REPORT OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY PRESENTED TO THE 2ND TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF A.I.C.B.R.F. HELD AT ERNAKULAM ON FEBRUARY 24 – 25, 2016 INDEX OF 2nd TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE DOCUMENTS
S.L. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT PAGE No. No. I Conference Notice Dated 20.01.2016 5 II General Secretary’s Report 6 III Information Document : 01 List of AIBRF’S affiliates. 58 02 IBA Circulars on Pension Matters. 61 03 Govt of India instruction to PSB ‘s on Pension Matters. 68 04 AIBEA’s circular 27 / 08 / 2015 dt. 9.6.2015 on Formula for 69 calculation of Revised pension for those employees between Nov. 2012 & July 2013.
05 AIBRF’s circular 2015 / 270 dt. 16.11.2015 on Reimbursement of 73 Domiciliary Expenses.
06 AIBOA’s circular 13 / 2015 dt. 6.2.2015 on Pension Related Issues. 77 07 Canara Bank Employees’ Pension Fund - - Growth of Pension Fund 79 Corpus. 08 List of HRM sections with contact details. 80 09 HO circular 339 / 2015 dt. 3.7.2015 on Canara Pension Loan 81 Scheme – Clarification. 10 Terminal Benefits to Spouse / Family of the deceased employee. 83 11 Forms / Claims to be submitted by the legal heirs & steps for 85 assistance. 12 Rate of Family Pension – Table. 87 13 Consumer Price Index Figures Base 1982 = 100 / Base 2001 = 100 91 New. 14 Taxability of Medical Reimbursement. 93 15 Advance Tax exemption for Senior Citizen. 99 16 Our Journey so far & Thrissur beckons – Write up by 101 Sri S.V. Srinivasan, Deputy General Secretary, AIBRF 17 IBA letter dt. 30.06.2015 member bank on Payment of Pension, 106 PFG Granting. 18 Retirement Benefits – Legal Perspective - Compiled by 109 Sri. C.N. Prasad, Organising Secretary, AIBRF. 19 Role of a Geriatrician by Dr. V.S. Natarajan. 119 20 Boosting your Brain Power Naturally. 121 21 IBA’s circular dt. 1.10.2015 on Medical Insurance. 125 22 UFBU’s circular dt. 19.11.2015 on Medical Insurance for Retirees. 128 23 Application for Compassionate Employment. 129 24 AIBRF’s circular dt. 29.01.2016 on Dearness Relief. 140 25 AIBEA’s letter 31.12.2015 on payment of superannuation benefits. 142 26 New Investment Pattern for Non-Govt. PF & Gratuity. 147 27 AIBRF’s letter 14.01.2016 on medical insurance to retirees. 150 28 IBA – Record Note of discussion held on 27.11.2009 between IBA 152 & UFBU for one more option for Pension. 29 AIBRF’s letter 15.1.2016 on next wage revision. 155 30 AIBRF’s letter 1.2.2016 on memorandum on pending demands of 157 Retirees. 31 Application for issue Identity Card. 161 32 Request letter for Holiday Homes. 163
4 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 5 GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT PRESENTED FOR ADOPTION BY THE GENERAL BODY MEETING AT ITS 2ND TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2016 AT ERNAKULAM
Dear Delegates and Observers, On behalf of Central Committee of All India Canara Bank Retirees’ Federation, I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to 2nd Triennial Conference of our Federation today. I deem it my privilege to present this report on the events, activities and future course of our movement of our Federation since we met last in our 1st Triennial Conference at Bengaluru on 26-02-2013 for your kind evaluation, fruitful discussion and final adoption. IN MEMORIUM: During the period under review, nature had snatched away many great political leaders, thinkers, sport persons, artistes, eminent personalities, trade union leaders, leaders of Retirees’ Movement, members of Retirees’ Organisations, their family and several other unknown people who became victims of natural calamities such as Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Chennai etc. & terrorist attacks etc. Some of the prominent among them are as under:-
Chavez P.B.Srinivasa Rao N.Ramamurthy Margarat Thatcher Dilip Mukherjee (RRB) Sivanthi Adityan Lalgudi Jayaraman J.S.Varma Shakunthala Devi T.M.Soundararajan Samar Mukherjee Poet Vaali Mohan Dharia Sarojini Varadappan Manna Dey G P Deshpande J.S.Bhatnagar B.P.Bajpai S S Thiagarajan Veliam Bhargavan R.A.Mittal Satyapal Dang T.K.Dutta Kajal Sarkar Dr.Narendra Dabholkar Nelson Mandela Sis Ram Ola Pran Chopra G.S.Shivarudrappa Kali Ghosh Anjali Devi Parvathi Krishnan N.K.Swamy M.V.G.Nair R.Umanath Dr.Shanthi Patel U.R.Ananthamurthy Attun burrough Bipan Chandra Benoy Konar Mandalin Srinivas Som Benegal N.Mahalingam Kushwant Singh Rajam Krishnan Phillip Hughes Deven Verma A.R.Antulay K.Balachandar R.K.Laxman C.R.Venkateswaran P.S.L.M.Haragopal D.Jayakanthan Nagoor Hanifa
6 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Lee Kuan Yew Govind Pansare Kannada Writer Kalburgi P.S. Gopalakrishna Pillai Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam K.G. Kamath M .S.Viswanathan Justice V.R.Krishnaiyer Ritupani Ghosh Manorama Noorul Huda Kamala Ramakrishnan Sharad Joshi Sadhana Bani Deshpande A.B.Bardhan Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Mrinalini Sarabhai A.Nageswara Rao Ritu Panighom M.A.M. Ramasamy Gopinath Mundhe Sushil Koirala Balram Jakhar S.K.Vyas B.N.Nagarajan O.N.V.Kurup Com.R.J.Sridharan Popularly known as Com.RJS, he is one of the doyens of Retirees’ Movement. His natural qualities of incisive intelligence and analysis, selfless dedication, powerful oratory, equally powerful pen, crystal simplicity, ringing sincerity, stunningly simple life, extremely affectionate nature and unimpeachable integrity earned him love and affection of one and all. In his passing away on 15-06-2013, Bank Officers’ Movement, AIBOA, Canara Bank Officers’ Union, and our Federation, which had been looking upon him as friend, philosopher and guide suffered huge loss. The vacuum created by the untimely demise of this wonderful leader would cast its shadow on our movement for years to come. However, his teachings and conduct inspire us to overcome the situation and to march forward with renewed vigour. His memory would certainly provide us with the right energy and light. Com.N.Sampath: Com.N.Sampath served AIBEA in various capacities and his contributions to AIBEA & TNBEF were immeasurable and invaluable. His role in the Bipartite Wage Negotiations was unique. Recognised as human computer, he was the backbone of all the calculations in Bipartite Settlements upto 7th BPS. In all struggles, campaigns, organisational matters, and in every aspect of AIBEA, his contribution in decision-making was commendable. He passed away on 20-11-2014 at the age of 89. Our retirees’ movement became poorer because of the demise of Sri B.P.Bajpai, Former General Secretary of AIBRF and Sri P.S.L.M.Haragopal, Vice President of AIBRF, M.V.G.Nair, Vice President AIBRF, Sri J.J.Mahadeshwar (BOI, Mumbai), C.R.Venkateswaran, Madurai and P.S.Gopalakrishna Pillai, Kerala CC Member AIBRF and K.G.Kamath, Former President of our Andhra Pradesh affiliate. They carried the banner of AIBRF with greater commitment and conviction for creating a better future for bank retirees. Their absence is not only a great loss to us, but also to their families who suffered a vacuum. We have, during the period under review, lost a good number of retired colleagues who were working with us in our Bank in various capacities. We record our deep sense of sorrow over the demise of these colleagues.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 7 We dip our banner in respectful homage and convey our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families. We pray that their souls rest in bliss in the palace of eternity. Let us observe few minutes silence in memory of the departed souls. GLOBAL ECONOMIC SITUATION: The global economy shows no sign of any remarkable recovery in the recent past. Many European giants are faltering on economic front. The classic example is Greece. The situation in Greece is becoming very uncertain with doubts over its ability to repay the first installment of 300 million Euro as part of its huge debt. It needs to pay 1.6 billion Euro to the IMF by the end of June with the first installment due on June 5. The Syrian government has refused so far to succumb to the EU demand of further burdens on the people through austerity measures and privatization. As a result, the bail out package of 7.2 billion Euro is not materializing. Unemployment in the country remains above 25 per cent and the average wages fell by nearly 20 per cent in real terms. The uncertainty remains basically over the larger issue of Greece leaving the Eurozone putting the entire European Union in a crisis. The US economy continues to contract with the government itself lowering its GDP estimate. It is now estimated that US GDP is contracting at the annual rate of 0.7 per cent instead of the earlier estimate of 0.2 per cent. According to the OECD Report, (In It Together: Why Less Inequality Benefits All, May 21, 2015), income inequality in many developed countries has reached an all-time high, along with the growth of social inequality that has been accompanied by the growth of part-time and contract labour. For the OECD countries as a whole, the top 10 percent of the popula- tion owns 50 percent of the wealth, the middle 50 percent owns about 47 percent, and the bottom 40 percent owns just three percent. As the Report notes, a large portion of the increase in income inequality has occurred in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The United States is the fourth most unequal country in the OECD. In the mid-1980s, the top 10 percent of US income earners took in 11 times more than the bottom 20 percent, but in 2013, the US’s top 10 percent made 19 times more than the bottom 10 percent. In the US, the top 10 percent controls 76 percent of all the wealth, while the bottom 60 percent owns just 2.5 percent. The top five percent of households in the US have about 91 times more wealth than the average household. This is the scenario of growing inequali- ties, which is a matter of serious concern for all of us. NATIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATION: Since we last met in Bengaluru in 2013, we do not find much perceptible change in economic situation globally. It continues to be in down turn. In India also, situation is not different. GDP growth is not appreciably high. Prices of industrial commodities are coming down resulting into closure of several factories. Index of Industrial production is hovering around 1.1 percent to 1.5 percent. Unemployment has touched 11 crores which does not include number of underemployed or partially employed. As per the news published in
8 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference newspapers, for 358 posts of peon in UP government, more than 23 lakhs youth have applied for the post which included Ph.D. holders, engineers, post graduates against the minimum qualification prescribed was 5th standard, which indicates the horrible position of unemployment prevailing in the country presently. Inflation continues to be high. Consumer Price for Industrial Workers was 4670 in April 2012, 5843 in April 2015 and increased further to the level of 6147 in December 2015 showing an increase in 62 Slabs of Dearness Relief to bank pensioners for the next 6 months from Feb. 2016. This price level would certainly make the life of common man more difficult and challenging. Wealth distribution has been distorted completely in favour of the neo-rich. Top 10 rich persons have accumulated wealth worth Rs. 8,65,000 crores. Number of billionaires on the Indian horizon is on the increase. The new government is giving big push further causing a few people to corner more wealth. Its’ pro-corporate orientation is obvious. Exports of the country are on decline continuously for last 11 months putting pressure on rupee value. Exchange rate of rupee has come down to Rs. 67 per dollar from Rs. 59.5 prevailing year ago. This speaks about the quality of economic management. Previous Congress-led UPA government was also pursuing the same neo-liberal agenda in its second term. The exposure of massive corruption, the relentless price rise and growing unemployment was alienating a large section of the people, particularly the middle class and youth. The Lok Sabha elections of May 2014 brought about a big change in the political situation. For the first time, the Bharatiya Janata Party got an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha getting 31 per cent of the vote. The people expectedly waited for ushering in of “Ache Din” as promised by the BJP. It is unfortunate that the promised “Ache Din” is yet to come. It adds to the gloom of the common man. Disillusionment is replacing hope. We note with concern that anti-labour policies are being aggressively pursued by the Central Government in the name of so called Labour Reforms. We call upon the retirees to rise to the occasion and oppose anti-labour policies of the Government in the larger interest of the working people and bank retirees in the country. INFLATION: Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to follow policies that are mounting unbearable economic burdens on the vast mass of the Indian people. Rising inflation and high prices of essential commodities has affected day to day life of common man. Senior citizens and retired people are the worst affected lot in this scenario due to no regular/limited source of income. The prices of dal, the staple food of most Indians, have skyrocketed. The popular dal consumed in North India, arhar dal, is costing around Rs.200/- a kilo. Along with the continuous rise in the prices of vegetables, fruits and other essential commodities, the daily life of the vast majority of the people has become increasingly miserable. The agrarian distress continues to deepen unabatedly. Farmers continue to commit distress suicides across the country.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 9 Despite all sloganeering by the rulers, the industrial turnaround is not yet palpable in the economy. The stagnation of the manufacturing sector which normally sees a boom in the current festive season is stagnant resulting in growing joblessness. Last 5 years have witnessed inflation of unprecedented magnitude. What has not happened in 30 years have happened in last 4 to 5 years. The following tables will give an idea on galloping inflation.
