NEW PENSION SCHEME: CHOOSE PLAN TO SUIT RISK PROFILE

Under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), investors save money which is put into the capital market. The sum which you will get after retirement will be dependent on the performance of the capital market. You can make monthly or weekly contributions to the NPS. But for every contribution, your transaction cost will increase.
Prior to NPS, there was the Defined Benefit Plan -one would get certain pension fixed for life. The post retirement proceeds were fixed and if there is a shortfall in this corpus, the government would make good.
NPS is a Defined Contribution Plan where the returns will not be fixed. You will only get what you have contributed and returns that the fund manager generates on it. All new entrants to the central government services (other than armed forces) after January 1, 2004, will compulsorily join this scheme. All citizens, including NRIs, aged 18 to 60 can voluntary join the scheme. The exit age is 60 years.
A minimum contribution of Rs 6,000 is compulsory per year. The minimum amount per contribution is Rs 500 and a minimum of four contributions in a year for each subscriber account is required.
Under the NPS, each subscriber is allotted a unique 16-digit Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). This number is portable. The records of transactions are maintained by the Central Record Keeping Agency (CRKA). The subscriber has the option to invest with seven pension fund managers (PFMs). He also has the option to choose any one or more PFMs to manage his contribution. These PFMs will have three kind of funds categorised as 'E' for equity funds, 'G' for funds investing in government securities and 'C' for fixed income securities other than government securities.
There are two types of accounts:
Tier I account where you cannot withdraw
The Tier I account is the basic NPS account that is non-withdrawable till retirement or death of the subscriber. In this account, the total corpus at retirement age is split, where a minimum of 40 percent of the final corpus has to be compulsorily used to buy an annuity while the subscriber is free to withdraw the remaining 60 percent as a lump sum or in installments.
Tier II account where you can withdraw
The Tier II account is available to only to those who are existing subscribers of the Tier I account. The money contributed into this account can be freely withdrawn as and when the subscriber wishes to except for a minimum balance that needs to be maintained at the end of each financial year.
Charges
The NPS levies an investment charge of .00009 percent of the assets under management. Initial charges of account opening are around Rs 470. From the second year onward the charges are Rs 350 per annum. Also, a charge of Rs 10 is applicable for each transaction. One can make monthly or weekly contributions. But for every contribution, your transaction cost will increase.
Fund managers
These are managed by fund managers. Currently, seven fund houses appointed by the government are available under the NPS.
These are:
LIC Pension Fund Limited SBI Pension Funds Pvt Limited UTI Retirement Solutions Limited IDFC Pension Fund Management Company Limited ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Company Limited Kotak Mahindra Pension Fund Limited Reliance Capital Pension Fund Limited
Schemes
There are three schemes available under the NPS. Fund C
In case you invest in this fund, all the money will be invested in fixed income instruments such as corporate bonds and government securities. One should consider investing in this fund if the risk appetite is medium as corporate bonds are not that risky. Fund E
In case one invests in this fund, a portion of not more than 50 percent of the invested money will be put in equity. You should choose this retirement plan only if your risk appetite is high, as up to 50 percent of your money will be linked to the performance of equity.
Fund G
In this case, all your money will be invested in government securities. Hence, this is suited for risk-averse investors. One can choose to invest in any of these funds. You may also invest in a mix of these funds. If you do not choose between these funds, your contributions will be invested in a fund with 15 percent in equity, 45 percent in corporate bonds and 40 percent in government bonds. With increase in age, after 35 years, the government bond exposure will increase with a maximum limit of 80 percent and 10 percent each in equity and corporate bonds.
Fixed income pension plan
The government has proposed to extend the 'fixed income pension plan' to workers in the unorganised sector. The monthly contributions one makes will be invested as per NPS guidelines. The State funds for the savings scheme will be added to this. If any gap exists between the sum guaranteed and sum generated from the two steps, the central government will provide the required funds. The new plan will be started off initially in Haryana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This amendment is meant only for workers in the unorganised sector. Central and State government employees will continue to get pension through NPS.
Tax benefit Presently, NPS does not offer any tax exemptions unlike other retirement plans. It falls under the category of exempt-exempt-tax (EET) system which means that maturity benefits you receive after retirement will be taxable. However, with the Direct Tax Code coming in NPS will be tax exempted on withdrawal too.--

PERFORMANCE RELATED BONUS - INCENTIVE SYSTEM FOR GOVT EMPLOYEES MAY BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR

An incentive structure akin to one prevalent in private sector could soon be in place for government servants as well, building on the extensive performance review that is already underway for them, a top government official said.

"An incentive system is being worked upon as recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission. It could be implemented by next year," Prajapati Trivedi Secretary Performance management, said at the annual economic editors' conference.
The incentives would be given out from the cost savings achieved by a bureaucrat in his role and will, therefore, not place an additional financial burden on the Government, he explained. Besides, the extensive job performance parameters, these incentives would also depend on cost saving on account of reduction in the use of office stationary and savings in electricity consumption. Cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekhar has already written a letter to all secretaries to the Government of India on their performance targets.
A mid-year review of the performance of Government departments and officials is currently underway, that will give them fair idea of how each fare with respect to their agreed goals.
The Government had put in place a performance monitoring and evaluation system following an announcement in this regard by the President in her address to both the houses of Parliament on June 4, 2009. The first evaluation was carried out last year which was limited to only three months of the fiscal.
The current year's evaluation would be the first comprehensive exercise, which will be illustrated in a report card. This report card will be finalized by May 1 each year.
The new policy is designed on what is already in place in many countries. New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA carry out extensive performance reviews of their government departments.
The results framework document of each ministry or department will be put on its website to ensure stakeholder participation and transparency of the exercises. The concept is based on a paper prepared by the IIM, Ahmedabad.
SOURCE: Economic times.

May This Deepavali Fulfill Your Dreams

May The Joy, Cheer,
Mirth and Merriment
Of This Divine Festival
Surround You Forever.
May The Happiness,
That This Season Brings
Brighten Your Life
And, Hope The Year
Brings You Luck And
Fulfills All Your Dearest Dreams !
Happy Deepavali and Prosperous New Year

Fraternally yours

Rashmin Purohit

NFPE SOUVENIR

Monday 1 November 2010
Dear Comrade Digamberji - The enclosed advertisements are for the SOUVENIR to be printed. Kindly page make up these advertisements. Articles from leaders are to be placed in between the advertisements as noted. The Articles are in a separate document enclosed in a separate email. Two Articles [KKN Kutty and M.Krishnan] will be sent shortly. Please make up the pages and send back by email for proof reading. Multi Colour; Full Page; Half Page; Quarter Page are all clearly noted for your convenience. Any doubt you may call Mahaveer Prasad in NFPE. I am shortly coming to Delhi and will come to Progressive Printers for final OK to printing - Before that all work we have to conclude - For the front cover page, India Gate Photo and our 8th Federal Council Banner can be clubbed, with the addition " SOUVENIR" ON TOP RIGHT CORNER - Regards - K.Ragavendran [09444919295]-- M.KrishnanSecretary General NFPE

EXTENSION OF ADHOC ARRANGEMENTS IN HSG-I

EXTENSION OF ADHOC ARRANGEMENTS IN HSG-I

Postal Directorate vide letter No.4-16/2002 SPB-II dated 29/10/2010 has intimated to all the Circle Heads that the matter for extending the Adhoc arrangements for a further period of six months has already been taken up with the Department of Personnel &Training and further orders in this regard may be awaited.

In view of the above all the circle heads are ordering further extension of adhoc arrangements in HSG-I until further orders subjected to the conditions prescribed in the earlier memos. This is for the information of the members.

