THE CATHOLIC SYRIAN BANK RETIREES’ ASSOCIATION No.25/981/1B, TOP CORAL, KUNNATH MANA LANE, - 680001

CIRCULAR No. 01/2015-17 23rd May, 2015

11th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE ON 16th MAY, 2015- A GRAND SHOW OF STRENGTH & VIBRANCY OF CSB RETIREES

The 10th Biennial conference of The Catholic Syrian Bank Retirees’ Association was held at Vivekodayam Higher Secondary School Auditorium, Thrissur, on Saturday, 16th May, 2015 in a very elegant way, with participation of hundreds of our members from different parts of the country. leaders of AIBRF, AKBRF and other fellow organizations, CSBOA and CSBSA graced the occasion by their valued presence and address to the participants. The conference was a grand success as it could add strength and vigour to our organization and its members and also the retirees movement in general.

Inaugural Session

Inaugural session of the conference commenced with silent prayer. Sri.M.P.Paul, Vice President of our association welcomed the invitees and participants and gave a brief report on the activities and other current developments in the trade union sector in our country. He also thanked all our members, well-wishers and other fellow organizations for their whole hearted contributions which made our own office building a reality. He also placed on record the sincere and committed personal efforts of our Treasurer Sri Kumaran in speeding up the acquisition and inauguration of the building.

Sri.P.Sreekumaran, President, in the presidential address spoke on the activities of CSBRA, issues remaining unresolved so far and the need for strengthening organization in its struggle for achieving the objectives. He called for the active involvement of our members in all the activities of CSBRA, AKBRF and AIBRF which is essential in achieving the goal.

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Lighting the traditional lamp, Sri.K.Sreenivasan, General Secretary, All Kerala Bank Retirees Federation inaugurated the conference. In the inaugural address, he said that he was very much impressed by the vibrant functioning of CSBRA and its commitment to the welfare of the retirees of the Bank and their family members. He explained the present developments in the Banking Industry, trade union movements in banks and the progress in the bipartite negotiations for wage revision in banks.

Shri.Sreenivasan also made an elaborate speech on the issues of the Bank Retirees and the efforts taken by All India Federation ( AIBRF) in getting them settled with IBA and Govt. of India. He said that AIBRF could play a pivotal role in achieving many of the important demands like Second option for Pension, Ex- Gratia to Pre-86 retirees and widows of pre-86 retirees, Correction of anomalies in pension fixation, 5 years weightage for VRS, Constitution of Pension Grievance Cells etc. AIBRF could also make substantial progress in resolving some other major issues like 100 % D.A neutralisation, Improvements in Family Pension, Improvements in Ex-Gratia to Pre-86 retirees and widows of pre-86 retirees and Allocation of staff welfare funds for retirees.

It was because of the hectic efforts and persistent follow up by the leadership of AIBRF, all our demands could be got incorporated in the Charter of Demands submitted by the Employees Unions and Officers Organisations to IBA for the 10th Bipartite Settlement in Banks. But unfortunately, none of our major issues could not find a place in the agreement for wage revision which is going to be signed in the coming days. We are optimistic in getting them resolved very soon, with the support of UFBU, as all the 9 constituents of UFBU are fully convinced of the importance of the issues and IBA and Govt. of India are inclined in considering them.

But, at the same time we have to put pressure on IBA to force them for a negotiated settlement and AIBRF is considering to initiate agitation programme, detailed communication on which are expected to be received in a couple of days. He urged for the active involvement of all the bank retirees in the action programme to make it a grand success in achieving our demands.

Recognition by IBA for negotiation on the issues of Bank Retirees is the prime demand by AIBRF, which they have been pursuing for the past several years. Our leaders have made representations to the Finance Minister, Director of Financial Services, Govt. of India, MPs of the Parliament and other national leaders and submitted memorandum to advise IBA to discuss with AIBRF for the redressal of the issues of Bank Retirees. All of them are fully convinced of the demands and we are hopeful of a positive move by IBA in this regard.

The 4th Triennial Conference of AIBRF is scheduled to be held in Thrissur from 26th to 28th November 2015 and about 1200 delegates from all over the country will be participating in the conference. Shri.Sreenivasan requested all the bank retirees in the state to join hands to make the conference a grand show of our organisational capability and efficiency and also our hospitality. He concluded wishing all the success to the 11th Biennial Conference of CSBRA

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Sri.Francis Jose Thottungal, General Secretary, Catholic Syrian Bank Officers Association, Shri.Kurian Mathew, General Secretary, CSB Staff Association, Shri.P.R.R.S.,Iyer Secretary, AKBRF, Shri.N.Krishnan, General Secretary, Dhanalakshmi Bank Retirees Association, Shri.T.V.Ramachandran, District Secretary, AIBEA and Sri.T.P.Venkiteswaran, District Chairman, AKBRF, felicitated the conference and addressed the participants.

Inaugural session concluded at 12.00 noon with Vote of Thanks by Sri.O.K.Sethumadhavan.

Business Session

Business session commenced with welcome address by the President Sri.P.Sreekumar and he requested the General Secretary to present the Report for the biennial period 2013-15. One Minute silence was observed to pay homage to the members of our organization and other eminent personalities who left us for heavenly abode during the biennial period. A detailed report with a glimpse on the developments in social, political and financial sectors in our country and other parts of the world, activities of AKBRF and AIBRF and various activities of our organization during the biennial period 2011-2013 was presented by Sri.N.D.Nandakumar, General Secretary, before the forum. After a detailed discussion, the report was approved unanimously by the general body.

Statement of Accounts of our organization for the periods 2013-14 and 2014-15 were presented by Sri.P.Kumaran, Treasurer and was approved by the house unanimously.