Price rise at a glance:
Year Price Index ( 1960 index) Increase in index points Annual Average 1960 100 1970 183 + 83 points in 10 years
1980 390 + 207 points in 10 years 1990 918 + 528 points in 10 years 2000 2174 + 1256 points in 10 years 2010 4012 + 1838 points in 10 years 2013 5299 + 1277 points in 3 years Feb. 2009 3378 Feb. 2010 3880 Feb. 2011 4223 Feb. 2012 4542 Feb. 2013 5090 Feb. 2014 5432 Feb. 2015 5774 Increase in 30 years - 1960 to 1990 818 points Increase in 2 years - Feb. 2012 to Feb. 2014 890 points Increase in 5 years - Feb. 2009 to Feb. 2014 2054 points Increase in 1 year - Feb. 2015 342 points
We urge upon the government and policy makers to ensure the price stability in the country before the situation goes out of control. Retirees along with the working people, prefer price stability rather than increase in dearness allowance.
10 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Inflation has sky-rocketed in the last 3 years because of global reasons as well as various policy decisions taken by the Central Government in the name of economic reforms. On account of increase in the cost of living index, Bank Pensioners are being compensated through increased dearness relief as follows:
INCREASED MONTH & YEAR DEARNESS RELIEF IN SLABS
February 2013 67 August 2013 58 February 2014 73 August 2014 17 February 2015 51 August 2015 31 February 2016 62
Such unprecedented increase in inflation is cause for worry to all of us as it puts serious pressure on our purchasing power despite the fact that bank pensioners are compensated to certain extent with half-yearly review in dearness allowance. We demand from the government to take urgent and effective steps to contain inflation to the tolerance level particularly in essential commodities. POLITICAL SCENE: In the General Election held in the country in May, 2014 the voters have given absolute majority to one party belying all predictions with political stability in place and reversing trend of coalition governance decisively which was in existence for last 30 years since 1984. This is massive and significant change in political climate of the country since independence. Now new central government is in office with entirely different political ideology and philosophy. We hope and wish that the new government will take necessary steps to protect interest of common men including senior citizens and announce measures to give much needed relief from galloping inflation while introducing series of economic reforms including big ticket reforms. It should not happen that only common man and middle class are called upon to make sacrifice and take pains for economic growth. Will the Govt live upto the expectations of the people by bringing real prosperity to the masses?
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 11 BANKING SCENE: All of us have given prime period of our life serving our bank. It is a matter of pride for all of us to get opportunity to make our humble contribution in building financial system of the country during last 40 to 50 years which witnessed unparalleled growth in terms of branch expansion, business increase, profitability etc. In 1969, when banks were nationalised, total business mix of banking industry was less than 10000 crores. It has now gone up to 84 lakh crores in last 45 years. Nation has secured No 1 or 2 positions globally in wheat production, milk production, rice production and has emerged as number 4th largest economy in terms of PPP in past 30/35 years. This could be made possible because of huge banking support system created in the country and taking the banking facilities to the doorsteps of common man living in the remotest places. We all deserve legitimate credit for it and deserve full appreciation. This is the answer to the unwarranted criticism made by certain section of the people against the public sector banks and its functioning. We call upon our retirees to continue to defend Public Sector Banking system with full pride and commitment without being misled by propaganda being spread by some vested interests. Bank retirees’ interest is best secured under public sector banking system. Let this Conference and its Delegates and Observers pledge themselves to work for protecting PSBs in coming days. Despite such important contribution by bank men in nation building, it is a matter of grave concern that their justified economic demands are being ignored. It would not be surprising that retirees may have to struggle for defending existing features of pension scheme in the coming days and its eventual success. ANTI-LABOUR POLICY OF CENTRAL GOVT: We note with serious concern the aggressive pursuit by the Central Govt. for anti-worker changes in the labour laws in the name of reforms. Despite the promise made by Sri Narendra Modi’s government in Indian Labour Conference that the trade unions will be consulted before taking any step, the government has been pursuing its anti-labour agenda. The latest one is the announcement in regard to the proposed bills for the budget session, one that of small factories bill which if adopted will ensure 77% of small factories out of any labour law obligations, another one is wage code bill which is actually, the codification of five acts including Payment of Minimum Wages, Minimum Wages Act, Equal Remuneration Act, Bonus and Gratuity Act, etc. The Central Cabinet has already approved both the bills to be placed in the budget session of Parliament. It is to be noted that the amendments to Factory Act, Apprentice Act, Contract Labour Act, Industrial Dispute Act, Trade Union Act etc. have already been approved with Presidential nod to the Rajasthan Government recommendations with Central Cabinet clearance. These are already being pursued in several states on the basis of advisory from PMO. This Conference demands of Government to refrain from anti-labour policies and not to bring these legislations without the consent of Trade Unions.
12 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference BANKING REFORMS: At present, Government of India owns 22 banks through majority holding and SBI holds majority stake in 5 associate banks. These 27 banks control 70 percent of banking business in the country. Public sector banks would be requiring additional capital infusion in the range of Rs. 2.5 lakhs crores in next 5 years to meet business growth requirement as per Basel III norms. Government has announced capital infusion of Rs.75000 crores by way of budgetary support in next 5 years and for the balance amount, banks will have to tap the capital market resulting into reduction of government holding to 52 percent. Government of India has announced several banking sector reforms in the name of improving efficiency and performance of banks. Major steps taken in this regard are as under: (1) Separation of posts of Chairman and MD (2) Change in procedure for appointments of Chairman and MDs in banks and allowing private sector personnel to be considered for these positions. (3) Allocation of capital to banks purely on the basis of efficiency leaving weak banks vulnerable. (4) Constitution of Bank Board Bureau with professionals as its members to supervise banks’ functioning. (5) Business strategy to be formulated on the basis of deliberations carried in Gyan Sangam. (6) Government would encourage bank boards to consider proposals of merger of weak banks with strong banks. If banks fail to take decision, Bank Board Bureau would take decision on merger of banks wherever required. We are of the view that these steps would bring radical changes in functioning and ownership of public sector banks in next 2 or 3 years and is likely to affect interest of retirees. Therefore we urge upon the Delegates to this conference to take special note of these emerging developments to enable us to take appropriate steps as and when warranted to protect interest of retirees. Mudra Bank: The government proposes to set up Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank to regulate and to provide refinance to 5.77 crores small units operating in the country. This bank may start functioning in near future. Payment Banks: Reserve Bank of India has recently issued 11 licences to corporate houses for opening of Payment banks to provide facility of transfer of funds in remote areas with the help of technology. While these banks will be allowed to open deposit accounts with maximum balance up to Rs.1.00 lakh per account, they will not have power to undertake credit business at present. These banks will give tough competition to PSBs in the area of transfer of funds and ancillary business adversely affecting fee based income.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 13 Small Banks: RBI has also issued licences to the corporate sector for establishment of 10 banks which will mainly finance small units. Universal Banks: Last Year RBI had issued banking licences to IDFC and Bandhan Groups for establishment of new banks for universal banking. They have since started functioning. These 23 new entities in banking sector are likely to bring dramatic changes in banking scenario of the country. There is palpable tension in the relationship between Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India. This does not augur well for the management of financial and monetary policy at the macro level. It is better the Govt nurtures the climate of letting renowned institutions taking deep roots so as to attain excellance. Non-Performing Assets: As per the news appeared in Economic Times Mumbai dated 30.01.2015, non-performing assets of the nationalised banks have increased from Rs. 9190 crores in 2011-12 to Rs. 2,16,739 crores in 2013-14. In most of PSBs Gross NPA has crossed dangerous level of 5 percent. Besides this, banks carry huge portfolio of restructured assets which are in the range of Rs. 3.5 lakhs crores. If this situation is not arrested immediately, it may put serious handicaps on survival of many banks. It will be interesting to note that 40 large corporate accounts constitute for 50 percent of banks’ bad loans. RBI has been taking several steps like change of managements in defaulting companies, sale of assets, plans carrot-and-stick approach to improve quality of assets of Public Sector Banks. Government initiatives like announcements of reforms under INDRA DHANUSH, Gyan Sangam are part of the exercises in this direction. However there are strong feelings that these measures are too less and too late. Further there is fear among corporate world that NPA level may further increase next year in view of perceptible level of slowdown in commodity markets globally affecting Indian companies adversely. Domestic and global economic slowdown, delays in approvals, aggressive lending practices during the upturn, laxity in credit risk appraisal and loan monitoring, lack of appraising skills, wilful default and political nexus were the key reasons for increasing level of NPAs in banks. It is hoped that banks would take more responsible and prudent decisions while funding major projects and RBI and banks will have to work together with the Government and Parliament to find a solution to the banks’ increasing Non-performing assets. SENIOR CITIZENS’ MOVEMENT IN INDIA: India is known as a nation of young people. Today, majority of our population is below 30 years. However, simultaneously, with steady flow of income and increasing medical facilities, senior citizens population is also increasing in numbers. There are more than 100
14 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference millions citizens who are above 60 in this country. Hundreds of retirees’ organizations and senior citizens fora have come up and have been working to protect their interest. We are happy to inform you that some leading comrades of bank retirees’ movement are involved in Senior Citizens’ Movement. Shri R.S.Desai, Deputy General Secretary of AIBRF at Mumbai and Sri C.Gopinathan Nair, Organising Secretary of AIBRF at Thiruvananthapuram are actively associated with this movement. But, lot of steps need to be taken in the area of health management and reliable pension benefits in the unorganized sector for Senior Citizens. Senior citizens movement is likely to gather further momentum in coming years. Our units/members must take necessary steps to actively integrate themselves in such movements in the days to come. UNITED FORUM OF BANK RETIREES’ ORGANISATIONS (UFBRO): In early 90’s, Bank retirees started organizing themselves in a small way among known people. After signing of Pension Settlement/Joint Note on 29.10.1993, AIBRF as well as other organisations in various Banks have been organising the Bank retirees with a view to promoting the interest and welfare of retired bank employees across the country. More than 1 Lakh employees opted for VRS in the year 2000 and this imparted new dimension to the bank retirees’ movement. The following Apex-level bodies are visible in the bank retirees’ movement: (1) All India Bank Retirees’ Federation (AIBRF) was founded in the year 1994 - representing composite organizations, membership of which is open to all retired colleagues irrespective of their past designation; (2) Retired Bank Officers’ National Confederation (RBONC) was formed in the year 2003 - representing Officer Cadre Organisations, membership of which is open exclusively for officers community; (3) All India Retired Bank Employees’ Association (AIRBEA) All these Apex-level organisations have formed a Forum known as United Forum of Bank Retirees’ Organisations, to represent the entire bank retirees’ community at Industry level before IBA/Government. This is similar to that of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) representing – Five Workmen Employees’ Organisations and four Officers’ Organisations. Today, more than 3 lac bank retirees are members of one or other retirees’ organisation. In the backdrop of IBA-Govt’s attitude towards bank retirees, we need to strengthen UFBRO further. PHILOSOPHY OF AIBRF & ITS AFFILIATES: AIBRF was born about 21 years back in 1994, thanks to the initiative of the veteran trade union leaders Late Sri Ramesh Chander Chakraborty and Sri T.M.Mathews to protect
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 15 interest of bank retirees. We are happy to report with all pride that AIBRF is marching forward from strength to strength and today it is one of the most credible and single largest Retirees’ Organisations in the banking industry consisting of 44 affiliates from Public Sector Banks (22), Private Sector Banks (12), Foreign Banks (02), State Committees / Federations and Local Bodies/Associations (08) with more than 1,25,000 members across the length and breadth of our country. AIBRF strongly believes in all cadre unity and advocates composite organisations consisting of retirees irrespective of the past designations. It accords affiliation to those entities which believe in this philosophy and work for it. We believe that composite Retirees’ organizations alone are in the best interest of retirees and this is the universal phenomenon in other organised sectors too. Our National Organisation AIBRF is one such organisation consisting of retirees of all cadres. This is our inherent strength. Once an employee retires from the bank, the veil of the past grade/scale/position withers away and he/she will be recognised only as Pensioner/Retiree. Our meetings exhibit this oneness amongst all categories of erstwhile employees. Let us salute our forefathers who could bring about such a harmony and decided to build a common platform for all categories of employees in the banks which would carry forward the movement of the retirees with the sole objective of advancing the interest and welfare of all the retirees as a community. We are committed to carry forward this oneness amongst the Pensioners/Retirees and that would be the fitting tribute to the vision of the Founders of our movement. However, in view of our movement gathering further momentum, some of the in-service unions have formed retirees’ organisations on the basis of the cadre to which they belonged while in service. We strongly oppose such acts and forge ourselves as one entity, besides taking all necessary steps to handle such disruptions effectively. It is our appeal to all of you to remain vigilant on this count and educate the members by explaining that multiplicity of the retirees’ organisations in the banking industry would harm our cause immensely. We shall stand united under the benign canopy of AIBRF as one entity. AIBRF ON RETIREES’ ISSUES & OTHER RELATED DEVELOPMENTS: Based on the Charter of Demands submitted by AIBRF, Retirees’ issues were taken up by UFBU with IBA in the following rounds of discussion: 1) 1st ROUND ON 22.02.2013: UFBU pointed out that simultaneous to the discussions on employees charter of demands, the IBA should also take efforts to resolve the pending issues like Compassionate appointment scheme, coverage of remaining employees /officers under pension option scheme, Improvement in Family Pension, Updation of Pension etc.,
