GIST OF DISCUSSION IN THE MEETING TAKEN BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT
OF POSTS WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL NFPE AND GENERAL SECRETARIES OF
RECOGNIZED SERVICE ASSOCIATIONS AFFILIATED TO NFPE ON 13.01.2009 IN THE
COMMITTEE ROOM, DAK BHAVAN, NEW DELHI.
AT 15.00 Hrs on 13.01.2009, the Secretary
Department of Posts took a meeting with the Secretary
General NFPE and all General Secretaries of affiliated
Unions / Associations of NFPE in the Committee
Room, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi on our Charter of
Demands submitted by us on 10.12.2008 [which were
reproduced along with the Strike Notice on 2.1.2009
also].
From the Official Side the Postal Board
Members, Member [P] and Member [D] and DDG
[Estt]; DDG [P]; Director [SPN]; and Director [SR]
were present.
The Main Charter of Demands submitted by
us was completely discussed. The following is the
actual position and outcome of the discussion but we
have to wait for the official minutes for confirmation.
We pointed out that no minutes were supplied to us
for the official meeting held by the Member [P] on
16.09.2008 on pay commission related issues including
formation of anomaly committee. We also pointed out
that appointments to meet informally the Secretary
[P] and Members of Postal Board is not quickly
forthcoming to the Secretary General and General
Secretaries and that there should be preference in
meeting us informally. The Official Side agreed to issue
minutes to that meeting. The informal meetings would
be given on prior appointment. Thereupon the following
issues were discussed with the following results:
1. GDS Committee: The abnormal delay in
submission of report by the Senior Officers Committee
headed by Shri. P.K.Gopinath Chief Postmaster
General Delhi Circle was pointed out by us and our
fear that this type of delay would cause serious
problems in implementation of the Report with the
modifications sought by us if the Election Commission
announced elections in February. Secretary [P]
conceded that there has been some delay on the part
of the Gopinath Committee and instructed that the
Report should be submitted to the Department by the
Committee without further delay. The Secretary [P]
also assured us that well before the Election
Commission announcement the implementation would
be ensured and by the end of January the issues would
be sent to Cabinet after providing us the opportunity.
2. Refixation of wages of Paid Substitutes /
RRR/ Casual / Contingent etc: The issue is being
referred to DOPT on the advice of Internal Finance.
However the refixation will be made on the basis of
BHARTIYA POST 3 FEBRUARY, 2009
the revised Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance without
including the HRA & other allowances. We pointed
out that as per the Honourable High Court of Madras
the allowances also should be taken into account for
computation of daily wages for these sections and
that from 1.1.2006 the arrears also should be paid.
While the date of effect from 1.1.2006 was not
disputed, the computation of daily wages by including
the Allowances like HRA etc the Official Side did not
agree. It was pointed out by the Official Side that as
per the observation of the Madras High Court the basic
order of the Main Finance is being revised by the
Government in this matter. We anyway urged for early
orders.
3. Screening Committee: The Secretary [P]
stated that a meeting of the Committee headed by
DOPT Secretary is convened on 21.01.2009 and that
this exemption for Postal Department would be
obtained on that day. All vacant posts in all cadres
would be thereupon cleared for filling up.
4. Holding Periodical / JCM Departmental
Council Meetings: It has been agreed to hold both
the Periodical Meeting with Federation and affiliated
Unions / Associations and the meeting of Departmental
Council JCM as per the schedule.
5. April 2007 Strike Settlement: An Action
Taken Report on the April 2007 Strike Settlement has
been supplied by the Administration. The non filling
up of HSG-I/HSG-II/LSG posts and non grant of
notional promotions and non filling up of residual
vacancies as agreed upon were pointed out. Secretary
[P] directed the DDG Estt to pass instructions on filling
up of residual vacancies. Other issues of settlement
not implemented also pointed out. It is stated that
after studying the Action Taken Statement, the Staff
Side can have further discussions with the Directorate
on those issues. It was agreed to issue revised syllabus
for LGO Examination by modifying the existing
recruitment rules.
6. Sectional Charter of Demands submitted
on 15.02.2008: An Action Taken Report on all the 200+
issues has been supplied to us by the Directorate in
the meeting. The Secretary [P] requested us to study
the same and sit with various concerned DDGs for
detailed further discussion. [The complete Action Taken
Report will be placed in the web site shortly for the
information of the members. The outcome of
discussions with respective DDGs on the Sectional
Charter of Demands also will be communicated after
such meetings are over]
7. Cadre Review of all Cadres: The Secretary
[P] directed the DDG [Estt] to study the Cadre Review
proposals submitted by the Unions. The proposals of
the Unions would be subsequently discussed with us.
On our part we have placed all arguments in favour of
cadre restructuring and the earlier agreement in
principle with the former Secretary [P] on this matter.
8. Improving the ACP for implementation: It
has been agreed by the Secretary [P] that on release
of DOPT Orders on modified ACP Scheme a special
meeting between the Official and Staff Side can be
immediately held to finalise the same.
9. Removal of victimisation: We have pointed
out the increasing number of victimising Rule 37 transfer
of office bearers of unions in several circles. The
recovery of huge sums ordered in lieu of over payment
of Postmen pay fixation after 5th CPC and huge
recovery in the name of contributory negligence were
raised by us. The Official Side agreed to reconsider
the issue of recovery of over payment of Postmen pay
fixation. On contributory negligence cases individual
cases will be reconsidered on merit. On victimisation
the Official Side maintained that those orders were
issued on specific cases.
10. New Schemes without consultation: We
pointed out the problems we face due to sudden
introduction of new schemes without proper training
and time for the staff. The problem faced due to sudden
introduction of e-MO without sufficient infrastructure
like uninterrupted internet connectivity, installation of
software and its activation, training of staff in the module
etc were pointed out. Similarly on new projects like
Project Arrow for which the Staff Side had given its
support for improving the public amenities, the amount
of work pressure on Postmasters, staff and Postmen
etc were pointed out. The curtailment of delivery,
reduction of postmen, single beat system, change of
attendance and transfer of staff etc being resorted to
at many offices earmarked for Project Arrow. The
ongoing struggle in Hyderabad GPO also was pointed
out and discussion with the staff side before introduction
of such schemes was insisted. The Official Side
agreed to look with open mind about single beat
system or double beat system on the basis of the
concrete condition prevailing in a particular office and
not on mechanical manner. Regarding Hyderabad GPO
the Secretary [P] appealed for restoring normalcy of
delivery work first for intervention thereafter. We
appealed that the Chief PMG may be instructed for
holding discussion with the Circle Unions based on
the proposals of the staff side presented before the
DPS HQ and till such time status-quo be maintained
BHARTIYA POST
in delivery pattern and staff. The Secretary did not agree
to issue any instructions before normalcy restored in
GPO Hyderabad.
11. Withdrawing SLP against RRR: The Official
Side did not agree for withdrawal of SLP by stating
that the SLP was filed on the advice of Law Ministry
etc. We presented the arguments that the action of
going on SLP was unjustified. We pointed out that
while the administration could take one-time measure
regularisation for ad-hoc appointees in the past, why
similar yardstick could not be extended to RRR
candidates also. Our arguments were heard but no
positive response from Official Side was forthcoming
in favour of withdrawal of SLP.
12. Higher Pay Scale for Postmen/Mailguard:
It was stated by the Official Side that orders have been
since issued on this matter. We pointed out that the
omission of Mailguards is delaying grant of the same
to Mailguard staff in several places and requested
proper instructions. We have also pointed out that
the absence of any such orders for grant of higher
scale of pay to Matriculate Group D and the failure
to instruct training for non-matriculate Group D so
far is causing great resentment. It was assured by the
Official Side that instructions would be soon issued
for grant of higher pay scale to Matriculate Group D
and that the required training for all non-matriculate
Group D would be imparted and higher scale granted
to them also before the end of February 2009.
13. Higher Pay Scale to Head Mail Peon: The
Official Side maintained that the Head Mail Peon cadre
is not on par with Postmen cadre but belong to a Group
D cadre. On assigning the job of Head Mail Peon in
MMS they were treated as on deputation and higher
pay was granted on par with Postmen. If the deputed
Group D is already on TBOP or BCR they were being
given the same TBOP or BCR level of pay. The Head
Mail Peon is not a separate cadre on par with Postmen
/ Mailguard. However on our insistence the official side
agreed to further discuss the issue.
14. Notional Fixation to Artisan Grade I from
1.1.96: The Official Side did not agree this demand on
the ground the anomaly existed in the matter of Artisan
Grade I and Grade II has been sorted out by the 6th
Pay Commission. The new anomaly between the
Artisan Grade I and Charge Hand caused by the
recommendations of the Pay Commission is being
addressed by the Department. The Staff Side can have
further discussions with the DDG [Estt] on this matter.
15. Redistribution of LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I in Admn:
The issue would be further discussed with the Staff
Side by the Director [SPN].
16. Withdrawal of decentralisation of PLI/
RPLI: The issue would be addressed with an open
4 FEBRUARY, 2009
mind by the administration in the backdrop of new
technology to be introduced and its impact on the over
all situation.
17. Periodicity of deputationists to COs: The
Official Side expressed difficulty in conceding this issue
immediately. However once the exemption from
Screening Committee is permitted we can revert the
deputationists to their parent units since new
recruitment can take place in COs.
18. Decentralisation of Postal Accounts: The
Official Side confirmed that there are no moves to
decentralise the postal accounts at present. The
integration of all Accounting streams in DOP will be
taken care of by introduction of future technology.
19. Restoration of 3 year periodicity for Sr.
Accountants: The Official Side informed that this has
not been approved by DOP&T. We contradicted this
point and thereupon official side agreed to look into
this matter. Further discussions would follow on this
issue.
20. Regularisation of Casual Labourers: The
Official Side agreed to reconsider its stand of rejecting
grant of Temporary Status to Casual Labourers who
completed 240 days / 206 days of work in a year in
operative / administrative offices even though they were
recruited before the cut off date of 29.11.1989.
21. Pending OTA and other Bills: The Official
Side maintained that no pending claims from Circles
are lying for want of funds from Directorate as per the
note of the Budget Branch. We opposed this stand
and pointed out the pending bills in different circles.
We also requested the Secretary to help the
acceptance of OTA Arbitration Award but the Official
Side explained its incapacity on this matter which has
to be dealt by us in the Standing Committee JCM only.
We suggested that one time measure clearing of all
CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE - AWARDING PUNISHMENTS WITHOUT
CITATION OF RULES
CHQ Letter No.P/4-1/Staff Dated : 22.12.2008 addressed
to all Circle Secretaries and CHQ office bearers.
The CHQ has taken a case with the Directorate
that many disciplinary authorities are awarding
punishments without quoting the rules contained in
volumes and merely using their authority outside the
department manuals.
The Directorate in turn sought some specific
cases for examination on the matter. There may be
many such cases in each circles. If two selected
cases from each Circle are furnished, it will certainly
help the CHQ to focus this issue very effectively.
It is requested to furnish the details of such cases
immediately or at least before 15.01.09 to CHQ. The
copy of the Directorate letter is enclosed herewith
BHARTIYA POST
pending bills is the only remedy to the problem. The
Official Side requested for the full circle wise details of
long pending bills which we have agreed to provide.
22. System Administrators: The move of the
Department calling for interested Technology
Consultant was pointed out by the Staff Side and we
asked for details of the same and also questioned as
to whether any existing work of the department would
be outsourced. The Official Side clarified that the
technology for core banking and national networking
etc are to be provided only by a specialist Consultant.
The Official Side told that the Department would be
moving in the direction of a separate Technology Wing
in the Department of Posts with specific cadres on
the basis of specified qualifications and recruitment
Rules. We requested that the services of present
System Administrators should be recognised and they
should be absorbed in the new technology wing and
the Official Side agreed to keep this in mind. The
difficulties faced by the System Administrators were
explained in the meeting by us and it was agreed by
the Official Side that the responsibility for signing
AMC for UPS with Service Providers etc is not
contemplated as such task is on the Circle Offices
only and that for undertaking tour for attending different
offices necessary mileage allowance etc as available
to other Government Staff would be instructed to be
provided.
23. Revised duties of Postmen: We raised the
issue of recent orders on revised duties of Postmen
staff entrusting preparation of beat lists for registered
articles, MOs and speed articles in computer and
taking returns after delivery and pointed out the
difficulties and other problems involved in transferring
the work of PAs to Postmen in this manner. The Official
Side agreed to reconsider the issue.
information.
No. 16/101/2008-SR Dated : 1 December, 2008
Sub.: Awarding punishments by quoting
rules/authority outside the Departmental
manuals-reg.
I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/4-1/Staff
dated 10.11.2008 on the above mentioned subject.
2. It is requested to refer the specific cases for
examination of the matter at this end.
Yours faithfully
Sd/-
(Subhash Chander)
Director (SR&Legal)
N.B. : Pl expedite reply
5 FEBRUARY, 2009
 Short Notes on P-3 Charter of Demands
(Gists sent to Secretary (Posts) vide CHQ
letter no. P/4-1/Agitation dt. 3.1.09)
1. Filling up of LSG, HSG II and HSG I posts.
(i) Recast the notional promotions since
1982/1983 onwards and fill up all vacant posts of
LSG /HSG II & HSG I
Despite crystal clear orders of the Directorate dated
20.11.06 prescribing the check list for LSG, HSGII &
HSG I promotions, the notional promotions had not
been implemented properly in many circles.
1. In respect of M.P, Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan,
J & K, west Bengal circles, the notional LSG
promotions are not accorded so far.
2. The revision of notional promotion as per May
2007 instructions has not been carried out in many
circles like West Bengal, Orissa etc.
3. In respect of Orissa circle, the irregularity in
the notional promotions has not yet been settled
despite the visit of the Director (SPN).
Since there was no check prescribed for this
purpose, the due notional promotions have not been
carried out properly in many circles. The seniority list
of LSG officials after correcting the date of notional
promotion to LSG officials has not been circulated in
many circles for making representations by the
affected officials.
(ii) Fill up 2/3 rd unfilled up LSG vacancies
notionally from 7.2.02 to 18.5.06.
Secondly the 2/3rd unfilled up vacancies from
4.1.02 to 18.5.06 have not been filled up on notional
basis on seniority. Due to this, there is dearth of LSG
officials for HSG II promotions as per recruitment rules
resulting in non filling up of such HSG II posts.
(III) Relax minimum qualifying service for HSG II
promotion.
It was assured during the talks held in April 2007
to relax the minimum qualifying service for HSG II
promotion in order to fill up the HSG II posts in the absence
of eligible LSG officials. This has not been implemented.
There are several HSG II posts remaining vacant.
(iv) Irregular application of benchmark of
current period for the grant of notional promotion.
According to DOPT instructions, application
of bench mark for LSG promotion was introduced only
in 2002 vide notification GSR 88 (E) communicated in
Directorate letter no 137-10-96-SPB II dated 19.2.02
Whereas, in many circles, the benchmark of the
current period had been wrongly applied for notional
promotions for the vacancies from 1984 onwards
resulting denial of due LSG promotions to the entitled
BHARTIYA POST
seniors for the vacancies of the earlier periods.
Moreover the Directorates instructions contained in
letter no 137-04/2006- SPB II 9Pt) dt 16.5.07 (ie) the
DPC should be realistic and objective in their
assessment in order to avoid unnecessary staff
grievances and depriving dues of the staff for promotion
- has not been practiced in any circle
(v) Date of LSG promotion be calculated
from the date of issue of orders and not from the
date of joining.
In many circles like Tamilnadu, the Circle
Heads ordered LSG promotions on regular basis
against the vacancies and intimated that the
promotions of the officials will take effect from the date
on which the officials actually join the post of LSG.
Some officials have been posted in the same
office or nearby who could immediately assumed charges
on receipt of orders and the others have to wait for their
relief to hand over the charge before joining the new post.
This will result in postponement of HSG II
promotion for the later and also loss in his seniority in LSG.
Hence the condition that the promotion will
take effect from the date on which they actually join
the post of LSG should be removed. The date of
promotion shall be taken in to effect from the date of
issue of order for promotion.
(vi) Grant of modification of LSG as one time
measure for those aggrieved due to dearth of
LSG vacancies / Rule 38 transfers.
Since the LSG notional promotion was
granted on notional basis in some divisions due to
more number of LSG posts in existence, the juniors
got their LSG promotions. In other divisions, due to
dearth of LSG posts, the seniors of deprived of LSG
notional promotion.
Similarly, the Rule 38 transferees could not
get their notional promotions due to application of the
divisional gradation list.
In order to mitigate the genuine grievances of
the above said officials in promotional aspects,
modifications of LSG by granting notional promotion
may be explored since the anomaly is prevailing due
to various changes made in the procedures
(vii) Drawal of pay to senior BCR officials in
HSG I posts as the pay scales of HSG II & BCR are
one & the same and settlement of earlier
officiating cases of Tamilnadu and West Bengal
circles as one time measure.
The pay scale of HSG II and BCR is one and
the same. After the modification of FR22 on 30.8.99,
6 FEBRUARY, 2009
any official holding / drawing the pay of HSG II on
regular basis even for a single day can very well officiate
in HSG I, as these promotions are in the same general
line. The officiating pay for the officiating in HSG I posts
by BCR officials have been denied in many circle.