Election Of Office Bearers & E.C. For The Biennial Period 2015-2017

Election of the Office bearers and members of the Executive Committee for the biennial period 2015-2017 was conducted and Sri.A.Radhakrishnan was the Returning Officer. Sri.P.Sreekumar, was re-elected as the President and the undersigned N.D.Nandakumar was re-elected as General Secretary.

The names of persons have elected to various posts in the Executive Committee are given below.

Shri.P.Sreekumar : President Shri.K.P.George : Member, E.C Shri.T.J.Thomas : Vice President Shri.M.Viswanathan : Member, E.C Shri.M.P.Paul : Vice President Shri.Babu Paul : Member, E.C Shri.P.V.Sasidharan : Vice President Shri.M.T.Gopinathan : Member, E.C Shri.N.D.Nandakumar : General Secretary Shri.K.I.Pyloth : Member, E.C Shri.Antony Varghese : Asst.Secretary Shri.E.V.Jose : Member, E.C Shri.E.J.Jose : Asst.Secretary Shri.P.C.Krishnan : Member, E.C Shri.P.Kumaran : Treasurer Shri.S.Ravi : Member, E.C Shri.Paul Kattookaran : Asst.Treasurer Shri.M.Raghunandanan : Member, E.C Shri.T.V.John : Member, E.C Shri.H.Easwaran : Member, E.C

Shri.E.J.Davis was elected as the Auditor for the Biennial Period 2015-17. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by the newly elected General Secretary Sri.N.D.Nandakumar and the participants had a sumptuous vegetarian lunch thereafter.

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The Conference was a grand success in all respects and it has added strength and vigour to our organization and confidence to our members.

Text of the Report of the General Secretary submitted to the General Body

Dear Friends,

At the outset let me extend a hearty welcome to all the members of the Association, leaders of AKBRF and other organizations to the 11th Biennial Conference of the Catholic Syrian Bank Retirees’ Association.

Bereavement

During the last two years, we lost many of the National and International Leaders of Political, Social and Cultural front. Many innocents lost lives in terrorist activities and political and ethnic aggressions and natural calamities. We pay homage to all of them.

Our organization could grow as one of the strongest Associations of bank retirees in the country because of the sincere and dedicated service rendered by our former leaders and members. Founder leaders Sri.M.K.Antony, Sri.Francis Puthur, Shri.C.P.Paul and Shri.C.S.Jose (Chandanaparamban) are not with us. Many of our active members also departed us.

Since last Biennial Conference 22 members of our Association left us for heavenly abode. All of them have made valuable contribution to the organization

1 Shri.M.K.Joseph 04.05.2013 12 Shri.M.A.Devassy 13.07.2014 2 Shri.C.I.Jose 05.05.2013 13 Shri.V.P.Lonappan 18.08.2014 3 Shri.M.Kunhikrishnan Nambiar 30.05.2013 14 Shri.P.U.Raphael 04.09.2014 4 Shri.M.D.Paul 01.06.2013 15 Shri.C.J.Michael 26.09.2014 5 Shri.V.Ousepunny 18.06.2013 16 Shri.Jayachandran Unnithan 26.10.2014 6 Shri.C.S.Jose 12.09.2013 17 Shri.C.Vijayan 03.01.2015 7 Shri.M.Aravindaksha Menon 13.09.2013 18 Shri.P.C.Baby 03.01.2015 8 Shri.K.V.Ouseph 21.09.2013 19 Shri.Varughese Joseph 29.01.2015 9 Shri.V.P.Devassy 23.11.2013 20 Shri.N.Sugathan 12.03.2015 10 Shri.S.K.Radhakrishnan 04.02.2014 21 Shri.Kuttikrishnan Nair 03.05.2015 11 Shri.P.A.Kuriakose 10.02.2014 22 Shri.T.J.Thomas 14.05.2015

We pay homage to them and pray the Almighty that the soul of the departed be rest in peace. We also join the sorrow of the bereaved families.

Developments

Political crisis, unrest and terrorism have made life of the people of many countries very miserable. Thousands of innocents are killed and the sufferings and plight of the people, especially the women and children of these countries are inexplicable.

Global warming and air and water pollution are the two major problems the world find very hard to contain. Millions are dying every year due to poverty and manmade diseases caused mainly because of overexploitation and wrongful use of the resources of earth.

Economic situation of many of the countries are in bad shape and they are yet to come out of the impact of the Economic Recession which started in the year 2008 and later spread to Europe and other parts of the world. These countries continue to be in the grip of increasing inflation, lowering GDP and mounting unemployment, 4 which in turn has affected the economy of other nations also. Our country which could withstand the pressure of global economic meltdown, mainly because of the our strong agricultural base and sound and healthy regulatory system in Banking and other financial sectors has recorded appreciable level of GDP.

Indian Public Sector Banks are the real heroes in protecting our country from the impact of the Global Financial Crisis, which at any cost has to be strengthened in the best interest of the country. There are moves to privatise the strong public sector banks and bring other sea changes in the banking regulations which will result in large corporates and vested interests taking over the control our economy and we should fight against it in the best interest of the people. We should also join hands with the organisations which are opposing and fighting against all policy changes proposed by the Government which adversely affect the common man.

National Issues

Our country is facing multifarious problems. Though our country has grown as the third largest globel economic power, we are having the most number of people living in poverty amongst all the countries in the world. Inflation and unemployment are the other issues of priority. Our country was in the grip of corruption and plagiarism for the last several years which resulted in total economic inequality and soaring economic and social crimes at alarming rates. We hope that the new Government will tackle these issues, especially the core issues like corruption, poverty, inflation and unemployment and take our country in the right direction of growth and peace.

The great victory of Aam Admy Party in New Delhi Elections also gives us much hope for a corruption free India in the coming days as the party itself was formed to fight against corruption which the people of Delhi accepted with full confidence. This also is a testimony to the fact that the common man of our country want to end corruption and they will come forward to fight for it if somebody takes the lead.