16 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 2) ROUND No.10 ON 14.03.2014: On UFBU demand for improvement in the Family Pension scheme, extension of 100% DA formula to pre-2002 pensioners, etc., IBA was considerate and agreed to work out the cost implications to enable them to take a view on these demands. To our demand on periodical updation of pension on occasions of wage revision, IBA felt that the issue has to be examined, in its entirety, looking at the cost involved, outflow, etc. On reverting to old pension scheme from NPS, IBA expressed their inability to accede to the demand but UFBU reiterated the same. 3) ROUND No.13 ON 26.09.2014: After discussion, IBA informed that they are inclined to favourably consider the demand of 100% Neutralisation of DA on pension for Pre-Nov. 2002 retirees. IBA further informed that cost aspect on improvement in family pension was being worked out and they would soon take a decision on the same. IBA responded positively on this issue. As regards updation of pension, IBA informed that in view of the high cost involved, it would be difficult to agree to the same. On UFBU’s insistence, IBA agreed that any viable and affordable proposition from the UFBU in this regard would be examined. 10th BPS and 7th Joint Note were signed on 25.05.2015 for the entire workforce in the banking industry. Congratulations to our serving colleagues in getting good wage settlement with substantial wage arrears. Simultaneously, hopes were raised that the long pending core demands of the retirees would also be clinched. However, the outcome at the end turned out to be much less than expected. This has certainly dampened the spirit of the retired employees. Retirees showed remarkable resilience in spirit and overcome the negative vibes. Towards our efforts to achieve demands of retirees, AIBRF in a delegation submitted memorandum to the Joint Secretary, Shri Mohamed Mustafa, IAS who looked after IR matters in DFS in the month of August, 2014. We are very happy to note that in addition to the above efforts, Affiliates & State Bodies of AIBRF are organising various meetings, seminars and other organisational programmes to propagate retiree demands at various levels and to create awareness among members. Also, Office Bearers & Central Committee Members of AIBRF from Tamilnadu met the Parliamentary Committee on Pensioners’ Grievances chaired by Sri E.M.Sudarsana Natchiappan, M.P. and submitted memorandum on 31.01.2015 on pending Retirees demands for solution as done in the year 2009.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 17 MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME FOR BANK RETIREES LAUNCHED BY IBA: One of the important challenges retirees face in general is age-related ailments. We are happy to note that as a sequel to the efforts of our National Organisation AIBRF and the UFBU, Uniform Medical Scheme for all bank retirees took concrete shape through 10th Bipartite Settlement & 7th Joint Note dated 25.05.2015. The above Health Insurance Scheme has very many significant features, most of which are not available in the other Health Insurance Schemes offered by Public Sector General Insurance Companies or Private Sector ones. Viz: “No entry level age restrictions, No restriction on Pre-Existing diseases, Availability of domiciliary treatment for major diseases and moderate premium for insurance coverage on similar lines as is being made available to in-service employees / officers with the exception of initial lumpsum payment of Rs.1,00,000/- towards specified critical illness. Medical Insurance Scheme has been launched in our Bank effective from 01.11.2015. Due to sustained explanatory campaigns by our affiliates across the country through mass meetings in different locations, 16263 retirees and around 660 Retirees’ Spouse & Family Pensioners have joined the Scheme. Also, we are happy to inform that the last date for submission of option letter to join medical insurance scheme has been extended upto 31.03.2016 with a view to facilitating more retirees to join the Group Medical Insurance Scheme. FOREIGN BANK & PRIVATE BANK RETIREES’ ISSUES As you know, many retirees’ organisations from foreign banks/ private banks have been affiliated to AIBRF. Retirees from these banks have many pension related issues/ problems which are different from the public sector banks. It becomes our duty to raise their issues at the appropriate forum for resolution. Vide Circular No.2013:670 dated 07.12.2013, our National Organisation, All India Bank Retirees’ Federation has constituted Sub-Committee for Foreign/Private Banks under the Convenorship of Shri S.V. Srinivasan, Deputy General Secretary to study their issues with a view to enabling periodical meetings and interactions on issues of common interest and concern for the Pensioners/Retirees in the Private Sector Banks & Foreign Banks. The Sub-committee held discussions at Chennai for 2 days with the representatives of Foreign Banks and provided to AIBRF inputs for escalating the issues to higher levels of administration in the banks.
18 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference AIBRF’s INITIATIVES DURING LAST 3 YEARS FOR REALISING OUR DEMANDS: AIBRF believes that active coordination between In-service Unions and retirees organisations is needed not only to achieve retirees demands but also in the larger interest of the employees in the long run. As such, AIBRF took several steps in this direction during last 3 years for realisation of our demands. Following initiatives are worth noting: (a) Submission of Charter of Demands on retirees issues by AIBRF to the UFBU Convener and its Constituents in the month of August/ September 2012. (b) On AIBRF’s initiative, Joint Meeting was arranged by UFBU with our representatives in Chennai on 4th July 2013 to explain the retirees’ issues to UFBU leaders with the request to take up the issues with IBA. In this meeting UFBU committed to work for their solution. (c) AIBRF held periodical meetings with UFBU leaders to ascertain developments, on retirees’ issues in the negotiations. Such meetings were held in Pune, Mumbai, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai from time to time. In these meetings feedback received by AIBRF was encouraging. Besides this, AIBRF was always in touch with them on periodical basis in last 3 years. (d) AIBRF wrote several letters/ representations to UFBU Convener with copies to its constituents from time to time after each round of negotiation placing relevant facts/ points for their consideration. (e) AIBRF and its affiliates actively participated in the action programs organized during last 3 years to pursue employees’/retirees demands to show our support and held Maha Dharna at Jantar Mantar, Delhi on 07.03.2014. (f) During last 3 years AIBRF kept UFBU and its constituents informed about our independent action programmes alongside approaching eminent personalities, Parliamentarians/Legislators across the country seeking their support for espousing retirees’ cause. (Full details are available in the AIBRF Website: www.aibrf.com) In spite of the above organisational measures, the final outcome of Bi-partite Wage Revision discussions in respect of retirees’ issues has been most unexpected. AIBRF leadership had no hesitation in accepting that 10th Wage Settlement has been big disappointment for retirees and the Central Leadership of AIBRF owned full responsibility for the setback in its Central Committee Meeting held at Indore on 9th & 10th July 2015. After having suffered setback, voices and demands for legal action to secure retirees demands have become louder from various quarters of membership and activists. In this regard, it is relevant for us to recall that in the AIBRF Kolkata Conference held in 2012, General Council took unanimous decision that legal option will not be first choice at the organisational level for achieving the retirees demands.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 19 However you will agree that AIBRF is a vibrant organisation and one defeat cannot cause permanent setback. AIBRF has once again demonstrated its organisational strength by organising massive dharna at Asad Maidan, Mumbai on 10.02.2016 and pledged to carry forward relentless struggle more unitedly for achieving our long pending demands. 4TH TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF AIBRF: 4th Triennial Conference of AIBRF was held on November 26 - 28, 2015 at Thrissur. It was a very successful conference and showed our inherent inner strength. 50 Delegates and 18 Observers representing our Federation participated in the Conference enthusiastically. We are happy to note that duly recognising the strength and contribution of AICBRF to the general movement of bank retirees, 4th Triennial Conference of AIBRF held at Thrissur on November 26-28, 2015 entrusted the following responsibilities to our Office Bearers for the term 2015 - 2017: 1. A.K.Bansal, Chairman, AICBRF - Deputy General Secretary, AIBRF 2. S.V.Srinivasan, Genl. Secretory, AICBRF - Deputy General Secretary, AIBRF 3. V.K.M.Varma, President, AICBRF - Organising Secretary, AIBRF 4. B.Venkat Rao, Organising Secretory, AICBRF - Organising Secretary, AIBRF Further, we are eligible for 10 CC Members and we have nominated following functionaries to represent our Federation in the A.I.B.R.F:
Sl. No. Name of AIBRF CC Member Name of Place
01. Sri A.B.Kasturirangan Chennai 02. Sri M.Venugopalan Palghat 03. Sri Y.V.Subba Rao Hyderabad 04. Sri B.S.A.Rao Mumbai 05. Sri A.P.Raveendranath Kozhikode 06. Sri Balbirsing Nayyar New Delhi 07. Sri T.Balakrishnan Chennai 08. Sri B.S.Joshi Bengaluru 09. Sri S.K.Khosla Agra 10. Smt. Visalakshi Iyer Pune
20 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference AICBRF & ITS AFFILIATED UNITS: As of now, we have 15 units across the country affiliated to us and we continue our organisational efforts for establishing our units in Jharkhand, Chandigarh & Punjab in future. Names of Principal Office Bearers elected in the recent Conferences are furnished here under: S.l. No Name of Affiliate President Genl Secy / Secy Treasurer 01. CBRF - Chennai T.V.Alwan A.B.Kasturirangan R.Subramanian 094453 56272 094443 32089 094444 03572 02. AKCBRA - Kozhikode V.K.M.Varma A.P.Ravindranath P.K.Baskaran 093494 99869 092494 25800 094464 02876 03. SVRSRWA - Kerala P.K.Kesavan N.S.K.Nair S.V.Iyer 097447 24105 094464 01841 094463 29838 04. CBRSA - A.P. Shandilya Y.V.Subba Rao S.Eeranna 077993 13070 098496 20781 098664 90365 05. CBRA - Madurai R.Seetharaman V.Murugesan S.Somanathan 094431 21871 09442029753 099940 77590 06. CBRA - West Bengal M.K.Saha Partha Sircar A.K.Datta 094338 07235 094339 11914 098361 51989 07. CBRA NZ - Delhi Balbirsing Nayyar A.K.Bansal S.N.Pandey 09811106861 099680 72320 098718 40666 08. CBRA - M.P. V.G.Pande K.D.Parsai D.C.Mehta 098265 37986 098265 37986 094253 52213 09. CBRA - Karnataka B.Haridas Adiga B.S.Joshi K.M.Bhat 094487 54012 099863 14974 098806 37246 10. CBRA - Odisha S.B.Kar J.C.Pattanaik J.K.Mohanty 094370 36342 094383 44630 094387 34317 11. CBRA - Maharashtra S.D.Kulkarni B.S.A.Rao Anand Y.Varhale 098226 58268 099207 16444 099679 60727 12. CBRA - Uttar Pradesh S.K.Khosla R.K.Dhawan S.C.Nagar 094121 69155 094150 86232 094503 60214 13. CBRA - Gujarat J.T.Thaker Atul Anjaria G.M.Kazi 098981 77151 098257 47266 094263 50242 14. CBRWA - Bihar B.K.Sinha R.P.Mishra N.K.Rai 098352 92551 094316 84966 096316 33671 15. CBRA - Goa Norbert Dias Francis Soares Kantilal M Shah 098221 26173 098221 59053 0098226 44306
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 21 Membership Growth: Membership is the basic and fundamental strength of any Organisation. We are happy to inform that we have been able to make significant inroad in membership drive by covering new geographical areas and bringing more retirees to our fold. At the time of our 1st Triennial Conference at Bengaluru in 2013, we were just above 5000. Today, when we meet here, our strength has considerably increased to more than 8000. This has been made possible because of the continuous and dedicated efforts made by our affiliates, leaders and members. We congratulate each and every one of you in this significant endeavour. Yet, this is not enough. We have to cast our net still wider, as we are brimming with immense possibilities in this regard. I hope that the Conference will bolster us with required energy to increase our membership base so that we emerge as overwhelming organisational canopy of the entire retirees of Canara Bank in the days to come. OUR WEBSITE – www.aicbrf.in Information technology is taking giant leap forward in the world. In every walk of life, both in personal & official life, computer has become inevitable. In an era of fast changing digital technology and instant communication, as an Organisation of Bank Retirees, we too have to grapple with the advancements in the technological front. We request our retirees to browse our website regularly and we have been updating and uploading Bank’s / Federation’s important circulars / materials as expeditiously as possible in the website. In this regard, we wish to record our deep appreciation for the contribution of Sri K.Parasuraman, our C.C.Member in developing and maintaining our website updated, unmindful of personal inconvenience. Accessing our website is found to be of immense value not only to Canara Bank retirees, but also to other bank retirees as well. We value your suggestions for further improvement of our Website. WELFARE MEASURES TO RETIREES IN OUR BANK: In our Bank, Staff Welfare Measures was introduced in 1991-1992. Reimbursement of Medical Expenses (Rs.500/-) to Superannuated retirees was introduced during the year 2000. It was increased to Rs.1,000/- during the year 2002, Rs.1,500/- from the year 2006, Rs.2000/- from the year 2012 and further enhanced to Rs.2,500/- from the year 2013 onwards. We are of the view that in the matter of extending social welfare measures to retirees, there cannot be any discrimination whatsoever on the basis of mode of exit from bank’s service. We are happy to inform that as a sequel to our persistent efforts, from the financial year 2012 - 2013 onwards, the benefit of reimbursement of medical expenses has been extended to SVRS 2000 & VRS retirees also (with 60+ age). We find, the present allocation made by the Bank towards Welfare Measures to retired employees of our Bank to meet the present requirement (as well as future requirement of
22 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference retiring employees on account of growing number of serving employees retiring in the next few years), is not adequate enough. Therefore we fervently appeal to the Bank Management/IBA/Govt: To increase the allocation of welfare fund from the present 3% of bank’s net profit to 5% and allocating the additional amount of 2% for exclusive benefit of retirees, the utilisation of the amount being determined in consultation with retirees’ representatives. Our Bank is known for treating our retired colleagues in a dignified manner. We fervently hope that this gracious tradition will continue and result in improved welfare measures for the retir- ees for 2015 – 2016, besides for the future too. ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR FEDERATION AICBRF DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW: We have been able to resolve individual grievances of our retiree members through the mechanism of Grievances Redressal Cell Meeting and also by taking up the issues with the bank directly. In this regard, mention must be made that under the direction of the General Secretary, Organising Secretary at Bengaluru Sri B.Venkat Rao has been regularly pursuing individual issues with the management at liaison level. Role of our Liaison Representative Sri B.Venkat Rao proves to be highly efficacious. In addition to the normal functioning of our Federation espousing the cause of retired employees of our bank, the following important activities enhanced the image of our Federation amongst retirees’ fraternity and the society at large:
Officers who retired during the period from 01-07-1993 to 31-10-1994 (6th Bipartite period) were given the benefit of revised scales of pay in terms of 3rd Joint Note dated 23.06.1995, but were paid gratuity on the pre-revised pay and no arrears of gratuity was paid to such Officers who ceased to be in the Bank’s service prior to 01.11.1994. The benefit of gratuity on revised pay was extended only to those officers who retired on or after 01.11.1994. Karnataka High Court ordered payment of arrears of gratuity based on revised pay. However, subsequent appeals preferred by the managements both at SLP and Review Petition levels, were dismissed and thus the case reached its finality. However, our management insists that unless our Bank’s SLPs in Supreme court on the same matter are disposed, they will not make payment of differential gratuity. On our insistence, the bank has taken up the matter through their Senior Counsel in Supreme Court for expediting the hearing of the Gratuity case and the same is expected to be listed shortly.
