OFB JCM III level council meeting and APC meetings held on 20, 22 & 23 November, 2017
INDWF/JCM III OFB/2017
Date: 01.12.2017
To
All Affiliated Unions of INDWF in OFB,
Office Bearers, Working Committee Members & Special Invitees
OFB JCM III level council meeting and APC meetings held on 20, 22 & 23 November, 2017 held at OFB Hqrs Kolkatta.
On
21.11.2017 the Piece work Correlation sub-committee meeting held at
Kolkatta under the Chairmanship of Shri A.K. Agarwal, Sr. GM. OF
Khamaria at OFB Hqrs, Kolkatta
The brief of discussions, progress
and the outcome in the meeting are given below. Further, the 4th APC
meeting discussions and proposals for the future of the Ordnance
Factories is also given for the information of all the affiliated
unions.
Discussions and the decision of the JCM III level meeting held on 20 & 22, November 2017.
1) FILLING UP OF VACANCIES BY PROMOTION IN ORDNANCE FACTORIES
After the rationalisation of posts in respect of Industrial Employees
and Non-Industrial Employees sanctioned strength, large numbers of
vacancies have arised in Ordnance Factories in addition to the normal
recurring vacancies. Some factories have completed the exercise of
conduction DPC/Trade Test and filled the vacancies. Whereas, some
factories refused to fill the vacancies due to pending case before
Hon'ble Supreme Court of India on the subject reservations in promotion
treatment of SC/ST candidates promoted on their own merit. In the JCM
III meeting it was raised and demanded that the promotions are to be
effected based on the clarification given by DOP&T OM No.
36012/11/2016-Estt (Res) Dt. 30.09.2016.
The issue was discussed
and OFB vide their letter No.CP(c) Np314/2016/Per/Resv(SCT) Dt.
20.11.2017 directed all Ordnance Factories as mentioned below:
"DOP&T
OM No.36012/11/2016-Estt(res) Dt 30.09.2016 clearly indicates that the
policy of effecting promotions to reserved categories persons to
unreserved post is sub-judice in the Hon'ble Apex Court of India and
till such time that the SLP's are decided by the Hon'ble Supreme Court,
while considering promotions, the DOP&T OM Dt 10.08.2010 and Railway
Board circular No. 14.09.2010 on the subject reservation in promotion
treatment of SC/ST candidates promoted on their own merit, are to be
relied upon".
Factories are requested to effect the promotions accordingly, for which necessary instructions may please be issued.
(Copy of the OFB letter posted in Comnet of OFB Dt 2.11.2017 in Per/Reser (SC/ST)
2) TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE AFTER 7TH CPC
Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure,
vide their OM NO. 19030/1/2017-EIV Dt 13.07.2017 issued revision of
Travelling Allowance rules for the employees which are applicable w.e.f.
01.07.2017 i.e., Travel entitlements within the country
- Entitlement for Journeys by ‘Sea or River Steamers
- Mileage allowance for journey by Road
- TA on Transfer
- TA entitlement of Retiring employees
It
was made a request by INDWF that the above order has been circulated by
Ministry of Defence. Department of Defence D(Civ-I) vide their letter
Dt 17.07.2017 for implementation, but the same has not been circulated
by OFB to the Ordnance Factories for giving effect, and grant the
revised benefits on these allowance. OFB has confirmed that the above
orders in this respect have been recently issued through Comnet to
Ordnance Factories this order can be downloaded from Comnet of Ordnance
Factories and can avail the benefits w.e.f. 01.07.2017.
3) GRANTING OF ONE TIME RELAXATION IN RESPECT OF LTC CLAIMS FOR RE-IMBURSEMENT UNDER LTC 80 SCHEME.
The issue of granting relaxation in respect of the Defence Civilians
employees was taken up with MOD and DOP&T to grant one time
relaxation under LTC 80 Scheme. DOP&T vide their ID note No.
1193324/2016-Estt(A-IV) Dt 13.01.2017 and 03.07.2017 have advised the
administrative ministry department to examine each case on the certain
broad parameters/criteria and where it is satisfied to grant relaxation
as prescribed by DOP&T. The same was circulated by MoD letter dated
18.07.2017 for examination of individual cases and proposals on these
lines. In this respect, there are large numbers of cases, the final
claims have been rejected and recovery has been effected by Ordnance
Factories on the closed cases. It was demanded that OFB needs to issue
necessary letters to Ordnance Factories to grant one time relaxation by
verifying the cases/claims on case by case and accordingly it should be
disposed, till such time the recovery should not be effected with penal
interst.
OFB has replied that necessary instructions were given
still remainders will be issued to process the cases by granting
relaxation under LTC-80 Scheme.
4) INDUSTRIAL RELATION PROBLEMS AT RIFLE FACTORY, ICHAPORE
It was mentioned that IR problems at RFI is creating severe
discontentment among unions and employees. RFI management after the
theft of some pistol components have arrested the concerned people but
imposed restriction on unions. Works Committee Society members etc and
total activities of welfare matters have been stopped. The production is
not very appreciable the targets are far below than the expected level.