Circular No 20/2010 Dated: 30th Oct. 2010

Dear Comrade,

The National Secretariat of the Confederation met today as per the notice issued. The following agenda items were discussed. The decisions taken on each item are as under

Item No.1. Review of participation of CGE in 7th September, Strike. Detailed reports on the participation of employees in the strike action were presented to the house by the representatives of various affiliates and State Committees of the Confederation. Reports received at the CHQ were also gone through. It was apparent from the reports that the participation in the strike action could have been much better had certain steps been taken at the appropriate time by the affiliates and the State Committees. It was also noted that wherever the State Committees of the Confederation were in existence and had taken initiative to mobilise the employees, the strike had been very successful. It was also evident from the discussion that wherever the affiliates had taken serious steps ,the strike participation had been very good. The best performance was reported by the Income tax Employees Federation, All India RMS and MMS employees Union and the All India Groundwater Board Employees Association. It was therefore decided that the State Committees must convene a meeting in which the leaders of all affiliates unions of that State (up to the Branch/Unit level) and the strike participation discussed in the presence of the National leadership. The Sectt. (CHQ) will indicate the schedule for such meetings.

Item No.2 Finalisation of the dharna programme at different State Capitals to protest
against the victimisations of employees of the IA & AD. Wherever it was not implemented.At the instance of the Secretary General All India Audit and Accounts Association, it was decided to defer the implementation of this programme for some time.

Item No.3. Finalisation of charter of demands (common to CGEs) and progamme of actions thereon.
Various issues were discussed which have arisen from the very retrograde recommendations and objectionable implementation of them by the Government. Though the issues have been taken up in the National Anomaly committee and at the National Counil, the meeting felt that no positive outcome should be expected thereof. The house also felt that the large number of anomalies created by the 6th CPC can only be rectified by a total wage revision. Taking this view into account, it was proposed that we should demand a fresh revision of wage structure with effect from 1.1.2011 for the 6th CPC tenure would complete the 5 year period on that date. Since the Government has conceded to effect wage revision in the case of PSU employees after every five years, the meeting felt that this demand is appropriate. The meeting also noted that by 1.1.2011, the D.A component in the wages would exceed 50%. The meeting therefore decided that a comprehensive charter should be adopted at the next meeting of the National Council of the Confederation.

Item No. 4 and 5 were deferred for discussion at the National Council.(Subscription from affiliates and adhoc bonus)

6. Affiliation application: In the case of Bureau of Mines Safety, Dhanbad, the meeting asked the Sectt. to depute a representative to go to Dharnbad and hold discussions with all concerned and submit a report to the Sectt. for taking further decision in the matter In respect of Survey of India, Com. President informed the house that he along with the Secretary General had been to Dehradun sometime back and it was decided that all organisations in the Survey of India including the newly formed Topographical employees association will form a Co-ordination Committee and the same will seek affiliation with the confederation. The meeting decided to request all organisations in the Survey of India to constitute the Co-ordination Committee. The meeting decided to grant affiliation to the Association of Lakshadweep employees. The meeting also decided to depute one of the Sectt. members to go over to A&N Islands with a view to revive the functioning of the State Committee of the Confederation.

Item No. 7. Venue and date of next Council meeting. It was decided to hold the National Council at Mumbai on Ist December, 2010 for which a separate notice is being issued.

Item No.8. Any other matter with the permission of the Chair. At the request of Com. P.V. Ramachandran, the house decided that the Confederation should demand that those cadres which were included in the JCM scheme at the inception (Since they were Group C employees then)should continue to be the categories eligible to participate in the JCM irrespective of the new classification ordered by the Department of Personnel from time to time.
The house also decided to take up the matter of inclusion of all Audit employees including Railway Audit employees to be covered by the CGHS scheme as before.

With greetings,
Yours fraternally,
K.K.N. Kutty
Secretary General.

TIMELY CONFIRMATION IN VARIOUS CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES - ISSUE OF GUIDELINES - DOPT ORDER

No.1801/1/12010-Estt. (C)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel. Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
*************
New Delhi 110001
Dated: August 30,2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: Timely confirmation in various Central Civil Services- issue of guidelines.

The undersigned is directed to say that the Supreme Court in its judgement on 8.7.2010 in civil appeal No.596 of 2007 (appeal of Khazia Mohameed Muzammil v/s State of Karnataka & Anr.) examined the contention of automatic/deemed confirmation after the expiry of the probation period. After examining the various judgements, the Apex Court were of the considered opinion as to what view has to be taken would depend upon the facts of a given case and the relevant ruler in force.

2. In para 22 of the judgement, the Apex Court observed as follows:-

"Before we part with this file, it is required of this Court to notice and declare that the concerned authorities have failed to act expeditiously and in accordance with the spirit of the relevant rules. Rule 5(2)of 1977 Rules has used the expression 'as soon as possible' which clearly shows the intent of the rule framers explicitly implying urgency and in any case applicability of the concept of reasonable time which would help in minimizing the litigation arising from such similar cases. May be, strictly speaking, this may not be true in the case of the appellant but generally every step should be taken which would avoid bias or arbitrariness in administrative matters. no matter, which is the authority concerned including the High Court itself. Long back in the case of Shiv Kumar Sharma v/s Haryana State Electricity Board (1988) Supp. SCC 669] this Court had the occasion to notice that due to delay in recording satisfactory completion of probation period where juniors were promoted, the action of the authority was arbitrary and it resulted in infliction of even double punishment. The Court held as under:

'While there is some necessity for appointing a person in government service on probation for a particular period, there may not be any need for confirmation of that officer after the completion of the probation period. If during the period a government servant is found to be unsuitable, his services may be terminated. On the other hand. if he is found to be suitable, he would be allowed to continue in service. The archaic rule of confirmation, still in force, gives a scope to the executive authorities to act arbitrarily or malafide giving rise to unnecessary litigations. It is high time that the Government and other authorities should think over the matter and relieve the government servants of becoming victims of arbitrary actions.'

We reiterate this principle with respect and approval and hope that all the authorities concerned should take care that timely actions are taken in comity to the Rules governing the service and every attempt is made to avoid prejudicial results against the employee/probationer. It is expected of the Courts to pass orders which would help in minimizing the litigation arising from such similar cases. Timely action by the authority concerned would ensure implementation of rule of fair play on the one hand and serve greater ends of justice on the other. It would also boost the element of greater understanding and improving the employer employee relationship in all branches of the States and its instrumentalities."

3. In this Ministry's O.M.No.I8011/186-Estt(D) dated 28.3.1988 (copy enclosed), instructions have already been issued to the effect that confirmation will be made only once in service in the entry grade, but for some exceptions specified therein. Instructions on timely action to confirm or extend the probation have also been issued vide O.M. No.18011/2/98-Estt.(C) dated 28.8.1998. Seniority has also been delinked from confirmation in the O.M.No.20011/5/90-Estt.(D) dated 4.11.92.

4. The above directions of the Apex Court are brought to the notice of all Ministries/Departments for ensuring compliance of the above instructions.

s/d
(Mamta Kundra)
Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India

WORKERS ELIGIBLE FOR INTEREST ON GRATUITY, RULES MADURAI BENCH OF HC

An employee becomes eligible for gratuity on the termination of his employment after he has rendered continuous service for not less than five years, according to Section 4(1) of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.

He is also entitled for interest on the gratuity in terms of Section 7(3) and 7(3A). Making these clear, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the Arumuganeri Salt Workers Co-operative Production and Sale Society Ltd, Thoothukkudi district, to pay the amount to its worker, Mr A. Rajan, within 30 days from date of receipt of a copy of this order without further driving him to any other forum.

