Wednesday, March 2, 2011

COM. BALWINDER SINGH, FINANCIAL SECRETARY,

Smt. Ranjit Kaur mother of Comrade Balwinder Singh, Financial Secretary, P-3(CHQ) has lost her breath on 28.02.2011 at the age of 84 years. On behalf of NFPE, we convey our deepest condolence to Com. Balwinder Singh and his family members.

CONFEDERATION: PRESS STATEMENT

Dated :28.02.2011

The Union budget 2011 presented by the Finance Minister today in the Parliament must be very disappointing for the common man for there is no proposal to combat the ever increasing inflation in the economy. The subsidies all on fuel, fertiliser and food has been reduced by all most 20,000 crores compared to what was provided in the last fiscal. While there is a reduction of Rs 11500 crores in Direct Taxes the resource mobilization has been made through an increase of a similar amount in indirect taxes the objective seems to be to rob the poor to pay the rich. 5 lakh crores of rupees is stated to be the revenue foregone in 2010-11 of which a whopping sum of Rs. 88000 crores is the concessions given to the Corporate Sector. The budget provision for agriculture development is also less than what it was earlier, indicative of an insensitiveness to the agonies of people below the poverty line.

The expectation of the middle class that the personal income taxation limit will be raised to Rs. 2 lakhs has been belied. The meager increase of Rs. 20,000 would not even be sufficient to maintain the real value level of non taxable limit of 2010-11.The announcement on direct tax concession is followed by the statement of an increased outsourcing of the Governmental functions to private corporate houses like Infosys. The eulogy for the CPC set up by the I.T. Department at Bangalore in the Budget speech of the Finance Minister is designed to seek the approval of the house for such vehicles out outsourcing elsewhere in the country. The Finance Minister has also announced that further financial sector reforms is also on the anvil. Therefore, contrary to the comments made by certain sections of the media this budget is right on the track of reforms enunciated by the Dr. Manmohan Singh two decades ago.

Since the huge demonstration and rally of workers traversed through the streets of Delhi on 23rd Feb. 2011 has not created any impact on the thinking of this Government, as is evidenced by this budget it is incumbent upon the trade union movement to strengthen its opposition towards the neo liberal economic policies by waging sustained and united struggles.

KKN Kutty
Secretary General

STOP THIS WANTON DESTRUCTION

We are really shocked to read the contents of Directorate's letter No. 40-06/2010/Plg dated 225.01.2011 addressed to all CPMGs/PMGs wherein it is directed to complete the process of closure/merger/relocation of about 9797 Post offices functioning at present in Urban areas on the plea that they do not conform with the distance condition prescribed by the Directorate for opening of new Post offices. The total number of Departmental Post Offices as on 31.03.2010 is 27360. Closure of 9797 Post offices means reduction of about 36% of the existing Postal network. We cannot accept the argument put forward by the Department justifying such mass-scale closure/merger/relocation. We are at a loss to understand why our Department is resorting to such mass-scale closures, when all other private couriers and companies are competing to canvass our customer by opening more and more outlets in the urban areas for extending their services to the doorstep of the customer. We fear that in the name of rationalization and optimization, our department is giving more space for the private companies to occupy more share in the mail market segment. We have already made it clear that we are not against relocation of offices to the needy areas. Large scale closure of Post offices and RMS offices will not only lead to inconvenience to the public leading to discontentment but also adversely affect the interest of the employees. Further this is nothing but abrupt violation of strike agreement made on 12.07.2010 in which it was categorically assured that there will be no closure/merger of Post offices. We strongly protest against such unilateral closure/merger of offices.

We have already pointed out the adverse impact of the introduction of speed post hubs without taking into account the ground realities. The experience for the last six months has proved that the speed post hubs had resulted in abnormal delay in transmission and delivery of speed post articles and thereby in eroding the faith of the general public in the speed post system itself. We have already requested the Department to review the functioning of the speed post hubs and take remedial measures or to revert to the old system. We regret to note that the staff side has been totally sidelined and the department is blindly going ahead with unscientific proposals of the multinational consultancy called Mckensy. Much damage has been done and it is high time that a thorough review be conducted for removing the deficiencies by rolling back to the old scheme. A damage control exercise to regain the lost faith of the customer is the need of the hour.

The new Recruitment rules for the Postmen notified recently by the Department states that direct recruitment from open market is to be resorted to for filling up 25% Postmen vacancies. This clause virtually snatches away the right of the Gramin Dak Sevaks to get appointed against 50% of the Postmen vacancies hitherto ear-marked for GDS employees. Further unilateral orders have been issued restricting the compassionate appointment of GDS to 10% of the vacancies, tightening of norms for cash handling and stamp sale etc. Further the discrimination in payment of bonus to GDS still continues.

In spite of the assurance given by the Secretary, Department of Posts on 12.07.2010, many issues mentioned in the 13th July strike Charter of demands and also in the minutes of the JCM Departmental council meeting held on 27.08.2010 still remains unsettled. The issues relating to the Postmen staff such as fixing of minimum and maximum distance to be traversed are yet to be resolved. The issue of cadre review, even though assured to be completed before November 2010, is still in the initial stage and formal discussion is delayed indefinitely.
The Department is going ahead with the proposal for decentralization of postal Accounts work in the name of accrual based accounting system. Similarly move is on for decentralization of PLI/RPLI work. Induction of new technology in accounting and providing online facilities at post offices shall lead to centralization and not decentralization. We oppose decentralization of the above mentioned work.

The revision of wages of the causal, part-time contingent employees with effect from 01.01.2006 is pending for the last three years. Even the eligible DA is denied in many circles. Further the work done hitherto by the casual, part time and contingent employees are indiscriminately outsourced and large scale reduction in the wages are ordered. All this has resulted in making the life of the poor, low paid employees more miserable. It is high time that justice is done to this most downtrodden and marginalized section of employees of the Postal department.

All the above issues are agitating the minds of the Postal and RMS employees and resentment among them is mounting day-by-day. The releasing of the orders for closure of large scale post offices has further aggravated the situation. Unless the Department comes forward to discuss the above issues with the Staff side for an amicable settlement, the situation may go from bad to worse.

We appeal to the Govt. of India and Secretary, Department of Posts to desist from the move to implement the retrograde orders mentioned above and also to keep the orders in abeyance, failing which we will be compelled to resort to trade union action including indefinite strike. We earnestly want to avoid such an unpleasant situation as it may adversely affect the efficiency and productivity of the Postal Services and may put the public also to inconvenience.

We hope that the Department will come forward for the negotiated settlement of the issues mentioned above and take the staff side also into confidence, so that the peace, tranquillity and the better relationship between the staff side and administration shall remain unaffected. Or else, confrontation shall become inevitable as we cannot take the onslaughts laying down. When driven to the wall we have no option but to hit back with all the forces at our command. Be prepared to face such contingency if situation warrants. Get ready for a total indefinite strike.

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO.4/2011 25 FEBRUARY 2011


Issues discussed at the National Anomaly Committee on 15.02.2011.Dear Comrade,

As indicated in our circular letter No.3, we give hereunder the decisions taken on each of the items discussed at the National Anomaly Committee meeting held on 15th Feb. 2011.

