AIDEF demands withdrawal from Corporatization, NPS & others

In the wake of the recently concluded Membership Verification of Trade Unions within the Ministry of Defence, AIDEF has emerged as the leading Federation representing Defence Civilian Employees. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All India Defence Employees Federation convened at Khamaria, Jabalpur on February 15th and 16th, 2024, under the leadership of President S.N. Pathak and General Secretary C. Srikumar. During the two-day session, discussions centered on various critical issues affecting Defence Civilian Employees.

Foremost among the topics addressed was the Government's proposal to corporatize the 41 Ordnance Factories, a move vehemently opposed by AIDEF. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the status of Ordnance Factory employees as Central Government employees, recommendations put forth by the Vijayaraghavan Committee concerning DRDO, the Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS), and the resolution of outstanding demands of Defence Civilian Employees, among other pressing matters.

Following extensive deliberations, the NEC of AIDEF unanimously passed several resolutions, each directed towards urging the Government to address the grievances and concerns of Defence Civilian Employees:

Resolution No. 1: AIDEF extends gratitude to Defence Civilian Employees for their unwavering support, reaffirming AIDEF's position as their foremost representative.

Resolution No. 2: The NEC urges the Government to retract its decision to corporatize Ordnance Factories, citing the failed nature of the experiment.

Resolution No. 3: AIDEF calls upon the Government to reject adverse recommendations from the Vijayaraghavan Committee, emphasizing the need to safeguard DRDO from potential liquidation.

Resolution No. 4: The NEC demands the immediate scrapping of the Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS) and the restoration of the Defined and Guaranteed Pension under CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, aligning with the decision taken by JFROPS to pursue an indefinite strike for the same cause.

Resolution No. 5: AIDEF insists on the resolution of various outstanding issues concerning Defence Civilian Employees across all Directorates under the Ministry of Defence.

Resolution No. 6: The NEC urges the Government to affirm the status of Ordnance Factory employees as Central Government employees/Defence Civilian employees until their retirement, in accordance with assurances provided before the Honorable Madras High Court.

Resolution No. 7: AIDEF calls for the immediate constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission for Central Government Employees and Pensioners.

Resolution No. 8: The NEC protests against the breach of settlement between AIDEF and DDP concerning the nomination of Federation Representatives in the Industrial Relations Mechanism by four Ordnance Factory Corporations.

These resolutions, borne out of the NEC meeting of AIDEF, underscore the Federation's commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Defence Civilian Employees, urging the Government to heed their concerns and take appropriate action for resolution.