Mr Justice K. Chandru, hearing a writ petition from the Society challenging the order dated January 27, 2009 of the Appellate Authority under the Act, Madurai (R-2), directing it to make interest payment if gratuity was not paid within 30 days from the date of his order, noted that from the beginning, it was the stand of the petitioner Society that R-1 (Mr A. Rajan) was not eligible for gratuity. If Sections 7(3) and 7(3A) were read together, then there was no difficulty in understanding the eligibility for receiving interest. In the present case, the Appellate Authority had correctly construed the legal provisions and there was no case made out to interfere with the interpretation placed by the Authority.

The petitioner contended that payment of interest would arise only when there was delayed payment, and in this case, there was no delay since they had paid gratuity as ordered by R-2, and hence the question of payment of interest would not arise. This Court was unable to accept the said statement, since the entire controversy was with regard to the legal provision.

Reading Section 4(1) of the Act it would be clear that the date relevant for determination of interest was the date on which gratuity became payable, which in the present case was when R-1 resigned his job on 1-6-2003. When R-1 issued notice for payment of gratuity, petitioner employer did not honour the notice. On the contrary, it was only when R-1 instituted a claim before the Controlling Authority, the petitioner contended about the irregular nature of his employment and his alleged disqualification from receiving gratuity.

In the light of these, the writ petition stood dismissed, the Judge held.

Source: The Hindu

NOTICE FOR FEDERAL EXECUTIVE

HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT JUDGMENT ON BCR PROMOTIONS

FILLING UP OF THE VACANCIES OF POSTAL ASSISTANT I SORTING ASSISTANT PERTAINING TO THE YEARS 2009 AND 2010 BY DIRECT RECRUITMENT

MEETING WITH SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General NFPE, Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary P3, Com. I. S. Dabas, General Secretary P-4, Com. Giriraj Singh, General Secretary R-3 and Com. P. Suresh, General Secretary R-4, met Secretary, Department of Posts, Today (28.10.2010). The following issues are discussed: -
(a) Cadre Restructuring Committee - Secretary, Posts, assured that necessary action will be taken for early sitting and finalisation of the proposal by the Committee.
(b) Postmen Related Issues: - We have requested that either the Secretary Generals or Leader/Secretary, staff side, Departmental council may also be included in the committee on Postmen related issues. Secretary, Posts, assured to have a fresh look on this issue and also assured that action will be taken for convening of the committee early.
(c) Revision of wages of Casual Labourers and Part time contingent staff: - Secretary Posts, assured that she will personally intervene and see to it that orders are issued at the earliest. Secretary (P) informed that regarding non –submission of the information sought for by Directorate, by the Chief PMGs, she has taken a serious view of it and necessary follow up action in this regard is being taken.
(d) Department Council meeting: - Secretary, Posts assured that second meeting will be arranged soon.
(e) Presentation on Technological developments in Department of Posts: - Secretary, Posts, made it clear that the postponed presentation will be arranged again at Postal staff college, Ghaziabad after Deepavali Holidays.
(f) Recruitment Rules of Multi skilled Employees (erstwhile Group 'D'): - Secretary Posts, informed that it is in the final stage and will be notified soon.

The staff side also shared with Secretary (P) their experience during the visit to the Royal Mail, London from 17th to 23rd October 2010.

Secretary Posts, informed that all out efforts one being made to improve the efficiency and productivity of the Department of Posts and staff side will also be informed of the details. Staff side assured their cooperation.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Judgment on Casual Labourers

MEETING WITH SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General NFPE, Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary P3, Com. I. S. Dabas, General Secretary P-4, Com. Giriraj Singh, General Secretary R-3 and Com. P. Suresh, General Secretary R-4, met Secretary, Department of Posts, Today (28.10.2010). The following issues are discussed: -

(a) Cadre Restructuring Committee - Secretary, Posts, assured that necessary action will be taken for early sitting and finalisation of the proposal by the Committee.

(b) Postmen Related Issues: - We have requested that either the Secretary Generals or Leader/Secretary, staff side, Departmental council may also be included in the committee on Postmen related issues. Secretary, Posts, assured to have a fresh look on this issue and also assured that action will be taken for convening of the committee early.

(c) Revision of wages of Casual Labourers and Part time contingent staff: - Secretary Posts, assured that she will personally intervene and see to it that orders are issued at the earliest. Secretary (P) informed that regarding non –submission of the information sought for by Directorate, by the Chief PMGs, she has taken a serious view of it and necessary follow up action in this regard is being taken.

(d) Department Council meeting: - Secretary, Posts assured that second meeting will be arranged soon.

(e) Presentation on Technological developments in Department of Posts: - Secretary, Posts, made it clear that the postponed presentation will be arranged again at Postal staff college, Ghaziabad after Deepavali Holidays.

(f) Recruitment Rules of Multi skilled Employees (erstwhile Group 'D'): - Secretary Posts, informed that it is in the final stage and will be notified soon.



The staff side also shared with Secretary (P) their experience during the visit to the Royal Mail, London from 17th to 23rd October 2010.



Secretary Posts, informed that all out efforts one being made to improve the efficiency and productivity of the Department of Posts and staff side will also be informed of the details. Staff side assured their cooperation.

RULE 10 OF CCS (COMMUTATION OF PENSION) RULES, 1981 MAY BE FOLLOWED AND DIFFERENCE IN COMMUTED VALUE BE PAID WITHOUT FRESH APPLICATIONS - DOPT ORDER

Rule 10 of CCS (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981 may be followed and difference in commuted value be paid without fresh applications to pensioners who retired on/after 1.1.2006 but before 2.9.2008.
F. No. 38/79/08-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,Khan Market,
New Delhi – 110003Date: 27th October, 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub.: Payment of Commutation Value of additional amount of pension in respect of employees who retired on/after 1.1.2006 but before 2.9.2008 and expired before exercising option for commutation of additional amount of pension – Regarding.

As per the provisions contained in para 9.3 of this Department's OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 2nd September, 2008, the revised table of commutation value for pension will be used for all commutations of pension which become absolute after the date of issue of this OM. In the case of those pensioners, in whose case commutation of pension became absolute on or after 1.1.2006 but before the issue of this OM, the pre-revised Table of Commutation value for pension will be used for payment of commutation of pension based on pre revised pay/pension. Such pensioners shall have an option to commute the amount of pension that has become additionally commutable on account of retrospective revision of pay/pension on implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. On exercising such an option by the pensioner, the revised Table of Commutation Value for pension will be used for the commutation of the additional amount of pension that has become commutable on account of retrospective revision of pay/pension. In all cases where the date of retirement/commutation of pension is on or after 2.9.2008, the revised Table of Commutation Value for pension will be used for commutation of entire pension.
2. References have been received from various Departments seeking clarification from this Department whether the commutation value of additional pension in respect of such employees who had retired during the period between 1.1.2006 and 2.9.2008 and died before exercising option is payable to the eligible member of family or not. The issue has been examined in consultation with Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure who has observed that the Pay Commissions' intention was that the pensioner should exercise a conscious choice in view of the fact that the commutation table has changed w.e.f. 1.1.2006. As such, in these cases, the Rule 10 of CCS (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981 may be followed and difference in commuted value be paid without fresh applications. The intention was not to deny the higher capitalized value on account ofrevision of pension.
3. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their UO No. 456/EV/2010 dated 18.10.2010.
(V.K.Wadhwa)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

OUR LEADERS ARE AT LONDON

Wednesday 27 October 2010
A VIEW OF THE PARCELMAIL SORTING

CENTRE, ROYAL MAILLONDON

RED SLUTE TO THE KARL MARX-NFPE

DELEGATES AT HIGHGATE CEMETARY

LONDON.