With greetings, Yours fraternally
K.K.N. Kutty Secretary General.
Item No.11.
The Staff side has agreed to specify the items of allowance which requires to be given effect to from 1.1.2006.
Item No.12. & 13. Revision of Transport allowance:
The Staff side is to give a comparative statement indicating the rate of Transport allowance given to various categories to substantiate their demand for having a uniform rate for all Govt. officials.
Item No.14. Risk and Patient Care allowance to be doubled.
The Government will bring about the Insurance scheme in consultation with the Staff Side within six months. If the scheme is not implemented by that time, these allowances will be doubled.
Item No. 20.
Quantification of daily allowance in case not able to present the bill The Department of Expenditure will examine the issue further in the light of the discussion and will convey their final decision in the next meeting.
Item No. 28.Assigning grade pay in PB 3 for Accounts officers.
This will be discussed with the Staff Side separately.
Item No. 31. Child Care leave:
Revised orders have been issued. The demand of the Staff Side that the discretionary powers to grant or otherwise or restrict the number of days presently given to the authorities must be dispensed with will be discussed at the next meeting of the Committee.
Item No. 37.Waiver of recovery of higher DA drawing between 1.1.2006 and 1.08.2008.
Not agreed to.
Item No. 38 and 39.Anomaly in fixation of Grade Pay and Pay Bands:
will be further discussed at the next meeting.
Item No. 40.Grant of Notional increment for those who retire in June.
Not accepted.
Item No.41.Grant of promotional increment for those promoted in the same PB andGrade Pay.
The Official side stated that to decide whether the two grades have distinct functions is the prerogative of the concerned Ministry/Department. If they so decide, the promotional increment would be granted. But in that case, the same will be treated as apromotion and will count as such for the purpose of MACP.
Item No. 42. MACP issue.
The same will be discussed in the sub committee once again.
Item No.43. Anomaly in HAG scale of pay:
Not discussed being a Group A issue. But the issue has been reported to have been settled and orders issued.
Item No. 44. Anomaly in Library Information Assistant: Will be further discussed at the next meeting
Item No. 45. Anomaly in fixation of pension for those in receipt of stagnation increment/In the light of the court judgment, the item will be discussed further in the next meeting.
Item No. 46.& 49 & 51 Parity for Stenographers in the filed and Central Sectt.
The demand for grant of grade pay of Rs. 4600 for those in the pay scale of 6500-10,500 has already been settled and orders issues. The question of Grant of Grade pay of Rs. 5400 after completion of three years for those in the pay scale of 7500-12000 will be examined if not already extended.
Item No. 48. Restoration of commutation value of pension after 12 years.
Not agreed upon. The Staff side has asked for the basis on which the demand has been rejected.
. Item No. 50/ Disparity in the pay scale of official language staff
The Staff side has agreed to provide a copy of the Court order in the matter.Item No. 52 and 53. Andaman Nicobar Items:
The Official side will report in the next meeting of the development on these issues.

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND

New Delhi, the 31st January, 2011
GSR.58(E)- In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (d) of sub-section (2) of Section 21 read with section 74 of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898 (6 of 1898), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Indian Post Office Rules, 1933, namely:-
1. (1) These rules may be called the Indian Post Office (Third Amendment) Rules, 2011.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Indian Post Office Rules, 1933, in part VIII relating to "General Rules", the heading "III-Certificate of Posting "and rule 195 shall be omitted.
[F. No.2-4/2008-PO)

MEERA HANDA
Dy. Director General (PO &CP)

FLASH NEWS

Com. P. Rajeev, Member Parliament and also Standing Committee Member of Communication & I.T. has raised the issue of mass scale closure of posts offices with Sh. Sachin Pilot, State Minister for Communication and I.T. on 25.02.2011. Minister has agreed to intervene.
Postal JCA is also proposing to conduct immediate agitational programmes culminating to indefinite strike in the event of non drop of unilateral mass closure move of post offices.

MOST RETROGRADE ORDER FROM DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Subject: Rationalisation and consolidation of urban network.

D.G. Posts No. 40-06/2010Plg dated 25.01.2011.

Kindly refer to this office letter of even number dated 17.5.2010 on the subject mentioned above calling for views/suggestions from circles regarding need for rationalization and consolidation for urban network, road map to be followed and time frame within which the exercise should be completed,. Almost all the Circles have unanimously favoured the need for rationalization.

2. Due to historical reasons, a major portion of urban postal network lies in the inner city areas consisting of single/double handed non delivery Sub Offices which are not in conformity with the distance criteria of location of post offices. The outer and recently developed areas, however, suffer from lack of even the basic postal facilities in most of the towns/cities. There are also requests for providing postal services in various urban agglomerations, SEZ areas, professional colleges etc. which may also be a profitable activity of the Department .However, due to non-availability of resources, the Department is not able to meet such request.

3. While the entire rural network is subsidized, Post Offices in urban areas are expected to be initially self supporting, and should earn profit of at least 5% at the time of the First annual review , to be eligible for further retention. Despite this, as on 31.3.2010,as many as 5531 SOs in urban areas are reported to be incurring losses.

4. Further, as per the prescribed criteria, the minimum distance between two post offices should be 1.5 Km in cities with a population of 2 lakhs and above, and 2 Km in other urban Areas. No two delivery offices should however be closer than 5 Km from each other. Moreover, a delivery post office in urban area should have a minimum of 7 Postman beats. These norms have not been followed in many cases.

5. Our existing urban network consists of 15797 Post Offices comprising mainly of HOs and SOs.Urban expansion of the country is currently estimated to be 77370sq.kms. As per the prevalent distance norms, this area justifies only about 6000 Post Offices in urban area. This analysis suggests that we have 9797 Pos Offices in urban areas that do not conform to the prescribed norms. This situation warrants need for corrective measures.

6. Need for rationalization of urban network was appreciated by the Department as early as in the year 2003 which led to issuing elaborate instructions to Circles vide D.O. letter No. 40-4/2002-Plg dated 6.1.2003 for relocation/merger of single / double handed post offices. Resultantly, 1262 post offices have been merged/relocated throughout the country. It is however felt that the pace of relocation of post offices is not satisfactory and we are losing out on various business opportunities and the people in outer areas of urban settlements are deprived of the postal services. On the other hand, the Government is not allowing us to further expand our network by creation of new posts not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Successive Plan Periods have witnessed opening of Post Office by redeployment of posts only without any new creation.

7. For rationalization of postal network in urban areas by way of relocation of Post Offices in new areas and creation of bigger Post Offices by merger of single /double handed Post Offices as per stipulated distance and other norms, the Circles should keep the following into consideration:

(i) There are some Post Offices which are loss making due to high rentals e.g. Post Offices at Railway Stations, important bus terminals, airports etc. We may however not relocate them due to their strategic importance, convenience they offer to the people and high number of footfalls they attract.
(ii) While assessing the need for postal facilities we should have close liaison with local bodies like Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committees, Town Area Committees etc. so that we can be aware of their future plans of expansion of cities and we can accordingly formulate our strategies and have a long-term plan for extending our network in such areas. Regular coordination meetings may be prescribed with such bodies at appropriate levels.
(iii) Post Offices which have been covered under Project Arrow/Post Offices functioning in departmental buildings should not be earmarked for relocation. If there are other Post offices in their vicinity the same may be considered for relocation.
(iv) Post Offices paying high rentals, having low volume of transactions and running in losses should be considered for relocation/temporary merger/permanent merger.
(v) Distance from the nearest post office and the business being transacted should be the main criteria for relocation. Merger of Post Offices.
(vi) In addition to relocating post offices from one area to another, we can also create bigger Post Offices, not below the rank of LSG Offices, by merger of several smaller scattered Post Offices. The bigger Post Offices will be well equipped to cater to the latest postal facilities like IMO,eMO,Videsh MO, IMTS etc. These newly created Post Offices will be manned by redeployment of staff/posts from the nearby post offices.
(vii) It may also be considered to reduce the number of delivery Post Offices, which may lead to obviating the need for the nodal delivery system for Speed Post articles as it is not providing to be cost effective. In any case there is a need to strictly follow the norms of the distance of at least 5 KMs between two delivery offices and also that of delivery Post Office in Urban area having a minimum of 7 Postman beats.
(viii) If opening of a post office is justified in an area, but it is not possible to open post office by relocation or under the Plan targets, opening of franchise outlets may be considered for such area.
8. In, view of the above, Circles are requested to take the following action:

(i) Identification of Post Offices which are at lesser distances than that prescribed under norms. In case, more than one Post Offices are not fulfilling the distance norms, Post Office (s) may be earmarked for relocation on the basis of :
(a) Condition of building
(b) Profitability of Post Office
(c) Business of Post Office

(ii) PMsG/CPMsG will interact with all the stakeholders and convince them that relocation and merger would help in providing postal facilities to public and it is in larger public interest.
(iii) Identity needy urban and rural areas where there is justification for new Post Offices.
(iv) Post Offices once indentified as per (i) above, will be relocated /merged This will outside the Plan targets.

9. Circles are requested to complete the exercise in respect of sub para (i),(ii)and (iii) {of para 8) by 31.03.2011 and in respect of sub para(iv){para 8} by 30.06.2011. Circles are also requested to send monthly progress reports of action taken, to this Directorate(proforma enclosed).

10. Since the need for opening of Post Offices in new locations seems to be ever increasing , Circles are also requested to open Post Offices by redeployment of posts/staff from the existing office(s), by curtailing staff strength of the existing offices even to less than the justified workload of the office/offices. This exercise would, however, be subject to Plan targets set by the Directorate. The powers for redeployment of Group 'C' and 'D' posts have already been vested with the HoCs vide Directorate letter No. 2-2/93-PE-I dated 7th of Sep, 1993.Under no circumstances should the surplus posts be abolished.

