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PROCEEDINGS OF THE 83RD ANNUAL CONVENTION OF ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION, HELD IN RAIL KALARANG, SECUNDERABAD(S.C. RAILWAY) FROM 21-23 FEBRUARY, 2008
13 special trains and split coaches from all over the Indian Railways reached Secunderabad railway station, which was tastefully decorated. The delegates and visitors were welcomed by the Reception Committees, set up at Secunderabad and other adjoining railway stations.
On the sidelines of the AIRF’s 83rd Annual Convention, the Conference of AIRF’s All India Committee of Railway Women Workers’ commenced on 20th February, 2008, which was inaugurated by Shri Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF and presided over by Com. Smt. D. Shaleel and addressed by the General Secretary, AIRF.
The report on the functioning of AIRF’s All India Committee of Railway Women Workers’ was read out by the Convener, Smt. Tajinder Kaur, printed copies of which were also circulated. Minutes of this conference have already been circulated; however, a copy of the same is annexed with these proceedings.
Mammoth procession of railway workers’, after parading the city of Secunderabad, reached the venue of the inaugural session of the convention and joined the Open Session of the Convention.
Inaugural Session
The Inaugural Session of the 83rd Annual Convention of the glorious and victorious AIRF started at 4:30 p.m. in the spacious Hockey Stadium, RRC Grounds, Secunderabad with welcome songs and dance by S.C. Railway Mazdoor Union Women Committee’s Cultural Team and slogans which were reciprocated by thousands of railwayen from all over the country present in the Convention.
Com. Umraomal Purohit, President AIRF, hoisted the flag of AIRF in the presence of thousands of railwaymen.
Smt. N. Arundhati welcomed all the dignitaries, including S/Shri Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, J.P. Chaubey, General Secretary, AIRF, H.K. Padhee, General Manager, S.C. Railway, Nayini Narasimha Reddy, Former Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh and President, Hind Mazdoor Sabha(AP), K.L. Gupta, Working President, AIRF, P.C. Kumar, AGM, S.C. Railway, Manoj Pandey, CPO, S.C. Railway and all office bearers of AIRF.
At the outset, Shri Umraomal Purohit, Shri H.K. Padhee and others lit the lamp to mark the formal inauguration of the Annual Convention. Com. V.P.R. Pillai welcomed the dignitaries, officers, General Secretaries, Committee Members and other comrades participating in the Open Session and explained the historical importance of Hyderabad, its present all round growth and development and its bright future ahead being reckoned globally in IT buzz. He hoped, the ensuing delegate session would dwell on the most important issues being faced by the railwaymen in particular and working class in general, including the immense development in IT and tourism industry.
Celebrating the grand victory of AIRF in the historic secret ballot, fireworks illuminated the sky with colourful lights for several minutes, which added to the charm of the Open Session.
Shri Umraomal Purohit, in his inaugural address, explained the importance of the 83rd Annual Convention being held in Secunderabad, especially immediately after the historic victory of AIRF in the secret ballot elections held in November last for the first time in the history of Indian Railways while recalling the glorious history of the Federation since 1924 on the occasion. He also stated that secret ballot elections proved that the railwaymen reposed confidence in AIRF and its affiliated unions for protecting their legitimate rights and privileges.
Speaking on the New Pension Scheme, he stated that even though it was the right of any government to lay down a policy, but at the same time, the policy being made should not adversely affect the interests of those for whose sake it is made.
Speaking on the VI CPC, he stated that already memoranda had been submitted to the Pay Commission and oral evidence given. It was because of AIRF only that the VI CPC had heard the oral evidence of all categories of railwaymen. He also informed that he, along with Com. J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer, AIRF, had met the Chairman, VI CPC on 14th January, 2008 and impressed upon him the need to declare 1.1.2006 the date from which the recommendations of the Pay Commission should take effect. The railwaymen should be prepared to offer stiff resistance in case the recommendations of the VI CPC were adverse, he stated.
He added that AIRF was making all efforts to see that the balance amount on account of increase in the ceiling limit of PLB from Rs.2500 to Rs.3500 is paid and the Pay Commission submits its recommendations early.
He thanked the General Manger, South Central Railway for extending his warm greetings on the occasion and also for giving his helping hand in conducting the Convention in a grand manner. He also thanked SCRMU for the marvelous arrangements made for the Annual Convention.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri S.K. Padhee congratulated AIRF on its grand success in the secret ballot showing that the railwaymen reposed full confidence in the leadership of AIRF. He acknowledged that South Central Railway owes its progress to the support of organized labour.
According to him, so far 650 vacancies in the zone were filled with compassionate ground appointees.
On the occasion, a souvenir was released by Shri Padhee, which included messages received from the national and international trade union organizations and many important dignitaries such as Shri Lalu Prasad, Minister for Railways, Shri R. Velu, Minister of State for Railways, Shri Naranbhai J. Rathwa, Minister of State for Railways and Shri K.C. Jena, Chairman, Railway Board, etc. etc.
Bro. David Cockroft, General Secretary, ITF, in a message conveyed his greetings to all the delegates, visitors and office bearers of AIRF and also congratulated AIRF for grand victory in the secret ballot elections held for the recognition.
Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary, AIRF, congratulated SCRMU on the arrangements provided to all the delegates and others. He also stated that the hosts of AIRF’s Annual Conference next year should emulate SCRMU.
He stated that AIRF had secured 39.44% of the total votes and 44.85% of the votes polled in the secret ballot held in November 2007.
He congratulated the unions which had got single union status in their respective zones and hoped that all the zonal unions would secure the single union status in the next elections. He also stated that the federation would not hesitate to take any decision in the interest of the railwaymen.
Speaking on the VI CPC, he mentioned that AIRF was making all efforts to get the recommendations of the VI CPC implemented w.e.f 1.1.2006 for all Central Government employees.
Shri Ch. Sankara Rao, General Secretary, of the host union, felicitated all the office bearers of AIRF and thanked all the delegates and visitors.
22nd February, 2008 - Delegate Session
The Delegate Session was presided over by Shri Umraomal Purohit, which started at 11:00 hrs.
At the outset, he welcomed all the office bearers of AIRF and delegates to the 83rd Annual Convention of AIRF. He informed that the issue of allowing visitors to the Convention was discussed with all the General Secretaries, and, considering the request of the host union in the light of security problems as specified by the police, which even refused to give permission to hold the meeting, it was decided not to allow any visitor to the delegate session. He stated that the General Secretary would place his annual report before the august house, followed by the Treasurer’s submission of the audited statement of accounts and thereafter three resolutions would be moved.
After paying homage to the leaders who had departed during the period under consideration, he requested General Secretary, AIRF, to place his report before the house.
The General Secretary, AIRF, while placing his annual report before the August house, stated that AIRF’s strength had grown manifold after the historic secret ballot. He also stated that the situation in the country was contributing to the increase in unemployment, poverty and the nation was in crisis. To combat these, all railwaymen should unite and work whole-heartedly to build up a strong pressure group to meet these challenges.
The report was the narration of various facts which occurred during the period under report which is contained in 83 pages excluding the annexure, the General Secretary added.