‘Maoism’ in Bihar, Andhra, Orissa, Madhyapradesh, Jharkhand and other states is the result of economic imbalances and exploitation of the poor and not mainly of Political reasons. It cannot be ended by police force alone and social and economic solutions to the problems of the people are necessary to bring peace and growth in these regions.

Senior Citizens

The population of Senior Citizens in the country is increasing. But they are not given what they deserve and very little is being done for the welfare of Senior citizens of the country. Some concessions in Income Tax, Railway Travel etc. are not going to help the aged to address their social, financial and health problems. There are over 10 Crore people aged above 60 and majority are in distress. These senior citizens are power house of knowledge and skill. It can be gainfully utilized for the growth of the country and welfare of the society. But the Governments at the central as well as in the states are doing nothing to tap them or to rehabilitate the senior citizens who are unable to work for health reasons or otherwise.

It is also a great tragedy that some of the aged are being dumped in asylums, old age homes and even in the streets by their children and other relatives. This has become a big social issue, basic reasons of which are selfishness and greed for money, sorry to say, that of the young generation. Though this issue has been debated in many forums, no solutions could be found and mere law to protect the aged parents alone cannot resolve it

Organizing Senior Citizens

There are several organizations in the country for senior citizens. But most of them are groups of persons those retired from an establishment or industry and they focus only on the welfare of the persons belonging to the group. There should a movement which is able to take care of the aged, irrespective of their social or financial status.

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All India Bank Retirees Federation (AIBRF)

AIBRF has been very successful in organizing and co-ordinating the retirees of banks in the country. It is the premier organization of bank retirees with membership over 1,25,000 and gaining strength day by day. AIBRF has been fighting for protecting the interest of the bank retirees and its achievements are many. Some of the core issues like Pension Updation, improvements in Family Pension, 100 % DA neutralization, Improvements in Ex-Gratia, Uniform Medical Expenses Reimbursement are to be solved and these issues could be included in the Charter of Demands submitted to IBA by UFBU for the 10th Bipartite Settlement in banks. Settlement on improvements in the basic pay and allowances of employees has been reached by the Unions and IBA and discussions on other issues including the terminal benefits are in progress. With the relentless effort of the leadership of AIBRF, Indian Banks Association has agreed to consider the core issues of the retirees in the ongoing bipartite negotiations and we are hopeful of achieving them

AIBRF is giving top priority in getting recognition by IBA for direct discussion in resolving issues of Bank Retirees, which alone can find end solutions. As serving organisations have lot of limitations in addressing the issues of bank retirees and we cannot wait for settling them in Bipartite talks in banks which take place only once in 5 years. There should be a system and mechanism to discuss between IBA and AIBRF, on a regular basis, to settle all the issues of bank retirees and AIBRF leadership is in persistent effort in achieving it. AIBRF could move forward a long in this regard and several rounds of discussions with the Secretary and other officials of the Department of Financial Services, Govt. of India have been held in this regard.

We are glad to inform that the 4th Triennial Conference of All India Bank Retirees Federation is scheduled to be held in Thrissur from 26th to 28th November 2015. The venue of the conference is Thrissur District Co- operative Bank Auditorium, Kovilakathu Padam, TUDA Road, Thrissur – 680022. Elaborate arrangements are being made for successful conduct of the meeting and to make an ever memorable one in the history of Bank Retirees movement in the country. Our Vice President Shri.M.P.Paul is the General Convener of the Reception Committee for organising the Conference.

There will be a massive Rally and Public meeting on 26th November 2015 and all our members are requested to participate in them and show our solidarity to the movement. Let us all join together to make the conference a grand show of unity and strength of Bank Retirees in the country.

All Kerala Bank Retirees Federation (AKBRF)

All Kerala Bank Retirees Federation is one of the strongest and well organized affiliate of AIBRF. AKBRF could organize and co-ordinate retirees and retirees organizations of various banks, nurture them, provide intellectual and financial support and help them to grow and stand on their own, with affiliation to either AIBRF or AKBRF. AKBRF has taken lead for many movements for the welfare of bank retirees which has later adopted by AIBRF and its affiliates.

AKBRF is getting stronger and stronger under the leadership of its President Sri.P.S.Balan and General secretary Sri.K.Sreenivasan and their team of Office Bearers which has been well appreciated by the National Leadership. There are 20 bank wise retiree organizations affiliated to AKBRF and its total strength is nearing 8000. Your Vice President Sri.M.P.Paul is the Organising Secretary and your General Secretary is the Secretary of AKBRF.

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CSB Retirees’ Association

Our Association was established in the year 1996 with very few number of retirees and now it has grown as one of the strongest Bank Retirees Organisations and our present strength is 840, which includes 6 Pre-86 retirees, 24 PF Optees and 32 family pensioners.

Our membership as on the date of last conference held in May 2013 was 683. Since then 179 retirees have joined our association, but 22 members expired during this period and our present strength is 840. 182 persons have taken Life Membership in our Association by payment of Rs.10,000/- each

Our members have actively participated in all the action programmes called by AKBRF as well as AIBRF and also in the Dharna and other agitational programmes of workmen and officers in which retirees organaisations are also a party.

Catholic Syrian Bank

The performance of the Catholic Syrian Bank during the last two years continue to be very grim. The Deposit, Advance Profit/Loss positions as on 31 march 2015 are not available and they not so comfortable as per the information received.