This issue wit h the approval of the competent authority.
Sd/-
(Anurag Priyadarshee)
Director (R.B)

KEY NOTE ADDRESS MADE BY SRI P.K.GOPINATH ,MEMBER (PERSONNEL) POSTAL SERVICES BOARD ,NEW DELHI AS CHIEF GUEST IN THE ALL INDIA SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY NF

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, Department of Posts has embarked upon the ambitious IT Modernisation Programme- 'India Post 2012'with an objective of transforming the Department into a "Technology Enabled" Self Reliant Market Leader" The Programme envisages computerization and net working of all post offices across the country to facilitate prompt and increased service delivery levels.

For the last 150 years, India Post has been the backbone of India's communication and core of the country's socio-economic development, Significant trends such as liberalization and globalisation, urbarnisation, increased demand for financial services , increased funding by government for weaker sections and rural sector, now require India Post to develop new processes and supporting technology.

The Department, at the present juncture, also faces the twin challenges posed by increasing competition and continuing advances in communication technology, especially mobile technology and the World Wide Web. In order to equip itself with modern technology, providing best in class service delivery to customers, identification of new services and business areas and improving operational efficiency, India Post intends to engage in an end to end India Post 2012 project..

The Department has undertaken computerization of Post Offices under two phases in the current plan. Under the 1st Phase approval of Government was obtained in February, 2009 for computerization and networking of all post offices up to double handed level, up gradation of hardware in the post office which were supplied with computers in the 9th Plan, computerization of the administrative officers, setting up of project management unit for managing the IT project etc. So far more than 16000 Post Offices are computerized and provided with connectivity.

Under Phase-II of computerization, the need was felt to create comprehensive solutions for all products and solutions and to create IT infrastructure. The project "INDIA POST 2012' also envisages computerization of all the non-computerized Post Office in the country including GDS Post Offices phased over the financial years 2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13.


The project has the following components:

● It will establish IT infrastructure of Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Centre and networking of all Post Offices including Branch Posts Offices in the rural area..
● The project envisages development of integrated modular scalable applications for mail, banking, postal life insurance and solutions for accounts and HR operations of the Department.
● The rural post offices will be provided with rural ICT devices with required applications for performing postal, banking, insurance, retail operations can connect to the central server in
on line/offline mode.
● Provision for training , changes management, capacity building of the employees of the department along with setting up of the Project Management Units at Department, Circle, Region and Division levels for smooth and timely implementation of the project.

Project management and implementation follows a 4-tier structure:

● Department Level PMU
● Circle Level PMU(22)
● Region Level PMU(37)
● Division Level PMU(511) (Including RMS Divisions)

The RFPs are under process to select the vendors who will help the Department in development of the software and establishing the IT infrastructure .All single handed Pos are proposed to be computerized this year.

This programme will deliver benefits across multiple dimensions like:

100% of our post offices will be computerized or connected

There will be a radical increase in access to financial protection in rural in rural area (e.g. Rural post life insurance).

There will be a significant enhancement in revenue growth.
Multitude of products will be improved and new products will be launched (e.g.egovernace, Rural ICT)
The rural customer experience shall be re-engineered.
Our service delivery levels will increase substantially.

This programme will benefit the employees of India Post in various ways too:

Employees will have an opportunity to learn, build and enhance new skills and expertise.

There will be a reduction in manual and enhanced productively level.

Employees will be able to deliver enhanced IT enabled services to their customers leading to a significant reduction in customer complaints.

This programme will help in improving employees engagement and empowerment.

Will give the employees and opportunity to work in an innovation based culture.

Lastly but not the least India Post employees will be proud to be part of a growing and vibrant organization.

As you are aware, India Post has a large employee base, spread across the country. The changes will impact all operational units of the network, in a number of operations and administrative units with new management system. The Circles, Regions, Divisions and Post Offices will be dealing with implementation of multiple solutions. Major and medium size post offices will be implementing a number of solutions. The accounting and administrative units will be involved in new management systems. The change leadership has to be very high across organization and levels to handle these multiple changessimpacting almost allmajor cadre of the organization. Therefore, it will be necessary to engage employees from all levels to induct the changes.

Following issues assume importance:

● Capacity building-Existing capacity redeployment and additional capacity building is an important component.
● The existing training infrastructure will need to be augmented to cope with the skilling and deskilling activities.
● Computer literacy at all levels will need to be ensured particularly the GDSs.
● Modernisation and Investment in Customer facing solutions will demand commutation, education and support services. In addition the customer facing workforce will need to be knowledgeable about products and should have very strong customer facing skills.
● Ongoing performance support and training.
The Department proposes to run a massive Change management plan to meet these challenges.

Your role is critical to the success of this Programme and we look forward to your fullest cooperation. We look forward to your continued support participation to make this a success.

Thank you.

Filling up of GDS Posts – No Need to refer HOC Recent guidelines

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
No. 17-103/2007-GDS Dated – 17.02.2011
To,
All Chief Postmasters General
All Postmasters General
Subject: - Filling up of GDS posts in Branch Post Offices – review of guidelines regarding
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to invite attention to Directorate letters No. even dated 14th Jul 2009 and 29th Dec 2010 on the subject cited above.
2. Para 2 (ii) of this Directorate letter dated 14th July 2009 provided that the vacant posts of GDs in branch offices with two or more hands may be filled up on the basis of triennial review already carried out and in case the prescribed workload and financial parameters as prescribed for opening of a branch office are not fulfilled but the posts are required to be filled up for operational reasons then the approval of the Chief PMG will be required with concurrence of circle IFA. It was also provided in Para 2(i) of the said communication, that GDS vacant posts in BOs with a single establishment be filled up straight away and the permission was granted to the concerned Divisional head.
3. The above provisions were further reviewed and modified. It was prescribed vide this Directorate letter dated 29 Dec 2010 that the vacant posts of GD BPM may be filled up by adjusting the surplus GDS fulfilling the prescribed qualification and other prescribed conditions failing which action may be taken in advance to fill the vacant post of GDs BPM on a regular basis following the prescribed procedure and following other conditions prescribed under letter dated 4 Jul 2009.
4. Despite issue of above instructions, it has been brought to the notice of this office, that, the Posts of Branch Postmasters are not being filled up immediately, and they are allowed to be managed by additional charge or kept under combined duties, affecting the quality of service. The issue has been considered and competent Authority has decided that the vacant post of GDs BPMs, in Branch offices (irrespective of the number borne on establishment) be filled up by Head of the Division without reference to HOC immediately after its falling vacant initiating action in advance by adopting the following methods: -
(i) By appointment of surplus identified GDs fulfilling the conditions; failing which
By combination of the duties of GDS in the same BO, provide the combined work load does not exceed five hours: failing which
By recruitment of outsiders by observing the selection process.
However, the approval of the Head of the Circle shall continue to be obtained for filling up of other categories of GDS which are not justified by workload/financial parameter, but the post is to be filled dup for operational reasons.
4. These orders shall come into effect from the date of issue of the order. This issues with the approval of competent authority.
Yours faithfully,
(Surender Kumar)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

CIVIL SERVANTS TO GET INCENTIVES ON PERFORMANCE

New Delhi: Six weeks or so from now, civil servants in Central ministries and departments that signed on to the Results Framework Document (RFD), initiated by the Cabinet Secretariat, will, for the first time, begin receiving performance-related incentives, government sources indicated. These annual performance-related incentives will, of course, depend on whether the concerned civil servants have scored well over 70 per cent in the evaluation scheme, and there could be as much as 40 per cent increase of the basic pay for the top scorers, it is learnt. However, the payments will not require any additional financial allocations as they will come out of the savings made by the ministry or department itself.
When the scheme starts rolling later this year, it will be 22 years after the Fourth Pay Commission first made such a promise. The reason why it was not possible to implement this before, government sources said, was because there was no way to measure performance before the RFD scheme was designed. The RFD initially met with a great deal of resistance from the civil service as it would entail listing goals, then working towards achieving them and at the end of the year quantifying how those goals had been achieved through a weighted system evolved by the ministry or department concerned. Finally, the secretary of that department will have to justify the evaluation before a panel of experts before it is finalised.
Interestingly, when the government launches the scheme in the coming financial year, officials of some key ministries will be excluded from the possible benefits, because they have not as yet signed on to the RFD. These include the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministries of Finance, Home, Defence and External Affairs, among others. Government sources said they hoped that once the incentives began to be paid, these ministries and departments too would sign up.
The RFD's objective is to improve governance, increase efficiency, transparency and accountability — especially the last two, given the spate of financial scandals in the government recently — and the Performance Management Division of the Cabinet Secretariat will write to all ministries and departments to list three potential areas of corruption in the schemes they implement or areas they work in, as well as identify the discretionary powers that are enjoyed by the Minister or secretary concerned.
Smita Gupta The Hindu 21st February: 2011

RESULT OF THE LIMITED DEPARTMENTAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION

http://www.sahuliyat.com/

RECRUITMENT RULES GROUP 'C' POSTS IN PAY BAND 1 WITH GRADE

AB 1401 71612009-Estt(RR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

New Delhi, the 17thFebruary, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Recruitment Rules Group 'C' posts in Pay Band 1 with Grade
Pay of Rs. 1800 (pre-revised Group D posts).

