Address by General Secretary

Address by General Secretary

A very good-morning to all of you.
Hon’ble Chief Guest Shri R.C.Bhatiaji, ADGM, Respected Guest-of-Honour Shri A.K.Bhatnagarji, ADGM (EREC),Shri B.L.Varmaji, DDGM RMC(N.Delhi), Shri Rajiv Sharmaji,DDGM(A&S), Respected Members on the dais, our most valued invited guest and councilors from all parts of the country.
First of all, I deem it great privilege to extend warm welcome on this wonderful morning to one and all and also thank almighty God for giving us this opportunity to share our views through this platform. [The very presence of the Hon’ble Chief Guest Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary MoES in today’s programme inspite of his extremely busy schedule is a matter of honour to this Organization. We are all inspired by your gracious presence, Sir.]
I wish to express the feelings of all Scientific & Technical employees of the Department through this platform, who despite all odds and repeated testing of patience eagerly awaits all possible opportunity to ventilate their grievances for a viable solution to their genuine problem.
We all are aware that India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 and it is the second oldest Department of the country. Out of total sanction strength of 8395, there are presently 6084 men in position. . On an average, 8-10 supporting staff are getting retired every month and by 2012, more than 750 employees of Group B & C will retire. This is a very grim picture and the situation may worsen further if corrective steps are not taken soon.
Though IMD is a service-oriented Department, it is very unfortunate that the most of the benefits awarded to other Scientific Department are not extended to IMD. All entry cadres (Group C) of IMD are having very bleak promotional avenues and working conditions. Needless to mention herein that Science Graduates of IMD soon gets frustrated when they compare themselves with employees of other Scientific Department in terms of pay scales, promotional avenues and allied facilities.
Though in the last 133 years, the mandate of IMD has been fragmented to many autonomous institutions viz. IIG, IITM (1962), NCMRWF (1988) and now EREC. It is seen that the Institute which was separated from IMD, progressed and became professionally competent whereas the status of IMD remained unchanged. This is because IMD has not adopted its importance and expertise as per changed scenario. The progress of IMD is also affected due to number of transition from Ministry of Civil Aviation to Department of Science & Technology (DST) and finally DST to Ministry of Earth Sciences. Though IMD is a Scientific Department, but its cadre structure is neither at par with other Scientific Department nor with any Administrative Department. Its half of the cadre structure in Group A level is organized (Met-II to Director) and other half is vacancy based whereas it is totally unorganized in the foundation Scientific & Technical Cadres. Due to this unstable cadre structure, there is a resentment and frustration in all cadres. Also, as the remedial measures are not taken since last three decades, a saturation level has reached where the motivation factor has become Zero.
As per Govt.’s promotion policy in Scientific Department, the residency period from first feeder to promotional cadre is less as compared to residency period of other promotional post because of motivation factor in employees at the first instant improves efficiency and boosts the productivity of the Department.
In May 1976, Dr. Raja Ramanna Committee reviewed the organizational structure & functioning of IMD and a scheme of Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS) was partially introduced for three posts (Met-II to Director) of Group A level (comprising of 6.2% of total manpower strength of IMD) only. Even the person in Group A cadre feels frustrated due to stagnation in Director Cadre as the further mobility in higher cadre is vacancy based. Further, a committee under the Chairmanship of Prof.S.Sampath (22ndJune, 1990), Shri Y.S.Rajan (18th Nov, 1998), Dr.K.Kasturirangan (18th May, 1999), Task-Force Committee (1st Oct, 2002), a committee under the Chairmanship of Shri S.K.Das, Advisor, DOS (4th August, 2006) and finally Dr. Shailesh Nayak Committee for the Manpower Restructuring (on the lines of ISRO) of the newly created Ministry and its constituent units. The outcome of all these committee(s) is either an eye-wash or kept in cold-storage. It is surprising that even after three decades of constitution of Dr. Raja Ramanna Committee; no committee has further reviewed the organizational structure of IMD at Gr. B, C & D i.e. at the core/foundation level.
During a seminar on “Forty years of Kothari Commission recommendations: Reforms and Reflections” in Delhi University, Hon’ble Ex. President Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has said that “Science academics and scientific advisory committee should discuss ways to ensure an assured career growth for science graduates and send recommendations to the cabinet for the same. We should work for the creation of a science cadre with a clear mission goals, well defined growth path and attractive salaries in the organizations such as CSIR, Department of Science & Technology, Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Bio-Technology, Department of Agriculture, ISRO, DRDO, Atomic Energy and the Universities”.
Unfortunately, IMD employees have not got any relief from either of these committees or from the pay commission. Though Pay-Commission has extended Scientific status to IMD and recommended FCS for Grade pay 9000 or lower but its applicability to lower Scientific/Technical cadres is being viewed with doubt due to the outcome of several past committees..
When we compare IMD with Scientific Department like ISRO, DAE etc we are being told that they enjoy special status and there cannot be any parity with them. Also, our comparison with other Department like CPWD, Income-Tax, Central Secretariat etc is also not considered valid. How can feeder cadres with same Degree in Science [B.Sc (Physics)] is treated differently in ISRO/DAE and other Scientific Department like IMD?. Is the applicability of Science differs from Department to Department?. How can a Department given Special Status without giving the same level playing field for other Department?. This seems to be discriminatory and against the vision of Scientific fraternity of the country.
The one important aspect of scientific cadre of IMD is that the posts are spread across the country and there is no level playing working structure wherein all get equal opportunity and exposure to advancement of career and satisfaction of job. This is one of the de-motivating factors and cause of frustration in the scientific cadre. The situation gets further complex when personnel up to the cadre of AM-II may not like to proceed on transfer on promotion due to change of place which may not be commensurate with proper financial pay hike. Sometimes salary gets reduced because of reduced allowance in the new place of posting.
Flexibility of adjustment of posts in each office /field stations may also need to be considered in case person from lower post is not willing to shift on promotion from one station to other uniformly, on all India basis. The lower post employee may need to be adjusted against higher post.
The scientific/technical personnel in all cadres need to be trained in computer operations and may be made mandatory, if any of them are not computer literate. Also, the consolidated training be imparted to fresh recruit like Met-IIs and other training should be job-oriented. This will lead them to perform better in the services of IMD.
To attract fresh good talent and to keep their motivation factor high, points referred above need to be addressed appropriately.
It is very strange and pathetic that a lower most Group C Scientific feeder cadre i.e. Lab-Asstt. Career starts at LA-III and ends up at LA-I (2 Stages), Feeder cadre NI-Mechanic Gr-II either gets 1st ACP or 2nd ACP or retire after one or two promotions in their cadre. The feeder cadre Senior Observer is promoted to next higher cadre S.A. in a span of 18-19 years (six times the DOP&T’s approved residency period).
The Association being scientific employees’ organization is pledged and determined to adopt systematic peaceful means of discussions with justifications and concluding solutions in the welfare interest of the employees as well as of the Department. Friends, we believe that every accomplishment, great or small, starts with the right decision, I’ll try”. We know that every person has ambition and ambition without determination has no destination. It is only this determination and hope which is the guiding force of IMD employees.
Though, Modernization and Manpower Restructuring should go parallel but the former is given priority. Until and unless the root cause of problem in IMD is sorted out, no reforms or Modernization will help IMD in long run.. We need to take corrective steps so that the mistakes of the past are rectified timely and the cadres are streamlined as per their qualifications and field of experience.