He suggested that the delegates should go through the report minutely even after the conclusion of the session so that they are fully informed of various developments and are able to send the message down the line for the benefit of the union cadre in particular and the railwaymen in general. The report has been prepared keeping in view the situation arisen after the secret ballot and unless our cadre is well informed, they would not effectively come back and be able to answer effectively the various issues which would be raised by the unions who lost the elections.
Speaking on the payment of arrears of PLB, the General Secretary, stated that he had two rounds of discussion with the M.R. and presently the issue was before the Union Cabinet for decision.
In regard to VI CPC, the General Secretary stated that the Pay Commission was constituted only because of the leadership given by AIRF in uniting all Central Government employees for an Indefinite General Strike and he assured the House that the report which is expected to be submitted by the end of March, 2008 would be carefully studied by the AIRF and action would be taken to see that maximum benefit reaches the railwaymen and other Central Government employees.
Referring to the Draft Resolutions, the General Secretary stated that the resolutions were comprehensive and were drafted by the AIRF office after taking into consideration the various suggestions received from the affiliated unions.
The General Secretary also stated that AIRF was in favour of modernization and expansion of railway network, but it should not be at the cost of workers.
He assured that AIRF would take all possible steps to save railway workers from the onslaught of the government, which may come in the course of implementation of various measures which were in the offing for implementation. He also requested the delegates to participate in the discussion and maintain healthy tradition of AIRF in giving constructive suggestions to improve the organization and also to suggest the measures to continue the struggle.
He explained that AIRF’s objective is to improve social and financial status of railway employees across the Board which was a difficult task and the greatest possible unity is the only way to achieve this objective. Cutting short his speech, he stated that he would be happy to give more information while replying to the debate.
Shri J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer, AIRF, stated that it was great pleasure to submit the Annual Audited Statement of Accounts of AIRF for the year 2006-07 and placed the same before the Convention.
Shri Bhosale, while presenting the accounts for the year 2007, pointed out that the figure of Salaries and Allowances to officers, appearing on page number 92, General Fund Accounts for the year ended on 31.12.2007, of the General Secretary’s Report should be read as 1,02,000/- instead of 10,20,000/-, which was a typing mistake.
Resolutions
Shri C.A. Rajasridhar, Vice President, AIRF, moved the first resolution, on the victory of AIRF’s affiliates in the secret ballot, “The Verdict-Well Done Railwaymen-Secret Ballot”, explaining the historic victory like of which was never held before the secret ballot. It was seconded by Shri U.C. Tyagi, Vice President, AIRF, who first congratulated all the railwaymen for the glorious victory in the secret ballot. In the present situation, every railway worker has recognized the importance of AIRF, which in turn resulted in the victory. With the victory, the responsibility of AIRF has increased manifold and he hoped that railwaymen’s hopes would not be belied by AIRF and supported the resolution placed before the house.
Shri Rakhal Das Gupta, Asstt. General Secretary, AIRF, moved the second resolution “On the Perspective” describing the economic situation of the country, government’s miserable failure in bringing about all round development in the lives of the people of the country and advising the government not to be guided by the IMF, the World Bank and the WTO on its fiscal policies which were destined to adversely affect the lives of the common people of the country.
Shri Mukesh Galav, Asstt. General Secretary, AIRF, who seconded the resolution, speaking on the occasion, thanked the President for giving him an opportunity to second the resolution proposed by Shri Rakhal Das Gupta and stated that AIRF was preparing a strong and lasting platform for women comrades and it was for the women to make the best use of it for strengthening them socially and professionally. Appreciating the efforts of AIRF at improving the service conditions of all sections of railwaymen he expressed heartfelt thanks to AIRF while supporting the resolution.
Shri Shiv Gopal Misra, Asstt. General Secretary, AIRF, proposed Resolution No.3 “On the Problems of Railwaymen” describing the efforts made by AIRF in the settlement of the pending demands and proposing “All India Protest Week” from 7-12 April, 2008 to compel the Government and the Ministry of Railways to accede to these demands without further delay.
He stated that after a long drawn struggle, we could achieve one union in one industry at least on certain railways through the secret ballot.
He lamented that despite increase in the number of trains, there was surrender of posts to the tune of 3% every year, work was being outsourced, Group `D’ staff were not being promoted as per recommendations of Group `D’ Staff Promotion Committee, problems of Running staff were not being settled, contract working was not being abolished, difference of PLB was not being paid, the new pension scheme was not being scrapped, compassionate ground appointments were not being ordered and the recommendations of the VI CPC were being delayed.
Shri Bhosale seconded the resolution.
Shri S.K. Brahma, while supporting the resolution, moved an amendment in resolution No.3 to provide for March to Parliament during the Budget Session, which was supported by Com. Subhendu Mukherjee.
While replying to the discussion on the resolution, Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra informed the delegate session that he had discussion with Shri S.K. Brahma and proposed to add that the Standing Committee of AIRF would meet soon after All India Protest Week to decide future course of action, including decision on March to Parliament”
After the General Secretary’s Report and placing of the Resolutions, the President invited the delegates to participate in the discussion on the General Secretary’s Report and also on the Resolutions. There was lovely discussion. Many useful suggestions and criticisms were made by the delegates. The discussion continued on 23rd February also. Names of the delegates who participated in the discussion are given below:-
S/Shri Asish Biswas, S. Lawrence, M.N. Bajpayee, Daljit Singh, P.R. Menon, Eshwarlal, Harbhjan Singh Sidhu, Ch. Gandhi, R.D. Yadav, A.M. D’Cruz, Mukesh Mathur, S.D. Meena, Subhendu Mukherjee, S.K. Bhargava, P. Venkateshwarlu, Subedar Singh, B.C. Paul Roy, K.C. Roy Karmakar and Ms. D. Shaleel, Kamlesh Choudary participated in the discussion both on the General Secretary’s Report and the Resolutions.
Due to time constraint many of the delegates wanted to speak but could not do so. Their names are also given hereunder:-
S/Shri Sudama Singh, AGS/NFRMU, Sudama Prasad, President/ERMU, B.N. Bharati, ERMU, S. Singh, ERMU(Delegate), Venu P. Nair, AGS/NRMU(CR), Tribhuban Singh, VP/NRMU(CR), K.K. Mahapatra, AGS/WCREU, J. Chandra Sekhar, WREU, V. Uthirapathi, GS/WCREU, N.K. Singh, ECRKU, Govind Lal Sharma, WREU, Rajinder Singh, GS/RCF Men’s Union, R.P. Gupta, AGS/WREU, S.K. Brahma, Jt. GS/ERMU, S.K. Tyagi, Divisional Secretary, Headquarters Division of NRMU(NR), Sisir Mazumder, Jt. GS/MTPRMU, B.R. Singh, WCREU, S.K. Bose, AGS/NRMU(CR), R.V.S.S. Rao, ECoRSU and Smt. Sailesh Shukla, NRMU(NR).
The General Secretary, AIRF, while replying to the discussions in the Delegate Session, stated that the problems identified were not easy to solve as they were big issues which required time for taking decision. Already, AIRF had taken up several issues with the Railway Board and the current position on these issues has been explained in the report.
