ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION

Thursday, May 19, 2011

PENSIONS BILL CHALLENGED IN SRILANKA

PENSIONS BILL CHALLENGED IN SUPREME COURT – NOT IN INDIA – BUT IT HAPPENS AT SRILANKA:
PRESIDENT CALLS UNIONS FOR A DISCUSSION
The new Employees Pensions Bill which has drawn the ire of employees, employers and trade unions, has been challenged in the Supreme Court by the Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) on a fundamental rights (FR) issue.

Meanwhile President Mahinda Rajapaksa, conscious of the barrage of criticism over the scheme which is to be made mandatory contrary to earlier promises of a voluntary pensions plan, has invited trade unions for a meeting on April 25 – two days before the bill is to be debated in parliament – to discuss issues that concern workers. Anton Marcus, President of the Free Trade Zones and General Service Employees Union which is associated – along with other unions - with the CBEU in the petition, said notices of the FR application have already been sent to the Parliamentary Speaker and the Attorney General. "We are filing a motion in court next week to take up the matter on April 28 and thus it is unlikely that parliament will be able to debate it on April 27," he said. Courts have been on vacation and due to reopen in last week April.

T.M.R.Rasseedin, President of Ceylon Federation of Labour (CFL), like most trade union leaders, is skeptical of meetings with the President. "Going on past experiences, these meetings are an informal gathering mostly attended by pro-government unions. Its not a real dialogue … just some 'mock' discussions with little outcomes, followed by lunch," he said, adding however that his union would attend the meeting.
Mr Marcus said the President's Office should only invite unions represented on the National Labour Advisory Council, which has been raising issues over the pensions scheme, instead of all unions.
E. K. Vithana, Vice-President of the CBEU has been cited as the petitioner in the application which was filed on April 12 and he says the bill is inconsistent with the Constitution which he claims is violated in many ways. He says the bill deprives members of the Employees' Trust Fund of their due entitlements to the dividends realized from the investment of the moneys of this Trust Fund.
Among other issues the CBEU is contesting is that the scheme is mandatory for every employee; there are contradictions in the bill itself as to who becomes members; that it imposes restrictions to legal heirs to claim lump sum amounts upon the death of a member who has fully contributed to this scheme. It says the scheme must be made voluntary.

The petition says that under the bill once an employment is declared to be a 'covered employment' the employees concerned in these employment categories automatically become members without their consent to joining it. All workers who become members of the fund are forced to forgo a certain percentage of their remunerations to be remitted to the said fund. Workers don't have any choice but to remit their hard-earned remuneration to the fund against their will, it said.

".. there are no whatsoever provisions in the bill to the effect that the worker and in his absence his dependents will be entitled without any hindrance to the amount so deducted from the worker and to the interest accrued to that amount," the petition said.
It said workers who make contributions must have a minimum period of 10 years of contributions to qualify for a pension. If an employee does not have the respective number of years required he or she will have to make the balance payments relating to such period, without being employed, which would also include the monthly contribution of the employer as well.

If the employee is unable to make this balance payment he will stand to lose all deductions that were made from earnings. The petition says a large number of young female employees are employed in industrial and export processing zones and the duration of employment of most of these employees is often below 10 years. In such instances, they will stand to lose their remunerations.

The petition has also raised issue over withdrawal of the remittances before a worker completes 10 years of service. Early withdrawal would entitle the worker to only 60% of the contributions.

PRIVATISATION OF ROYAL MAIL - DEFERRED FOR 10 YEARS

Government announces amendments to Postal Services Bill – Temporarily saved from 100% privatization of Royal Mail, U.K.
The government has outlined safeguards which it hopes will help protect the long-term futures of the Royal Mail and Post Office network.
Announced as amendments to the Postal Services Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, the safeguards include an assurance that the Royal Mail will remain the sole provider of the universal service for the next 10 years and that MPs will be kept updated on the commercial relationship between Royal Mail and the Post Office so that further large-scale closures of branches can be prevented.

Under the Postal Services Bill, the government plans to privatise Royal Mail and 'mutualise' Post Office Limited (POL), splitting the two organisations. The mutualisation plans for the Post Office aim to give more say to sub postmasters in the running of the network however the National Federation of Sub Postmasters has called for a 10-year working arrangement between Royal Mail and the POL in order to ensure the its survival.

The announcement was welcomed by Communication Workers Union general secretary Billy Hayes. "The amendments on the universal service and the commercial relationship between Royal Mail and the Post Office have been key campaign aims for the union and we are delighted the government has listened," he said.

INDIA POST'S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WILL BE THE CUSTOMER'S FIRST CHOICE RESULTS FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT (RFD)http://www.indiapost.gov.in/RFD.html

EXPLANATORY NOTE ON CHARTER OF DEMANDS. BYhttp://www.confederationhq.blogspot.com/

LIMITED DEPARTMENTAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION POSTMASTER GRADE-I

INDIA POST PLANS SPECIAL COUNTERS FOR RURAL AREAS:

India Post will set up special counters in areas that do not have access to basic postal services. The move aims to bridge the rural-urban divide by promoting financial inclusion in interior areas.

As a first step towards this, the postal department will carry out a study on the distance people need to travel to reach to a post office. The study, which will arrive at a base figure, will assess the reach of the postal department in realistic terms and determine the areas that are under-served. The department expects to finish the study by the end of the year.

"The figures, which will be derived on a notional basis, will help the department make an estimation of its accessibility on a nationwide scale," said an official in the ministry of communications and information technology.

The India Post initiative will help estimate the current state of financial inclusiveness in the country. Post offices play an important role in government's effort to promote financial inclusion in the country because of their presence in the interiors.

There are over 1.5 lakh post offices in the country, of which 1.39 lakh are in rural areas while almost 16,000 are in urban areas, according to data up to March 2010. On an average, each post office serves 7,176 people and covers an area of approximately 21.21 sq km. India Post has initiated several steps to expand its reach. Presence of post offices is key to the success of several government plans aimed at financial inclusion.

Apart from lending connectivity, post offices play a major role in bringing basic financial services like banking and insurance to remote areas. "Lack of post offices in any area virtually cuts down its connectivity with the rest of the country. So, it is important that we assess our reach and take steps to narrow down the deficiencies wherever they exist," the official said, requesting anonymity. To increase its footprint, India Post has set up franchisee outlets in areas where having a post office is not feasible.

SUBMISSION OF CHARTER OF DEMANDS ACCOMPANIED BY AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME BY JCA

IMPORTANT/URGENT

Copy of the Memorandum to be submitted to Secretary, Department of Posts, CPMGs/PMGs/Divisional Heads on 20.04.2011
JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES
FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANIZATIONS
ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION
NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS
NEW DELHI
No. JCA/AGTN/2011 Date – 20.04.2011
To,
Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy
Secretary
Department of Posts
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
Madam,
Sub: - Problems faced by the Postal and RMS Employees – Submission of Charter of Demands – regarding
Ref: - Our Letter No. JCA/AGTN/2011 dated 01.04.2011
The joint meeting of the National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE), Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) and GDS Unions has reviewed the situation prevailing in the Department of Posts and has decided to organize agitational programmes culminating in indefinite strike from 5th July 2011 for realization of the genuine demands of the Postal and RMS Employees and also to stop the disastrous policy offensives unleashed by the authorities such as closure/merger of Post offices/RMS offices, outsourcing, contractorisation etc. we have already submitted a letter dated 01.04.2011 detailing the issues which are agitating the minds of the entirety of Postal/RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks.
Accordingly, we hereby submit a Charter of Demands containing the items which are to be discussed and settled amicably, failing which we will be compelled to resort to agitational programmes as mentioned in our letter dated 01.04.2011.
With regards,
Yours faithfully,
M. Krishnan
Secretary General, NFPE
D. Theagarajan
Secretary General, FNPO
K. V. Sridharan
General Secretary, AIPEU Group ‘C’
D. Kishan Rao
General Secretary, NAPE Group ‘C’
Ishwar Singh Dabas
General Secretary
AIPEU -Postmen & MSE/Group ‘D’
T. N. Rahate
General Secretary
NAPE Postmen, MTS & Group ‘D’
Giriraj Singh
General Secretary
AIRMS & MMS EU Group ‘C’
D. Theagarajan
General Secretary
R-3, FNPO
P. Suresh
General Secretary
AIRMS & MMS EU MG & Group ‘D’
A. H. Siddique
General Secretary
R-4, FNPO
Pranab Bhattacharjee
General Secretary
AIPAOEU – NFPE
O.P.Khanna
General Secretary
AIPAOA(FNPO)
S. S. Mahadevaiah
General Secretary
AIPEDEU
P.U.Muralidharan
General Secretary
GDS – NUPE
T. Satyanarayanan
General Secretary
AIPAEA
H.L. RAMTEKE
General Secretary
AIPAOA
S. Appanraj
General Secretary
AIPSBCOEA
S. Sambandam
General Secretary
NASBCO
S. A. Raheem
General Secretary
AIPCWEA

IT MODERNIZATION PROJECT

India Post has an approved Plan Project with an outlay of R.1877.2 Crore for IT Modernization Project.

