60 EVENTFUL YEARS - PART 3 Pension Victory & Struggle starts against Malhotra Committee Recommendations

Period	Event
26.01.1991	L.T.C  Facility was snatched by Central Government citing Gulf War. AIIEA  Opposes
April  1991	Continuous Efforts by AIIEA  restores the L.T.C facility
27.08.1991	Dharna in state Capitals  insisting  the Pension Demand
04.09.1991	Coordinating  Body on Pension submits memorandum on the Pension Demand to the Finance Minister Manmohan Singh.
19.09.1991	Coordinating  Body on Pension submits another detailed memorandum on the Pension Demand to the Finance Minister Manmohan Singh.
29.11.1991	Nationwide One Day Strike by all Trade Unions against New Economic Policy. AIIEA  participates
1992	More Unions in Banking Sector  joins Coordinating Body  and now it becomes Joint Action Committee with 10 Lakh members.
30.04.1992	One Day Strike by JAC for Pension. Earlier Joint Rallies all over the country
01.06.1992	Wage Revision Charter Submitted
16.06.1992	Nationwide One Day Strike by all Trade Unions against New Economic Policy. AIIEA  participates
06.12.1992	Communal Forces demolish Babri Mosque in Ayodhya and riots followed. Due to this 15th  General Conference of AIIEA in Ahmadabad was postponed.
29.03.1993	One day Strike for pension
05.04.1993	JAC  decides two day strike in May 1993 for pension
30.04.1993	Many M.P s wrote to Finance Minister to settle the pension Demand
04.05.1993	Com Jothi Basu, Chief Minister, West Bengal writes to FM to call JAC for discussions to amicably settle the Pension Issue
25.05.1993	IBA  and AIBEA  makes a secret agreement on pension. Pension up to 600 points of CPI, Effective from 01.07.1993, Commutation also up to 600 points, No benefit for non optees are the features of that negative agreement. JAC rejected that agreement as it is a betrayal  to the Employees.
08.08.1993	JAC  decides One day Strikes  on  2.09.1993  and 04.10.1993  and Indefinite  Strike from 02.11.1993
02.09.1993	Successful One Day Strike in Insurance and Banking Sectors  by all the constituents of JAC
08.09.1993	Central Government announces  27 % reservation for OBC as per the Recommendation of Mandal Commission. Even when the Supreme Court passed judgment on 16.11.1992 to implement Mandal Commission Recommendation, AIIEA sent a Telegram to Prime Minister to issue Notification
09.09.1993	Nationwide One Day Strike by all Trade Unions against New Economic Policy. AIIEA  participates
09.09.1993	AIIEA  issued press statement welcoming the introduction of 27 % Reservation for OBC  and insisted LIC Management to fill up the back log vacancies taking in to account the just concluded Recruitment.
04.10.1993	Due to the Earth quake in Latur, Maharashtra, One Day Strike was deferred.
October 1993	Preparations were in full swing for the Indefinite Strike
21.10.1993	IBA who concluded a treacherous agreement with AIBEA called JAC  for discussions due to the struggle
29.10.1993	Agreement on Pension concluded in Banking Sector with the constituents of JAC. AIBEA  who earlier concluded a secret accord and campaigning that” Nothing More, Nothing Less will come” also signed
04.11.1993	Finance Secretary Mantek Singh Alhuwalia  assures AIIEA that the agreement reached in Banks will be implemented in all financial sector organizations.
1,2,December 1993	Discussions in LIC on Pension
07.01.1994	Malhotra Committee  appointed by Central Government on Insurance Sector Reforms submits its report. Allowing Entry of Private both Indian & Foreign, Sale of 50 % shares of LIC, Increasing the sum assured, Increasing the capital of LIC to 200 crores, Changing the  organizational set up of LIC and non opening of new Zonal & Divisional Offices are the major recommendations of the Committee.
12.01.2004	As per call of AIIEA, Two Hour Walk Out Strike against the recommendations of Malhotra Committee
14,15 January 2004	AIIEA & LIC signed Record of Understanding on Pension. Pension up to 1148 points of CPI, Commutation up to 1148 points, Effective from 01.01.1986, Deduction of 10 % PF up to 1148 points for Non optees are the main features. Thus AIIEA clinched Pension and in the process the betrayal accord by AIBEA was also defeated.
21.2.1994	JAC  conducts Dharna in  New Delhi  against Privatization
1994	Special Conventions and different forms of campaign throughout the country  against the recommendations of Malhotra Committee. AIIEA  release two booklets with lot of arguments against the recommendations of Malhotra Committee.
19-23 March 1994	15th General Conference of AIIEA at Ahemedabad inaugurated by Dr M.K.Pandhe, General Secretary, CITU. While the Conference was in session, West Bengal Assembly passed a Resolution not to implement the Malhotra committee report. Conference decided struggle and campaign against the Report. Signature Campaign was also decided. Com Saroj Chaudhry and Com N.M.Sundaram were  elected as President and General Secretary.