The General Secretary, AIRF, in replying to the debate explained that he was grateful to the delegates who supported the report and the resolutions in full measure and was equally grateful to those who made certain suggestions to improve certain aspects of the report and also the resolutions.
He stated that the observations made by the delegates would be kept in view while preparing next annual report.
He, however, reminded the delegates that the future was very difficult and the policy of the government to implement the policy of PPP would bring adverse conditions for railway workers and there would be greater efforts on the part of railway administration to reduce the workforce by various measures through outsourcing/privatization/contractorisation etc.
The General Secretary added that these measures needed broad based unity of all sections of the railwaymen to meet the challenges effectively, while seeking cooperation of the Central Trade Unions and like minded organizations to launch a successful struggle.
The General Secretary stated that AIRF would take all possible steps, including confrontation with the government and the railway administration to protect the interests of the railwaymen and working class.
Winding up his speech he expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the affiliated unions and union cadre all over the country in particular and the railwaymen in general who gave him immense support, love and affection during the period under report. The responsibilities of a General Secretary of a great organization like AIRF, whose membership exceeded over one million, are onerous and assured the August House that he would continue to do his best to meet the various challenges with the cooperation of the affiliated unions.
After the speech of the General Secretary and also submission of Shri S.G. Mishra on the amendment suggested by Shri S.K. Brahma, the Report and also the Resolutions, including the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year 2006 and 2007 were adopted unanimously by the Convention and M/s S.N. Mathur & Co. was appointed as Auditor.
Copies of the Resolutions are enclosed along with these proceedings.
Thereafter, the President announced that the elections of the Office Bearers and Working Committee Members of AIRF were unanimous and there was no contest. He requested Shri Rakhal Das Gupta to read these names for the information of delegates. The names of the elected Office Bearers and Working Committee Members of AIRF are given at the end of the proceedings.
While concluding the session, Shri Purohit thanked all the delegates for their cooperation and assured that in future AIRF’s Annual Conference/Convention would take necessary care to see that the visitors from various railways, who were desirous to attend the delegate session, were not disappointed.
He also thanked SCRMU for its well organized holding of AIRF’s 83rd Annual Convention on behalf of himself.
The Convention also recorded appreciation for the good arrangements of the Convention.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Sankara Rao, the General Secretary of the host union, viz. SCRMU. He congratulated all the members elected to AIRF and thanked the General Manager, South Central Railway for extending his cooperation in making the Conference a grand success. He also conveyed thanks to the catering people for their cooperation and supply of delicious food, as also to the Electricity and Water departments for the continued supply of electricity and water.
Last but not the least, he thanked all the members of S.C. Railway Mazdoor Union for their team work in making the Conference a great success
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
Click here for
List of elected Office Bearers, Zonal
Secretaries and Working Committee Members of
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
MINUTES OF AIRF WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 21-02.2008 IN RAIL KALARANG, SECUNDERABAD
The Working Committee of All India Railwaymen’s
Federation met on 21st February, 2008 in Rail Kalarang,
Secunderabad.
Com. Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, was in
the chair. According to attendance register 100 members were present in the
meeting. Names of the Working Committee Members, who were present in the
meeting, are given in the attached annexure. The meeting started from 11.00 a.m. as
scheduled.
At the outset, the President welcomed the members of the Working Committee and stated that the Working Committee has to decide the programme of the Convention and also to finalize the resolutions which have already been circulated.
Com. P.R. Menon pointed out that his resolution had not been circulated amongst the affiliated unions by the AIRF, to which General Secretary stated that the photocopies of his resolution were sent to the affiliated unions, seeking their comments on the same, vide AIRF’s letter No.AIRF/3 dated 7th February, 2008. The General Secretary arranged for the circulation of the photocopies of the resolution, received from the NRMU(CR) amongst the members of Working Committee.
Minutes of the last Working Committee Meeting, held on 23-24 December, 2007 in New Delhi, were confirmed as circulated.
After discussion, it was decided that the resolutions should be discussed in the Standing Committee Meeting of AIRF, thereafter the same should be placed before the Convention.
General Secretary’s Report along with the Resolutions was handed over to the members of the Working Committee for their consideration.
The General Secretary stated that the AIRF Working Committee, which met in New Delhi on 23-24 December, 2007, had advised the affiliated unions to send their suggestions to AIRF Office to facilitate drafting of the resolutions.
The General Secretary further stated that the suggestions received from the affiliated unions were incorporated to the extent it was considered appropriate.
Following programme of the Convention, as suggested by the Reception Committee, was briefed to the Working Committee Members:-
21.02.2008
- Open Session from 17:00 hrs., Hockey Stadium, RRC
Grounds, Secunderabad.
22.02.2008
- Delegate Session from
10:30 hrs. to 18:00 hrs., Rail
Kalarang, Bhoiguda, Secunderabad.
Cultural Programme from 18:00 hrs. to 20:00 hrs., Rail Kalarang,
Bhoiguda, Secunderabad.
23.02.2008
- Delegate Session from
10:30 hrs. to 18:00 hrs., Rail
Kalarang, Bhoiguda, Secunderabad.
Press
Conference from 16:00 hrs. to 20:00 hrs.
The President while winding up the discussion stated that the AIRF Working Committee will remain in session and would meet as and when required. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF AIRF
The Standing Committee of AIRF met in Secunderabad on 21st February, 2008 from 22:00 hrs. and lasted till 00:00 hrs.
There were serious discussions on the measures and actions to be adopted to put pressure on Government of India to stop policies of privatization/outsourcing/contractorisation, surrendering of posts, non-filling of vacancies, non-creation of additional posts for additional posts, non-payment of arrear of PLB for the year 2006-07, inordinate delay in submission of report of VI CPC.
The Standing Committee was of unanimous view that effective action for mobilization of the Railwaymen against these anti-labour measures of Government of India and Ministry of Railways was a step in this direction.
In the meeting, it was also agreed that after observance of “All India Protest Week”, from 7-12 April, 2008, AIRF Standing Committee will meet in April 2008 to review the situation and decide further course of action.