Today, IMD is heading towards a two-year modernization programme worth 950 crores during the course of which IMD is going to get 550 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), 1350 Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG), five GPS stations, three high performance computing systems, Integrated and automated systems for the Airport, radiosonde equipment besides this, (there are only five Doppler Radars in India- Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Sriharikota, Kolkatta and Chennai) IMD plans to get 12 more Doppler Radars and equipment concerning upper air cyclonic circulation. This Modernization programme may turn out to be a failure if the manpower behind this is not restructured as per the changed scenario and the vacant posts are not filled up. The staff strength is so depleted that the existing staff is over-worked and the compensatory-off gets accumulated beyond availing limits. The only viable solution visible is cadre restructuring and FCS to all Scientific/Technical Cadres as per other Scientific Department. There can be only one stable structure either vacancy based from foundation to apex cadre or FCS .This Association strongly recommends FCS for all Scientific/Technical Cadres of IMD with normalization and rationalization for existing employees.
If this is not done, it will seriously jeopardize “operational” and “functional” harmony between organized and unorganized cadres whenever they operate together.
This Association is constantly knocking all possible doors and in pursuit of redressal of genuine grievances of foundation cadres of IMD through appropriate forum. But, as such, the matter remains unresolved. Despite pathetic working conditions and bleak promotional avenues, the Association adopts and honour democratic and peaceful process in resolving problems with a ray of hope that someday someone will definitely understand the plight of IMD employees and place them in their right place.
Finally, I must mention my deep sense of appreciation for all the office-bearers for their immense support. I may also like to express my sincere thanks to all Advisors for lending their valuable time and piece of Advice on various issues concerning the cadre.
An event of this dimension cannot happen overnight. The wheels start rolling well in advance. It requires meticulous planning and execution and an eye for details. I thank everyone for the involvement they have shown and the willingness they have expressed to take on the completion of tasks beyond their comfort zones and making this Meet a grand success.
Thank You very much!