The project has following components:

i. Development of integrated modular scalable applications for mail, banking, Postal Life Insurance advanced financial services and ERP solutions for accounts and HR Operations of the Department.

ii. Provision of ICT devices in rural post offices with required applications for performing postal, banking, insurance, retail operations.

iii. Establishment of IT infrastructure of Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Centre and networking of all Post Offices including Branch Post Offices in the rural areas.

iv. Provision for training, change management, capacity building of the employees of the department along with setting up of the Project Management units of Department, Circle, region and Division levels for smooth and timely implementation of the project

(a) 100 Days Agenda finalized on January 01, 2011 included selection of vendors for the following solutions:-

1. Customer Interaction Management Solution
2. Mail Operation Solution
3. Human Resource Management Solution and Finance and Accounts Solution
4. Banking and Postal Life Insurance Solution
5. Change Management
6. Establishment of Data Centre
7. Rural ICT Service Integrator
8. Network Integrator

(b) Status of compliance

(i) Customer Interaction Management Solution

Objectives:

To enable 24x7 transactions for customers through web portal, call centres and ATMs.

Status:

Vendors have been shortlisted. RFP will be issued on April 15, 2011.

(ii) Mail Operations Solution
Objectives:
a) This will provide full article visibility across the supply of chain – from booking to delivery
b) It will help improve revenue generation through new services/products e.g., Logistics Post.
c) The solution will increase number of delivery channels for services/products, e.g. web portal and call centre.

Status:

Vendors have been shortlisted. RFP will be issued on April 15, 2011.

(iii) Enterprise-wide Human Resource Management Solution and Finance & Accounts Solution

Objective:

a) The solution would enable one single source of data across Department of Posts by online data capture and real time reconciliation
b) The solution would enable centralized payroll processing.
c) The solution would help the Department of Posts move from cash based to accrual based accounting system.
d) The Department Recruitment process would be streamlined.

Status:

Vendors have been shortlisted. RFP will be issued by April 15, 2011

(iv) Banking and Postal Life Insurance Solution:

Banking Solutions objectives

It will lead to Centralized processing of transactions/data, ATMs, Mobile Banking and Real time Banking. This will also enable e-commerce and web channels for customers.

Postal Life Insurance Solution objectives

a) It enables the complete insurance solution by eliminating delays and errors.
b) This will enable the interaction through multiple channels,
c) The solution would also enable safer and faster transactions including premium collection and disbursement.

Status:

RFP has been issued. Technical evaluation of Banking Solution will be completed by April 30, 2011.

(v) Change Management

Objective

Change Management for the India Post 2012 program will focus on effective management of change in technology and business process as a result of introduction of the IT solutions.

(vi) Establishment of Data Centre

Objective

Networking of all 1.55 lakh post offices

Status

RFP has been issued. Process of evaluation of bids is going on.
(vii) Rural ICT Service Integrator

Objective

To provide ICT services of Postal, Banking and Insurance in rural post offices

Status

RFP has been issued. Technical evaluation of bids will be completed by April 30, 2011.
(viii) Network Integrator

Status

RFP has been issued on April 06, 2011

II. COMPUTERIZATION OF 9,600 POST OFFICES

Orders have been placed for supply of computers to 9,600 post offices. Supply has commenced.

III. WHITE LABEL PRE-PAID CARDS
The Department is going to introduce White Label Pre paid cards in collaboration with banks.

Objective

The objective of launching this card is to leverage cash handling expertise and the network of India Post in order to facilitate non-cash based transactions for purchase of products and services at retail outlets across the country and to earn revenue through value added service.

This card will be magnetic strip based loaded with pre-determined amount in rupees and could be operated at merchant locations, ATMs and designated post offices.

Status

Department of Posts has got approval from the RBI. Partner banks are awaiting the approval from RBI.

IV. FLAT RATE BOXES

100 days agenda to introduce Pre-paid parcel boxes for domestic parcels for 1 Kg, 2.5 Kg and 5 Kg. The boxes will be sold through more than 800 post offices across the country.

V. PASSENGER RESERVATION SYSTEM (PRS) - 100 days Agenda

Railway Passenger Reservation System (PRS) to be provided through 71 more post offices (in addition to the existing 120 post offices) by March 31, 2011 to benefit people who are living away from Railway Booking Counters.

Status

Railway Passenger Reservation System has been provided to 12 more post offices.

VI. UP-GRADATION OF SPEED POST CENTERS - 100 days Agenda

17 more Speed Post centers to be equipped with handheld scanners and bar code readers to provide better track and trace facility to the customers.

Status

All 17 Speed Post centers have been up-graded.

VII. MICRO-INSURANCE POLICY – 100 days Agenda

To underwrite 45 lakh Micro-Insurance policies in Rural Areas.

Status

46.62 Lakh Micro-insurance policies have been underwritten in rural areas as on March 31, 2011.

SP/AS

TRANSFER POLICY FOR INDIAN POSTAL SERVICE OFFICERS (IPoS), GROUP ’A’

EMPANELMENT OF INDIAN POSTAL SERVICE GROUP ‘A” OFFICERS FOR POSTING TO POSTAL DIRECTORATE

http://www.sahuliyat.com/index.php?categoryid=29&p2003_error=al

DEBARMENT OF OFFICERS BELONGING TO CSS/CSSS /CSCS ON THEIR REFUSAL TO PROMOTION TO NEXT HIGHER GRADE http://persmin.gov.in/WriteReadData/CircularPorta

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD BETWEEN OFFICE BEARERS OF ALL INDIA POSTAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES EMPLOYEES UNION GR. 'C' & 'D' WITH CHIEF GENERAL MANAGE

A meeting was held with the Office Bearers of All India Postal Administrative Offices Employees Union Gr. 'C'& 'D' at 11.00 hrs on 22.03.2011 under the Chairmanship of Shri S.K. Sinha, Chief General Manager. The following attended the meeting:
1. GM (B)
2. GM (P)
3. Sri Pranab Bhattacharjee, General Secretary
4. Sri S.P. Mukherjee, Vice President, NFPE.
5. Sri S.C. John, Asstt. General Secretary
6. Sri U.S. Chakraborty, Organizing Secretary.

1) The General Secretary pointed out that work had been carried out for Office of DPLI, Kolkata. The work study recommended that there was shortage of staff because of which the work is suffering. However, posts have not been filled in year after year despite the retirement of many officials. Chief General Manager explained to the members of the union that work study had been carried out in 2005 and its findings may not be relevant today as all the operations of PLI/RPLI in the Circles/Regions/Divisions have been computerized and all the data now resides in National Data Centre, instead of in the local server. Further, the earlier system of manual transmission of data is not required in the changed scenario.

2) The Staff Side pointed out that there is proposal to computerize the office of DPLI, Kolkata and there should be impact assessment on this office as a result of computerization. It was explained to the Staff Side that the use of term of computerization of DPLI is a misnomer as DPLI, Kolkata can assess the desired information by logging into the National Data Centre. Hence, no stand alone software is required for the office of DPLI, Kolkata. DPLI shall be provided access to the National Data Centre for extracting the necessary data.

3. CGM explained to Staff Side there is intense competition in the insurance market. Apart from PLI/RPLI and LIC, there are 22 other Insurance Companies which are making significant inroads in to the rural market. There is a need for devising new strategy to meet the competition. Keeping this in view, the role of staff in DPLI, Kolkata needs to be redefined. Suggestions from the Staff Side would be desirable. However, as per requirements, the skill enhancement/retraining would have to be provided to the staff, to the extent as such that staff can be used productively given the competitive market.
The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

Sd/-
(A.K.Poddar)
GM (P)

COMPUTERISATION OF BRANCH POST OFFICES

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE:

The IT Modernization Project of India Post has been designed to be implemented in eight contracts, Contract-I relates to Branch Post Offices.

CONTRACT-I RURAL ICT HARDWARE FOR BRANCH POST OFFICES:

The Vendor will supply and install Rural ICT Hardware devices and provide for network connectivity – to approximately 1.30 lakh GDS Branch Post Offices which will enable Branch Post Offices to perform all transactions electronically.

