objectives the Conference authorise the National Executive to organise Convention and improve the public awareness about the role of audit in the parliamentary democracies. Regarding the demands listed in the departmental Charter the National Executive committee can take up at departmental level and authorises for fruitful negotiations.

The Conference also notes the harmful effect of the uncontrolled price rise and ever increasing inflation in the house hold of our Officers/employees besides the poor and unorganised sector. The Conference was of the opinion that the organisation cannot be silent spectator when anti-employee decisions are thrust on the working class. The Conference was of the unanimous decision that the organisation shall resist the anti employee decision of the Government by organising joint struggles with other trade unions and mass organisations. The Conference also resolved to fight the “New pension Scheme”, attempts to take away CGHS by introduction of Health Insurance scheme and investment of pension/PF funds in speculative market etc. with our full strength and to defeat them in the interest of the nation.

All these can be achieved only when our unity is maintained and developed. To this end we authorise the National Executive to initiate dialogue/ discussions with other organisations in the IA&AD to bring them all under “one umbrella” In this connection our efforts to secure recognition for P&T Audit, Railways and Defence Audit Associations early shall continue. Workers of the World unite shall be our guiding principle.

The Conference further authorises the Secretariat to take appropriate action for the pursuance and implementation of the above policy and programme decision from time to time in consultation with various decision making forums of the organisation.

Sd/-
President of the Conference

Circular No 7

To
The National Executive Members &
The Secretaries of the Affiliates.
Dear Comrades,

