Information sharing meeting of Mumbai DO-IV

The Management of Mumbai Division IV had organized an information sharing meeting on 18.7.11 at 2.30 pm on the issue of proposed shifting of Mumbai DO 4 to Saanpaada in Navi Mumbai & had solicited the opinion of the employee organizations. The management was represented by SDM Shri Subhash Chander, Manager (P & IR), Smt Shanta Krishnan; Manager (OS), Shri P Raghani & other officers. NOINO was represented by Shri Dattaraj Prabhukhanolkar, GS, NOINO, Mumbai unit & Smt. Saroj Kurdukar, EC member, NOINO, Mumbai unit.

The SDM in his speech said that WZO had proposed to purchase premises at Sanpada area in Navi Mumbai to shift MDO-4 in that premises; the area of proposed premises was 18,000 sq.ft. and all deptts of MDO-4 was to be accommodated in the area. He gave the following reasons for the proposed shifting:-

1. LIC should have its presence in all geographical areas.
2. LIC should expand its operation by starting offices in various areas.
3. LIC should go for purchasing new properties for its functioning.
4. The area was convenient and accessible from all corners. It was also connected by local train as well as road.
5. It would not be difficult to operate the business from long distance because many of the functions were on machines.

NOINO’S STAND ON THIS ISSUE

Speaking on behalf of NOINO, Shri Dattaraj Prabhukhanolkar said that NOINO was strongly opposed to the proposed shifting. He raised the following objections in this regard:-

1) Meeting was called by the management on short notice (i.e. today at 1 p.m.) and the agenda was not intimated in advance. He said that such things should not happen in future.

2) Management had insisted for only 1 representative while inviting which led to the feeling that management was not serious about the matter.

3) He inquired as to what was the actual reason for shifting of MDO-4 and expressed that there were indications that CO was in need of extra space & hence the proposed shifting.

4) NOINO demanded that management should first take initiative to resolve the existing problems faced by employees and officers. Various Branches in the Fort area are working in horrible condition and the priority should be to provide good working atmosphere in branches.

5) NOINO also raised the point as to how the management was going to help branches in improving the conditions after shifting to a long distance when management had failed to help them when presently the divisional office was nearer.

6) NOINO also pointed out that the Saanpaada area fell under jurisdiction of Thane Division and expansion of LIC in those areas was to be taken care by that Division.

7) NOINO suggested that instead of shifting Mumbai DO-4, the management should open new divisions in Navi Mumbai & Raigad Dist. area by splitting Thane Division.

8) Shri Prabhukhanolkar also raised the issue of Information Sharing Meeting to be held regularly by the management.

9) He stated that NOINO was not opposed to purchase of the premises, but, not for Mumbai DO 4, rather for other purposes. He further said that there should be transparent policy in these matters and space should also be purchased for sufficient staff quarters in Mumbai and Thane area.

10) NOINO drew attention to the point that the operations from longer distance were not possible and at present the divisions which were operating from distant places were facing the problems in functioning.

The SDM agreed that various issues remained unattended and needed to be focused in near future. He also agreed to arrange for Information Sharing Meeting at DO IV at regular intervals. He agreed to forward the suggestions and opinions given by all the Unions to WZO.

Shri Dattaraj Prabhukhanolkar also said that the issue would be discussed within the Organization and the matter would be put before Zonal & National office-bearers for further action.