RURAL ICT AND GDS EMPLOYEES:

Rural ICT Solutions aims to significantly improve the day to day operations performed at Branch Post Offices in the following ways.

1. All the Postal, Savings Bank and RPLI functions would be performed through the devices; thus manual record keeping would be reduced.

2. The BO Daily Accounts and B.O. Summary would be automatically generated and electronically sent to the Accounts Office and Central Server.

3. Specimen Signature Book would be replaced by an advanced biometric method of authentication.

4. All new PLI applications forms will be processed through the devices thus resulting in faster issue of Polices.

5. Improved disbursement of money orders at the Branch Post Offices as a result of enhanced cash management systems.

6. Utility bills like telephone, electricity, water etc can be accepted online through the device in the future and electronic receipts can be given to the consumers.

7. MGNRES payments shall be done using the Rural ICT devices allowing the GDS Post Office to validate the identity of an individual through biometric data, thus reducing verification time and avoiding unauthorized users.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEE

1st Floor, North Avenue Post Office, New Delhi – 110001

No. PF-01(e)5/2011 Dated : 06th April,2011

To

All General Secretaries/Circle Secretaries/
Divisional Secretariesof affiliated Unions/
Associations, NFPE

Dear Comrades,

1. Hope that all of you might have received the copy of the Central JCA Circular dated 31.03.2011 regarding the Indefinite All India Strike from 5th July 2011. Preperations for the strike should start right from now onwards. Don't wait up to the last minute. Conduct the following campaign and agitational programmes in a most effective manner.
(i) Submission of memorandum containing Charter of demands on 20.04.2011. Copy of the memorandum will be exhibited in the website before 18.04.2011. Download the memorandum and charter of Demands (already exhibited in the website) and submit it to the CPMGs/Regional PMGs/Divisional heads. Mass demonstrations should be organized in front of all Chief PMGs, Regional PMGs and Divisional offices on 20.04.2011.

2. Circle level and Divisional level JCA should meet immediately and chalk out joint programmes. NFPE should take initiative for convening the JCA meeting.

3. Maximum participation of employees should be ensured in the Mass Dharna on 25.05.2011. Organize dharna programme in front of all Chief PMG/PMG/Divisional offices in an effective manner.

4. In the month of June, Circle level joint convention of all Circle Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and Circle Union office bearers of NFPE, FNPO and GDS Unions shall be organized at the Circle Head quarters. Central JCA leaders of NFPE, FNPO & GDs Unions shall address the joint conventions. The dates of the joint conventions at Circle level will be finalized by the Central JCA meeting on 20.04.2011.

5. Next meeting of the Central JCA will be held at New Delhi on 20.04.2011 after submission of joint memorandum and charter of demands to Secretary, Department of Posts.

6. Divisional/Branch level General body meetings, conventions, group meetings, office to office campaign, publishing notices and posters etc may be conducted to educate the employees on the charter of demands.

7. The managing bodies of all Unions/Associations at Circle/Divisional level may be held and planned action programme may be charted in a most democratic manner.

OBSERVE
CONFEDERATION DEMANDS DAY ON 20.04.2011

The first phase of the campaign and agitational programmes decided by the National Council of Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers will be organized throughout the country on 20.04.2011. Demonstration are to be conducted in front of all offices and the charter of demands may be explained to the employees. A memorandum enlisting the charter of demands will be submitted to the Government (Cabinet Secretary) by Confederation National Leadership on 20.04.2011. Copy of the Memorandum will be submitted to all Head of the Departments also on the same day. All General Secretaries/Circle/Divisional Secretaries are requested to make the Demands day a grand success. Confederation Charter of demands is reproduced below.

Charter of Demands
1. Stop price rise, Strengthen Public Distribution system
2. Stop downsizing, outsourcing, contractorisation, corporatisation and privatization of Government functions
3. Fill up all vacant posts and create new posts on functional requirements.
4. Revise wages of Central Government Employees with effect from 01.01.2011 and every five years thereafter.
5. Scrap New Pension Scheme and extend the statutory defined benefited pension to all Central Government Employees irrespective of the date of recruitment.
6. Regularise the Gramin Dak Sevak, Daily rated workers, contingent and casual workers by bringing about a definite scheme of regularization.
7. Remove restriction imposed on compassionate appointments. End the discrimination on compassionate appointment between the Railway workers and other Central Government employees.
8. Stop the move to introduce the productivity linked wage system - performance Related pay (PRP). Introduce productivity linked Bonus in all Departments, remove the ceiling of emoluments for bonus computation.
9. Settle all items of anomalies (including the MACP related anomalies) raised in the National and Departmental Anomaly committees within a fixed time frame of two months. Set up the anomaly committees in those departments where it has not been set up till date with the standing committee members of National council; convene the meeting of the Departmental Council in all Ministries/Departments once in three months as envisaged in the JCM Scheme
10. Make the Right to strike a legal right and stop curtailment of Trade Union rights
11. Implementation of all arbitration awards.
12. Raise the interest rate for GPF. Revise the OTA and Night Duty Allowance and Stitching and clothing rates of uniforms.
13. Merge 50% DA with pay for all purposes including pension with effect from 01.01.2011.
14. Vacate all Trade Union victimizations.

Intensive campaign among the employees shall be conducted during the month of May and June 2011, to popularize the demands, by convening state level and district level conventions and office wise group meetings etc.

Confederation National Secretariat will meet in the month of June 2011 to finalise future course of agitational programmes.
Fraternally yours,
(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General, NFPE

A FAVOURABLE VERDICT OF SUPREME COURT ON CASUAL LABOURERS

The Supreme Court has deprecated the Union of India engaging casual workers and keeping them in temporary service for long without making them permanent employees, thereby denying the benefits due to them.

Expressing its displeasure and anguish at the manner in which the Borders Roads Organisation treated its casual workers, a Bench of Justices D. K. Jain and H. L. Dattu said engaging casual workers for less than six months and giving them artificial breaks so that they would not become eligible for permanent status ill behaved the Union of India and its instrumentalities, "which are supposed to be model employers."

Justice Jain, writing the judgment, quoted an earlier ruling said; "It is a fact that a large number of casual labourers have worked with Porject Vartak for a number of years but their period of engagement at no stage is more than six months and they are recruited afresh and they do not get the status of permanent employee. As per the regulations, casual personnel are not eligible for any other privileges for continued employment under the government."

In the instant case, the Union of India appealed against a Gauhati High Court judgment directing the government to regularize the services of members of Vartak Labour Union, some of whom had been working with the BRO for 30 years. Formulation of any scheme for regularization being a matter of policy, it was not within the High Court's domain to direct regularization of the services of temporary appointees, the Centre said. The Bench agreed with its contention and said the union's claim for regularisation of its members merely because they had been working for BRO for a considerable period could not be granted in the light of several decisions of this court. The Bench, quoting these judgments, said: "Casual employment terminates when the same is discontinued and merely because a temporary or casual worker has been engaged beyond the period of his employment, he would not be entitled to be absorbed in regular service or made permanent, if the original appointment was not in terms of the process envisaged by the relevant rules.

However, in the facts and circumstances of the case, where the union members had been employed in term of the regulations and had been consistently engaged for the last 30 to 40 years, of course with short breaks, "We feel the Union of India would consider enacting and appropriate regulation/scheme for absorption and regularization of the services of casual worker engaged by the BRO for execution of its on-going projects," the Bench said.

WORLD FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS (WFTU)

Tuesday 5 April 2011

FROM 2011 APRIL 6TH TO 10TH
Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE attending
The World Congress of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) will be held at Athens (Greece) from 6th to 10th April 2011. Com. K. K. N. Kutty, Secretary General, Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers & Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE are attending the Conference.
WFTU is the strongest united movement of the World Trade Unions, with Head quarters at Athens, the capital city of Greece. It is known as the democratic progressive Trade union movement of the world. WFTU was formed in the year 1945 and now about 220 trade unions from 120 countries are affiliated to it. WFTU is a member of ILO. General Secretary is Com. George Mavrikoz.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

grand farewell to Com.S.C.John Circle Secretary All India Administrative Employees Union, Gujarat Circle

On 4th May, 2011 a very nice farewell function was held by the Recreation club of the C.O. and on behalf of the Circle union of AIAEU at Circle Office compound to honour the retirement of COm.S.C.John C/S AIPAEU. Ms. Humera Ahmed CPMG, Shri. Riju Ganguli DPS (HQ) were prominent dignitaries who graced the function by their presence and heart-touching speeches. It was also a special recognition of this loving leader that Smt.Vijayalaxmi Sheth Ex.CPMG Gujarat also came to wish the retiring leader. Warm farewell was also given to Shri. Parmar Section Superwisor in PLI section and Shri. Solanki. Almost all Circle Secretaries were also invited and present in the function. It was very charming to know that Com. John is qualified in various aspects i.e. not only as a senior leader but he has qualified in LLB, Diploma in Labour Practice and PG in Human Resource Management. He is already commencing his work as consultant in service matters etc and he has already occupied a personal office in prominent area at Ahmedabad. He is a dynamic hero of last three decades. We wish him happy and healthy retired life.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

INDIA POST PLANS SPECIAL COUNTERS FOR RURAL AREAS:

SUBMISSION OF CHARTER OF DEMANDS ACCOMPANIED BY AGITATIONAL PROGRAMME BY JCA

Thursday, April 14, 2011

CIRCLE SECRETARY TO ATTEND A MEETING AT MAHESANA ON 17-04-2011.