Reference is invited to OM of even number dated 30th Apri1,2010 circulating Model Recruitment Rules for Group C posts in Pb-1 with Grade Pay of Rs.1800. In this Department's OM dated 12Ih May,2010, Ministries / Departments were requested to intimate their requirements for non-technical Group 'C' posts PB-1 Grade Pay of Rs1800 to SSC immediately so that Commission could initiate action for recruitment. However, several Ministries / Departments are yet to notify the revised Recruitment Rules as per the Model Recruitment Rules circulated by DOPT even though the vacancies in Group C, PB-1 Grade Pay Rs.1800 have been communicated by them to the concerned Regional Office of Staff Selection Commission. In view of the ensuing examination to be conducted by Staff Selection Commission for the Multi-Tasking Staff, DOPT has issued Umbrella Notification No. AB 140 171612009-Estt(RR) dated 8th February, 2011 for regulating the educational and other qualifications for direct recruits for the posts which were in Group D scale prior to the implementation of Sixth Central Pay Commission and have been placed in Group C in PB-1, GP Rs.1800. The Umbrella Notification has been circulated to all the Ministries /Departments of Government of India also.

2. It is, however, reiterated that all the Ministries / Departments will initiate action on priority basis for revising the Recruitment Rules circulated by this Department.

(Smita Kumar)
Director (E. 1)
Te1.23092479

All Ministries/Departments of Govt. of India

FILLING UP OF THE POSTS IN THE CADRE OF POSTMASTER( Click Here For link)

FILLING UP OF THE POSTS IN THE CADRE OF POSTMASTER( Click Here For link)http://http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Pdf/No.4-17-2008-SPB-II.pdf

RTI REPLY BY DOPT ON GP OF LDCs/UDCs

No. 20/57/2010-CSII(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personal & Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personal & Training
CSII (B) Section
Lok Nayak Bhawan,
New Delhi, dated 31 January 2011.
To
Shri Pinaki Acharya,
UDC NSSO, SDRD,
Mahalonobis Bhawan,
164,GLT Road, Kolkata-700108

Sub: Information sought under Right to Information Act, 2005.
Please refer to your RTI application dated 3/1/2011 (received in this Division on 21/1/2011 through Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation vide their letter No. 34019/1/2010-RTI dated 11.1.2011). Point wise information is furnished as under:
2. With regard to point (A), it is informed that this Department has not received any memorandum/request from any Central Government Employees Associations/ Department for merger of the post of LDC & UDC. However this Department has received representations from Associations for up gradation of the grade pay of LDCs & UDCs of CSCS cadre. The issue regarding up gradation of the grade pay of LDCs & UDCs is being examined by the Anomaly Committee of the DOP&T. Further, a proposal to allow grade pay of Rs. 4200/ in Pay Band 2 to UDCs of CSCS and Stempgraphers Grade 'D' of CSSS who have completed 4/5 years of approved service in the grade, w.e.f. 1/1/2006 is under examination of this Department in consultation with the Ministry of Finance.
3. With regard to point B, a copy of your RTI application is being forwarded to concerned CPIO i.e. Under Secretary, Estt. (D), DOP&T, North Block, New Delhi as the subject matter related to implementation of MACP Scheme pertain to them. 4. Appeal, if any, may be made to Sh. Rajiv Manjhi, DS (CSII), 1st appellate Authority, CS-II Division, DOP&T, 3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi within 30 days from the receipt of this letter.
Yours faithfully
Sd/
(J. MINZ)
Under Secretary/CPIO

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

CONF/3/2011 Dated: 16.02.2011

Dear Comrade,

The third meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held on 15/02/2011. The following items were taken up for discussion. No final decision on any item could be arrived at. It was more or less an exercise to understand the points of view of both sides on these items. We shall in our next communication indicate the outcome of discussion on each item.

Item Nos. 11, 12&13, 14, 20, 28,29&30, 31,37, 38,39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50 and 51.

During the discussion the Staff brought to the notice of the official side that the issues pertaining to the employees of Andaman and Nicobar islands, which were taken out of the agenda on the plea that the same would be discussed separately by a Committee to be set up by the Andaman Administration have not been settled. The NGO Association of A & N Islands have brought to the notice of the staff side that the A & N Administration has not taken any steps to resolve the problems even though similar issues pertaining to the employees of Pondicherry and Delhi were settled. The Official side has promised to take up the issue with the concerned in the Home Ministry to ensure that the issues are addressed expeditiously.

The official side has in the Action Taken State has indicated their inability to concede the demand raised by the Staff Side on the following two issues.

(a) Grant of increment in the case of employees whose increment falls between Feb and June. 2006.

(b) Fixing the pay of the promotees on par with the Direct recruits.

Though these issues were not discussed, the Staff Side has said that a resolution to them are urgently needed.

The official side has requested the Staff Side to indicate the items on which further discussions are needed; further details are required; and alternative suggestions could be made within 10 days so that the next and final meeting of the Committee could be convened before 31st March, 2011. It was also decided that the sub-committee of the MACP related issued will meet once again and their report submitted to the NAC.

With greetings,

No.21/1/2011-CS(P)

Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 14th February, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Non-relieving of CCS officers under transfer on Rotational Transferor on Promotion-Reg.

This has reference to the notification No. 1/8/09-CS.I (P) dated 17.9.2010 amending Rule 19 of CCS Rules 2009 prescribing the time limit of 45 days within which CCS officers under transfer, either on Rotational Transfer or on promotion ,must be relieved of their duties in their present Ministries/Departments. It was also laid down in the CCS (Amendment) Rules 2010 that if an officer is not relieved with in forty-five days or such further period as referred to in Sub-rule (1), the officer shall be 'deemed' to have been relieved by the cadre-unit in which he is working and thereafter the officer shall not be entitled to draw any salary and allowances for the period of such overstay from the cadre unit from where the cadre officer was transferred.
2. It is noticed that some of the Ministries/Departments are not complying with the provision of the amended Rule 19 of CSS of 2010 on the pretext that references have been made by them to this Department against the transfer orders.
3. While every efforts is made to immediately reply to the aforesaid references against transfers, it is sometimes not possible to do so due to a large number of such references being received in DOP&T.
4. Mere references being made to DOP&T against such transfer/promotion orders by some cadre units cannot be taken as a plea for non-implementation of DOP&Ts orders within the prescribed limit .It is, therefore, once again reiterated that in case a reply from this Department, extending the time limit for relieving of the Officer is not received, the Ministries. Departments must relieve of the concerned officers within the original time limit.
5. This may please be noted for strict compliance by all Ministries/Departments.
6. This issues with the approval of Secretary (P).
Sd/-
(M.C.Luther)
Director (CS.1)
Tel. No. 24629411

