Com. Moni Bose – Veteran Leader of the P&T Employees V.A.N.Namboodiri

Com. Moni Bose – Veteran Leader of the P&T Employees
V.A.N.Namboodiri
President, BSNLEU
Comrrade Monii Bose iis one off tthe ttallllestt lleaderrs off tthe P&T Trrade
Uniion movementt.. Hiis lliiffe iis a conttiinuous sttrrugglle and sacrriiffiice fforr
tthe cause off tthe P&T and Centtrrall Goverrnmentt emplloyees.. 19th
May,, 2014 iis tthe 4th deatth anniiverrsarry off tthiis vetterran lleaderr..
Comrrade Monii Gopall Basu was borrn on15tth
May,, 1925 iin a viillllage
siittuatted iin tthe prresentt Banglladesh.. Hiis ffamiilly shiifftted tto Callcutttta
llatterr,, as was tthe case wiitth many ottherr ffamiilliies.. Hiis ffattherr haviing
diied verry earrlly,, Com.. Monii Bose and hiis ellderr brrottherr and
llegendarry lleaderr off P&T emplloyees,, Com.. K..G.. Bose,, had tto lliive
iin verry diiffffiiculltt condiittiions.. Comrade KG had to leave his
studies for a job to look af ter the family. Botth gott sellectted
iin P&T Deparrttmentt and jjoiined as cllerrks iin tthe D..E..T offffiice,,
Callcutttta.. Com.. Monii Bose entterred tthe serrviice on 25tth
Augustt,, 1945,, while his elder brother
joined earlier in 1942. From the day they joined the P&T Department, they became members
and active workers of the then Indian Telegraph Association (ITA). It was at this time that the
All India Postmen& Lower Grade Staff Union decided to go on strike.
1946 P&T Strike
There were three major unions in P&T Department. One was the Indian Telegraph Association
formed in 1908 under the leadership of Henry Barton. The second was the All India Postal &
RMS Union formed by Babu Tarapada Mukherjee and the third, the All India Postmen & Lower
Grade Staff Union led by Comrade V.G.Dalvi formed in 1919. The telegraph and telephone
workers (telephone services started by the 1930s only) were mostly in the Indian Telegraph
Association.
The entire country was in the last phase of the Independence Struggle. The Second World
War (1939-45) ended with the utter defeat of the Axis forces led by Adolf Hitler (Nazi
Germany), Mussolini (Italy) and Hirohito (Japan). The Alliance forces led by Joseph Stalin
(USSR), Franklin D.Roosewelt (USA) and Winston Churchill (Britain) won the war, in which
more than 6 crores of soldiers and people all over the world perished. All the existing empires /
colonial powers were weakened by the biggest war in history and the suppressed people and
their organizations utilized this opportunity by strengthening their struggles for freedom. It was
not different in India also.
A large number of struggles erupted all over India. The Royal India Navy revolted. The strike in
the Indigo plantations of Bengal was another. It was at this same time that the postal workers,
as per the call of the Postmen & Lower Grade Staff Union, went on indefinite strike from 11th
July till 7th August, 1946. Com. Dada Ghosh, senior leader in Bengal at that time and Com.
K.G.Bose requested the all India leadership of the ITA also to give call for participation in the
strike. But the latter declined. With the clear understanding that this was not only a struggle for
the postal workers alone, but was a strike of the entire P&T Workers as also part of the great
independence struggle, Coms. Dada Ghosh and K.G.Bose called upon all the P&T workers to
participate. All the sections of employees in P&T, especially in Bengal, participated in the
struggle and it really transformed in to a P&T Strike. Com. Moni Bose, though newly
appointed, took an active part along with his elder brother. All the political parties including
Congress and Communists as also All India trade Union Congress (AITUC) fully supported.
Massive rallies were held in Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. The British Government was
compelled to accept most of the demands raised by the union and the successful strike was
called off. The First Central Pay Commission (CPC) for the Central Government employees
was appointed in 1946 and all the unions submitted memorandum to the CPC. The need for a
united organization was felt by the P&T Workers and the Union of P&T Workers (UPTW) was
formed on 13th August, 1947 as the united organization, merging the major P&T Unions.
Proposed 1949 Strike and Victimisation
India got independence on 15th August, 1947. The delay in settling the workers’ issues
resulted in preparation of another strike being called by the Railway and P&T Unions in 1949.
But the Congress government, formed after Independence, was in no way prepared to tolerate
a strike from its ‘servants’. It moved fast and arrested most of the leaders of UPTW on their
way to Madras, where the meeting was to be held to take decision on the strike. As a result,
the strike could not take place.
Com. Moni terminated from service
Despite no strike decision, there was heavy victimization. A good number of leaders and active
workers were dismissed and terminated. Com.K.G.Bose was dismissed from service. Com.
