ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ CONFEDERATION
(Registered under the Trade Unions Act 1926, Registration No.3427/Delhi)
6th Floor, E-Block, Samriddhi Bhavan, 1, Strand Road, Kolkata -700 001

c/o State Bank of India Officers’ Association (Bengal Circle)

Circular No. 2021/19

Date: 01.03.2021

Dear Comrade,

COVID-19 PANDEMIC: TREATMENT OF PAYMENT / REIMBURSEMENT OF HOSPITAL EXPENDITURE MADE BY THE BANK MANAGEMENT – FOR TAX PURPOSE

We reproduce hereunder the text of the joint communique from four officers’ organisations addressed to the Chairman, CBDT, New Delhi dated 01.03.2021 on the captioned subject for your information. Copy of the letter has also been sent to the Chairman, IBA and MD & CEOs of all banks.

With revolutionary greetings,

sd/-
(Soumya Datta)
General Secretary

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ CONFEDERATION (AIBOC)
ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (AIBOA)
INDIAN NATIONAL BANK OFFICERS’ CONGRESS (INBOC)
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BANK OFFICERS (NOBO)

The Chairman,
Central Board of Direct Taxes,
North Block,
NEW DELHI – 110 002.

Date: 01.03.2021

Respected Sir,

COVID-19 PANDEMIC: TREATMENT OF PAYMENT / REIMBURSEMENT OF HOSPITAL EXPENDITURE MADE BY THE BANK MANAGEMENT – FOR TAX PURPOSE

At the outset, we, the four officers’ organisations viz. AIBOC-AIBOA-INBOC-NOBO, representing the entire fraternity of officers in the banking industry, convey our sincere gratitude to you for providing breathing time by extending time norms for various income-tax-related activities as a solace to the taxpayers against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a well-known fact that bank employees and officers, being part of the country’s financial army, have been rendering uninterrupted and yeoman service from the front line and therefore have been exposed to the contagion. More than lakh bank employees and officers and their family members have been affected by Coronavirus and many have succumbed to the deadly virus.

Sir, we wish to point out that the banks, as a part of the industry-wide bipartite settlement, are reimbursing the hospitalisation medical expenditure of employees within certain limits for the medical treatment taken by them from various hospitals for COVID-19 treatment. This reimbursement is of two types – direct payment to the hospital and reimbursement to the employee against relevant bills.

Any reimbursement of medical expenditure on account of hospitalisation is being classified into taxable and non-taxable income / perquisite for the employees. This classification is based on the specific diseases provided for in Circular no. 747 dated 02.12.1996 issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. COVID-19 is not a part of the said list of specific diseases.

Consequently, the reimbursement of hospitalisation expenditure for COVID-19 being spent / reimbursed by the bank management to the employees is being classified as taxable.

Sir, it is a hard reality that the hospitals are charging hefty amounts for treating COVID-19 patients. It ranges from Rs.4.00 lakh to Rs.15.00 lakh depending on the severity of the disease. The employees are incurring huge amounts towards other related expenditure apart from the hospital bills. Unfortunately, after incurring such expenditure, many of our employees and their dependents did not survive.

Most of the senior officers / employees are in 30% tax slab and when the said reimbursement is added to their taxable income, they have to pay 30% of the said reimbursement amount as tax – ranging from Rs.1.20 lakh to Rs.5.20 lakh, even though there is no profit element or gain is there out of such payment / reimbursement of medical expenses made by the bank management.

The guidelines of CBDT about specific diseases are of 1996 and several new diseases have cropped up since then. Needless to emphasise, COVID-19 is one of the latest additions to critical diseases ever faced by the mankind.

Hence, considering the fact that the reimbursement / payment of medial expense made by the bank to its employees / officers is towards the treatment charges made by the hospitals and that there is no profit element to the employees, we urge upon your good office to revisit the list of specified diseases and notify a revised list of specific diseases including COVID-19, which will certainly be of immense help to the affected employees and / or their families.

We are certain that your good office will take a pragmatic and sympathetic view in the matter and issue necessary directives in this regard.

With regards,
Yours sincerely,

Sd /-
(Soumya Datta)
General Secretary
AIBOC

Sd /-
(Nagarajan S)
General Secretary
AIBOA

Sd /-
(Prem Kumar Makker)
General Secretary
INBOC

Sd/-
(Viraj Tikekar)
General Secretary
NOBO

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BANK DA of Clerical Staff and Subordinate Staff

In substitution of Clause 7 of Bipartite Settlement dated 25th May 2015 with effect from 1st November 2017, the Dearness Allowance shall be payable as per the following rates:

Clerical and Subordinate Staff

0.07 % of ‘pay’ per slab of four points.

