Newsletter No. 36 - Update on Issues

NEWS LETTER No. 36

Dear friends,

ASTO Delhi had taken up certain pending issues with the management vide our letter dated 18th January, 2008 to CMD. Further, ASTO CEC was also held on 21-22 January at Hyderabad. On 22nd January, 2008 few issues were discussed with Director (HR).

The status of the issues is:

1. Payment of Annual Incentive and Additional Annual Incentive for the year 2006-07: In line with our letter there also we demanded profit sharing to the tune of 45% (net 30% as 15% has already been paid to us) and annual incentive should be at least 5%. Management clarified that they have still to do some calculations and work out the details as per the scheme. However, management has agreed that the payment shall be made by 10th of February, 2008. We expect the percentage to be as per our demand.
   
   
2. Issues related to Laptop Scheme: This issue had been under discussion with the management for the last six months. Director (HR) immediately agreed to regularize the Laptops for the officers who have taken Laptop Loan. Orders shall be issued shortly
   
   
3. Reimbursement of Perquisite Tax on housing: The agenda is being put up in the next Board Meeting proposed to be held in the month of February. The proposal is for absorption of the perquisite tax by ONGC which roughly is coming to be around Rs. 85 crores per annum.
   
   
4. Review of North East Facilities : Management brought out that discussion has taken place with the team of ASTO representatives of CWC on two three occasions where ONGC is proposing to provide some incentives for officers opting for NE posting like paid holidays with family, choice posting after five years, encashment of QTF etc. Further, officers belonging to NE but posted outside NE shall be offered 90% CMRE and 20 days CL etc. ASTO has once again requested for discussion on this issue. However, it was clarified that it is under submission to EC for quite sometime and final decision is pending.
   
   
5. Review of TA/DA Rates: Management has informed that they have already submitted a proposal to EC for enhancing the TA/DA rates. Decision shall be taken shortly.
   
   
6. Submission of Affidavit for dependency: It was clarified that necessary approval are being taken for doing away with the submission of affidavit especially for dependant family of children and wife. The clarification shall be issued shortly.
   
   
7. Issues related to transfers in AT-2008: ASTO executives pointed out that transfer of lady executives, Q3 and below Q3 executives should not be done or should be minimal. Further, it was pointed out how our officers and their families are being humiliated while being called for examination by the medical board. Numbers of them are chronic patients or mentally disabled children where we are forcing them to bring them to office for physical examination. It is a mental harassment as well as physical agony for the officers and their families. This is being done in gross violation of the instructions that in such cases the medical board is to visit the home of the concerned employees. GGM (HRD) and ED(ER) agreed that in such cases first the medical board should go through the reports and papers provided by the individual and if still not convinced then only they should go for physical examination. It was also pointed out that the transfers shall be further reduced this time in comparison to last year and shall be only requirement based transfers.
   
   
8. The issue of implementing building and residential policy: Director (HR) emphasized that all the concerned key executives shall immediately start the work on implementing this policy and ASTO members of the concerned work centre should take up with the concerned heads and start the process within this fiscal year itself. We shall be issuing a reminder to GGM (Coordination) for these works immediately and request him to take the issues with the same zeal as they take up the works for the offices and residences of Directors/CMD at Delhi.
   
   
9. 50% DA Merger: As per our information the issue of 50% DA merger has again been taken by DPE and a cabinet note has been sent to this effect. Shortly there can be some development on this issue. We shall keep you apprised on this issue.
   
   
10. ESOP Scheme: The scheme has been sent to MOPNG for necessary approval. A view is being taken for the Oil and Gas Sector as a whole.

Friends, we shall continue to share the development on the issues. As per the minutes of meeting issued by General Secretary, CWC dated 30th December, 2007 the new CWC has to be formed by 10th May, 2008 and accordingly General Secretary has to issue the notification for the local units. On receipt of the same we shall take further action for election process at Delhi.

STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS ACHIEVED

LONG LIVE ASTO UNITY