Moni Bose, Com. Janak Gupta (leader of Delhi Telephones who later married to Com.
O.P.Gupta ) and many others were terminated.
Though some of the victimized leaders were later taken back in service, none of the above
mentioned leaders were reinstated. Though not in service, they continued to serve the P&T
workers. Since Com.K.G.Bose, as an all India leader, had to spend his full time for union
activities, Com.Moni took a job in Indian Oxygen Limited to look after the family. However, he
continued his union activities in P&T. It had already become part of his life.
Formation of NFPTE
National Federation of P&T Employees (NFPTE) was formed on 24th November, 1954
amalgamating all the existing unions in P&T, which was also supported and recognized by the
then Communications Minister Jagjivan Ram. There were 9 all India unions affiliated to the
Federation, one each for class III and Class IV of Postal, RMS, Telegraph and Telegraph
Engineering (Telephones) and another union for the Class III and IV employees of the Circle
Office. The mighty organization of the P&T workers was thus formed. Com. Dada Ghosh
became its first Secretary General. Com. V.J.Dalvi of the P.IV union was the President.
A series of struggles took place at the initiative of NFPTE. The Five Days Strike of the Central
Government employees in 1960, the One Day Token Strike on September 19th 1968 etc. were
the glorious struggles organized by the CG employees, but which were crushed with an iron
hand by the Congress government. Though suppressed, the government was compelled later
to concede many of the demands raised in the strikes. It proved once again that all the
struggles of the working class have their effects and no struggle is in vain.
The differences in the Communist movement in the country in the 1960s had its ramifications
in the trade union movement. The question of approach to the policies of the government at
the centre was one of the main disputed issues. The dominant leadership in NFPTE led by
Com. Om Prakash Gupta, D.Gnaniah etc. were not in favour of serious struggles against the
victimization of employees as also against the anti-worker policies of the government. A new
trend of collaboration and compromise with the government polices was initiated by them.
Democratic functioning was gradually given a go by the progressive section under the
leadership of Coms. K.G.Bose, K. Adinarayana, N.J.Iyer, Moni and others opposed this
dangerous deviation. They wanted a correct trade union line with democratic outlook and
functioning. Com.Moni Bose actively participated in all these activities.
This resulted in contest in the 1970 Vijayawada Federal Council of NFPTE. In the bitterly
fought election, Com.K.G.Bose and Com. A.S.Rajan from the progressive section were elected
as President and Secretary General of NFPTE defeating the OPG – DG group. The new
leadership in co-ordination with the Confederation of Central Government Employees and
workers with Com.S.K.Vyas as the Secretary General, organized several struggles on the
urgent and long pending demands of the workers.
In the next Federal Council held at Calcutta in 1971, OPG group walked out and floated a
parallel list, thus dividing the P&T TU movement. The Confederation was also disrupted in the
same way. This had its impact on the Bonus Strike 1974 in which the railway workers
continued for 22 days despite brutal suppression by the Government. The OPG group not only
did not participate, but opposed it. KG Bose group participated but were compelled to withdraw
after 4 days due to disruption of the organization.
Death of Com.K.G.Bose
Com.K.G.Bose was in the thick of all these activities and was touring all over India to
strengthen organization and the struggles. His tireless activities made him a victim of cancer.
He passed away on 10th December 1974 at a hospital in London, where he was taken for
better treatment. His untimely death was a big loss to the P&T movement, at a critical juncture.
Com. Moni Bose becomes Circle Secretary of W. Bengal Circle
After the death of Com.KG, the mantle of the leadership of telecom workers fell on the
shoulders of Com. Moni Bose. He was elected as the Circle Secretary of All India Telegraph
Engineering Employees Union Class III (called E.III Union in short), which post was held by
Com.KG. But Com. Moni Bose was not allowed to continue in the post by the P&T Department
on the ground that he was a terminated employee.
However, by the time, he has already risen to the status of an all India leader and was leading
the progressive forces in the E.III Union along with other comrades like R.S.Yadav (U.P),
J.Bhattacharjee (NE- Assam)), Ananta Bhattacharjee (Calcutta), Shivdas Banerjee
(W.Bengal), V.A.N.Namboodiri, P.V.Chandrasekharan (Kerala), J.Renganathan (T.Nadu),
M.N.Reddy (A.P) etc. In all the All India Conferences since 1976, after unity was restored in
the NFPTE and Confederation, there was a serious inner struggle in the E.III Union. OPG was
the GS since formation of the union in 1954. The progressive group led by Com.Moni Bose
fought against the compromising attitude of the OPG group and tried to educate the workers
on the correct line. The well articulated speeches of Com. Moni these AICs inspired the
delegates to a great extent.