In some circles, the regular HSG II officials
have been ordered to work in HSG I posts without any
extra remuneration.
In some circles like Tamilnadu, West Bengal,
some senior BCR officials have been ordered to officiate
in HSG I posts for more than one year during 2002 to
2005 in the absence of clear cut clarifications on the
subject and the circle heads had already referred the
cases to Directorate to regularize the arrangements
beyond one year as one time measure which is
pending over two years. The due officiating pay had
neither drawn nor taken for retirement benefits.
(viii) Fill up the vacancies by relaxing the
minimum qualified service for HSG II and HSG I
promotions.
There was no DPC held in many circles during
the last two or three years for HSG II and HSG I
promotions due to the absence of adequate qualified
officials possessing the requisite service as per the
recruitment rules resulting all the supervisory posts
are being kept managed by the other senior officials.
One time relaxation may be considered to fill up all
vacant posts immediately till the relaxation provisions
are incorporated in the recruitment rules.
(ix) Anomaly in the preparation of PA Gradation
list.
There is an anomaly prevailing in the
preparation of PA Gradation list from 1983 onwards in
many circles. In some circles, the date of confirmation
was taken for the determination of the PA seniority.
Fixing seniority based on the date of confirmation is
unconstitutional and discriminatory. The date of
appointment should be taken for determination of
seniority at this later stage.
The CAT, Bangalore held in O.A.No 446/2007
to dispose the case in accordance with Supreme Court
judgment that seniority should not be based on the
date of confirmation.
2. WITHDRAW THE ORDERS DATED
21.5.2007 DENYING BCR BENEFITS TO THOSE
DECLINING LSG PROMOTION
In Para 2 of the above said letter, it is clarified
that if an official declines regular promotion after getting
higher pay scale under TBOP/BCR promotion
schemes, his / her placement in higher pay scale under
BCR scheme / regular promotion be delayed for the
[period he / she declined regular promotion .
This is arbitrary. The orders applicable to ACP
should not be applied to TBOP / BCR which were
BHARTIYA POST
introduced on matching savings and they were different
from ACP.
The Dept vide its letter no 137-18/2001 - SPB
II dated 23.4.01 clarified that up gradation under TBOP
/ BCR schemes and promotions to LSG / HSG II as
per the provisions of recruitment rules are two distinct
matters. The present application is in contradiction of
the said orders.
3. FILLING UP THE APM ACCOUNTS LSG,
HSG II POSTS AS PER THE 1976 LSG
ACCOUNTANT RECRUITMENT RULES.
The statutory rules of 1976 and rules 276 &
277 of Volume IV dealing the issue remain unchanged.
While clarifying the posting after the introduction of
FTP exam vide Dept letter no. 137 /10/96 - SPB II
dated 28.1.03, it was mentioned that the officials
promoted to LSG either on General line or FTP having
accounts qualifications may be considered for APM
Accounts post. This has created a bundle of
contradictions and the separate line of promotion to
LSG APM Accounts has been disturbed and not carried
out thereafter.
Rule 276 A (a) of P&T Manual Volume IV states
that the appointment to the posts of LSG (APM
Accounts) will be made from the PO & RMS Accounts
qualified officials in preference of their seniors in general
gradation list even though such seniors have passed
the old lower selection grade examination.
Rule 276 - A (b) of P&T Manual Volume IV states that
the appointment to the post of Accountants in Higher
Selection Grade will be made from the officials in the
LSG who have qualified the PO & RMS Accountants
examination and after passing the examination, he
should have worked as Accountant at least for three
years.
Now in many circles, by deviating the
recruitment rule 1976 and the statutory rules of volume
IV, unqualified officials have been posted as APM
Accounts in HSG II cadre and thus defeated the very
purpose of existence of such qualified posts.
The CAT, Chennai in its O.A. No 201/2006 in the case
of Sri. P. Ramadoss Vs. the Principle Chief PMG,
Tamilnadu circle held the separate identity of APM
Accounts cadre and directed to conduct the DPC for
Accounts line without any procrastination based on
the Recruitment Rules dated 13.9.76 and issue
necessary promotion orders to the eligible Po &RMS
accounts line officials.
Hence, the following may be considered to
overcome the present situation and injustice caused
to this cadre.
1. The LSG Accountants Recruitment Rules
1976 shall be revived and applied for filling up of all
APM Accounts posts.
7 FEBRUARY, 2009
2. The Year of passing the PO & RMS
Accountants Exam may be taken for the promotion to
LSG APM Accounts.
3. During the up gradation of 1622 HSG II posts,
many APM Accounts posts were up graded to HSG II.
Resultantly, there is a dearth of LSG APM Accounts
in the feeder cadre for promotion. Hence, it is requested
to restore the LSG position of APM Accounts to the
extent of 50% of the total number of posts in Accounts
cadre by upgrading the general lines post to HSG II.
4. Keep 30% of HSG II APM Accounts posts
and this can be filled up with the LSG officials
possessing accounts qualifications.
5. Reserve 20% of the establishment for HSG I
promotion in accounts cadre for providing promotion
to HSG II APM Accounts.
If the above proposal is considered, the present
problem will be over and if the accounts qualified
officials are allowed to handle the accounts, it will
improve efficiency in the prime accounting functions
at the base levels.
4. FILLING UP OF RESIDUAL VACANCIES
SINCE 1999 - 2000 ONWARDS WITHOUT ANY
FURTHER DELAY AND RETURN THE
DEPUTATIONISTS FROM CO/RO TO MANAGE THE
ACUTE SHORTAGE OF STAFF IN THE DIVISIONS.
Despite the department caused orders to fill
up all residual vacancies vide its letter no 60 -5/2007 -
SPB I dated 15.5.07 in very clear terms, this has not
been implemented in true spirit in most of the circles.
In respect of Tamilnadu circle, 858 PA posts are still
being kept unfilled under this head. In Assam circle,
the posts have been abolished in some divisions
without knowing the procedures. In respect of
Rajasthan 292 PA posts have not been filled up so far
for want of order from the Directorate. The Chief PMG,
Orissa has submitted proposals for filling up the posts.
In Jharkhand 138 posts are still unfilled up. In
Uttarkhand , 112 posts are still being kept unfilled up.
The Chief PMG, West Bengal sought clarifications for
filling up of these posts.
Almost all the circles are seeking clarifications
and protracting this issue. Since no post was kept vacant,
the question of revival does not arise. However, the contents
of the Directorate earlier letters no 4-2/20-3-SPB I dated
20.12.03 and 60-1/2002-SPB I (Pt) dated 29.3.04 were
taken as a ruse by the Circle Heads to simply refer the
cases again to Directorate and remain silent.
Unless clear-cut instructions are not issued,
the issue will not be settled at circle level.
5. UNJUST AND ARBITRARY
DISCRIMINATION OF REGULAR AND FTP AMONG
LSG OFFICIALS
The department is causing various orders
discriminating the regular and FTP among the LSG
BHARTIYA POST
officials. Earlier, the FTP qualified LSG officials are
being forced to join in the delivery post offices and
now orders were issued to post them in project arrow
post offices. This will demotivate the regular officials
and also causing frequent disturbance to the FTP
officials. Writing the Examination is a channel of
promotion but that should not discriminate the officials
among the equals.
Necessary orders may pl be issued by ending
the discrimination prevailing now.
6. WITHDRAW THE DIRECTORATE LETTER
DT 22.10.07 ON SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATORS AND
FOR UNIFORM AND CORRECT NORMS &
Guidelines before passing sarcastic comments.
The comments contained in the said reference that
accessing the data base by the Systems Administrators
is dangerous has hurted the feelings of the officials who
are toiling very hard for the full computerization of the
postal service. Even on today, the contents of the said
letter to make the divisional head as the custodian of
the data base is not in practice in anywhere and it is
only in paper. The custody of data base should be
entrusted to the head of the office only for the smooth
and uninterrupted functioning of the systems.
7. WITHDRAW THE ORDERS FIXING
RESPONSIBILITY ON D.D.Os / APM ACCOUNTS
FOR THE OVERPAYMENT OF PAY & ALLOWANCES
TO POSTMAN ON ACCOUNT OF FIXATION OF PAY
UNDER R. P.RULES.
The drawing and disbursing officers have been
made as scapegoats in this case. According to Rule
87 of P&T FHB Vol I, any excess payment can be
recovered at any time. The Apex court also confirmed
that any excess payment made to any administrative
mistake, there is no rule which prohibits such recovery
( Udayasankaran vs. Union of India JT 1996 (4) (SC)
It is most pertinent to point that the inspection
parties like ICIR and Audit have approved and certified
such drawals in many places. The clarifications
regarding fixation of pay of Postmen in scale of Rs.
2750 -4400 ( with two advance increments ) was issued
only on 10.6.99 vide letter no 23-66/97-PE I (PCC)
dated 10.6.99. The defective order dt 9.10.97 resulted
in overpayments.
Some circles have clarified in favour of the
drawal. For example, the Chief PMG, M.P.Circle vide his
letter no EST / 1-166 /III/Rlg dated 12.10.98 clarified that
the fixation of pay in Postmen / Mailguard cadre is to be
fixed as on 1-1-96 in the pay scale of Rs. 2750-70-3800-
75-4400 as per CCS (RP) Rules, 1997 and two advance
increments may be given after fixation on 1-1-96.
For the overpayments, the accounts branch
cannot alone be held responsible. Merely for non
obtaining declarations, they cannot be held responsible.
One Sri V.V.Nargide, APM Accounts, Pune City HPO
8 FEBRUARY, 2009
had been proceeded under Rule 14 on 31.12.2008 on
the date of his superannuation directing him to credit Rs.
7,27,671.60.Any punishment should not handicap the
employees and demoralize him - The spirit of the Volume
III and FHB has been buried by this kind of actions.
It is requested to protect the innocents by
withdrawing unwarranted actions.
8. COUNTING OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE FOR
PAY FIXATION - CASE OF PO & RMS
ACCOUNTANTS
A kind attention is invited to the Dte letter no
9 (1)/2004-PA Admn. I/501 to 504 dated 29.10.06 where
in it is ordered that the special allowance drawn in lieu
of higher pay scales may be taken into account for
fixation of pay on promotion under ACP to the JAO
qualified candidates of Postal Accounts.
The above said instructions were issued with
the consultation of DOPT and we request the similar
application of the clarification in respect of PO & RMS
accounts qualified officials also. The issue is pending
over ten years.
9. COUNTING OF PAST SERVICES OF
ERSTWHILE R.T.P. FOR PROMOTION AND
PENSION AS PER SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT.
Pl refer our letters on the reference which
contain full justification of this demand with concerned
judgments and other Govt orders. In nutshell we request
to consider the issue on the following main grounds.
(i) As per the Directorate letter dated 19.4.96, the
implementation of the Ernakulam CAT judgment
granting the past RTP service as regular service
for all purposes was restricted only to the
applicants of the O.A. This is against to the
decisions of the various judicial pronouncements
that the benefits should be extended to the
similarly situated persons.
(ii) During 1970 to 1974, even the pre training services
of certain officials engaged as postal clerk were
regularized. The RTPs were trained and utilized
full time in the clerical posts to manage all the
works of the post office.
(iii) The CAT, Chennai held that the services rendered
by the ex RTPs at APS shall be counted as
qualifying services for all purposes. The Chennai
High Court, on appeal by the department has
upheld the decision of the CAT in WP no 37117 to
37119 of 2002 and directed the department to
extend the benefits.
(iv) In another case, the Apex court under Civil Appeal
No.5739 of2005 filed by Sri M.Mathivanan, Postal
Asst, Cuddalore division upheld the decision of
extending the benefits and dismissed the appeal
filed by the department with costs.
(v) The Directorate has directed the Circle Heads to
collect, compile and furnish details of ex-RTPs
BHARTIYA POST 9 FEBRUARY, 2009
deputed to APS to consider for extending the
benefits to all similarly situated persons. There
after there is no action in this regard.
This demand is pending over decades and
there should not be any discrimination between two
equals. It is requested to consider the case and cause
appropriate orders for counting the past services of
the RTP for all benefits.
10. WITHDRAW THE CONDITION IN TENURE
POSTING OF SINGLE & DOUBLE HANDED
OFFICES & RESTRICTION IN POSTING OF SPM
DUE TO MINOR PENALTIES / CR ENTRIES, WHICH
ARE IN VIOLATION OF PROVISIONS OF
STATUTORY RULES OF VOLUME IV
The condition that the SPM working in Single
/ Double handed offices should not be posted back to
the same office during their entire service is against
to the statutory rules of Postal manual Volume IV.
This has caused serious dislocations in the hill stations
and also in the divisions where larger number of singled
handed offices available.
The unwarranted suspicion on all employees
will demoralize and demotivate them.
The orders may be rescinded.
11. GROUP B EXAMINATION.
After The fifth commission, the department,
unmindful of the amendment of the recruitment rules
by due notification with the approval of nodal ministries,
has plunged into action to the controversial decision
in permitting only those officials holding standard LSG
post on regular basis, blocking out all TBOP /BCR
officials. Earlier bunch of TBOP, BCR officials passed
the Group B examination. As such a sudden switch
over to standard LSG criteria has caused a concern.
It is requested to permit all the officials having 20
years of clerical service irrespective of the fact whether
they are LSG or TBOP to write the Group B exam.
12. COUNTING THE TRAINING PERIOD FOR
INCREMENT AND PROMOTION TO THE
DEPARTMENTAL CANDIDATES ALSO
Despite clear orders contained in Dte letter
no 44-47/98-SPB II dated 31.7.2000 & 27.7.2001,that
the period of induction training period may also be
counted as qualifying service for the benefit of TBOP /
BCR promotions, this has not been implemented in
many circles. In Tamilnadu circle, due to the objection
of the circle IFA, huge recovery had been ordered and
the promotion date had been postponed to next six
month in most of the cases.
It is requested to cause necessary instruction
in this regard and further it is requested to consider
the induction service period of the LGOs as service
rendered in Postal Assistant cadre if opted for fixation
and other benefits.
13. REVISION OF FSC TO POST OFFICES &
ENHANCEMENT OF HONORORIUM FOR RD PMC
WORK IN SUB OFFICES, DEPARTMENT EXAM
INVIGILATION WORK ETC.
1. The rates fixed for RD PMC work a decade
back needs revision. The norms were also revised.
During 1996, the PMC was permitted without interest
after one year. Now the PMC is allowed only after three
years with SB interest. Resultantly IBB has to be
worked out for more than three years consuming more
time in the midst of RD decentralization. We request
to revise the rates as follows:
Sub Postmaster Rs. 5/00 per account.
Postal assistant Rs.10 per account.
2. The Fixed Stationary charges fixed to offices
does not commensurate the expenditure being incurred
for the purpose due to spiral increase of price.
It is pertinent to mention that the GDs are getting more
FSC than the regular departmental officials. The fate
of process initiated during 2007 is unknown.
3. At present, the following rate of honorarium is being
paid to the officials who are brought by the department
while conducting the departmental examination.
(i) Supervisor : Rs.30 per session.
(ii) Invigilators. : Rs.20 per session
(iii) Clerk : Rs25 per day
(iv) Group D : Rs15 per day
The remuneration is very meager while comparing the
strenuous job carried out by the officials.
14. IMPLEMENT THE ASSURANCES MADE ON
19.4.07 IN FIXING INCENTIVE TO RPLI, IMT,
PASSPORT APPLICATIONS, NRGEIS, OTHER
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES ETC. GRANT OF OTA TO
OPERATIVE STAFF, DISPENSATION OF
CONFIRMATION EXAMINATION AS AGREED UPON
BY AMENDING THE PA/SA RECRUITMENT RULES.
During discussions on 19.4.2007 with the
Secretary, it was stated that an internal committee
will be appointed to process and decide the quantum
of honorarium/ incentive for the new business activities
like RPLI, Western Union Money transfer, Processing
of Pass port applications, Verification of addresses
for cell phones, NRGEIS etc and uniform application
of honorarium in all circles for common works. This is
yet to be finalized.
2. It was assured to grant OTA to postal
operative employees to manage the excess work due
to absenteeism and shortage. No orders have been
issued so far.
3. It was assured to dispense the confirmation
examination and stated it will be included in the
proposed recruitment rules for Postal Assistants.
4. Despite clear directions from Directorate to
grant incentive to the officials up to the extent of 25%
from the additional revenue earned from the business
vide letter no 16-16/2007-08/BD &MD/P II dt 13,12.07,
BHARTIYA POST
no incentive has been fixed for various items of work in
many circle. No incentive is paid for NRGEIS work in
Rajasthan, Assam, Chattisgarh etc. For acceptance of
electricity bills also no incentive is paid in many circles.
5. The compensation for the work done by the
staff in connection with enrolment of new voters and
selection of voters list has not yet been paid for the
work performed during 2006 due to non receipt of
amount from the Election commission.
6. Despite clear orders to grant MPCM allowance
to the Pas deployed at MPCM counter vide letter no
43-3/93 PMR (Pt II) dated 17,1.94 and subsequent
clarifications dated 21.10.97, the MPCM allowance
has not been paid many circles like Delhi,
Maharashtra, Uttarkhand etc.