28.07.1994	After Consistent efforts of AIIEA, LIC issued Circular for OBC Recruitment
25.08.1994	National Convention against Insurance Sector Reforms in New Delhi. Memorandum consisting 65 Lakh  Signatures submitted to Prime Minister  Shri P.V.Narasimha Rao.
29.09.1994	One Day Nationwide Strike  against neo liberalization, privatization policies
30.11.1994	Two Hour Walk out for Wage Revision
30.01.1995	American Delegation visited India demanding opening up of Insurance Sector and condemning this Dharna was conducted in all Divisional Headquarters
16.02.1995	One Day Strike for wage Revision. Implement Pension accord was also highlighted.
21.03.1995	Dharna in New Delhi for Wage Revision
31.03.1995	One Day Strike for wage Revision
28.06.1995	Pension Notification Issued. The clause that pension will be paid on the basis of the financial position of the fund was deleted and a new clause that LIC will compensate the deficit was inserted. It is the great achievement of AIIEA
05.07.1995	LIC  Issued Circular for implementation of Pension
28.07.1995	First Round Negotiation for wage Revision. AIIEA rejected the 5.2 % Increase offer by the management.
06.10.1995	LIC offers 8 % Increase and say it can go only up to 10.5 % as per banks and also one increment. AIIEA  did not accept  it and insisted the offers should be independent of Banks.
27.10.1995	One Hour Strike for Wage Revision
09.11.1995	Two Hours Strike. In the third round discussions, management withdrew the one increment offered earlier. Talks failed.
3-5, December 1995	All India Working Committee Meeting held at Chennai decided to start the Non Cooperation Struggle.
20.12.1995	Non Cooperation Struggle commences
December 1995	AIIEA  meets Prime Minister. But Government adopts negative approach
03.01.1996	Another round of negotiations - Fails
20.01.1996	Finance Minister issues Press Release on Wage Revision. He says there is historical link between banks & LIC and all unions except one accepted the proposals. AIIEA issued rejoinder  refusing all his contentions
23.01.1996	Government set ups Insurance Regulatory Authority
23.02.1996	Central Government issues unilateral wage notification
10-13 August 1996	24th General Conference of SZIEF at Vellore
18.09.1996	The Great Leader of AIIEA  Com Sunil Maitra passed away
November 1996	GSLI  Sum Assured enhanced
07.11.1996	AIIEA meets Finance Minister  and demands to rectify the injustice in Wage Revision
09.12.1996	One Day Strike against introduction of IRA Bill
14-18 December 1996	16th General Conference at Madurai. Four Van Jathas  campaign against privatization throughout  Tamil Nadu despite Heavy Rains. Com R.Umanath, Vice President, CITU inaugurated the Conference. Com Basudeb Acharya, CPIM MP addressed in the Delegates session. Com R.P.Manchandha and Com N.M.Sundaram were elected as President and General Secretary.
20.12.1996	IRA Bill introduced but without provisions to permit private  firms in Insurance Industry
28.02.1997	Finance Minister P.Chidhambaram announces Insurance Reforms in his budget speech.
28.03.1997	All India Insurance Pensioners Association Born in Nagpur
02.04.1997	National Platform of mass organizations withdrew the One Day Strike call due to the fall of H.D.DeveGowda Government
02.04.1997	West Bengal Assembly passes Resolution against Insurance Privatization
July 1997	Negotiation on pending issues
29.07.1997	Wage Revision charter submitted. Two Hour Strike demanding  to redress the injustice of last revision
6-8 August 1997	International Conference against liberalization and globalization at Cuban Capital Havana. Com N.M.Sundaram, General Secretary takes part.
16.08.1997	Country wide Dharna against privatization
26.08.1997	IRA Bill introduced. Left Parties oppose the Bill. BJP which supports privatization opposes Foreign Entry. Fearing that bill will be defeated, Prime Minister I.K.Gujral withdraws the bill.
01.09.1997	GTIS – Group Insurance Scheme for Pension Optees introduced due to the efforts of AIIEA. It is a scheme available only in LIC and will provide relief to the Family members instead of commutation amount in the event of death of an employee  during the service
October 1997	Housing Loan Enhanced
22.11.1997	Dharna against Privatization
26.11.1997	Negotiation on Pending Issues
November 1997	Insurance Worker released from Chennai  with Com N.M.Sundaram taking charge as Editor
28.04.1998 to 09.05.1998	Conference of May Day Movement in Manila, Capital of Philippines. Com R.Govindarajan, Joint Secretary, AIIEA participates
01.05.1998	Global Day against Globalization observed
27.08.1998	Notification giving special allowances  rectifying  the wage revision anomaly issued  thus proving the correct stand of AIIEA.