There were so many telephone calls, representation and request by some of the members of Mahesana Division and some other employee to come to Mahesana, seat together and have a healthy discussion on organizational matter.
On request by the Circle Secretary, the Divisional Secretary of the Mahesana Division has now arranged for a meeting at “ GAYATRI MANDIR “, at : LAKHVAD, Gandhinagar Road Mahesana from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some of the circle union leader will also attend this meeting. The meeting will be opened for all the members of AIPEU besides the executive committee members of Mahesana Division. Few staff members have also been invited to attend the meeting subject to peaceful participation.

WHAT AN AWARD TO THE SHINING STARS OF THE GUJARAT CIRCLE BY THE POSTAL ADMINISTRATION

We had a very pleasant pride while publishing an earlier post on this Blog regarding shining starts of Gujarat Postal Circle. Table Tennis team of Gujarat Circle had participated in the All India Postal Table Tennis meet held at Kurukshetra in February 2011. It was a great moment of honour when our team reached to the top of the competition and achieved victory upon all over the contestant and become champion in this National level contest.

As a responsible union earlier we recorded our greetings to them and we were anticipating that administration will also call all of them together, greet appreciate and boost their energy by awarding at least with a letter of appreciation to these shining stars.

It is very unfortunate to know that instead of appreciation few of them are delivered a notice by the administration to remain present before Director of Postal Training Centre Vadodra to plead against miss conduct and misbehavior. No one of them has been given any details regarding so-called misconduct or misbehavior.

Since sportsmen / women of Gujarat Circle were dedicated to the game only and they have became champion. Nothing uncommon had happened. There has been no instant of any dispute or given hot dialogue with any by any one. But it is very confusing that they are given such notice.

The Sportsmen are expert in playing game on the play ground only but here it is assumed that some body is expert in playing game out side the play ground against them and our sportsmen are not accustomed to play out such games.

Concerned Sportsmen had brought these facts to the notice of our union and we have promised them to represent the matter to Shri Riju Ganguli Hon’ble Director Postal Service who is an impartial officer who would certainly understand the spirit of sportsmen and understand the reality in the matter. We are sure he will find out what is the game played by some one out side the play ground and he will be the best referee.

We again congratulate to our shining stars for the grand success and request them not to be confused and keep their sportsmen spirit at high level. They should never indulge in any activity which is not conforming up-liftmen of their potentials.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wednesday 13 April 2011

India Post has an approved Plan Project with an outlay of R.1877.2 Crore for IT Modernization Project. The project has following components: i. Development of integrated modular scalable applications for mail, banking, Postal Life Insurance advanced financial services and ERP solutions for accounts and HR Operations of the Department. ii. Provision of ICT devices in rural post offices with required applications for performing postal, banking, insurance, retail operations. iii. Establishment of IT infrastructure of Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Centre and networking of all Post Offices including Branch Post Offices in the rural areas. iv. Provision for training, change management, capacity building of the employees of the department along with setting up of the Project Management units of Department, Circle, region and Division levels for smooth and timely implementation of the project (a) 100 Days Agenda finalized on January 01, 2011 included selection of vendors for the following solutions:- 1. Customer Interaction Management Solution 2. Mail Operation Solution 3. Human Resource Management Solution and Finance and Accounts Solution 4. Banking and Postal Life Insurance Solution 5. Change Management 6. Establishment of Data Centre 7. Rural ICT Service Integrator 8. Network Integrator (b) Status of compliance (i) Customer Interaction Management Solution Objectives: To enable 24x7 transactions for customers through web portal, call centres and ATMs. Status: Vendors have been shortlisted. RFP will be issued on April 15, 2011. (ii) Mail Operations Solution Objectives: a) This will provide full article visibility across the supply of chain – from booking to delivery b) It will help improve revenue generation through new services/products e.g., Logistics Post. c) The solution will increase number of delivery channels for services/products, e.g. web portal and call centre. Status: Vendors have been shortlisted. RFP will be issued on April 15, 2011. (iii) Enterprise-wide Human Resource Management Solution and Finance & Accounts Solution Objective: a) The solution would enable one single source of data across Department of Posts by online data capture and real time reconciliation b) The solution would enable centralized payroll processing. c) The solution would help the Department of Posts move from cash based to accrual based accounting system. d) The Department Recruitment process would be streamlined. Status: Vendors have been shortlisted. RFP will be issued by April 15, 2011 (iv) Banking and Postal Life Insurance Solution: Banking Solutions objectives It will lead to Centralized processing of transactions/data, ATMs, Mobile Banking and Real time Banking. This will also enable e-commerce and web channels for customers. Postal Life Insurance Solution objectives a) It enables the complete insurance solution by eliminating delays and errors. b) This will enable the interaction through multiple channels, c) The solution would also enable safer and faster transactions including premium collection and disbursement. Status: RFP has been issued. Technical evaluation of Banking Solution will be completed by April 30, 2011. (v) Change Management Objective Change Management for the India Post 2012 program will focus on effective management of change in technology and business process as a result of introduction of the IT solutions. (vi) Establishment of Data Centre Objective Networking of all 1.55 lakh post offices Status RFP has been issued. Process of evaluation of bids is going on. vii) Rural ICT Service Integrator Objective To provide ICT services of Postal, Banking and Insurance in rural post offices Status RFP has been issued. Technical evaluation of bids will be completed by April 30, 2011. (viii) Network Integrator Status RFP has been issued on April 06, 2011 II. COMPUTERIZATION OF 9,600 POST OFFICES Orders have been placed for supply of computers to 9,600 post offices. Supply has commenced. III. WHITE LABEL PRE-PAID CARDS The Department is going to introduce White Label Pre paid cards in collaboration with banks. Objective The objective of launching this card is to leverage cash handling expertise and the network of India Post in order to facilitate non-cash based transactions for purchase of products and services at retail outlets across the country and to earn revenue through value added service. This card will be magnetic strip based loaded with pre-determined amount in rupees and could be operated at merchant locations, ATMs and designated post offices. Status Department of Posts has got approval from the RBI. Partner banks are awaiting the approval from RBI. IV. FLAT RATE BOXES 100 days agenda to introduce Pre-paid parcel boxes for domestic parcels for 1 Kg, 2.5 Kg and 5 Kg. The boxes will be sold through more than 800 post offices across the country. V. PASSENGER RESERVATION SYSTEM (PRS) - 100 days Agenda Railway Passenger Reservation System (PRS) to be provided through 71 more post offices (in addition to the existing 120 post offices) by March 31, 2011 to benefit people who are living away from Railway Booking Counters. Status Railway Passenger Reservation System has been provided to 12 more post offices. VI. UP-GRADATION OF SPEED POST CENTERS - 100 days Agenda 17 more Speed Post centers to be equipped with handheld scanners and bar code readers to provide better track and trace facility to the customers. Status ll 17 Speed Post centers have been up-graded. VII. MICRO-INSURANCE POLICY – 100 days Agenda To underwrite 45 lakh Micro-Insurance policies in Rural Areas. Status 46.62 Lakh Micro-insurance policies have been underwritten in rural areas as on March 31, 2011. SP/AS Source: Press Information Bureau

TRANSFER POLICY FOR INDIAN POSTAL SERVICE OFFICERS (IPoS), GROUP ’A’

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DEBARMENT OF OFFICERS BELONGING TO CSS/CSSS /CSCS ON THEIR REFUSAL TO PROMOTION TO NEXT HIGHER GRADE

http://persmin.gov.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/debarment.pdf

CONFEDERATION CIRCULAR NO 8 DATED: 8TH APRIL 2011

Dear Comrade The indefinite fast commenced by Shri Anna Hazare against corruption and for an effective mechanism that will act as a deterrent against corruption has, by this time, caught the imagination of common people. The indefinite fast by Shri Hazare has touched the conscience of every Indian. It is quite heartening to note that people from all walks of life cutting across social and regional barriers are coming out in support of the cause espoused by Shri Hazare. This gives hope. Confederation of Central Govt employees & workers extends its full support to the indefinite fast against corruption by Shri Anna Hazare. Confederation HQrs call upon every affiliate & State Committees of Confederation to manifest solidarity with the cause espoused and action of indefinite fast by Shri Hazare. Day long mass fast and mass meetings during lunch hour may be arranged on 11th April2011, Monday– if solution eludes and the fast continues. With greetingsYours fraternally (M. S. Raja)Secretary "NFPE CALLS UPON ENTIRE RANK AND FILE TO OBSERVE THE CONFEDERATION PROGRAMME SERIOUSLY."