7. The eligible S.B Allowance for the second
posting in the S.B.branch of the qualified officials has
not been paid in many divisions like Medak which was
brought to your notice with several reminders.
15.CREATION OF SYSTEM MANAGERS /
ADMINISTRATORS POSTS & MARKETI NG
EXECUTIVES. GRANT OF SPL PAY AND GRANT
OF ROAD MILEAGE ALLOWANCE WITHOUT
RESTRICTIONS. TRAINERS ALLOWANCE FOR
IMPARTING TRAINING. NORMS BE FIXED FOR
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATORSUNIFORMLY IN ALL
CIRCLES.PROVIDING MOBILE PHONES. FIXING
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THEIR WORK
Pl refer our various letters on the subject in
which we explained the justification of the demand.
The following is the main demand in this issue.
(i) Separate cadre with higher pay scales (Pay Band II)
(ii) The present Systems administrators may be totally
absorbed in the elevated posts.
(iii) It may be declared as a promotional post to Postal
assistants possessing requisite qualifications.
The following requires immediate solutions to sort
out the work spot problems.
(i) Uniform guidelines on the roles and responsibilities
of the Systems Administrators should be issued.
(ii) Standard norms should be fixed taking into
consideration of Geographical spread out of the
division, the number of computerized HOs and SOs
and the status of the sub offices concerned.
(iii) Since they have to attend any fault then and there
throughout the division, they should be granted
with Road Mileage allowance without any ceiling.
(iv) Mobile phones may be supplied with talk value of
Rs.500 per month.
(v) Working hours has to be fixed. At least they may
be treated as outdoor staff like PRI (P) without
insisting attendance by submitting weekly diaries.
(vi) For excess work and retention beyond working
hours, they should be compensated either in the
shape of overtime or incentive.
10 FEBRUARY, 2009
(vii) A panel should be maintained at divisional level and
they should be posted as SAs. They should not be
reverted back as postal Asst without sound reasons.
(viii) Trainers allowance may e granted since they are
imparting training on computer to all officials.
(ix) A kit bag containing Nut drive set, CD bag, Pen
drive, handy vacuum cleaner etc maybe provided.
(x) Priority may be extended while granting motor cycle
advance treating them as emergent outdoor staff.
The following may also be considered.
(i) The possession of SQL password may be
conferred with the Head of the office after imparting
training to overcome the problem of immediate solution
of technical problems as this is now vested with the
divisional head.
(ii) The software must be licensed. In many
cases, the higher ups call for reports/ slides prepared
through Microsoft office without supplying it ever. This
will encourage the software privacy.
(iii) The supply of stationeries and accessories
like printing papers, ribbon or cartridge etc should be
of good quality.
(iv) The AMC service has become source of
constant trouble. At the time of acceptance of AMC,
the experience, establishment and reputation of the
company should be given some weight age as the
rate quoted. Pecuniary penalties should be awarded
to the AMC if they do not abide by the downtime or
other clauses of the Govt.
(v) The usage, maintenance, operation and
replacement of UPS (especially UPS batteries) and
departmental Generators should be planned and clear
guidelines should be issued.
16. ALLOTMENT OF ADEQUATE FUNDS TO CLEAR
ALL PENDING PERSONAL CLAIMS LIKE OTA, TA,
MEDICAL ETC SINCE 2002 - 2003.
The details of personal claims pending in each
circle have already been furnished in our earlier letters.
Unless a special sanction is sought from the Finance
Ministry to wipe out all the pending bills as if had in
the past, the pendency will be increased manifold
further. There is a total discontentment in the midst of
employees due to non disbursement of their personal
claims years together.
It is requested to kindly bestow your kind
attention in this pertinent issue and arrange special
sanction of funds to wipe out all the pending bills.
17. SPOT PAYMENT OF INCENTIVE TO SPM/
BPMFOR PROCURINGRPLI BUSINESS. GRANT OF
INCENTIVE FOR SCHEDULE WORK
Despite the fact the incentive for procuring the
RPLI business is prescribed in the Directorate letter
dated 21.8.96 and 27.11.96, the incentive money has
not been paid to the officials' years together. There
should be no link to pay the incentive with allotment of
BHARTIYA POST 11
funds. Incentive should be paid on the spot which will
motivate and improve the business. It is requested to
consider the same.
Attention: Even though it was agreed to grant incentive
for the schedule work in the accounts branch of the
head post offices in the PLI Directorate meetings, it is
still pending. The honorarium fixed for processing the
PLI proposals at divisional office requires revision. The
annual ceiling be removed and the incentive should be
granted for all jobs without.
18. DRAWAL OF S.B.ALLOWANCES TO ALL
WORKING IN S.B.BRANCHES ON COMPUTERS.
With the introduction of total computerization and SB
LAN in Post offices, any official who had undergone
LAN training is ordered to work in S.B.branch. The
criteria of S.B.Aptitude test have now become irrelevant
when the operations are fully computerized.
Further there is every justification to grant this
allowance to the SPMs working in single/double
handed offices.
It is requested the SB Allowance may be paid
to all those working in SB branches without condition
of passing the examination.
19. REFUND OF FEE FOR APPEARING THE
AMFI EXAMINATION TO ALL CANDIDATES.
According to Directorate instructions, the officials who
are appearing the AMFI test have to pay the fees of
Rs.500 in the form of DD and the said amount may be
waived and refunded only to the successful candidates.
This is arbitrary and unjust. The training is
pertaining for the services of mutual funds and UTI. In
most of the divisions, the officials are compelled to write
the test in order to promote the business of UTI. As such
the denial of refund of exam fee is unjust and unfair.
The officials who qualify the exam have not
been paid with any higher pay. As such, the entire
amount spent by the employees for examination be
borne by the department either on own or collecting
from UTI etc.
20. JAO QUALIFIED BE REGULARISED IN DOT BY
AGREEING TO THE PROPOSAL FOR COMMON CADRE
There is a long wait listed candidates
possessed the JAO qualification and await for regular
absorption over decades. The vacancies in the DOT
may be offered to them at least by agreeing for a
common cadre. It is our appeal that should be absorbed
at once either in the postal or in the Telecom. This
may pl be considered.
With regard to charters 21 & 22, a detailed
letter will be sent within two days.
K .V. Sridharan
General Secretary
FEBRUARY, 2009
 Action Taken Report on the issues raised in the Charter of Demands
submitted by NFPE and its affiliated Associations
19 Points Charter of Demands
1. Modify and improve the
recommendations of Natarajan Murti Committee
and reject the retrograde recommendations (list
of modifications/rejections endorsed separately).
u Report of Natarajan Murti Committee is till
under examination by a Group of Senior Officers of
the Department.
2. Re-fix the wages all Paid substitutes - RRR
Candidates - Part Time/ contingent w.e.f. 1.1.2006
on the basis of 6th CPC Revised Pay Scales.
u The issue is being referred to DOP&T on the
advice of Internal Finance wing.
3. Exempt Postal Department from the
purview of Screening Committee and fill up all
vacant posts in all cadres immediately.
u The Department follows the scheme regarding
optimization of direct recruitment to civilian posts
contained in the DOP&T OM NO. 2/8/100-PC dated
16.05.2001 for filling up of direct recruitment vacancies.
The validity of the scheme has been extended up to
13.3.2009 vide DOP&T OM No. 2/8/2001-PIC dated
30.8.2006. According to these instructions, 1/3rd of
the direct recruitment vacancies arising in a year
subject to a further ceiling of 1% of the sanctioned
strength of the Department can be filled up after getting
clearance from the Screening Committee. The said
OM further provided that the vacancies finally cleared
by the Screening Committee would be filled up duly
applying the rules for reservation for handicapped
persons, compassionate quota thereon. The remaining
direct recruitment vacancies are required to be
abolished. The restriction imposed by the DOPT in
filling up the direct recruitment vacancies are applicable
to all Ministries/Departments. There is no restrictions
in filling up the promotion post. Thus Departmental
Promotion Committee meetings and Departmental
Examination are being held to fill up promotion posts.
2. When the Screening Committee last met to finalize
the Annual Direct Recruitment Plan (ADRP) for the
year 2005 it was decided by the Chairperson of the
Committee viz. Secretary (Posts) that keeping in view
the operational requirement of this Department, the
proposal to fill the remaining vacancies not approved
by the Screening Committee under ADRP 2005 will
be taken up with the competent authority in the
Government of India for exempting the Department of
Posts from abolition of posts in respect of the direct
recruitment vacancies.
3. Meanwhile the Sixth Pay Commission has
BHARTIYA POST
also recommended to the Government to review the
policy laid down in the Optimization Scheme.
In the light of DOP&T's O.M. No. 2/82/2007-PIC dated
31.7.2008 a proposal seeking exemption of this
Department from the purview of the optimization
scheme introduced vide Department of Personnel &
Training O.M. No. 2/8/2001-PIC dated 16.5.2001 in
direct recruitment to civilian posts has since been sent
to Secretary, DOPT on 26.9.2008 for approval. As soon
as the proposal is approved by the said Department,
necessary action will be taken to fill up the direct
recruitment vacancies in all the Postal Circles.
It has already been decided at the level of
Secretary (Posts) that Departmental Examination to
the cadre of PA/SA for the year 2008 as per the existing
syllabus. Accordingly DE branch was requested to
take further necessary action in the matter and the
examination has already been held. The revised
syllabus for Departmental LGO Examination to the
cadre of PA/SA in Postal and RMS Wing is separately
under examination.
4. Hold periodical Meeting and JCM
Departmental Council/RJCM Regional Council
meetings as per the Schedule.
u Meetings will be held as per schedule.
5. Implement all issues of April 2007 Strike
Settlement. Annexure I.
u Statement of Action Taken Report enclosed
(Annexure I)
6. Negotiate and settle the sectional charter
of demands submitted by Federations and unions
on 15.02.2008
u Statement of Action Taken Report enclosed
(Annexure II)
7. Finalise Cadre Review for all cadre - creation
of a separate establishment for System
Administrators and redressing their current problems.
u In the meeting held on 16.09.2008 between
the Federation and the then Member (P), Federations
were advised to submit detailed proposals to facilitate
examining their demands for which they have agreed.
Proposal from Federation are awaited.
8. Improve the ACP and make it applicable
to Postal Employees.
u Formal orders from Department of Personnel
& Trg on the modified ACP scheme are awaited. The
issue will be examined after receipt of details from
MOF/DOPT.
9. Remove all trade union victimization in
12 FEBRUARY, 2009
all Circles and end irrational application of
Contributory negligence orders.
u As and when any specific instance was brought
to the notice, the Department took prompt action.
However, due to lack of any specific instance of
victimization, it is not feasible to take action in this regard.
10. Do not introduce new schemes without
consultation with the staff Side.
u The Department has taken up new services
with an aim to generate more revenue thereby reducing
the deficit on Department of Posts. Further, in the
present scenario of globalization and stiff competition
in all actions of Post Office, it is necessary to provide
better facilities to the postal consumers to retain the
present customers. Hence, undertaking new scheme
is a necessity to survive in a competitive environment.
Whenever the Department introduces new schemes/
change in the procedure, suggestions given by the
Staff are always taken in to consideration and
necessary changes incorporated.
11. Withdraw the SLP against the RRR
Candidates and absorb them immediately.
u The SLP were filed after due consideration
and recommendation of Ministry of Law & Justice. So
the matter is now sub-judice before Hon'ble Supreme
Court of India.
12. Grant immediate fixation of higher scale
as per 6th CPC to TBOP/BCR Postmen/Mailguards.
u Orders clarifying the revised Pay Bands
applicable to TBOP/BCR Postmen/Mailguards have
since been issued.
13. Grant higher pay scales to Head Mail
Peons at par with Postman/Mailguard.
u The issue was examined earlier and it was
found that there is no justification as Head Mail Peons
belong to Group 'D' copy of reply given to General
Secretary All India Postal Employees Union, Postmen
& Group D vide letter dated 6.11.2002 is enclosed.
14. Grant Notional fixation of Artisan Grade I
in MMS w.e.f. 1.1.1996 at par with the Railways
and Defence.
u A proposal for restructuring the Artisan Grade-
I at par with the Artisan in the Ministry of Defence was
sent to Ministry of Finance. In the meantime,
Government had constituted Sixth CPC. The issue was
referred to Sixth CPC. The issue was duly considered
by Sixth CPC and the pre-revised pay scale of Rs.4000-
6000 has been upgraded to Rs.4500-7000 w.e.f. 1.1.2006
and placed in the revised pay band of Rs.5200-20200
with grade pay of Rs.2800. There is no justification for
granting notional fixation w.e.f. 1.1.1996.
15. Redistribute the LSG/HSG II/HSG I Posts
for Circle offices including DPLI Kolkata.
u Distribution was done on the basis of workload
BHARTIYA POST 13
and also basing on the requirement of posts projected
by each circle.
16. Withdraw decentralization of PLI/RPLI
functions of Circle offices.
u As on day only work relating to acceptance
of proposal and issue of PR Book was Decentralized
at Divisional Level. Whereas PLI data will be migrated
and managed at National Data Centre, after sales
activities are required to be decentralized for providing
better service to customers.
17. Stipulate periodicity of deputationists to
Circle offices and recruit new incumbents.
u In this regard. Comments from all the Circle
have been called for. From the response received so
far it is noticed that the said arrangement has been
resorted by the Circle due to shortage of manpower.
Therefore, it is presumed that as soon the vacancies
in Circle office are filled up, these officials will reverted
to their parent units.
18. Ensure integration of all Accounting
streams in DOP under PA wing and stop the
proposed mode to decentralize Postal Accounts.
u No such decision to decentralize the Postal
Accounts Offices of this Department has so far been taken.
19. Restore the 3-year periodicity of
promotion to Senior Accountant cadre.
u The proposal of restoration of service condition
of 3 years in the R/Rs of Sr. Accountants has not
been approved by DOP&Trg.
Annexure-I
Action taken report on the issue raised in
the Charter of Demands given by Postal JCM
comprising NFPE/FNPO (meeting taken by
Secretary (Posts) on 19.04.2007)
1. Appointment of Judicial committee/
Commission for GDS and grant status and pension
to GDS Employees - staff side was apprised that
in view of special status of GDS, they were out of
purview of JCM scheme which also takes them
beyond the scope of 6th Central Pay Commission.
However, the Staff Side insisted on another
attempt to be made for consideration of GDSs
issues by the 6th CPC, set up for the Central
Government Employees. The request of the Staff
Side that the matter may be referred to 6th CPC
by the Department has been considered. The
Department will make the request to the
Government that 6th CPC may look into GDS also.
u The item is treated as closed.
2. Exempt Department of Posts from the
purview of reduction of staff strength and fill up
all vacant posts in all cadres in Postal/RMS/MMS/
Circle/Regional Offices/ Postal Accounts and GDS
including residual vacancies.
FEBRUARY, 2009
u The Department follows the scheme regarding
optimization of direct recruitment to civilian posts
contained in the DOP&T OM No. 2/8/100-PC dated
16.05.2001 for filling up of direct recruitment vacancies.
The validity of the scheme has been extended up to
31.3.2009 vide DOP&T OM No. 2/8/2001 PIC dated
30.8.2006. According to these instructions, 1/3rd of
the direct recruitment vacancies arising in a year
subject to a further ceiling of 1% of the sanctioned
strength of the Department can be filled up after getting
clearance from the Screening Committee. The said
OM further provided that the vacancies finally cleared
by the Screening Committee would be filled up duly
applying the rules for reservation handicapped persons,
compassionate quota thereon. The remaining direct
recruitment vacancies are required to be abolished.
The restrictions imposed by the DOPT in filling up the
direct recruitment vacancies are applicable to all
Ministries/Departments. There is no restrictions in filling
up the promotion posts. Thus Departmental Promotion
Committee meetings and Departmental Examination
are being held to fill up promotion posts.
2. When the Screening Committee last met to
finalize the Annual Direct Recruitment Plan (ADRP)
for the year 2005 it was decided by the Chairperson of
the Committee viz. Secretary (Posts) that keeping in
view the operational requirement of this Department,
the proposal to fill the remaining vacancies not approved
by the Screening Committee under ADRP 2005 will
be taken up with the competent authority in the
Government of India for exempting the Department of
Posts from abolition of posts in respect of the direct
recruitment vacancies.
3. Meanwhile the Sixth Pay Commission has
also recommended to the Government to review the
policy laid down in the Optimization Scheme. In the
light of DOP&T's O.M. No.2/2/2007-PIC dated
31.7.2008 a proposal seeking exemption of this
Department from the purview of the optimization
scheme introduced vide Department of Personnel &
Training O.M. No. 2/8/2001-PIC dated 16.5.2001 in
direct recruitment to civilian posts has since been sent
to Secretary, DOPT on 26.9.2008 for approval. As soon
as the proposal is approved by the said Department,
necessary action will be taken to fill up all the direct
recruitment vacancies in all the Postal Circles.
