OTHER NON-CORE MATTERS IN REGARD TO BANK EMPLOYEES WAGE REVISION-2015 - 2ND ROUND OF TALKS ON 16th & 17th March,2015

The following information received from COMRADES from" AIBEA" 

What AIBEA circular Says	The Impact on the Existing Rules
Units and members are aware that our charter of demands includes demands on improvement in various service conditions apart from increase in wages. Prior to the signing of the Minutes of Discussion on 23-2-2015, there were two rounds of discussions with the IBA on these issues. Yesterday i.e., on 17.03.2015, one more round of discussions took place, during which understandings have been reached on the following issues:-  [We have re-arranged the points so that it becomes easier for analysis / discussion ]	There is no need for explanation as it gives only the background
ENCASHMENT OF LEAVE:   1)     The benefit of encashment of Privilege Leave will be available even in the cases of resignations from the Bank after 20 years of service as well on loss of job due to punishments (other than cases of punishment of Dismissal and cases where there is loss to the Bank). 2)     Privilege Leave can be accumulated upto 270 days (as against the existing ceiling of 240 days). However, encashment upto 240 days would continue as at present.	1)     This is a good development and benefit       the bankers who wish to resign / who lose       job due to punishment (except is given).         However, this will not allow benefit to         youngsters who change job before 20 years        of service.   It will have some financial        implications for banks but existing rules for unjustified.                2) Although now PL is likely to be allowed  to accumulated upto 270 days but it will not  benefit bankers at the time of resignation /  retirement as encashment will be allowed  only upto 240 days.  No additional financial  burden to banks, rather some retiring bankers  may forgo some leaves as these will not be encashable.   Banks are likely to gain  financially from this move.