33rd Conference of All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association:
The 33rd Conference of the All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association was held at Sugandha Mangal Karyalaya Dharampeth, Nagpur from 29.08.08 to 30.08.08 as notified. 47 Delegates and 18 observers representing 17 units attended the Conference.
Felicitation to our Leaders: Com. M. Badrudeen,Additional Secretary General of the Association, Com.Limsay Veteran Leader from Nagpur who had already retired and Com.N.Kannan General Secretary Association of AOs & SAOs(Commercial) who is to retire in January 2009 were felicitated in the convention venue.
Convention on Strengthening Audit & Accounts to safeguard people’s rights:
On the eve of the 33rd All India Conference, the Federation has organized a Convention at the Multipurpose Hall in the O/o of the Accountant General (A&E) II, Maharashtra Nagpur on 28.08.08 at 3 p.m. focusing on the importance of “strengthening the functioning of Auditing and Accounting functions of the Supreme Audit Institution to safeguard the people’s Rights” by maintaining its independence, impartiality, high democratic values and traditions expected from the instrumentality by the framers of the Constitution and at the same time by equipping it to take on the challenges arising out of the contemporary national needs. The Convention was presided over by Com.S.Radhakrishna, President of the Association. Com.Rupchand Pal, M.P., Chairman COPU inaugurated the Convention. The key note address was delivered by Com.S.Mohan Secretary General of the Federation. Com.S.K.Vyas President, Confederation of the Central Government Employees and Workers, Com.Manohar Deshkar AITUC and Com.R.K.Srivatsav (former President of All India Audit & Accounts Association) Chairman, Reception Committee of the 33rd Conference, addressed the convention. The convention culminated in release of a declaration which suggested certain immediate corrective steps that would make this most important public accountability mechanism an effective one.
Inaugural Session of the Conference: 29-08-08 Com.S.Radhakrishna, President of the Association hoisted the Flag and saluted the martyrs in the presence of Com.S.K.Vyas. Com.R.K.Srivatsav Chairman, Reception Committee welcomed the delegates and leaders of fraternal organisations. The Conference was inaugurated by Com.S.K. Vyas, who highlighted the failures of VI CPC in adopting the norms prescribed by the 15th ILC and the consequent reduction in the minimum wage/minimum pension, at the Group ‘D’ Level. The failure to revise the minimum wage/pension, not increasing the rate of increment, non acceptance of fitment formula suggested by JCM staff side would force the central government employees to resort to ‘Indefinite Strike’ action by December 2008. He demanded a meaningful negotiation with the Staff Side JCM and other employees/officers organization at an early date. Shri.Nitin Gadkari M.L.C and the President of BJP, Maharashtra State Unit appreciated the role of Audit in exposing the failure of Government in disbursing the ‘Debt relief’ to the indebted farmers. He deplored the failure of C&AG of India for substituting “Performance audit”for “Financial and Regularity Audit”. As a member of the Committee of Economic affairs in the BJP he promised to support the Audit Accounts Officers Organisation. Com. Asai, General Secretary, CITU, Nagpur Com.Rajesh.D.Menon, Secretary General, Confederation of Central Government Officers Organasations Com.M.S.Raja Secretary General, All India Audit and Accounts Association and Com.P.K.Dass General Secretary, Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers Nagpur greeted the Conference.
Delegate Session: 29-08-08 The Delegate Session was presided by the Presidium consisting of Com.Radhakrishna and Com.A.S.Mazumdar. The Secretary General presented the minutes of 32nd Conference held at Bangalore which was adopted unanimously by the Conference. Com.S.Mohan then presented his report for the period from 2006 to 2008 and explained the salient features of the report. More than 14 delegates from various affiliated units took part in the discussion. Finally the report of Secretary General was adopted with certain modifications/additions in the ‘Homage’ paragraph and paragraph on victimization of Association functionaries in the field unit as well as national executive Committee members. The Secretary General’s report adopted by the Conference shall be circulated shortly. Then the Secretary General presented the Audited Accounts for the year 2006-07 & 2007-08 which were unanimously adopted by the Conference. The amendments proposed to the Constitution of All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association with amendments as suggested by the C&AG’s office were adopted by the conference unanimously.
Resoloutions: 30.08.08 The resolutions considering the General Secretary of the Association of AOs &SAOs (Comml)) as well as the General Secretary Association of P&T Audit Officers and Sr.Audit Officers as Ex- Officio members of the National Executive Committee and inclusion of 5 more permanent invitees, including a representative from the ‘Lady Officers’ was also adopted. The Secretary General then moved the resolution of policy and programme which was adopted unanimously. The resolutions regarding the Closure of RAPs in the Commercial Audit wing, Victimization, Reduction of staff was proposed by the Secretary General which were adopted unanimously. Com.K.T.Sridharan convenor, Subject Committee summed up the specific demands relating to various Audit/Accounting wings in the IA&AD and the Conference gave mandate to the Secretariat of the Association to finalize the charter of Demands.
Programme of Action: The Conference decided to Observe the Demands day on 19.09.08 to adopt and present the resolution to the C&AG through the Accountant General/Director of Audit by Mass Deputation of members of respective units. This will be a prelude to our fight to achieve the grant of pay scales equivalent to the Under Secretary/Dy.Secretary of the Central Secretariat to the AOs/SAOs respectively. We should also note with concern the ignominy of Divisional Accounts Officers being made equal to the Audit Officers despite the fact that they are not required to qualify in the SOG Exam and are liable for supervision by Audit Officers. The Grade Pay has been upwardly revised at ten stages in favour of Gr A officers, but not a single upgrade revision, not even for rectifying the anomalies pointed out in the construction of Pay Bands, have taken place in the case of PB1 & PB 2. For senior Gr. A officers, another Pay Scale has been created called HAG+ (Higher Administrative Grade). It is very clear that the government expressly ignores the vast majority of employees and promotee Officers, their whole concern is a negligible percentage of Gr A officers. Other injustices thrust upon us by the VI CPC also are to be resisted. Let us prepare for a strike Ballot for Indefinite Strike after the observation of ‘Campaign week subject to the decision of the National Executive Committee, scheduled to be held at Hyderabad Com.D.S.Thakur, Com.D.Balasubramanian, advisors to the All India Association, and Com.Badarudeen, Com.A.S.Majumdar outgoing office bearers of the All India Association addressed the Conference.
Election to the National Executive: Com.N.Kannan (General Secretary Association of AOs &SAOs (Commercial)) was appointed as Election Officer to conduct the election of the National Executive for the period 2008 to 2010 by the Conference. The list of office bearers elected unanimously to the National Executive, the General Auditor nominated and the Advisors for the All India Audit and Accounts Officers Association unanimously approved by the conference is enclosed. After the acceptance speech by the President (elect) & Secretary General, valedictory address by the Former President, the conference was concluded after the adoption of resolution thanking the Host Unit for their splendid efforts in organizing the Conference successfully.
Each unit leadership should undertake extensive campaign by holding activists’ meetings, group meetings etc to mobilise the employees for the mass Deputation on 19th September 2008. The report on the Implementation of the programme action may be communicated to the Secretary General without loss of time.