Shri.Rakesh Bhatia, MD & CEO of the Bank has left the Bank and a committee of three Directors of the Bank is looking after the affairs. As such the Bank is not having a leader, which make the situation of the Bank more pathetic. CSB which was once a premier private sector bank in the country has been reduced to one of the smallest bank, merely due to mismanagement and lack of commitment on the part of people at the helm of affairs. The low capital base is another factor which hinder the growth of the Bank. Though it has gone for a successful 1:3 Rights issue of about Rs.113 Crore and also planning to go for Rs.400 Crore IPO, how far this will help to take the Bank back to the right direction of progress is a matter of serious concern, unless there are some positive changes in the management or at least the present management changes its attitude.

Activities of the Year 2013-15

Our achievements during the last biennial period were also not up to the desired level, for obvious reasons. We have been pursuing with the management on many of the issues like pension option for those retired under VRS and other schemes, correction in anomalies in fixing pension of some of the retirees, medical expense reimbursement scheme, improvements in the Personal Loan Scheme, improvements in Ex-Gratia payment to Pre-86 retirees/widows, photo I D Cards to retirees etc. During the discussions with the Chairman and also the then Managing Director & CEO of the Bank, we were given assurances to settle them, but many of them still remain unresolved.

We hope that the new team of Office Bearers of the Association for the next biennial period will be able to achieve our pending demands and I wish them all the best in this regard.

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The Executive committee of the Association met on 10 occasions during the last Biennial Period. 14 Circulars/News letters were released during the last biennial period. Area Meetings were held at Thrissur, , Coimbatore, and and there was good participation by members and discussions were very lively. Area meeting at other centres could not be held for various reasons.

Financial assistance for health check up @ Rs.1000/- was extended to 163 members during the last biennial period

Own Premises for CSBRA

Acquisition of own premises for our Association at Thrissur is a great achievement to all. Premises admeasuring 650 sq.ft. with about 350 sq.ft. meeting hall and an office, in a prime location in Thrissur Town will help functioning of the office very effective. It was opened on 20th February 2015 by Adv.Therambil Ramakrishnan, M.L.A in a simple function attended by the retirees of the Bank, Leaders of Officers and workmen organisations of the Bank, leaders of AKBRF and other fellow retiree organisations and other well wishers.

It is a dream come true for all and we could fulfill it only because of the valuable support and liberal contributions from our members, members of the staff of the bank, other former staff members, CSBOA, CSBSA, AIBRF, AKBRF, Fellow Bank Retirees organisations and other well wishers. Life Membership taken by our existing members and new members by payment of Rs.10,000/- each was a major contributing factor in fund mobilization. We express our sincere gratitude to all for the valued support and we are hopeful of continued support in future also.

Conclusion

Bank retirees issues are many, as already explained elsewhere in the report. We are deprived of our just and legitimate right and we have to stand united and fight with more vigor to achieve them. The attitude of the Government is not favourable to the working class as well as the retirees which makes our work tougher. We believe that the present leadership of AIBRF will be able to go a long way in achieving them.

CSBRA is a strong constituent of AKBRF and AIBRF and has added strength to the movement of Bank Retirees substantially. We could achieve it because of the unity and commitment of our members. Leadership of AKBRF and AIBRF have given us abundant support and the guidance and advices given by Sri.P.S.Balan, President, AKBRF and Sri.K.Sreenivasan, General Secretary require special mention. The Office Bearers and EC members of our association have worked as a team and their sincere and dedicated service has helped our Association to gain strength and momentum. The service rendered by Sri.P.Kumaran, Treasurer needs a special mention as he was managing the day to day affairs of the Association almost singlehandedly, with total involvement and dedication. The process of fund collection for the premises and its monitoring and accounting, registration of the documents, civil works in the building and acquisition of furniture etc. were managed by Shri.P.Kumaran and I should say, we are all highly indebted to him for his sincere, honest and dedicated service to the organization, totally ignoring all the physical ailments.

I should thank one and all for the support and guidance given for the effective functioning of the Association and with your permission, I submit the report before the August body for discussion and approval.

With Warm Regards,

N.D.Nandakumar, General Secretary.

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Bye Law Amendments

Changes as follows were made in the Bye-Law of the Association, as decided unanimously, in the meeting

Clause Existing Amendments made

6 SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS

(a) Admission Fee and annual subscription (a) Admission Fee and annual subscription payable by the Ordinary Members are as payable by the Ordinary Members are as follows: follows: Admission Fee ( With immediate effect) Admission Fee ( With immediate effect) i. Part time Sweepers Rs.50 i. Part time Sweepers Rs.50 ii. Subordinate Staff Rs.100 ii. Subordinate Staff Rs.100 iii. Clerical Staff Rs.200 iii. Clerical Staff Rs.200 iv. Officers of Grade I to III Rs.300 iv. Officers of Grade I to III Rs.300 v. Officers of Grade IV and above Rs.500 v. Officers of Grade IV and above Rs.500 Annual Subscription ( with effect from the year Annual Subscription(with effect from the year 2016) 2014) i. Part time Sweepers Rs.100 i. Part time Sweepers Rs.100 ii. Other ordinary members Rs.500 ii. Other ordinary members Rs.400 ( No change proposed in clauses (b) and (c)

15 (g) For payment of an amount of Rs.1000/- (Rupees For payment of an amount of Rs.2000/- (Rupees one thousand only) for health check up be paid two thousand only) for health check up be paid to to the ordinary members and life members of the ordinary members and life members of the the Association on attainment of 65 years of age Association on attainment of 65 years of age and and thereafter on completion of every five thereafter on completion of every five years, i.e. years, i.e. on attainment of 70,75,80,85 years of on attainment of 70,75,80,85 years of age etc., age etc., ………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………… …………………….but he/she is eligible for ……………………….but he/she is eligible for receiving the next payment in 2014 at the time of receiving the next payment in 2014 at the time attaining the 80th year of age of attaining the 80th year of age.