NAMES OF AIRF WORKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED WORKING COMMITTEE MEETING OF AIRF HELD ON 21-02.2008 IN RAIL KALARANG, SECUNDERABAD AND SIGNED IN THE ATTENDENCE REGISTER
1. Shri Umraomal Purohit, President/AIRF
2. “ J.P. Chaubey, General Secretary/AIRF
3. “ K.L. Gupta, Working President/AIRF
4. “ P.R. Menon, VP/AIRF
5. “ Nilmony Das, VP/AIRF
6. “ C.A. Rajasridhar, V.P./AIRF
7. “ B.C. Paul Roy, VP/AIRF
8. “ U.C. Tyagi, VP/AIRF
9. “ R.D. Yadav, VP/AIRF
10. “ Rakhal Das Gupta, AGS/AIRF
11. “ Shiv Gopal Mishra, AGS/AIRF
12. “ J. Bandyopadhyay, AGS/AIRF
13. “ N. Kanniah, AGS/AIRF
14. “ Ch. Sankara Rao, AGS/AIRF
15. “ Ch. Gandhi, AGS/AIRF
16. “ Mukesh Galav, AGS/AIRF
17. “ Salil Lawrence, AGS/AIRF
18. “ A.M. D’Cruz, AGS/AIRF
19. “ J.R. Bhosale, Treasurer/AIRF
20. “ S.K. Bose, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(CR)
21. ” Subhendu Mukherjee/WCM/ERMU
22. “ Milan K. Mukherjee/WCM/ERMU
23. “ K.C. Roy Karmakar, ZS/AIRF/NFRMU
24. “ Sudama Prasad Singh, WCM/NFRMU
25. “ V.P.R. Pillai, ZS/AIRF/SCRMU
26. “ S.N.C.Ramakrishnama Charyulu, WCM/AIRF/SCRMU
27. “ M.E. Haque, ZS/AIRF/SERMU
28. “ Gautam Mukherjee, WCM/AIRF/SERMU
29. “ S.M.S. Hossain, WCM/AIRF/SERMU
30. “ U.N. Sahi, ZS/AIRF/WCREU
31. “ B.K. Singh, WCM/ECRKU
32. “ V. Uthirapathi, WCM/AIRF/WCREU
33. “ Jaspal Singh, WCM/DCWRMU
34. “ S.K. Sahni, ZS/AIRF/DCWRMU
35. “ Vijay Kumar Sharma, WCM/DCWRMU
36. “ S.K. Tyagi, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(NR)
37. “ D.N. Chaubey, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(NR)
38. “ Lakhbir Singh, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(NR)
39. Smt D. Shaleel, WCM/AIRF/ECoRSU
40. “ N.R. Bandopadhyay, WCM/AIRF/SERMU
41. “ Saroj Dixit, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(NR)
42. “ Kamlesh Chaudhry, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(NR)
43. Shri L.N. Pathak, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(NR)
44. “ Rajbir Sharma, WCM/AIRF/RCFMU
45. “ Mukesh Mathur, WCM/AIRF/NWREU
46. “ U.C. Mishra, ZS/AIRF/NWREU
47. “ P.L. Lanjulkar, ZS/NRMU(CR)
48. “ N.K. Mahoriya, WCM/NRMU(CR)
49. “ P.P. Bari, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(CR)
50. “ A.K. Dhende, CM/AIRF/NRMU(CR)
51. “ D.B. Mahajan, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(CR)
52. “ Aditya Kr. Singh, WCM/NRMU(CR)
53. “ N.S. Yadav, WCM/AIRF/NCRMU
54. “ V.K. Yadav, WCM/NCRMU
55. “ P. Venkateshwarlu, WCM/SCRMU
56. “ S.N.P. Srivastava, WCM/AIRF/ECRKU
57. “ S.K. Pandey, WCM/AIRF/ECRKU
58. “ D.K. Pandey, WCM/AIRF/ECRKU
59. “ K.P. Singh, WCM/ECRKU
60. “ M.N. Bajpayee, ZS/AIRF/ECRKU
61. “ C. Janakiraman, WCM/SRMU
62. “ Rajesh Sharma, WCM/AIRF/NWREU
63. “ Basant Chaturvedi, WCM/AIRF/NERMU
64. “ Surendra Prasad Singh, WCM/AIRF/NERMU
65. “ Munni Lal Gupta, WCM/AIRF/NERMU
66. “ R.P. Bhatt, WCM/AIRF/NERMU
67. “ Nurul Hassan, WCM/AIRF/NCRMU
68. “ V.S. Kansana, WCM/AIRF/NCRMU
69. “ L.R. Patel, WCM/AIRF/WREU
70. “ R.P. Gupta, WCM/AIRF/WREU
71. “ R.K. Chattopadhyay, WCM/AIRF/WREU
72. “ S.N. Singh, ZS/CLWRMU
73. “ Paul Maxwell Johnson, WCM/SRMU
74. “ R. Kesavan, WCM/SRMU
75. “ S. Gopi Krishna, WCM/SRMU
76. “ Sunil Harsh, WCM/AIRF/WREU
77. “ Ramkhilawan Kumayun, WCM/WREU
78. “ M. Nageshwar Rao, WCM/AIRF/SCRMU
79. “ Shri S.N. Yadav, WCM/CLWRMU
80. “ R.P. Tiwari, WCM/CLWRMU
81. “ Radhey Shayam, WCM/AIRF/SECRMU
82. “ Manoj Behra, WCM/AIRF/SECRMU
83. “ B.B. Samantaray, WCM/ECoRSU
84. “ D.D. Chatterjee, WCM/ERMU
85. “ R.N. Prasad, WCM/AIRF/ERMU
86. “ S.K. Brahma, WCM/AIRF/ERMU
87. “ Y.G. Joshi, WCM/AIRF/NRMU(CR)
88. “ Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, WCM/AIRF/ NRMU(NR)
89. “ Rajinder Singh, ZS/AIRF/RCFMU
90. “ N. Satapathy, ECoRSU
91. “ P.S. Charan, WCM/AIRF/SCRMU
92. “ S.K. Yaseen Ahmed, WCM/SCRMU
93. “ G. Subbanarasaiah, WCM/AIRF/SCRMU
94. “ V.E. Charkhani, WCM/AIRF/SWRMU
95 “ V. Ramamurthy, WCM/AIRF/SWRMU
96. “ Asish Biswas, WCM/AIRF/NFRMU
97. “ G. Eswar Lal, ZS/AIRF/SRMU
98. “ Debatosh Roy, WCM/AIRF/ERMU
99. “ H.P. Mitra, WCM/AIRF/MTPRMU
100. “ Sisir Ch. Mazumder, WCM/AIRF/MTPRMU
Notice for the 82nd Annual Conference of AIRF scheduled to be held in Kolkata(ER) from 21st to 23rd November, 2006
Notice is hereby issued under Article 7(c) of the Constitution of All India Railwaymen's Federation that the 82nd Annual Conference of All India Railwaymen's Federation will be held in Kolkata(Eastern Railway) from 21st to 23rd November, 2006.
The following will be agenda of the Conference:-
i)
Consideration of the General Secretary’s Report;
ii)
Passing of the Audited Statement of Accounts;
iii)
Consideration of the subjects, as may be referred to the General Council by the
affiliated unions;
iv)
Consideration of the resolution; including those received from the affiliated
unions;
v)
Consideration of the amendments to the Constitution, if any proposed;
vi)
Any other matter with the permission of the Chair.
General Body meeting of All India Committee of Railway Women Workers scheduled to be held in Kolkata(ER) from 20th to 23rd November, 2006
It has been decided
by the AIRF that the General Body of All India Committee of Railway Women
Workers will meet in Kolkata(Eastern Railway) from 20th to 23rd
November, 2006, in which 165 delegates from all over the Indian Railways will
participate.
Following is
the distribution of the numbers of delegates whose names will be given by the
AIRF’s affiliated unions.