On account of nature’s fury such as Flood, cyclone etc., people in the State of Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha and Tamilnadu, suffered huge massive loss of human lives and destruction of property. Responding to the call of our Federation, our affiliates rose to the occasion and shared their concern by way of substantial contribution to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund as follows:
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 23 a. 03.08.2013: Remitted Rs.1,00,000/- to Uttarakhand Flood Relief. b. 26.09.2013: Remitted Rs.25,000/- to Uttarakhand Flood Relief. c. 22.09.2014: Remitted Rs.15000/- to Indian Doctors for Peace and Development, Ludhiana towards Jammu & Kashmir Relief. d. 05.11.2014: Remitted Rs.40,000/- to AIBRF for providing relief to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. e. Remitted Rs.10,000/- towards relief to victims of phyline cyclone in the State of Odisha. f. 13.01.2016: Remitted Rs.2,30,000/- (of which major contribution of Rs.2,00,000/ - was from CBRF, Chennai) to AIBRF for providing relief to victims of flood in Chennai and nearby districts in Tamil Nadu.
On 03.02.2014, we have demanded from our management to increase our representation in the Grievances Redressal Cell through submission of list containing 6628 names of membership of our affiliates spread across the country. We are hopeful of getting increased representation shortly in the set up of Grievances Redressal Cell machinery.
Responding to the call of AIBRF, participation by a large contingent of 400 members of ours on 07.03.2014 at Jantar Mantar, Delhi was part of history and rare show of unity, enthusiasm, commitment and struggle. It has given new direction and confidence to the retirees movement in banking industry. We are proud to have been in the forefront in implementing all the calls of AIBRF.
Towards funding the Jantar Mantar Dharna Programme, we have contributed Rs.10000/- to AIBRF.
Immediately after participation in the Jantar Mantar Dharna Programme, our 2nd Central Committee Meeting was held at Vrindavan on March 8-9, 2014.
Canara Bank Retirees’ Forum, Chennai held its 4th Triennial Conference on 06.04.2014 at Chennai.
5th Grievances Cell Meeting was held at Bengaluru on 09.08.2014 paving the way for resolution of some longstanding individual issues.
Held useful discussions with United India Insurance Company Ltd., and Alliance Insurance Co., Bengaluru on Group Insurance Schemes.
On account of our sustained efforts, twin benefits Viz: Ex-employees (1% extra) and Senior Citizens ( ½% extra) in the Rate of Interest on term deposits by retired employees/spouses were permitted irrespective of size and period of term deposits.
24 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Based on our appeal to the Chairman & Managing Director and subsequent follow-up with the administration, medical aid of Rs.1000/- to widow/er Pensioners was granted from Staff Welfare Measures. Further, Medical Aid for Pre-1986 Retirees: Rs.1000/- and Surviving Spouse of Pre-1986 retirees: Rs.1500/- were also granted from Staff Welfare Measures.
On 01.02.2015, Maharashtra state conference was held at Pune.
On 20.05.2015, in a deputation of our Office Bearers at Bengaluru, a Memorandum was handed over to our Executive Director asking IBA to hold discussion with AIBRF Representatives on retirees’ issues.
24th Conference of Canara Bank Employees’ Union was held at Lucknow on September 11 - 13, 2014. 3 Office Bearers of our AICBRF attended the Conference as Special Invitees.
For more convenience of pensioners, more particulary, elder pensioners, relaxation was made for submission of life certificate to any branch of the bank.
As per RBI guidelines, charges were imposed for ATM transactions beyond permissible limit. On our representation, Bank permitted free transactions for our bank card holders using our own ATMs irrespective of number of transactions in a month.
On 16.11.2014, Canara Bank Retirees’ Welfare Association - Bihar was formed.
On 24.10.2015 U.P. State conference was held at Lucknow.
On 19.01.2016 West Bengal units conference was held.
Our nominees to AIBRF Central Committe attended the CC Meeting held at Bengaluru on December 2 - 3, 2014 and contributed to taking momentous decision for launching agitational programmes.
Doorstep facility of delivery of monthly pension to Pensioners with 75+ age from December 2014 onwards.
We have demanded restoration of issuing Pension Slip to Pensioners containing details of various components of Pension and also deductions towards excess payment of pension, if any, besides loan repayment.
Smt.Shobha Prabhu, Ex-Special Assistant, Teppakulam, Trichy. Family donated her vital organs to needy patients in December 2014.
AICBRF joined in felicitating Sri D.D.Rustagi, former General Secretary of CBEU at New Delhi on 30.08.2014.
At our request, format of Family Pensioner was modified in 2014.
AICBRF compiled “Glimpses of Pensioners’ Struggles” across the world containing more than 70 photographs.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 25 Enhancement in Ex-gratia to Pre-1986 with effect from 17.12.2013 Pre-1986 Retiree: Rs.350/- + applicable DA Surviving Spouse of Pre-1986 Retiree: Rs.175/- + applicable DA.
7th Annual Conference of our Affiliate in Kerala (Now known as All Kerala Canara Bank Retirees’ Association) was held on 29.09.2015 at Thrissur.
On his demise, late Sri C.R.Venkateswaran donated his eyes to Rajan Eye Care Hospital, Chennai.
3rd CC Meeting was held at Ahmedabad on March 24-25, 2015, decides to hold our 2nd Triennial Conference of AICBRF at Ernakulam in February 2016.
Foundation Conference of CBRA - Goa was held on 09.08.2015. (15th Unit affiliated to AICBRF)
Medical Insurance Scheme for Retirees & their Spouses launched effective from 1st November 2015.
Spouse of deceased employees and spouse of deceased retirees included for joining Medical Insurance Scheme.
Employees who died while in service - Compassionate employment to dependant re-introduced effective from 05.08.2014 with an option for Ex-gratia amount or employment.
In December 2015, on account of torrential downpour in the districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam in Tamilnadu and Puducherry etc., people suffered massive damages and our leading cadres in retirees movement joined Non-governmental organisations in their respective places in providing immediate relief materials to the affected people. Responding to the call of AIBRF, we have collected and remitted Rs.2,30,000/- to AIBRF. From AICBRF, we appealed to our management to grant interest-free soft loan to the flood affected retirees. Responding to our request, our Board of Directors permitted loan scheme with base rate of interest. It is heart- warming that in the context of non-availability of specific loan scheme to bank retirees at the industry level even in such a distressing situation, we were able to actively pursue the matter at various levels of the management and our efforts brought fruition in this regard. Indeed, it is a nice gesture on the part of the bank. The loan scheme, we believe, would have certainly helped the affected retirees in coping with the disastrous consequences caused by Nature’s fury.
On 20.12.2015, Reception Committee for conducting the 2nd Triennial Conference of AICBRF at Ernakulam on Feb. 24 – 25, 2016 was formed.