Pay Commission recommendations in the MoES

LATEST NEWS:-

Mr. WAHID KHAN, S.O. from M.C. BHOPAL AND IMDNGSSA MEMBER RECEIVED AN AWARD OF BEST EMPLOYEE OF IMD FOR THE YEAR 2007

DRAFT

Ministry of Earth Sciences

Subject: Meeting of Committee for consideration of adoption of 6th Central Pay Commission recommendations in the MoES regarding.
A meeting to finalize the suggestions of the Committee was convened on 13.6.2008 at INCOIS. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Director, INCOIS. The following were present:
i) Dr. Ravi Chandran, INCOIS
ii) Shri K.K. V. Chari INCOIS
iii) Dr. D. Mohan ICMAM
iv) Dr. Virender Singh IMD
v) Shri D.K. Nim IMD
vi) Shri T. Lokachari A.O NIOT
vii) Dr. A. Shivaji NCAOR
viii) Shri C. Jeevlkumaran CMLRE
ix) Smt. A.A. Shiralkar IITM
x) Smt. N.S. Girja IITM
xi) Shri Taranjit Singh, Dir (F) MoES
2. The main agenda of the Committee was to consider modus operandi for implementation of recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission in the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The terms of reference (T.O.R.) were provided by Order dated 1.5.2008.
3. To consider feasibility of implementing the promotion up to the level of ADGM (Scientists ‘G’) in IMD under the FCS.
The Pay Commission has suggested that in the Scientific Ministry/Departments FCS may be used for the scientific cadres. In para 3.5.6 (i) the 6th CPC has suggested that institution/organization involved in professional research and developmental work including survey and mapping of survey, geological, geophysical or meteorological nature should be identified as scientific/technical institution. It also states that promotion under FCS should be limited to grades carrying grade pay of Rs. 9000 or lower
The nomenclature for the scientists under FCS scheme should be uniform in the all the organizations under the Ministry.
The Committee recommends that that MoES should implement the FCS for Scientists cadre in IMD up to Scientist ‘G’ level with normalization..
The Committee also recommends that those who have completed required residency period in the same grade, the review should be conducted immediately and promotion to the next grade should be based on recommendations of the Review Board. Those who have completed more than required years (15 years or above should be considered for promotion to next grade sympatheticallyby IMD/MoES.
4. Technical Helpers 10th Standard passed employed in routine technical task mostly in IMD and NIOT.
Technical helpers in different organizations in the Ministry of Earth Sciences are in the same grades as in ISRO and have the corresponding grades available in 6th Pay Commission also. This will also help in sorting out the problem of Fishing Hands Category of employees in CMLRE.