Registration of the Association

It was also decided that the Association be Registered with the Registrar of Societies or other appropriate authorities for more efficient functioning. The body authorized the Executive Committee to take a final decision in this regard and authorized the President and/or the General Secretary to execute/sign all the documents required in this regard.

Charity Fund

All of us know that millions of people of our country are living in utter poverty, while our country is emerging as a leading economic power in the world. While it is the basic responsibility of our Government to address the issue, as a citizen of the country, we have the duty to share a portion of our fortunes to the downtrodden and support them. The Body discussed the matter and it was decided to float a fund by our Association exclusively for the charity purpose. All our members and well wishes can donate to the charity fund and the same will be 9 kept as a separate account. The charity amounts will be given to Service Organisations or individuals, as decided by the Executive Committee of the Association from time to time.

As it is our bounded duty to support the needy poor, our members are requested to donate liberally, within their financial capabilities, to the fund. Many of us are spending a lot of amount for functions in connection with marriage of our children, birthday and Anniversary Celebrations, functions in connection with the memory of our parents and grandparents etc. Share a small portion of the money for the charity purpose which will make the function very noble and sweeter.

The amount can be remitted to the Account of the Association through the branches CSB, with the particulars. The names of those donating to the fund will be published in the News Letter of the Association.

DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS

We are in the process of finalization of the Directory and list of members with their particulars including contact numbers have been distributed to the members attended the General Meeting. The Directory in the Booklet form will be released soon.

10th BIPARTITE SETTLEMENT AT FINISHING POINT – RETIREES TO GET NOTHING

10th Bipartite Agreement for wage revision in banks is going to be signed by the Bank Unions and IBA in a couple of days. It is very disappointing to note that as per the information received, the issues of the retirees find no place in the agreement, though they had been included as major issues in the Charter of Demands submitted by the unions to IBA. The text of the Circulars and Letters by Shri.S.C.Jain, General Secretary, All India Bank Retirees Federation (AIBRF) are given below which are self explanatory.

AIBRF DELEGATION TO SHRI.ARUN JAITLEY, FINANCE MINISTER

Ref: 2015/039 Date 12-05-2015

Shri Arun Jaitley Honourable Finance Minister Government of India, New Delhi

Respected Sir Re: MEMORANDUM - Re: Pending Demands/ Issues of Bank Retirees

We feel honoured and privileged to get opportunity to meet you to draw your kind attention on long pending issues of bank retirees and convey our thanks and gratitude for sparing valuable time for us out of your very busy schedule.

2. All India Bank Retirees’ Federation ( AIBRF ) is all India body of bank retirees at the apex level. It was formed about 20 years back in the year 1995. Present membership of our organisation is more than 1, 25,000 coming from 45 bank wise federations of retirees which include 22 public sector banks, 11 private sector banks,

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2 foreign banks and 14 state bodies. Aim and object of our organisation is to work for welfare of bank retirees and to protect their interest in pension related issues.

3. At present we have 4 MAJOR LONG PENDING DEMANDS which are logical and rational and which we want, should be settled in the ongoing wage settlement. They are as under

(i) UNIFORM DEARNESS ALLOWANCE TO ALL PENSIONERS : At present the pensioners who retired before November 2002 get tapered DA which is substantially lower compared to the DA payable to post- November 2002 retirees. The similar position obtaining earlier in government sector & RBI have already been corrected and all pensioners in these sectors get uniform DA. However in banking sector this discrimination and anomaly is persisting for last 10 years. We want that the demand of uniform DA should be approved immediately.

(ii) IMPROVEMENT IN FAMILY PENSION: Family pension in banking sector is very low and comes down to 1/3 after the death of the pensioner. In RBI & Government sector family pension rate is double the rate payable in banking sector. Improvement in family pension on the lines of RBI is absolutely justified to give dignified and respectfully life to the family. (iii) PENSION UPDATION : Basic pension of past retirees has not been revised in last 28 years since its inception w.e.f 1.01.86 despite 10 times increase in inflation and 5 wage revisions approved in the banking industry during this period creating huge gap between basic pension of those who retired 28 years back and those retiring now. This exercise needs to be carried out urgently to bring rationality in basic pension of all categories of retirees.

(iv) UNIFORM MEDICAL SCHEME: Presently no medical facility is available to the bank retirees except some support coming in a few banks out of welfare funds. Health management is most challenging task to the retirees at the advancing age. We want that uniform group mediclaim scheme should be made available to the bank retirees at the industry level.

4. We have submitted several representations and memoranda to IBA in last 5 years to discuss the above demands and some other pending matters with the representatives of our organisation. We enclose copy of the last memoranda submitted to IBA. However, IBA is not showing any inclination to give appointment to us to place our views and data on above issues despite even after DFS asking IBA almost one year back to do so. Now wage settlement in the banking is at the final stage and may be signed on any day. We therefore want that IBA must immediately call us for at least consultation purpose before signing the wage settlement with the unions.

5. Normal standard argument comes against approving our above demands is financial constraint and paucity of funds in pension corpus. We have collected data on pension funds of all public sector banks as on 31.03.2014 which are given in the enclosed sheet. This statement indicates that pension funds have shown healthy positive growth year after year and aggregate figure is robust Rs 1 lakh crores . Therefore to reject demands of retirees summarily on this count is not at all logical and rational. It calls for dissection with us when we can give much more inputs to support our stand.

6. We shall feel highly obliged and grateful to you if you will instruct the concerned authorities to look into our above demands sympathetically and approve them before signing the settlement. IBA should also be asked to hold discussion with us immediately.