26 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference IMPLEMENTATION OF 10TH BPS / 7TH JOINT NOTE IN RESPECT OF TERMINAL BENEFITS TO RETIREES:
On account of our persistent efforts for expediting payment of arrears, the management paid arrears of 10th BPS and Joint Note dated 25.05.2015 to employees retired on or after 01.11.2012 as below: Arrears of Salary : 27.06.2015 Arrears of Gratuity : 21.07.2015 Arrears of refund of PF deduction : 25.07.2015 Arrears of Pension & Diffl Commtn : 27.08.2015 Beneficiary retirees in receipt of arrears readily joined our affiliates as members, some of them sharing their happiness by way of donation to us. CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Since our 1st Triennial Conference, we had 5 Central Committee Meetings at 1) Bengaluru on 26.02.2013, 2) Vrindavan on March 8 – 9, 2014, 3) Ahmedabad on March 24 – 25, 2015, 4) Thrissur on 25.11.2015 and 5) Ernakulam on 23.02.2016. PENDING COURT CASES: We wish to inform you that retired employees of our Bank, in the absence of any structured negotiation forum at the apex level, were constrained to file Writ Petitions in the High Court of Kerala/Madras/Karnataka as detailed below: 1. Regarding payment of differential amount of commutation and arrears of pension to those retired (7th BPS Retirees) from the date of retirement to 30.04.2005 (CPI 1616 – 1684 Viz: 50% of Pay as Pension); Pending before Supreme Court SLP Nos.20661 – 20668/2012) Canara Bank Vs Savithri Venugopal & Others and Canara Bank Vs Y.M.Shenoy & Others. Similarly other cases were filed by BOB, IOB, SBM, Vijaya Bank and Syndicate Bank etc. All these SLPs have been tagged to SLP No.24889/2011 Viz: BOB Vs G.Palani & Others. This has since been converted into Civil Appeal No.5525/2012. We have appointed Sri S.Rajappa, Delhi as our Counsel for our above case. Besides the above, another WP No: 5916/2002 A.B.Kasturi Rangan & Others Vs Canara Bank is pending in Madras High Court on the very same case of 1616 - 1684 points);
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 27 2. Status Update on 100% Neutralisation of Dearness Relief to Pre - 01.11.2002 Pensioners: On 14th December, 2012, Madras High Court has given a landmark judgment in 100% DA Neutralization case wherein number of WP and other petitions were clubbed. Some of the relevant paras of the judgment are furnished, so that one can easily understand the same and can make the next strategy. While analysing the earlier judgments, HC has quoted “D S Nakara vs Union of India (1983) landmark judgment on number of such issues. In that case SC has held that in case the claim is essentially a revision and not a new retiral benefit, the existing employees are all entitled to the benefits. Similarly, in case it was a new concept or a new retiral benefit, those who have already retired could not claim the benefits of such new scheme. SC has further said in this old case that “If the State considered it necessary to liberalise the pension scheme, we find no rational principle behind it for granting those benefits only to those who retired subsequent to that date simultaneously denying the same to those who retired prior to that date... If the liberalisation was considered necessary for augmenting social security in old age to government servants then those who, retired earlier cannot be worse off than those who retire later”. In spite of such a SC judgment in 1983, Banks continued to deny 100% DA neutralisation to bank pensioners. Madras HC, inter-alia, depended on the above rationale and gave judgment in favour of the petitioners and said “The All India Overall Working Class Consumer Price Index remain the same not only for the employees who have retired subsequent to 8th BPS / Joint Note but also for others like the petitioners, who have retired before the cut off date in question. The DA at 0.18% of the basic pension was introduced taking into account the All India Overall Working Class CPI. The inflation and price increase are common to all the retired employees irrespective of the date of retirement. Therefore, the benefits of such redefinition of pay for the purpose of pension should be given to all the pensioners without any distinction..” Aggrieved by the above Order of the Learned Judge passed in the Writ Petitions, the Respondent Banks filed Writ Appeals No.688-689/2013 which were allowed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Madras holding that the Petitioners do not come within the ambit of the 8th Bi-Partite Settlement/Joint Note and there cannot be any discrimination between employees who retired at different point of time. The plea of the Banks regarding the financial burden was accepted by the Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Madras to negative the claim of the Petitioners. The Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Madras further observed that the fact that the additional cost of Pension is shared between the employer and employees would also make a difference so as to negative
28 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference the claim of the Petitioners. The Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Madras thus overlooked the law laid down by this Hon’ble Court in D.S.Nakara Vs. Union of India 1983 (1) SCC 305 and Kallakurichi Taluk Retired Official Association V State of Tamil Nadu reported in 2013 (2) SCC 772(Recent judgements of the Supreme Court on Pension related cases bordering on discriminatory practices also strengthen our views on the subject.) Hence, against the common final judgment dated 17-06-2013 passed by the high court of judicature at Madras in W.A. Nos. 688 and 689 of 2013, affected retirees filed Special Leave Petitions as below:
SLP No. C.A. No. Name of the Supreme Court Petitioner/s Advocate on Record 28220 to 8420 - A.B.Kasturirangan & V.G.Pragasam 28221 / 2013 8421 / 2013 Others Vs Canara Bank 28558 / 2013 Tagged T.V.Alwan & Others Vs G.Indira Canara Bank 28670 / 2013 Tagged C.R.Chandrasekaran Vs G.Indira Indian Overseas Bank
Inbuilt delays, intricacies of the legal system coupled with unhelpful & callous attitude of bank managements and the central govt., have created misgivings in the minds of pensioners. Also, the above petitioners filed an affidavit seeking to implead IBA in the above civil appeals pending before the Supreme Court. Patience is the need of the hour. 3. Extension of another pension option to those who were Compulsorily Retired (Karnataka High Court WP No:23702 - 23704/2012 A.R.Patil & Others Vs Canara Bank); 4. Writ Petitions filed by Canara Bank Retirees’ Association, Cochin pending in the High Court of Kerala in connection with the claim for refund of wrongful reduction of commuted portion in the Basic Pension from the date of retirement instead of from the actual date of lump sum payment of commuted value of pension. Also interest @ 6% from the Bank for the delayed payment of commuted value of pension is claimed; 5. Canara Bank SVRS Retirees’ Welfare Association, Thiruvananthapuram has filed the Writ Petition in the High Court of Kerala (OP No.23205/13.08.2002 praying, among other things, for pension arrears on account of sanction of 50% of Pay as Pension, besides Medical Reimbursement Scheme to the retirees.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 29 OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: Central Government implemented 6th pay commission recommendations in 2009 giving average rise of 30%-35% to Central Government Employees. Central Government past retirees also received handsome increase in the pension and other benefits like introduction of new concept like super senior citizen getting upto 100% additional pension, reduction in service length for full commutation etc. Financial sector retirees continued to struggle for fair treatment and updation of pension and other improvements on the lines of the 6th pay commission. However major breakthrough is yet to come. LIC management refused to implement its own Board Decision to grant pension updation to past retirees under the pretext of not getting government’s clearance. The matter has reached the Supreme Court and the final decision is awaited which will give definite dimension to the issue of pension updation. RBI retirees have been fighting in Courts against government’s move to withdraw pension updation granted by Central Board of RBI. These types of bottle-necks being created by the government / managements are not completely unexpected. But we are confident that ultimate victory will be of that of retirees’ fraternity and we shall receive benefit of pension updation in future. In another major development, government has decided to offer defined contribution, but undefined pension scheme instead of safe and secured social welfare scheme of defined benefit pension to those bank employees joining banks after 1.4.2010. It will have long term effect on retirement benefits and consequently on retirees’ movement as well. Many of our comrades / State level Units have been fighting legal cases in respect of 100% DA neutralisation, pension updation in different courts. In view of non- existence of bilateral negotiation platform for retirees and very rigid and hostile attitude of IBA and the Government, the legal actions taken / initiated by the aggrieved bank retirees are understandable. On the issue of the legal actions by retirees, we have been explaining to IBA / GOVT / UFBU that retirees are forced to approach the court because of IBA denying right of negotiation on their issues. We believe and rightly so, that once proper and effective negotiation mechanism is evolved for retirees, there will be considerable drop in legal cases. History shows that bank employees learnt by experience that negotiated settlement is better than legal recourse for resolving contentious issues. We wish that the Govt. and IBA read the message and create situation for resolving the longstanding issues of retirees honourably. STATE FEDERATIONS/COMMITTEES OF AIBRF: We are glad to inform you that recognising the initiative and the contribution to the general movement of bank retirees, the following State Federations/ Committees entrusted responsibilities to our Office Bearers/Central Committee Members as below:
30 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 1. All Kerala Bank Retirees’ Federation : Sri P.R.R.S.Iyer, Secretary Sri N.S.K.Nair, Asst. Secretary Sri A.P.Raveendranath Orgn. Secy Sri V.K.M.Varma, C.C. Member Sri M.Venugopalan, C.C. Member Sri Maraikkar Pillai, C.C. Member Sri K.Shanmugam, Dt. Secy.Calicut Sri C.K.Rajeevan, Dt. Secy., Thiruvananthapuram Sri Koshi K.Rajappan, Dt. Secy, Allepey Sri T.C. Prabhakaran, Dt. Secy, Wynad 2. All Bank Retirees’ Federation : Sri O.M.Mahindrakar, Joint Secy Maharashtra Sri B.S.A.Rao, C C Member
3. Tamilnadu Bank Retirees’ Federation: Sri S.V.Srinivasan, Dy.Genl. Secy. Sri A.B.Kasturirangan, V.P. Sri S.Agoram, Org. Secy. Sri R.Sudalaimuthu, Org. Secy. Sri M.V.Ramani, Org. Secy. Sri PonnambalamPillai, CCMember
4. Odisha State Committee - AIBRF : Sri J.C.Pattanaik, Vice President Sri Harihara Pani, Committee Member
5. Karnataka State Committee - AIBRF : Sri B.Devadas Rao, President Sri B.C.C.Aradhya, Secretary
6. Belgaum District Bank Retirees’ Association : Sri R.T.Bidi, EC Member
7. Bihar State Retirees’ Federation : Sri R.P.Mishra, E.C.Member
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 31 Performance of various Public Sector Banks and Associate Banks during the last 3 years under review are furnished hereunder for your information: BANKING INDUSTRY IN THE LAST THREE YEARS: (Rs in crore) BANK Deposits (Domestic) Growth Mar’13 Mar’14 Mar’15 (%) (YoY) Allahabad Bank 177671 189168 191022 0.98 Andhra Bank 123796 141845 155012 9.28 Bank of Baroda 341706 379054 414278 9.29 Bank of India 294067 363590 398000 9.46 Bank of Maharashtra 94337 116803 122119 4.56 Canara Bank 342107 398853 444702 11.50 Central Bank 226038 240069 255572 6.46 Corporation Bank 166005 193393 199346 3.08 Dena Bank 97207 110028 115936 5.37 IDBI Bank 225807 234987 257899 9.75 Indian Bank 134804 152517 161858 5.43 Indian Overseas Bank 195457 219731 239819 9.14 Oriental Bank of Commerce 175898 193489 204010 5.44 Punjab National Bank 375284 418425 453029 8.27 Punjab & Sind Bank 70642 84730 86715 2.34 Syndicate Bank 167055 186966 225402 20.56 UCO Bank 158386 182730 193552 5.92 Union Bank 260999 292811 312230 6.63 United Bank 100651 111510 108818 -2.41 Vijaya Bank 97017 124296 126343 1.65 Bhartiya Mahila Bank 87 751 766.91 (Nationalized Banks) 3824934 4336082 4666413 7.62 State Bank of India 1130137 1305984 1487236 13.88 State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur 72116 73875 84239 14.03 State Bank of Hyderabad 113324 119510 130166 8.92 State Bank of Mysore 56969 61560 66064 7.32 State Bank of Patiala 88416 89485 91987 2.80 State Bank of Travancore 84624 89337 91077 1.95 State Bank of India Group 1545587 1739750 1950769 12.13 (Total PSBs) 5370520 6075832 6617182 8.91
32 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference (Rs in crore) BANK Net Profit Growth Mar’13 Mar’14 Mar’15 (%) (YoY) Allahabad Bank 1185 1172 621 -47.00 Andhra Bank 1289 436 638 46.33 Bank of Baroda 4481 4541 3398 -25.16 Bank of India 2749 2729 1709 -37.38 Bank of Maharashtra 760 386 451 16.77 Canara Bank 2872 2438 2703 10.85 Central Bank 1015 -1263 606 148.02 Corporation Bank 1435 562 584 4.01 Dena Bank 810 552 265 -51.87 IDBI Bank 1882 1121 873 -22.12 Indian Bank 1581 1159 1005 -13.27 Indian Overseas Bank 567 602 -454 -175.42 Oriental Bank of Commerce 1328 1139 497 -56.37 Punjab National Bank 4748 3343 3062 -8.41 Punjab & Sind Bank 339 301 121 -59.63 Syndicate Bank 2004 1711 1523 -10.99 UCO Bank 618 1511 1138 -24.68 Union Bank 2158 1696 1781 5.01 United Bank 392 -1213 256 121.10 Vijaya Bank 586 416 439 5.63 Bhartiya Mahila Bank 12 20 61.34 (Nationalized Banks) 32799 23350 21237 -9.05 State Bank of India 14105 10891 13102 20.30 State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur 730 732 777 6.17 State Bank of Hyderabad 1250 1020 1317 29.12 State Bank of Mysore 416 274 409 49.27 State Bank of Patiala 667 448 362 -19.20 State Bank of Travancore 615 304 335 10.20 State Bank of India Group 17784 13669 16302 19.26 (Total PSBs) 50582 37018 37539 1.41
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 33 BANK ROA (%)