GRADES OF TECHNICAL HELPERS

Category
Existing scale of pay
Recommended by Pay Commission
Technical Attendant ‘A’
2610-3540
4440-7440
Technical Attendant ‘B’
2650-4000
4440-7440
Sr. Technical Attendant
3050-4590
4860-20200
The Committee recommends that thehe promotion policy for this category should be adopted on similar lines as in case of ISRO. [D1]
5. Tradesman with 10+2 or ITI educational level
They are similar to those of ISRO with the availability of corresponding pay scales in 6thCPC.
Grades OF TradesmanS.N Sl.
Category
Existing scale of pay
Recommended by Pay Commission
1Technical ‘A’
3050-4590
4860-202002
Technical ‘D’
4000-6000
4860-20200
3Technical ‘E’
4500-7000
4860-20200
4Technical ‘F’
5000-8000
8700-348005
Technical ‘G’
5500-9000
8700-348006
Sr. Technician ‘A’
6500-10500
8700-34800
7Sr. Technician ‘B’
8000-13500
8700-348008.
Technical Supervisor/Jr. Engineer
10000-15200
15600-39100
The Committee recommends that MoES should adopt same rules and regulations for promotion to different grades within the category as are applicable to ISRO.
The details for operationalisation of the promotion scheme as in case of ISRO should be obtained by MoES.6. Technical Assistant with diploma or B.Sc. degreeThey are in the same grades as in case of ISRO and details are given below:Grades of Technical AssistantsSl. NoCategoryExisting scale of payRecommended by Pay Commission1Sci Technical Assistant5500-90008700-348002Sr. Sci/Technical Assistant ‘A’6500-105008700-348003Sr. Technical Officer ‘C’8000-135008700-348004Sr. Technical Officer ‘D’10000-1520015600-391005Sr. Technical Officer ‘E’12000-1650015600-391006Sr. Technical Officer ‘F’14300-1830015600-391007Sr. Technical Officer ‘SG’16400-2000015600-39100The Committee recommends that MoES should adopt same rules and regulations for promotion to different grades within the category as are applicable to ISRO.The Committee recommends that the scale for existing AM II in IMD should be fixed at Rs. 7450/-.In case of IITM, the grades and other rules should be similar to that of IMD in this category. It may be mentioned here that the entry pay scale in this category were revised for IMD in the Fifth Pay Commission, but the same could not be implemented for IITM as this was not projected by IITM at that point of time. As IITM was earlier part of IMD, many things got initiated as part of IMD but corresponding changes as in case of IMD were not incorporated because of communication gap Now the correction should be done and with the implementation of 6th CPC, uniformity should be brought among the organizations of MoES.The category of Fishing Masters Jr (in CMLRE) who are equivalent to Diploma/B.Sc. qualifications should also be covered under the category.The Committee recommends that Fishing Master Jr. category (in CMLRE), AM II (IN IMD) and …………………… (in IITM) should be fixed at Rs. 7450.Details for operationalisation of the promotion scheme as in case of ISRO shoulf be obtained by MoES.7. Scientists and Engineers with M.Sc. or B.E degree are at par with the grades as in case of ISRO and are detailed below:Sl.NoCategoryExisting scale of payRecommended by Pay Commission1Sci/Engineer ‘SC’8000-1350015600-391002Sci/Engineer ‘SD’10000-1520015600-391003Sci/Engineer ‘SE’12000-1650015600-391004Sci/Engineer ‘SF’14300-1830015600-391005Sci/Engineer ‘SG’16400-2000039200-670006Sci/Engineer ‘G’18400-2240039200-670007. Outstanding Scientist22400-2450039200-670008.Distinguished Scientist24050-2600039200-67000The Committee recomends that the grades of Outstanding Scientists and distinguished scientists should be made available to the organizations under Ministry of MoES. It has been felt that the Heads of all the institutions who are Scientists should be in the grade of ‘Outstanding Scientist or Distinguish Scientist’ as the case may be..8. To suggest feasibility of merging all the equivalent grades appropriately like carpenters, etc.The 6th CPC has recommended merging of different grades at class IV levels and has also suggested avenues for upward movement in specific cases. The Committee recommends that thesame should be utilized for these categories of employees in the organizations under the Ministry.9. To identify the equivalent grade for Director General of Metrology in IMD. The equivalent grade is available in the recommendations of the 6thCPC. The Committee has already recommended above that DG, IMD and Directors of all the autonomous institutions under MOES who are Scientists should be in the grade of Distinguish Scientist. However, given the importance and responsibility of these senior posts, the Committee also suggests that the Secretary’s Grade may be considered for DG, IMD.10. In order to improve overall working and structure of the organization under MoES, the issue of promotional opportunities for administrative levels in the organizations of MoES was taken with the permission of the Chair. The Committee suggests that grades and promotional avenues as applicable in case of ISRO for administrative personnel should be adopted for the organizations under MoES.Once the draft is finalized, the same may be submitted to the Ministry for actions on their part.Dr. Vasudha GuptaAll members[D1]You collect this information on promotion policy and should be a prt of the repor. --Posted By Scientific Staff Association-IMD to Scientific Staff Association-IMD. at 8/04/2008 09:51:00 PM

