March 2008 VOL XXIII Issue No. 3 - NFIFWI

Let the Authorities Open Their Eyes
EDITORIAL
We sincerely thank each and everyone who contributed to the success of the Parliament march on
5 th March 2008. Ignoring the threats and rumours let loose by the management, around 16,000 Development
Officers assembled at the citadel of Indian Democracy, and the treacherous mask of the management was
exposed to the citizens of India. Setting aside their political, ideological and philosophical barriers, the
Parliamentaries from all over the country and our other benefactors came all out in support of our protest
rally due to their conviction about our cause. Now the management and the authorities in power cannot shut
their eyes as this is just a beginning of the battle and the war is yet to start.
On being questioned about NFIWI’s Parliament March by the media, the response from the
management was that it was a small minority that was participating. When out of 21,000 Development
Officers 16,000 persons from all over the country gathering it was a revelation even to sister Trade Unions
and Political Parties, let alone the management. The clear cut message that all the Development officers are
united under the banner of NFIFWI and that they cannot be separated has reached the management. The
rumour that these members are not with the leadership has been killed with this clear cut evidence. More
than being a protest of a particular group of employees this was the reaction of the nation towards the savings
of LIC and with it the country as a whole. The responsibility to give leadership for this purpose lies with the
National Federation and we feel the nation’s welfare is our responsibility.
This protest was not for increasing our salary. We have not demanded the increase of a single rupee.
We have only asked that, what was removed from our emoluments be reinstalled and the Memorandum of
Understanding that came about though years of struggle be retained as such, without any changes. The
effect of the above changes on the field force and how it drained their Capacity to work which effected the
country’s economic progress, loss in LIC’s market share, etc has all been brought to the focus of the Citizens
of India through this strike. Thus this became a “peoples protest” against the management of LIC. More
than 60 Members of Parliament came to address the march and others conveyed their support to our cause.
The left party candidates and members of NDA, UPA and their supporters spoke on the occasion and
promised their support to our cause. The whole nation is behind us in this struggle and we do not stand
alone. We thank all those who came forward to support us especially all the Parliamentarians and other
leaders. Let us continue this united move to Protect and Save LIC OF INDIA.
The coming days are highly important. Management has already started their move after seeing the
success of the Parliament march. They will take all steps to break our morale and prevent the “Yogakshema
March.” We are sure that no such steps can affect the commitment and zeal of the members of National
Federation. By the time this News Bulletin reaches you. the March 15 th Divisional Office Dharna will also
be over. The next and most crucial part of our protest is at yogakshema, Mumbai on 31 st March. We have
to prove to the management that petty issues will not hinder us from reaching the gates of yogakshema even
though it is on the most crucial day as far as the marketing force of a financial institution is concerned. No
management will be able to hold fort against this united force and that is what we have got to prove. The
management will have to see the facts and correct itself thereby aiding us in our endeavor to fight the private
companies. It is the duty of the management to equip us in every way for this purpose and the time has come
for them to change their ways. Our protests should enlighten the management to look at the interest of the
institution and the nation. When the establishment is burning we are not going to allow any one to play his
harp. This is the commitment that National Federation has to this institution. For us individuals are cipher,
but protection of the institution and its upkeep is our committed goal so are stand against this formidable
army of 21,000 at your own peril.
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