Note: Dearness Allowance in the above manner shall be paid for every rise or fall of 4 points over 6352 points in the quarterly average of the All India Average Working-Class Consumer Price Index General) Base 1960=100.

• It is clarified that there shall be no ceiling on Dearness
• Dearness Allowance shall be calculated and paid on the following components:
  • Basic Pay including Stagnation increments,
  • Special Pay,
  • Graduation Pay/ Professional Qualification Pay,
  • Special Allowance,
  • Transport Allowance and
  • Officiating Pay,

if any, payable under this settlement in respect of both clerical and subordinate staff.

Revised rates of Variable Dearness Allowance Minimum Wages for Sweeping and Cleaning Worker w.e.f 1st October 2020 – Central Government Employees News

• All other existing provisions relating to Dearness Allowance Scheme shall 

The total quantum of wage revision increase (Pay slip component) shall be 3385 crores being 15% of the Pay slip component of Establishment Expenses of Public Sector Banks which are parties to this settlement for the financial year ending March 2017.

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Revised Scales of Pay Clerical Staff and Subordinate Staff w.e.f 1st Nov, 2017: 11th BI-Partite Settlement Dtd. 11 Nov 2020

In modification of Clause 4 of Bipartite Settlement dated 25th May, 2015, with effect from 1st November, 2017 the scales of pay shall be as under:

Clerical Staff

Subordinate Staff

Note:

1. Fitment in the new scales of pay shall be on a stage-to-stage
2. There shall be no change in the dates of annual increments because of the
3. In the case of Ex-servicemen category employees who have joined the Banks on and after 1st November, 2017 up to the date of this Settlement, the fixation/ fitment in the pay scales already given/ eligible to be given under the Settlement dated 25th May, 2015 shall be refixed as per the provisions of this
4. All employees belonging to sub-ordinate cadre shall be eligible for one extra increment for passing JAIIB and two increments for passing CAIIB examination w.e.f 1.11.2017

Meeting at IBA Committee – signing the 11th Bipartite Settlement

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RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 223

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15th September 2020/
Bhadrapada 24, 1942 (SAKA)

Impact of bank merger

223. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the merger of Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and the Corporation Bank will lead to any loss of jobs for the present employees or loss of any future employment opportunities for the people;

(b) whether Government plans to preserve the strong regional focus which the Andhra Bank had towards the Telugu speaking States; and

(c)     if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Also check: Bipartite talks on 22 July 2020 – Bank issues like Merger of Special Allowance with Basic Pay

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) to (c): As per inputs received from Union Bank of India, the amalgamation of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India has not resulted in any job loss and instead employees have benefited from the amalgamation as a result of, inter alia, improvement in employees’ perquisites through harmonisation of the same across the three banks and wider career opportunities through introduction of new verticals in cutting-edge areas such as analytics, business process re-engineering, digitalisation etc.

With regard to focus in the regions where Andhra Bank had strong presence, Union Bank of India has informed that the regional focus of the bank towards the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has become even stronger post the amalgamation, with customers of region benefiting due to increase in the number of bank branches and ATMs from which they may avail of banking services, larger bouquet of products and services through harmonisation of the same across the three banks, and enhanced lending capacity for loans of larger size due to increase in size of the balance-sheet. The bank further informed that increased scale and customer base in the region has enabled opening of additional regional offices and credit processing centres, equipping the bank for better serving customers of the region.

Source: Rajyasabha Q&A

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18.07.2020

Com Sanjeev K. Bandlish
Convenor
United Forum of Bank Unions
Chandigarh.

Dear Comrade,

Sub: Bipartite talks on 22 July 2020

Though I did not receive any communication from your office but we understand that a meeting of the Negotiating Committee is slated on 22 July 2020 at Mumbai.

In the wake of recent increase of Covid-19 pandemic in our country, there are suspension withdrawal of public transport including flight operations effective in different Parts of the country.

So far Kolkata is concerned, all flights connecting six cities including Mumbai are suspended till 31st July 2020. There are similar suspension effective in many of the cities. In such situations, many of us may find it difficult to attend meeting at Mumbai on 22nd duly next.

We feel that a lot of time have elapsed since expiry of 10th settlement. A lot of issues like Merger of Special Allowance with Basic Pay: Loading after merger of DA; 5 day banking; improvement of family pension, updation of pension etc. are yet to be settled. The date of expiry of Mediclaim Insurance Scheme for the year is also fast approaching.