3. Drop Franchising of Postal Scheme, Stop
closure of Post Offices/RMS Offices, Transit
Sections/Relocation & merger of offices and
Divisions, stop combination of beats of Postmen/
stop curtailment of Postal Deliveries, Outsourcing
of PAO functions etc.
u The Department is committed to provide
affordable services in all parts of the country. Up to
BHARTIYA POST
9th Five Year Plan, the Department has built up its
network by obtaining Plan Support from the
Government under successive Five Year Plan. During
the 10th Five Year Plan, meager Plan Support was
provided by the Government for expansion of its postal
network. The 10th Five Year Plan has issued certain
guidelines for consolidating an rationalizing the
network. During the 11th Five year Plan, the
Department has projected a case with the Ministry of
Finance for creation of certain number of GDS posts
for manning the proposed new EDBOs to be opened
during the Plan Period. The proposal is under active
consideration with the Ministry of Finance. In the interim
following steps have been taken by the Department
during the current Plan Period:
Franchisee Scheme:
The objective of the Franchisee scheme is to
provide better accessibility to customers and
availability of postal counter facilities, especially in
areas such as new upcoming urban townships, SEZs,
major highway projects, upcoming new industrial
centers, colleges, etc, where it is not otherwise
possible to open Post Offices though redeployment of
staff. The Outlets are being opened in those areas
where there is justification for opening of Post Offices
on prescribed norms of distance and population. The
Outlets are linked to a specified Post Office where
business transacted by Franchised Outlets is
processed and are operation more or less like
extension counters. These operate from predetermined
location. Franchisees are authorized to perform some
of the counter functions. Mails transmission/delivery,
SB functions etc. have not been franchised. There are
also no such outlets in rural areas.
Franchisee scheme has not led to reduction
in establishment or closure of Post Offices. This has
helped in capturing new business, which earlier had
gone to couriers. The Department has drawn new
business and customer satisfaction has increased.
Closure of Post Offices:
The Department has no general policy to close
down/Downgrade Post Office in the country. However,
closure of Post offices is sometimes resorted to in
unavoidable circumstances like completion of ongoing
work at a project side, dilapidated accommodation and
court orders for vacation of buildings etc.
Relocation/Merger of Post Offices:
Since 1980 with the advancements in
communication technology and the advent of alternate
means of communication and service providers, the
traffic in post offices has reflected a declining trend.
This has resulted in many urban post offices becoming
no longer financially self-sufficient. It was also noted
that there are many post offices in urban areas located
14 FEBRUARY, 2009
in close proximity to each other and that many do not
fulfill the distance norms of 2kms. In areas with
population below 20 lakhs and 1.5 kms. In areas with
population over 20 lakhs. This reduces the viability of
all offices in the vicinity. There are also many new
urban areas which are not being provided post office
facilities for want of Plan targets. Over the last few
years, new post offices have been opened only by
redeploying existing vacant posts. Therefore, there has
been some constraint in catering to the growing need
for postal services in newly developed urban areas.
Keeping in view these facts, in January, 2003
a decision was taken to allow relocation of posts offices
situated in close proximity to each other, within the
permissible distance norms, to needy areas, or even
to merge them with neighboring post offices, since it
is possible to provide more facilities to the pubic though
larger post offices besides improving their viability. A
similar decision was taken on 28.1.05 to relocate those
Extra Departmental Branch Post Offices which are
located in normal rural areas and do not fulfill the current
distance norm to needy areas. However, even in this
exercise, special care was taken to exclude Extra
Departmental Branch Post Offices/Extra Departmental
Sub Offices situated in hilly, tribal, desert and
inaccessible locations, given their socio-economic
condition and for safeguarding the interests of staff
working there. This was done in consonance with the
10th Five Year Plan directives.
Such relocations/mergers are being done after
giving due notice to the public and the staff are also
conveniently accommodated against vacancies in
nearby offices.
4. Ensure monopoly of collection,
conveyance and delivery of letter mail by the
Department of Posts as recommended by the
parliamentary Standing Committee.
u It was explained that adequate care is being
taken to safeguard the monopoly of the Department
while proposing amendment of IPO Act. The case of
amendment of IPO Act has been withdrawn by the
competent authority and the new IPO Bill will try to
address the problem.
5. Regularize Casual Labourers/Full Time/
Part Time contingency Paid.
u In compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble
Supreme Court, a scheme known as 'Casual Labourers
(Grant of Temporary Status and Regulation) Scheme"
was drawn up by this Department in consultation with
the Ministries of Law, Finance and DOPT and
necessary orders were issued in this regard vide letter
No. 45-95/87-SPB-I dated 12.04.1991. the salient
features of the scheme were:-
(i) Temporary status would be conferred on the
BHARTIYA POST 15
causal labourers in employment as on 29.11.1989 and
who continued to be employed (at that time) and had
rendered continuous service of at least one year. During
the year they must have been engaged for a period of
240 days (206 days in the case of offices observing
five days weeks).
(ii) Conferment of Temporary Status would not
automatically imply that the causal labourers would
be appointed as a regular Group 'D' employee within
any fixed time frame. Appointment to Group 'D'
vacancies would continue to be done as per the extant
recruitment rules, which stipulated preference to eligible
ED employees.
(iii) The Conferment of temporary status has no
relation to availability of sanctioned regular Group 'D' posts.
2. Vide this Department's letter No.45-37/91-SPB.I
dated 5.6.1991, it was clarified that the scheme is
effective from 29.11.89 and hence the eligible casual
labourers may be conferred temporary status w.e.f.
29.11.89. It was further clarified vide letter No.45-37/
91-SPB.I dated 16.08.1991 that part time casual
labourer are not covered by the casual labourers (Grant
of Temporary Status and Regularization Scheme).
3. Subsequently it was provided by order No.66-9/91-
SPB.I dated 30.11.92 that the casual labourers of the
Department conferred with temporary status as per
the scheme dated 12.4.91 were to be treated at par
with Group 'D' employees with effect from the date
they complete three years service in the newly acquired
temporary status as per the scheme. From that date
they were entitled for various benefits admissible to
temporary Group 'D' employees such as all kinds of
leave, GPF, Medical aid, etc. the benefits of the
scheme were later extended to cover full time casual
labourers engaged up to 1.9.93 vide letter No. 66-52/
92-SPB.I dated 1.11.95 as amended vide letter No.
66-52/92-SPB I dated 8.11.95).
4. The method of recruitment prescribed in the
recruitment rule for Group D post in the subordinate
offices in the manner specified below: -
A test shall be held to determine the working
eligibility of the candidates holding non-test category
posts like Chowkidar, Safaiwala. In case suitable
candidates are not found to fill up the posts by such
test, the remaining posts shall be filled up by the
method as specified below:
(i) 75% of the vacancies remaining unfilled after
recruitment from non-test category employees shall
be filled up by Gramin Dak Sevaks of the Recruiting
Division or Unit where such vacancies occur failing
which by Gramin Dak Sevaks of the neighboring
Division or Unit by Selection cum seniority.
(ii) 25% of the vacancies remaining unfilled after
recruitment of non-test category employees shall be
FEBRUARY, 2009
filled up by selection -cum-seniority in the following
order:
(a) by Casual labourers with temporary status of
the recruiting division or unit failing which;
(b) by full -time Casual labourers of the Recruiting
Division or unit failing which;
(c) by part-time Casual labourers of the
Recruiting Division or unit failing which;
(iii) Casual labourers are accordingly regularize against
Group D posts.
6. Filling up all norms based LSG/HSG.II/HSG.I
posts and restores periodicity of Junior Accountants
promotion to Senior Accountants as 3 years.
u (a) A meeting was held under the
Chairmanship of DDG (P) on 4.5.2007 in the Directorate
with the APMGs/ADs of all the Postal Circle in order
to monitor/review the latest position regarding filling
up of norm based posts of LSG/HSG.II/HSG.I and to
remove bottleneck/difficulty, if any faced by the Circles.
It was impressed upon them that action to fill up the
vacant posts be expedited and the process completed
at the earliest. Issues of benchmark for promotion to
LSG etc. was also taken up during the meeting. All
Heads of Circles were requested vide letter dated 22-
5-2007 to ensure filling up all the norms based LSG/
HSG.II/HSG.I posts.
(b) Circles were requested to prepare Circle
Gradation list of all PAs/SAs vide letter dated 9.7.2007
so that based on it promotions to LSG could be made.
All Circles except Punjab, Rajasthan and W.B Circles
have prepared the draft Gradation Lists for circulation
to all concerned. Maharashtra Circle has yet to
circulate the Gradation list of PAs as they are in the
process of preparing the same. All Circles except the
Bihar, Rajasthan, NE and Jharkhand have since
granted notional/regular promotion upto the year 2002/
2006. Status of grant of regular/notional/regular
promotion in LSG/HSG.II from Bihar, Rajasthan, North
East and Jharkhand Circles is awaited.
(c) HSG. I norm based posts are not being filled
up due to non availability of officials in the feeder grade
of HSG.II with requisite length of regular service in the
grade i.e. three years. However, instructions dated
29.11.2006 have been issued after obtaining the
approval of DOP&Trg. to fill up the existing vacancies
in HSG.I on ad-hoc basis without prescription of any
minimum service in HSG.II for one year. This ad-hoc
arrangement has been further continued for six months
vide instructions dated 4.1.2008.
(d) The proposal of restoration of service condition
of 3 years in the R/Rs of Sr. Accountants has not
been approved by DOP&T.
7. Encashment of all pending bills OTA/TA/
Medical/RPLI commission etc.
BHARTIYA POST
u Funds were released under the head to the
extent of Budget having been allotted by the Ministry
of Finance. No liability under the heads is pending in
the Budget Branch of the Directorate. Encashment of
pending bills, is the sole jurisdiction of Heads of Circle/
Dns. Concerned. Directorate of (PLI) has reported no
pendency in bills in respect of RPLI Commission.
8. Grant of compassionate appointments to
eligible candidates and absorb all approved
candidates.
u Appointment on compassionate grounds
made in accordance with the consolidated instructions
of DOP&T's O.M. No. 14014/6/64-Estt (D) dated
09.10.98. (P-129/Corr)
9. Complete take over of POSB and PLI by
the Postal Department and accord full Autonomy
to Postal Board as in the case of Railway Board.
u So far as Post Office Saving Bank is
concerned, there is no proposal at present to take
over POSB by the Department.
10. Recognition of Federations and setting up
of Councils at all level.
u The Federation namely: National Federation
of Postal Employees (NFPE) and Federation of
National Postal Organisations (FNPO) have been
recognized vide office order No. 17/9/2007-SR dated
27th March,2008.
Necessary action for formation of Regional
Councils in the Postal Circles under the "Scheme for
Joint Consultative Machinery and Compulsory Arbitration
for Central government Employees" has been initiated
vide the Department's letter No. 6/1/2008-SR dated
04.06.2008. Some of the Circles have already completed
this action in consultation with the Staff Side.
Annexure.II
Action Taken Report on the issues raised in the
Charter of Demands submitted by Joint Council
of Action comprising NFPE and FNPO Postal
Charter of Demands
1. Recognize Federations under CCS (RSA)
rules 1993 and restore all forums or negotiating
machinery. Restore holding of Periodical
Meetings with the Federations and All India
Unions.
u The Federations namely National Federation
of Postal Employees (NFPE) and Federation of
National Postal Employees (FNPO) have been
recognized vide office order No. 17/9/2007-SR dated
27.03.2008.
Necessary action to convene periodical
meetings with the Federations and Service
Associations is being taken. (SR)
2. Protect letter mail monopoly as
recommended by the Parliamentary Standing
16 FEBRUARY, 2009
Committee headed by Shri Somnath Chatterjee.
u The Proposed Indian Post Office (Amendment)
Bill, 2008 has been withdrawn by the competent
authority and the new IPO Bill will try to address the
problems.
3. Amend the GDS conduct & Service Rules
for Payment of Gratuity under the Gratuity rules;
1972 as per the Supreme Court Judgment, Grant
Status; Pension, Maternity leave and other
benefits on prorate basis; Count the service period
of GDS for pension on their regularization;
Liberalize recruitment rules for GDS to appear
for the examination for PA/SA: No reduction of
TRCA under any circumstances; No Cycle Beat
Formula; Allow request transfer to GDS; Stop
harassing with unreasonable RPLI targets;
Introduce uniforms and kits to outdoor GDS; and
Grant all Trade union rights to GDS including right
to affiliate with Federation by amending the
Recognition Rules.
u Report of Natarajamurthy committee is still
under examination by a Group of Senior Officers of
the Department.
4. Exempt Department of Posts from the
purview of Screening Committee; Fill up all
vacant posts immediately in all cadres in Postal,
RMS, MMS, Administrative and Postal Accounts
including GDS; Hold special examination under
a liberalized syllabus to fill up all accumulated
residual vacancies in PA/SA cadre in Postal/RMS/
Admin wings; Expedite clearance of 2006/2007
ADR vacancies.
u The Department follows the scheme regarding
optimization of direct recruitment to civilian posts
contained in the DOP&T OM No. 2/8/100-PC dated
16.5.2001 for filling up of direct recruitment vacancies.
The validity of the scheme has been extended up to
31.3.2009 vide DOP&T OM No. 2/8/2001-PIC dated
30.8.2006. According to these instructions, 1/3rd of
the direct recruitment vacancies arising in a year
subject to a further ceiling of 1% of the sanctioned
strength of the Department can be filled up after getting
clearance from the Screening Committee. The said
OM further provided that the vacancies finally cleared
by the Screening Committee would be filled up duly
applying the rules for reservation handicapped persons,
compassionate quota thereon. The remaining direct
recruitment vacancies are required to be abolished.
The restrictions imposed by DoPT in filling up the direct
recruitment vacancies are applicable to all Ministries/
Departments. There is no restrictions in filling up the
promotion post. Thus Departmental Promotion
Committee meetings and Departmental Examination
are being held to fill up promotions posts.
BHARTIYA POST 17
2. When the Screening Committee last met to finalize
the Annual Direct Recruitment Plan (ADRP) for the
year 2005 it was decided by the Chairperson of the
Committee viz. Secretary (Posts) that keeping in view
the operational requirements of this Department, the
proposal to fill the remaining vacancies not approved
by the Screening Committee under ADRP 2005 will
be taken up with the competent authority in the
Government of India for exempting the Department of
Posts from abolition of posts in respect of the direct
recruitment vacancies.
3. Meanwhile the Sixth Pay Commission has also
recommended to the Government to review the policy
laid down in the Optimization Scheme. In the light of
DOP&T's O.M. No.2/2/2007-PIC dated 31.7.2008 a
proposal seeking exemption of this Department from
the purview of the optimization scheme introduced vide
Department of Personnel & Training O.M. No. 2/8/2001-
PIC dated 16.5.2001 in direct recruitment to civilian
posts has since been sent to Secretary, DOPT on
26.09.2008 for approval. As soon as the proposal is
approved by the said Department, necessary action
will be taken to fill up all the direct recruitment
vacancies in all the Postal Circles.
It has already been decided at the level of
Secretary (Posts) that Departmental Examination not
the cadre of PA/SA for the year 2008 as per the existing
syllabus. Accordingly DE Branch was requested to
take further necessary action in the matte and the
examination has already been held. The revised
syllabus for Departmental LGO Examination to the
cadre of PA/SA in Postal and RMS wing is separately
under examination.
5. Strengthen the delivery by dropping the
measures of curtailment of delivery; Stop combination
of Postmen beats and withdraw DG Order No.10-7/
2001-PEII Dated 15.3.2004; Drop single beat system
and single beat system and single delivery etc.
6. Increase the chances to 10 for appearing LGO
examination for Postmen, Mail guards and Group D
staff.
u For promotion of lower grade officials to the
cadre of Postal/Sorting Assistants through LGO
examination, the maximum number of chances were
five earlier. This was raised to six in 1999 only. The
number of chances available for the eligible officials
who are serious in getting promotion seems to be
sufficient. In view of the nature of duties attached to
the post of PA/SA, it will not be appropriate to enhance
the number of chances for appearing in LGO
examination.
7. Terminate all licenses granted to
Franchisee outlets; withdraw unilateral proposals
before the Planning commission for extending
FEBRUARY, 2009
the franchisee scheme and stop any types of
outsourcing of Postal function; Stop outsourcing
of functions of PAO.
u Franchisee outlets-Item No.3 of Annexure. I
(P-7) Secretary (Posts) has accorded approval to get
the date entry work for CC issue posting through
outsourcing to clear the humanly unmanageable
arrears as a special measure in view of the large scale
CC frauds amounting to hundreds Crores of Rupees
remaining undetected for very long period. Even this
date entry would be done under close supervision of
PAO and only that quantum of date entry would be
covered, which cannot be handled by our staff in their
normal day to day working. (DDG-PAF)
8. Restore sorting offices and ensure at least
one RMS office in every revenue State and
revenue District.
u The location of a mail office is decided on the
basis of mail flow pattern and sorting district. It has no
correlation to revenue district and depends on
transmission pattern and delivery links. Establishing
a mail offices in each district will increase mail-handling
rate, increase No. of bags increase overhead, reduce
sorting efficiency of mail office in terms of no. delivery
offices to be served.
