bhartiya post june 2007

No. 6JUNE 2007Vol. XXXVI

Monthly Journal of All India Postal Employees Union Group 'C',(CHQ)

Dada Ghosh Bhawan, 2151/1, New Patel Nagar, New Delhi-110008

Editorial

CHANGES INEVITABLE

Editor: K.V. SRIDHARAN

The programmed strike from 24-4-2007 was

deferred before it begins perhaps due to the talks we

had with the Secretary, Dept. of Posts and the

assurances and settlement on many issues.

The prime demand of considering the GDS issues

either by the Pay Commission or Judicial Committee

was clinched. It was decided to refer the issue once

again to Govt. for consideration. Other confronting

issue of exempting the Postal Dept. from the purview

of screening committee ended with the submission

of cabinet note. We reached just the edge of a tunnel

but have to cross many more.

There are improvements in other demands like

filing up of all LSG / HSG.II / HSG.I posts within a

month, Block of benchmark for promotion, utilisation

of retired pensioners to employ for the shortage, grant

of OTA to meet the shortage in operative, formation

of committee to fix incentive / honorarium for various

business activities, filling of all remaining residual

vacancies, liberalising the standard of PA exam, one

more chance to write LGO exam, one time absorption

of approved RRR candidates, consideration of part

time casual labourers for GDS posts, etc. All the

assurances & settlements should be implemented

in true spirit to avert further discontentment,

discouragements and disillusions.

In fact, the doctrine principle of collective

bargaining through JCM, periodical meetings etc. has

been dismantled at present resulting in unrest at all

the levels. No regular periodical meeting is held at

Directorate. No JCM Departmental Council is held

over one year which should have been conducted

once in four months. Similarly there is no proper

RJCM at Circle level. There is no RJCM in the

newly formed circles. Even in the Circles where

the RJCM is functioning, the Circle Secretaries

holding in the office are not the members, leaders

or Secretary of the RJCM. The old nominations

are still continuing and in many places, it causes

hurdles to be incumbent office bearers and smooth

functioning of the circle unions besides settlement

of problems. The GDS employees are not still

brought under RJCM, Departmental Councils.

There are continuously subjected for the

exploitation. They are not being extended full trade

union facilities at par with the regular departmental

employees.

This should be channalised properly. Periodical

meetings at all levels should be ensured right from

Divisions to Directorate. The office bearers holding

positions should be ensured with the right of

collective bargaining. GDS should be given its lion

share in the collective bargaining. Postal being an

extensive workforce and next to railways, it should

have proper representation at National Council JCM

also. It should be in the position of drivers seat in

this negotiating machinery also. The unfortunate

situation is that the only department even though

six lakh workforce is in existence which is sidelined

its representations in all forums.

Changes are inevitable. The changes should be

in right direction. The changes required in the postal

for the betterment of six lakh workforce and for the

improvement of the service.

2BHARTIYA POST JUNE, 2007

LETTERS TO DEPARTMENTLetter No. P/4-4/Honorarium, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Enhancement of honorarium to R.D.

premature closure - reg.Ref.:This union letter of even no. dated 10-11-2006

Apropos reference, while extending the ratesprescribed earlier as honorarium for PMC closure tosub offices vide your letter No. 113-1/2004-SR (SB orderNo. 01/2007 dated 12-01-2007), the request of this unionto enhance the rates has not been considered.

The rates fixed for the RD PMC work a decadeback needs revision since the norms were revised.During 1996, the PMC was permitted without interestafter one year. Now the PMC is allowed only afterthree years with SB interest. Resultantly, the officialshave to work out the IBB for more than three yearsconsuming more time. After decentralisation of RD atSO level, it becomes a risky and very arduous job.

It is therefore requested to consider and revisethe honorarium upward at the following rates.Sub Postmaster - Rs. 5.00 per account.Postal Assistant - Rs. 10.00 per account.

A line in reply about the action taken is highlysolicited.