1. Northern
Railwaymen's Union, New Delhi 16
2. Western Railway Employees' Union, Mumbai
14
3. Eastern Railwaymen's Union, Kolkata
14
4. S.E. Railwaymen's Union, Graden Reach, Kolkata
09
5. National Railway Mazdoor Union,
Mumbai 10
6. Southern Railway Mazdoor Union,
Chennai 14
7. S.C. Railway Mazdoor Union, Secunderabad
11
8. N.E. Railway Mazdoor Union, Gorakhpur
06
9. N.F. Railway Mazdoor Union, Guwahati
07
10. East Central Railway Karamchari Union, Hajipur at Patna
09
11. North Western Railway Employees' Union, Jaipur
07
12. East Coast Railway Shramik Union, Bhubaneswar
05
13. South Western Railway Mazdoor Union, Hubli
05
14. North Central Railwaymen's Union, Allahabad
06
15. West Central Railway Employees' Union, Jabalpur
07
16. South East Central Railwaymen's Union, Bilaspur
05
17. C.L.W. Railwaymen's Union, Chittaranjan
03
18. I.C.F. Labour Union,
Chennai
03
19. D.L.W. Men's Union, Varanasi
03
20. M.T.P. Railwaymen's Union, Kolkata
03
21. R.D.S.O. Karamchari Union, Lucknow
02
22. Rail Wheel Factory Mazdoor Union, Bangalore
03
23. R.C.F. Men's Union, Kapurthala
03
Total 165
The names of the Railway women workers will be submitted to the respective Railway administrations by the AIRF’s affiliated unions in the Zonal Railways, Production Units and MTP Railway.Since this meeting is being held in lieu of one of the meetings of the AIRF Working Committee, all the participants of it are eligible for special leave and first class travel and return journey passes. Each union is eligible to nominate Railway women workers equivalent to the office bearers and Working Committee members of the concerned railway as provided for in the Railway Board’s letter No.E(LR)III/99/FE 2-7 Pt. dated 27.10.2004.
Since the
participants will have to travel by train reservation, it is requested to the
Board that necessary orders may kindly be issued to the GMs etc. for grant of
special leave and first class passes, as required and applicable, to the members
of the committee, so that they can make reservation for outward and inward
journey.
Three meetings of AIRF – 82nd Annual Conference, General Council and
Working Committee – 21st to 23rd November, 2006 at
Kolkata(Eastern Railway)
AIRF’s 82nd Annual Conference, General Council and Working Committee will meet simultaneously at Kolkata(Eastern Railway) from 21st to 23rd November, 2006.
3rd meeting of the AIRF’s Working Committee for the year 2006
The 3rd meeting of the AIRF Working Committee will be held in Kolkata(Eastern Railway) from 21st to 23rd November, 2006. The names of the Office Bearers and Working Committee members of AIRF are already available with the respective Railways and Production Units.
The Board have requested to issue necessary advise to the General Managers etc. of the Indian Railways to grant special leave and passes to the members of the AIRF Working Committee.
Note:
i)
Only those unions who have submitted Audited Statement of Accounts and
have paid full affiliation fee for the period ending 31.12.2005 are eligible to
participate in the Convention;
ii)
Delegation for the Convention will be on the basis of 1 for every 1000
members or part thereof, but above 500 on the membership for the year ending
31.12.2005;
(iii)
Delegation fee will be Rs.20/- each and Visitors fee will be Rs.10 each;
(iv)
Resolutions from the affiliated unions for the consideration of the Convention
should be sent to the General Secretary/AIRF at least 10 days before the
Convention;
(v)
Delegates and Visitors are requested to reach Kolkata(ERl) in the morning of 21st
November;
(vi)
The Railway Board will advise the GMs etc. for grant of special leave and passes
to the members/delegates attending the Convention;
(vii)
All enquiries regarding
arrangements should be sent to the General Secretary, Eastern Railwaymen's
Union, P&T Repeater Station Building, Howrah-711 101 Ph.2641-3646 (P&T); 22487
& 22489(Rly.); Fax No.2640-0303; Email –
kal282002@yahoo.co.in.
(viii) The
General Secretaries, all affiliated unions are requested to take necessary
action in time to advise names of the delegates from their respective unions;
(ix)
The Railway Board will be requested to arrange for running of special
trains/attaching split coaches as required by the affiliated unions, on receipt
of their requisitions;
(x)
Action
should be taken to place requisition for running of special trains/attaching of
bogies to the GMs/COMs under advice to this office.
Notice is hereby issued that the All India Committee of Railway Women Workers will meet at Moulali Yuba Kendra, Kolkata from 20th to 23rd November, 2006 along with the AIRF’s 82nd Annual Conference
All affiliated unions are requested to nominate women delegates as allotted to them. They will get special leave and first class return journey special pass. The Railway Board, vide their letter No.E(LR)III/99/FE2-7 Pt. I dated 13.10.2006, have issued orders for the same.
The affiliated
unions are requested to take immediate action to ensure grant of special leave
and passes. Women delegates are advised to reach Kolkata either on 19th
evening or 20th morning, as their meeting will start from 11.00
hrs. on 20th November, 2006.
TOP
81st Annual Convention of AIRF held in Mumbai(WR) from 16th to 18th November, 2005.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 81ST ANNUAL CONVENTION OF ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN'S FEDERATION HELD IN MUMBAI FROM 16TH TO 18TH NOVEMBER, 2005
The 81st Annual Convention of All India Railwaymen's Federation was held at Mumbai in the State of Maharashtra from 16th to 18th November, 2005, in which leaders of National and International levels participated. 11 special trains and 70 split coaches carrying thousands of delegates from different parts of the country reached Mumbai Central and Victoria Terminus on 15th and 16th morning to participate in the Convention.
The National Railway Mazdoor Union and the Western Railway Employees Union did good job to accommodate these specials on their available sidings.
Proceedings of the Convention started with a massive procession led by the leaders of the Western Railway Employees Union, which culminated into a huge gathering in the Mahalakshmi Sports Ground, Mumbai. The venue of the Convention was tastefully decorated and amidst shouting of slogans, leaders were escorted to the dais.
Com. Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, was in the Chair. The meeting started at 16.00 hrs. on 16th November. Among those who were in the dais included Bro. David Cockroft, General Secretary, ITF, Shri Naran Bhai J. Rathwa, Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways, Com. S.R. Kulkarni, President, Dock Workers’ Federation, Shri M.Z. Ansari, General Manager, Western Railway, Shri Uday Dandavate son of the late Prof. Madhu Dandavate and foreign delegates Bro. Katsuo Sato, President, National Railway Workers' Union(KOKURO), Bro. Shusaku Tsunoda, President, Japan Railway Trade Unions' Confederation (JR-RENGO), Bro. Minoru Hiranaga, Education and Publications Officer, Japan Railway Trade Unions' Confederation (JR-RENGO), Bro. Tony Donaghey, President, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, Bro. Carl Tausan, International Secretary, SEKO, Bro. Ray Knight, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, Bro. Shigeru Wada, Regional Secretary(Asia/Pacific Region) International Transport Workers Federation, Bro. Mahendra Sharma, Dy. Regional Secretary, Asia/Pacific Region, ITF and others.