9. Fill up all vacant posts of MMS Drivers
and Technical Staff and ease the workload; Impart
necessary computer training to handle new
generation power vehicles.
u Same as stated for item No. 3 in the Charter
of Demands of National Federation of Postal
Employees contained in their letter No. PF-12 (d)/2008
dated 10.12.2008. however, the MV Division has issued
necessary instructions to all Heads of Postal Circles
regarding outsourcing of drivers and cleaner (Group-
D) in MMS Unit. The Heads of Circles have been
informed that it has now been decided that heads of
circles can permit MMS Units to outsource the work
of Drivers and Cleaners (Group D) through Private
agencies after observing necessary formalities in
accordance with the guidelines mentioned in Rules -
179 to 185 of GFR to the extent of vacancies within
the sanctioned strength.
10. Grant Temporary Status to all eligible full time
casual laborers; absorbs TS CLS and GDS in Group
D vacancies under 25% - 75% formula without
abolishing Group D vacancies as per the Ernakulam
CAT Judgement; Regularize all part time casual labours
and contingency paid and absorb them as GDS; Treat
all the Temporary Service CLs as pre - 2004 entrants
and recommence recovery of GPR and restore
payment of wages including HRA/CCA quantum to
substitute as per Madras High Court Judgment.
u (i) As mentioned against item No. 5.
BHARTIYA POST
(Charter of Demands dated 9.4.2007)
(ii) Being done.
(iii) The subject matter concerns GDS Section.
(iv) The scheme of grant of temporary status and
regularization casual laborers formulated by this
Department vide No. 45-95/87-SPB-I dated 12.04.1991
has been reviewed in the light of introduction of New
Pension Scheme in respect of persons appointed to
the Central government service on or after 01.01.2004.
in consultation with the Department of Personnel and
Training, the scheme has been modified as under vide
letter No.45-6/2005-SPB.I dated 2.9.2005.
(i) As the new pension scheme is based on
defined contributions, the length of qualifying service
for the purpose of retirement benefits has lost its
relevance. No credit of casual service is available to
the casual laborers on their regularization against
Group D posts on or after 1.01.2004.
As there is no provision of General Provident Fund in
the new pension scheme, it will not serve any useful
purpose to continue deductions towards GPF from the
existing casual employees, in terms of para 8 of the
scheme for grant of temporary status. Therefore, no
further deductions towards General Provident Fund can
be effected from the casual labourers w.e.f. 1.1.2004
onwards and the amount lying in their General
Provident Fund accounts, including deductions made
after 1.1.2004, has been refunded to them.
11. Grant three financial upgradations to all
Group C and D officials on completion of 10, 20
and 25 years of service.
u Consequent of the implementation of the 6th
CPC recommendation, the formal order from the
Department of Personnel & Training have not been
received in this regard so far. Hence, the necessary
action will be initiated in accordance with DOP&T's
instructions.
12. Allot 19% of Group B vacancies for General
Line and permit all Group 'C' officials in Postal,
RMS, Administrative and Postal Accounts with a
minimum of 20 years service to appear for the
competitive examination by dispensing with the
present reservation of posts to RMS & Admn staff.
13. Grant notional promotion to eligible
seniors by holding the DPC year by year basis
from 1983 to Postal and RMS wings and from 1993
in Administrative wing within a time frame of one
month Restore periodically of Junior Accountant
Promotion to Senior Accountant as 3 years.
u Vide Directorate's letter No. 4-16/2002-SPB.II
dated 12.11.2002, all the Circles had already been
advised that norm based LSG/HSG.II posts should be
filled up notionally in terms of the relevant R/Rs from
the year when the norm based promotions had not
18 FEBRUARY, 2009
been carried out so that promotions to upgraded posts
in HSG.I could be made from amongst the eligible
HSG.II officials. These instructions apply to all norm-
based posts in LSG/HSG.II/HSG.I in Postal & Accounts
wings, SBCO and Circle offices and therefore norms
based LSG/HSG.II posts in the Circle offices should
be filled up notionally in terms of the relevant R/Rs
from the year when the norm based promotions had
not been carried out.
The Circles were requested vide Member (P)'s
letter dated 19.10.2007 to furnish a feed back regarding
filling up of the LSG and HSG.II Posts in POs/RMS
offices through notional promotion to be given from
the year 1983. Most of the Circles have confirmed to
have carried out the exercise of granting notional
promotion in LSG and HSG.II from the year 1983.
however, we are in touch with few Circles who seem
to have not carried out the exercise in the desired
manner.
14. Withdraw the SLP and absorb all RRR
Candidates recruited under compassionate
ground of recruitment.
u The SLP was filed after due consideration and
as per advice of the Ministry of Law & Justice. The
matter is now subjudice under the Hon'ble Apex Court'.
15. Regularize the services of RTP for
promotion and pension by ending the
discrimination between the APS RTPs and others.
u Supreme Court of India in Civil Appeal Nos.
80-123 of 1996 has held that any service which was
rendered as RTP prior to regular appointment in the
cadre cannot be counted and it cannot be considered
as service in any cadre. In view of this the claim for
counting of past services of erstwhile R.T.P for
promotion & pension cannot be acceded to, as it will
be against the judgment of the Apex Court. What is
the discrimination between the APS RTP and other
has not been mentioned clearly.
16. Create avenues of promotion to all JAO
qualified officials and approve the proposal for
common cadre with DOT.
u The case relating to cadre management of
Group 'B' accounts personnel of Department of Posts
and Departmental of Telecom by common cadre
controlling authority involves several departments and
is under process.
17. Remove the unilateral Cap of 60 days in
the PLB formula.
u The Sixth CPC had recommended that all
Departments should ultimately replace the existing
productivity Linked Bonus Scheme (PLB) with
performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS). The
existing Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme may be
continued in a modified manner where formula for
BHARTIYA POST 19
computing the bonus have a direct nexus with the
increased profitability/productivity under well defined
financial parameters. The productivity Linked Bonus
in the Department of Posts is calculated with respect
to the total volume of mail of the base year 1996-97,
which is increased with respect to the revenue increase
during the accounting year. Present formula, therefore,
needs modification so as to establish a nexus with the
increase profitability/productivity. The Department has
not imposed any unilateral cap of 60 days on the PLB.
18. Fix time factor for all work to which no
norms available at present.
19. Get funds from Ministry of Finance for one
time clearance of all pending OT Bills, Medical
Bills etc; Take measures to get the Arbitration
Award on Postal OTA rates implemented by the
Government; Revise the OTA rates @ double the
normal wages in future; stop compulsory OT Duty.
Ministry of Finance treats OTA as a ceiling
item hence there would be always a restriction on OTA.
Moreover, efforts are being made to enhance the
Ceiling under OTA and the ceiling under OTA has been
increased from Rs.38.48 Crores in BE 2007-08 to Rs.
40.00 crores in RE 2007-08. Moreover pending liability
under OTA from all the circles have already been called
for and maximum allotment of funds to wipe out the
same have also done. More than 83% of the demand
of funds under OTA have been met in RE 2007-08.
Hence there should not be problem for the circles to
meet most of the claims under OTA during this year.
Since the difference of OT demand and allotment is
never more that 15-20%. Outstanding bills should
invariably get cleared next year. Pendency of bills from
2003-04 is not comprehensive, if exact details are
given, we may ask circles for reasons as to why they
were not earlier paid.
As far as, the allotment for Medical expenses
is concerned, the RE demands of Circles have been
met in full. As such, there may not be any problem in
the clearance of medical claim.
Regarding the revision of OTA rates @ double
the normal wages in future and stop compulsory OT
duty, necessary information may be sought from
Establishment Dn.
20. Remove all trade union victimization and
vindictive punishments awarded for lapses
committed due to unbearable workload.
u For want of specific information, it may not
be possible to comments.
21. Settle all long pending and urgent
Sectional issues listed in the enclosed Annexure
I, II, III, IV, and V for different sections of Postal
employees.
(Others will be published in the next issue)
FEBRUARY, 2009
 AIC RESOLUTIONS - LETTERS TO DEPARTMENT
Letter No.: P/4-2/Allownaces Dated - 19.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Radhika Doriswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on the Grant of Naxalist Threat
Area allowance to the Postal Employees working
in such areas - reg.
The resolution adopted in the 27th All India
Conference held from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08 at Gutur
on the above mentioned subject is enclosed herewith
for favour of kind consideration.
The Hill area allowance has been stopped in
Maharastra Circle due to change of nomen clature of
the allowance as Naxalist Threat Area Allowance.
It is requested to consider the resolution
favourably and accord orders at the earliest.
RESOLUTION ON THE GRANT OF NAXALIST
THREAT AREA ALLOWANCE TO THE POSTAL
EMPLOYEES WORKING IN NAXALIST
THREAT AREAS
It is mention to note worthy that in the OM.
No.2003/5/90 -E.II (B) Ministry of Finance Department
of Expenditure dated 27.1.93 circulated under Dte.
No.P.11/93 - PAP dated 30.3.93, it was clearly
mentioned that the compensatory allowance should
be given for the period during which he serves in Tribal
Areas and shall remain in operation upto the date of
withdrawal of such allowance by the State Govt. in
respect of their employees. The allowance was in
operation upto 31.3.2002 and till that period Tribal Area
Allowance was also paid to the postal staff working in
those two districts.
After 31.3.2002, the Maharashtra State Govt.
sanctioned Naxalist Threat Area Allowance
discontinuing the Tribal Area Allowance to their
employees working in Chandrapur and Godchiroli
districts of the rate of 15% of the basic pay subject to
maximum of Rs.1,500/- per month to the state Govt.
Employees.
Active Naxalist forces are in swing throughout
Chandrapur and Godchiroli districts in dense and
inaccessible forests and the postal employees are also
facing the horrified problems as in case of state Govt.
Employees.
The same is the position in respect of Andhra
Circle and the areas like Guntur, Vishkapatnam, West
Godavar, warrangel, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad,
Mahaboob Nagar, ongle etc. and the threat is visible.
In respect of Jharkhand, the areas like palamu,
Singhbhum, Giridih, Hazaribag, Some Part of Ranchi
and Dhanbad should also be identified as Nexilite threat
area and should be granted with such allowance.
In Orissa Circle, the areas like Sambalpur,
BHARTIYA POST
Sundergarh, Koraput and in Chattisgarh, the batsar
areas, the movement is visible. These areas should
also be declared as threat area.
Notwithstanding, the mater was taken up at
the Dte. level no fruitful action to extend the benefit of
Naxalist Threat Area Allowance has seem to be taken
by the Postal Department till date and the same has
been set at defiance ignoring the law of justice and
basic horrible feature of the postal employees problems
working in Chandrapur and Godchiroli Districts.
This 27th AIC held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to
02.12.08 demands immediate expeditious fruitful action
of the postal Dte. to extend the benefit of Naxalist
Threat Area Allowance to the postal employees
including EDAs.
Letter No.: P/4-1/Staff Dated - 19.12.2008 addressed
to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department
of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on Bureaucratic excesses
adopted in the 27th AIC held at Guntur from
30.11.08 to 03.12.08.
The resolution adopted in the 27th Al India
Conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
on the subject is appended for your kind consideration.
It is requested to kindly find out solution to
arrest the menace of excesses right from divisions
and ensure a good and transparent working
atmosphere to the staff of the postal Department.
ON BUREAUCRATIC EXCESSES
This 27th AIC of AIPEU Group 'C' being held
at Guntur [A.P] from 30.11.08 to 02.12.2008 notes
with grave concern that the postal bureaucracy in
several places all over the country exhibit tendencies
of bureaucratic excesses. Coupled with floating of
several departmental rules and regulations to adopt a
rule of whims rather than rule of law, the corrupt
practices are on the increase. As always the case,
many of the corrupt practices are meticulously planned
to escape detection and apprehension. The general
policy of the department like closure of post offices
etc comes in handy to these corrupt bureaucrats who
reportedly enter into unholy understanding with
landlords to vacate buildings by closures. Purchase
of computers in unimaginable proportions for exorbitant
prices while the market shows drastic fall in computer
prices is an area worth investigating for corrupt
practices. The practice of spending in lakhs in the
name of development meetings in star hotels and in
the name of marketing of business premium products
is another area of bureaucratic excess that requires
investigation to check wasteful expenditure. The
tendency to close eyes for whatever happens behind
20 FEBRUARY, 2009
the screen of marketing management should come to
an end. The wastage of expenditure at every new
incumbent occupying a position for decorating and
redecorating the chambers of officers to the tastes of
new incumbents is also a bureaucratic excess only.
The attitude of bureaucracy towards unions
and staff is antagonistic in general at several levels
and we are not talking about the exceptions here. The
antagonism is getting accentuated day by day due to
the implementation of neo-liberalization policies by the
government and department of posts. The liberalization
policies attempt to attack the interests of employees
severely and the Officers being the implementers of
those policies often take it personally and overzealously
to reach targets as fast as they can, let it be closure
of offices or abolition of posts and they consider any
resistance from unions as intolerable. This attitude
leads to bureaucratic excesses in several places where
the vindictiveness of the worst kind is witnessed. Staffs
are harassed; they are punished harshly for small
lapses too. There are some officers who have scant
respect for unions and behave in such a way that they
are the monarchs and the unions are unwanted
subjects. These officers don't follow the rules and
cancel the monthly meetings at their whims; refuse
informal meetings to union office bearers and refuse
to discuss in a transparent manner on issues that
affect the interests of staff; resort to punish the union
office bearers at the first available flimsy opportunity.
This 27th AIC of AIPEU Group 'C' held at
Guntur from 30.11.08 to 02.12.08 therefore calls upon
the Postal Board to issue proper administrative
instructions to correct the tendencies of bureaucratic
excesses of all kind and ensure function at all levels
transparently and according to rules and guidelines.
Letter No.: P/4-5/Post Act Dated - 19.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on Amendment to India Post
Office Act 1898 - adopted in the 27th AIC - reg.
The resolution adopted in the 27th AIC held
at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08 on the subject is
enclosed herewith for favour of kind consideration.
It is requested to expedite action to arrest
the mushroom growth of private couriers and ensure
the monopoly of handling of mails by the Department
of posts.
AMENDMENT TO INDIAN POST OFFICE ACT - 1898
The Amendment to Post Office Act retaining
articles upto 500 grams as monopoly of the Postal
department has been placed before the Parliament as
per the report of the Postal Excellence Committee in
1989.
The Review committee headed by Sri
BHARTIYA POST 21
Gurcharan Singh, Former Member Postal Board in
1994 made an attempt to define 'letter' which is in any
forms of communication and suggested to amend the
section 4 of the Indian Postal Act 1898 retaining the
exclusive privilege of receiving, collecting, sending,
despatching and delivering all letters within India.
Due to the protraction of the decision in
amending the Post Office Act 1898, the illegal presence
of 2500 national and international courier services have
taken away a huge volume of mails over two decades
and the Postal department is shifting its area to
business products instead of promulgating restrictions
on the mushroom growth of the couriers.
The Amendment has further diluted that if the
charge of the couriers is exceeding 2 ½ times of the
postage value, it will be allowed to handle such articles
by couriers irrespective of the weight.
This 27th AIC held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to
02.12.08 demand the Government to restore the
monopoly of handling of mails to the Postal department
only not only for its existence but also to provide better
service to the rural pubic. This AIC also requests the
Federation to pursue the same through struggle for
restoration of Postal monopoly in handling letter mail.
Letter No.: P/4-5/PSD Dated - 19.12.2008 addressed
to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department
of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on Postal Stores Deport
adopted in the 27th AIC held at Guntur from
30.11.08 to 03.12.08.
The resolution adopted in the 27th AIC held
at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08 on the issues of
postal stores Depot is enclosed herewith for favour of
kind consideration.
It is requested to consider the same and
create separate establishment besides settling the
other issues confronting the officials during the work
in the postal stores depots.
A line in reply about the action is highly
solicited.
RESOLUTION ON POSTAL STORES DEPOT
This 27th All India Conference of A.I.P.E.U.
Group ' C' held from 30.11.08 to 02.12.08 at Guntur,
A.P unanimously resolves to request the Directorate
to do the needful in addressing the problems of Postal
Stores Depots.
The forms used in the Post offices have been
divided in three categories as 'A' ;B' & 'C'. The 'A'
category forms are being printed from Govt. press and
supplied to the PSDs for the supply jurisdiction of the
respective PSD. The Circle Head is empowered to
procure 4 months requirement through local printing.
The 'B' category forms are procured by the
PSDs through local printing with the approval of the
FEBRUARY, 2009
CPMG's.
The 'C' categories forms are being printed
through in-house printing or stencilled at PSD or at
Divisional level. In this regard it is also mentioned that
some important forms like Charge report (ACG-61)
Leave sanction memo (EST-56) etc. are placed under
the category of Group 'C'
The procurement of forms at local printing are
always delayed and some times postponed or even
cancelled by the Circle Head due to unwanted
interferences of the C.I.F.A. The files are lying at CO
for long time and inordinately delay could be noticed.
It is demanded that the methods followed for
procurement of articles and printing of forms should
be simplified and unnecessary delay in circle level
should be avoided so that PSDs could meet the
requirements of units / divisions in time without delay.
In the absence of adequate forms, Pass Book, voucher
slips etc, the officials deployed at counters are facing
in numeral problems.
At present, the staffs for PSD are being drafted
from postal divisions. No separate establishment has
been created so far. This has resulted in shortage of
staff in Postal divisions.
It is resolved to request to sanction separate
establishment for the Postal Stores Depot forthwith.