Letter No. P/4-1/Tenure Posting, Dated: 14 May2007 addressed to Com. I.M.G. Khan, Secretary,Department of Posts.l Tenure posting of officials in single handed

and double handed post offices -- preventivevigilance measure - reg.A kind attention is invited to the discussions we

had on the subject during the talks on 19-04-2006.As a measure of preventive vigilance, the

Directorate in its letter No. 8-4/2005-INV dated 22-09-2005, caused instructions that once the officials postedin 'B' & 'C' class offices should not be posted back tothe same station. There may be some rare caseswhere fraud would have taken place for which the entirestaff should not be suspected.

At present, difficulties are being experienced forwant of officials for posting at B&C class officesespecially in rural / hill areas which causes strainedrelationship. The officials are also deprived to work inthe offices of their choice (i.e.) the officials might benative of such stations or good environment such asschools etc. to afford better education for their children.

Under these circumstances, you are requestedto review and relax the condition and the officials withgood record and credence may be considered to postback to the offices of their choice.

Letter No. P/4-1/Group B Exam, Dated: 14 May2007 addressed to Com. I.M.G. Khan, Secretary,Department of Posts.l Group B Examination - conditions for

appearing the exam - reg.A kind attention is invited to this union letter of even

number dated 18-12-2006 wherein we requested to revisethe syllabus as per the job requirements and permit theprivate publishers to print the updated manuals.

We also requested to permit TBOP / BCR officialsto appear the Group B exam since none becomeeligible among LSG officials who could get LSGpromotion only at the verge of the retirement. Both ourrequests have not been considered so far.

At least the minimum service required to appearthe Group B exam under general line quota may befixed as 20 years clerical service irrespective of the factwhether the official is in LSG, TBOP or not. Otherwise,the purpose of conducting the exam will be defeated.

It is therefore requested to consider the issuesand cause appropriate orders at the earliest and alsoto conduct the examination after the consideration ofour request.

Soliciting immediate action.Letter No. P/4-1/Tfr, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to Shri I.M.G. Khan, Secretary, Departmentof Posts.l Restriction in posting of SPM to minor

penalties / CR entries - reg.Ref.: This union letter of even number dated 02-

02-2007A kind attention is invited to the discussions we

had on the subject on 19-04-2007.A confidential circular has been sent to all divisional

heads from investigation branch on 01-11-2006 that ifan official is awarded with anyone of the minor or majorpunishments or adverse entries in the CR, he shouldnot be posted as SPM throughout his career.

This causes a concern. After lapse of certainperiods, the officials inflicted with such punishmentsbecome eligible to write the promotional exams likeIPO, JAO, Group B etc. As such, mere imposition ofeven a minor penalty will be the disqualification to bea SPM throughout his career is nothing but a farceand bad in law.

If the suggestions are implemented, at one stagenone will be available for the post of SPM due toshortage. A well senior official has to work as PostalAssistant under the supervision of junior most whichwill also be a punishment not improvised in the CCS(CCA) Rules.

It is therefore requested to withdraw theinstructions at once and not to cause any hardshipsto the officials which will certainly demoralise theofficials who are working very hard and implementingvarious new activities of the department at field level.



Letter No. P/4-3/Exam, Dated: 14 May 2007addressed to Sri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P), Departmentof Posts.l Request to drop the confirmation

examination - reg.A kind attention is invited to the discussions we

had on the subject and it was agreed to consider todiscontinue the confirmation exam as it lost its credence.

It is therefore requested to consider and causenecessary orders at the earliest.

Soliciting response,Letter No. P/4-4/Funds, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Allotment of funds to grant Computer

Advance to the officials - reg.Despite the communication of MoF OM No. 12

(1)/E.II (A)/04 dated 13-10-2006 in November 2006 itselfproviding Computer Advance to the officials notexceeding Rs. 30,000/- this has not been paid lastyear in many circles due to non allotment of funds.

It is therefore requested to allot sufficient fundsfor the current year considering the requirements forthe last year also to all the circles to grant the ComputerAdvance liberally.