DELEGATION FROM INDIA POST WITH

STAN KOZHOWSKI, HEAD OF BRITISH

POSTAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES

ALL INDIA POSTAL SBCO EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

ALL INDIA POSTAL SBCO EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
[Federated with the "National Federation of Postal Employees" ]
Central Headquarters
1st Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi – 110001

Email ID : www.aipsbcoeachq2010@gmail.com

No. SBCO/ Membership Verification/10 Dated 19th Sep'2010.

To
The Central Office Bearers,
All Circle Secretaries
Of AIP SBCO Employees Association.



Dear Comrade,

It is heartening to note that our organization has achieved long wanted recognition of the Department in last verification of the memberships under check off system. I am really proud to convey my comradely greetings and " Red Salute" to all of our members. We take pride in that at present we are officially affiliated under NFPE and the Department would have to extend all trade union facilities to our union to enable our union to join on table bargaining. We will remember the great contributions of our beloved federation, ( i.e NFPE ) and all other organization under NFPE, the Group – C union in particular for sincere Co operation in the process of check off system.



We are obligated to build up united struggle to save our postal services. In the interests of all cross section of postal employees and the common people as a whole. We are committed to promote vigorous struggle against the anti people activities and policies of the 2nd UPA Govt. So come out comrade, to share our new beginning with new hope and energy to strengthen our organization so that we may achieve our goal.


Comradely yours,


( Asit Das )
General Secretary,

ALL INDIA POSTAL SBCO EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

ALL INDIA POSTAL SBCO EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
[ Federated with the "National Federation of Postal Employees" ]
Central Headquarters
1st Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi – 110001

No. PC – 1 / AIC Date : 18.10.2010
NOTICE

Notice under article 25 of the constitution of All India Postal SBCO Employees Association read with article 20 ( a ) and 22 ibid is hereby given that 1st All India Conference of this Association will be held at Hyderabad ( Andhra Pradesh ) on 11.12.2010.

The following shall be items of agenda for the 1st All India Conference : -

1. Consideration and adoption of report.
2. Discussion on financial affaires.
3. Organizational Review.
( I ) Discussion on proposed Strike from 13th July'10 ( finally deferred ) and its outcome.
( ii ) Organizational Position in all level.
( iii ) Finalization of Subscription.
( iv ) Membership verification.
4. Attacks on Postal Services
( I ) Privatization and outsourcing of postal work.
( ii ) Attack on SBCO workers.
5. Implementation of MACP.
6. Policy and Programme.
7. Election of Office Bearers.
8. Election of Federal Councilor.
9. Appointment of Auditor.
10. Venue of next AIC.
11. any other item with the permission of the chair.

( Asit Das )
General Secretary,
Copy forwarded to : -
1. Com. S. Appanraj, All India President. All India Postal SBCO Employees Association, Madurai,
Tamilnadu.
2. Com. S.P.Kulakarni, All India Working President, AIPSBCOEA, Maharashtra.
3. The Secretary General, NFPE, New Delhi.
4. All CHQ Office bearers & Circle Secretaries of AIPSBCOEA.
5. All General Secretary, under the banner of NFPE.
6. The Circle Secretary, AIPEU, Group – C, Andhra Pradesh Circle.
7. The Director General, Department of Post New Delhi 110001.
8. Spare.

( Asit Das )
General Secretary,

OUR LEADERS VISIT TO ROYAL MAIL LONDON

Department of Posts has deputed a ten (10) member delegation led by Sri. A. K. Sharma, Dy. Director General (Establishment) to united kingdom to visit Royal Mail Groups Automated Mail/Parcel processing facilities for five days from 18th to 22nd October 2010. The following are the other nine members:

1. Shri Subhash Chander, Director (SR & Legal), Department of Posts, New Delhi
2. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE
3. Com. K. V. Sridharan, General Secretary, AIPEU Group 'C' (NFPE)
4. Com. Giri Raj Singh, General Secretary, AIRMS & MMS EU Group – C (NFPE)
5. Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas, General Secretary, AIPEU Postmen & MSEs (NFPE)
6. Com. P. Suresh, General Secretary, AIRMS & MMS EU MG & MSEs (NFPE)
7. Shri. D. Kishan Rao, General Secretary, NAPE Group 'C' (FNPO)
8. Shri. T. N. Rahate, General Secretary, NUPE Postmen & MSE (FNPO)
9. Shri. A. H. Siddque, General Secretary, NURMS & MMS MG & Group 'D' (FNPO)

The Tour commenced from Delhi on 17.10.2010 and reached London 17.10.2010.

The main Agenda for the visit to Royal Mail from 18th to 22nd included the following:
1. Introduction to the week by Mr. Stan Kozlowski, the Head of British Postal Consultancy Services (BPCS).
2. Introduction to Royal Mail Group by Mr. Stan Kozlowski
3. Presentation on World Postal Environment by Mr. Stan Kozlowski.
4. Presentation on Post office counter Transformation by Mr. Stans Kozlowski
5. Visit to city of London Post office – Paul Gardner
6. Presentation on Journey of a letter – Mr. Stan Kozlowski & the Mail Centre Manager, Royal Mails.
7. Tour of Mail Centre.
8. Overview of ParcelForce World Wide – David Breez, Head of International operations, Royal Mails.
9. Tour of the International Hub and visit to National Hub.
10. Meeting with Communication Workers Union Representatives Mr. Peter Donaghy & Mr. Carl Madess.
11. Visit to West London Delivery office – Mr. Arrane Byne & Mr. Frances Conroy.
12. Presentation on Royal Mails operation Transformation – Mr. Dave Briggs, Packet Pipeline Design Manager, Royal Mails.
13. Tour to Princess Royal Delivery Centre (PRDC)
14. Presentation on UK Regulation Liberalisation – Mr. Stan Kozlowski.
15. Presentation on Revenue Protection – Mr. Stan Kozlowski
16. Presentation on Royal Mail Automation programme – Mr. Stan Kozlowski
17. Discussions on the week and Summary – Stan Kozlowski

On completion of the one week training programme individual certificate has been issued to all delegates by Royal Mail Group.

Royal Mail is the National Postal Service of United kingdom. Royal Mail Holdings Plc own Royal Mail Group Limited, which in turn operates the following brands:
(a) Royal Mail (UK Letters)
(b) Parcel Force Worldwide (UK Parcels)
(c) General Logistic Systems
(d) "Post office Ltd" which provides counter services, is a wholly owned subsidiary.

Royal Mail Holdings is a public limited company. Royal Mail is responsible for universal collection and delivery in the UK. Royal Mail delivers 33 million items every working day, 71 million items handled daily, and had a network of 11905 post offices, 1, 1600 post boxes, 450000 collection centres, 37 million delivery points, 33000 vehicles & 29 Aircrafts & 27000 bi-cycles. Total number of workforce is 1,68000 which includes regular contracts and casual workers. 70% of the workforce is delivery staff. For the financial year 2008-2009 Royal Mail had an operating profit of 321 million pounds, with all four group businesses running on profit.

In UK, Postal Sector reforms and liberalization started in the year 2006 three years ahead of other Europeon countries. Royal Mail lost its monopoly and competitors are licenced to carry mail and pass it to Royal Mail for delivery. Delivery is exclusively done by Royal Mail. There are currently fifty (50) Licenced Mail operators including Royal Mail. Royal Mail claims a market share of 75%. There is only one delivery each day. Delivery of letters, Delivery of parcels and operating post offices are separately done in different places (centres). Universal service obligation (USO) is applicable to Royal Mail only. USO Loss for 2009-2010 is 100 million pounds. No subsidy is given by Government to meet USO obligation. Tarrif is fixed by the Postal Regulator called Post comm..