Also read: Merger of Dearness Allowance with the Basic Pay w.e.f. April 1, 2004

In the prevailing circumstances, we suggest for holding the meeting scheduled on 22th July 2020 through alternative mode like Video Conferencing. We also suggest for holding virtual meeting of UFBU to arrive at a consensus on the issues prior to the negotiation.

With greetings,

Yours comradely,
(Dabasish Basu Chaudhury)
General Secretary

Copy to: All constituents of UFBU

UNITED FORUM OF BANK UNIONS
(AIBEA- AIBOC -NCBE- AIBOA -BEFI-I NBEF- INBOC- NOBW -NOBO)
C/o. State Bank of India, LHO, Plot No.1, Sector-17A, Chandigarh – 160017
Phone (Office) : 0172-4567142, 4567042, 2702518 Fax – 0172-2721716
Mobile – 09417032548 e-Mail – ufbu.chd@gmail.com

SANJEEV K. BANDLISH
Convenor

LETTER No. UFBU/ 2020/08

Date: 19.07.2020

Dear Sirs,

Reg: IBA’s Communication No. 8973 dated 10-7-2020 regarding next round of discussions on 22-7-2020

While thanking IBA for fixing the date for the next round of discussions at IBA Office in Mumbai on 22-7-2020, 7 out of our 9 Constituent unions have now made a request to hold the discussion through video conferencing in view of thepresent problems for travel, etc. Hence we request the IBA to consider holding the meeting through video conferencing.

We are sending herewith the list of our participants and their place from where they would participate in the discussion.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
(Sanjeev K. BANDLISH )
CONVENOR

Source: BEFI/ UFBU

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RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

RBI/2018-19/150
DBR.No.Leg.BC.30/09.07.005/2018-19

March 26, 2019

All Agency Banks

Dear Sir/ Madam

All Agency Banks to remain open for public on March 31, 2019 (Sunday)

The Government of India has advised that all Pay and Account Offices will remain open on March 31, 2019 (Sunday) to facilitate government receipt and payment transactions. Accordingly, all Agency Banks are advised to keep all their branches dealing with government business open on March 31, 2019 (Sunday).

Banks shall give due publicity about availability of above banking services on this day.

Yours faithfully
(Saurav Sinha)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge

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CIRCULAR NO. 31

Date: 30.11.2018

TO ALL AFFILIATES & MEMBERS
Dear Comrades,

• Talks with IBA on wage revision – Offer increased to 8%
• UFBU meeting – Call given for All India Strike on 26th 2018 against amalgamation of Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank.

We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. UFBU/2018/20 Dated the 30th November 2018 issued by Com. Sanjeev K. Bandlish, Convenor, United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), for information of all affiliates and members.

With revolutionary greetings,
Yours sincerely,
(SANJEEV K. BANDLISH)
GENERAL SECRETARY

“After the last round of discussions held on 12-10-2018, there was another round of Bipartite Talks between IBA and UFBU today in Mumbai. IBA team was led by Shri Rajkiran Rai G. (MD & CEO of Union Bank of India) Chairman of the Negotiating Committee of IBA. UFBU was represented by leaders of all the nine constituent unions.

IBA’s increased offer: Picking up the thread from the discussions of the last round of discussions wherein we had urged upon the IBA to improve their offer of 6% hike in the cost of pay slip components, IBA today revised their offer and increased their offer to 8% instead of 6% offered earlier. IBA also reiterated their formula of further wage increase based on their proposal linked to annual increase in Operating Profit and on Return on Assets of the Banks. While welcoming their improved offer, we stated that differential wage increase based profits of each Bank is not acceptable to us and that the wage revision in the Banks should be uniform as has been hitherto. We also further stated that their revised offer is far below our expectations. Hence, we urged upon the IBA to further revise their offer substantially to an acceptable level. We further stated that the issue of full mandate i.e. wage revision for Officers to cover all Officers upto Scale-VII should also be resolved. IBA expressed their limitations in this regard but we insisted them to find an amicable solution to this important issue.

We have requested the IBA to hold further discussions at the earliest and also hold Sub Committee meeting to sort out other remaining issues raised by us in the Charter of Demands. IBA agreed to this suggestion.

UFBU MEETING: Thereafter, meeting of the UFBU was held at AIBEA Office. While taking note of the improved offer of IBA, the meeting expressed its disappointment that the revised offer is totally inadequate to meet our expectations and further noted with concern the attitude of the IBA in not coming forward to resolve the mandate issue. The meeting decided to pursue these issues vigorously.