NFPTE bifurcated in to NFTE and NFPE
Consequent to bifurcation of P&T Department in to Department of Posts and Department of
Telecommunications in 1985, NFPTE was also bifurcated in to NFPE and NFTE in the Federal
Council held at Calcutta in 1986. NFTE and its five affiliated unions viz., E.III, E.IV, T.III, T.IV
and Administrative Union were all led by OPG or pro-OPG leaders.
But the continued reformist line taken by the OPG group had its reaction from the workers.
Accepting the ban on creation of posts as proposed by the government, matching-saving for
the OTBP/BCR promotions, anti-worker restructuring etc. created a situation, where strong
opposition came from the workers in all the unions affiliated to NFTE. There was severe
criticism in all the AICs of the affiliated unions.
New leadership emerges
The first union to have a change in the All India leadership was All India Telegraph Traffic
Employees Union Class III (T.III Union). Com.P.S.Raman Kutty was elected as General
Secretary in the Palghat AIC of T.III in 1987. Com. Pabitra Chakraborty was elected as GS of
the All India Telecom Administrative Employees Union Class III & IV in its AIC.
Bhopal AIC of E.III Union
But It was the All India Conference of the E.III Union, held at Bhopal in October 1991, which
created the biggest revolt. Com.O.P.Gupta, as stated earlier, who was the GS of the union
since the formation of NFPTE in 1954, held the post without any big challenge. There was no
serious contest for the posts of office-bearers earlier, except in the Guwahati AIC in 1969.
However, as part of the restoration of unity in the 1976, three posts were given to the KG Bose
group with Coms. Moni Bose and J.Renganathan as Vice-Presidents and V.A.N.Namboodiri
as Assistant General Secretary. All these comrades resigned their posts on the eve of the
Bhopal AIC protesting against the anti-workers agreements of the CHQ leadership and toured
all over India opposing the reformist and compromising policy of the OPG leadership. A letter
addressed to the All India President, Com. Homi Daji and General Secretary explaining the
grounds for resignation was circulated widely and demanding a change in the policy. This was
much appreciated by the telecom workers.
All these issues were hotly discussed in the AIC. For the first time in E.III, a serious contest
took place for the post of office bearers. The more than 5,000 delegates cast their votes. The
panel with Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Com. Moni Bose as General Secretary
was elected utterly defeating the panel headed by OPG. Thus, there was a leadership
committed to the progressive ideology elected to lead the biggest organization in NFTE. A new
era had started in the Telecom trade union movement.
Disruption by Revisionists
Though OPG group accepted the elected leadership and conveyed the same to the DOT. But
within six months a parallel list was floated and submitted to the DOT claiming OPG as the
GS. In between, the DOT refused recognition to Moni Bose as GS citing that he is a
terminated employee. Com. Moni Bose appealed against the DOT decision and the Calcutta
High Court cancelled the DOT orders. The High Court ridiculed the DOT, stating that how it
can deny recognition to the elected General Secretary on the plea that he is a terminated
employee of the Department, while O.P.Gupta, a person who never worked in the DOT, was
and is being recognized since long.
Thiruvananthapuram AIC – Com.Moni Bose elected as President
Even after grant of recognition, disruption continued. In the AIC held at Thiruvananthapuram in
April 1994, Com. Moni Bose was elected as President with Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri as
General Secretary. OPG group, which found itself in a hopeless minority, walked out and
floated a parallel list. DOT, as per its partisan attitude, recognized the parallel list floated by the
disruptors. A prolonged legal battle was fought in the court on the recognition issue. A
membership verification order was issued, which was also completely manipulated by the DOT
to help the OPG group. The ballot papers in Maharashtra, Delhi NTR etc. were supplied to the
officials already marked as voted for the OPG group. Another court case and the verification
was cancelled and ordered for a fresh one. But this did not take place, since the telecom
services section was converted in to a corporation, BSNL, as on 0 1-10-2010.
The contribution of Com. Moni Bose in leading the organization at its most critical stage,
despite umpteen obstacles and steering towards success, cannot be exaggerated.
Moni Bose resigns from post of President
In a new attack, the DOT issued an order stating that at least one of the main office-bearers,
either President or General Secretary, should be a working employee. In June 1996, Com.
V.A.N.Namboodiri had retired from service on superannuation, resulting in both the President
and GS not in actual service. This condition was never applied earlier, when both the
President and GS were not working employees. In fact, for very long period both the President
and GS were outsiders, who never worked in the DOT. The new stipulation was only to create
difficulties for the new leadership. The Central Working Committee of the E.III Union held at
New Delhi discussed the matter. Both Com.Moni Bose as well as Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri
expressed their willingness to resign so that the other leader can continue in the post.
However, at last, it was decided that the GS should continue. As such, the resignation of Com.
Moni Bose was accepted very reluctantly by the CWC and senior Vice-President
Com.K.D.Tripathy was elected as President. The entire house paid high tributes to Com.Moni
Bose, who led the movement in its trials and tribulations and fought for the right cause.