With Fraternal Greetings,

Yours Comradely,

S.Mohan
Secretary General.

Composition of National Executive Committee ofAll India Accounts & Audit Officers’ Association

I.National executive Committee Members :
1 President: S. V. Deshpande O/o Accountant General (A & E) II Maharashtra, Nagpur
2 Vice President:K. T. Sridharan O/o Accountant General (C & RA) Tamil Nadu, Chennai
3 Secretary General:S. Mohan O/o Accountant General (Commercial Audit) Maharashtra, Mumbai
4 Additional Secretary General:R. S. Dubey O/o Accountant General (A & E) Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad
5 Asst. Secretary General (F): P. Prabhakar Principal Director of Audit, South Central Railway, Secundrabad
6 Asst. Secretary General:S. C. Sahu O/o Accountant General (A & E) Orissa, Bhubaneshwar
7 Asst. Secretary General:Swapan K. Chattopadhya Principal Director of Commercial Audit and Member Audit Board IV, New Delhi At Kolkatta.
8 Asst. Secretary General:K. V. Nagaraju O/o Principal Accountant General (Audit), Karnataka, Bangalore

II Ex-officio Members of the National Executive

9 The General Secretary, Association of SAO (Commercial) & AO (Commercial)
10 The General Secretary, P&T Audit Officers’ & Sr.Audit Officers’ Association

III Special Invitee to the National Executive

11 N. Raveendran Pillai, O/o the Pr. Accountant General (Audit) Kerala,
12 O.P.Goel, O/o the Accountant General (A&E) Gwalior
13 Smt.Vanaja Ramabadran, O/o the Accountant General (A&E) Tamil Nadu
14 Samir Kumar Bhar, O/o the Pr. Director of Audit (Central) Kolkotta
15 S.Venkat Reddy, O/o the Accountant General (A&E) Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
16 S.Radhakrishna, Former President, All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association
17 M.Badruddin, Former Additional Secy. General, All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association

CONGRATULATIONS

On behalf of All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association and on my own behalf I salute every one who has made the strike a Success. The Central Government Officers in general and Audit & Accounts officers in particular have demonstrated conviction and courage to express that they would not fail to register their emphatic protest – along with the rest of working class of this great nation – against the policies of the government that heap miseries on the common people causing unprecedented inflation and price rise, joblessness and job loss etc. The success of the strike becomes more noteworthy on the background of the publicity on implementation of the recommendations of 6 CPC with ‘improvements’.
The audit & accounts employees and officers and the central government employees, through the massive participation in the 20th August 2008 strike have stated in unequivocal terms their determination to fight against the denial of minimum wage and fitment formula and also against the move to contractorise the jobs in the government offices. The employees and officers have understood that the 6 CPC recommendations and its implementation by the Government are nothing but the extension of the neoliberal economic policies that the successive governments are pursuing for the last nearly two decades. This realization led to massive participation despite attempts to term the strike action as a political one. The employees and officers emphatically reacted against the politics of neo-liberal economic policies.
The participation of Audit & Accounts officers in IA&AD is noteworthy especially when the administration did their best to put hurdles.
The All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association once again Congratulates every member, every activist and every leader for the successful strike on 20th August 2008.
This success against all odds gives us confidence to decide on future actions on the 6 CPC related issues.


Yours Fraternally,

S.Mohan.
Secretary General.

Circular 6 All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association

To
The National Executive Members &
The Secretaries of the Affiliates.

