Just yesterday, India celebrated its 75th Anniversary of Independence from colonial rule. As all of us enthusiastically and proudly wished each other "Happy Independence Day", a thought struck me like a bolt from the blue.
We, the resigning ex-employees of L.I.C of India, illegally treated like 'bonded laborers' by our ex-employer are still not free from bondage.
Though we had never signed any contract or agreement that we would compulsorily work for 20 years with the Corporation or forfeit our hard-earned enhanced wages due to retrospective wage-revision, we have all been made to suffer the injustice and cruelty meted out to us by L.I.C of India which has been illegally repudiating the arrears of payment arising due to Wage Revision Charters (belatedly announced by it every 5 years!) since 1st August, 1997.
So we decry 25 years of injustice and discrimination. Silver Jubilee of high-handed, illegal and arbitrary acts by the Corporation!
Despite a Supreme Court judgment declaring that such discrimination between 2 classes of employees is not fair and asking L.I.C of India to pay such employees their arrears, the Corporation impudently defies it; making it liable for "Contempt of Court" action.
Even the Finance Ministry that ratifies this UNJUST AND ARBITRARY decision doesn't ask the Corporation about its impunity.
IN REPLY TO MY R.T.I APPEALS, L.I.C OF INDIA HAS ADMITTED THAT THERE IS NO REASON ON RECORD FOR REPUDIATING THE ARREARS.
THIS INJUSTICE IS CARRIED FORWARD IN EACH CHARTER SINCE 25 LONG YEARS!
TRULY, A SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS!
Hope the Supreme Court steps in and directs L.I.C of India to pay all our rightful dues arising due to wage revision, including difference in P.F. and Gratuity, with interest; as well as compensation for mental torture and costs for litigation/R.T.I. appeals.