Appeal

APPEAL

It has been brought to our notice from various sub-offices that a copy of one letter dated 22-02-2008[signed by R.B.Thapa Met (Estt)] sent to MoES (Shri T.K.Gupta, U/S) pertaining to proposal for grant of recognition to various Non-Gazetted Service Associations/Unions of IMD under CCS (RSA) Rules 1993 is being circulated to all members with intention that IMD NGSSA has been de-recognized as its strength has fallen to 33%.The said letter is not the final approval from the competent authority.
Friends, do not get misled by such cheap and dirty politics by our competitors as NGSSA very well satisfies all the conditions of recognition as per DoP&T Notification No. 2/10/80/JCA dated 5th November, 1993. You are requested not to get entrapped or get panicky in such misconceived or pre-matured story and get yourself updated from your REC/CEC. It seems that our competitors are left with only one point agenda to propagate negative publicity to secure their presence. Kindly believe in your eyes, ears and wisdom to judge the difference between facts and fiction. Kindly make your platform strong, for which we are united, so that we can achieve our goals.
You will shortly get the true picture of the letter once the approval of the competent authority is received.
LONG LIVE IMD – NGSSA

ZINDABAD ZINDABAD ZINDABAD


Sd/-
(M.P.Sharma)
General Secretary

Black Day

To:
URGENT MESSAGE FOR All members

Dear Members,
In continuation with our Letter No.IMD/NGSSA/13/2008 dated 18-02-2008 pertaining to Memorandum of Demands and observing of countrywide Black Day protest, the CEC of the Association had a meeting with the new DGM AVM, Dr.Ajit Tyagi along with Sh.R.C.Bhatia and Sh.Vijay Singh, Director on 18-3-2008 at 1630 hrs in his chamber.
The representatives of the Association apprised DGM about the main grievances of the Scientific/Technical employees of the Department which is badly affecting their career prospects and welfare measures.
The DGM gave a patient hearing on the views/suggestions of the Association and assured that whatever is feasible within the ambit of the rules, he will certainly try to address the grievances judiciously. He also assured that he will vigoursely pursue the case of the S.K.Das Manpower Re-structuring Committee report with DoP&T along with Secretary MoES and regularization of ad hoc posts in IMD. DGM assured that he will ensure that DPC is conducted at regular fixed interval as per DoP&T norms and directed that Grievances cell/Recruitment cell be formed .The minutes of the said meeting is expected shortly and the same will be circulated to all members.
Keeping in view the assurances of the DGM, the CEC of the Association has decided to defer the countrywide protest from 19-20th march 2008 and observing of black day on 24-03-2008.
Thanking you
Yours Sincerely,


(M.P.Sharma)
General Secretary
Copy: To All Regional Secretaries/Br Sect/FROM:IMD_N.G.SCIENTIFIC STAFF ASSOCIATION CHAMBER NO.03 ,MAUSAM BHAWAN COMPUND,LODHI ROAD NEW DELHI110003Mobile numbers : : 9868884492 M.P SHARMA : 9818583713 RIZWAN AHMED : 9911371411 R.H.SHARMA : 9868901674 RAVINDER KUMAR : 9810975536 SITARAM VERMA

