There appears to be confusion and loss of perspective while dealing with the issues and we have forgotten that the RBI Management had assured A+ position to the RBI employees right from its inception which has found expression in various settlements reached with the various Associations. To quote from the RBI History: 'As a Central Bank, the Bank had special responsibilities as an employer.....it had to provide sufficient remuneration and incentives to attract personnel of high calibre, with integrity and ability well above the ordinary.....In the tradition of a progressive employer, welfare measures such as passage concessions, medical facilities and provision of housing accommodation were also taken.....he (Governor) and the Directors were prepared always to view the cause of the staff sympathetically ad have already laid down a policy that we should be prepared to give our staff slightly more than what other comparable are prepared to pay, thus giving a lead to a policy of enlightened employment of white collar labour.' Yes, employees of a Central Bank deserved better treatment in the matter of wages and perks and this solemn assurance was upheld on the floor of Parliament. My humble request to Shri L.R.Parab is to lay our hands on the said Statement if necessary under RTI. It was sometime in 1986/87. I had prepared a note on the subject sometime back which seems to have been overlooked for some inexplicable reasons. (I was closely associated with handling of these issues when I was in erstwhile PPD). To be specific, in terms of para. 2(2) of the Staff Regulations, 'Nothing in these Regulations shall operate to override any special agreement entered into by the Bank with any of its employees.' There is legal sanctity behind these Settlements and the Management simply cannot withdraw any of these service conditions unilaterally (at the behest of the Govt). One recalls, the Government had told RBI to withdraw the facility relating to travel abroad on LFC. (This was an extension of the travel to Nepal which was already available to employees hailing from Nepal). In reply, the Govt. were told that the facility cannot be withdrawn unilaterally by the Bank, which will amount to a breach of the Agreement. Later, the Govt. did not pursue the matter and the facility continues to this day. The Governor and the Central Board are new and cannot be expected to be fully aware of the historical perspective and further developments unless properly briefed. The basic issue is, has there been any change in the situation or circumstances when the approval for introduction of the Pension Scheme was accorded by the Government. Govt. officials on the Board may come and may go (or for that matter some top bosses in RBI) but should this relationship between the RBI Management and employees and the basic structure of service conditions including wages/perks and the Management's commitment can be allowed to change in a manner detrimental to the interests of the employees (including retired employees). If the present Govt. has failed us, let us take up the issue with the new Govt who hopefully would restore the autonomy/independence of the credible institutions like RBI as promised by them.
- Surendra Khot