CLARIFICATIONS NEW PROCEDURE DECEASED CLAIM SB – ORDER 2/2011




TAX EXEMPTION ON GRATUITY

The government has hiked the limits of gratuity payment from Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs. This enhanced limit is applicable to employees who retire, become incapacitated before retirement, expire or whose services were terminated on or after May 24, 2010. As per Section 10(10) of Income Tax Act, gratuity is paid when an employee completes five or more years of full-time service with the employer. In respect of government employees, any death-cum-retirement gratuity received under the pension rules or scheme of the central or state government, or regulations applicable to the members of defence services, is not taxable. In case of gratuity received under the Gratuity Act, 1972, any gratuity received to the extent that it does not exceed an amount calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Gratuity Act is not taxable. For employees receiving gratuity other than under the government pension or gratuity scheme and also other than under the Payment of Gratuity Act, the computation mechanism in respect of exemption limits has been specified in the IT Act. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a notification increasing the overall tax exemption to Rs 10 lakhs. The gratuity received by an employee is not taxable if it is received on his retirement, his becoming incapacitated prior to such retirement, termination of employment or if such gratuity is received by his widow, children or dependants on his death. Further, such gratuity does not exceed one-half month's salary for each year of completed service, calculated on the basis of the average salary for 10 months immediately preceding the month in which such retirement or death takes place, subject to the limits prescribed by the central government. Salary for this purpose includes dearness allowance, but excludes all other allowances and perquisites. Also, as per some judicial precedents, completed service would mean a total period of service whether under one employer or more. In case any such gratuities are received by an employee from more than one employer in the same financial year, the aggregate amount so exempt should not exceed the overall exemption limit. Similarly, if gratuities were received in one or more financial years, the exempt amount claimed earlier has to be taken into account while computing the exemption at present. What is gratuity? Gratuity is a retirement benefit. An employer may offer gratuity out of his own funds or may purchase a group gratuity plan from a life insurer. In case the employer chooses a life insurer, annual contributions as decided by the insurer have to be paid. The gratuity paid by the insurer will depend on the terms of the group gratuity scheme.
ET Bureau 13th February, 2011.

POSTAL BANK AND POSTAL ATM

Department of Posts is going to introduce Banking service through Post Offices. All post offices will also work as Post Banks. ATMs will also be introduced along with Postal Banks.

Department of post is going to launch post bank and prepaid card scheme very shortly all the regional heads of all circles have been directed to personally identify and expedite the manner of installation of ATM,s in Head post offices. RBI approval and License is awaited. As part of core banking process all existing accounts are now updated in computers. The circle heads are frequently stressed to complete the signature scanning of all A/c holders as early as possible. A centralized server possibly at Ghaziabad is proposed to be constituted which will automatically extract data from all HO & SO as when the counter clerk enters a transaction. The role Of SBCO will be minimized. The preservation of records at all HOs will be considerably reduced.

Under Prepaid card scheme which is to be launched in collaboration with banks,. all expenses are to be borne by banks. Cards will be issued to customers who have Savings account only and later expanded to other customers. With help of card one can withdraw money in POs/ Any ATM/make purchase in any merchant outlets. A minimum charge will be levied for each operation. Minimum load is Rs 1000 maximum reload to card is Rs50000. Maximum withdrawal is 10000 per day and only four times can a card be used in a single given day.

USE OF PRESCRIBED ACCOUNT OPENING FORM PPF: SB ORDER 01/2011 


MEETING OF DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No.35-1/2011-SPB.II
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi, Dated the 07-Feb, 2011.
To

All Chief Postmaster General
All Postmaster General
All Postal Training Centres
CGM,PLI Directorate, Chanakayapuri Post Office Complex , New Delhi.

Sub: Meeting of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPCs)/Selection Committees-Furnishing of certificates by the Chairperson/Members of the Committees.

Sir/Madam
I am directed to say that under Rule 26(a) of Appendix No. 37 of Postal Manual Volume-IV, a certificate has been prescribed to be furnished by the Supervising officer on conclusion of the examination in the last paper, inter-alia certifying that no relation of either the Supervisory Officer or any of the Invigilators took the examination in that Centre.

2. Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) vide its O.M. No. 22011/8/87-Estt. (D) dated 03.06.1989, while referring to Supreme Court/ High Court rulings that participation in the deliberations of Selection Committees/DPCs by such members whose near relatives are being considered by the Committees is against the principles of natural justice, has instructed that a certificate may be obtained from DPC Chairman/Members to the effect that none of his/her close relatives are being considered by the Committee , sufficiently in advance before commencement of the Committee meeting ,so that the appointing authority can alternate arrangements if necessary.(Copy enclosed)

3. Subsequently, DOPT vide its O.M. No. 22012/1/97-Estt. (D), dated 23.5.2001 directed that while sending the Agenda Papers of the DPC to the Chairperson and to the Members of the DPC, each one of them may specifically be asked to furnish the information to the Appointing Authority sufficiently in advance stating that none of his/her close relative is being considered by the DPC and that he/she (Chairperson/Members) is otherwise also not interested in nay particular candidate. Members of the DPC are also required to endorse a copy of such certificate to the Chairperson of the DPC in advance. In the event of the Chairperson/Members not being in a position to participate in the meeting this would facilitate making alternate arrangement (as the case may be) in time by nominating officers of equivalent ranks to function as the Chairperson/Members of the DPC , if permissible according to the provisions of the relevant Recruitment Rules (Copy enclosed) .
4. In view of the above , Recruiting Authorities/Appointing Authorities in the Circles are requested to obtain a Certificate in the manner prescribed by the DOP&T from all members of Selection Committees/Departmental Promotion Committee on their nomination to the Committee/DPC well before beginning the actual recruitment process.
Sd/-
(D.K. Chanda)
Section Officer (SPB.II)

REVIEW OF CADRE STRUCTURING - REGARDING.

N0.35034/9/2010-Estt. (D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
Establishment (D)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 10th February, 2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Review of Cadre structuring - Regarding.

In pursuance of the decision taken in the 2" meeting of the National Anomaly
Committee held on 27.03.2010, a Joint Committee to examine the anomalies pertaining to the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) was constituted vide Department of Personnel & Training (D0PT)'s O.M. No.11/1/2010-JCA dated 03.05.2010.

2. The issue of providing an option to organisations/cadres to have a choice for the benefits under the earlier ACPS or the MACPS was also discussed in the meeting of the Joint Committee. While the issue would require further deliberations, it is reiterated that MACPS (as was the case with the ACPS) is a fall back option in the event of promotions not taking place. Cadre structure needs to be reviewed periodically to harmonise the functional needs of the organisation and career progression of employees. Accordingly, all concerned are advised to review the cadre structure in a time bound manner with a view to mitigate problem of stagnation.
.
3. All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to the contents of this O.M. for guidance and appropriate action in the matter

4. Hindi version will follow.
Sd/-
(Smita Kumar)
Director (Estt.I)
Tel.No.23092479

n f p e

Thursday 10 February 2011

2011 february, 13,14,15
thekkady (kumily) - idukki division - kerala circle.
programme
08.00 am : Registration of Delegates
09.30 AM : Flag Hoisting and Homage to Martyrs.
10.00 AM : Inaugural Session
Welcome Speech : Com: P.S.Rajan,
Chairman, Reception Committee,
General Secretary, Kerala
Plantation Labour Federation.
Presided by : Com: D.K.Rahate
All India President, NFPE.
Inaugural Address : Class - I
Subject : Imperialist Globalisation and the
Role of Working Class.
by: Com.P.Rajeev, MP,
Member, Parliamentary Standing
Committee for Communications & IT
11.30 AM : Class - II
Subject : History of the Postal Trade Union
Movement and our present day task.
by: Com: M.Krishnan,
Secretary General, NFPE.
03.00 PM : Class - III
Subject : Policy Offensives in the
Dept. of Posts and our role.
by: Com.K.Raghavendran,
Ex-Secretary General, NFPE.
05.00 PM : Class - IV
Subject : Central Govt. Employees and the
IndianWorking Class
Movement.
by: Com: C.C.Pillai
Ex-Secretary General, NFPE.
07.00 PM : Cultural Programmes.
14-02-2011 - Monday
09.00 AM : Class - V
Subject : Service Matters and the role of
Trade Union Activists.
by: Com: K.V.Sridharan,
General Secretary, AIPEU Gr.C (Chq)
11.00 AM : Class - VI
Subject : Disciplinary Rules - Role of
Defence Assistants & Unions.
by: Sri.M.Chandrasekharan Nair
Rtd. Senior Superintendent of
Post Offices.
13.00 PM : Presentation of Credential Report.
by: Com: R.N.Parashar
Asst.Secretary General, NFPE.
02.00 PM : Seminar
Subject : Future of India Post -
Challenges and Opportunities.
Welcome Speech : Com: M.Krishnan
Secretary General, NFPE.
Presided by : Com: D.K.Rahate
President, NFPE.
Presentation by Chief Guest: Sri. P.K.Gopinath
Member (P) Postal Services Board.
Speech by : Mrs. Shoba Koshy
Chief Postmaster General,
Kerala Circle.
Interaction with the Delegates
4.00 PM : Vote of Thanks
by: Com: Iswar Singh Dabas,
General Secretary, PIV Union.
04.15 PM : Felicitation to Com:
T.M.Peerumuhammed
All India Vice President P-IV, and
Working Chairman,
Reception Committee
(Retired from service on 31.1.2011).
04.30 PM : CAMP REVIEW AND ORGANISATIONAL
DISCUSSION.
Lead by : Com: M.Krishnan, SG, NFPE
Com: K.V.Sridharan, GS, P-3
Com: I.S.Dabas, GS, P-4
Com: Giriraj Singh, GS, R-3
Com: P.Suresh, GS, R-4
Com: Pranab Bhattacharjee, GS,
Admn.(P) Union.
Com: T.Sathyanarayanan, GS, AIPAEA
Com: Appanraj, GS, AIPSBCOEA
Com: S.A.Rahim, GS, AIPCWEA.
Vote of Thanks : Com: T.D.Jose,
General Convener,
Reception Committee.
06.30 PM : Camp Concludes
15-02-2011 - Tuesday
: Trip to Munnar
08.00AM : Sight Seeing.