Letter No.: P/4-5/CSD Dated - 19.12.2008 addressed
to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department
of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on Circle stamp Depot (CSD)
adopted in the all India conference - reg.
The resolution adopted in the subject is
appended herewith for kind consideration.
The need for creation of permanent
establishment and fixing norms for assessing the work
load etc may please be attended at the earliest since
these are all pending over decades.
It is requested to consider the resolution and
cause necessary action at the earliest.
RESOLUTION ON CIRCLE STAMP DEPOT (CSD)
This All India Conference of AIPEU Group 'C'
held from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08 at Guntur (A..P)
unanimously resolves to draw the attention of the DOP
to the problems pertaining to Circle Stamps Depot of
various Circles.
Circles Stamp Depot becomes one of the
nerve centers of the postal services. Efficiencey of the
Department of posts depends on proper functioning of
the Circle Stamp Depot.
The establishment of CSD is a floating one
without any permanent establishment. The official are
drawn on deputation from neighboring divisions.
On the other hand distribution on NSCs
(National Savings Certificate) and IPOs (Indian Postal
BHARTIYA POST
Order) are thirsted upon the Circle Stamp Depot on
transfer from Postal Stores Dept (PSD) and Director
of Accounts (Postal) respectively. New items I.e. IVPs
(Indira Vikas Patra) KVPs (Ksan Vikas Patras),
Greetings Cards, e-post cards introduced and
distribution of all those articles are also attached upon
one by one to the CSD But, neither any working 'Norms'
nor increasing staff strength has been done.
Hence, this 27th All India Conference therefore
requests that: -
Permanent establishment of Circle Stamps
Depots may be ensured dispendsing with the floating
establishment brought on deputation.
"Norms" for justification of work staff of circle
stamp depot may be finalize as early as possible.
Staff strength may be increased forthwith and fill up all
the vacant post/posts immediately.
Letter No.: P/4-2/Bonus Dated - 19.12.2008 addressed
to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department
of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on productivity linked Bonus
adopted in the 27th AIC held at Guntur - reg.
The resolution adopted in the 27th All India
Conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
on the subject is enclosed for your kind information
and action.
You are requested kindly to consider the
revision of Bonus formula and the removal of 60 days
Cap at the earliest.
PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS
The Postal Employees are covered by the
productivity linked bonus scheme for payment of
bonus. The productivity is calculated on the basis of
the work volume of selected postal operations divided
by the total work force. The abolition and non-filling
up of vacant posts resulting in increase of productivity
every year has fetched more number of days of bonus
to postal employees. The increase in days itself did
not result in any spectacular increase in quantum of
bonus paid because of the quantum ceiling is raised
by the Government from Rs.2500/- to 3500/- only
under the Bonus ACT instead of actual emoluments
of every employee.
But on the other hand the ever decreasing
work force has resulted in huge gains to the
Government exchequer. Despite these facts the
Government was very unwilling to remove the cap of
60 days fixed for maximum number of days PLB and
the postal employees' movement had to agitate for
long to ensure the removal of that cap. The Finance
Ministry ignoring all the above wants to reduce the
PLB paid to postal employees and it had directed the
Department of Posts last year to prepare a new bonus
formula for payment of PLB to postal staff and
22 FEBRUARY, 2009
sanctioned bonus only as an adhoc measure. However
the Department of Posts could not fulfil the directive of
the Finance Ministry and this naturally raises doubts
in the minds of postal workers. The productivity linked
bonus formula under which presently the bonus is being
paid is kept as a secret document by the Department.
Repeated requests from the NFPE and even
discussions in the Periodical Meetings wherein a copy
of the PLB formula was sought for by the staff side did
not result in the department parting with a copy of the
above document. Formulation of a new formula should
naturally result in mutual consultations with the staff
side over a draft formula and for whatever reason the
department is delaying the process. The clouds of
secrecy attached to the calculation of eligible number
of days and the abnormal delay in sanction by the
Government are matters to be avoided.
The 27th All India Conference of AIPEU Group
C being held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 02.12.2008
therefore resolves to urge the department of posts to
finalize the new PLB formula with full transparency
and mutual consultations at the earliest to facilitate
justified number of days of bonus to postal workers
who are made to give enormous productivity due to
extreme shortage of staff and introduction of many
new services.
This AIC further resolves to request the
Government to remove the ceiling amount by amending
further the Bonus ACT and also remove the cap of
Sixty days and come forward to pay actual entitlement
based on productivity.
Further it is resolved to request the C. G.
Employees organisation for a joint struggle to mitigate
the removal of ceiling on Bonus.
Letter No.: P/4-2/Advances Dated - 19.12.2008
addressed Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, DaK Bhawan, New Delhi -
110001
l Resolution on waiving outstanding dues
of recoveries like HBA etc. from the family
pensioners of the Deceased employees - reg.
The resolution adopted in the 27th All India
conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
on the subject is appended for favour of kind
consideration.
It is requested to consider the resolution on
humanitation grounds and as an act of welfare
measure extending to the family of the deceased
officials and cause orders to waive the departmental
dues from the family pensioners of the deceased
employees.
Soliciting favourable consideration.
RESOLUTION ON WAIVING OUTSTANDING
DUES OF RECOVERIES LIKE HBA ETC FROM
BHARTIYA POST 23
THE FAMILY PENSIONERS OF
DECEASED EMPLOYEES
This 27th AIC of Group 'C' held at Guntur from
30.11.08 to 02.12.08 unanimously resolves to request
our Directorate to take up with Min-of-Finance for waiver
of outstanding dues of recoveries like HBA etc from
the family pensioners of deceased postal employees.
It is needless to mention that the loss of head
of the family normally upsets the balance of a family
which would be engulfed with mental agony as well as
financial hardship. Further eroding their economy
through recovery of dues would further push them into
doom.
Taking into account of this pitiable plight of
these families, State governments like West Bengal
have exempted them from the recovery from 1981 and
such welfare measure is in operation.
This 27th AIC of AIPEU Group C resolves to
request the NFPE/ Confederation to take up this with
the DOP & T & Ministry of Finance and win over this
genuine demand.
Letter No.: P/4-5/Foreign Post Dated - 19.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Rahika Doraiswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on Foreign Post adopted in the
27th AIC - reg.
The resolution adopted In the 27th All India
Conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
on the problem of employees working in the foreign
post in enclosed for favour of kind consideration.
It is requested to consider the plight of the
officials working in Foreign post and mitigate their
issues at the earliest.
RESOLUTION ON FOREIGN POST
This All India Conference of A.I.P.E.U. Group
' C' held from 30.11.08 to 02.12.08 at Guntur, A.P
unanimously resolves to request the Directorate to look
into the problems faced by O/o. Foreign post in various
circles.
The work-load in foreign post has increased
manifolds owing to liberalization policies. Hence,
augmentation of staff has become a necessity.
Likewise, the employees in Foreign Post are
doing very important job in examination and
transmission of foreign articles both incoming and
outgoing. They are facing with arduous job involving
risk to health and life because such articles contain
injurious and harmful substances. Considering the
responsibilities and arduous nature of duties prevailing
in Foreign Post the Staff deployed in Parcel and Letter
Articles Assessment and parcel, letter mail opening
and closing and Mail Department may be granted
special pay to the extent of 10% pay & Grade pay in
token of recognising their service.
FEBRUARY, 2009
 Similarly, the risk and responsibilities of the
staff deployed in strong room is more and they are
responsible for the security of precious stones,
currency and other valuable goods and articles. They
should also be considered for special pay at least with
that of Cashier/Treasurers working in the Post offices.
This All India conference held at Guntur
resolved to request the Department of Posts that
a. Augmentation of adequate staff at Foreign
Post is done at the earliest.
b. Suitable special pay / allowance may be
granted to all officials of Foreign Post as stated above.
Letter No.: P/4-4/Medical Dated - 19.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on treatment in Authorised
medical hospitals in CGHS area.
The resolution adopted in the 27th All India
conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
on the subject is enclosed for favour of kind
consideration.
It is requested to consider the same and take
up with appropriate ministries for extending the welfare
measures to all the officials.
RESOLUTION ON TREATMENT IN AUTHORISED
MEDICAL HOSPITALS IN NON-CGHS AREA
This All India Conference of A.I.P.E.U. Group
' C' held from 30.11.088 to 02.12.08 at Guntur, A.P
unanimously resolves to request the Directorate to take
up with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance to
amend the CS (MA) Rules 1944 to enable the
employees to take treatment in Authorised Private
Hospitals as other employees in Non CGHS Area.
The Delhi High Court directed to reimburse
the full amount of the medical claim and also imposed
penalty of Rs.10000/- as penalty for harassing the
official mentally. The High Court Jodhpur also uphold
the decision of the CAT under O A. NO 137/2007 to
reimburse full Medical claim for the treatment taken in
private hospital on Emergency.
There are various judicial pronouncements
similar to these; However, they have been implemented
only to those approach the courts. An uniform
application of such welfare orders is the need of the
hours.
The 27th All India Conference requests for early
amendment to ensure full benefit for the employees
for treatment in Authorised Medical Hospitals in the
Non CGHS area also.
Letter No.: P/4-5/S B Operation Dated - 19.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on SB Savings Certificates
adopted in the 27the AIC held at Guntur - reg.
BHARTIYA POST
The resolution adopted in the All India
Conference of this union held at Guntur from 30.11.08
to 03.12.08 on the above mentioned subject is
enclosed herewith for favour of kind consideration.
The resolution itself is exhaustive on the
subject and the requirements and the need for the
better operations.
It is requested to consider the same and
cause appropriate orders at the earliest.
RESOLUTION ON SB & SAVINGS CERTIFICATES
This 27th All India Conference of AIPEU Group
'C', held from 30-11-2008 to 02-12-2008 at Guntur
unanimously resolves to draw the attention of the
Directorate on Savings Bank and Savings Certificates.
1. Department of posts, in compliance to the
orders issued by the Ministry of Finance, had
unilaterally ordered for closure of all types of
institutional Savings Accounts with effect from 13-5-
2005 and forcefully ordered the depositors of such
types of accounts to close their accounts within 31-
12-2005. This is unwarranted and aimed at reducing
the role of postal SB branch and would result in loss
of patronage of valued customers on the one hand
and heavy loss of revenue on the other.
2. The rate of interest in case of PO Savings
Bank Account is continuously being reduced by the
Govt. As a result, the quantum of investment in PO
Saving Bank is steeply decreasing. This pre-planned
act on the part of the Govt is aimed at not only to
reduce the importance and relevance of PO Savings
Bank but also to dismantle the economic stability of
the entire nation as majority of the investment in small
savings is lent to the respective State Governments
as a soft - loan. Furthermore, the Govt is not exercising
any kind of check over the increasing rate of interest
allowed by majority of the financial institutions and
private bank for loans to its depositors. This is anti-
people and economically counter-productive.
3. The inhuman act of withdrawal of bonus from
Monthly Income Accounts Scheme by the Govt. had
demotivated the common people from making savings.
We strongly oppose it as this would facilitate huge
flow of money into the share market by which the
security of investment made by the common man will
be in danger. Eventhough the bonus to the extent of
5% in reintroduced, the charm in the MIS accounts
has gone and public response is poor.
4. It has been observed with great displeasure
that the department is not at all paying required
attention towards printing and timely supply of various
forms related to Savings Bank, Pass-Books and
Savings Certificates. The counter staffs are forced to
face the music. This shortage of supply of essential
forms generates customer dissatisfaction and
24 FEBRUARY, 2009
ultimately results in decreasing of public investments
in post offices.
5. The department is not attaching needy
attention towards up-gradation of Sanchay Post
Software. As a result, the officials are finding it
extremely difficult to work at computerized Savings
Bank Counters. This conference unanimously
demands that all amendments made by the Govt in
PO SB Rules & PO Savings Certificates Rule must
also be incorporated into the Sanchay Post Software
simultaneously with its public notification.
6. The commission allowed by the Ministry of
Finance to the Department of Posts for operation of
various savings schemes do not commensurate with
the existing economic scenario of the market. The
rates must be revised at the earliest so as to minimise
the quantum of loss of the Postal department in
compliance to the order of the planning commission.
7. The incentive payable @ Rs.1/- for operative
staff and 50ps for supervisor with the ceiling of Rs.500/
-for MIS is inadequate. Hence, an upward revision of
Rs.4/- for operative staff and Rs.2/- for supervisor
without any ceiling is requested.
After the computerisation of POSB, the S.B.
Allowance should be paid to all those deployed in SB
branches whether qualified in S.B. Aptitude test or
not. The AIC requests the Department to consider in
granting S.B. allowance to all those working in S.B.
branches and refresher training may be imparted once
in three years to the officials posted in the S.B. branch.
Letter No.: P/4-5/Business Operations Dated -
19.12.2008 addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy,
Secretary, Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New
Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on unjust activities in the name
of Business Post adopted in the 27th AIC - reg.
The resolution adopted in the 27th All India
conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
on the subject is enclosed herewith for kind
consideration.
The resolution is based on the reality and the
need to review the strategies on business activities.
It is requested to consider the suggestion in
rightful manner and cause instruction to the lower levels
not to harass the officials by fixing impracticable
targets on them.
RESOLUTION ON UNJUST ACTIVITIES IN THE
NAME OF BUSINESS POST
Business Development Directorate was set
up in the year 1996 with a mission to design, monitor,
develop and market value-added, premium products
of the Department. It was subsequently reorganized
into Business Development and Marketing Directorate
in the year 2004-2005. This Directorate was further
BHARTIYA POST 25
reorganized in the year 2007-2008 by setting up of a
separate division for Mail Business Development &
Operations. The same organizational restructuring was
also carried out in almost all the 22 Postal Circles.
The prima facie object to administer, expand
and promote the value-added services launched by
the Department and traditional mails and parcel
products and services are totally lost as on date.
Instead the Business Post of the Department has now
a day become a scope of promotion for bureaucrats.
It is also observed that majority of the services
launched by the Business Development Directorate,
viz., Direct Post, Express Parcel Post, Media Post,
Logistics Post, e-Bill Post, e-Payment, e-Post, Retail
Post, etc., are day after day lacking their popularity
amongst the esteemed customers. This is directly
attributable to lack of adequate infrastructure provided
by the Department. Furthermore, due to improper
market strategies and lesser viability of these kinds of
new products, majority of all such value-added services
are lackluster from the date of their inception by the
Department. This in turn adds to the loss of revenue of
the Department.
Only one service namely Speed Post is having
its potentiality in the present day market. The Speed
Post traffic has increased sizeably from the date of its
introduction. Quite unfortunately, it is observed that
the Department is not paying proper attention towards
this service and the infrastructural obstacles are
persisting day-after-day and thereby putting hindrances
in optimization in Speed Post transmission system &
thereby generating huge customers' dissatisfaction.
It is also not quite understood that as to why the Speed
Post tariff was curtailed to a great extent in the recent
years when the named service was inherently popular.
This in turn adds to the revenue deficit in comparison
to the cost incurred for providing the Speed Post
service.
No separate budgetary provision has been
made for the BD & Marketing Directorate till date and
the funding is done from the main budget grant of the
Department. This itself depicts the laxity in
seriousness on the part of the Department to make
the BD & Marketing Directorate financially independent.
Also due to leakage of revenue on part of the BD &
Marketing Directorate, the Department, on a whole, is
facing huge fictitious deficit year after year.
It is also observed that in the name of
"Business", the Department is setting up unrealistic
targets and on non-achievement of the same, officials
from the lower rung are continuously being made the
scapegoats by the Department by way of instituting
disciplinary proceedings against them in unjust
manner and thereby denying the Principle of Natural
FEBRUARY, 2009
Justice. Quite unfortunately, higher-ups are not being
accounted for in a single case of non-achievement of
fixed targets and also for laxity in executing the
standards of financial propriety while making
expenditure from the public money.
In the latest audit observations made by the
Comptroller & Auditor General of India, the C & AG
had categorically noted its dissatisfaction towards the
revenue loss incurred to the tune of Rs. 1.36 crores in
the shape of BNPL dues in case of just 12 test-checked
Head Post Offices only and also leakage of revenue
to the tune of Rs. 2.02 crores in the name of Business
Post facility extended to customers without taking
advance from them in case of a meager 8 Head Post
Offices test-checked. This Union strongly apprehends
that such leakage of revenue from public exchequer
had already crossed hundreds of crores if analysis is
made on the basis of actual performance-reports of all
Business Offices throughout the nation.
This All India Conference of All India Postal
Employees Union Group-C held at Guntur from 30.11.08
to 02.12.08 therefore unanimously resolves that the
Department must put a total halt from launching all
such unviable new services on almost each and every
day without making market analysis in a scientific
manner. It is also resolved that the Department must
also refrain from making lower rung officials
scapegoats for non-achievement of unrealistic targets.
The Department must also take a serious note of the
revenue loss incurred as was mentioned in the C &
AG Report and assess the tune of actual loss and
must thereafter fix up responsibilities on the higher-
ups who are actually responsible for the said loss. It
is also resolved that separate budgetary provisions be
made for the BD & Marketing Directorate from the
forthcoming financial year itself and the loss incurred,
if any, must not be bring into the main budget grant of
the Department.