All the centres – Post office, Parcel force and Letters – are fully computerized and automated. Fully automated mail/parcel processing facilities are provided for sorting of articles and also for Postmen beat sorting. The letter sorting machine has a maximum capacity of sorting 40000 letters per hour.

The Royal Mails motto is "a commercial business with a social purpose" and "Quality first and value for the money & security". It is told that the reforms & liberalization has resulted in more efficiency, better service standards, competition, stimulating innovation, reducing prices, quality raising, choice to the public and level playing field for all competitors (players). Royal Mails borrowed 1.2 billion pounds to invest on transforming their operations, which includes further induction of latest technologies in the automation programme.

The UK Government is proposing to further intensify the Postal reforms which includes the privatization of letter mail services, closure of 2500 Post offices in the name of network transformation.

The meeting with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) Representatives was most informative and cordial. The CWU, the only one union in the Royal Mail, was formed on 26th January 1995 as the result of a merger between National Communications Union (NCU) and the Union of Communication Workers (UCW). The CWU is the sixth largest Union in Britain. The management and functioning of the union is in a most democratic manner. For calling an industrial action (strike) strike ballot is compulsory. 51% should vote for the strike. Annual conferences are held at all level. Election of office bearers are by secret ballot. CWU has 87 Postal branches & 73 Telecom Brnaches, Postal membership is 148597 and Telecom & Financial services membership is 74121. Total membership is 2,22718 (including Telecoms & Giro Bank). The last industrial action took place in the year of 2009. The CWU representatives made it clear that they strongly oppose any move of the Government to privatise the Royal Mail either by selling shares or by outright sale to other private Postal giants. Wage revision is done every year though negotiations.

The workers of the Royal Mail have full political freedom and the CWU leadership at present is joining hands with British Labour Party. Members can have their own political freedom to join any party of their choice.

It is worth mentioning here, that the Royal Mails pays maximum attention for customer satisfaction and is very much concerned with the quality and security of services. Premises of all the centres are kept neat and tidy and state of the art facilities are provided to the public. While discharging the corporate social responsibility in a most commendable manner, they are equally concerned with Revenue protection. Every safeguard is taken to prevent revenue leakage and they are updating the technology for preventing revenue leakage.

In short the visit to Royal Mail provided us an opportunity to understand the development that are taking place in the Postal Sector in a most advanced and developed nation like Britain and especially in London. While opposing the unbridled reforms and liberalization, there are of course, certain positive aspects which are to be deliberated upon, before putting it into practice in our country.

The delegation had an opportunity to visit some important tourist attractions of city of London like Tower of London, London Eye etc. The delegation left for in India on 23rd October and reached New Delhi on 24th October 2010. The guidance given by the Leader of Team Sri. A. K. Sharma, DDG (Estt.) and Sri. Subash Chander, Director (SR & Legal) is to be worth mentioned.

BI ANNUAL DIVISIONAL CONFERENCE OF P3, POSTMEN, GROUP D AND GDS ALONG WITH CIRCLE CONFERENCE OF GDS HELD AT GONDAL ON 19/09/2010

ACCUTE NEED FOR REMITTANCE OF OUTSTANDING QUOTA

Circle Union has no fund to function. All Divisional Secretaries are requested to calculate their outstanding quota and remit within two weeks, failing which Circle representative would visit division concerned to collect outstanding quota at the cost of defaulting division.

Due @Rs.2 April to June 09 and

@ Rs.8 per member July 09 to March 10

Due @Rs.8 per member per month from April 10 to Sept 10 six months

No division has remitted adequate quota for year ending March 2010 and No division except Valsad came forward to credit outstanding quota at Ambaji Circle Council Meeting. Circle Union has no money and it is difficult to function in such situation. All are requested to seriously notice this situation and remit due amounts in next two weeks.

All are aware, AIC will be held in January 2011. It is very important that divisions clear quota for CHQ and Federation as per notices already issued by CHQ. Why divisions avoid due remittance for long periods and create bad impression of our circle. Ultimately all will have to clear due quota of Circle and CHQ as well as Federation. Then why not today? Please understand seriousness and respond positively.

LATEST CLARIFICATION ON MACP ISSUED BY DOP

Wednesday 20 October 2010

DELAY AND IRREGULARITIES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF MACP SCHEME – CLARIFICATION REGARDING
NFPE & P3 have taken up the matter with Secretary (Posts) regarding undue delay and irregularities observed in implementation of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACP). It is being denied to eligible officials in some circles and sought the intervention of the Directorate . DOP caused necessary classifications to sort out the problems prevailing in the Circles. The orders of DOP is also exhibited in Website.
Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
(Pay Commission Cell)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi - 110116
No. 4-7/(MACPS)/2009-PCC Dated: 18th Oct, 2010
All Chief Postmasters General,
All Postmasters General
General Managers (Finance)
All Directors of Accounts Postal
Sub: DELAY AND IRREGULARITIES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF MODIFIED ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME – CLARIFICATIONS regarding.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to refer to this Directorate's OM dated 18 Sep, 2009 communicating the detailed guidelines for implementation of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) and several other clarification issued on this subject.
2. The General Secretary, All India Postal Employees Union Group 'C' has represented to the Secretary (Posts) alleging that the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) is being denied to eligible official in some Circles and sought the intervention of the Directorate in clarifying the position. The contentions of the General Secretary have been examined and the following clarifications are provided for guidance and strict observance.
Sl. No.
Point on which clarification sought
1
Eligibility of MACPS to a direct recruited Postal Assistant conferred with TBOP –
It has been represented that in some Circles the directly recruited Postal Assistants who were accorded financial upgradation under one time bound promotion scheme on completion of 16 years of satisfactory service are not being given the 2nd MACPS on the ground that the officials have not completed 10 years of service TBOP Scale/Grade with grade pay of Rs.2800.

Status Position ( Reply )
Attention is drawn to Para No. 28 of Annexure-I to this office OM dated 18-09-2009. It is stated that a directly recruited Postal Assistant who got one financial upgradation under TBOP Scheme after rendering 16 years of service before 01.09.2008, will become eligible to 2nd MACP on completion of 20 years of continuous service from date of entry in Government service or 10 years service in TBOP grade pay or scale or combination of both, whichever is earlier, However, financial upgradation under MACPS cannot be conferred from a date prior to 01.09.2008 and such 2nd financial upgradation for the above referred category of officials has to be given from 01.09.2008. They will also become eligible for 3rd MACP on completion of 30 years of service or after rendering 10 years in 2nd MACP, whichever is earlier.

Point on which clarification sought
2
Eligibility of MACP to a directly recruited Postal Assistant having qualified in PO & RMS Accounts Examination and opted initially for defunct scale & later opted out of it & who have got financial upgradations under TBOP and BCR subsequently –
The staff side has alleged that Postal Assistants who have qualified in PO & RMS examination who initially opted for defunct scale and later switched over to normal line and accorded financial upgradations under TBOP/BCR schemes are denied 3rd MACP construing that PO & RMS Accountants is 1st MACP and TBOP/BCR are off set against 2nd and 3rd MACP.

Status Position ( Reply )
PO & RMS Accountants examination is a qualifying one and the Postal Assistants who have passed the examination are posted as Accountants with some special allowance. They will be continued in the cadre of Postal Assistants in the common gradation list.
The PO & RMS Accountants who initially opted for defunct pay scale of Rs.380-620 and later switched over to normal line of promotion in PA cadre and given financial upgradations under TBOP/BCR Schemes will become eligible for 3rd MACP under MACPS provided that they have not earned any other regular promotion and subject to rendering of 30 years of continuous service from the date of entry in the PA grade or 10 years continuous service in the BCR grade, whichever is earlier. Denial of 3rd MACP on the said ground is not in order.