Leaves :  1)    LEAVE: The present stipulation that Casual Leave (CL) upto 4 days can be availed continuously provided the total absence including Sundays and holidays does not exceed more than 6 days would be deleted. 2) Presently Unavailed Casual Leave (UCL) can be availed for a day without production of medical certificate. In addition UCL may be availed without production of medical certificate for 4 days at a time once in a year or 2 days at a time twice in a year. 3) Privilege Leave (PL) can be availed on 4 occasions in a year (as against 3 occasions at present). 4) 15 days' Notice would be sufficient to avail Privilege Leave (as against 30 days' notice at present). 5) Privilege Leave can be accumulated upto 270 days (as against the existing ceiling of 240 days). However, encashment upto 240 days would continue as at present.	It is good move by Banks as these  were small irritants which did not allow flexibility to the bankers to avail what is due to them.   They will have now much better flexibility  However, there is a need for caution as  small percentage of bankers who are habitual of taking  leave without any concern for bank work, will misuse these and other staff  members are likely  to feel the pinch of the changes  as such  habitual offenders will flex their muscles to avail these at times when bank needs them the most.  Thus,  there will be need for balancing the right to leave vs work load to be suffered by other staff  members on account of such misuse by small number  but repeat offenders. No additional financial burden on banks on  account of these flexible norms, but good for majority of the bankers.
Special Sick Leave with Salary for a maximum period of 30 days would be sanctioned to an employee while on hospitalisation for donation of kidney or any organ.	Very Good move as it will encourage  people for donation of organs to the needy.
Maternity Leave / Paternity Leave :  1)     Maternity Leave for legal adoption of a child would be 6 months (now 2 months)  2)    The facility of Maternity Leave would also be available to a biological mother in cases where the child is born through surrogacy.  3)     Paternity Leave would be extended on the lines of Government employees i.e. 15 days at a time on 2 occasions. 4)     Part time employees would also be entitled to Maternity Leave for adoption and biological mothers 5)     Maternity Leave, within the overall entitlement, would be granted for 60 days (now 45 days) in the case of hysterectomy.	(1), (2), (3) and (4)  are in line with the  changed circumstances of the society and is a progressive move by banks as  we need to amend our rules with the changes in the society norms.   Paternity  leave will be a boon for young staff. (5) This will give more flexibility to ever  increasing  young female staff.
Other Leaves :   1) Study Leave upto 2 years would be sanctioned to workmen employees as available to officers. 2) Sabbatical Leave for women employees would continue to be extended on the lines of government guidelines. 3) Sabbatical Leave for male employees would be referred to the Government for consideration. 4) Extraordinary Leave (without Pay) would be sanctioned upto a max. of 720 days during the entire service (as against the existing ceiling of 12 months). 5) Special Casual Leave for absence due to curfew would include exigencies like riots, prohibitory orders, natural calamities. 6) Special Leave for Sports activities, trekking, mountaineering, etc, would be dealt with at each Bank level.	These are again flexible norms now  being allowed to the bankers who may  like to avail of these facilities as per  their needs. However, there is no financial burden  on the banks.
INTRODUCTION OF LEAVE BANK:   System of Leave Bank would be introduced by which employees can voluntarily donate a part of their entitled leave to a common pool from out of which leave with salary would be sanctioned to employees who are compelled to be on prolonged leave due to treatment of major diseases/accidents and other contingencies beyond their control and where such employees have exhausted all their leave	Excellent move as it will help the needy  employees who fall ill for prolonged periods. However,  Banks are likely to frame strict rules for availing leave from such a pool so that its misuse is stopped.   I think UFBU may ask IBA to transfer all the PL remaining unavailed / not encashed at the time of retirement be automatically transferred to  this pool.  This itself create a big pool of leave as now employees will accumulate 270 PLs but encashment will be only for  240 days.
Other Issues :    a) Diem Allowance: Diem Allowance payable while on travel on duty would be revised upwardly and quantum would be finalised in the next meeting. b) When employees travel on duty to another station and stay in a hotel, the room rent would be reimbursed; the eligible rates would be finalised in the next meeting. c) Transportation of goods while on transfer: An employee while on transfer from one station to another can transport his personal effects by train or road (even if the places are connected by train) upto the stipulated weights by an IBA approved Transport Operator. d) Dependents' Income Criteria: Income limit to define a dependent would be Rs. 10,000/- per month (as against the existing Rs.3,500/- p.m.)	All these are good moves and in line with  the needs on account of inflation, more  frequent transfers etc.
Pension for part time employees:   The entire service period would be taken for arriving at eligible pension instead of pro-rata service.	Very good news for part time (senior )  employees as they will be able to get  higher pension
Other Facilities :   Compensation for Breakages: Compensation for losses due to breakages or damage to goods while transporting would be reimbursed as under: Existing amount on production of receipts for Clerks - Rs.1120 to be revised as Rs.1500 Existing amount on production of receipts for Substaff - Rs.745 to be revised as Rs.1000 Existing amount without production of receipts for Clerks - Rs.745 to be revised as Rs.1000 Existing amount without production of receipts for Substaff - Rs.560 to be revised as Rs.750 24) Travel on Duty/on transfer: Existing for Non-Subordinate employees 1st Class to be revised as AC 2 Tier Existing for Subordinate employees 2nd Class to be revised as AC 3 Tier	All these are good moves and in line  with the needs on account of inflation,  more frequent transfers etc.
Last Paras :  Important issues like construction of revised Pay Scales, revised DA formula, HRA rates, Transport Pay, introduction of Grade Pay, revision of Special Pay, LFC, revision in other allowances, retirees' issues, etc. and other issues/ demands would be taken up for discussions in the subsequent rounds of meetings. Further development on these issues will be informed to members in due course.	This gives the future agenda for  the meetings.

We express our sincere thanks to the AIBEA for sharing news through it's blog.

REQUEST TRANSFERS OF SCALE-I OFFICERS IN NEW INDIA

 Dear Friends, 

All of you are aware that fresh lot of recruitment  of Scale I officers in New India is on the anvil.In all expectation, final posting will be done from Head Office. 

I request you all  to  remind all those of Scale I officers at your place who have completed 3 years in the same station and seeking transfer to other RO. to submit transfer application immediately. 

These officers must submit their Transfer Application in Format  to the respective Regional In-charges through proper channel  for onward transmission to H.O  CORP HRM  . Pl. collect the names of such officers and inform me within 7 days. 

Thanking you, 

Sujit Bagchi  

GEENERAL SECRETARY

 NFGIE

MORE ON INSURANCE LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2015

The insurance bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday(on 13.3.2015), paving way for foreign companies to raise their stake in domestic insurance companies to 49 per cent. The passage of the bill is being hailed as a big positive for the country as it increases India's visibility among foreign investors.