Dear Comrades,
Resist the Arrogance, Rebuff the dishonesty; Ensure total strike on 20th August 2008
After a wait of nearly five months, the government has finally decided to implement the 6 CPC recommendations with effect from 1st September 2008, with some minor modifications. In this era of scientific discovery and technological advancement; various tools have been created to facilitate the delivery of news materials within the country. But unfortunately our Government have found ways of abusing such facilities to spread rumours with libel intent to reduce our fighting potential. Now the government has presented before people the acceptance of pay commission recommendations itself as an act of benevolence.
The fact is that as on 1.1.2006 the employees were drawing DA at 86%. The 6 CPC did not consider the DP factor and denied the benefit of 12%, an element that is already part of the pay. This 12% that was snatched away has now been restored. This is not a bonanza; it is not at all an additional increase. It is only restoration of what is due to the employees.
But what had the Staff Side, JCM and Confederation of officers demanded with Committee of Secretaries?
Re-computation of Minimum wages based on the actual prices that existed on 1.1.2006 and on the Supreme Court ruling on minimum wages and consequential reconstruction of Pay Bands.
The Gr D entry level (the minimum wage) remains unchanged at Rs 5740. Rs 7000/- is the entry level for Gr C. Squaring it off to 7000/- means an increase of Rs 80/- after applying the multiplying factor of 1.86. (2750x1.86 +1800=6915 ie Rs 6920/-)
What we have demanded was RS 10000 for Gr D at entry level and our demand with Committee of Secretaries was (as rock bottom) application of the principle applied by
5 th CPC (increase in the net national product for 10 years) i.e. an increase of 56.2% over the pay drawn on 1.1.2006 – 4743x156.2%= 7408 adjusted to Rs 7400- with consequential changes in all stages and pay bands.
PB-1 will now start at 5200 (instead of 4860) and PB2 will start at 9300 (in place of 8700) with no change in the Grade pay – as result of increasing the fitment to 1.86 in place of 1.74. This change will no way benefit an existing employee.
Fitment formula of 2.625:
The change from 1.74 to 1.86 will bring in a marginal increase, but that is what we are drawing, nothing new in it. This only gives a benefit of another DA merger, not of a Pay Revision.
A Pay Revision would be felt actually if a uniform fitment formula is made available universally. Fitment factor of 2.625 would give uniform benefit of 41% to all up to the scale of 8000-13500. (Gr A is already granted a higher rate).
No abolition of Gr D posts, No contractorisation :
The worst type of deception is shown here. Though the statement issued by the Government states that GR D in ministerial offices and Porters in Railways would continue to be recruited, their pay scale has not been revised.
Minimum benefit of 10% on promotion& Pension:
The demand for minimum increase of 10% in pay on promotion has not been accepted by the Government. The incremental benefit of 3% is paltry. The communiqué issued by Government is silent on the recommendations of 6 CPC on Pension, parity in pension of pre-1996 and post 1996 retirees, discrimination in the grant of family pension, minimum pension and revision in ex gratia to SRPF/CPF retirees, and especially on outsourcing (i.e. doing away with) Pension Commutation.
In the nutshell, a very big fraud has been committed on us. Government is using its propaganda machinery in such a manner that reminds one of Goebel (propaganda Secretary of Adolph Hitler) – repeat a lie hundred times, it will be accepted as the truth.
When we speak of Pay, the government speaks of pay and allowances (saying that it will be more than 10,000 pm) at the minimum level up to Group B level. But while speaking of maximum pay it speaks of only Pay (80,000).
It speaks of average hike of 21%. But it would not say how much at the lower level and how much for Group A Officers. The change of Base year for DA from 1982 to 2001 would affect the quantum of DA. The move to introduce separate Consumer Price Index for Government employees is an attempt to take away the existing compensation on price rise available to us and it has to be resisted with great vigour.
The Government’s eagerness to push through the PFRDA bill in the forthcoming session of Parliament commencing on 20th September 2008 is the gravest threat to social security available to every employee in the Central Government.
The unprecedented inflation and rise in prices of the essential commodities and its accelerating trend caused due to the pursuance of the anti-people economic policies of globalization, liberalization and privatization followed by the present Government has made the life of Central Government Employees, workers and poor people miserable and unbearable. The raging inflation nullifies whatever increase in DA is granted by the Central and State Governments and will wipe out any financial benefit that might accrue to the employees because of the implementation of much awaited VI-CPC modified recommendations.
We need to rise to the occasion and give a big rebuff to Government on its neglect and denial of our genuine demands. We have to put up a strong resistance to passage of PFRDA Bill.