Mar’13 Mar’14 Mar’15 Allahabad Bank 0.64 0.57 0.29 Andhra Bank 0.99 0.29 0.34 Bank of Baroda 0.90 0.75 0.49 Bank of India 0.65 0.51 0.27 Bank of Maharashtra 0.74 0.30 0.33 Canara Bank 0.77 0.54 0.55 Central Bank 0.44 0.47 0.21 Corporation Bank 0.88 0.29 0.28 Dena Bank 0.86 0.51 0.22 IDBI Bank 0.69 0.38 0.27 Indian Bank 1.02 0.67 0.54 Indian Overseas Bank 0.24 0.23 0.16 Oriental Bank of Commerce 0.71 0.56 0.23 Punjab National Bank 1.00 0.64 0.53 Punjab & Sind Bank 0.44 0.35 0.13 Syndicate Bank 1.07 0.78 0.58 UCO Bank 0.33 0.70 0.48 Union Bank 0.79 0.52 0.49 United Bank 0.38 0.99 0.21 Vijaya Bank 0.59 0.35 0.22 Bhartiya Mahila Bank 1.10 1.34 (Nationalized Banks) 0.74 0.45 0.37 State Bank of India 0.97 0.65 0.68 State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur 0.96 0.87 0.84 State Bank of Hyderabad 0.99 0.70 0.89 State Bank of Mysore 0.66 0.40 0.54 State Bank of Patiala 0.68 0.42 0.33 State Bank of Travancore 0.66 0.29 0.32 State Bank of India Group 0.93 0.63 0.66 (Total PSBs) 0.79 0.50 0.46
34 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference (Rs in crore) BANK Advance Rs Crore Growth Mar’13 Mar’14 Mar’15 (%) (YoY) Allahabad Bank 130936 140905 153095 8.65 Andhra Bank 100138 110649 129576 17.11 Bank of Baroda 332811 403699 437280 8.32 Bank of India 292968 376228 411726 9.44 Bank of Maharashtra 76397 90369 101210 12.00 Canara Bank 243936 303431 334937 10.38 Central Bank 176233 183321 194967 6.35 Corporation Bank 119354 138643 147708 6.54 Dena Bank 66457 78622 80629 2.55 IDBI Bank 200135 203376 215792 6.10 Indian Bank 107156 124359 128832 3.60 Indian Overseas Bank 164366 181081 179041 -1.13 Oriental Bank of Commerce 130186 140765 148039 5.17 Punjab National Bank 308725 349269 380534 8.95 Punjab & Sind Bank 51843 57858 64796 11.99 Syndicate Bank 149422 176240 205804 16.77 UCO Bank 131569 153163 151812 -0.88 Union Bank 211911 234332 262757 12.13 United Bank 69708 67982 69070 1.60 Vijaya Bank 70514 82425 87692 6.39 Bhartiya Mahila Bank 89 352 297.39 (Nationalized Banks) 3134766 3596805 3885650 8.03 State Bank of India 1078557 1246122 1335424 7.25 State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur 58474 65333 71153 8.91 State Bank of Hyderabad 89857 95654 105053 9.83 State Bank of Mysore 45981 50862 53296 4.79 State Bank of Patiala 75460 77811 80648 3.65 State Bank of Travancore 68389 70782 69907 -1.24 State Bank of India Group 1416718 1605563 1715481 6.85 (Total PSBs) 4551483 5202368 5601131 7.67
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 35 653.66 2389.86 861.32 569.80 429.23 2787.38 3494.35 254.22 559.09 1280.49 279.33 1114.54 2606.41 SARFAESI ACTION INITIATED No. No. Amount 26 282 80 31 48 467 701 20 69 20 38 96 206 302.04 534.35 590.05 391.11 141.22 938 2288.61 19.07 370.51 81.90 74.76 796.99 1529.56 FIRs FIRs FILED No. No. Amount 16 73 48 5 46 223 49 4 22 4 31 35 77 414.65 1937.75 1191.54 1150.18 548.79 3054 3963.77 1702.27 646.93 1719.08 293.98 1280.36 2687.46 SUIT FILED No. No. Amount 28 230 175 100 80 606 628 95 104 67 49 105 293 OUT OUT OF TOTAL WILFUL DEFAULTERS (Amount in Rs. in Crore) (Amount 688.89 2571.74 1191.77 2569.25 548.79 3057 4428.62 1975.56 665.20 1719.08 295.30 1342.14 3877.44 Total Wilful Total Defaulters No. No. Amount 35 336 177 172 80 612 722 119 141 67 51 112 382 WILFUL DEFAULTERS AS ON 31.03.2015 WILFUL DEFAULTERS Name ofBank Name AllahabadBank AndhraBank Bank of Baroda IndiaBank of Bank of Maharashtra Canara Bank India of CentralBank Corporation Bank Dena Bank IDBI Bank IndianBank IndianOverseas Bank BankOriental of Commerce
36 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 283.91 6797.20 430.45 3327.95 2255.37 1151.91 595.50 32121.97 398.22 1928.84 11510.98 972.09 585.80 1.51 15397.44 47519.41 14 312 79 440 550 239 71 3789 13 194 1170 65 108 1 1551 5840 333.14 3312.91 108.56 705.72 721.77 415.27 519.87 14175.41 273.80 476.61 13.10 301.91 233.13 147.05 1445.60 15621.01 25 137 118 95 84 130 41 1263 6 9 16 9 42 2 84 1347 333.14 6097.06 641.23 3394.53 2352.54 1121.75 652.37 35183.38 661.13 2128.11 11099.15 973.75 552.60 843.92 16258.66 51442.04 25 308 167 426 592 355 96 4529 16 198 1133 67 94 65 1573 6102 248.84 7282.25 885.10 3677.08 2613.78 1608.24 712.44 41958.51 790.20 2128.11 11510.98 974 585.80 845.43 16834.27 58792.78 25 410 208 594 643 419 102 5407 19 198 1170 67 108 66 1628 7035 Punjab & Sind Bank PunjabNational Bank Syndicate Bank UCO Bank Bank of IndiaUnion IndiaBank of United Vijaya Bank Banks Nationalized Bank BikanerState of Jaipur & Bank State of Hyderabad of Bank State India BankState of Mysore Bank PatialaState of State Bank of Travancore SBI Group PublicSector Banks
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 37 CANARA BANK – OUR BELOVED INSTITUTION & ITS PERFORMANCE:
Though retired, we would like to continue our relationship with the Bank. We are of the firm opinion that retirement in career would not snap our umbilical ties with the Bank. With pardonable pride, we can claim that we contributed our best to the growth and prosperity of the bank in the past. Every Retiree is anxious to see the bank fares better. Besides the serving employees giving their best output and good customer service across the counters, many of our members too are contributing in various ways for the development of our Beloved Bank. As a responsible organisation, we urge upon each and every one of us to put in the best efforts and help the branches in taking the bank to still greater heights by increasing CASA and assisting the bank in recovering NPAs etc. We are happy to share with you highlights of the Bank’s performance for Dec. 2015:
Head Office February 12, 2016 Operating Profit for Q3 at 1552crore Global Business at8.23lakh crore
Major Highlights – Q3FY16
Total Business at Rs. 8.23 lakh crore, up by 6.2% y.o.y.
Total Deposits at Rs. 4.91 lakh crore, up by 6.1% y.o.y.
CASA deposits grew by 12.5% y.o.y to 1.18 lakh crore and CASA ratio (domestic) improved to 25.71% from 24.05% last year.
Advances (net) at Rs. 3.32 lakh crore, up by 6.3% y.o.y.
Sustained good growth in retail business (y.o.y) -Total Priority (26.6%), Agriculture (15.2%), MSME (16.3%), MSE (16.4%), Retail (20.6%) including Housing (direct) (26.8%), Vehicle (13.8%), Education (19.2%) and Other Personal loans (14.6%).
Total Expenditure increase was contained at 0.65% y.o.y.
Interest expenses, including interest paid on deposits, decreased by 0.18% y.o.y. Operating expenses increase was moderate at 4.74% y.o.y.
Non Interest Income stood at Rs. 1169 crore.
Operating (Gross) profit stood at Rs. 1552 crore.
38 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Total provisions increased to Rs. 1467 crore compared to Rs. 1141 crore last year.
Provisions on NPAs increased to1432 crore, up from Rs. 952 crore last year.
On account of higher provisions set aside, net profit for the quarter came down to Rs. 85 crore compared to Rs. 656 crore reported last year.
Net Interest Margin (NIM) (Domestic) was at 2.29% and NIM (Global) at 2.16%.
Cost-income ratio marginally improved to 49.46% from 49.84% last year.
Gross NPA increased to 19813 crore vis-à-vis Rs. 14021 crore at September 2015.
Gross NPA Ratio increased to 5.84% compared to 4.27% previous quarter.
Net NPA Ratio increased to 3.90% from 2.90% previous quarter.
Cash Recovery was at 1117 crore and Provision Coverage ratio was at 53.96%.
Capital Adequacy Ratio under Basel III norm improved to 11.54% vis-à-vis 9% norms.
5794 branches and 9144 ATMs as at December 2015.
Enhanced E-transactions at 55.97% from 45.35% last year. Income and Expenses - Q3 FY16
Total expenses increased moderately by 0.65% y.o.y to Rs. 10498crore. The increase in Operating Expenses was at 4.74% y.o.y.
While total income for the quarter was Rs. 12051 crore, including Rs. 7629 crore income from loans/advances.
Non-interest income stood at Rs. 1169 crore. Profits and Profitability – Q3 FY16
Operating Profit for the quarter stood at Rs. 1552 crore.
Total provisions increased to Rs. 1467 crore compared to Rs. 1141 crore last year, including provisions for NPAs at Rs 1432 crore vis-à-vis Rs.952 crore last year.
Due to increased provisions, net profit for the quarter came down to Rs. 85 crore compared to Rs. 656 crore last year.
Net Interest Margin (NIM) (Domestic) was at 2.29% and NIM (Global) at 2.16%.
Cost-income ratio marginally improved to 49.46% from 49.84% last year.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 39 Nine Months (9M) Performance
Operating profit rose to Rs. 5500 crore as against Rs. 5218 crore a year ago, recording a y.o.y growth of 5.41%.
Total provisions increased to Rs. 4407crore compared to Rs. 3128 crore last year, including provisions for NPAs at Rs. 3725 crore vis-à-vis Rs. 2989 crore last year.
Due to higher provisions, net profit for 9MFY16 aggregated to Rs. 1093 crore compared to 2090 crore last year.
Total expenses increased moderately by 2.05% y.o.y to Rs. 31281 crore. The increase in Operating Expenses was moderate at 3.81% y.o.y.
Total income rose by 2.54% y.o.y to Rs. 36781 crore, including Rs. 23856 crore income from loans/advances.
Net Interest Income increased to Rs. 7390 crore, with a y-o-y growth of 2.95%.
Non-interest income increased to Rs. 3492crore, with a y.o.y growth of 8.30%. Business Performance
Global Business of the Bank increased to Rs. 822514 crore compared to774718 crore as at December 2014, with a y-o-y growth of 6.2%.
Global Deposits of the Bank increased to at December 2014, with a growth of 6.1%. Rs. 490599 crore compared to Rs. 462450 crore as
Global Advances (Net) reached a level of at December 2014, with a growth of 6.3%. Rs. 331915 crore compared to Rs.312269 crore as
The Bank’s domestic business constituted 93% of the total business. Total business of the foreign branches increased to Rs. 58319 crore from Rs. 46037 crore last year.
The Bank’s CASA deposits increased to Rs. 118125 crore as at December 2015 compared to 105019 crore as at December 2014, registering a y-o-y growth of 12.5%.
The Bank’s CASA deposits to domestic deposits increased to 25.71% from 24.05% last year.
The Bank’s clientele accounts increased to 7.10 crore, comprising 6.31 crore under deposit and 79 lakh under borrowal accounts. About 78 lakh clientele added during the year.
40 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference While Business per Employee stood at Rs. 14.50 crore, Business per Branch was at Rs. 142 crore. Capital Adequacy under New Basel III norms
Capital Adequacy Ratio as per Basel III norms improved to 11.54% (as against mandatory requirement of 9%). CET ratio was at 8.03% (against mandatory requirement of 5.5%) and Tier I ratio was at 8.68% (as against mandatory requirement of 7%).
Adequate headroom available to raise capital to support business growth momentum. Government shareholding is at 66.30%. Asset Quality
The Bank’s gross NPA increased to Rs. 19813 crore, with a gross NPA ratio of 5.84% compared to 3.35% last year. Increase in Gross NPA is mainly on account of Asset Quality Review (AQR).
Net NPA stood at Rs. 12940 crore, with a net NPA ratio of 3.9%.
Cash Recovery during Q3FY16 amounted to a record 1117crore compared to 1213 crore for the same quarter a year ago. Cash Recovery during the nine months aggregated to Rs. 3383 crore compared to Rs. 4427 crore during the corresponding period last year.
The Bank’s outstanding restructured portfolio at Rs. 28695crore constituted 8.45% of the gross advances.
Provision Coverage Ratio stood at 53.96% compared to 59.44% last year. Diversified Credit Portfolio
Outstanding advances to various Priority Segments rose to Rs. 142652 crore, with a y-o-y growth of 26.58% and achieved 48.78% to ANBC against 40% norm.
Advances under Agriculture portfolio increased by 15.21% y-o-y to Rs. 65061 crore and achieved 22.25% to ANBC against 18% norm.
Credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) reached Rs. 66241 crore, with a y-o-y growth of 16.28%. Under MUDRA YOJANA, the disbursement was Rs. 6121 crore, covering 5.64 lakh borrowers.
Credit to M&SE reached Rs. 50522 crore, with a y-o-y growth of 16.39%. The number of micro enterprises accounts recorded a growth of 25.72% against the 10% norm.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 41 Credit to Weaker Sections increased by 20.56% to Rs. 42982 crore, accounting for 14.70% to ANBC as against 10% norm.
Credit to women beneficiaries increased to Rs. 41415 crore (14.16% against 5% norm).
Retail lending portfolio increased to Rs. 48447 crore, with a y-o-y growth of 20.60%. The share of retail credit in domestic advances increased to 15.72% compared to 13.66% last year.
Outstanding housing loan portfolio increased to Rs. 26123 crore, with a y.o.y growth 25.10%.
Vehicle loans registered a growth of 13.8% y.o.y to reach Rs. 4129 crore.
Education loan portfolio rose to Rs. 6544 crore, with y-o-y growth of 19.16%. Performance under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
72.11 lakhs accounts opened under PMJDY, securing CASA deposits of Rs. 1176 crore.
A Toll free number (1800 425 11222) is functional for PMJDY grievances redressal.
So far 187766 PMJDY account holders have been provided with overdraft facility, amounting to Rs. 33 crore.
68 Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) opened at District / Block levels, educating 9.71 lakh persons.
155 lakh residents have been enrolled under Aadhaar. With 117.38 lakh accounts mapped with Aadhaar numbers to NPCI mapper, the Bank is occupying number one position among comity of banks. Social Security Schemes
65.84 lakhs enrolments have been done under both Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY-19.90 lakhs) & Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY - 45.94 lakhs). Under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) the Bank has mobilized 80811 applications. A Holistic Approach to Financial Inclusion (FI)
The Bank has provided banking facilities in all the allotted 10049 villages.
Covered all 3962 allotted SSAs by opening of 827 Brick & Mortar branches and engaging 2459 BC agents.
42 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Besides FI branches, the Bank has opened 477 Ultra Small Branches.
Financial Inclusion branches have garnered business of Rs. 11298 crore (deposits 5090 crore, including a CASA deposits of Rs. 2611 crore and advances of Rs. 6208 crore).
18 Micro Finance branches have garnered a total business of Rs. 473 crore.
1.52 crore BSBD accounts are opened with outstanding CASA deposits of Rs. 2862 crore.