This article focuses on the impact of the new insurance bill for policyholders:

1) One new provision in the insurance bill is being considered to be "retrograde" for policyholders. The onus to prove that a wrong statement was not made at the time of taking the policy would lie with the policyholder and not the insurance company, says former LIC Chairman SB Mathur.

"The move will adversely impact policy holders especially because the track record of some insurers is not very good," he added.

Earlier, companies had to prove that a policyholder had "deliberately" concealed information while taking the policy. The word "deliberately" has also been taken off, Mr Mathur said.

"Imagine if a person dies and his widow and children will have to prove why the husband or father made a wrong statement," he added.

2) According to the new bill, an insurance policy cannot be challenged on any ground after three years. This means if a fraud is detected three years after the policy has been in force, insurance companies will have to pay the policy holder.

3) The new insurance bill allows foreign companies to invest up to 49 per cent in domestic insurance firms. According to estimates, Rs. 20,000 crore to Rs. 25,000 crore in foreign funds is likely to come immediately. The money will help insurance companies to expand aggressively and will be beneficial for the people. It will be a big positive for private insurers who have limited presence beyond metros and tier 1 cities.

4) Domestic firms will look to expand aggressively with more money coming. More companies are likely to enter in to the insurance sector as well. This will lead to higher competition and insurance premiums may get cheaper for customers, analysts say. Insurance companies will now be able to bring innovation in products as well.

5) The new insurance bill gives more powers to the insurance regulator, which will make it difficult for companies to take policyholders for a ride. This will ensure customer protection.

Insurance Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha With Support From Congress, Other Opposition Parties

      Parliament tonight approved the NDA government's first major economic reform measure as the long-pending bill providing for raising foreign investment cap in insurance was passed by Rajya Sabhaafter main Opposition Congress and some other parties came on board.

The controversial Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015, which replaced an ordinance promulgated in December last year, was passed by voice vote after walkout by Trinamool Congress and DMK. The BJP's ally, Shiva Seana did not oppose the Insurance Laws (Amendment ) Bill, 2015., but did "register reservations"  that it had over certain provisons that allow an increase in the FDI cap from 26% to 49%..

The smooth sailing of the bill in the Upper House, where the ruling NDA is in a minority, was possible with the help of Opposition parties like Congress, AIADMK, the Nationalist Congress Party and Biju Janata Dal besides allies Shiv Sena and Akali Dal.

The bill was introduced this evening after a heated debate and adjournments over technicalities as a similar legislation was pending in the House.

The original bill, which was brought by Congress in 2008, was withdrawn and the new bill was passed after a debate of about two-and-a-half hours.

The Trinamool Congress and Left parties strongly opposed the measure. While Trinamool, DMK as also Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Janata Dal (United) staged a walkout, Left members moved amendments which were negated.

The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on March 4, provides for raising the foreign investment cap in insurance sector from 26 per cent 49 per cent and is expected to bring in funds to the tune of thousands of crores.

Insurance bill passed by Lok Sabha, suspense in Rajya Sabha

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday (04.3.2015) passed the insurance sector amendment bill, which seeks to hike the foreign equity cap on domestic companies from 26 percent to 49 percent, despite opposition protests.

Formally called the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, it seeks to replace an ordinance that was promulgated earlier.

The bill now faces a crucial test in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not enjoy a majority.

The legislation seeks to raise foreign investment cap to 49 percent in the sector, while up to 26 percent foreign capital will be under the automatic route. The balance 23 percent has to get the approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

Members of the Left parties questioned the need for a hike in the FDI limit. Members opposing the bill also pointed out the minuscule claims rejection rate of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) while the rejection rate was around eight percent for private life insurers.

The opposition members said LIC and the four government-owned general insurers were like ducks laying golden eggs and they should not be killed by bringing in FDI. Defending the need for hiking the FDI cap, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said 49 percent was much lesser than in many other countries.

Sinha said the insurance penetration was low in India and needs to be increased.
"The passage of the insurance bill by the Lok Sabha is good news. There is an urgent need for modernising the practice of insurance -- life, non-life and health. Though the old law -- Insurance Act 1938 -- has stood the test of time, it was formulated for governing the sector in a different era," T.S. Vijayan, chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), told IANS.