Letter No. P/4-3/Training, Dated: 14 May 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Counting the training period for benefits of

promotion under TBOP/BCR scheme - reg.Ref.: This union letter of even number dated 25-

01-2007Apropos reference, it is constrained to note that

neither the issue is resolved nor replied so far. Theinstructions contained in your letter No. 44-47/98-SPB.II dated 31-07-2000 & 27-07-2001 to count theinduction training period for the qualifying service hasnot been implemented properly in many circles.

In Tamilnadu Circle, the circle IFA denied suchbenefits to those recruited and deputed for trainingbefore 01-01-86, and based on the objection, theChief PMG, Tamilnadu Circle has issued instructionsvide his letter No. STA/80-1/00/Rlgs. Dated 21-02-2003 in which it was stated that the period ofinduction training can be taken for the benefit ofpromotion under TBOP/BCR only if the officialselected was under training on 01-01-86 or deputedfor training on or after 01-01-86.

Resultantly the officials granted with BCRpromotions based on the Directorate orders dated 31-07-2000 taking into account of their training period forpromotion have faced recovery and re-fixation. Theopinion of the circle IFA to cut short the benefits from01-01-86 is arbitrary and unjust.

It is therefore requested to cause necessaryclarifications to all the circle heads to count the training

period without any cut off date and stop recoveryimmediately.

Soliciting immediate action.Letter No. P/4-4/Hono, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Enhancement of honorarium for engaging

the officials in departmental examinations -reg.

Ref.:This union letter of even number dated 30-11-2006

Apropos reference, it is constrained to note thatneither the issue is considered nor replied so far.

The honorarium now paid to the officials whombrought for departmental exam was fixed one decadeago. The remuneration is very meagre while comparingthe strenuous job carried out by the officials.

It is therefore requested to consider and revisethe honorarium appropriately.

Soliciting immediate response.Letter No. P/4-2/Pay, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Counting of Special Allowance for pay

fixation -- case of PO and RMS Accountants -reg.

Ref.: This union letter of even number dated 14-11-2006Apropos reference, it is rather dismayed to note

that this issue is still remaining unsettled over adecade. Resultantly, in many circles, recovery is beingordered from the officials for considering the same forpay fixation.

It is therefore requested to cause necessary ordersat the earliest and settle this long pending issue.

Soliciting immediate action.Letter No. P/4-1/LSG, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to Sri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P), Departmentof Posts.l Anomalies in the LSG promotion -- request

clarificatory orders - reg.Apropos discussions on the subject earlier, the

following anomalies arisen due to divisionalisation ofLSG cadre from 1986 to 2006 are yet to be resolved.i) Since the LSG notional promotion was grantedon divisional basis, in some divisions due to morenumber of LSG posts in existence, the juniors couldget LSG promotion. In other divisions, due to dearthof LSG posts, the seniors even did not get LSGpromotion which affects them in the HSG.II & HSG.Ipromotions. Modification of LSG as per the Circle PAGradation list as one time measure will be only thesolution in mitigating the anomaly prevailing due tovarious charges in the rules since 1986.ii) As per the provisions of LSG Recruitment Rules1976 and Vol. IV, the Combined Circle Gradation listof P.As is the basis for LSG promotion. This has beensidelined due to the instructions of divisionalisation of


LSG cadre. The officials availed Rule 38 transferswere the victims. They may be allowed to optmodification of LSG at par with their juniors.

It is therefore requested to consider the above twoitems and cause appropriate orders at the earliest.

Soliciting immediate action.Letter No. P/2-21/Chamoli, Dated: 10 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Memorandum presented against Sri M.C.

Pandey, SPOs Chamoli division inUttarakhand Circle -- request enquiry andaction - reg.

Ref.: (i) This union letter of even no. dated 05-01-2007 & 02-02-2007(ii) Your letter No. 16-2/2007-SR dated 05-01-2007 & --2-07Apropos reference, despite your letters for proper

enquiry on the misdeeds of the SSPOs, Chamolidivision, nothing has so far been moved.

The memorandum attached with this union letterdated 05-01-2007 is self explanatory and exhaustiveon all the misdeeds and maladministration of the SPOsChamoli. The following are the few examples.(i) Despite the abolition of steno post, he is engaging

a PA as steno and utilising for his purpose.(ii) Out of total establishment of 46 Group D posts,

he arbitrarily axed 17 Group D posts in thedivisions and major offices like Chamoli, there isno Group D in existence. The post of Group D,Kedarnath was abolished. There is no Group Dor ED Packer at this pilgrimage town and the SPMis attending the packer duty.