RFI management instead of concentrating on production productivity
affairs they are only serious about distrubing the IR. This needs to be
interfered for restoration of peace and of IR. Member WV&E &
Chairman assured that is would be reviewed and settled and at the same
time requested the Federation to advice the respective unions to extend
the co-operation to the present General Manager who is retiring on
30.11.2017.
5) DIRECT RECRUITMENT OF GROUP ‘C' AND LOCE FOR CM
The Ordnance Factories had sanctioned posts for Direct Recruitment an
Industrial and Non-Industrial category to each Ordnance Factories and
the job is entrusted to OFRC. It was claimed although necessary written
test have been conducted in respected of Group ‘C' post in each Ordnance
Factories but the results are abnormally delayed which raises
apprehensions. The delay may lead to some kind of manipulations. The
Staff side raised this issue and demanded to finalise without any
further delay and time limit should be fixed after conducting the
written examination. OFB assured necessary steps would be taken to
release the results at the earliest.
6) DISTANCE EDUCATION
Distance Education Diploma (Technical) obtained from various
educational institutions were denied on the plea that these institutes
are not recognised by AICTE. Recent judgement of Supreme
Court was
issued.It was demanded that OFB should in consultation with AICTE and
UGC needs to declare the institutes which are authorised to declare
distance education diplams. Further the Diplomas already obtained from
the Distance Education institution may be recognised for promotion
purpose.
7) GRANTING OF NIGHT DUTY ALLOWANCE BY REMOVING THE CEILING LIMIT
After raising the issue at MoD for lifting the ceiling of NDA i.e.,
Rs.12380/- (BP +DP on 6th CPC) was agreed and instruction were issued by
OFB and CGDA on this issue. INDWF demanded OFB to issue necessary
instructions notifying the categories both Non-Industrial Employees and
NGO's who are performing Night Duty in Ordnance Factories. Industrial
Employees are fully eligible without ceiling, for Non-Industrial
Employees and NGO's they have assured on 21.11.2017 the notification was
issued by OFB with the concurrence of PC of A (Fys) which has been
uploaded in the Comnet of OFB. This may be downloaded from the comnet
and claim is allowed to get the benefit even in the past.
8) 3% INCREMENT ON FIXATION OF PAY FOR MCM ON THEIR PROMOTION TO CM (TECH)
Though MoD has already approved and granted 3% increment for MCM on
their promotion to CM (Tech) having higher responsibility from
Industrial to Supervisory post but the same has not been accepted by PC
of A (Fys) yet, on the reasons that MCM is not the feeder category to
Chargeman as per the existing SRO. After discussion PC of A (Fys) agreed
to review and grant 3% increment for the promotee CM from MCM.
9) OVERTIME PAYMENT CALCULATION
At present Overtime Allowance is being calculated based in the VI CPC
pay scale due to the Overtime Allowance has not been granted on the VII
CPC pay scale. It was raised in the meeting that even VI CPC pay scale
the annual increments, promotional pay, MACP benefits on pay have not
been taken into account for calculation of Overtime Allowance. The pay
on 01.07.2016 is only taken for calculation of Overtime bacause PC of A
(Fys) have made package on that day. It was demanded that the package is
to be revised to add all this earning for calculation of Overtime
Allowance as on accruing benefits PC of A (Fys) revise the package
taking into account of all these earnings.
10) JCM IV LEVEL FUNCTIONING
National Council JCM, Departmental Council JCM, OFB level JCM in all
these forums Finance and Accounts official responsible for taking
decisions are participating regularly, whereas in JCM IV level it has
been informed by local union that the official from finance and accounts
are not participating are they are deputing the auditors only who are
not having any authority to take any decision. In this issue it was
deliberated PC of A (Fys) agreed to issue necessary instruction to
depute not less than Accounts officer.
11) OPERATION OF PROMOTIONS FROM CM TO JWM
The issue was discussed and demanded that the vacancies in the JCM are
not filled for last 3 to 4 years. Therefore, it was demanded that the
existing vacancies needs to be filled immediately. If there is any
discrepancy of seniority in CM and also the senior people are left out,
it can be considered for promoting through review DPC; because of
discrepancy in seniority the total promotion should not be delayed. OFB
agreed on 20.11.2017 and accordingly 1203 promotions have been
effected/granted and the order has been issued on 21.11.2017. It was
further discussed that Electrical and Clothing technology no promotions
were ordered to JWM. It was requested that they may also be considered
for promotion in order to maintain parity which can be adjusted in the
future vacancies of JWM. This was agreed to reconsider.
12) GRANTING OF FIXATION OF PAY UNDER FR 22(a)(i)(a)
In the absence of clarity after VII CPC for fixation benefit on
promotion was not granted since DOP&T has issued necessary orders
that provision of fixation of Pay under FR 22(a)(i)(a) existing. It was
demanded that the provision of FR 22(a)(i)(a) for granting fixation of
pay or promotion be implemented. OFB agreed to implement the same.