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD BETWEEN OFFICE BEARERS OF ALL INDIA POSTAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES EMPLOYEES UNION GR. 'C' & 'D' WITH CHIEF GENERAL MANAGE

A meeting was held with the Office Bearers of All India Postal Administrative Offices Employees Union Gr. 'C'& 'D' at 11.00 hrs on 22.03.2011 under the Chairmanship of Shri S.K. Sinha, Chief General Manager. The following attended the meeting: 1. GM (B) 2. GM (P) 3. Sri Pranab Bhattacharjee, General Secretary 4. Sri S.P. Mukherjee, Vice President, NFPE. 5. Sri S.C. John, Asstt. General Secretary 6. Sri U.S. Chakraborty, Organizing Secretary. 1) The General Secretary pointed out that work had been carried out for Office of DPLI, Kolkata. The work study recommended that there was shortage of staff because of which the work is suffering. However, posts have not been filled in year after year despite the retirement of many officials. Chief General Manager explained to the members of the union that work study had been carried out in 2005 and its findings may not be relevant today as all the operations of PLI/RPLI in the Circles/Regions/Divisions have been computerized and all the data now resides in National Data Centre, instead of in the local server. Further, the earlier system of manual transmission of data is not required in the changed scenario. 2) The Staff Side pointed out that there is proposal to computerize the office of DPLI, Kolkata and there should be impact assessment on this office as a result of computerization. It was explained to the Staff Side that the use of term of computerization of DPLI is a misnomer as DPLI, Kolkata can assess the desired information by logging into the National Data Centre. Hence, no stand alone software is required for the office of DPLI, Kolkata. DPLI shall be provided access to the National Data Centre for extracting the necessary data. 3. CGM explained to Staff Side there is intense competition in the insurance market. Apart from PLI/RPLI and LIC, there are 22 other Insurance Companies which are making significant inroads in to the rural market. There is a need for devising new strategy to meet the competition. Keeping this in view, the role of staff in DPLI, Kolkata needs to be redefined. Suggestions from the Staff Side would be desirable. However, as per requirements, the skill enhancement/retraining would have to be provided to the staff, to the extent as such that staff can be used productively given the competitive market. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair. Sd/- (A.K.Poddar) GM (P)

Friday, April 8, 2011

WORLD FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS (WFTU)

FROM 2011 APRIL 6TH TO 10TH Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE attending The World Congress of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) will be held at Athens (Greece) from 6th to 10th April 2011. Com. K. K. N. Kutty, Secretary General, Confederation of Central Government Employees and workers & Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE are attending the Conference. WFTU is the strongest united movement of the World Trade Unions, with Head quarters at Athens, the capital city of Greece. It is known as the democratic progressive Trade union movement of the world. WFTU was formed in the year 1945 and now about 220 trade unions from 120 countries are affiliated to it. WFTU is a member of ILO. General Secretary is Com. George Mavrikoz.

GRANT OF HONORARIUM FOR TRANSLATION FROM REGIONAL LANGUAGE TO ENGLISH/HINDI & VICE –VERSA (CLICK FOR DETAILS)

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DA RATE FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES CONTINUING TO DRAW THEIR PAY AS PER 5TH CPC.

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GRANT OF DEARNESS RELIEF TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS – REVISED RATE EFFECTIVE FROM 1-1-2011

F. No. 42/15/2011-P& PW(G) Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare 3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003 Date: 29th March 2011 OFFICE MEMORANDUM Sub: Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners – Revised rate effective from 1-1-2011 The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM No. 42/18/2010-P&PW(G) dated 27th September, 2010 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief (DR) payable to Central Government pensioners/ family pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 45% to 51% w.e.f. 1st January, 2011. 2. These orders apply to (i) All Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners (ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners, Civilian Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates, (iii) All India Service Pensioners (iv) Railway Pensioners and (v) The Burma Civilian pensioners/family pensioners and pensioners/families of displaced Government pensioners from Pakistan, who are Indian Nationals but receiving pension on behalf of Government of Pakistan and are in receipt of ad-hoc ex-gratia allowance of Rs. 3500/- p.m. in terms of this Department's OM No. 23-1-97-P&PW(B) dated 23-2-1998 read with this Department's OM No. 23-3-2008-P&PW(B) dated 15-9-2008. 3. Central Government Employees who had drawn lumpsum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and have become eligible to restoration of 1/3rd commuted portion of pension as well as revision of the restored amount in terms of this Department's OM No. 4/59/97-P&PW (D) dated 14-07-1998 will also be entitled to the payment of DR @ 51% w.e.f. 1-1-2011 on full pension i.e. the revised pension which the absorbed employee would have received on the date of restoration had he not drawn lumpsum payment on absorption and Dearness Pension subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down in para 5 of the O.M. dated 14-07-98. In this connection, instructions contained in this Department's OM No.4/29/99-P&PW (D) dated. 12-7-2000 refer. 4. Payment of DR involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee. 5. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department's OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2-7-1999 as amended vide this Department's OM No. F. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW (G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension will remain unchanged. 6. In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately. 7. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case. 8. The offices of Accountant General and Authorised Public Sector Banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, II/34-80-II dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CGL)/81 dated the 21st May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks. 9. In their application to the pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the C&AG. 10. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure conveyed vide their OM No. 1(4)/EV/2004 dated 28rd March, 2011. 11. Hindi version will follow. s/d (S.P.Kakkar) Under Secretary to the Government of India