(iii) There are two departmental runners to carry themails from Gourikund to Kedarnath consideringthe distance height and steep rise in the mountainhe abolished both the posts and the work hasbeen distributed to GDS MCS which is humanlyimpossible. The GDS deployed for this purposehave to spent whole money for their food andconveyance while carrying the work. The worstexploitation of labour.

(iv) The post of IPO Rudraprayag is vacant and whenthe union requested for local arrangement, heordered the ASP D.O. to look after the duties ofSDI which is practically impossible in the hill areas.

(v) The irregular arrangements he ordered for theofficiating for the post of ASP Gopeshwar hasbeen cancelled. Now the same irregulararrangement has been revived to favour anindividual by sidelining the rules.

(vi) To cite an example about his Topsy Turvy activities,he put off the GDS SPM Goldir EDSO SriMadhusudhan Joshi in 2006 orally and reinstatedhim after a week without any orders. All these thingsare only oral for some extraneous consideration.

(vii) He disconnected Telephone connections to the

extent of 80%. Even the bigger offices havingcomputerised like Guptkasi, Augustmuni, Delal,Twarl, Naranbagh etc. are being no service phone.

(viii) There is no supply of Black ink for stamping. TheSPMs are forced to purchase psycholostyled ink.

(ix) Personal claims are not cleared then and then.They are pending for years together. Speed Postincentive bills were rejected with the reason thatthey were submitted belatedly. Most of the billsare rejected like that.

(x) Even for clearance of surplus cash beyond lakhsrupees, without police escort by taking risk by theSPMs, he is disallowing the bills and restrictingonly to bus fare which is practically impossible.The SPMs are daily incurring money on their ownfor conveyances to clear the surplus cash.

(xi) He is not supplying computer papers to S.O.s,resulting the SPMs could not take the print out ofB.O. summary and others for office records.

(xii) The Chief PMG instructed to allot tiffin room atRudraprayag as the office is kept open from 09:00am to 10:00 pm and RMS officials are sortingletters and remaining in the office. Despite hisadvise, he is still reluctant and not allot space fortiffin room causing lot of inconvenience to the staffwhile on their duty.

(xiii) Despite the provision to grant immunity fromtransfer to the Divisional Treasurer first time, theDivisional Treasurer of this union working at Thalihas not been ordered to bring to the Headquartersover one year.

(xiv) The SPOs suggested to hand over the land whichis under our possession since 1960 at Gaucharto the private parties. This is unwarranted.

(xv) Similarly, at Kedarnath, the Panchayat has offered2 grounds land to post office by free of cost andrequested to transfer the name by registering theproperty in the department title. The SPOs hadwritten the Panchayat that he did not secure theland offered by them at free of cost.

(xvi) He has closed down the offices in China Borderlike Malari, Bhampa which are tribal areas andthere is no departmental post offices within thearea of 20 kms. He has either closed down manypost offices or down graded the status.

(xvii)He is misusing his official car for his weakly tourto his residence at Haldwani. This could be verifiedfrom the Diary. His residential electricityconnection is linked with the office main to avoidelectricity bill.

(xviii) According to his whims an fancies, the MDWhas been prepared in D.O. and not as per therulings. There is multiple dealing of files by theDealing Assistants.

(xix) His threatening and singular usage of words like'suspend you' is unbearable. When the SPM


Tilwara requested the SPOs to replace the plasticchair with wooden one or to enhance the platformto the height of the table, he threatened him insingular and vulgar words.

(xx) Above all, during his visits, the cash and stampsof the post office is being counted and checkedonly by his driver. This will never happen at anyother place.There are many more skeletons are hidden in the

cupboard and if an enquiry is ordered it will roll downwith many more irregularities.

It is therefore requested to take appropriate actionand rein in the SPOs who is functioning in unbridledhorse style.


