Nagpur Insurance Union Takes Stand Against FDI Liberalization and Labour Reforms
The General Insurance Employees Union (Western Zone) has launched a strong opposition campaign against two significant policy directions of the government: the increased foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector and the implementation of new labour codes. In a press briefing held in Nagpur, union leaders demanded the immediate withdrawal of both measures, issuing a stark warning about their potential consequences.
Convention to Address "Deepening Structural Challenges"
Union president Pradeep Dharamthok announced that the organization will convene a crucial 2-day convention specifically to deliberate on what it describes as the "deepening structural challenges" facing the public sector general insurance industry. He articulated the union's core concern, stating, "The present FDI regime and labour codes are weakening public sector insurance companies and diluting employee protections." The convention is planned as a platform to adopt formal resolutions that will articulate the union's collective stand against these policies.
Historic 30th Convention Returns to Nagpur After Three Decades
This gathering marks the 30th convention of the union and holds historical significance as it returns to the city of Nagpur after a gap of nearly 30 years. Scheduled for January 24 and 25, the event is expected to draw about 150 delegates from multiple states across the western zone and beyond. The inaugural session on Saturday at 11 am will be graced by senior economist Srinivas Khandewale.
Key union office-bearers confirmed their presence for the event, including President Pradeep Dharamthok, working President Lalit Suvarna, general secretary Prashant Dixit, and general secretary (Western Zone) Nitin Patil. Regional secretary Vinay Karpe and Nagpur branch secretary Saurabh Tatekar were also present at the announcement.
Focus on Policy Impact and Employee Welfare
General secretary Prashant Dixit outlined the convention's primary focus: to scrutinize the current condition of public sector general insurance companies and strategize on strengthening them amidst sweeping policy changes. "Issues such as the proposed merger of the four public sector general insurance companies, government policy towards the industry and its employees, and the protection of the public sector insurance framework will be discussed in detail," Dixit emphasized.
Key Demands on the Agenda
The union has prepared a comprehensive agenda that extends beyond opposing FDI and labour codes. Central demands include:
- Adequate permanent recruitment at all levels within the public sector insurance companies.
- Implementation of a long-pending wage revision, which has been stalled since August 2022.
- Establishment of a 30% family pension scheme for employees.
- A 14% employer contribution under the National Pension System (NPS).
Dixit confirmed that the convention will pass formal resolutions on all these critical matters, aiming to create a unified voice to press for urgent policy intervention from the government. The union's stance underscores a growing concern within the workforce about the future of public sector enterprises in the face of liberalization and regulatory overhaul.