SAVE POSTAL DEPARTMENT

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANIZATIONS ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS NEW DELHI Dated – 31.03.2011 URGENT CIRCULAR JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION DECIDES INDEFINITE NATION WIDE STRIKE FROM 5TH JULY 2011 Submission of Charter of Demands and demonstration on 20th April 2011 Mass Dharna in front of Dak Bhawan, Circle/Region/Divisional Offices on 25th May 2011 Joint circle conventions of all Circle and Divisional Secretaries in June 2011 JCA National Leaders will address the Circle Level Joint Conventions Mobilise the entire Postal and RMS Employees Conduct General Bodies, Conventions, Group Meetings and office to office campaign Meet the MPs, MLAs and other representatives of the people and seek their intervention Central JCA will seek the intervention of Hon’ble Minister Communications and IT Ensure maximum participation of employees in all programmes MAKE THE AGITATIONAL PROGRAMMES CENT PERCENT SUCCESS The Central JCA meeting of NFPE, FNPO and GDS Unions held on 30.03.2011 has unanimously decided to go on nation wide indefinite strike from 5th July 2011, protesting against the unilateral orders of the Department to close down large scale post offices and RMS office and also for settlement of the long pending demands of the Postal and RMS employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks. The copy of the letter submitted to the Secretary Department of posts on 31.03.2011 conveying the JCA decision is enclosed herewith. Please print the letter in local languages in full and circulate among the employees including GDS WITHOUT FAIL. Copy of the detailed Charter of Demands to be submitted to Secretary, Department of Posts and also to all CPMGs/PMGs/Divisional Heads will be sent separately within a week. All are requested to make the above mentioned programmes of action a grand success. With struggle greetings Yours fraternally, M. Krishnan Secretary General, NFPE D. Theagarajan Secretary General, FNPO K. V. Sridharan General Secretary, AIPEU Group ‘C’ D. Kishan Rao General Secretary, NAPE Group ‘C’ Ishwar Singh Dabas General Secretary AIPEU -Postmen & MSE/Group ‘D’ T. N. Rahate General Secretary NAPE Postmen, MTS & Group ‘D’ Giriraj Singh General Secretary AIRMS & MMS EU Group ‘C’ D. Theagarajan General Secretary R-3, FNPO P. Suresh General Secretary AIRMS & MMS EU MG & Group ‘D’ A. H. Siddique General Secretary R-4, FNPO Pranab Bhattacharjee General Secretary AIPAOEU – NFPE O.P.Khanna General Secretary AIPAOA(FNPO) S. S. Mahadevaiah General Secretary AIPEDEU P.U.Muralidharan General Secretary GDS – NUPE T. Satyanarayanan General Secretary AIPAEA H.L. RAMTEKE General Secretary AIPAOA S. Appanraj General Secretary AIPSBCOEA S. Sambandam General Secretary NASBCO S. A. Raheem General Secretary AIPCWEA Pratha Pritam Ghorai General Secretary NUCWEA Posted by NFPE at 12:57 PM 0 comments Links to this post Reactions: if (window['tickAboveFold']) {window['tickAboveFold'](document.getElementById("latency-2187132021378121281")); } CHARTER OF DEMANDS 1. Stop closure /merger of PO/RMS Offices including BOs. Review the orders implementing Speed Post Hubs and Delivery Hubs and restore status quo ante. Stop outsourcing the works of Postal, RMS & MMS functions. 2. Grant status as Central Civil Servant to GDS employees for all purposes including service matters, pay scale, increment, allowances, pension, promotion and other terminal benefits, leave, bonus and trade union facilities. Scrap new recruitment rules for appointment as postmen which curtails promotional avenues – restore previous rules and withdraw tighten norms assessing BPM’s work. Drop reduction of allowances in case of reduction of workload. 3.  Revise the wages of casual labourers and contingent employees w.e.f. 01.01.2006 based on the minimum pay recommended by 6th CPC. Stop outsourcing the work of casual labourers and contingent work. Grant temporary status to eligible full time casual labourers , Convert part time into full time absorb full time , part time contingent employees in vacant GDS posts. 4. Immediate revision of OTA & OSA rates. 5. Implement the assurances made on 12.07.2010 Strike Settlement and also the JCM Departmental Council Meeting held on 23.08.2010.( List enclosed) Ensure prompt holding of Departmental Council Meetings. 6. Immediate finalization of Cadre Restructuring proposals including Postal Accounts as assured by the Secretary Department of Posts and its implementation. 7. Stop decentralization of Postal Accounts, PLI and RPLI and ensure status-quo. Save DPLI office, Kolkata and ensure job security to the staff, DPLI. 8. Expedite the process of filling of all vacant posts in all Wings including GDS. 9. Stop implementation of Postmaster Cadre till finalization of Cadre Restructuring. Ensure 100% filling up of LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I before implementation of Postmasters Cadre, remove the retrograde eligibility conditions for appearing the examination of Grade I and PSS Group B and allow account line officials also. 10. Drop the proposed move of ending the services of existing System Administrators by outsourcing the technology work to the outsider agencies. Create the System Administrators Posts as assured and specified norms and other works and make the cadre as a promotional cadre to PA/SA. 11. Stop combination of beats /double duty, stop harassment of staff insisting 100% impracticable condition for delivery under Project Arrow. Settle the demands raised in the Postmen Committee such as distance factor, number of articles, Grant of Cycle allowance without distance condition, cash payment for uniform and kit items, Supply of good quality uniforms, Revision of norms. 12. Fixing norms for new assigned works of MTS. Allow to decline postman promotion for MTS under seniority quota and review the recruitment rules of MTS to Postmen / Mail Guards. 13. Grant promotions to Drivers / Artisans at par with other C.G. organizations like Railways/Defence. Higher Pay Scales to charge hand & Drivers. Revision of CRC EPP and Logistic norms. 14. Declare SBCO Staff as Divisional cadre , Stop harassment of SBCO officials under contributory factors. Complete the Ledger Agreement Work update the SBCO before launching Core Banking. 15. Fill up all Postal Civil Wing and Electrical Wing posts as per CPWD norms. Creation of Postal /Electrical and Architectural Division in every Circle. Expedite the Restructuring of Civil Wing Cadres. 16.  Ensure full fledge functioning of newly formed Postal Accounts Offices by providing adequate staff strength and accommodation. Rectify the anomaly caused due to promotion of Group ‘D’ official to the cadre of LDC after 2006. Restore the residency period of three years in respect of JA to SA promotion retrospectively w.e.f. 13.12.2006. Grant MACP to those joined in Sorter cadre treating LDC as entry grade as the Sorter grade has been defunct since 2000. 17. Counting of past services rendered by erstwhile RTPs for promotions and MACP. 18. Implement Apex Court Judgement in case of RRR Candidates in true sprit and extend to all approved RRR Candidates awaiting for absorption. 19. Stop Harassing and victimization of innocent officials under contributory negligence factors. Implement the true spirit of Govt orders and Volumes and no recovery should be made if the concerned is not directly responsible for the loss sustained to the department. 20. Stop discrimination towards PO & RMS Accounts Cadre, Create separate cadre and earmark % of posts for norm based promotions in the same cadre, Count Special Allowance for fixation on promotion, Withdraw the recovery imposed on Postman Pay fixation and drawal of bonus to GDS. Restore the date of passing the Acct examination for according LSG promotions instead date of entry in PA cadre. 21. Enhance the LR strength on all cadres to the extent of 20% and fill up all vacant LR posts. 22. Ensure prompt grant of Child Care Leave as per the liberalized orders, unnecessary hurdles put forth should be dropped. 23. Review the MACP clarifactory orders and rectify the issues like, non drawal of spl allowance on acquiring MACP, wrong interpretation of IIIrd MACP to departmental promotes only after 30 years, Counting as double promotions as Group D & Postmen even in the case of promotion to Postman on GDS quota, non counting of training period for MACP, ignore promotions acquired on deptl exam for MACP, ignore all uncommunicated average bench marks for MACP as Judicial verdict. 24. Stop attack on Union office bearers by misusing Rule 37 transfers and Rule 9 of CCS (CCA) Rules. Dispose all Rule 9 (Pension rules) disciplinary cases pending at Directorate years together.25. Denying the legitimate right of employees to avail holidays & Sundays by compelling them to attend frequent meetings/ Melas.

JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION

No. JCA/AGTN/2011 Dated – 31.03.2011 To, Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy Secretary Department of Posts Dak Bhawan New Delhi – 110001 Madam, Sub: - Problems faced by the Postal and RMS Employees – Reg. he joint meeting of all the All India Unions/Associations affiliated to National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE) and Federation of National Postal organizations (FNPO) and the GDS Unions held at New Delhi on 30.03.2011 has reviewed the situation prevailing in the Postal Department and has come to the unanimous conclusion that many unilateral orders issued by the Department is causing much concern and are also detrimental to the interest of the department and also to the employees including GDS 2. We are really shocked to read the contents of Directorate’s letter No. 40-60/2010/Plg dated 25.01.2011 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 customers 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 shares in the mail market segment. We have already made it clear that we are not against relocation of offices to the needy areas if ordered simultaneously for closure and opening of the POs to the needy areas without reducing the existing number of Post offices. Large scale closure of Post offices and RMS offices will not only lead to inconvenience to the public but leading to discontentment and also adversely affect the interest of the employees. Further this is nothing but an 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. 3. We have already pointed out in many meetings and also through correspondences about the adverse impact of the introduction of speed post hubs which were formed without taking into account the ground realities. The experience during the last six months has proved that the speed post hubs have resulted in abnormal delay in transmission and delivery of speed post articles and thereby eroding the traffic due to loss of faith among 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 either remedial measures or to revert back to the old system. We are dismayed to note that the Staff Side has been totally ignored and sidelined and the department is blindly going ahead with the unscientific proposals of the multinational consultancy called Mckensy. Much damage has been caused and it is high time that a thorough review shall 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. It is reported that in many circles that after the introduction of Speed Post hub, the revenue on account of Speed Post has slashed heavily. 4. It is reported that in the name of optimisation, the Mckensy Consultancy has suggested closure and merger of many RMS sorting offices and the Department is simply implementing their orders. Similarly withdrawal of delivery from urban Sub/Head Post offices and creation of delivery hubs by amalgamating three or four delivery offices are also ordered. The way in which the recommendations of the Mckensy are implemented in Hyderabad in A. P. Circle has resulted in provocation of the entire employees and agitation programmes are launched on throughout Andhra Circle. Further the Department is unilaterally implementing the single batch system and combined duty for delivery staff causing much difficulty to them. 5. The New Recruitment Rules for the Postmen notified recently by the Department envisages that direct recruitment from open market is to be resorted to for filling up 25% Postmen vacancies and 25% among MTS staff in case of non availability of casual labourers. This clause virtually snatches away the right and opportunity of the Gramin Dak Sevaks having appointed against 50% of the Postmen vacancies hitherto ear-marked for GDS employees. Further unilateral orders have been issued like restricting the compassionate appointment of GDS to the extent of 10% of the vacancies, tightening of norms for cash handling and stamp sale etc. Further the discrimination in payment of bonus to GDS which is against to the spirit of Bonus Act still continues. A large scale of abolition of EDMM, EDSV Posts are also ordered. The basic demand of GDS such as grant of Civil Servant Status ,Pay scale , increment, allowances , promotion, leave, bonus , terminal benefits and trade union facilities as recommended by Justice Talwar Committee are yet to be granted. 6. In spite of the assurances 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 agenda of the JCM Departmental Council meeting held on 27.08.2010 still remain unsettled. The issues relating to the Postmen staff such as fixing of minimum and maximum distance to be traversed, providing time factors and review of existing norms etc. are yet to be resolved. The issue of cadre review, even though assured to be completed before November 2010, still remains in the initial stage and formal discussion is delayed indefinitely. 7. The Department is moving ahead with the proposal for decentralization of Postal Accounts work in the name of accrual based accounting system. Similarly move is on for decentralisation of PLI/RPLI work. Induction of new technology in accounting and providing online facilities at post offices shall lead to centralisation and not decentralization. We cannot agree the decentralisation of the above mentioned work. 8. The revision of wages for the casual, part-time, contingent employees with effect from 01.01.2006 is pending since last three years. Even the eligible DA is being 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 being ordered. All this has resulted in making the life of the poor, the low paid employees more miserable. It is high time that justice shall be done to this most downtrodden and marginalized section of employees of the Postal Department. 9. All the above issues are agitating the minds of the Postal and RMS employees and resentment among them is mounting day-by day. The recent orders for closure of large scale Post offices, merger of RMS offices and creation of delivery hubs has further aggravated the situation. Unless the Department comes forward to discuss the above issues with the Staff Side with an open mind, for an amicable settlement, the situation may go from bad to worse. 10. The Central Joint Council of Action comprising NFPE, FNPO and the GDS Unions has decided to submit a charter of demands to the Department and also to organize following phased programme of country wide agitational programmes culminating in indefinite strike from 2011 July 5th. First Phase - Submission of Charter of Demands to Secretary, Department of Posts with a mass demonstration in front of Dak Bhawan on 20.04.2011. Copy of the memorandum will be submitted to all lower level authorities also after observing demonstration programmes in front of all offices. Second Phase - Mass Dharna in front of Dak Bhawan, Circle/Regional/Divisional offices on 25.05.2011. Third Phase - Country wide indefinite strike from 5th July 2011 11. We appeal the Secretary, Department of Posts to drop and desist from the moves of implementing the retrograde orders mentioned above and also request to settle the burning problems mentioned above; failing which we will be compelled to resort to trade union action including indefinite strike as mentioned above. We earnestly desire to avoid such an unpleasant situation as it may adversely affect the efficiency and productivity of the Postal Services and may also put the public to inconvenience. We hope that the Department will come forward for a negotiated settlement on the issues mentioned above and take the staff side also into confidence, so that the peace, tranquility and the better relationship between the Staff Side and administration shall remain unaffected. Awaiting favourable response, Yours faithfully M. Krishnan Secretary General, NFPE D. Theagarajan Secretary General, FNPO K. V. Sridharan General Secretary, AIPEU Group ‘C’ D. Kishan Rao General Secretary, NAPE Group ‘C’ Ishwar Singh Dabas General Secretary AIPEU -Postmen & MSE/Group ‘D’ T. N. Rahate General Secretary NAPE Postmen, MTS & Group ‘D’ Giriraj Singh General Secretary AIRMS & MMS EU Group ‘C’ D. Theagarajan General Secretary R-3, FNPO P. Suresh General Secretary AIRMS & MMS EU MG & Group ‘D’ A. H. Siddique General Secretary R-4, FNPO Pranab Bhattacharjee General Secretary AIPAOEU – NFPE O.P.Khanna General Secretary AIPAOA(FNPO) S. S. Mahadevaiah General Secretary AIPEDEU P.U.Muralidharan General Secretary GDS – NUPE T. Satyanarayanan General Secretary AIPAEA H.L. RAMTEKE General Secretary AIPAOA S. Appanraj General Secretary AIPSBCOEA S. Sambandam General Secretary NASBCO S. A. Raheem General Secretary AIPCWEA

Friday, April 1, 2011

LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION P-4 UNION

ALLOTMENT OF STAFF QUARTERS - REGARDING

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PENSION IS NOT A BOUNTY NOR A MATTER OF GRACE

The Full Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India headed by Chief Justice Y.B. Chandrachud and comprising Justice V.D. Tulsapurkar, Justice D.A. Desai, Justice O. Chinuappa Reddy and Justice Bhaharul Islam delivered a historic Judgement on 17.12.1982 on Pension. The Judgement is known as Magnacarta of the Pensioners. December 17 is celebrated as "Pension Day" all over India by Pensioners Organizations. The following are the excerpts from the Judgement. "As per Indias Constitution, Government is obliged to provide social and economic security to Pensioners and that Govt. Retirees (Pensioners) had the Fundamental rights to Pension" "States obligation to provide security in old age is recognized. As a first, Pension is treated not only as a reward for past service but with a view of helping the employee to avoid destitution in old age. When the employee is physically and mentally alert, he rendered the best unto the master expecting the master to look after him in the evening of his life. A pension is not in the nature of alms being rolled to beggars". "Pension is not a bounty nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet will of the employer. It is not an exgratia payment, but a payment for past service rendered. It is a social welfare measure rendering Socio-economic justice to those who in the hey days of their life, ceaselessly toiled for their employers on assurance that in their old age, they would not be left in lurch." "Pension is therefore deferred wages. Pension is their statutory, inalienable and legally enforcible right and it had been earned by the sweat of their brow. The Senior Citizen need to be treated with dignity, courtesy befitting their age. A pension scheme consistent with available resources should therefore provide pension so that the pensioner should able to live (i) free from want, with decency, independence and self respect and (ii) at a standard living equivalent at pre-retirement level.

DEFEAT THE NEW PENSION BILL

The UPA-II Government has presented the New Pension Bill in the Parliament. CPI (M) Lok Sabha Leader, Com. Basudev Acharya, MP demanded voting. Both UPA and NDA MPs Voted in favour of introduction of the bill in Parliament. Only left party MPs opposed. Thus it is once again made clear that when it comes to economic policies there is no difference between NDA and UPA. Even before passing the bill in Parliament the New Pension Scheme called "Contributory Pension Scheme" has already been made applicable to those employees who joined Central Govt. Services on or after 01.01.2004, through an executive order by the NDA Government. 10% of the pay and DA is being recovered from every employee who joined service on or after 01.01.2004, in each month towards Contributory Pension Scheme. On passing the bill by Parliament Pension Fund Managers will be appointed. Multi –national Corporate houses are waiting for their chance to become Fund Managers so that the accumulated huge amount in the Pension Scheme is share market oriented the Pension Fund will flow to the share market. If share market booms, the Pension Fund Managers can accumulate huge profit. If share market crashes, the Pension Fund will collapsed and the entire savings of the employees will be lost. The recent world economic crises has witnessed many such Pension Fund collapses and lacs and lacs of workers are deprived of their Social Security at old age. The New Pension Scheme is a product of the globalization policy pursued by both NDA and UPA Government. UPA-I Government could not pass the bill as the Supporting left parties had made it clear that they will withdraw support to the Government and vote against the bill. Government tried to make consensus by convening a meeting of all Chief Ministers. Out of 22 Chief Ministers only three Left Front Chief Ministers viz. West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura, opposed the New Pension Scheme. Now as UPA and NDA have joined together, the bill is likely to be passed in this Session of the Parliament. The New Pension Scheme can be made applicable to all including public and private sector employees. There is a perception that the New Pension Scheme can be made applicable to the new entrants only. This is not correct. The Work Study Group appointed by Sixth Central Pay Commission has been asked to examine and submit report on the following terms of reference: (i) to workout the existing and future pension liability of the Central Govt. Employees who are in service prior to 1.1.2004. (ii) to work out the pension liability of those Central Government Employees appointed prior 1.1.2004 and whose age profile is between 30 years and 40 years. (iii) to examine the feasibility of establishing a self –reliant Pension Fund with initial corpus fund provided by Government for the employees who are in service prior to 1.1.2004 and thus reduce the expenditure on pension. The Sixth CPC has already made some observations regarding introduction of Contributory Pension Scheme to the employees who are in service prior to 1.1.2004. Thus a serious threat looms large over the head of the entire Central and State Government Employees and section of the workers. Nationwide sustained campaign and united action by the entire working class is the need of the hour. The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers and the All India State Government Employees Federations has already given a call for nationwide campaign and protest demonstration. The question of organizing higher forum of trade union action including strike in under serious considerations. NFPE calls upon the entirety of the Postal and RMS Employeesto organize effective campaign against the ill effects of the New Pension Bill and be ready for direct action if situation warrants.--