NOTIFICATION

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, dated 8th February, 2011

G.S.R.- In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 and clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution, and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules regulating the educational and other qualifications for direct recruits for the posts which were in Group 'D' Scales prior to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and have been placed in Group 'C' in Pay Band 1 (Rs. 5200-20200) plus Grade Pay of Rs. 1800/- in the Central Civil Services and Civil Posts in connection with the affairs of the Union, namely:-

1. Short title and commencement.-

(1) These rules'may be called the Central Civii Services and Civil Posts, Group 'C' posts in Pay Band 1 (Rs. 5200-20200) plus Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- (Educational and other Qualifications for Direct Recruitment) Rules, 2011.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Application.- These rules shall apply to ail posts which were in Group 'D' Scales (including the posts of Record Keepers in Group 'C' in Indian Audit and Accounts Department) prior to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and have been placed in Group 'C' in Pay Band 1 (Rs. 5200- 20200) plus Grade Pay of Rs. 1800/- in the Central Civii Services and Civil Posts under the Central Government and the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.

3. Educational and other qualifications.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any recruitment rules relating to the Group 'D' posts (including the posts of Record Keepers in Group 'C' in Indian Audit and Accounts Department) prior to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, the educational and other qualifications required for persons to be eligible to be appointed to Group 'C' posts in Pay Band 1 Rs. 5200-20200 plus Grade Pay Rs. 1800/- by the method of direct recruitment shall be as under, namely:

"Matriculation pass or equivalent from a recognised Board
or
Industrial Training institute pass Certificate from a recognised
institute".

(NO. No.AB-14017/6/2009-Estt (RR)
Sd/-
(Mamta Kundra)
Joint Secretary to the Government of India

REFERRAL OF CGHS BENEFICIARIES TO EMPANELLED

No.S.11011/23/2009-CGHS D.II/Hospital Cell(Part I)
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare

Maulana Azad Road, Nirman Bhawan
New Delhi 110 108 dated the 7th February2011

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Referral of CGHS beneficiaries to empanelled Super-Specialty Hospitals

With reference to the subject mentioned above, the undersigned is directed to state that several representations have been received from CGHS beneficiaries regarding problems faced by them in obtaining permission to undergo treatment at Super-Specialty hospitals. The matter has been reviewed and it has now been decided to simplify the procedure for obtaining treatment from CGHS empanelled super-specialty hospitals .Attention is drawn to para 6.2 of office memorandum of even number dated 17th August 2010 wherein it was stated that

"CGHS beneficiaries have, so far, been the option to get themselves treated in any hospital of their choice. However, in view of the increased outgo on getting treatment in super-specialty hospitals, it has now been decided that CGHS beneficiaries desirous of getting treated in super-specialty hospitals, in non-emergency conditions, prior approval of the concerned Additional Director, CGHS would have to be obtained".

The above mentioned procedure is modified to read as follows:

"CGHS beneficiaries have, so far, been the option to get themselves treated in any hospital of their choice. However, in view of the increased outgo on getting treatment in super-specialty hospitals, it has now been decided that CGHS beneficiaries desirous of getting treated in super-specialty hospitals, in non-emergency conditions, prior approval of the concerned Chief Medical Officer-in-Charge, of the CGHS Wellness Centre would have to be obtained."

Sd/-
(R.Ravi)
Director
{Tel: 23063483}

RATE OF CALCULATING ENTITLEMENT TO EARNED LEAVE (E.L)

No. 13026 1112010-Estt. ( Leave)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi, the 7th February, 201 1

Office Memorandum

Sub: Rate of calculating entitlement to Earned Leave (E.L) and Half Pay Leave (HPL).

The undersigned is directed to say that matter regarding entitlement of a Government servant, who dies while in service, to Earned Leave under Rule 27(2)(b) and Half Pay Leave Rule 29 (2) (c) of the CCS (Leave) Rules 1977 has been under consideration of this Department.

2. At present rule 27 (2) (b) says 'when a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service or dies while in service, credit is allowed at the rate of 2% days per completed calendar month up to the end of the calendar month preceding the calendar month in which he is removed or dismissed from service or dies in service.' Similarly Rule 29 (c) says 'When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service or dies while in service, credit of half pay leave shall be allowed at the rate of 513 days per completed calendar month up to the end of the calendar month preceding the calendar month in which he is removed or dismissed from service or dies in service.'

3. These rules adversely affect cases where the death of a serving Government Servant occurs on the last day of the month as the day of death is treated as his last working day. Clause (b) of sub rule (2) of rule 27 and clause (c) of sub-rule (2) of rule 29 of the CCS Leave Rules is modified as under:-

Rule 27 (2) (b) 'When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service, credit is allowed at the rate of 2% days per completed calendar month up to the end of the calendar month preceding the calendar month in which he is removed or dismissed from service. When a Government Servant dies, while in service, credit of Earned Leave shall be allowed at the rate of 2% days per completed month of service up to the date of death of the Government Servant.'

Rule 29 (2) (c) 'When a Government servant is removed or dismissed from service. credit of Half Pay Leave shall be allowed at the rate of 513 days per completed calendar month up to the end of the calendar month preceding the calendar month in which he is removed or dismissed from service. When a Government Servant dies while in service, credit of Half Pay Leave shall be allowed at the rate of 513 days per completed month of service up to the date of death of the Government Servant.'

4. These orders take effect from the date of issue.

5. So far as persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Departments are concerned, these orders are being issued after consultation with the C&AG of India.

6. Hindi version will follow. Sd/-
(Zoya C. B.)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

COUNTING OF ADHOC SERVICES RENDERED BY


IMMEDIATE
No.44-1/2011-SPB-II
Government of India
Ministry of Communication & IT
Department of Posts
New Delhi, Dated the 13.01.2011
To,
All Heads of Postal CircleSubject: - Counting of adhoc services rendered by Reserve Trained Pool (RTP) PAs/SAs forpromotion.Sir, I am directed to enclose herewith a copy of letter No.P/1-1/AIC, dated 29.12.2010 addressed to Hon'ble MOS (C&IT) (K) by the General Secretary, All India Postal Employees Union Group 'C', New Delhi on the above subject.2. It may be stated that Department of Posts had introduced a scheme in the yea1983 to enable candidates from the Reserve Training Pool (RTP) of Postal Assistants (PAs)/Sorting Assistants (SAs) to opt for service in Army Postal Service (APS). After having been brought on the RTP, they were appointed for a short period as PA/SA on adhoc basis and then deputed to the APS. The RTP candidates deputed to APS were eligible to get the benefit of regular appointment in the Civil Post from the date their immediate junior was appointed on a regular basis in the Civil Post. RTP scheme has since been abolished w.e.f 04.03.86. Hon'ble Supreme Court in C.A. No. 5739 of 2005 in the case of UOI Vs. Shri. Mathivanan vide their judgment dated 09.06.2006 had held that adhoc service rendered in APS should be counted for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under TBOP scheme. Keeping in view the Apex court's decision in M. Mathivanan's case and the fact that TBOP is not to be granted on the basis of seniority it was decided to extend the benefit of the Apex court's order to similarly placed serving officials vide Directorate's letter No. 93-25/2003-SPB-II dated 26.07.2010. The Service Association in their letter under reference has stated that existing regular PAs/SAs who were earlier retained in the RTP and appointed on ad-hoc basis in the Circles had approached Hon'ble CAT and their adhoc service has been counted as regular service for all purposes. Thus, they have demanded to extend the same benefit to similarly placed persons. In this connection, the circles are requested to furnish the following:(a) No. of officials retained by the Circle under RTP scheme and the after appointed as PA/SA on ad-hoc basis.
(b) No. of such ad-hoc officials who were thereafter appointed as PA/SA on regularbasis and (i) retained in the Circles as such and (ii) deputed in APS.
(c) Whether any of such PA/SA appointed after rendering ad-hoc service andregularized and retained in the Circle itself has approached Hon'ble CAT for regularization of their ad-hoc service?
(d) If so, number of such PA/SA regularized may be intimated and
(e) Copies of the Court's orders, CO order implementing these court orders along with letter number of Directorate under which approval has been obtained by the Circle for implementation of the Court's orders may be furnished to the Directorate.Encl: As above
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(Suran Bhan)
Asstt. Director General (SPN