The Bank has formed 562 farmers’ clubs.
35006 Self Helf Groups (SHGs) have been formed and 32326 SHGs have been credit linked to the extent of Rs.565 crore. Exposure under SHGs increased to Rs. 2622 crore under 1.21 lakh SHGs.
Business Correspondent agents have done 34 lakh transactions, amounting to Rs. 606 crore. Enhanced Delivery Channels
Total number of branches increased to 5794, including 7 overseas branches as at December 2015. Number of ATMs increased to 9144. Besides, there were also 164 e-lounges. Debit card base of the Bank further rose to 3.04 crore and e-transactions ratio improved to 55.97% from 45.35% last year. Customer Friendly New Products/ InfoTech Initiatives
Introduced enhanced version of CanMobile, Canara e-InfoBook and Canara m-Wallet to provide more convenience and facilities to customers. Customers can now download, register and activate CanMobile without visiting a Branch or ATM.
Canara Galaxy, a combo product launched, comprising SB, Demat, OLT, Internet & Mobile Banking, Insurance, card services and other add-ons.
Introduced instant / in-principlehome / car loan approval system through www.canarabank.com
Customers can now request personalized cheque book for Galaxy Accounts without visiting branch through ATM / Mobile Banking / Internet banking.
Under education loan interest subsidy, web portals released for Central Scheme for Interest Subsidy (CSIS), Ministry of Human Resource Development, GOI, Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy (ACSIS), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI and Padho Pardesh, Ministry of Minority Affairs, GOI.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 43 Awards and Accolades In recognition of the varied initiatives, the Bank was conferred with the following major awards during the quarter.
Agricultural and Best Social Banking Excellence Award, 2015, by ASSOCHAM.
5th Annual Greentech CSR Gold Award, 2015.
CSR World Congress Award for overall excellence in CSR.
India’s Most Trusted Brand-2015 under India’s Best Banks Category, in a survey conducted by IBC Infomedia & Media Research Group (MRG).
SKOCH Smart Technology Award, 2015.
Inspiring Workplace Award 2015 (PSBs)’ instituted by Banking Frontiers in partnership with M/s. Deloitte.
Chanakya Award for Excellence in Business Leadership, 2016, by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI). Goals for FY16 Thrust on Retail Business & Asset Quality – CASA, Retail Deposits, Retail Credit, Fee Income and NPA Management.
SHAREHOLDING PATTERN AS ON 31.12.2015 Govt . of India 66.30 % Insurance 14.10 % FIIs & FPIs 7.01 % Residents Individuals 5.27 % Mutual Funds 5.05 % Others 2.27 %
GOALS – MARCH 2016 Thrust on Retail Business & Asset Quality -
CASA Retail deposits Retail credit Fee income Containing NPA Improving operational financial ratios- NIM, RoA, RoE and Cost-to-Income.
44 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference PAY BACK TO SOCIETY – RENDERING SOCIAL SERVICE: Greatness of human life lies in giving more than what we received from the society. Man and woman cherish happiness in giving back. Paying back to the society is what makes life noble and the world a better place to live in. Retirees are better placed in terms of time, resources and materials to contribute to fellow human beings. That makes the life worthwhile and purposeful. By doing so, we make the coming generation to emulate us. For life to be purposeful, we need to be sharing and caring for others. Looking at the world today, we see so much poverty, disease and illiteracy that disturb us. For instance, when we look at a family living on the streets, braving the biting cold and scorching sun with hollowness in their stomachs, we feel pain, anger and frustration. However, all these feelings are of no use, unless we choose to channelize them into a potent force that can bring about a change in society. We can accomplish this only if we are committed to do our bit. With this spirit, we are proud to apprise you that three of our Central Committee Members Sriyuth M.Ch.Guptha, Vizianagaram (A.P.), R.Perumal of Salem (Tamilnadu) and S.K.Chatterjee, Jamshedpur have always causes to involve themselves in helping the needy persons. Hats off to them!
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 45 Andhra Pradesh
Sl No. Date and Place Details of Programme
1 Feb. 2013 Financial assistance to Sri Seshadri Sharma, poor priest Vizianagaram of Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple.
2 March 2013 Cash assistance of Rs.5000/- to Nitya Annadanam Vizianagaram Scheme to Arya Vysya Sangam. 3 April 2013 Sleeping mats & bed sheets worth around Rs.5000/- Visakapatnam given to poor students of Eternal Gospel Ministries Charitable Trust 4 May 2013 Donated Rs.5000/- to Vasavi Old Age Home to take care Vizianagaram of destitute and elderly people 5 June 2013 Donated Note Books worth Rs.5000/- to poor students Vizianagaram of Bright Future Trust.
6 July 2013 Donated Rs.10,000/- as Scholarship to 2 poor and Vizianagaram meritorious students for School fees & Note Books.
7 August 2013 Donated Rs.5000/- to Municipal High School, Gowda Vizianagaram Street for providing amenities to the School. 8 September 2013 Distributed Medicines worth of Rs.5,000/- in Medical Vizianagaram Camp organized by Arya Vysya Sangham, Vizianagaram.
9 November 2013 Donated Rs.5000/- to Nitya Annadanam Programme of Vizianagaram Arya Vysya Sangham, Kaspa branch. 10 December 2013 Donated Rs.5000/- to Sri Radhakrishna Temple for performance of Dhanurmasa Deeksha.
11 January 2014 70 Sarees worth around Rs.10,000/- distributed to 70 Ladies 12 February 2014 One Trolly worth Rs.5000/- given to Sri Vasavi old age Home to serve the food to old age persons
13 March 2014 Rs.5000/- Donation Given to Sri Satya Sai Mandir for Sri Satya Sai Vigraha Prathishta.
14 April 2014 Rs.5000/- donated to Anna Danam Goddess Vizianagaram Sri Sateemma Temple
46 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 15 May 2014 Rs.5000/- Donated to Sri Vasavi Old age Home For Anna Danam.
16 June 2014 Donated Rs.5000/- to purchase New Note Books to Vizianagaram School Boys Sri Saraswathi Sisu Mandir
17 July & Aug. 2014 Rs.10000/- Given by way of Scholarship to 4 poor Students in two elementary schools.
18 September 2014 Rs.5000/- Given to Annadanam Goddess Vizianagaram KanakadurgaTemple.
19 October 2014 Given Rs.10000/- worth Blankets and Bed Sheets to Hud Poosapatirega Hud Toofan Victims.
20 November 2014 Donated Rs.5000/- For Annadanam at Kasi Visweswara Varanasi Temple.
21 January 2015 Distributed Sarees worth around Rs.10,000/- to poor ladies in a function organized by Arya Vysya Sangam
22 February 2015 Gold ornament of 2 Gm worth around Rs.5500/- given to Sri Saraswathi Devi Temple.
23 March 2015 Gold Mangal Suthram worth Rs.5500/- given to a poor bride of Kusumanchi family.
24 April 2015 Gold Ring of 3 Gms worth Rs.9000/- was given to Smt.Lakshmi hailing from poor family as bridal gift.
25 May 2015 School Note Books worth Rs.5000/- given to poor Vizianagaram students of Saraswathi Sishu Mandir.
26 June 2015 Distributed packets of Food, Butter Milk, Water worth Rs.5000/- to devotees in Godavari Mahapushkaralu.
27 July & Aug. 2015 Donated Rs.15000/- as Scholarship to 18 poor students with consistent academic background 28 September 2015 Donated Rs.5,000/- towards installation of Sri Durga matha idol during Dusserah
29 November 2015 Donated 20 bags of Cement worth Rs.5,000/- towards Parvathipuram construction of amma Bhagwan Temple.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 47 Members of Canara Bank Retirees’ Forum, Chennai residing in Salem District have been undertaking social welfare activities since 2008 every year, by pooling their resources with a view to perpetuating the memory of Com.C.S.Subramaniam (16th Nov.), darling leader of bank employees’ movement & Former General Secretary of CBEU and Com.R.J.Sridharan (15th June), former General Secretary of AIBOA & CBOU and such programmes are briefly furnished herebelow: Tamil Nadu Sl No. Date and Place Details of Programme
01 16.11.2013 Omalur Provided Non-vegetarian Lunch with sweets worth (C.S. Memorial Day) Rs.3000/- to 125 girl students from 4th class to 12th class staying at Childrens Home for Girls under Idhayalaya, Omalur, in Salem Dt.
02 16.11.2014 70 Cinthol Soaps + Donation of Rs.4000/- to provide Nilavarappatti Non-vegetarian lunch to 54 HIV/Aids infected children (C.S. Memorial Day) in Don Bosco Care Home, Nilavarapatti. In addition to the above, 4 Kgs of Sugar, Shirts and towels were also distributed.
03 16.11.2014 Donated Rs.2000/- to Anbalayam Hos Hospice at Nagarmalai Adivaram, Nagaramalai Adivaram to provide one day meal to 30 Salem children on 16.11.2014.
04 05.12.2014 Rs.2300/- paid to Don Bosco Care Home to meet Nilavarappatti expenses for purchasing medicines
05 15.06.2015 Paid Rs.6000/- to Life Trust, Annadanappatti, Salem. Annadanappatti (RJS This Trust undertakes responsibility of burying Memorial Day) unclaimed dead body of accident victims, abandoned elders etc.
06 16.11.2015 Paid Rs.3,000/- for providing one day meals/other Kannankurichi expenses to victims of sexual abuse, broken families, destitute, school drop out children residing at Arul Matha Women’s Welfare Centre, Kannankurichi
07 16.11.2015 Paid Rs.3000/- to Life Line Trust, Child Adoption Centre Chinnathirupathi for purchasing milk powder, baby dresses etc.
08 16.02.2016 Villages in AIBRF along with its affiliates and substantial Cuddalore District contribution from Canara Bank Retirees’ Forum,
48 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Chennai provided relief to flood affected village people in Thoppiruppu, Palvathunnal, Villianallur, Villianallur Nadar Street, Thazhamkadu and Thaikal in Cuddalore District numbering 960. (Bed Sheets, Flexible Mats and cotton towels worth Rs.2,73,600/-.
Further, in Cuddalore Town, 5 Kgs of Rice, 1 Kg of Dhal worth around Rs.1,19,000/- were supplied to 400 flood affected people. Karnataka Sl No. Date and Place Details of Programme 01 16.01.2016 In the programme held in the premises of Head Office Bengaluru Auditorium, Canara Bank Retiree’s Association - Karnataka donated Wheel Chair & Walker to 2 physically challenged local persons, Mobile Phones, Besides Hearing Aids to 4 Children with impaired hearing. Such acts of kindness provide us satisfaction that we could collectively do something to mitigate the hardship of fellow human beings and thus exhibit our resolve in taking care of the less fortunate. We, as Senior Citizens, have no doubt given a lot to the Society in our prime time but also have taken a lot more from Society. It is now time to give back as much as possible. With this understanding, our Affiliates have been undertaking good number of programmes for the benefit of poor students, mentally retarded children, elderly persons, orphanages, old age homes, destitute women, charitable hospitals and other vulnerable/ marginalised sections of the society in many centres across the country, thus transparently displaying their care and concern towards social commitment. We have a long way to go in this sphere of activity. We have right attitude and wherewithal. But what is impeding is absence of exemplary collective efforts. As a spark, if a few retirees embark on the job, the response from the membership would not be found wanting. It would be laudable, if our State Affiliates undertake pioneering efforts in this regard. ORGAN DONATION: Guided by an enlightened view that donating organs is a gift of life and could be the ultimate fulfilment of one’s own life so as to be useful to the living even after death. Overcoming the religious and cultural attitudes about Organ Donation, Smt.Shoba Prabhu, Ex-Special Assistant who worked in Teppakulam, Trichy branch and exited from Bank’s service on SVRS 2000, met with a fatal road accident in December 2014 and the family members were humane enough to immortalise Smt.Shoba Prabhu through donation of organs.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 49 Also, Sri L.D.Sivaramakrishnan, Ex-Officer who worked in A.N.Street, Chennai and opted for SVRS 2000 has pledged for donating his organs after demise to MIOT Hospital, Chennai after taking cue from his father. We come across such acts of noble gestures in the past few years. We need to sensitise our retired colleagues so as to enable them to overcome psychological and religious barriers in the matter of organ donation and thus facilitate them to come forward for registration to donate the organs. After demise of Sri C.R.Venkateswaran, our Organising Secretary, his eyes were harvested and donated to Rajan Eye Care Clinic, Chennai. As retired employees of our Bank, Sri C.R.Venkateswaran, Smt.Shoba, and L.D.Sivaramakrishnan made our affiliates Canara Bank Retirees’ Association, Madurai and the Canara Bank Retirees’ Forum, Chennai proud. May their Tribe increase! PRE-1986 RETIREES & THEIR SURVIVING SPOUSES: We are happy to inform that our affiliate Canara Bank Retirees’ Forum, Chennai continue to extend financial assistance of Rs.1,000/- to all those Pre-1986 Retirees / Surviving Spouses in Tamil Nadu. We deeply appreciate their gesture. MERGER OF OUR AFFILIATES IN TAMILNADU & KERALA We are of the view that there should be only one Unit in each State, notwithstanding that there are more than one unit in some States like Kerala and Tamilnadu on account of historical reasons. Units affiliated to AICBRF are not affiliated to AIBRF directly. Only through our Federation, their affiliation to AIBRF stands. As such, it would be ideal not to have more than one Unit in any State. Multiplicity in this respect would not be in our best interest. We are happy to share with you that recognising the need for merger, our affiliates CBRA - Madurai and CBRSWA - Trivandrum have initiated welcome steps aimed at eventual merger with CBRF - Chennai and All Kerala Canara Bank Retirees’ Association - Kerala respectively in the near future. CHALLENGES BEFORE US: We need to address the following challenges before us:
For effective functioning of any Organisation, financial strength is necessary. In this regard, we need to find out ways and means for generating resources internally so that we become stronger financially. This would strengthen our organisational muscle.