WE OPPOSE MERGER AND AMALGAMATION OF THE 3 BANKS – ALL INDIA STRIKE ON 26-12-2018: Regarding the proposed amalgamation of Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank, the meeting noted that the Government and the concerned Banks were moving ahead with their decision and hence it was decided to give the call for observing All India Strike on 26th December, 2018.

Separate circular with other preparatory programmes will be issued shortly. We call upon all our constituent unions and members to start preparations for this strike action.

Comrades, we are passing through challenging times and hence our unity and united approach will be highly imperative to face these challenges and attacks.”

NCBE Cir. 31

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Indian Banks’ Associations(IBA)

HR & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
No.HR &IR/UFBU/XIBPS/5870

September 15, 2018

Shri Sanjay K LUANDA
Convenor
United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) &
General Secretary
National Confederation of Bank Employee,
C/o State Bank of India. LHO
Plot No 1, Sector-17A
Chandigarh-160 017

Dear Sir,

Wage Negotiation: Negotiating Committee Meeting with Unions/ Associations

It has been decided in consultation withthe Chairman, Negotiating Committee of IBA. to hold next meeting ofNegotiating Committee of IBA with the representatives of Constitute & Workmen Unions/ Officers’ Associations on Saturday, 29th September 2018 at 10:00 am in the Committee Room of IBA, World Trade Centre,Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.

2. You are,therefore,requested to please convey suitably to the General Secretaries ofConstituent Workmen Unions/ Officers’ Associations of UFBU to make itconvenient to attend the meeting by their authorized representative (a)as under:

3. Kindly confirm participation with details of the participants.

Yours Faithfully,

Senior Advisor (IIR &IR)

Source : www.bipartitesettlement.com

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Banks will only observe holidays on Sunday, 2nd September and second Saturday, 8th September ; Monday, 3rd September is not a pan India holiday

ATMs in all States will be fully functional; Banks advised to ensure availability of sufficient cash for dispensation from ATMs
Posted On: 31 AUG 2018 11:19AM by PIB Delhi
It has come to notice that a rumour is circulating in several sections of the social media that banks will be closed for 6 days in the first week of September 2018, causing undue panic among the general public.

It is hereby clarified that banks will remain open and banking activity will continue unimpeded in the first week of September. Banks will only observe holidays on Sunday, 2nd September and second Saturday, 8th September. Monday, 3rd September is not a pan India holiday and banks only in some States where a holiday is declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 will remain closed.

Even on those days, ATMs in all States will be fully functional and there will be no impact on online banking transactions. Banks have been advised to ensure that sufficient cash is available for dispensation from ATMs. Banks will remain open on all other days.

PIB

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INDIAN BANKs’ ASSOCIATION

HR & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

No.HR&IR/SKK/Medical Ins/2018-19/5041

May 8, 2018

Shri Sanjev K.Bandish,Convenor,UFBU
United Forum of Bank Unions,
C/o State Bank of India,LHO,Plot no.1, Sector -17A
Chandigarh – 1600017

Dear Sir,
Medical Insurance Scheme – constitution of committee

Please refer to our earlier communication in the subject matter and discussions held on 5th May,2018 with the Negotiating Committee. As desired , we place below the four suggested options:

i. Banks may go back to the earlier Hospitalization Expenses reimbursement Scheme as was in vogue till 9th Bi-partite settlement for employees and dependent family members.

ii. Directly deal with united India Insurance Co.Ltd or any other Insurance Company by calling quotes, without any interference from Broker.

iii. Advise banks to decide on the course of Medical Insurance Scheme on their own. Each Bank can negotiate with Insurance Companies to provide a Scheme tailor made to the requirement of the same.

iv. Continue with the process of appointing two or more brokers to help in assisting the IBA member banks to get a suitable Scheme prepared after getting the best quote as the nuances and fine print of the Insurance Policy and its features & interpretation will not be known to most employees & IBA in the absence of a broker.

2.In this context, as suggested by you, we would like to hold a meeting at our stadium House Office on 11.5.2018 at 11.00am to have fruitful deliberation for further course of action regarding Medical Insurance Scheme. You are therefore requested to kindly make it convenient to depute four representatives (two from officers Associations & two from Workmen Unions) to attend the meeting & share the views of the unions & Associations so that the matter may be concluded well in time before renewal.

3.A line of confirmation will be highly appreciated in this regard.

Yours faithfully,
S/d,
S K Kakkar,
senior Advisor (HR&IR)

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