The General Secretary, WREU Com. C.S. Menon welcomed the guests and delegates and sought their cooperation to facilitate the business of the Convention.
Before the start of the proceedings of the Convention, Com. Umraomal Purohit told the Convention that the late Prof. Madhu Dandavate was to inaugurate the Convention, but to our great dismay he had left for his heavenly abode on just 4 days earlier on 12th November, 2005. Adding, he said that it was an irreparable loss to the people of India in general and to AIRF in particular. He also recalled the yeoman’s services rendered by the late Prof. Dandavate inside and outside the Parliament.
Homage
He moved a Condolence Resolution(copy enclosed), paying homage to the late Prof. Madhu Dandavate on his death which was adopted unanimously with raising of slogans “MADHU DANDAVATE AMAR RAHEIN”.
The Convention also condoled the sad demise of the following leaders who died during the intervening period and prayed that their soul may rest in eternal peace.
10.11.2004 – Mr. Mohammed Abdel-Raouf Arafat Qudwgal-Hussaini(Yasser Arafat) Palestinian
leader.11.12.2004 – Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi, Queen of music.
12.12.2004 – Shri Mir Quasim, former Chief Minister of J&K.
16.12.2004 – Shri Laxmikant Berde, well-known theatre actor and comedian.
18.12.2004 – Shri Vijay Hazare, Cricket Legend.
21.12.2004 – Shri Avatar Singh Painthal, Exponent in Physiological Research and former D.G.,
ICMR.
22.12.2004 – Shri Heeralal Deopura, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
23.12.2004 – Shri Narsimha Rao, ex. Prime Minister of India.
25.12.2004 – Shri Nripen Chakraborty, veteran Marxist leader and former Chief Minister of Tripura. 03.01.2005 – Shri J.N. Dixit, National Security Adviser.
06.01.2005 – Shri Nibaram Bora, former General Secretary, N.E. Railway Mazdoor Union. 12.01.2005 – Shri Amrish Puri, prominent Bollywood actor.
17.01.2005 – Mr. Zoo Ziyang, former Chinese Communist Party leader.
19.01.2005 – Shri Mahendra Pratap, President, NFIR.
20.01.2005 – Ms Parveen Babi, famous Bollywood film actress.
22.03.2005 – Shri Gemini Ganeshan, famour Bollywood film actor.
30.03.2005 – Shri Om Prakash Jindal, industrialist and Power Minister of Haryana.
30.03.2005 – Surendra Singh, Agriculture Minister, Haryana.
30.03.2005 – Shri V. Vijan, famous Cartoonist and Writer.
03.04.2005 – Pope John Paul II.
17.04.2005 – Shri Vishnukant Shastri, ex. Governor of U.P.
24.04.2005 – Shri Lokpati Tripathi, Veteran Congress leader.
24.04.2005 – Mr. Eser Weizman, Former President of Israel.
25.04.2005 – Swami Ranganathan, President, Belurmath, Kolkata.
27.04.2005 – Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, President of Indian National Muslim League.
03.05.2005 – Lt. Gen. J.S. Aurora, Bangladesh Liberation War hero.
07.05.2005 – Shri Shyam Lal, Veteran Congress leader and ex. Vice Chairman of Rajya
Sabha.22.05.2005 – Shri Sunil Sen Gupta, General Secretary, UTUC.
25.05.2005 – Shri Sunil Dutt, Film Actor and Member of Parliament.
25.05.2005 – Shri Ismail Merchant, Film Maker.
31.05.2005 – Shri Ram Pyare Singh, Environment Minister, U.P.
18.06.2005 – Mother of Com. R.K. Gupta, AGS & Divisional Secretary, WREU and Member,
AIRF Working Committee.
18.06.2005 – Shri Mustaq Ali, famous cricketer of the yester years.
22.06.2005 – Shri S.S. Bhandari, Founder Member of Jana Sangh and former Vice President of
BJP.
26.06.2005 – Shri Eknath Sholkar, former cricketer.
08.07.2005 – Shri Nepal Dasgupta, brother of Com. Rakhal Dasgupta, GS/NFRMU &
AGS/AIRF.
09.07.2005 – Shri Rafiq Zakaria, former State Minister & Islami scholar.
12.07.2005 – Shri P.K. Vasudevan Nair, Veteran CPI leader and former Chief Minister of
Kerala.
17.07.2005 – Shri Biplab Dasgupta, Rajya Sabha Member and Veteran CPI(M) leader.
23.07.2005 – Shri C.R. Irani, Editor-in-chief of the Statesman, and champion of press freedom.
24.07.2005 – Ustad Sharafat Khan, Tabla Maestro.
01.08.2005 – Saudi King, Fahd.
11.08.2005 – Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Literary & Cultural Icon.
14.08.2005 – Mr. Kadirgamar, Srilankan Foreign Minister.
14.08.2005 – Shri H.V. Seshadri, Veteran R.S.S. leader.
09.09.2005 – Shri K.V. Surendra Nath, Veteran CPI leader and former Lok Sabha member.
18.10.2005 – Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, Education Minister, J&K, was shot dead by militants.
25.10.2005 – Shri Nirmal Verma, a famous Hindi writer.
09.11.2005 - Shri K.R. Narayanan, former President of India
12.11.2005 - Prof. Madhu Dandavate, veteran socialist parliamentarian leader
- Ramesh Singh, VP/ECRKU
- Sushil Banerjee, Ex. WCM/AIRF & VP/NCRMU
- Ms Amrita Pritamand thousands of victims of Mandhra Devi temple fire, Tsunami and Katrina waves and Rita hurricane, explosions in Egypt and London underground Railway, terrorist attack on Ram Janma Bhoomi, those killed in terrorist attack in Iraq and floods in Maharashtra, Gujarat, A.P., Karnataka, Tamilnadu and devastating earthquake that struck J&K, POK and other parts of Pakistan.
Com. Purohit in his address welcomed the General Secretary ITF, Hon’ble MOSR and the foreign delegates and guests present on the dais and the delegates and workers of the union who had come to participate in the Convention from all over the country.
Com. Purohit thereafter requested Bro. David Cockfort, General Secretary, International Transport Workers' Federation(ITF) to inaugurate the Convention. Inaugurating the Convention, Bro. David Cockroft, conveyed fraternal greetings on behalf of 5 million workers from 600 unions of 137 countries who are members of the ITF. He said that All India Railwaymen’s Federation was one of the oldest affiliates from the developing countries, having joined the ITF during India’s Freedom Struggle in the early 1930s. He said that he was happy to be at Maniben Kara Nagar where the conference was being held. Ms. Maniben Kara was a true internationalist, who played a very important role in promoting international solidarity amongst the transport workers and was the recipient of the ITF Gold Badge in 1969 at its Congress in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Bro. Cockroft appreciated the work done by Bro. Umraomal Purohit in his capacity first as the Vice Chair of the ITF Railway Section and member of the Executive Board and then since 1998 as the President of the ITF. Bro. Purohit, he said, is held in very high esteem by the transport workers all over the world and that he has played an important role in promoting ITF’s policy of Globalising Solidarity. Bro. Cockroft said that the 41st Congress of the ITF would be held in Durban in 2006 and that it was the second time that an ITF Congress was being held in a developing country, the first one being held in Delhi in 1998. The theme of the Congress in 2006, he said, would be ‘Organising Globally – Fighting for our Rights’. He informed that Bro. Purohit had expressed his intention not to seek reelection at the next ITF Congress in 2006 at Durban and added that in case he wanted to continue, he would have surely been unanimously re-elected as the President of the ITF. ITF will be honoring him with its highest award by presenting him the ITF Gold Badge at the Congress in Durban, he said.