Letter No.: P/4-4/Women Employees Dated -
18.12.2008 addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy,
Secretary, Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New
Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on problems of women
Employees adopted in the 27th AIC - reg.
The copy of the resolution pertaining to the
problems of women employees adopted in the 27th
All India Conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to
03.12.08 is enclosed herewith for kind consideration.
This union will feel happy if the department
will consider the demands put forth in the resolution
ot protect the interest of serving women employees.
Soliciting favourable consideration
RESOLUTION ON PROBLEMS OF WOMEN
EMPLOYEES:
BHARTIYA POST
Based on international Labour Conference
decisions of 1919, the Govt. of India reviewed the
problems in depth and suggested its opinion before
ILC in 1921.
Pursuant to the decision of Royal Commission
Recommendations of 1930, Maternity Benefits Act was
promulgated in our country. There after the Govt. Of
India extended certain benefits to working women
employees.
Now a days, the percentage of women
employees have been increasing steadily in Govt
departments by virtue of their merits and qualification.
It is their onerous responsibility to actively involve
themselves in Trade Union movement at all levels and
this conference appeals their active roll in this august
organisation.
LEAVE RESERVE:
Due to availing maternity leave and leave
availed for pre and post-natal care and also the grant
of child care leave after the implementation of Sixth
Pay Commission, there is a greater degree of
absentism among women employees which is
unavoidable. After the introduction of child care leave
and enhancing the number of days for maternity leave,
the need of more leave reserve is felt in the department
Sanction of enhance percentage of Leave Reserve
strength to the extent of 17% is inevitable.
CRÈCHES:
The Department has issued orders to
subordinate offices to provide Crèches under certain
condition. There require liberalization. However the
number of employees is small, the Department may
on payment, enter into arrangement with crèche
houses opened by other Department like Telecom etc.
to enable the Postal Women employees to leave their
Children under the care of trained matrons when they
proceed to work.
TRANSFERS:
Though Government have issued orders that
women employees should be transferred to the
stations where their husbands are serving etc., at field
level, there appears to be much delay to concede their
request. This should be avoided.
The women employees should not be posted
where basic facilities are lacking.
This conference appeals the Department to
entertain transfer cases to their native places as
requested in respect of unmarried women employees
and to the places where their husbands are working in
respect of married employees without putting any
restrictions, reservations or rejections.
This AIC notes with serious concern on the
denial of Sixth CPC recommendation on the flexi
working hours for women employees.
26 FEBRUARY, 2009
HOSTELS:
Keeping in view that women employees both
married and unmarried have to serve away from home-
stations due to circumstance beyond their control, the
following is suggested.
1. That women hostels may be constructed if
the number of women employees is large and
2. Rooms may be reserved for women
employees in hostels which may be
constructed in other Department of
Government.
3. Allotting staff quarters earmarking for women
employees who are working in those places
out of their native places.
DEPUTATION:
In the case of Leave Reserve period, the
women employees are indiscriminately subjected to
deputations to single handed offices and other offices
where basic amenities are not available and offices
which are beyond 8 KM radius resulting in change of
Head Quarters. This should be avoided.
This 27th All India Conference held at Guntur
from 30.11.08 to 02.12.08 resolved to appeal to the
Department of Posts to consider the women
employees problem in depth and settle those, which
are within the ambit of powers.
This 27th All India Conference further appeals
to all women employees working in all the circles to
involve themselves actively at all levels and uphold the
glory of our mighty organization and also to protect
the interest of all.
Letter No.: P/4-2/Allowance Dated - 18.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on upward revision of Cash
handling Allowance to Treasurers of Post offices
adopted in the 27the AIC - reg.
The resolution adopted on the subject in the
said All India Conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08
to 03.12.08 is enclosed for favour of kind consideration
and action.
The Department itself has recommended the
same to the Sixth CPC which has not been dealt by
the Pay Commission. The disparity between the
Treasurer and Cashier in the Postal department may
be sorted out at the earliest.
RESOLUTION ON UPWARD REVISION OF CASH
HANDLING ALLOWANCE TO TREASURERS OF
POST OFFICES
This All India Conference of AIPEU Group
'C' held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 02.12.08
unanimously resolves to insist the Department of
Posts to take in to account the fact that despite
repeated request in this regard no fruitful result in
BHARTIYA POST 27
revising the Treasury allowance is in the offing. The
Sixth Pay commission has simply left this issue
without any comments.
It is pertinent to note that the Cashiers of
RMS Offices are drawing Cash Handling allowance
ranging from Rs.250/-to Rs.300/-, but their
counterparts in post offices who are designated as
Treasurers get only Rs. 160/-. The irony is that the
cashiers of RMS are receiving the remittance of cash
required for their offices only from the adjacent or
nearby post offices. Hence, the cash for RMS offices
is routed only through post offices from the adjacent
or nearby post offices. The treasurer thus handles
more cash than his counterpart in RMS called
cashiers. This is an anomaly and unjust.
This has been taken up at appropriate forum
for umpteenth time with exhaustive arguments. But,
the anomaly still continues. The Department of Posts
has also sent its note to Sixth CPC recommending
the parity in between the RMS cashier & Post office
Treasurer. It is requested that needy action may be
taken to set right this anomaly at the earliest by
granting the treasurers of post offices with Cash
handling allowance at par with cashiers working in RMS
& Administrative offices.
This 27th All India conference further resolves
that the Treasurers working in 'A" class offices,
maintaining TCB may also be considered for the grant
of Cash handling allowance. Similarly all the treasurers
may be imparted training to detect fake notes and
fake note detecting machine may be supplied to all
LSG & above standard offices.
Letter No.: P/4-4/Staff Dated - 18.12.2008 addressed
to Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department
of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l 27th AIC Resolution on Marketing
Executive - regarding.
The resolution adopted in the 27th AIC of this
Union held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08 on the
problems of Marketing Executives is enclosed herewith
for kind consideration. The resolution itself is
exhaustive.
It is requested to consider the same and settle
the long pending issue of this category of officials.
A line is reply about the action taken is highly
solicited.
RESOLUTION ON MARKETING EXECUTIVES
Despite the Postal Department has ventured
various business activities and given a new face lift for
the service and also crated various JTS/STS level
officers' posts besides deploying more Group B Posts
for business activities, not even a single post of
Marketing Executive has so far been created at the
base post offices. The PAs are now christened as
FEBRUARY, 2009
Marketing Executives with out any extra remuneration,
perks or incentives.
This 27th AIC resolved to demand that the
Marketing Executives may be kept as a separate
cadre and promotions shall be accorded in next higher
grades with the ratio of 40: 40: 20. This should be
placed as promotional post to Postal Assts with the
pay scale of supervisor at present as available to LSG.
Further the Marketing Executives are
performing out door duties so as to promote various
business activities; they should also be brought under
the purview of workmen's compensation Act 1923. as
if in the case of outdoor staff like ASPOs, SDI (P), PRI
(P), Cash overseer, Postmen & Group D officials if
entrusted for out door duties.
Letter No.: P/4-2/Allownace Dated - 18.12.2008
addressed to Ms. Radhika Doriswamy, Secretary,
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
l Resolution on upward Revision of MPCM
Allowance - adopted in 27th AIC - reg.
The resolution requesting upward revision of
MPCM allowance adopted in the 27th All India
Conference held at Guntur from 30.11.08 to 03.12.08
is appended herewith.
RESOLUTION ON AMENDMENT TO POSTAL ACT.- REPLY FROM SECRETARY
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Radhika Doraiswamy
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Secretary to the Govt. of India
Director General, Posts & Chairman,
Postal Service Board
D.O. No. Secy(P)/Unions/2008 Dated: 26.12.2008
Dear Shri Sridharan
This refers to the Resolution on Amendment
to India Post Office Act-1898-adopted in the 27th All
India Conference of your Union.
You will agree that the demand that the
Government has to restore the monopoly of handling
of mails to the Postal Department can never be
enforced, especially at a time the economy is on
the downturn. The Government on the contrary is
issuing licenses to foreign service providers to set
up joint express mail companies in India. Government
will never ban private courier as these organizations
creates job opportunity, and also deliver efficient
service. Rather than complaining about courier
organizations we should think of improving
productivity and bring India Post to what it once used
BHARTIYA POST 28
It is requested to kindly consider the same
and cause appropriate orders at the earliest.
RESOLUTION ON UPWARD REVISION OF MPCM
ALLOWANCE
The 27th All India Conference of A.I.P.E.U.
Group 'C' held from 30.11.08 to 02.12.08 at Guntur,
A.P unanimously resolves to request the Directorate
to revise the MPCM allowance and convert the
allowance as Computer Handling Allowance.
At the time of introduction of MPCM , it was
originally agreed to grant two advance increments for
those working on computers, but a sum of Rs.100/-
(Rs. One hundred only) was alone granted thereafter
for working in MPCM / Computers.
Since then, no revision has been done despite
on -lining and computerizing the left out branches
completed too. The works on computers have been
expanded and the work load has been increased
manifolds. This justifies upward revision.
Hence, it is resolved to request that either
one advance increment or a minimum sum of Rs.500/
- (Rs. Five hundred only) may be granted as Computer
Handling Allowance for working in MPCM counts and
also to all deployed in the computers.
Department of Posts, India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001
to be. The paid test letters issued by my office on a
regular basis prove that the productivity has fallen so
much that it takes 15 days for the letters to reach
me from, for example, Trichy. This malaise has
spread to every corner of the country. I would request
you to take up with your association members the
need to enhance productivity and quality in their work.
With regards,
Yors sincerely,
Sd/-
(RADHIKA DORAISWAMY)
Shri K.V. Sridharan
General Secretary
All India Postal Employees Union Group 'C'
Dada Ghosh Bhavan
2151/1, New Patel Nagar,
New Delhi-110008
FEBRUARY, 2009
 LETTERS FROM DEPARTMENT TO CHQ
u Alleged unhelpful and anti-worker
attitude of Director, New Delhi GPO and harassing
members-request intervention.
I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/2-5/New
Delhi dated 09.09.2008 on the above mentioned subject.
2. The matter has been examined in consultation
with the Circle Office. As reported, the transfers made
by the Director, New Delhi GPO were in the interest of
service and generally on completion of tenure. However,
Director, New Delhi GPO has been advised to maintain
cordial relation with the service unions and staff.
(No.16/98/2008-SR dated 04-12-2008)
u Alleged harassment of officials by the
SSPO's Jalandhar Division-Punjab Circle.
I am directed to refer to your letter No. 15105
dated 14.11.2008 and No. P/2-17/Jalandhar dated
14.11.2008 on the above mentioned subject.
2. The matter has been examined in consultation
with the Circle Office. As reported, a dacoity took place
in Jalandhar City Head Office in the night of 5/6-11-
2008 and cash amounting to about rupees forty lacs
was looted. The police authorities were informed and
Sr. Supdt. of Police visited Jalandhar City HO alongwith
Police force for investigation. Postmaster General,
Punjab Region also visited Jalandhar HO and took stock
of the situation. The Postal Officials of Jalandhar City
HO namely Shri Sarwan Kumar Bangar, Sh. Dharam
Pal and Sh. Raj Pal, all Postal Assistants, were placed
under suspension due to the compilcity established
on the basis of DLI and subsequent investigations
carried out by AD (Inv), Punjab Region. Thereafter, the
family members of these three officials gathered
outside the GPO main gate on 12.11.2008 and took
out all the staff working in Jalandhar City HO and started
agitation against the administration and shouted
slogans against the administration.
3. The agitating employees were told that the
stoppage of work without notice is totally illegal and
unacceptable. However, on the intervention of PMG(R),
the work could be started at Jalandhar City HO on
15.11.2008 after 1230 Hrs. The Union representatives
were told by the PMG (R) that these officials have been
indentified as subsidiary offender in the said case and
placed under suspension. Now the investigation in this
case is being carried out by the Punjab Region and the
question of harassment of any officials does not arise.
(No.16/98/2008-SR dated 29-12-2008)
u Grant of meeting to National Federation
of Postal Employees and its affiliated Service
Associations.
This is reference to letter No. PF-12(d)/2008
BHARTIYA POST 29
dated 10.12.2008 of Secretary General, National
Federation of Postal Employees on the above
mentioned subject.
2. Secretary (Posts) will take a meeting with
Secretary General, National Federation of Postal
Employees and General Secretaries of recognized Service
Associations affiliated to the Federation on 13th January,
2009 at 3.00 P.M. in Committee Room, Dak Bhawan,
New Delhi, to discuss the issues raised in the 'Charter of
demands' enclosed in the letter dated 10.12.2008 ibid.
3. Please make it convenient to attend the meeting.
(No.8/18/2008-SR dated 30.12.2008)
u Building Problems & Non Maintenance
Postal Colony - Case of Hissar in Haryana Circle.
I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/2-7/
Hissar dated 18.09.2008 on the subject mentioned
above and the Para wise replies is as under :-
Hissar Kty. Post office
Hissar Kty. Post office has been shifted to
the SPM/s residence portion, allowing the SPM to
draw HRA in lieu of rent-free accommodation. So far
as reconstruction of the building is concerned, it is
submitted that HUDA authorities have developed a
shopping complex in the area after demolishing the
old buildings and they intend to use this plot as well
for the purpose and as such they are claiming their
ownership on the plot. As soon as the building is
demolished the site will be taken over by HUDA as
evident from the fact that the boundary wall constructed
by the department was demolished by the HUDA
authorities and they did not allow its reconstruction.
Plot at Ellnabad
Ellnabad P.O. project could not be included
in the XIth Plan due to funds constraints.
Maintenance of Postal Colony HPO compound
Hissar
Estimate amounting to Rs. 5,87,700/- has
already been sanctioned on 8.10.08 for special repair
and A/R & MO to Postal staff quarters at HPO
compound Hissar.
As regard use of vacant plot measuring 954
Sq. yards for staff quarters and commercial purpose,
the matter is under consideration.
(No. 14-2/2008-Bldg. dated 31.12.2008)
u Alleged unjust and absolute favoritism
extended to unrecognized union by the SPOs,
Chhindwara in MP Circle.
I am directed to enclose a copy of letter No.
P/2-14/Chindwara dated 22.12.2008 received from the
General Secretary, All India Postal Employees Union
Group 'C' on the above mentioned subject.
FEBRUARY, 2009
2. It is requested to look into the matter and
furnish a detailed report to this office at the earliest.
(No. 16/111/2008-SR dated 06.01.2009)
u Non according recognition to the elected
representatives-case of Ludhiana City Division,
Punjab Circle.
I am directed to enclose a copy of letter No.
P/2-17/Ludhiana City dated 16.12.2008 received from
the General Secretary, All India Postal Employees
Union Group 'C' on the above mentioned subject.
2. It is requested to look into the matter and
furnish a detailed report to this office at the earliest.
(No. 16/110/2008-SR dated 09.01.2009)
u Review of counterfoil of cheques books
being supplied to account holders of Post Office
Savings Account.
The undersigned is directed to enclose
suggestion received from Maharashtra Circle for
change in the format of counterfoil of MICR cheques
book printed and supplied by NSI for savings account
holders as the present format is not suitable for
depositors. Photocopy of the POSB MICR Cheque
Book counterfoil and copy of Record Slop of cheques
book of one Nationalized Bank are also enclosed. It is
requested that suggestion seems to be good and need
to be examined.
This issues with the approval of DDG (FS)
(Letter No. 116-24/08-SB dated 19.12.2008 addressed
to the Ministery of Finance copy to CHQ, w.r.t. its letter.)
u Alleged unhelpful & anti-worker attitude
of the Chief PMG, Chhatisgarh Circle.
I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/2-4/
Chhatisgarh dated 5.8.2008 on the above mentioned subject.
2. The matter has been examined in consultation
with the Circle Offcie. As reported, itemwise position
is indicated as under:
i) Shri S.A. Hamid Circle Secretary, during his
tenure as Sub Postmaster Chhotapara, Raipur w.e.f.
15.7.2005 to 13.07.2008 was continuously assisted
by one Postal Assistant as per details given below:
(a) Shri A.K. Singh, PA from 03.06.2004 to
13.06.2008 AN
BHARTIYA POST
(b) Shri Sanjay Pathak, PA from 13.06.2008 AN
to 13.07.2008 AN.
Therefore, allegation of working single
handedly by the Circle Secretary is not correct. The
Circle Secretary has been transferred locally from
Chhotapara Raipur SO to, Ravishankar University
Raipur SO within Raipur town in the interest of service
by SPOs Raipur due to various irregularities noticed.
He resumed his duty as SPM RSU Raipur in the
afternoon on 23.07.2008
(ii) Divisional Secretary, Shri Gangber was posted
to Dayanand Nagar SO at his own request. Divisional
Secretary and circle Secretary never requested for
posting in Raipur HO. Circle Secretary is working
inRaipur City proper.
(iii) No such instructions have been issued by the
Chief PMG. The Divisional Secretaries, Durg and Bilaspur
are working in big Post Offices having HSG.II status.
(iv) No action has been taken against office bearer
on flimsy ground. Disciplinary action has been initiated
against Shri Gangber the then SPM, Shankar Nagar,
Raipur (He is also Divisional Secretary) by the SSPOs
Raipur because he is one of the main offenders in the
fraud of approximately Rs. 3 lakh at Shankar Nagar. S.O.