Letter No. P/2-18/Sikar, Dated: 09 May 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Arbitrary recovery under contributory factors

-- case of Sikar and Pali Head Post Offices inRajasthan Circle - reg.It is brought to our notice that the divisional heads of

the above said HPOs are resorting to initiate disciplinaryaction against the officials to recover the loss sustaineddue to the burglary taken place in these offices.

It is pertinent to note that both the HPOs havebeen provided with security arrangements and havingchowkidars to keep vigil over the office. Both the theftswere taken place by tiding the hands of the chowkidarsand broke the double locks and inner locks.

The officials are not directly responsible for the losssustained to the department. Fixing responsibility oncontributory factors for the theft is nothing but farse andagainst to the principles of law and justice. Despite theDirectorate's clear instructions, not to impose recoveryin cases if the officials are not directly responsible, theSSPOs are resorting action to recover the amount.

It is therefore requested to cause necessaryinstructions not to recover any amount from the officialswho are not directly responsible and approach policeauthorities to apprehend the culprits and recover theamount.


Letter No. P/2-21/Haridwar, Dated: 09 May 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Formation of Haridwar Division in

Uttarakhand Circle - reg.Ref.: This union letter of even number dated 22-

03-2007.Apropos reference, I wish to request that this issue

may please be given priority on the following grounds.(i) There is full justification to bifurcate Dehradun

Division since the S.I.U. norms exceeds 2.6.(ii) After bifurcation of UP Circle resulting bifurcation

of Saharanpur Division, more number of offices

were attached with Dehradun Division.(iii) Haridwar is the District Headquarters and the

Secretary during her visit to this HO has remarkedin the V.R to consider the formation of Division.

(iv) The post of Deputy SP post of Dehradun or Supdt.PSD, Saharanpur may be redeployed for theproposed division and the present PO buildingeither at Haridwar or Roorkee will be sufficient tohouse the divisional office.It is therefore requested to consider the same and

order accordingly.A line in reply about the action taken is highly

solicited.Letter No. P/2-16/Puri, Dated: 09 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Irregular actions of SSPOs, Puri Division - reg.

The circle union has brought the following irregularaction of the SSPOs, Puri Division to the notice of thecircle head in Dec'06 for which no action has beentaken so far by the Circle Administration.(i) The officials Sri N.C. Mishra, Sri Nilakanta Mishra

& Sri Pratap Patra are still continuing in PuriTownship despite their direct involvement inmassive NSC fraud case at Puri HO.

(ii) Sri H.K. Rath who was also involved in the NSCfraud case is now working as DO PLI. Eventhough Rule 14 is contemplated against him, hehas been favoured with the DO PLI posting.

(iii) The union's allegation about the frequentdisturbance of MMS Jatani - Gania line due tocarelessness of the tenderer Smt. BishnupriyaJena w/o Sri Ramesh Chandra Jena, PA PallabatSO has not given any credence. No action hasso far been taken to cancel the tender or heardso far. The SSPOs did not bother about the delayin transmission and delivery of postal articles onextraneous consideration.

(iv) The irregular provision of computer with internetfacility to SDI (P) Balugaon. No action has so farbeen taken.Despite the fact that circle union has frequently

insisting to cause action on the above irregularities,the SSPOs Puri Division has not been corrected sofar which causes a concern.

It is therefore requested to cause necessary actionto set aside the irregular action of the SSPOs, PuriDivision.


Letter No. P/2-8/Cle, Dated: 08 May 2007addressed to Shri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P), Departmentof Posts.l Non filling up of vacant HSG.II and HSG.I posts

- case of Himachal Pradesh Circle - reg.Complaints are pouring into this union that despite

of clear instructions issued by the Directorate vide letter


No. 4-16/2002-SPB.II dated 20-11-2006 for filling upthe vacant HSG.II and HSG.I posts. Out of 22 HSG.Iand 20 HSG.II posts, 8 posts in HSG.I and 17 postsin HSG.II are lying vacant in HP Circle the reason bestknown to the Circle Administration.