Bro. Cockroft said that Bro. Purohit had, on several occasions, represented the ITF at the dialogue session with international financial institutions, particularly the World Bank. The World Bank had come to realise that privatisation was not the solution for the Railway system and was willing to consult the unions in the reform process. Recently the ITF had deputed one of its former staffer, Jane Barrett was working in SATAWU, to explain the Railway Unions perspective to the World Bank officials responsible for Railways, that the privatisation of the Railways had failed everywhere and that in many countries there was realisation to maintain public sector character of the Railways. ITF’s policy was that the Railways was a public service and it should remain in public ownership to provide a safe, affordable and environmental friendly transport mode to the public. Any reforms or changes to be carried out should be done in consultation with and agreement of Railway workers’ unions.
Bro. Cockroft said what the Indian Railways needed was investment to modernise the existing infrastructure and upgradation of safety system. Special provision for upgrading the skills of its employees also needed to be given priority. He said that ITF had been organising “International Railway Workers Action Day” for the last 7 years with a slogan “Safety First Not Profit”. He thanked the AIRF for its enthusiastic participation in these International Action Days programmes.
Bro. David Cockroft read the message received from Bro. Norbert Hansen, President of TRANSNET Germany and Chair of the ITF Railway Section, who was forced to cancel his trip to India at the last minute due to political developments and changes taking place in Germany and the formation of the new government. While wishing the AIRF a very successful Convention, he stressed on the need to protect the Railway system in India from the negative influence of the international financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.
After the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways Shri Naran Bhai J. Rathwa addressed the Convention and assured that he would communicate the demands for which Railwaymen were agitated to the Minister for Railways and through him to the Government of India for a negotiated settlement.
Thereafter, the following foreign delegates addressed the Convention.
Mr. Tony Donaghey, President of the National Union of Railway and Maritime Transport of Great Britain conveyed the solidarity and fraternal greetings of the Railway workers of Great Britain. He said that the railway workers in Great Britain had a disastrous experience of privatisation and they are still fighting to end it. He said that his union supported the Indian Railway workers in opposing privatisation of the Railways in India. He further said that the workers of the world are under attack from the IMF, World Bank and WTO policies on Globalisation. It is vital that the workers should unite internationally to protect the workers’ and consumers’ interests. For this, workers of the world have to unite to challenge globalisation.
Bro. Sato from KOKURO in Japan conveyed the fraternal greetings of Railway workers of Japan to AIRF, which, he said, was undoubtedly one of the most respected trade union organisations not only in India, but across the world. He said that in 1987, privatisation of Japanese Railways had taken place despite strong public opposition and a large number of members had lost their jobs and many wee still fighting for their settlements. He thanked AIRF for having supported the KOKURO’s fight against injustice and wished the Convention all success.
Bro. Shusaku Tsunoda, President of the Japan Railway Trade Unions’ Confederation (JR Rengo) conveyed solidarity greetings of his organisation. He said that privatisation of Japanese Railway system had come with its share of benefits and problems. Some of the companies privatised were in dire financial crises and their very survival had become difficult. He extended all support to AIRF’s fight against privatisation in the years to come.
Bro. Carl Tauson, International Secretary of SEKO, Sweden conveyed fraternal greetings of the Swedish Railway workers and expressed solidarity with the Indian Railway workers in their fight against privatisation.
Bro. Shigeru Wada, Regional Secretary, Asia-Pacific Region, said that privatisation of the Japan National Railways had divided the Trade Union movement but at the invitation of AIRF, there is a joint KOKURO – JRU delegation which was a very healthy development.
Com. S.R. Kulkarni, President Dock Workers’ Federation exhorted the Railwaymen to meet the offensive launched by the Government of India by refusing the appointment of the VI CPC with all India Railway Strike action.
The General Secretary, AIRF, in his hour long address explained the various reasons for the failure of negotiations with the government and refusal of the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to meet the leaders of the JCM to reach a negotiated settlement on the 15-point Charter of Demands which was submitted to them by the Joint Council of Action.
The atmosphere was surcharged and the house responded by raising slogans in favour of the Railway strike. “AIRF Zindabad, “Workers’ Unity Zindabad”, “Harzor Zulm Ki Takkar Main Hartal Hamara Nara Hai”, “Com. Umraomal Zindabad, Com. Chaubey Zindabad”, “Hamari Mangen Leykar Rahenge”.
The General Secretary appreciated the good arrangements made by WREU for hosting the Convention and also expressed his gratitude to the guests who had responded to the Federation’s invitation and had addressed the Convention. He also said that the AIRF got inspiration from the large number of messages received from the National and International organisations and expressed his gratitude for the same.
The President, before closing the Inaugural Session, explained to the Convention that the situation was very serious and the Railwaymen would have to prepare along with other Central Government employees for a joint strike, and unless Railwaymen were fully mobilised for their participation in the general strike, there would not be any meaningful negotiation with the Government for a bilateral settlement.
The President thanked the guests and the delegates and adjourned the meeting, announcing that the Delegation Session would meet on 17th November from 10.00 a.m.
General Body meeting of the All India Committee of Railway Women Workers
On the side line of the 81st Annual Convention of the AIRF,the General Body of the All India Committee of Railway Women Workers met on 16th November, 2005 from 10.00 a.m. in Maniben Kara Foundation, Grant Road, Mumbai, in which about 450 women delegates from all over the Indian Railways took participation. The General Secretary, AIRF along with other leaders was also present in the Conference. A brief report of the Conference is annexed along with these proceedings.
17th November, 2005 – Delegate Session
The Delegate Session began, as was scheduled, with Com. K.L. Gupta, Working President, AIRF in the chair.
The General Secretary, AIRF in his 45 minutes speech placed his report before the house which had already been in the hands of the delegates. The General Secretary explained in brief what he had explained in his report and concluded by saying that the Railway strike had become inevitable.
Accounts
The Annual Statement of Income and Expenditure which was already circulated through the General Secretary’s Report was presented by Com. J.R. Bhosale, the Treasures of the Federation.
The resolution “On the Perspective” was proposed by Com. Rakhal Das Gupta and seconded by com. B.C. Paul Roy. The second resolution “Charter of Demands” was proposed by com. S.G. Mishra and seconded by com. Mukesh Galav. Com. P.R. Menon requested that he would move an amendment to the resolution, which he did later.
