SN Pathak & C. Srikumar Re-elected as President, General Secretary of AIDEF

The 28th National Convention of the AIDEF, one of the leading organisations representing defence civilian employees, concluded in Dehradun with the re-election of SN Pathak as President and C. Srikumar as General Secretary for the 2026–2029 term.

The three-day convention, held from May 7 to May 9, witnessed participation from hundreds of defence civilian employees representing over 300 establishments, including Ordnance Factories, DRDO, and units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event began with a large procession, reflecting widespread representation from across the country.

Strong Participation, Key Trade Union Presence

The inaugural session was addressed by SN Pathak and C. Srikumar, along with prominent trade union leaders including Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC, Harbajhan Singh Sidhu of HMS, and Elamaram Kareem of CITU.

Concerns Over Government Policies

In the delegate session, General Secretary C. Srikumar presented a detailed report on the federation’s activities over the past three years. The report raised strong concerns over several government policies, including:

• Corporatisation and privatisation in the defence sector
• Outsourcing and fixed-term employment practices
• Implementation of four labour codes
• Ban on compassionate appointments in Ordnance Factories and the Army
• Non-filling of vacancies
• Exclusion of pension-related demands from the Terms of Reference of the 8th Central Pay Commission
• Non-convening of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) meetings

Dehradun Declaration Adopted

After extensive deliberations, the convention adopted the Dehradun Declaration, outlining key challenges faced by defence civilian employees and urging the government to address long-pending demands.

A major demand reiterated was the continuation of Central Government employee status for workers of 41 Ordnance Factories currently on deemed deputation in seven new Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), in line with assurances given before the Madras High Court.

Leadership Reaffirmed

The convention concluded with the election of office bearers and National Executive Committee members. SN Pathak (Jabalpur) and C. Srikumar (Chennai) were re-elected to their respective posts, with Srikumar securing his ninth consecutive term as General Secretary.

Speaking to www.indianpsu.com, Srikumar said the new executive committee reflects a blend of experienced leadership and young members, including three women representatives.

“AIDEF Will Continue to Fight”

Srikumar warned that defence employees are facing “serious threats” due to ongoing policy changes, including labour code implementation, privatisation, and shrinking recruitment.

“Permanent jobs are being reduced, trade union rights are under pressure, and at the same time, employees are fighting for rightful benefits under the 8th CPC and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme,” he said.

He asserted that AIDEF will continue its struggle to safeguard the interests of defence civilian employees and strengthen the government-owned defence industry.

“AIDEF is a fighting organisation committed to protecting workers’ rights and expanding the government sector defence ecosystem,” he added.