Yours Sincerely

(S.M.Deshpande) ( S.C.Jain ) President General Secretary

And Office Bearers and Central Committee Members of Aibrf and More Than 1,25,000 Members of AIBRF

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AIBRF LETTER TO UFBU CONVENOR ON RETIREES ISSUES IN BIPARTITE SETTLEMENT

Ref: 2015/041 Date 15.05.2015

Shri M.V.Murli Convenor, United Forum of Bank Unions Hyderabad

Dear Sir

Re; 10th Bipartite Settlement

With due respect to UFBU, its constituents and the leadership, on behalf of lakhs of bank retirees we place the following submission for your consideration and appropriate action.

(1) We understand that bank unions are going to sign the settlement on 22nd May 2015 or in near future thereafter. As per the communications issued, UFBU has been able to secure increase of 15 percent on payslip components amounting to about Rs. 4500 crores per annum for the employees effective from 1.11.2012 in the ongoing settlement. Further, efforts are going on for improvement in other allowances and facilities resulting into additional benefits to the employees with effect from 1.11.2012. Therefore it is expected that employees will get monetary benefit of Rs. 12000 crores approximately in on go by of arrear and annual benefit of Rs 4500 crores and more with increasing trend in coming years.

(2) Against the above backdrop, we have come to know that IBA/ Government is not ready to approve any of the demands like uniform dearness allowance, pension updation and improvement in family pension before signing the settlement. Further we have come to know that IBA is only ready to extend group mediclaim policies to the past retirees in this settlement. Here also, we have come to know that funding of the insurance premium for retiree is going to be left to the individual banks who will decide as to how much to be charged to the retirees and how much to come from staff welfare funds. Therefore if the position taken by IBA on retiree demands is accepted by UFBU for signing the settlement, there will be ZERO ALLOCATION for the past retirees in this settlement. With this background, we would like to know whether position of ZERO ALLOCATION is acceptable to the UFBU leadership. If not, what is the strategy of unions to put enough pressure on IBA/ Government through organisational calls like agitational programme. Lighting strike call etc as done in case of employees to improve the offer from 5 percent to 15 percent spending two and half years, we may kindly be informed for which we will be grateful to you. We would also like you to share the information/ documents exchanged on retirees issues between IBA and UFBU and which has convinced UFBU leadership not to press above retiree demands before signing the settlement. We feel that it is absolutely necessary for confidence building in view of charter of demands of unions on retiree issues for this settlement and subsequent assurances given from time to time as well as for long term relationship between retirees and unions in the banking industry which is going to witness movement of more than 2 employees towards retiree camp in next 2/3 years. We feel this issue needs serious introspection al all levels.

(3) we request you to secure allocation of specific funds say Rs. 1000 crores per annum to be exclusively used for improving pension scheme for past retirees and same should be incorporated in the settlement to be signed if it is not possible to work out details for past retirees immediately.

(4) One of the main reasons being given for not considering any improvement for past retirees is shortage of funds and banks’ weak financial position to bear additional cost. While it is open fact that entire financial burden of the benefits to employees will be on profit and loss of banks directly, any benefit considered to past retirees will be out of pension funds and not from profit and loss of banks directly. If you see financial position of pension funds you will find it is healthy and improving year after year. We below give combined balance sheet data of pension funds of public sector banks as on 31.03.2014 on the basis of information collected by us. 12

Aggregate Pension Fund Corpus as on 31.03.13 (excluding SBI Group ) 91336.78 crore Add annual contribution in lieu of PFFrom banks during the year 6412.02 crore Add annual interest income on Investment 7619.47 crore Less Out go by monthly payment to Pensioners, Family pensioners, Commutation 6574.91 crore Net Pension Funds as on 31.03.2014 101919.56 crore

From the above the following may be observed for the year 2013-2014

(a) Corpus has increased from 91336 crores to 101919 crores registering annual growth of more than 12 percent after meeting all pension liability during the year

(b) Interest income of Rs. 7619.47 crores is greater than pension liability Rs. 6574.91 crores during the year leaving surplus of more than Rs 1100 crores plus in the year from interest income alone.

(c) Interest yield on pension fund investment during the year is coming out is 8.34 percent approximately which is less than tax free interest yield of 8.9 percent of PPF accounts. Improvement of 50 basis point in yield on Rs 1 lakh crores plus fund can easily generate additional income of Rs. 500 crores.

(d ) Corpus is basically provisions for pension liability and their ownership belongs to banks. Pensioners have right on committed monthly payments. In view of this Banks are likely to be comfortable and will be left with sizable surplus at the end of the scheme after 30- 40 years or so.

(e) Number of active pensioners will start reducing after toping in 2017 in view of settlement of 2009.

(f) The above increasing trend is not only in 2013-14 but the positive trend has been noticed year after year since its inception without any exception.

(g) Basic Pension of future retirees will increase 62 percent approx. and consequent increase in commutation amount after this settlement. We feel that banks will make additional contribution to the fund to meet this liability and therefore further increase in pension fund corpus.

Our analysis is based on the data available to us. However if you have some different/ more data and analysis we request you to share them with us to understand and appreciate them. We hope you will find logic in our submission and arrange the joint meeting urgently.

With Warm Regards ( S.C.JAIN ) GENERAL SECRETARY

AIBRF CALLS FOR AGITATION FOR RESOLVING ISSUES OF BANK RETIREES

Ref: 2015/180 Date: 17.05.2015

The Office Bearers/ Central Committee Members/ State Body Chiefs A.I.B.R.F.

Dear Sir, Re: 10th Bipartite Settlement

As you are aware that after coming to know 10 days back that unions are proceeding to sign the 10th Bipartite Settlement without addressing the retirees demands and with zero allocation for past retirees, we have so far taken the following steps to safeguard the interest of our members.

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(1) Our Comrades in Chennai submitted memorandum to AIBEA on the date of their Office Bearers Meeting Viz: 11.05.2015 with the request to pursue retirees’ issues and not to sign the settlement till our issues are resolved.