Thereafter, discussion on the General Secretary’s Report and the Resolutions started in which the following leaders participated:-
S/Shri Ch. Sankar Rao, Shyam Budholia, U.C. Mishra, Basant Chaturvedi, P.R. Menon, Subhash Singh, Champa Verma, S.N. Mandal, Harbhajan Singh, S.K. Brahma, R.K. Chattopadhyaya, Asharam Purohit, R.D. Yadav, Shantanu Bhattacharjee, Dilip Mukherjee, Rajinder Singh, Subhendu Mukherjee, K.C. Roy Karmakar, S.N. Singh, B.G. Ramesh, V.P.R. Pillai, B.R. Singh, Chitra Devi, S.N.C. Ramakrishnama Charyulu.
The amendment moved by Com. P.R. Menon was considered by the mover of the resolution and his suggestions which were in consonance with the spirit of the resolution were accepted by the mover of the resolution. Com. Menon while speaking on the amendment stated that he had proposed the amendment to provoke discussion and this purpose had been served.
18th November, 2005 – Discussion on the General Secretary’s Report
The discussion on the General Secretary’s Report continued on the 18th November, in which many delegates participated.
The General Secretary, while replying to the debate, stated that he was happy that there had been constructive suggestions and those delegates who participated in the debate were full of enthusiasm to meet the offensive of the government by organising a massive strike.
The General Secretary stated that the Joint Council of Action, of which he was the Convener, made several attempts for a negotiated settlement, but government’s response was completely negative. The AIRF and the JCA were prepared for a negotiated settlement on the Charter of Demands, he said, and continue to do so, as Railway strike causes immense loss to the exchequer and avoidable hardship and inconvenience to the rail users.
The General Secretary further added that the constructive approach of the Railwaymen and AIRF and their good industrial relations for over 30 years should not be considered as weakness by the government. He referred to the mobilisation of the Central Government employees of September, 1997 which had forced the government to go in for a negotiated settlement by appointment of a Group of Ministers, which ultimately resulted in avoiding the strike and reached a settlement.
Winding up the debate, the General Secretary stated that the J.C.A., consisting of all the Central Government Employees’ Organisations which are the constituents of the National Council(JCM) and all the Central Government employees were represented on the J.C.A. He however, added that much depended on the preparation for strike. Therefore, he called upon all the Railwaymen to unite for a massive strike in case government continued to refuse to come to a negotiated settlement.
After the reply of the General Secretary, the Resolutions(copies already sent), General Secretary’s Report and Accounts were unanimously adopted along with the Strike Resolution accompanied by loud slogans “AIRF Zindabad, “WREU Zindabad, “Workers’ Unity Zindabad”, “Hamari Mangen Leykar Rahenge”, “Comrade Purohit Zindabad”, Comrade Chaubey Zindabad”.
The Office Bearers, Zonal Secretaries and Members of the AIRF Working Committee were elected unanimously:-
The Convention placed on record, the very good arrangements made by the host union (WREU) for the delegates and the union workers who go in large number.
The Chairman thanked the delegates and the leaders for their cooperation in conducting the business of the House and also passing the resolutions unanimously and looked forward to see that the Action programme decided by the Convention would be implemented in true spirit.
The Convention ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE ALL INDIA COMMITTEE OF RAILWAY WOMEN WORKERS - Click here
CONDOLENCE RESOLUTION on the sad demise of Prof. Madhu Dandavate on the fateful evening of 12th November, 2005.
The 81st Annual Convention of All India Railwaymen's Federation held in Mumbai from 16th to 18th November, 2005 expresses its heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Prof. Madhu Dandavate on the fateful evening of 12th November, 2005.
It is sad, he was scheduled to inaugurate this Convention and instead of his inaugural speech, we have to adopt this Condolence Resolution on his sad demise in the same city of Mumbai.
Prof. Dandavate was born on 21st January, 1924 at Ahmed Nagar(Maharashtra) synchronised with the birth of AIRF, his name was synonymous with AIRF in the decades history of AIRF.
He had a colourful life. While in college, he joined “Quit India Movement” in the year 1942. He joined the Congress Socialist Party in the year 1946 being imbibed by Acharya Narendra Dev and Achut Patvardhan. He was elected five times in the Lok Sabha from Rajapur Constituency of Maharashtra State right from 1971. Both he and his wife Pramila Ji were elected in the 7th Lok Sabha in the year 1980. He actively participated in the Goa Liberation Movement.
During dark days of the Emergency, he was sent to prison by Indira Gandhi Government. With the recalling of Emergency, election for the 6th Lok Sabha was called. He was elected from the same Rajapur Parliamentary Constituency and sworn in as the Minister for Railways on March 23, 1997. While presenting Railway Budget before the Parliament on March 28, he declared in his budget speech that the Railwaymen those who were dismissed/ removed/suspended from service during May 1974 Railway strike would be reinstated back in the services and all punishments meted out to them would be cancelled. Thousands of Railwaymen were still remained dismissed/removed/suspended from services and punishment was inflicted on lakhs. There was all out jubilation. On April 6, 1977, the Railway Board, as per the budget speech, issued orders. It was stipulated in the order that there should be no delay and the entire orders should be implemented by April 30, 1977 and compliance sent to the Railway Board on 18th May. It was also made clear in the orders that the delay in implementing the orders will not be condoned. Accordingly orders were implemented well before and entire period of May’74 strike was treated as Leave Due. During his tenure as Railway Minister, the first restructuring process started and orders were issued. De-casualisation of the casual labour started, orders for the appointment of wards on compassionate ground were issued. Labour Participation in Management in the form of CEG now PREM was introduced at the zonal and workshop levels during his tenure as Railway Minister. But when his proposal for granting bonus to the Railwaymen could not be approved by the Cabinet, he wanted to resign, the Prime Minister told him to sanction similar amount on staff welfare and accordingly Rs.15 crores were sanctioned as Special Fund for staff welfare works.
In the election for the 9th Lok Sabha, he was again elected from the same Rajapur Constituency and became the Finance Minister in the National Front Government headed by Shri V.P. Singh.
His association with the Railway Trade Union Movement was long. He moved a non-official bill in the year 1972 on the floor of the Parliament for granting bonus to all the industrial workers in Government Sector. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated in the Parliament. On October 8, 1972, he inaugurated the Bonus Convention convened by the AIRF in Gandhi Peace Foundation Hall, New Delhi.
During strike negotiation in September 1997, Dandavate Ji participated on behalf of the Government as Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission.
Since 1977 he inaugurated the Annual Convention of AIRF. In the 1997 Lucknow Convention, even with fractured leg he came down to Lucknow to inaugurate the Platinum Jubilee Convention of AIRF.
He wrote several books and some of them are - Book on J.P., Dialogue with Life. Dialogue with Life was released on October 9, 2005 at India International Centre, New Delhi, which was presided over by Shri V.P. Singh, former Prime Minister. Besides, S/Shri H.D. Deve Gowda, Indra Kumar Gujral and many other distinguished personalities were present. The book revealed sensitive and strong human being who was ignited by, as he said, less with passion but more with compassion with accountability for oneself in upholding moral values and as one who does not consider his bitterest opponent as enemy. It is the firm belief of these human values, which filters through the text both implicitly and explicit