14,15 September 1998	First Round Discussions on Wage Revision. But no offer was given
3-6 November 1998	Conference of TUI of Public Sector and allied employees took place at Kolkatta. Eight Delegates from AIIEA took part. Com N.M.Sundaram, General Secretary elected as a Directive Committee  Member
07.11.1998	Dharna against Privatization
20.11.1998	Two Hour Walk Out against the privatization policy of NDA Government
08.12.1998	Rally towards the Parliament
11.12.1998	One Day Nationwide Strike by National Platform of Mass Organizations. AIIEA  joins the Strike
15.12.1998	Bill to amend Insurance Act introduced
16.12.1998	One Day strike condemning the Bill
26-30.12.1998	18th General Conference of AIIEA at Hyderabad inaugurated by Com N.Ram, Editor, The Hindu. Com R.P.Manchandha, and Com N.M.Sundaram elected as President and General Secretary. Conference decided One Crore Signature Campaign
04.01.1999	Joint Secretaries of AIIEA Com R.Govindarajan and Com B.S.Sharma witness before Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislations.
Jan to march 1999	More than One Crore Fifty Lakh people supported our Signature Campaign against Privatization of Insurance Industry. While South Zone collected 45 lakhs signatures, Vellore Division stood fourth in South Zone with more than 3,65,000 signatures.
18.01.1999	AIIEA witness before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Ministry
28.01.1999	All India Demands Day on Wage Revision
07.02.1999	National Convention against Insurance Privatization at Newdelhi.
16,17 March 1999	9% offered in Wage Talks
April & May 1999	We approached Several  Candidates of Lok Sabha Elections. Campaigns on the Privatization issue in many centres
17.06.1999	Com Saroj Chaudhry, the legendary leader of AIIEA passed away
June 1999	Government Notification issued for payment of Ex gratia to the Employees retired prior to 01.01.1986
06.08.1999	AIIEA wrote to Chairman, LIC to resume wage talks immediately
19.08.1999	Two Hour Walk Out for Wage Revision
1-3, September 1999	Second International Conference against Globalization in Rio De Genera of Brazil. Com N.M.Sundaram, General Secretary took part.
17.09.1999	Committee Level Deputation in all offices gave memorandum on wage revision
28.10.1999	Formats containing  1,50,54,577 Signatures against Insurance Privatization handed over to Shri G.M.C. Balayogi, Lok sabha Speaker. Ignoring the people’s wish, NDA Government introduces IRDA Bill
29.10.1999	One Day Strike condemning IRDA Bill
26.11.1999	Wage Revision All India Demands Day
29.11.1999	Rally towards Parliament against Insurance Privatization. West Bengal Assembly passes Resolution against IRDA Bill
30.11.1999	Mass Deputation in all offices insisting Wage Revision. All Unions sent Joint Letter to Finance Minister insisting to resume Talks
01.12.1999	One Day Strike against IRDA Bill taken up for Discussion. Bank Employees under the banner of BEFI joined the Strike in solidarity
02.12.1999	IRDA Bill Passed in Lok Sabha. CPIM, CPI, FB, RSP, AIADMK, RJD, SP voted against the Bill while BJP, DMK, AD,  JDU,TC and Congress  voted for it
14.12.1999	AIIEA wrote to the President not to give consent for IRDA Act
13,14 January 2000	Wage Revision Talks
20.01.2000	All India Convention of NPMO at Newdelhi
02.02.2000	Demonstration and Badge Wearing for Wage Revision
3,4,March 2000	The Wage Talks fail again
11.03.2000	International Convention against Globalization at Newdelhi. Com R.Govindarajan, Joint secretary participates
March 2000	Hectic Preparations for one Day Strike on 31.03.2000
09.03.2000	NPMO Rally towards Parliament against Government Policies
27- 30  March 2000	Wage Revision Talks. All the major demands of AIIEA were accepted. First wage revision concluded with the full consent of AIIEA after the snatching of collective bargaining rights
31.03.2000	One Day Strike withdrawn as the Wage accord reached
11.05.2000	AIIEA joins in the One Day Strike Call by NPMO against Privatization policy
23.10.2000	Com Chandra sekhar Bose inaugurated the Two School Buildings  constructed  with the contributions of members of AIIEA  in the cyclone affected Jagathsingpur and nabanga in Orissa. Buildings were named after Com S.N.Circar, leader of Insurance Employees in Orissa
3,4 November 2000	Afro Asian Seminar on the effects of PSUs due to Globalization take place in Dhaka. Com B.Sanyal, Joint Secretary participates
2000	Management Consultants Booz, Allen, Hamilton Committee gives a report that 40,000 employees are surplus. It also gave recommendations for  redeployment
15.11.2000	In solidarity with the Strike of Bank Employees, AIIEA  Members had Two Hour walk Strike
6-11, November 2000	Golden Jubilee Year 18th General Conference of AIIEA at Chennai. Van Jathas from Gudalur and Kanniyakumari, Two corners of the Tamil Nadu campaigned extensively for more than 15 days in Tamil Nadu. Thousands of Comrades took part in the Rally. Conference was inaugurated by Com seetharam Yechuri, PB member of CPIM. Com R.P.Manchandha, and Com N.M.Sundaram elected as President and General Secretary.