Point on which clarification sought
3
Eligibility of MACP to a promoted official to PA Cadre and having completed 10 years of service in PA cadre –
It was stated by staff representatives that in some Circles, the officials who were promoted from the lower cadres to Postal Assistants and on completion of 10 years in the said Postal Assistant cadre are not considered for 2nd MACP on the plea that they have not completed 20 years of service from the date of entry in clerical cadre.

Status Position ( Reply )
The attention of the Circle is drawn to Para No. 28 (A) (1) in the Annexure-I. In case of a lower grade official promoted to PA cadre, having got one promotion to PA cadre before completion of 10 years of continuous service, it will be off set against 1st MACP and on rendering 10 years continuing service in the clerical grade/scale or on completion of 20 years service from the date of entry would become eligible for 2nd MACP, whichever date is earlier. However, financial upgradation under MACPS cannot be conferred from a date prior to 01.09.2008 as the scheme became operational from this date only.

Point on which clarification sought
4
No. 4-Eligibility of MACP on completion of 30 years of service from date of entry as on 01.09.2008, declining regular promotion to LSG during 2009 and 2010 –
The General Secretary intimated that certain officials who become eligible for 3rd MACP on 01.09.2008 are denied the same on the ground that they have declined the regular promotion to norm based LSG in 2009 and 2010.

Status Position ( Reply )
The attention is drawn to para 25 of Annexure I to order on MACPS issued on 18.09.2009 providing that "if a regular promotion has been offered but was refused by the employee before becoming entitled to a financial upgradation, no financial upgradation shall be allowed as such an employee has not stagnated due to lack of opportunities. If, however, financial upgradation has been allowed due to stagnation and the employees subsequently refuse the promotion, it shall not be a ground for withdrawal of the financial upgadation. He shall, however, not be eligible to be considered for further financial upgradation till he agrees to be considered for promotion and the second and the next financial upgradation shall also be deferred to the extent of period of debarment due to the refusal." Therefore, the issue raised is already covered under Para 25 and in such cases where due date of financial upgradation precedes the refusal for regular promotion, financial upgradation under MACPS shall be allowed.

Point on which clarification sought
5
Eligibility of MACP due on 01.09.2008 for officials due to currency of the penalty of recovery in consequence of disciplinary proceedings or disciplinary proceeding contemplated.
The staff side represented that some Circle have not considered the cases of officials for MACP on the date of introduction on the pretext that the punishment of recovery from their pay is current or disciplinary proceedings contemplated at the time of screening of the officials by the Committees which were constituted for considering financial upgradation under MACPS

Status Position ( Reply )
Para 18 of Annexure-I to OM dated 18.09.2009 provides that – "In the matter of disciplinary/penalty proceedings, grant of benefit under the MACPS shall be subject to rules governing normal promotion. Such cases shall, therefore, be regulated under the provisions of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 and instructions issued there under." Attention of the Circle is drawn to Department of Personnel and Training Om No. 22011/2/78-Estt. (A) dated 16.02.1979 communicated in DGP&T letter no.35-1/79-SPB-II dated 07.05.79. According to these orders, the penalty of censure or recovery of pecuniary loss are not a bar for penalty for promotion if the findings of the DPC are in favour of the employee.
Similarly, the officials who were facing disciplinary action as one the date of actual due date of their upgradation can only be not considered.
3. The Circles are requested for bringing the above position to the notice of all Divisional Heads and concerned authorities for scrupulous observance and to avoid any grievance to the officials.
4. The limits for holding of Screening Committee as provided in Para 11 of this Directorate OM of even number dated 18.09.2009 may be strictly adhered to on concluding action of Scrutiny Committee ordered under letter of even number dated 01.09.2010.
5. This issues with the approval of competent Authority.
Sd/-
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

The Reserve Bank of India has given permission to the Department of Posts (DoP) to launch its prepaid debit card, in partnership with Master Card

The Reserve Bank of India has given permission to the Department of Posts (DoP) to launch its prepaid debit card, in partnership with Master Card, which will allow customers to purchase products from all major retail outlets across the country.

The prepaid debit card by India Post would have a minimum value of Rs 1,000 and a maximum of Rs 50,000, a senior official from the department told Business Standard. Subsequently, the cards will be topped up with the required value.

The customers would also be able to withdraw money from ATMs using the new card from DoP. It could also be used for making online transactions, for mobile commerce and to facilitate electronic money transfer.

"The department has already received all the requisite approvals from RBI for the launch of the card and we expect to commercially announce it within a few months," the official said. DoP might also rope in a bank as partner in the venture, the official added, refusing to divulge further details.

The nature of the card would be in line with debit card offered by different banks. The software for the solution would be offered by one or more banks, while the required infrastructure and staff would be provided by the postal department.

According to the request for proposal issued by the department earlier this year, "the card (magnetic stripe-based) could be operated at merchant establishments or ATMs, where Master Card is acceptable, and in various post offices. Up to four add-on cards are proposed to be issued to one customer, along with the primary card."

The debit card would be issued to customers by major post offices, after a payment of activation fees and the amount to be loaded on to the card.

The official said such cards could also be used by organisations for giving allowances and other benefits to their employees.

Business Standard

Mansi Taneja / New Delhi September 17, 2010

IndiaPost gets IRDA nod to sell insurance policies

Monday 18 October 2010

India’s largest distribution network with 1.55 lakh offices has been thrown open to the insurance industry with the industry regulator allowing IndiaPost to sell policies of multiple insurance companies.This opens a new distribution channel for insurers who have been desperately trying to poach bank distributors from rivals to increase their reach.Insurers now expect a battle for prime circles, given that the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has limited the number of companies that each postal circle can tie up with.The revised guidelines allow each of the 22 circles of Indiapost to act as a corporate agent of two non-life insurers, two life insurance companies, one agricultural insurance company and one stand alone health insurance company. The regulator has however barred IndiaPost from selling customer data to insurance companies under some referral arrangement.In its revised guidelines released last week, IRDA said, “Each circle of India post should be treated as a separate unit in order to grant independent corporate agent licence with various insurers.However the Head of ‘Circle’ may approach IRDA for prior approval of further division in the ‘Circle’ as separate units, in the case of metropolitan areas, to obtain licence to act as corporate agent, in view of the large population under the circle,” said IRDA in its circular.IRDA has said that the head of the circle would be deemed to be the corporate insurance executive (CIE) — the key executive responsible for all insurance agency dealings.“Also, all the permanent employees of the India Post having an educational qualification of 10+2 or equivalent shall be deemed to be complying with the relevant provisions regarding requirements of minimum educational qualification, training and examinations prescribed for ‘Specified Persons’.In this regard, India Post shall take necessary steps to impart required training to its permanent employees to be designated as ‘Specified Persons’ within a period of one year from commencement of corporate agency, IRDA said.Corporate agency guidelines prevent banks from selling products of two competing firms.Given the limited number of banks, insurance companies have been struggling to find low-cost institutional distributors with a pan-India reach.The dispensation will also give the department of posts a new revenue stream. The postal department which had ambitions of becoming major distributors of financial products stopped selling mutual funds of most companies after a ban on front-loads resulted in commissions disappearing. (Economic Times dated 18-10-2010)

Circular

Saturday 16 October 2010

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
1st Floor, North Avenue Post Office Building, New Delhi - 110001

Circular No. 3 Dated – 16.10.2010

To,

All General Secretaries, CHQ Office Bearers.
Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries of
All affiliated union.