PERSONALISED STAMPS FROM INDIA POST - MY STAMP


Now your Face also on Stamps !! Department of Post to launch Customized stamps. Next time when you post an envelop, you can have a portrait of yours struck on the place of stamp !!. This is a new scheme named as "My Stamp" which will be introduced in the World Philatelic Exhibition - Indipex 2011 to be held at New Delhi next week. The stamp will have two parts-the currency part and the photograph-detachable from each other. If the experiment with individual consumers is successful, Indian companies may also be allowed to carry their own logos and postage stationery in future, the spokeswoman added.
Thus Infosys, Wipro or Reliance may have its logo embedded in postage stationery, which can be personalised when a company achieves a certain milestone, as well. These milestones can be a large deal, a new CEO, an international listing or a big acquisition, which the company would like to be highlighted to its key audience.For now, personalised postage is allowed only for individual citizens. One can also bring one's own or spouse's photo with an ID card, to have it converted into a personalised stamp.
My Stamp Features* Will be Introduced in World Philatelic Exhibition which is to be held in Delhi Next Week.* You can your Face on the stamp.* Currently applicable to Individuals only.* Customer has to bring one's own or spouse's photo with an ID Card.* Rs 150 for 8 stamp sheets.* Stamp Background in 6 themes.* Themes include Taj Mahal, Tale of Pancha Tantra, Trains, Wildlife, Aeroplanes and Sun Signs.* Initially available in selected Post offices only."'My Stamp' is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions such as engagements, birth of a baby, or to send as greetings to loved ones,"

RURAL POST OFFICES MAY SET UP ATMs-

NEW DELHI: The government may allow post offices to set up automated teller machines, or ATMs , at rural areas, in an attempt to further strengthen the role of India Post in financial inclusion. India Post, which is working on major improvements in the payment process for social sector schemes like NREGA, will set up ATM networks in selected areas to give people access to online banking services. "Central, state and local governments are increasingly preferring government benefit payments to be routed through banks rather than using postal services. We need to innovate so as to continue to play dominant role in financial inclusion," said a senior official with ministry of communications and information technology. According to the official, the move to provide ATM services to its account holders will put them on a par with banks and other financial institutions working in this space and further strengthen their case for a banking licence. Earlier, a committee on micro finance and poverty alleviation working under the aegis of Planning Commission had also suggested setting up of Gramtells (rural ATMs) at Post Offices. At present, only 45% of the Indian population has access to basic banking services. The Postal Department, with its 1.55 lakh branches, already offers a host of financial services such as life insurance. "We are working towards convergence of the reach of Postal Offices with the government's financial inclusion agenda," said the official. The plan for integration between different arms of the government on financial inclusion was also discussed in a meeting of the Committee of Secretaries, held last week. "Various mechanisms have been proposed (for convergence) and are being discussed," confirmed a finance ministry official. The government is looking at opening five crore accounts in the selected 73,000 villages having a population of up to 2000, by March 2012.
The Economic Times

POST OFFICES IN THE SERVICE OF UNIQUE IDENTITY PROJECT

Sandeep Joshi
Strategic partnership forged for registration, distribution of UID Cards
NEW DELHI: The Department of Posts on Friday announced a strategic partnership with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for registration and distribution of unique identification (UID) cards to citizens.
The UIDAI will leverage the DoP national network for its unique identity project AADHAR. The two organisations will also collaborate to provide state-of-the-art biometric and identity authentication services.
"The government sees UID as a critical initiative to achieve inclusive growth. We have an opportunity to use post offices for inclusive growth through this partnership. If we understand the road ahead, post offices will be the centre for empowering people. India Post has geared itself to undertaking this huge responsibility with due care and diligence. Delivery of AADHAR to each resident will be available for tracking and confirmation," Communications and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said after the tie-up.
UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani said: "This is not a tactical but strategic partnership, where we will leverage the existing infrastructure of the DoP to reach out to the masses for providing UID. All AADHAR-based applications would be accessible through post offices."
The UIDAI floated a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to finalise the agency that would set up and manage infrastructure for registration and distribution of UID cards at post offices, Mr. Nilekani said.
"The RFQ will be opened in the next couple of days, and then we will finalise agencies to set up and manage infrastructure across all 1.5 lakh post offices," said UIDAI Director-General and Mission Director R.S. Sharma.
The new partnership will add to the infrastructure of the UIDAI, which has over 10 lakh enrolment centres in nine States. It has installed around 5,000 devices for collection of citizens' biometric impressions like fingerprints and retinal scanners. These devices could collectively enrol 2.5 lakh people a day, Mr. Sharma said

The Hindu 05 February, 2011.

Department of Posts is striving to provide complete solution for delivering the Unique Identification Number to all the residents in the country. A Statement of Intent is today being signed between Department of Posts and UIDAI in the presence of the Hon'able Minister of Communications and IT and the Hon'able Chairman of UIDAI.

2. The main purpose of this Statement is to forge strategic alliance to create value for both the Department of Posts and the UIDAI and for the residents of India.

Salient Features of Statement of Intent to being signed today, the 4th of February 2011

 UIDAI wishes to leverage the national network of the Department of Posts to provide Aadhaar and the accompany authentication services to all residents.

 Department of Posts and UIDAI wish to collaborate to provide state of art bio-metric and ID authentication services to the residents.

 Providing of enrolment and updation facility to the residents of India in identified post offices across the country subject to economic & operational viability.

 Facilitating continuing Aadhaar enrolment and provision of up-dation centres across the network of Post Offices subject to feasibility & on mutually agreed terms

 Transmission and delivery of UID letters to the residents of the country and providing proof of delivery of these letters through a service specially customized for UIDAI

 Use of Aadhaar and Aadhaar based authentication services in Postal business where deemed fit by Department of Posts;

 Sharing demographic and biometric data collected during enrolment for Aadhaar on mutually agreed terms & conditions;

 Utilizing Media Post and Direct Mail services of Department of Posts by the UIDAI to targeted group of residents across the country to promote Aadhar on mutually agreed terms & conditions.

 In a recognition of the fact that Aadhaar enablement may call for running Proof of Concept and Pilot projects both side agree to do so where deemed necessary and subject to mutual convenience. Such exercises as may be undertaken in pursuit of this understanding will endeavour to produce Detailed Project Reports which can be effectively used to scale up the projects on successful completion.
3. The mandate of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is to provide a Unique Identification Number to each and every resident of the country. This involves:-

a) Capture of demographic and bio-metric data of each and every resident.
b) Generating a Unique Identification Number for each resident of the country.
c) Printing a communication carrying the Unique Identification Number addressed to each resident.
d) Delivery of this communication to the resident.
e) Updation of resident's data on a periodic basis.

4. Department of Posts has a vast network of post offices across the country which touches each and every resident of the country. The Department of Posts, therefore, is the only organization in the country that can provide an end to end comprehensive solution to the requirements of the UIDAI in this regard.

5. In view of above, Department of Posts and UIDAI came together and signed their first
Memorandum of Understanding on 30th April, 2010. This MOU covers the following areas:-

a) Printing of communication carrying UID Number addressed to the resident at Department of Posts 'Print to Post' facility at Kolkata GPO.
b) Transmission of the UID communications printed at Department of Posts' 'Print to Post' facility to the addressee by the fastest means.
c) Delivery of the UID communication to the addressee through the vast network of post offices across the country.

6. The 'Print to Post' facility of Department of Posts at Kolkata is expected to print and dispatch about 1 crore UID letters upto March 31, 2011. During the year 2011-12, Department of Posts is expected to print and deliver about 12 crore UID letters.