(2) We met in delegation to the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley in his office in Parliament on 12.05.2015 and submitted memorandum seeking his immediate intervention on our issues and asking IBA to hold discussion with us.

(3) We met some Members of Parliament (MPs) in Delhi on 13.05.2015 and submitted the memorandum with the request to forward to FM / DFS with favourable comments/ recommendations for necessary action.

(4) We met Economic Advisor, DFS who is handling our representation on 13.05.2015 with request to ensure approval on long pending proposal of 100% DA Neutralisation, who assured us for early action from his side.

(5) We wrote Letter No.40 dated 12.05.2015 to UFBU Convenor with the request to hold discussion with us to understand UFBU stand on retiree issues, ask IBA to call us for discussion and not to sign the settlement till our issues are addressed in the settlement.

(6) We wrote Letter No41 dated 15.05.2015 to UFBU Convenor with the request to ensure allocation of Rs.1000 crores for the past retirees in the settlement, put organisational weight on retirees demands and persuade IBA to call the retirees for discussion before signing of the settlement.

(7) We have held several rounds of discussion with the leaders of UFBU constituents over phone in pursuance of our issues in the last 10-15 days.

(8) We are carrying out daily review of outcome of our above efforts to decide our future plan of action. We are yet to receive response from UFBU Convenor or any of its constituents on our request except the one which has come from AIBEA and which is in public domain.

Future Action Programme For The Coming Days:

To pursue our demands further, we have given call to carry out the following action programmes:

(1) Our affiliates are requested to submit the representation as per the enclosed draft on their letter head to the Chairman & Managing Director of the respective bank seeking their intervention in calling retirees for discussion by IBA. This may be submitted in deputation by our affiliates after incorporating the required changes at the earliest and confirm to us having done so. Simultaneously, it may be sent by e-mail on CMD address.

(2) Individual members should write letter as per draft enclosed to Banking Secretary requesting his intervention to ask IBA to call us for discussion. We request to mobilise the members on urgent basis with the request to send maximum number of letters with minimum 1000 per day in the country. The letter may be sent preferably by Speed Post after filling all particulars.

(3) We are planning to meet some more MPs including the Lok Sabha Speaker in next few days to submit the memorandum seeking their support on our demands.

(4) Our affiliates may consider organising some action programmes at local level for achieving our demands.

At this stage, we wish to congratulate and convey our sincere thanks and gratitude to our Members, Central Committee Members, Office Bearers, our Affiliates & their Office Bearers and Activists for wholehearted support in responding to our calls despite advancing age and taking all pains in this very hot summer. We are overwhelmed with your commitment and conviction shown towards our Organisation and the retirees

14 movement. We are also grateful to our well wishers and friends who are extending all support for the cause of retirees from outside.

With Warm Regards, S.C.JAIN GENERAL SECRETARY ______

Friends, The demands made by the Bank Retirees are just and genuine and our past experience is that the Government and IBA will come forward to settle the issues only if we put a tough fight for it. Accordingly, AIBRF has initiated action programme as mentioned above and as part of it, members of all the affiliates of AIBRF have to send individual letters to Dr.Hasmukh Adhia, Secretary (DFS), Banking Division, 3rd Floor , Jeevandeep Building, Sansad Marg, New Delhi – 110001

Draft of the individual memorandum to be submitted to the Banking Secretary have been sent separately to all the members. You are requested to send the same with your name and signature, in the address mentioned above. Let us all join together in the march of the Bank Retirees in the country lead byAIBRF and show our unity, strength and solidarity in the fight for settling our just and genuine demands.

AIBRF DELEGATION TO LOKSABHA SPEAKER

Shri.S.C.Jain and other leaders of AIBRF met the Honorable Lok Sabha Speaker Smt Sumitra Mahajan at her office in Indore on 21.05.15 and submitted memorandum on retiree issues . She took keen interest on our issues and made many quarries on them to understand and appreciate the matter. The meeting lasted for about 15 minutes. She assured to forward our memorandum to the concerned authorities in the government as well as to Chairman IBA with her favorable comments.

AIBRF DELEGATION TO IBA CHAIRMAN

AIBRF has decided to hold PROTEST DAY at Azad Maiden Mumbai on 25th May,2015 between 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and submit a memorandum to IBA Chairman in delegation registering our protest on unfair treatment given to retirees. The memorandum will be signed by all the retirees present in the programme. Large number of retirees are expected to participate in it. Similar demonstrations are proposed to be held in other centres also, details of which will be communicated in due course. Our members are requested to participate in all the action programmes called by AIBRF and make them grand success in achieving our demands.

AIBRF 4th TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE

As already informed, the 4th Delegates Conference of All India Bank Retirees Federation (AIBRF) will be held at Thrissur from 26th to 28th November 2015 and our activists in Thrissur have made elaborate arrangements for conducting in a grand way. A colourful and massive rally and majestic public function will be organised on 26th November 2015 at Thrissur. A meeting of the CC members and activists of AKBRF and leaders of various organisations and eminent personalities will be held at Sahithya Academy Hall, Thrissur to discuss on the conduct of the conference and also to form Reception Committee and other sub-committees for the same and our members are requested to participate in the meeting.

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VISIT OF SHRI.S.C.JAIN, GENERAL SECRETARY, AIBRF TO OUR OFFICE.

We are glad to inform that Shri.S.C.Jain, General Secretary, AIBRF visited our office on 22nd April 2015 in connection with the Central Committee Meeting of AKBRF held in the office. He congratulated our members for acquiring a nice and spacious premises in a prominent centre in Thrissur to house our office and said it is a big achievement in enhancing the efficiency in functioning of our organization as also other fellow organisations.