Dear Comrades,

The Federal Secretariat of NFPE met at New Delhi on 14.10.2010. Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas, Deputy Secretary General & GS P-4 presided. Com. M. Krishnan (SG) Com. R. N. Parashar (Asst. Secretary General) Com. K. V. Sridharan (General Secretary P-3) Com. Giriraj Singh (General Secretary R-3) Com. P. Suresh (General Secretary R-4), Com. V. P. Chauhan (AIPAEA Vice President) were present. Com. S. S. Mahadevaiaha, (General Secretary, AIPEDEU,) also attended the meeting.

The following agenda items were discussed and decision taken.

1. Review of the 7th September 2010 strike:
Federal Secretariat came to the conclusion that in the coming days, serious effort shall be made to further improve the participation of Postal & RMS employees in the common struggle of the working class against anti-people, anti-labour policies of the Central Government. An indepth review of the 7th September strike will be made in the next Federal Executive meeting.

2. Verification of Membership and Recognition of Unions:
The Federal Secretariat expressed satisfaction over the result of the membership verification. All NFPE affiliates have got recognition with an impressive percentage of membership. The Secretariat congratulated all the employees for endorsing their faith in NFPE. The fact that the All India Postal SBCO Employees Association and All India Postal Civil Wing Employees Association which have been formed under the guidance and leadership of NFPE, have also got recognition this time and made our victory more proud. The meeting viewed with grave concern over the delay in grant of recognition to Administrative Employees Union and the GDS Union. The Federal Secretariat urged the authorities to declare the result without and further delay.

3. 1st All India Conference of AIPSBCOEA & AIPCWEA:
The Federal Secretariat decided to extend all help for conducting the 1st All India Conference of the newly recognized AIPSBCOEA and AIPCWEA at Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). The AIC of SBCO Employees Association will be held on 11.12.2010 (KG Bose Day) and the AIC of Civil Wing Employees Association will be held on 12.12.2010. Delegate Fee will be decided later. Detailed circular will be issued later.

4. Federal Executive Meeting of NFPE:
The Federal Secretariat decided to convene the Federal Executive Meeting of NFPE at Hyderabad on 10.12.2010.

5. 2010 July 13th deferred strike
The Federal Secretariat reviewed the progress in settlement of the demands. While appreciating the prompt action taken by the Department in settling certain major items such as filling up of posts, constitution of cadre restructuring committee, convening of the JCM Departmental Council etc, the meeting expressed concern over the delay in implementing the assurances given in some of the items. The meeting decided to vigorously pursue the cases with the Directorate for result-oriented action.

6. JCM Departmental Council
The Federal Secretariat decided that the JCM staffside shall request the Secretary, Department of Posts to convene the next meeting of the JCM Departmental council at an early date, not later than December 2010 to discuss the remaining items of the Agenda of the last meeting and also new items to be given by the staff side.

7. Cadre Restructuring
Federal Secretariat decided to explore the possibility of submitting a joint proposal by the staff side to the cadre restructuring committee. A joint meeting of the General Secretaries and Secretary Generals of NFPE and FNPO will be held on 25.10.2010 to discuss the issues relating to cadre restructuring and to arrive at a consensus.

8. Committee on Postman Related issues
The Federal Secretariat is of the considered opinion that in addition to the General Secretaries of P4 unions (NFPE & FNPO) the Secretary Generals of both the Federations shall also to be included as staff side representatives of the committee on postman related issues. The General Secretaries of P4 NFPE & FNPO may write to the Department in this regard.

9. GDS Issues:
It is decided that NFPE and GDS union shall move together for settling the remaining issues of GDS.

10. Presentation on Technological Developments in the Department of Posts.
All available General Secretaries/Secretary General and the Circle Secretaries P-3 unions will be attending the presentation on Technological Developments in Department of Posts at Postal Staff College, Ghaziabad on 23.10.2010 in the presence of Secretary, Department of Posts. Our view points will be communicated to the Department after knowing the full details. Directorate has now postponed the meeting. Next date will be intimated later.

11. Revision of wages of Casual Labourers and Part-time contingent staff:
The Federal Secretariat viewed with grave concern about the abnormal delay in revising the wages of the casual labourers and part-time contingent employees of the Postal department. Whatever may be the reason, there is no justification for this much delay. The Staff Selection commission, which is under the Department of Personnel & Training has issued orders for payment of pro-rate wages to the casual labourers (other than temporary status casual labourers) as per the minimum of the Group D scale of 6th CPC orders with effect from 1.1.2006. The Federal Secretariat is decided to discuss the issue with Secretary, Department of posts. If the issue still remains unsettled it is decided to organize agitational programmes.

12. Functioning of Regional JCM:
Cases of Tamilnadu and Delhi Circles were discussed.
(a) Tamilnadu Circle: It is decided that the General Secretary, P-4 Union, may give a written directive to the Tamilnadu P-4 circle union to cooperate with other Circle unions on the issue of election of Leader and Secretary staff side RJCM and also to form the NFPE Circle coordinating committee in Tamilnadu Circle.
(b) Delhi Circle: It is decided to convene a joint meeting of all the Circle Secretaries (NFPE) of Delhi circle and also General Secretaries (NFPE) on 26.10.2010 at NFPE office for arriving at an agreed formula for electing the Leader and Secretary Staff side.
13. All India Study Camp:
It is decided that the All India Study Camp of NFPE will be held in the month of February 2011 in Kerala at Thekkady (near Munnar High Range, Idukki Division) which is also one of the famous tourist destination. The camp will be held on 13.02.2011 & 14.02.2011. The Camp is mainly intended to impart training to the leaders for better and efficient functioning at organizational level. All Circle Secretaries of the unions affiliated to NFPE and General Secretaries/Presidents (CHQ) and All India office bearers shall attend the All India Study camp without fail. General Secretary, AIPEDEU, has been requested to join the camp with Circle Secretaries of GDS Union.

14. Foreign Delegation to Royal Mail, Landon
The delegation will be leaving India on 17.10.2010 and returning on 24.10.2010. Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General) Com. K. V. Sridharan (General Secretary P3) Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas (General Secretary P4) Com. Giriraj Singh (General Secretary R3) and Com. P. Suresh (General Secretary R4) are the staff side members of NFPE in the ten member delegation. The delegation is visiting London to attend the training programme of Royal Mails, the National Postal Service of United Kingdom.

15. Remittance of Quota and other dues to NFPE
All Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries are requested to remit the Quota and other dues of NFPE to the following address.

Financial Secretary
NFPE
1st Floor, North Avenue Post office
New Delhi – 110001

With greetings,

Fraternally yours,


(M. Krishnan)Secretary General

HAPPY B’DAY TO COM. PRAKASH RATHOD. CIRCLE PRESIDENT

Circle union wishes a very happy Birth day on 17-10-2010. May god bless him with health, wealth & prosperity.

Bi-monthly meeting of Head Quarter Region will be held on 28/10/2010 in the O/O CPMG

All the Divisional Secretary of Head Quarter Region are requested to contact Circle Secretary very urgently and convey the problems of their Division.