Though he did not have any post in the union, Com.Moni Bose was always consulted and
invited to all AICs and CWCs as a special case. His opinion was given utmost priority. It was
always accepted that he was an important part of this great organization.
Com.Moni Bose as GS`at Dada Ghosh Bhawan, New Delhi
Com. Moni Bose along with his wife Com. Jyotsna Bose, a retired DOT employee and an
active worker of the union, stayed at Dada Ghosh Bhawan, the office of the E.III All India
Union for about four years, while he was the General Secretary. The difficulties that he
experienced during this period due to the unhelpful attitude of the OPG leadership cannot be
overstressed. Though Moni Bose was the General Secretary of the Union, the official
residence of the GS was not handed over to him by the earlier GS. Only a one room residence
with an improvised kitchen was all that the family had for use though there was sufficient
space in the DGB. There were always problems created for the supply of water, electricity etc.
Com. Namboodiri had another room, and had to share the same difficulties. Complaints were
filed by the OPG group to get Coms. Moni and Namboodiri evacuated from the Union Office.
Phone connections could not be taken in the name of the union due to opposition of OPG. In
fact, it was a critical test for the leaders to stay and work in the DGB. Further there were
financial difficulties. It was with the liberal donations from the workers that the day today
activities could be conducted. But with the support of the workers all over the country and their
commitment to the cause and determination, they continued and marched forward for the
cause of the workers. Many comrades including Coms. P.Abhimanyu, P.Asokababu, P.Appaji,
Asst. General Secretaries and other leaders came to DGB on their own leave and expenses
and assisted in the CHQ work.
Formation of BSNLEU
Consequent to the formation of BSNL, BSNL Employees Union was formed on 22nd March,
2001 at the National Convention of Telecom workers held at Visakhapatnam participated by
thousands of workers. All the senior leaders of the Telecom Trade union movement were there
to participate and bless the new organization. Com. E.Balanandan, doyen of the Indian trade
union movement, was present all the time, whose advice and guidance were invaluable.
Com. Moni Bose was elected as Patron of BSNLEU along with Com. Sisir Bhattacharjee,
another veteran leader of the telecom workers, who had worked along with Com. KG Bose.
Though there were no such posts as per constitution, it was to honour the senior leaders who
had sacrificed their entire life for the organizations, that they were elected as above.
At Calcutta
As stated earlier, Com. Moni Bose returned to Calcutta after his GS term was over. He
continued his union activities there, whether holding any post or not. He was always a guide
and patron of the organization.
Member of Pay Commission of W.Bengal Govt. Employees
Com. Moni was later appointed as a Member of the Pay Commission to recommend the
wages of the W.Bengal State Government employees, which responsibility he fulfilled in an
efficient manner with the vast experience he had in connection with the CPCs and the workers’
demands. He was closely connected with the 12th July Committee and other trade union
organizations of West Bengal.
Moni Bose, the Comrade
Com. Moni Bose was a comrade with simple living and hard-working. He was sincere and
close to all. He was a good orator who can convince about his points and arguments, which
he will present in a systematic way. He was also a good writer. Even at the formation period of
NFPTE, way back in the 1950s, he was entrusted with drafting of resolutions for the Federal
Council etc. He used to be in contact with other comrades in a regular way.
He was uncompromising on issues of the workers. His dealing with the administration/officers
was forthright and on an equal status. He was respected by all. He was a real comrade in all
sense.
Com. Moni Bose breathed his last
It was unexpected. On 19th May 2010, Com. Moni had a serious heart attack while at home
and passed away on the same day despite immediate medical attention. He was 85. The
entire trade union movement in the country mourned the death of the veteran leader. He was
cremated in the electric crematorium, Calcutta next day, in the presence of many political and
trade union leaders.
A condolence meeting was held at the Yuba Kendra, Calcutta, on 10th June 2010, under the
auspices of the BSNL Unions Co-ordination Committee which was participated by thousands
of workers and leaders, including Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, P.Abhimanyu, GS,
BSNLEU, Animesh Mitra, Co-Ordination Committee, Convener and other leaders.
His wife, Com. Jyotsna Bose and son, Dr. Gautam Basu and family are staying at their old
house at Calcutta which was renovated a few years back by Com. Moni himself. The family of
Com. K.G.Bose are also staying nearby. Com.Moni Bose’s daughter, Susmita Basu, is married
to Com. Neelotpal Basu, Central Committee Member of CPI (M) and a former M.P. All of them
are in close connection with BSNLEU and its activities.
Respectful Homage
On this 4th Death Anniversary of Com. Moni Bose, BSNL Employees Union and its members
as also all those who were in contact with him, pay respectful homage and remember the
sacrifice and unparalleled contribution of the veteran leader to the cause of the working class.
His memory is always an inspiration to the telecom workers and their movement.
! Red