13) DISPOSAL OF DISCIPLINARY CASES OF MCM AT FACTORY LEVEL
After VI CPC those who have been granted Rs.4200/- Grade Pay they were
classified as Group ‘B'. Though their appointments are given by the
General Manager as appointing authority by their disciplinary cases are
being dealt by OFB and disposal of their Disciplinary cases are dealt by
Chariman OFB. Since the number of persons are quite large and for
dealing large number of cases of OFB. Since the number of persons are
quite large and for dealing large number of cases by OFB takes lot of
time and delay of disposal of cases makes more time. It was demanded by
INDWF, the Chairman OFB should delegate power to Sr. General Manager /
General Manager as disciplinary authority to handle the disciplinary
cases at Factory level.
14) Regarding the declaring
results of LDCE which was held in the year 2016 are not yet released
because of pending Court Case at Madras CAT. The case will be
expedited however OFB has clarified that to avoid litigation in the
Direct Recruitment LDCE the answer key after examination will be
declared in the public domain so that the candidates can verify the
right answers and if any complaint is reported that would be rectified
if found genuine. This practice is followed after this exercise only the
results will be declared.
15) ACCUMULATION OF EARNED
LEAVE BEYOND 300 DAYS UPTO 315 FOR INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES AT PAR WITH
NON-INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES AND NGO'S
It was represented by
INDWF that accumulation of leave upto 300 days for Industrial Employees
was agreed by Government of India and orders were issued during November
2016. Whereas the disparity in respect of leave accumulation upto 315
days after June of every year is not allowed. This may be considered to
include 15 days beyond 300 between July and December. This was agreed to
reconsider.
16) PAYMENT OF TIME WAGES (DOT) FOR PIECE WORKERS FOR 3 ¼ HOURS
The payment of Time wages for Piece workers between 44 ¾ and 48 hours (
3 ¼ Hours) on Saturdays which was paid till March 2006 was stopped
w.e.f. 01.04.2006. This needs to be restored justifying the reasons for
payment of Time wages for Piece workers was submitted by the Staff side
to JCM and was discussed. Two Sub-committees from Official side was
formed, their reports are not in favour. Finance of OFB refused to
recommend. Staff side jointly made a request; OFB should discuss in the
Board meeting and may be forwarded to M of D despite finance refused. It
was agreed by OFB to forward the proposal after duly approved in the
Board meeting.
17) INCENTIVES FOR EXAMINERS
The issue of granting payment of incentive to Examiners at par with
Maintenance workers i.e., 50% of the factory average who recommended by
the Sub-committee of JCM III. The second part for extending to other
employees is kept pending. Though the Board had agreed for granting of
incentive to Examiners, OFB finance did not agree. It was demanded to
refer to M of D for their approval. The same was agreed by OFB.
18) FILLING UP OF VACANCIES AGAINST COMPASSIONATE APPOINTMENT QUOTA
Ordnance Factories are not filling the 5% of vacancies in a Recruitment
year. It has been informed to OFB that many factories are not filling
the compassionate appointments for the last few years. The same was
agreed and OFB vide their letter No.039/(6) Comp.Appt/Per/Policy Dt
29.11.2017 issued instructions to Sr.GMs/GMs directing to make all out
efforts to fill up pending Compassionate appointment vacancies at the
earliest.
19) TRANSFER POLICY OF GROUP ‘C' INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES AND NON-INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES
Thousands of employees appointed in various factories through Direct
Recruitment away from their hometown. They are making claims and
approaching different levels politically and Trade Union/Federations.
Very few are getting through but large numbers of employees are denied.
The
issue was discussed in JCM III and a committee is formed from official
side. The proposals submitted by Federation is under consideration on
Transfer of the following methods.
- Compassionate grounds
- Transfer of the employees whose spouse is working away from them
- Mutual Transfers
- Public Transfer etc
The
committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Rajveer Singh, DDG/Co-ord, OFB
New Delhi office will submit the report and policy will be finalised
and implemented.
20) SETTLEMENT OF TA/DA BILLS IN RESPECT OF EMPLOYEES OF OF CHANDA
Large numbers of employees including Industrial employees were deputed
on deputation to carry out Official/Factory work to different places at
far of places including border areas. The bills produced for stay and
food were not approved after lapse of 2-3 years by local accounts for
want of VAT/Registration No and made recoveries of advances with penal
interest. Many are retired employers. It is requested to sanction the
bills based on the 5th CPC rates without production of bills and settle
the cases. PC of A (Fys) were requested to issue instructions to LAO to
settle the cases which was agreed to review and settle.
21) CRITERIA FOR AFFIXING REVENUE STAMP
After creating electronically generated bills and payment made through
ECS, the revenue stamp affixing was dispersed. But, whereas some
factories are insisting to affix revenue stamp beyond
Rs. 25000/-
and some factories are insisting beyond Rs. 5000/-. It is requested PC
of A (Fys) to give the clarifications and instruction to LAOs, OFB about
this issue.
Source: INDWF