7. Subsequently, Department of Posts signed the second Memorandum of Understanding with UIDAI on the September 18, 2010 wherein Department of Posts agreed to act as Registrar to UIDAI. UIDAI is in the process of shortlisting the Enrolment Agencies that will manage the Enrolment Stations in the identified post offices. More than 3700 post offices across the country have been identified for providing enrolment stations facility.

HON'BLE MOC & IT HAVE LAUNCHED DOMESTIC FLAT RATE BOXES

Details of the Flat Rate Parcel Boxes are given below: Flat Rate Parcel Box size Dimension of boxes Weight Tariff (in mm) (in Kg.) (in Rs.)Small - S 250x50x300 - 0 to 1 - 125Medium - M 250x100x300 - Above 1 to 2.5 - 200Large - L 250x200x300 - Above 2.5 to 5 - 400Customers can purchase and book the Flat Rate Parcel Boxes
from any of the identified Computerized Post Offices (HO/SO). Flat Rate Parcel Boxes will be delivered at all addresses in India. Courtesy: Sri. Venkat Ragavan Inspector Posts, CEPT ,PTC, Mysore

HELP NFPE TO SERVE YOU BETTER

NFPE is Committed to take up each and every problems of Postal Employees with the authorities concerned, and is doing its best for realization of the pressing demands of All Sections of the Employees. As all of you are aware for better functioning one of the pre-requisite is sound financial position .We are thankful to all those who are contributing to NFPE for improving its financial position. Over and above quota and donation received from Branches, INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS from members BY WAY OF DONATIONS are also most welcome. We request our members to Donate liberally to NFPE so that we can serve you better.

The name and address of those members who are donating more than 500/- will be published in the "POSATAL CRUSADER" monthly Journal of NFPE

MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH STAFF SIDETO DISCUSS

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
(SR Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad marg
New Delhi, dated 28th January, 2011
No. 1/2/2010-SR

Subject: Meeting of the Committee held on 21.01.2011 to consider issues relating to the Postman-Circulation of Minutes.

Please find enclosed a copy of Minutes of the meeting of committee constituted under chairpersonship of CGM, MB&O to discuss issues relating to Postmen, which was held on 21.01.2011 at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, for information and necessary action.

2. Action Taken Report on the decisions taken may be furnished by MB Division at the earliest

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


MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH STAFF SIDETO DISCUSS THE POSTMAN ISSUES,
CHAIRED BY MS.KALPANA TEWARI, CGM (MB),
ON 21ST JANUARY, 2011 AT DAK BHAWAN, NEW DELHI-1

The management side was represented by the following officials:

Sh. Subhash Chander, Director (SR)
Sh. Aman Sharma,ADG MO

The Staff Side was represented by the following Union Office bearers:

1. Sh. M.Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE
2. Sh.I.S. Dabas, General Secretary, AIPEU Postman.
3. Sh. D.Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO
4. Sh.T.N. Rahate, General Secretary, NUPE Postman & Gr. D

The following issues were discussed during the meeting:

1. Extraction of data entry work from Postmen- It was pointed out that a lot of PA recruitment has being and being done by the Department to reduce the shortfall in this cadre. Also the impact of the ICT project will also reduce the data work as data shall increasingly be captured at source. However, in order to assess the data entry work being taken from Postman staff, report shall be called from the Circles and a study can also be considered to find out the kind of additional work that is being done by the Postman staff.

2. Irregular computation of working hours for Postman in field units- The actual shortfall in Postman cadre shall be ascertained by the management and Circles shall be requested to provide their feedback on the letter issued by DDG Estt. The staff side was requested to clearly point out their perceived shortfalls in the reports of the Work Study group. Thereafter, management to consider if further work study is required for which staff side can be requested to provide their inputs.

3. Renewal of minimum cycleable distance for grant of Cycle Maintenance Allowance to postmen. It was decided that the matter shall be discussed with Establishment division in orde to decide on this issue.

4. Scheme of payment of incentive to postman for delivery of Speed Post – It was decided that management shall assess the Speed Post delivery workload of the postman staff in order to understand the issue and come up with a solution.

5. Maximum Beat length of the postman-Management agreed to undertake a study to assess the average beat length of postmen across the country. The data will be collected and analyzed to consider any changes as may be desirable in the changed scenario.

DECENTRALIZATION OR DESTABILIZATION?

PA Wing has arranged a presentation on Introduction of Accrual based accountancy and re-organization of Postal Accounts to the Staff Side in the Committee hall, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi on 01-02-2011. Sri. Manish Sinha, DDG(PAF) has given the out-line of the concept and DDG(Finance) made the presentation on the topic.

Director(PA-Admn), Director(IA),Director(Book) and Director(FA) participated in the presentation. From the Staff Side AIPAEA has represented by Com.S. Santosh Kumar, President (CHQ), Com. T.Satyanarayana, General Secretary, and Com. D.S. Chauhan, A.G.S(CHQ)&C.S Delhi. Sri. S.K. Mishra and others represented the Gr.A Association, Sri.Murali represented the Accounts Officers Association, Shri. V. Pathak and others represented the BPEF.

It is informed that ongoing technological changes in the DOP will also reflect in the Postal Accounts as all the B.O/S.O/H.Os in the country are going to be computerized and net connected by the year 2012. All the transactions will become online. In this backdrop the financial and accounting aspects will also undergo a sweeping change.

The DoP is going for introduction of Accrual accounting system to meet the future requirements from the Regulatory Authorities in Insurance and Finance Sectors. Suitable software will be developed by the service provider for each system and a Core System Integrator will integrate all the operations in the Department.

The present Cash based Accounting system will continue and the accounts will be submitted to the Finance Ministry as usual in the existing form in addition to the preparation of Accounts in the Accrual method for the specific use of the Department. Both streams will be delivered on line. The merits and demerits of the Accrual accountancy are presented. Intensive training to the PAO staff will be provided by Institute of Chartered Accountants.

There after a presentation on the Re-organization of Postal Accounts is given. The Official Side is of the opinion that with the introduction of technology, online transactions and Accrual method, there is a need for identifying the Accounting Unit. The Committee has recommended that the Division is the Accounting unit instead of H.O. It may require the placement of some PAO personal at the Divisional level. The Official Side expressed that so far a concrete decision has not been taken with regard to the structure of the Accounting Unit. It is also intimated that they are not sure about the Accounting Unit i.e. Division or Region or H.O. Hence, they cannot predict the manpower deployment/requirement at present.


It is assured that the presentation material will be supplied and the Associations are welcomed to submit their suggestions, objections etc. As put by the DDG (PAF), this presentation is only to serve the purpose of familiarizing the Staff Side with the concept of Accrual Accounting. Nothing more!

Can we allow disintegration of Postal Accounts in the name of Technology?

We are open to the changes in the technology. This is the declared understanding of the AIPAEA. But can we allow destabilization of the Postal Accounts, its independent status and functional autonomy in the name of the technology? No, we cannot. With the sweeping changes in the IT the trend world over is the centralization and centralized activity. Hence, now re-organizing in the name of technology has little meaning. As per the presentation, now there will be no physical voucher …. Voucher will travel in the electronic form. So the voucher which can travel up to the Accounting Unit i.e. Division can also travel up to Circle PAO. Hence, there will be no additional benefit in Divisionalization.

Hence, AIPAEA categorically made it clear that DECENTRALIZATION OF POSTAL ACCOUNTS IN ANY FORM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. The Authorities themselves at this stage are not sure of the proposed structure and many questions have gone unanswered. We are not prepared to meet the same fate of the SBICO employees which they met years ago in the name of decentralization. AIPAEA has called for its Central Working Committee Meeting at Thekkady and this issue will be thoroughly discussed and appropriate response will be given to the Department.

We have faced many such situations in the past and emerged victorious. This time too we will stand up unitedly and oppose any move to weaken the Postal Accounts organization.

AIPAEA ZINDABAD !! INQUILAB ZINDABAD !! NFPE ZINDABAD !!

The above article is published in the web site of the AIPAE Association. It requires deep study over the structural changes being proposed by the department in the name of complete modernization.

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

National Anomaly Committee Meeting

2nd February 2011
Dear Comrade,

This is to inform you that the meeting of the National Anomaly Committee will be held on 15/02/2011.

With Greetings,

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

INTRODUCTION OF e-VPP