STRIKE DEFERRED - EPF TAX PROPOSAL WITHDRAWN

STRIKE DECISION DEFERRED BY NJCA

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWS PROPOSAL 

TO TAX EPF

Dear Comrades! Colleagues!

INDEFINITE STRIKE DEFERRED

The NJCA has met on 7^th March, 2016 and reviewed the developments since 1^st March meeting between the Cabinet Secretary led Empowered Group of Secretaries and the Staff Side leaders of National Council JCM. It has come to the decision that due to the impending Elections to five States and the coming into effect of Code of Conduct of Elections and the request of Cabinet Secretary for more time to arrive at conclusions on the Charter of Modifications sought by us in the recommendations of 7^th CPC, the proposed indefinite strike by all CG Employees shall be postponed to 11.07.2016 instead of 11.04.2016! The serving of strike notice also shall be deferred from 11.03.2016 to 9^th June 2016. The NJCA has informed that a mobilization programme will be finalized in the changed situation and intimated later.

AIPRPA CHQ reiterates  its stand to extend total solidarity to all campaign programmes and struggle programmes including the indefinite strike. It requests our rank and file to forge total unity with the Pensioners organizations in NCCPA in particular and with all other Pensioners Organizations outside to plan for appropriate solidarity programmes to NJCA as well as to highlight all Pensioners exclusive demands before the Government at present.

TAX PROPOSAL WITHDRAWN

Due to stiff opposition from all quarters including all Central Trade Unions, the Central Government has taken back its budget proposal of taxing 60% of withdrawals from Employees Provident Fund. Though after the controversy, the Government had announced that the Central Government Employees’ PF will not be taxed, the crores of employees and workers covered by EPF Scheme stoutly opposed the proposal. Even the Central TUS had declared that the proposal is against the protection of Constitution available to the savings of retirement of employees. Amidst total protest the Government has to bow and withdrawn the proposal to tax EPF. A victory to united opposition indeed!

K.Ragavendran

General Secretary AIPRPA