The salient features of the bill are:

* The bill when passed by Rajya Sabha would allow public sector general insurance companies to raise funds from the capital market.

* Start up capital for health insurers would be Rs.100 crore

* Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council empowered to act as self-regulating bodies

* Legal recourse to individual customers against insurers

* Flexibility in paying premium through instalments, faster claim settlement, simpler policies, capping on agents' commissions and consumer redressal.

* For insurance companies, the bill provides for more distribution points for insurance policies, less dependence on insurance agents, ability to raise capital from the market, adoption of international best practices by joint ventures (JVs) and greater role of technology to increase electronic issuance of policies.

* Prohibition of repudiation of claims/policies by life insurers, three years after the date of issuance of the life insurance policy/reinstatement of a lapsed policy on the grounds of misstatements in application forms - recognition of family members as "beneficiary nominees" and partial assignments in insurance policies - significant increase in penalties for violations - Rs.25 crores for investments, rural and social sector non-compliances; liability of insurers for violations of code of conduct by insurers - penalty up to Rs.1 crore

* Specific prohibition of multi-level marketing in insurance - recognition of tier-II capital (e.g. perpetual bonds of RBI) for insurance companies - removal of compulsory dilution of equity to 26 percent by Indian promoters after 10 years.

* Converting "corporate agents" into "intermediaries".

* Reconstitution of Life Insurance Council and General Insurance Council to include members representing policy-holders, intermediaries, NGO/self help groups and person of eminence.

* Foreign reinsurers allowed to open branch offices in India.

The Insurance Laws (Amendment) bill, 2015 seeks to replace an ordinance issued by the government earlier. The bill seeks to amend the Insurance Act, 1938 and the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act 1972 and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.

The insurance bill in fact was introduced in the Upper House but is still hanging fire there with the Opposition, which is in a majority, disallowing either its passage or its withdrawal.

The government is expected to eventually call a joint sitting of both the Houses so that the bill can become a law.

WOMEN'S DAY ON 08TH MARCH 2015

DT. 04.03.2015


Dear friends,

It is for information to all that on the occasion of Women's day  on 8th. March 2015, NIA management has sanctioned Rs. 250/- only as gift to all lady employees for WOMEN' S DAY this year. 

Necessary circular in this regard has been sent to ROs .

 Pl. inform all.  

Thanking You,

SUJIT BAGCHI

GENERAL SECRETARY

NFGIE

Lok Sabha passes Insurance Bill 2015

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday (04.3.2015) passed a bill to increase foreign investment limit in local insurers to 49 per cent from 26 per cent, after a short debate. . 

The passage of the bill in both the houses of Parliament is critical to make an executive order, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration issued in December, permanent. 
READ ALSO: TMC, Left protest as insurance bill is introduced in LS 
The bill now faces its real test in the upper house of parliament where BJP is in a minority and is dependent on opposition parties to pass the legislation.
The controversial Insurance Bill, a key reform legislation, today cleared the Lok Sabha hurdle easily but the problem of numbers in Rajya Sabha prompted the government to say that it will convene Joint Session if it is defeated in the Upper House. 


More news on insurance Bill: 
Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, who piloted the Bill which has been pending since 2008, said the measure was crucial for the country as "our insurance penetration is low". 

The bill will now have to pass the test of Rajya Sabha where BJP and its allies do not have majority and the government is critically dependent on the support of the Congress. 

The bill, seeking to replace an Ordinance on the subject, is likely to be taken up by Rajya Sabha after the Holi holidays ending Sunday. 

Realising the uphill task that the government will face in Rajya Sabha, government talked about convening a joint session to get it passed. 

"If Insurance Bill is defeated in Rajya Sabha... it will open an opportunity for a Joint Session of Parliament," Jayant Sinha told reporters after the legislation was passed by Lok Sabha. 

However, Congress, which brought the original bill way back in 2008, was ambiguous on supporting the measure. 

Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said his party is not against the bill per se but "We are opposed to the methodology, style and manner in which it has been brought bypassing Parliament." 

He said his party was also against the fact that the government had changed the recommendations of the Select Committee which scrutinised the insurance bill. 

At the same, Singhvi dismissed suggestion that the party had take a U-turn on the issue. 

A senior Congress leader said in private that the best thing would be to keep the bill pending in the Rajya Sabha for long as its rejection could pave the way for a Joint Session. 