Ensure Total Strike on 20th August as a mark of protest against the Arrogance & Dishonesty and Fraud on us.

With greetings,

Yours Fraternally,

S.Mohan.
Secretary General

Message from the Secretary General,Confederation Of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisations.

Comrades,

Enclosed herewith is the notice served on the Cabinet Secretary by the CCGGOO for the proposed strike on 20/08/2008 on the 6th CPC issue.
All the costituent organisations of the CCGGOO are hereby requested to participate in the said strike and send a strong signal to the Govt. about our determined will to fight the injustice meted out by the 6th CPC Report.
By participating in the said strike, we shall be supporting and strengthening the CCGE&W (Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers).

Yours comradely,

Rajesh Menon
Secretary General

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
GAZETTED OFFICERS ORGANISATION
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Dated: 23.07.08

To
The Cabinet Secretary,
Rashtrapathy Bhawan Annexe,
New Delhi – 110 001.

Dear Sir,
This is to give notice that the Officers who are members of the affiliates of the Confederation of Central Government Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisations will go on a day's strike on 20th August, 2008. The Demands in pursuance of which the Officers will embark upon the one day strike action is enclosed.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,


( Rajesh Menon )
Secretary General

Charter of Demands.

1.Accept the modifications suggested by the C.C.G.G.O.O (main demand for a uniform rate of fitment @ 120% of the existing pay) or the suggestions of Staff Side JCM in the Standing Committee meeting held on 7th May, 2008 and implement the 6th CPC recommendations accordingly.
2. Afford right to strike to Government employees.
3. Withdraw the new contributory Pension scheme and extend the existing defined benefit pension scheme to all Govt. employees including those recruited after 01.01.2004.
4. Stop privatization, corporatisation and downsizing of Government department and abandon the neo-liberal economic policies.

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF Secretary General
Mumbai 42,
Dated:07.08.08.

Dear Comrades,
One of our long pending demand, i.e Removal of Anomaly in the pay scale of AOs/Sr.AOs due to revision of pay scales of AAOs /SOs with effect from 19/02/2003, is achieved.
Some of the Sr. Accounts/Audit Officers, who were promoted as Accounts/Audit Officers prior to 01-01-1996 and were drawing more pay than their junior officers are, consequent to the up gradation of pay scales of officers up to the level of Assistant Accounts/Audit officers under Head Quarters Office Order No.6/82/EIII/B/91 dated 28-02-2003, drawing less pay than their junior officers who have been promoted to the cadre of Accounts/Audit officers after 01-01-1996. The anomaly has arisen due to up gradation of pay scales of all posts except that of the Accounts/ Audit Officers and Sr. Accounts/Audit Officers. After our prolonged struggle, negotiation at various levels the C&AG Administration has finally issued orders delegating powers to all the heads of Departments (Pr.AG/AG/PDA/PD(C)) to settle these cases. We are extending our sincere thanks to C&AG administration in this regard.

S.Mohan.
Secretary General.

Circular 5 of All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association

ALL INDIA ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
(Recognised by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India)
Ref. No. 59/NGE(JCM) 27-2006(Vol-II) dt. 12-03-2007
E Mail ID ‘auditacounts@gmail.com’
Website:’auditaccountsofficers.blogspot.com’
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No. AIAAAOA/Circular/2008-09/5 01.08.2008

To
The National Executive Members &
The Secretaries of the Affiliates

Dear Comrades,

SERVE STRIKE NOTICE ON 4TH AUGUST:
----------------------------------------------------------------
STRIVE HARD FOR TOTAL STRIKE ON 2OTH AUGUST 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As per the decision of the Convention, Our federation decided to join the one day strike on 20th August 2008 on the six demands that were finalised in the joint Convention of Central and State Employees & teachers on 8th July 2008, consequent to the decision of the Central Trade Unions and Federations in a convention held at New Delhi on 13th June 2008.