(v) In this regard a detailed report has already
been sent, which is under consideration.
(vi) Rented buildings including Postal staff
quarters are being maintained properly in this Circle.
An estimate of Rs. 4,29,800/- has been sanctioned
on 30.07.2008 for maintenance of Postal Staff quarters
of Indrawati Colony, Raipur. A portion of Postal
compound at Byron Bazar was being encroached by
BSNL. They attempted construction of telephone
Exchange with tower which was stopped. To avoid such
further attempt of encroachment and to remove the
hazards of snakes etc. in the bushes and garbage in
the said land, it has been developed and some
recreation facilities have been provided for the officers
and staff. It has saved about 10,000 Sq. ft. land in
prime area of Civil lines from encroachment.
(vii) No such discussion has taken place.
(No. 16/68/2007-SR dated 15-01-2009)
Demonstration
staged by
Postal
Employees
at Jabalpur
30 FEBRUARY, 2009
 GOVERNMENT ORDERS
l Clarification in respect of regional re-
allotment in case of officials prompted to HSG.II
cadre against the temporary vacancies caused
due to ad-hoc promotion of HSG.II officials to
HSG.I.
I am directed to refer to your office letter No.
STA/8-3/08 dated 14-11-2008 on the subject
mentioned above and to say that there are no
instructions, which prohibit posting of regularly
promoted officials against temporary/adhoc vacancy
or officials promoted on adhoc basis against regular
vacancy.
(DG(P) No.4-24/2008-SPB dated 2-12-2008 addressed
to TN circle)
l Re-introduction of Short Duty Staff
Scheme.
This is in continuation of this office letter of even
number dated 14.8.2008 on the subject noted above.
2. In this regard it is requested that expenditure
incurred in respect of staff engaged under the said
scheme by way of disbursement of wages may be
booked under Sub head of Accounts. If the staff is
engaged in Post Offices, it may be booked under
3201.02.101.01.01.02 Wages (Non-Plan) and if they
are engaged in RMS offices the expenditure may be
booked under head 3201.02.102.01.01.02 Wages
(Mail Sorting) (Non-Plan). It is also requested that
Stage Pre-revised Pre-revised scale
Pay Scale recommended by
Sixth CPC
approved by Govt.
Initial Entry Rs.3050-75- Rs. 3200-85-4900
3800-80-4590
TBOP 4000-100-6000 Rs. 4000-100-6000
BCR 45-125-7000 Rs. 4500-125-7000
3. Necessary action may be taken by the
Circles to fix the pay scales of Postmen/ Mail Guards.
(DG(P) No. 1-9/2008-PCC dated 22.12.2008)
l Corrigendum-Recommendations of Sixth
Central pay Commission- Fixation of Pay of
Postman in TBOP/BCR.
I am directed to refer to this office letter of
even number dated 22-12-2008 on the above-
mentioned subject.
2. The pre-revised Pay scale of Postmen of
TBOP and BCR mentioned in column 2 may be read
as follows:
BHARTIYA POST 31
the particulars of payment should be maintained in
separate register to monitor the expenditure on this
score. The amount spent under the scheme should
be shown separately in the quarterly statement of
Pay and allowances also and submitted the Budget
Section at the end of the quarter.
3. This issues in consultation with Budget
Section.
(DG(P) No. 1-9/2008-PCC Dated: 22-12-2008)
l Recommendations of Sixth Central Pay
Commission- Fixation of Pay of Postman in
TBOP/BCR
I am directed to refer to this office letter No.4-
4/2008-PCC dated 04-09-2008 regarding Sixth CPC-
Revision of Pay Scales in respect of Group ‘A’, ‘B’,
‘C’, and ‘D’ Employees 2008.
2. The existing pay scale of Postmen is
Rs.3050-75-3800-80-4590. Sixth CPC has
recommended upgradation of the per-revised scale
to Rs. 3200-85-4900 placing them in the
corresponding revised pay band of Rs. 5200-20200
with grade pay of Rs.2000. Few Circles and the Staff
Federations have sought clarification about fixation
of pay to Postmen who have been granted financial
upgradation(s) under TBOP/BCR schemes. The issue
has been examined in consultation with the Ministry
of Finance and it is clarified as under:
Corresponding Pay Band and Grade
Pay approved by Government
&
Pay Band Grade Pay
Rs. 5200-20200 Rs.2000
(PBI)
Rs.5200-20200 Rs. 2400
(PBI)
Rs.5200-20200 Rs. 2800
(PBI)
TBOP Rs. 3200-85-4900
BCR Rs. 4000-100-6000
(DG(P) No. 1-9/2008-PCC dated: 24-12-2008)
l Child Care Leave in respect of Central
Government employees as a result of Sixth
Central Pay Commission recommendations-
Clarification.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this
Department's O.M. of even number, dated the 11th
September, 2008 regarding introduction of child care
leave in respect of Central Government employees
(Contd. on page 34)
FEBRUARY, 2009
 DISCUSSIONS ON MODIFICATIONS ON GDS COMMITTEE
WITH SENIOR OFFICERS COMMITTEE.
On 18.12.08, NFPE Delegation consisting of
Comrades K.Ragavendran [Secretary General NFPE];
K.V.Sridharan [General Secretary P3]; and Ishwar
Singh Dabas [General Secretary P4] attended the
discussion with the Senior Officers Committee headed
by Shri.P.K.Gopinath Chief Postmaster General Delhi
Circle. The full Committee took the meeting with us
and more than one hour all issues raised in our Note
to Secretary [P] were discussed. We insisted that
the Government of India should now consider our
demand for grant of Civil Servants status under the
light and spirit of several Supreme Court Judgments.
The approach of the Senior Officers
Committee was positive. The Chairman of the
Committee shared our opinion and asserted that no
dramatic departure should be made on many
established practices like Pro-rata comparison with
Mail Overseers, Postmen, Group D; same DA formula;
same PLB Bonus ceiling etc. Even on the matter of
our assertion that GDS should be treated as holders
of Civil Post as per the Supreme Court judgment and
not to be downgraded as part timers or vetti or thalayaris
etc, the approach of the Committee is positive.
The following points have been insisted within
the limited time available to us for discussion with the
Committee:
1. Status of Civil Servants to be accorded to GDS
and all benefits and all allowances on par with
regular shall be proportionately granted.
2. Prorata wages on the basis of historical
comparison with Mail Overseers, Postmen,
Group D to be maintained and no violation as
recommended by GDS Committee should be
accepted. The Committee is positively
responded to this.
3. There should be only two pay scales for the work
load for 3.45 minutes and above. This would be
considered.
4. Rate of increment shall be @ 3% and not as
recommended by GDS Committee. The
Committee may favourably consider this issue.
5. DA Formula should not be changed as
recommended by GDS Committee by
introducing a Rural Basket and the same formula
in existence for all CG Employees should be
continued without any change. The Committee
felt that no need to drastically change the
existing system of DA Formula.
6. PLB Formula should be same for all Postal
Employees and the recommendation of the GDS
Committee for reducing the ceiling for GDS
BHARTIYA POST
should not be accepted. The Committee
appreciated our view point and may consider
favourably.
7. Fixation of Pay for GDS should ensure exact
comparative Prorata wages including the Grade
Pay Quantum and weightage should be ensured
@ one increment per two years of service. This
will be considered.
8. Pension in the name of Service Discharge
Benefit offered by the GDS Committee is very
low and it has to be as per Justice Talwar
Committee and a minimum of 1750/- per month
should be ensured by modifying the
recommendations of the GDS Committee. The
Severance Amount presently payable to
Promotees from GDS shall continue. All our
suggestions will receive due consideration of the
Committee.
9. Gratuity should not be less than the amount
prescribed under the Gratuity Act 1972 as per
the Supreme Court Judgment. The issue will
receive due attention.
10. No adverse change to be introduced in the
promotional avenue and promotional methods
for GDS like introduction of direct recruitment
in Postmen cadre and introduction of
examination for becoming upgraded Group C.
This will be considered favourably. In addition
we demanded that the Department should
consider ACP for GDS also. We also insisted
introduction of element of recruitment of PA
Cadre from amongst the GDS by appearing the
exam for the unfilled vacancies.
11. Transfer shall be permitted to GDS against
vacant posts without restriction. The issue was
discussed deeply and the Committee may give
some positive decision also.
12. Leave shall be at least 50% of total leave
available to regular and the facility to carry
forward the leave accumulated without any
restriction be permitted. Maternity leave should
be same as regular without difference and
should be paid from the exchequer and not from
welfare fund.
13. No abolition of GDS posts, offices etc. The
Committee again reiterated that no drastic
departure from the existing position.
14. The standards particularly tightening of standard
like cash counting etc for BPM recommended
by GDS Committee should be rejected. The
Committee agreed that the recommendation of
32 FEBRUARY, 2009
 GDS Committee is unscientific. We hope the
Committee may favourably consider this issue.
15. Retirement age should not be reduced. The
Committee felt that no need to drastically
change the status quo.
16. No abolition of GDS MM, GDS SV, ED BOs,
ED SOs and GDS SPM etc. The Committee
will consider continuation of existing system
instead of drastic departure of the present.
17. No PSSK or Franchisee outlets should be
opened in lieu of BOs.
18. Combined duty should be compensated by actual
work load and not a meagre allowance.
19. On Cycle beat - Foot beat formula, we demanded
that the 1987 agreement shall be honoured. This
was agreed to.
20. Office Maintenance Allowance should be at least
200/- per month in addition to grant of actual
electricity charges.
21. Rate of compensation for detention beyond
working hours shall be fixed as 25/- and not as
recommended by the Committee. This will be
favourable considered.
22. Night co-efficient should be compensated by
hourly wages and not just Mazdoor charges.
23. Introduction of minor penalties in GDS Conduct
Rules insisted.
24. Procedure of obtaining Security Bond should be
dispensed with.
25. Review of establishment should be conducted
as per the present norms.
Above all the major break through is non-
curtailment of trade union facilities. The Committee
has observed that the recommendations of Nataraja
Murti Committee on this count are beyond the
jurisdiction of the GDS Committee.
In nut shell the over-all approach of the Senior
Officers Committee headed by Shri P.K.Gopinath the
Chief Postmaster General Delhi Circle is positive. If
the approach exhibited by the above Committee is
reflected in their submission of Report, then it will solve
major problems created by the retrograde
recommendations of Natraja Murti Committee.
DEPARTMENT ASSURING DISCUSSIONS
AGAIN ON GDS COMMITTEE REPORT
BEFORE FORWARDING FOR CABINET
DECISION.
DG (P) Letter File No.8/12/2008-SR Dated the
December 18, 2008
Subject: Notice for Indefinite Strike starting on
17.12.2008 given by All India Postal Extra
Departmental Employees Union and National
BHARTIYA POST 33
Federation of Postal Employees along with its
affiliated unions.
In the wake of strike notice 02.12.2008 given
by All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees
Union and letter dated 09.12.2008 of National
Federation of Postal Employees and its affiliated unions
showing their solidarity for the strike action, the
conciliation proceedings were started by the Regional
Labour Commissioner [Central] on 12.12.2008. Further
proceedings in the matter were held in the fore noon
of 15.12.2008 in the chamber of Regional Labour
Commissioner [Central], who suggested the
management side to give a meeting to the Staff side
and accordingly she fixed a meeting for 14.00 hours.
However, Shri.S.S.Mahadevaiah, General Secretary,
All India Postal Extra Departmental Employees Union,
did not report for the meeting and this was brought to
the notice of the RLC.
2. The next sitting of the conciliation proceedings took
place on 16.12.2008 at 11.00 hours, wherein the Staff
side was persuaded to at least defer the strike on the
plea that the report of the GDS Committee was still
under the examination by the Department. However,
the Staff side did not agree to the view point expressed
by the Department as well as by the RLC and remained
adamant on their stand to proceed on strike. The RLC
once again suggested that the management should a
meeting to the Staff side and the meeting was fixed
for 15.00 hours. The RLC further suggested that NFPE
and its affiliated unions may also be invited in the
meeting to be taken by the management.
3. The meeting taken by the DDG [Estt] started at
15.00 hours of 16.12.2008,,which was attended by
Secretary General, NFPE and General Secretaries of
P III, R III, P IV and Administrative Offices Union,
affiliated to NFPE and General Secretary of AIPEDEU.
The Staff side was appraised of the fact that the
recommendations of the GDS Committee are still
under consideration by the Group of Senior Officers
and its report is likely to be submitted shortly, after
which it will be considered by the Postal Services Board
and the recommendations of the Postal Services Board
will be finally considered by the Cabinet. The Staff side
will get adequate opportunity to present their view
points.
4. In the light of the facts stated above, the Staff side
may kindly appreciate that their action of going on
strike in the context of recommendations of the GDS
Committee is unfounded and it would be in the fitness
of things if they call off the strike and resume their
duties and restore normalcy.
Sd/-
DIRECTOR [SR]
FEBRUARY, 2009
(Contd. from page 31)
and subsequent clarification vide OM, dated the 29th xzkeh.k Mkd lsod dh O;Fkk&dFkk
September, 2008 and 18th November, 2008. It is further
clarified that child care leave sanctioned prior to
lkBva'k dh >qdh dej
issuance of I.M. No. 13018/2/2008-Estt.(L), dated the toku th jgs cw<+h mej
18th November, 2008 shall be treated as child care leave iSj u j[krs twrs
and shall be deducted from the Child Care Leave
account of the Government servant concerned. No thrs vius cwrs
adjustment against any other kind of leave shall be made igus isou] fpFkM+s] yÙks
in this regard. The Child Care Leave sanctioned for the 'kq"d xkr tl ihys iÙks
period beyond 18-11-2008 shall, however, be regulated
in terms of clarification issued vide OM, of even number, dqÙks nsf[k fyokl
dated 18-11-2008. dkVs vkSj cq>k;s I;kl
(G.I., Dept. of Per. & Trg. O.M. No. 13018/2/2008-Estt.(L),
dated 2-12-2008)
fnu Hkj djrs dke
l Implementation of Government's decision on fy[kk dgk¡\ vkjke
the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay vQlj pwlsa fulfnu [kwu
Commission
Reference this office letters of even number jksVh eksgky dgk¡\ nksuksa twu
dated 4.9.08 and 6.10.08 whereby Ministry of Personnel, ekusa vQlj dks Hkxoku
Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Pension
and Pensioner's Welfare) O.M. No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A)
dVk gqvk tl dqdqj dku
dated 2.9.2008 and O.M. NO. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) Pt.II dated fy, gFksyh viuh tku
3.10.08 on the above mentioned subject were circulated. yk[k] ?kwe dh djrs iku
A further clarifications/modifications received in this regard
vide Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, cPps muds Hkw[kksa ejrs
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare O.M. No. nsf[k n'kk vk¡lw gSa >jrs
38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 11.12.08 is sent herewith for
information, guidance and necessary action.
lHkh gfMM~;ka lkQ lh nh[ksa
(DG(P) No. 4-7/2008-Pension Dated : 2.1.2009) Hkyk dkSu lqurk tks ph[ksa
l Continuation of ad-hoc promotion made in the ikuh fQj x;k dh tks vkl
cadre of HSG.I
I am directed to refer to this Department's letters ekjk&fQjrs jgsa mnkl
of even numbers dated 21st May 2008 and 21st U;wu gS osru
November 2008 regarding continuation of ad-hoc
promotion made in the cadre of HSG.I for a period of six
D;k\ ;s psru
months beyond May 2008 and to say that it has been xkM+h dtZ] tqxkM+ ls pyrh
decided with the approval of Department of Personnel & nky u budh dksbZ xyrh
Training to continue the said ad-hoc arrangement for a
further period of six more months i.e. upto 19th May 2008 ek¡l isf'k;k >wy jgh gSa
or till Recruitment Rules are finalized and regular lk¡lsa budh Qwy jgh gSa
arrangements are made in accordance with that,
whichever is earlier.
D;k igusa vkSj D;k ;s [kkrs
2. It is, therefore, requested that the ad-hoc promotion yxrk nkst+[k esa ;s tkrs
initially made as per instructions contined in this dksbZ Hkh vkrh ljdkj
Department's letter of even number dated 20th November
2006 in HSG.I may be further continued accordingly. D;k j[krh buls njdkj
(DG(P) No. 4-16-2002-SPB-II Dated : 02.12.2008) LoPN iz'kklu ,d f<+a<ksjk
l Continuation of ad-hoc promotion made in the
cadre of HSG.I
thou nwHkj] vUu fuBksjk
I am directed to refer to this Department's letters budh dc\ lqurh ljdkj
of even numbers dated 2nd December 2008 regarding dkSu\ dgk¡\ Lohdkjs gkjA
continuation of ad-hoc promotion made in the cadre of
HSG.I for a further period of six months and to say that the Øe'k%
date 19th May, 2008' figuring in the 6th line of first para of nyJ`axkjdq'kokgk^^dq'k**(iwoZmiMkdiky)
the above mentioned letter may be read as 19th May, 2009.
(DG(P) No. 4-16-2002-SPB-II Dated : 10.12.2008)
iwohZiz[k.M]okjk.klh(m-iz) nwjHkk"k&0542&2587899
BHARTIYA POST 34 FEBRUARY, 2009