In our interactions, we find that our Bank maintains cordial relationship. We understand the earnestness of the Bank in settling retirees’ issues having financial impact. However, resolution of certain retirees’ issues would gain further momentum if the Bank adopts still more positive orientation towards men and matters.
50 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Total unification of all retirees in our Bank irrespective of caste, creed, colour, region, religion and past designation in the bank is our goal. Though it may appear to be arduous, yet, we should pursue our goal with missionary zeal.
Our cause would be better served, if we align with the serving employees in a spirited manner and coordinate with the Unions. We need close interaction with our serving colleagues at the counters and in administrative offices. In an environment of ongoing struggles and agitation, the following posers assume greater importance:
Is it that the members are not serious about the challenges?
Is it that organisational programmes do not appeal to retired employees?
Is it that our link with grass root has decreased?
Is it that we have not taken enough steps to mobilise more and more retirees to our fold?
Is it that we are not serious in mobilising members?
Is it that more and more retirees prefer to remain aloof?
Is it that members are having serious problems in participating in meetings and programmes? We will have to interact more and more with individual members and also with non-members. We should never doubt the faith of bank retirees in the movement and should make them voice their concerns on proper platforms. Most of the times, we observe that wherever our office bearers are active and take pains to motivate the members, the participation is full. So also in small towns, where the hardships are more and coordination is satisfactory, there also participation is good.
Today we are in the period of technology and fast communication. More and more flow of information is passing and more and more quick information is available to the rank and file instantly. However we feel that this information is not being cultivated into knowledge by our members. They do not get connected with the movement and their leaders. Our communications perhaps do not reach the rank and file and that’s why loses its importance. We need to ensure that there is increasing participation of our membership in organisational meetings & programmes by addressing these concerns so as to make our Retirees’ Movement stronger, effective and more focussed. TASKS AHEAD: Our Organisation All India Canara Bank Retirees’ Federation is one of the live organisations in the country serving the cause of Pensioners and Retirees in our Bank. Our path is well laid out and we have a long way to go. Objectives decide the course of the movement. They set the momentum. With clear vision of our goals, we can move forward confidently. Let us consider the following as our future tasks:
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 51 In the critical situation facing the retirees movement, it is of paramount importance to build and strengthen the AICBRF. It is in our own interest that we nurture AICBRF so as to make it become stronger and more vibrant; The 2nd Triennia Conference calls upon its members to go to the retired employees of our bank with the following message:
that AICBRF remains as a vibrant organisation of bank retirees in the country in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the retirees in the Bank;
that by bringing more and more retirees to its fold we make it as the only Organisation of retirees of all cadres in the Bank;
that the State Units be strengthened, as they are the pillars on which AICBRF stands;
that we shall establish Unit in all the States where there is no Unit;
that we shall undertake more and more Social Welfare Programmes across the country to show our concern and making our contribution to pay back to the society;
Last, but not the least, Mainstream of Bank Retirees’ Movement all over the country under the banner of AIBRF be strengthened by our spirited involvement and contribution. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We thankfully acknowledge that several members have given donations to us and also to our Affiliates in recognition of the good work done by our Federation, on receipt of substantial monetary benefits on account of our intervention, Wage/Pension/Commutation arrears etc. In this context, special mention must be made of the following retirees amongst others: 01 R.Ravishankar : Rs.15,000/- 02 Radha Krishnamurthy, Trichy : Rs.5,000/- 03 S.Rajasekaran, Chennai : Rs.2,500/- 04 D.Manoharan, Tiruppur : Rs.2,000/- 05 G.Murali, Chennai : Rs.2,500/- 06 Swarnam, Chennai : Rs.2,500/- 07 V.K.Subramanian, Chennai : Rs.500/- 08 S.Ramani, Coimbatore : Rs.3,000/- 09 Premalakshmi Sivakumar : Rs.3,000/- 10 Uma Shankar : Rs. 2000/- I express my sincere thanks to all our member-donors and other well wishers.
52 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference On behalf of the Members of the Central Committee and on my own behalf, I record our gratefulness to the veteran leaders of our National Organisation, All India Bank Retirees’ Federation for their valuable guidance extended to us. I will be failing in my duty, if I do not particularly thank Sri S.C.Jain, General Secretary, AIBRF who has always been available to us for guidance during this period. I value his assistance very much. It is natural on my part to thank profusely the leaders of UFBU, more particularly, Com.C.H.Venkatachalam, General Secretary AIBEA & S.Nagarajan, General Secretary AIBOA for their help. I gratefully acknowledge the guidance and support received from Sri A.K.Bansal, Chairman and Sri V.K.M.Varma, President in overcoming difficult situations so as to conduct the affairs of our Federation smoothly. I heartily thank the Office Bearers and Members of the Central Committee for having developed the team work, collective wisdom and shared organisational responsibilities to meet the onerous tasks of our Federation in its ups and downs, successes and failures in the course of our organisational journey. To the ever alert organisational functionaries across the country, who have admirably responded well to carry out the tasks entrusted to them so far and thus willingly shared the burden, I on my behalf and on behalf of the Central Committee record here our deep appreciation. Also, I am beholden to the leadership of Canara Bank Employees’ Union and Canara Bank Officers’ Union, more particularly, Com.Ajay Manjrekar, General Secretary, CBEU and Com.M.A.Srinivasan, General Secretary CBOU, who have helped and supported us a lot at crucial junctures at various points of time unhesitatingly in shaping the destiny of retired employees in our bank. Apart from the above, we are grateful to Sri D.D.Rustagi, former General Secretary of CBEU for his care and concern in advancing the cause of retirees during the period. I am aware that running an Organisation of our size is not possible without the support of many. Words are insufficient to thank our members, who have encouraged me in all the activities of our beloved Federation. To all such cherished compatriots, fellow fighters, ever conscious, ever loyal and ever dedicated members of our Organisation present here and to those who could not make it to be here today, we the members of the Central Committee would ever remain indebted. We extend to you all our warmest greetings and offer our salutes. Also, I thank our beloved Bank, more particularly, Industrial Relations Section, Pension Fund, HOSA Section, Human Resources Wing and their Staff Members for the splendid job they have been doing for the retirees. We place on record our sincere appreciation for the strenuous work undertaken by different Sections in Head Office for enrolling retirees & spouse of deceased employees / retirees for joining Medical Insurance Scheme.
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 53 Our appreciation is also due to Pension Fund and its employees for their prompt calculation / payment of arrears of Pension and Commutation to pensioners covered by 10th Bipartite Settlement. I thankfully acknowledge the Retiree-friendly approach of the Pension Fund while attending to individual problems/grievances of pensioners during the last 3 years. Last, but not the least, I profusely thank Sri R.Ravishankar, a fellow retiree of our bank at Chennai who has all along been rendering constant assistance and help in my day-to-day work during most difficult period and this enabled me to continue to discharge my responsibilities. Even though togetherness, united approach and unity strengthen the movement of retired bank employees, differing perceptions of the organisation at various levels on men and matters, pulls and pressures, rigidity in approaches, undeserved criticism against us in social media, if avoided, could have brought better results for us. Still, I take them as positive criticism and one has to live with it. We need to move on in our onward journey with more understanding, tolerance and utmost caution in dealing with different critical situations in the years to come. Ultimately, it is our attitude that determines our altitude. Let us not be found wanting in this aspect. CONCLUDING REMARKS: Presently, when I am about to complete the presentation of the General Secretary’s Report, I draw certain amount of satisfaction and I am sure you all will join with me in sharing my happiness that AIBRF along with UFBU brought Uniform Medical Insurance Scheme for retired bank employees. Apart from the above, the 10TH BPS has also benefited thousands of Post 01.11.2012 retirees including Part-time employees in Scale Wages. And the beneficiaries of the 10th BPS / 7th Joint Note dated 25.05.2015 happily joined our Affiliates in various States during this period. Membership is the basic and fundamental strength of any organization. I am happy to inform that we have been able to make significant progress in the area of membership drive by covering new geographical areas and brought more and more retirees to our fold. At the time of our Foundation Conference at Chennai in 2009, we were just above 2000. Prior to our 1st Triennial Conference in 2012, our strength significantly increased to more than 5000. Now our membership strength has crossed 8400 mark. This has been made possible because of continuous efforts of our affiliates, besides assistive role played by our Office Bearers and Central Committee Members across the country. More importantly, AICBRF has become more vibrant and active. We are aware that whatever social status and the benefits we enjoy today are the fruits of sustained struggles of the past with sacrifice and onward march of our National Organisation AIBRF coupled with our productive alliance with our serving colleagues in our bank. Our predecessors Late Sri Romesh Chander Chakraborty and Sri T.M.Mathews built the edifice of AIBRF by their hard work, sufferings and sacrifices. Today, we have raised superstructure on it.
54 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step towards securing equitable justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph. What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that determines the significance of the life we lead. And, how we move forward is not only defined by how we as individuals move forward, but also by how we as an Organisation move forward collectively and work together in the days to come in the course of our onward march for espousing the cause of the bank retirees. We shall continue to work with more zeal, commitment and conviction. These will be possible through collective efforts of each and every one of us. Every step we take, every decision we implement and every action of ours in upholding the integrity and unity of this Organisation will add more glorious chapters to the history of our Organisation. In this task of further building the Organisation, let us plan and move with dedication and determination, love and loyalty for espousing the cause of bank retirees. We hope you, I and all of us walk together and be a part of this great journey! Retirees’ Movement in Canara Bank is gaining momentum day by day and is unstoppable. Also, we have earned appreciation from all quarters. Recently retired, energetic and dedicated Office Bearers of serving Unions / Associations / employees are now coming forward to shoulder the responsibility of the Federation in more number of States. The number of pensioners is growing fast and time may come when the number of pensioners may exceed the serving staff. In course of time, majority of common problems are also likely to be solved. Friends! I am confident that future is bound to be brighter than the past. I am hopeful that we have better years to come. On behalf of the Central Committee, I have placed before you in brief the efforts made by the Federation and its achievements during the period under review. Our affiliates / members would appreciate that in spite of several constraints, our Federation could make satisfactory progress during the period. There may be some areas where stronger intervention of the Federation may be required and with the increased strength of the Federation in the coming years, we will be able to meet emerging challenges more effectively. There have been moments that I would always like to cherish of my association with you during organisational visits. There have been events such as Triennial / Foundation Conference of State Units, which we have shaped and made us proud. I can say with pride,
AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference 55 but in all humility, that we have been working towards improving post-retiral living conditions and safeguarding the interests of the retirees’ community, besides voicing our concern for the cause of retired employees all over the country in our Bank. Let the 2nd Triennial Conference be the harbinger of better things to come and spur us to move forward with vision. Let us make the Conference as an occasion to deliberate purposefully and to move decisively. Upholding the flag of All India Bank Retirees’ Federation, let us march forward more cohesively and espouse the cause of the bank retirees’ fraternity in general and Canara Bank Retirees in particular in the days to come. Let us resolve to march ahead from this 2nd Triennial Conference to strengthen our beloved Organisation further and further and move on to future that beckons our beloved All India Canara Bank Retirees’ Federation all the way.
Place : Ernakulam, (S V Srinivasan) Date : February 24th, 2016. GENERAL SECRETARY
RETIREES OF ALL BANKS UNITE UNITE BANK RETIREES’ UNITY LONG LIVE LONG LIVE ALL INDIA BANK RETIREES’ FEDERATION LONG LIVE LONG LIVE ALL INDIA CANARA BANK RETIREES’ FEDERATION LONG LIVE LONG LIVE ZINDABAD ZINDABAD II TRIENNIAL CONF ZINDABAD
The loot of labour is not so dangerous; A thrashing by the police is not so dangerous; What is dangerous Is to be filled with stillness, like a corpse Endure everything; What is most dangerous Is the Death of our Dreams.
“NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE; NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE TODAY. DO NOT GIVE UP DREAMING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. AS YOU DREAM, SO SHALL YOU BECOME.”
56 AICBRF - 2ND Triennial Conference