For any measure to be brought in the Joint Session, it needs to be approved by one house and rejected by the other.

MORE DETAILS ON WAGE REVISION 2015 - NFGIE CIRCULAR

03^rd March 2015

Dear Friends,

Please Read and Circulate

The 3rd round of discussion held at Hotel Golkonda, Hyderabad today at 2.15 pm. Apart from Mr A K Singhal chief executive officer (CEO) of GIPSA, GM (P)’s from the four GIPSA companies and GMP of GIC, along with other officials of the PSGI companies participated in the meeting from the management side. NFGIE was represented by Mr Sujit Bagchi, General Secretary and Mr S Udaya Kumar, General Secretary, GICEU, Karnataka.

Before initiating discussion Mr Singhal informed the house that revision in the promotional policy of the class I has been finalized and revision of the promotional policy for others will follow soon. Further, some changes in the staff Group Mediclaim Policy such as inclusion of disabled children above 25 years has been allowed, another one time option for inclusion in the staff group mediclaim for left out retired persons and continuation of independent children above 25 years in the mediclaim policy has been allowed. For this necessary instructions have already been issued.

Now coming to the main agenda of the meeting, a formal presentation was given depicting the present scenario of the PSU General Insurance Industry was given along with the original agenda and thereafter a 15% wage rise on the wage bill as on 01/08/2012 was offered. 
Reacting to the offer on behalf of the NFGIE it is stated that judging by the performance of the PS General Insurance Industry in the period under review should result a better wage deal and that expectations has not been fulfilled by this offer. It was pointed out that during the period, the GDPI of the PSU companies has reached a very good level and the productivity of the employees has also increased. The average growth rate for the past 5 years has risen to 15.91% and dividend paid by the PSU’s to the Govt of India is to the tune of 598.66 crores with a profit before tax 3596 crores, the offer should have been far better. It was further pointed out that the investment income and net worth has also grown to very good and satisfactory levels. But in spite of that GIPSA instead of rewarding the employees has imposed on them a discriminatory staff group Mediclaim policy, denied PLLI to all and curtailment of existing LTS benefits. More than 2000 offices have been opened and it is the employees of all classes who are trying hard for all round improvement and performance of the PSU companies. It was also demanded that the recruitment of Class II employees is very much required for sustenance of the growth of the PSU companies. The danger of dependence on brokers and other intermediaries on procurement of business was highlighted. It was demanded that the service of class II employees shall be suitably changed to provide them required relief. 

On the  issue of management agenda, it has been stated on behalf of NFGIE that every time on wage negotiations GIPSA management comes out with this issue and we reiterated that it should be discussed separately. We have raised our objections for the mechanical implementation of the TMP, will only hamper productivity of the employees and burden the company with more cost.

Now it has been demanded with improved offer with 100% neutralization of DA as on 01/08/2012, and running scale for Asst and Sr Asst and another option for pension, updation of pension and upward revision of family pension in line with the Central Government Pension Scheme. After hearing deliberations from all the leaders of the checked off unions Mr A K Singhal, CEO, GIPSA summed up the negotiations saying that 15% has been offered after taking into account all the possible parameters of the PSU industry. Regarding another option of the pension it has been said GIPSA is sincerely pursuing with the ministry and hopeful of getting it. Regarding the issue of New Pension Scheme (NPS) GIPSA informed us that the matter has been taken up for necessary clearances and hoping that it will be resolved soon. On the implementation of posting and transfer as per ministry circular for the female employees, HO management is discussing the issue for framing the modalities for such transfers/postings. On the issue of the Class II matters, GIPSA agreed to have separate discussion. Regarding LTS, GIPSA may consider lump sum payments in lieu of compulsory travel. GIPSA has informed that they are contemplating to provide coverage under Staff Group Mediclaim Policy to the new recruits from Day 1 (date of appointment).

We have demanded GIPSA to come out with improved offer at the earliest and call full committee separate meeting with all the check off qualified unions to finalize the wage negotiations.

Friends, the coming days will be very crucial for all working in the PSU industry and for securing a better deal from the GIPSA management we have to be ready for any type of agitation in the coming days.

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-xx xx xx,

SUJIT BAGCHI

GENERAL SECRETARY

NFGIE