COMPUTERISATION OF POS – INTERNAL BUT IMPORTANT

Department of Posts Technology Division (51-5/2009- Tech) (For internal Circulation only) Date - 18.3.2011 To, All Chief Postmasters General Sub: Computerisation of Double and Single-handed post offices in current financial year – Usage of SQL Express and Windows – 7 for running Meghdoot software During current Five Year Plan, Technology Division has supplied hardware to 1720 double-handed post offices. In the current year a supply order has also been placed on DGS&D for computerization of single handed offices. The supply of this hardware in current financial year has been done keeping in view the overall plan to computerize and network all the departmental post offices. In this context, an assessment was made not to supply SQL Server and Windows server for these double handed and single handed offices. This was done for building synergy with upcoming Technology Project 2012 which proposes computerization and networking of all post offices and which does not have requirement of a server in post offices. The hardware supplied to these double handed post offices now is pre-loaded with Windows 7 Operating Software. For database management, it has been decided that SQL Express; free software will be utilized. In such post offices, one of the nodes will be utilized as Server. In case of single-handed post offices, the sole available node will be utilized. In the light of the foregoing, the computers so supplied to such double and single handed post offices would be utilized for providing computerized services to public through Meghdoot software and for making officials well-versed with use of computers. On commissioning of integrated central-server based software, this exposure to computers would be useful. Accordingly, CEPT was asked to test the functioning of Meghdoot software on windows 7 and SQL express. This new version of Meghdoot software will be ready with CEPT Mysore to be deployed in double and single handed post offices where hardware has been supplied with windows 7 and where SQL Express freeware will be used for database management. In these post offices, Meghdoot would be utilized for counter, delivery, treasury and other tested modules of application. The Competent authority has desired that all these post offices may also be linked through date extraction tool, separate instruction will be issued by the Project Arrow monitoring group in this regard, which may be awaited Sd/- A. S. Chauhan Director (Tech),18.3.2011

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

HIKE IN SOME ALLOWANCES AFTER DA CROSSED 50%

The following allowances are to be increased with effect from 01.01.2011.

1. Children Education Assistance & Reimbursement of Tuition FeeRs.12,000 (Per Year - Per Child) - Rs.15,000 (Per Year - Per Child) DOPT 12011/03/2008-Estt.(Allowance) 2.9.2008

2. Advances for purchase of Bicycle Advacne, Warm clothing Advance, Festival Advance, Natural Calamity AdvanceRs.3,000 - Rs.3,750 Fin.Min. No.12(1)E.II(A)/2008 7.10.2008

3. Special Compensatory Hill Area AllowanceRs.600 / Rs.480 - Rs.750 / Rs.600 Fin.Min.

4(2)/2008-E.II (B) 29.8.2008 4. Special CompensatoryScheduled / Tribal Area AllowanceRs.400 / Rs.240- Rs.500 / Rs.300 Fin.Min. 17(1)/2008-E.II (B) 29.8.2008

5. Project AllowanceRs.1,500 / Rs.1,000 - Rs.1,875 / Rs.1,250 Fin.Min. 29.8.2008

6. Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) AllowanceRs.2,600 / Rs.2,100/ Rs.1,500 / Rs.400 -- Rs.3,250 / Rs.2,625/ Rs.1,875 / Rs.500 Fin.Min. 3(1)/2008-E.II(B) 29.8.2008

7. Cycle Maintenance AllowanceRs.60 (Per month) - Rs.75 (Per month) Fin.Min. 19039/3/2008-E.IV 29.8.2008

8. Mileage for road journey all components of daily allowance on tour, rate of transportation of personal effects.Rs.500 / Rs.300 / Rs.200 / Rs.150 / Rs.100 - Rs.625 / Rs.375 / Rs.250 / Rs.190 / Rs.125 Fin.Min.19030/3/2008-E.V 23.9.2008

9. Rates of Conveyance Allowance under SR-25Rs.370 / Rs.480 / Rs.640 / Rs.750 / Rs.850 - Rs.470 / Rs.600 / Rs.800 / Rs.940 / Rs.1,070 Fin.Min.19039/2/2008-E.IV 23.9.2008

10. Washing AllowanceRs.60 - Rs.75 Fin.Min.14/3/2008-JCA 11.9.2008

11. Split Duty Allowance Rs.200 - Rs.250 Fin.Min.9(11)/2008-E.II (B) 29.8.2008

12. Spl. Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities and Education Allowance for disabled childrenRs.1,000 per month- Rs.1,250 per month DOPT12011/04/2008-Estt.(Allowance) 11.9.2008

13. Cash Handling AllowanceRs.600 / Rs.500 / Rs.400 / Rs.300 / Rs.150 - Rs.750 / Rs.625 / Rs.500 / Rs.375 / Rs.190 DOPT4/6/2008-Estt.(Pay.II) 1.10.2008

14. Risk Allowance DOPT21012/1/2008-Estt.(Allowance) 12.3.2009

15. Postgraduate AllowanceRs.1,000 / Rs.600- Rs.1,250 / Rs.750 Min.of HohfwA.45012/4/2008-CHS.V 16.4.2009

16. Desk AllowanceRs.600 - Rs.750 DOPT 1/10/2009-PIC 17.4.2009 17. Bad Climate AllowanceRs.400 / Rs.240 - Rs.500 / Rs.300 Fin.Min.1/10/2008-E.II(B) 29.8.2008

Monday, March 28, 2011

CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING AT DAKORE.

Circle council meeting was held on 27-3-2011 at Ambawadi pathikasharm, Dakor.

Com. P R Rathod presided over the function. Com. K B Barot, Com. S S Vaishya and Com. R S Malek graced the function by their constructive attendance. the meeting was attended by Divisional Secretaries / presidents of all the divisions of Vadodra Region. most of the circle office bearers were also remain present in the meeting. A special wish was given to R C Wagela Asst. Circle Secretary who successfully comes out of horrible deices of Cancer. the detail about the discussion and decision taken will posted later on. Very important resolution concerning to injustice to the staff of Vadodra Region in the matter of MACP were unanimously adopted. Decision for decisive action by circle union on Amreli issue was also designed in the relevant resolution. C/S invites views, comments and suggestions from members about the proceedings of the meeting. The C/S also records special congratulations to the reception committee, all the members of Kheda Division under the leadership of Com P N Rana President and Com. M K Pandya Divisional Secretary for hosting a very nicely arranged meeting at the wholly place of Dakore. we expect blessings of "Ranchod Raiji " on all of us.

BLACK DAY - BUT IT HAPPENED

CPI (M) FORCES DIVISION OVER BILL (PFRDA) A day after a heated discussion took place in Parliament on the WikiLeaks disclosures published in The Hindu, it was business as usual in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Speaker Meira Kumar went through the process of 'Papers to be laid on the Table' and then got down to the legislative business, including the introduction of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011. As soon as she called out Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena, standing for Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, to introduce the Bill, CPI (M) leader Basudeb Acharia stood up, opposing the introduction of the Bill and demanding a division, taking the Treasury Benches by surprise. Only a handful of Ministers were present, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, along with his deputy V. Narayanasamy. Caught unawares, the treasury benches too wore a rather thin look, enough for the government to sense trouble. Both the Ministers went up to National Democratic Alliance working chairman L.K. Advani and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, and talked to them. It became clear that the main Opposition BJP would come to the government's rescue. Mr. Bansal cited Rule 72 on the government's legislative competence to introduce the Bill and sought to know the grounds on which Mr. Acharia was opposing it, but the CPI (M) leader refused to budge from his demand for division. The Speaker ordered division when Mr. Acharia further pressed for it. "We are opposing the introduction of the bill. I am asking for division instead of a voice vote," Mr. Acharia said. Of the 159 members present in the 543-member House, 115 voted for introduction of the bill and 43 opposed it, while one abstained. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, several Ministers and Congress members were not present. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Raghuvansh Prasad was heard saying that when the Speaker had already ordered division, it could not be rolled back. The bill provides for the establishment of an authority to promote old-age income security by creating, developing and regulating pension funds and to protect the interests of subscribers to pension fund schemes. - The Hindu, Dated – 25.03.2011