The demands adopted by National convention of Central and State Government employees and University, college and School teachers on 8th July, 2008

Accept the modifications suggested by the Staff Side JCM in the Standing Committee meeting held on 7th May, 2008 and implement the 6th CPC recommendations accordingly.
Afford right to strike to Government employees
Withdraw the new contributory Pension scheme and extend the existing defined benefit pension scheme to all Govt. employees including those recruited after 1.1.2004.
Stop privatization, corporatisation and downsizing of Government department and abandon the neo-liberal economic policies.

The Demands adopted in National Convention of Trade Unions on 13 May 2008
Take urgent step to contain price-rise through (a) universalizing the public distribution system throughout the country to cater all essential commodities at controlled price through PDS, (b) ban on futures and forward trading in all essential commodities, (C) reduction of tax in petrol and diesel, (d) stringent action against hoarding and black marketing.
Strict implementation of all labour laws particularly in respect of minimum wages, working hours, social security and safety and stringent action against all cases of violations; stop contractorisation and outsourcing
Scope of the Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Bill pending in Parliament should be expanded to cover all unorganised sector workers irrespective of BPL or APL category to ensure a national minimum social security benefit for them as per unanimous recommendation of the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour with Central Govt Funding.
Farmers Loan Waiver Scheme to be extended to loans from private moneylenders; nationalized banks to extend easy credit to peasants at lower interest rate.
Lift ban on recruitment in Govt services; remove the negative and discriminatory features in the recommendation of 6th Pay Commission and finalise the same for implementation in consultation with the employees organisations; expedite regularization and grant of pension to 'gramin dak-sevaks.'
Expedite wage negotiation for the employees of Central PSUs including the contract workers without any conditionality.
This is the first time the government employees including the audit and accounts employees & officers in particular and the working class in general would be embarking upon a strike action on the issue of price rise that impacted adversely on the day to day life of the people at large. The All India Accounts and Audit Officers association cautioned the members against the plans of the present Government to accomplish the so-called unfinished agenda of neo-liberal reforms. Immediately after getting through the trust vote, the present Government had come out in its true colour. The Government could not suppress its zeal in announcing its plans for immediate measures to finish the so-called unfinished agenda of neo-liberal reforms, which obviously pertain to privatization and deregulation of financial sector - in pension, banking and insurance. The All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association felt these were designed to unleash complete deregulation to establish hegemony of private capital, both foreign and domestic, over the financial sector of the country.
Allowing voting rights for the foreign players in banking sector, unhurdled operation of foreign companies in the insurance sector and raising of the FDI cap, pushing the pension and other social security funds as fodders for speculative operations in the share market, privatisation/disinvestments of the profit-making Public Sector Undertakings etc are the retrograde measures on the anvil on the part of the present government, which could so long be stalled by the organized opposition by the entire trade union movement. The trade unions in this country denounces such overzealous posture by the present Government against taking such retrograde moves which would further throw the entire national economy deeper into the grip of speculative interests. In this background the All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association calls upon its officers to make the call of countrywide general strike of August 20, 2008 by the Sponsoring Committee of Trade Unions a total success and prepare for bigger countrywide united resistance struggle against such contemplated measures of privatization and deregulation of pension funds being touted overzealously by the present Government.
The All India Accounts and Audit Officers Association further calls upon every unit to endorse the notice that would be served to C&AG by All India Accounts & Audit Officers Association on 4th August 2008 by holding massive general body meetings.
Draft resolution that may be adopted in the GB is enclosed along with the Strike Notice that would be served to CAG.
The information regarding serving the notice may please be communicated to HQr through SMS on the same day followed by sending the copy of the notice served by post.
With warm regards,

Yours fraternally,

( S.Mohan)
Secretary General.