Port Blair, July 24: The President, INTUC, Mr Kuldeep Rai Sharma called on Chief Secretary and apprised him of the grievances of the workmen employed in the establishment of Andaman Labour Force which are remaining unresolved since long despite various protracted correspondence and discussion with the Port Management Board. The major grievances discussed were filling up of vacant posts falling under the category of direct recruitment as also by promotion, amendment to the Recruitment Rules for the posts of Head Worker, Signalman & Winchman and issue involving calculation of incentive under incentive scheme for additional out turn of cargo.
During the meeting, Mr Sharma said that the Port Management Board vide Employment Notice No.35 dated 02.01.2014 invited application for filling up of 62 vacant posts of the Mazdoors in the establishment of ALF and 23 posts of mazdoors of the Shipping Godown theough direct recruitment with last date for submission of application being 05.02.2014. More than three years has lapsed since receipt of the applications from the intending candidates desirous to work in PMB as Mazdoor but nothing could happen till date with current vacancy of Mazdoors(stevedores) in ALF increasing up to 98 from 62. Apart from the posts of Mazdoors a large number of posts of Labour Supervisors and Sub Divisional Office are also lying vacant which need to be filled at the earliest.
Regarding the amendment to the existing Recruitment Rules for the posts of Head Worker, Signalman & Winchman which proposes 100% direct recruitment, Mr Sharma said that until the recent revision in the RRs, all the above mentioned posts were filled by promotion by conduct of trade test from amongst the Mazdoors. The revised RRs for the post of Head Worker, Signalman & Winchman have rendered no promotional avenue for the Mazdoors having a sanctioned strength of 245 and therefore requested Chief Secretary for making these posts as promotional posts by causing amendments in RRs.
The Chief Secretary was also informed that, incentive scheme with the approval of GOI was introduced way back in the year 1975 for paying incentive to the workers of ALF for handling cargo in excess of the fixed per shift norms. For over past 40 years the incentives as drawn by the Controller, ALF are being paid to the workmen. Off late, subsequent upon certain observations made by the audit, the PMB is considering revising the method of calculation of the incentive which will result in substantial reduction in the payment of incentive not commensurate with the work performed. Chief Secretary, A&N Islands also being the Chairman of the Port Management Board was requested by Mr Sharma to look into the matter so that the workers are not deprived of their legitimate right.