A Central Committee meeting of All Kerala Bank Retirees Federation (AKBRF) was held in the office on the same day in which more than 50 members participated. Shri.Jain addressed the meeting and explained the activities and actions initiated by AIBRF leadership in resolving the issues of Bank Retirees. He appreciated the AKBRF leadership for its effective and efficient functioning and is the best model that can be adopted by units in other states in the country. He expressed profound satisfaction on the arrangements made by the AKBRF leadership for the successful conduct of the Triennial conference of AIBRF scheduled for 26th to 28th Nov. 2015 and added that he is fully confident that AKBRF will make the event an ever memorable one in the history of Bank Retirees in the country.

Shri.P.S.Balan, President AKBRF and Shri.K.Sreenivasan were honoured in the meeting for their dedicated and devoted service to the bank retirees in the country.

ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS

No Name Place No Name Place 1 Shri.Baby Joseph Aricatt Irinjalakuda 9 Smt.Santhamma K Tiruvalla 2 Smt.Rhinna V.C Thrissur 10 Shri.K.Louis Pondichery 3 Smt.Fernandez Iona Chennai 11 Shri.C.L.Pauly Thrissur Josephine 4 Smt.Malathi M Thrissur 12 Shri.Francy Davy London/Thrissur 5 Smt.Nirmala L. Trivandrum 13 Smt.Lilly Charles Thrissur 6 Shri.C.S.Vijayan 14 Shri.A.C.Varkey Angamaly 7 Shri.Mathew Babu Thrissur 15 Shri.Francy Thomas Thrissur 8 Shri.P.C.Poulose Thrissur 16 Shri.C.J.Cherian Kottayam

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CSB NEWS

IPO for Rs.400 Crore and Listing

Bank is also coming out with an IPO for Rs.400 Crore, initial woks for which has already been started and draft documents have been filed with SEBI. As per the information, the whole process including listing with major Stock Exchanges is scheduled to be completed by the year end.

It is pertinent to note that the Bank which recorded a Net Profit of Rs.26.88 Crore in 2013-14 was in loss of Rs.18.50 Crore by the half year ended on 30th September 2014. Financials for the year ended on 31.03.2015 are not immediately available and it is not likely to be a rosy one for obvious reasons. However, since the Bank is having strong fundamentals, IPO can be very successful, if it is managed professionally.

Promotions

Promotions to the Senior Executives cadre have been made by the Bank, as follows

Promotion of Officers from Grade-IV to Grade-V

1. Smt. Deepa R., Chief Manager (TIM), Treasury & Investments Management Dept, 2. Shri. Jeevan Varghese, Dy. Zonal Manager, Zonal Office, Coimbatore 3. Shri. Jose T. T., Chief Manager (Retail Loans), CPC (Schematic), Ernakulam 4. Smt. Sreelatha M., Chief Manager (Accounts), Accounts Dept, Head Office 5. Shri. Suresh K. C., Dy. Zonal Manager, Zonal Office, Mumbai 6. Shri. Tony Sebastian, Chief Manager (IBD), International Banking Division, Kochi 7. Smt. Sangeetha Upendran, Chief Manager (IT), Alternate Channels, Chennai

Promotion of Officers from Grade-V to Grade-VI

1. Shri. Joby John, Zonal Manager, Ernakulam Zone 2. Shri. Joseph Alappat, Zonal Manager, Zone

Promotion of Senior Executives

Special General Managers

1. Shri. Antony P V, Chief Financial Officer 2. Shri. Jiz P Kottukappally, Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer 3. Shri. Kurian George, Business Head – Kerala

( Quote ‘The title of Special General Manager was specially created by the Bank as an organizational level designation just below General Manager and above Additional General Manager’ )

Additional General Managers

1. Shri. Paul George P, Zonal Manager, Delhi Zone 2. Shri. Subodha Chandra Mishra, Zonal Manager, Mumbai Zone

CSBRA congratulates for their elevation to the higher cadre and wish all the best in the new assignment.

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Retirements

The following staff members retired from service of the Bank on 30th April 2015

Name Office 1 Mrs.Meena Balakrishna Menon Asst. General Manager, HO, Thrissur 2 Shri.Joseph Manjakambil Asst. General Manager, ZO, Chennai 3 Shri.C.L.Pauly Chief Manager, ZO, Trivandrum 4 Shri.K.M.Sushanth Dy.Zonal Manager, ZO, Thrissur 5 Shri.K.Louis Dy.Zonal Manager, ZO, Mumbai 6 Shri.C.S.Vijayan Senior Manager, Kollam Br. 7 Smt.K.V.Annies Manager, Payamkulam Br. 8 Shri.P.C.Poulose (Pereppadan) Asst.Mgr., Vellikulangara Br. 9 Smt.Hepzibah Mercy Navamani Staff, Tuticorin Br. 10 Shri.Francis Thomas Arangassery Staff, Edakkalathur Br. 11 Shri.Davis Paul Thottungal Staff, Chazhoor Br. 12 Smt.Lilly Charles Staff, Amballur Br. 13 Smt.P.Ganatheebam Staff, Nagercoil Bra. 14 Smt.Sulochana Staff Tirupattur Br.

We wish all the retirees a very Happy and Active Retired life.

Obituary

With deep sorrow we inform the demise of the following members of the Association

1. Shri.P.Kuttikrishnan Nair, aged 70, on 03.05.2015 . He retired from Tirurangadi branch as Clerk-cum- cashier and was settled in Tirur.

2. Shri.T.J.Thomas (Thettayil) aged 80, on 14.05.2015. He joined the Bank on 13.03.1956 and retired as Manager, ZO, Thrissur on 31.07.2015 and was settled in Thrissur.

We join the sorrow of the bereaved families and pray to the almighty for the departed soul to rest in peace.

With Warm Regards,

N.D.NANDAKUMAR, GENERAL SECRETARY

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