Urgent note:
Kindly acknowledge this email and circulate it to other members ON ALL INDIA BASIS ./

Memorandum of Demands

The Director General of Meteorology,
India Meteorological Department,
Mausam Bhavan, Lodi Road,
New Delhi-110 003
[Kind Attention: Shri R.C.Bhatia, DGM]
Sub: Memorandum of Demands.
R/Sir,
Consequent upon G.B.Meeting of the Association held on 12-02-2008 at Seminar Hall, N.Delhi and the comments/inputs received from all Regions, the following proposals were passed unanimously for your kind intervention:

1. To expedite implementation of S.K.Das Manpower Restructuring Committee report in IMD considering the proposals of all Recognized Associations of IMD.
2.The Committee under the chairmanship of Shri S.K.Banerjee, ADGM (H&A) constituted to review additional Scientific workforce required in IMD for implementation of various plan schemes under Modernization of IMD, has mentioned the proposal of only one Association under para 7.9(page 32) whereas there is neither any mention about the proposals submitted by other recognized Association of the Deptt nor their views/suggestions taken care of, thus defying the mandate for which it was constituted. The said committee has unilaterally proposed on page18 to convert 693 vacancies (due to retirement upto March, 2012) of AM-I and below be converted to 500 posts of the level of Met Grade I (Scientist Gr-B) which this Association strongly oppose because there is acute stagnation in the foundation Scientific & Technical cadres where the promotions are vacancy based. The Sanction strength (as on 01-04-2007) from L.A. to AM-I is 4441 and the Men in position is 3505. The foundation Scientific & Technical cadres are already under-staffed/short by 936 posts (as on 01-04-2007) as there is no recruitment for more than decades time, the said manpower will further deplete by 1629 posts till 2012. As a result of this, not only the workload on foundation Scientific & Technical cadres have increased manifold but also, their transferability factor. All vacant posts in different regions be immediately filled –up.
3. To immediately regularize all 728 S.A/AM-II ad-hoc posts in IMD.
4. As per existing R/Rules, there is common seniority for promotion to Scientific- Assistant (Senior Observer & Draughtsman in the ratio of 1:38), Assistant- Meteorologist Gr-I [Assistant Meteorologist Gr-II & Assistant Meteorologist Gr-II (Foreman)]; the same should also be applicable for promotion to Meteorologist Gr-I (in the cadre of Assistant Meteorologist Gr-I and Meteorologist Gr-II in the ratio of 80:20).
5. IMD employees serving in Airports/Ports should get facilities at par with AAI/Port officials.
6. DPC should be conducted at regular fixed intervals as per DOP&T norms.

The employees are aggrieved and frustrated due to continued negligence of their career and welfare prospects by the management for more than four decades. As a result, majority of the employees are compelled to seek legal remedy for even petty matters, which can be resolved with timely intervention and follow-up action. With bleak promotional avenues and adding a tag of ad-hoc on promotion with transfers (for more than four years), the employees feels more humiliating than punishment for no fault on their part and prefers ACP rather than promotion.
This Association has submitted several representations to all concerned competent authorities and met Hon’ble Minister in charge and Secretary MoES apprising about the ground realities of the employees, but the status quo persists till date. Due to continued resentment, it has been decided that all employees will initially express their peaceful protest country wide by wearing black bands/badges from 19th-20th March, 2008 and WMO Day will be observed as a BLACK-DAY on 24-03-2008(23rd March, 2008 being Sunday). If the Administration does not pay any heed to our genuine demands, than other means of protest will be explored.

Considering above facts, you are requested to apprise this Association about the status and action taken on the above points (in writing) in order to communicate the same to all members.
Kindly confirm.
Yours Sincerely,



(M.P.Sharma)
General Secretary
Copy to: 1. Secretary, MoES
2. Hon’ble Minister MoES






Yours Sincerely,



(M.P.Sharma)
General Secretary








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