Technology Meeting on 23.10.2010 Deferred

Friday 15 October 2010
Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
(SR Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi, Dated the 15th October, 2010

No. 1/5/2010-SR

To,

All Heads of Postal Circles

Subject: Technological developments in Department of Posts – Presentation to the Staff Side on 23.10.2010 in Postal Staff College of India, Ghaziabad – Cancellation regarding.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to the Department's letter of even number dated 22.09.2010 on the above mentioned subject and to inform that the Presentation scheduled for 23.10.2010 has now been cancelled for the present. The revised date of Presentation will be communicated in due course.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(Subhash Chander)
Director (SR & Legal)

ATTENTION – ALL CIRCLE SECRETARIES – P3

DIRECTORATE HAS INFORMED THAT THE PRESENTATION TO THE STAFF SIDE ON TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON 23.10.2010 AT POSTAL STAFF COLLEGE GHAZIABAD STANDS POSTPONED. THE REVISED DATE OF PRESENTATION WILL BE COMMUNICATED LATER
(Vide Dept. of Post (SR Section) No. 1/5/2010-SR Dated 15.10.2010)

Com. P R Rathod, Circle President Transferred to Bhavnagar HO

Recent orders on GDS appointment

Modified instructions on Recruitment of GDS through Employment Exchange - Clarification of term "Effective No. of Candidates

Attention of all concerned is invited to Para 3 of this Dte Order No. 19-4 / 97-ED & Trg Dt 19.08.98 which provided that "in case the notification and public advertisement so issued fail to elicit any response within the stipulated date or if the effective number of candidates applied for the post is less than 3, the vacancies will be re-notified to the Employment Exchange & fresh advertisement issued calling for nominations etc within 15 days"2. The term "effective No. of candidates / applications" has undergone judicial scrutiny by CAT, Hyderabad in OA No. 516 / 2009 in the matter of Shri.Chennuri Raju vs Union of India & relying on judgment of High Court of Madras in WP No. 22500 & 20422 / 1999 in similar case CAT, Hyderabad has held in its judgment on 15.06.10 that "three effective applications mean three applications should be received and even if one of the candidates amongst the three applicants is eligible, the selection should be finalized"3. The issue has been considered in this Dte in the light of the aforesaid judgment and I am directed to convey that term "effective No. of Candidates" finding a mention in the order of this Dte ibid may be interpreted to mean that three applications from the different candidates should be received and even if one of the candidates amongst the three applicants is found eligible, the selection should be finalized in conformity with the interpretation as referred to in

Para 2 above.DG (P) Letter No: 19-27 / 2010-GDS Dt. 07.10.10.

GUJARAT STANDS IN TOP CONGRATULATIONS TO GDS COMRADES OF GUJARAT

Thursday 14 October 2010

INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SERVICE DISCHARGE BENEFIT SCHEME(SDBS)FOR THE GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS WORKING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

D.G. Posts No. 6-11/2009-PE-II dated 30.09.2010.

I am directed to refer to this office letter of even no. dated 01.09.2010, on the above mentioned subject.

2. A specific time frame on course of action to be taken was indicated in the above said letter for action by the Divisional Heads and Director of Accounts Postal. The time frame set was:

Sl.No.
Course of action
Time-frame by which action to be completed.
1
Collection of Option from Gramin Dak Sevaks & Obtaining applications from willing Gramin Dak Sevaks to join Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBs)
30.09.2010
2
Dispatch of applications obtained from Gramin Dak sevaks to the concerned facilitation centres of Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) by Divisional Offices.
10.10.2010
3
Dispatch of applications in from NL-CC by Divisional heads to concerned DA(P)
15.09.2010
4
Dispatch of completed and authorized NL-CC applications and NL-AO applications to Directorate by Director of Accounts Postal.
25.09.2010

3. The Directorate has not received response from any Circle so far. The acknowledgement for the communication dated 01.09.2010 was received from Gujarat, MP, Orissa, and UP Circle only.

4. The applications of Divisional Heads for registration as Collection Centres are supposed to be sent to concerned DAPs for counter signature and onwards submission to Directorate by 25.09.2010.No DAP in the country has so far sent the applications for registration as Collection Centres and Accounts Offices. This is a time bound issue on which the Department has given an assurance to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Information and Technology.

5. The Circles Heads are requested to expedite submission of the applications of concerned Divisional Heads for registration as Collection Centres and also that concerned DAPs for registration as Accounts Offices to reach Directorate immediately for submission and Development Authority (PFRDA).

6. Action is required to be for obtaining the options and applications of Gramin Dak Sevaks and their submission to concerned Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) facilitation centre for issue of digitized smart cards. The applications have to be forwarded to concerned Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) by 10.10.2010 along with the details of GDS opting for the scheme in the prescribed proforma.

7. The Circle Heads are requested to send compliance on para 5 and 6 immediately for submitting the position to Secretary (Posts).

Sdxxx
(A.K. Sharma)
Deputy Director General(Estt.)

INTEREST BEARING ADVANCE / SIXTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ON HOUSE BUILDING ADVANCE-ENHANCEMENT IN PAST – REGARDING

D.G. Posts F. No. 12-03/2010-PAP dated 30th September, 2010.
The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a copy of the Ministry of Urban Development (Housing-III Section), New Delhi, OM No. I-17011/2/\(1)/2009-H.III dated 14th July,2010 on the subject cited above, for kind information and further necessary action.
Sdxxx
(K. Ramesawara Rao)
Asstt. Director General (Estt.)

Copy of OM No. I-17011/2/\(1)/2009-H.III dated 14th July,2010 from Ministry of Urban Development (Housing-III Section) , New Delhi.

Sub: Interest bearing advance /Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendation on House Building Advance-enhancement in past – regarding

The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Ministry's O.M. No. 1-17011/11(3\4)/2008-H.III dated 27th November, 2008 on the above subject and to say that it has been decided in consultations with Ministry of Finance to make the afore-said orders applicable with effect from 1st January, 2006. Accordingly, an enhancement of House Building Advance, if applied for, may be granted for an amount equivalent to the difference between the previously sanctioned amount and the new amount determined on the basis of pay in the pay band, in past case, where HBA was sanctioned on or after 1-1-2006 but before 27-11-2008 subject to complying following conditions:

(a) The Government servant should not have drawn the entire amount of HBA sanctioned under earlier orders and /or where construction is not completed /full cost towards acquisition of house /flat is yet to be paid.

(b) There will be no deviation from the approved plan of construction on the basis of which the original sanction of House Building Advance was accorded. The revised cost of the original plan can, however, be considered for determining the additional amount, subject to the prescribed maximum limits.

(c) Supplementary Mortgage Deed, Personal Bond and Sureties will be drawn and executed at the expense of the loanee.

(d) The actual entitlement will be restricted to the repaying capacity computed on the basis of the formula laid down in this Ministry's O.M. No. 1-17015/16/92-H.III. dated 17.10.2000. It should be ensured that the entire amount of advance with interest is recovered before retirement on the Government servant.
(e) Rate of Interest: The rate of interest chargeable in such cases would be as per the slab applicable to the total sanctioned amount i.e. amount already sanctioned on or after 1-1-2006 but before 27-11-2008 plus the enhanced sanction. However, the new rate of interest would be chargeable only on collective amount that would remain outstanding on grant of enhancement of HBA i.e., the unpaid portion of previously sanction HBA plus the enhancement so granted. Thus, the amount of HBA that has already been re-paid on old rates will not attract the fresh interest charges.

2. However, the existing limit of maximum admissible amount of Rs. 7.50 lakh for the purpose of construction /purchase of new house /flat and Rs. 1.80 lakh would remain unchanged. In other words, the sum total of previously sanctioned HBA and the enhancement granted under these orders cannot exceed the aforesaid limits. In nay case, not more than one enhancement is admissible to Govt. employees.

3. The applications for enhancement HBA should be submitted within six months from the date of issue of this order.

4. Ministries/Departments whose branch offices are situated in the far flung areas like in case of Ministry of Defence, etc., are advised to give wider publicity to these orders through modern communication means like facsimile, e-mail, web-site, etc. so that there is no occasion for any representationfor extending the time limit of six months on the grounds of receiving these orders late.

Sdxxx
(V.K. Gupta)
Deputy Financial Adviser