It is needless to mention here that due to nonfilling up of HSG.II posts LSG officials are officiating invacant HSG.II and HSG.I posts without any financialbenefits. Similarly eligible officials at the verge of theirretirement are being denied their legitimate claim forpromotion to higher cadre.

You are requested kindly to look into the matterand cause necessary orders for filling up the vacantposts of HSG.II and HSG.I in Himachal Pradesh Circleby holding DPC without further delay.

Awaiting your action.Letter No. P/4-4/Computer, Dated: 09 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Arrangement of Broad Band Connection in

all computerised offices - reg.It is brought to our notice that the problem of internal

connectivity through modem is at rise and in manyoccasions the data could not be sent to the site. Thiscould be seen in many computerised offices and theofficials are suffering due to non getting connectivity oncomputers. Further due to slow functioning of modem,the transfer of data takes more time.

It is therefore requested to provide Broad BandConnection to all the computerised offices to avoidthe problems now facing at the work spot.


Letter No. P/2-12/Tvm South , Dated: 27 April2007 addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Continuous drawal of HRA to Malayinkil at

Trivandrum City rates - reg.The HRA at par with Trivandrum City drawn to the

officials working in the said office has been stoppedsince 01-02-2005 due to the delay in obtaining renewalsanction for such grant.

After a long delay, the Chief PMG, Kerala hasnow sent a proposal on 29-03-2007 with dependencycertificate and other records for the renewal sanctionfrom 01-02-2005.

It is requested to expedite the sanction and accordorders early.

Letter No. P/2-20/Fatehgarh, Dated: 28 April 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Construction of new building of Fatehgarh

HPO, Uttar Pradesh Circle - reg.It is intimated that the HPO building of Fatehgarh

of Uttar Pradesh Circle is a very old one say about100 years. It is in a very dilapidated condition andany portion of it can fall down at any time. Sixty postalemployees are working under its roof and more thanone hundred customers are attending this post office.

A big mishap may occur in this building any time if itis not immediately attended. A new building, in placeof this life expired old one, be ordered to be constructedso that lives of hundreds of employees and customersmay not be put to peril.


Letter No. P/4-4/Rec. Club, Dated: 27 April 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Enhancement of grant of Recreation Club -

reg.The grant from the Welfare Fund for formation /

functioning of Postal Recreation Club was fixed adecade ago. Similarly the grant for excursion tripswith mileage restrictions also requiring relaxation.

It is therefore requested to enhance the quantumof grant from Welfare Board to Postal Recreation Clubfor formation / continued functioning besides relaxingthe conditions for the grant for the towns organised bythe PRCs.


Letter No. P/4-4/FSC,Dated: 27 April 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Revision of FSC - reg.

The FSC fixed to the offices and officials requiresimmediate revision as it does not commensurate theexpenses incurring for the purpose due to spiralincrease of commodities and inflation.

The present amount does not meet at least halfof the requirements and the in-charges of the postoffices are incurring the expenses on their own. Thiscauses a concern.

It is therefore requested to revise the rate of theFSC and accord orders at the earliest.

Soliciting immediate action.Letter No. P/4-4/Post Offices, Dated: 27 April 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Modernisation of post offices -- replacement

of generators / gensets -reg.It is brought to our notice that in many circles

during computerisation / modernisation, proper carehas not been taken either to repair the generators orby replacing with a new one.

Resultantly, even after computerisation andmodernisation, the work suffers during frequent powerfailures and the officials are forced to perform the workmanually, which defeated the very purpose ofcomputerisation.

It is therefore requested to allot sufficient funds toall the circles to replace / repair the existing generatorsand bring them in working condition and ensureuninterrupted functioning during the power failure.


Letter No. P/4-4/Funds, Dated: 27 April 2007


addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Non allotment of funds from Circle Welfare

Fund to Circle Heads - reg.It is brought to our notice that due to non receipt

of fund allotment in respect of Circle Welfare Fund,many sanctions are pending for payment.

It is requested to allocate sufficient funds to allcircles to clear the pending sanctions.


Letter No. P/2-19/Srirangam, Dated: 18 April 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Arbitrary recovery of CGEGIS - case of Sri T.

Ramalingam, Ex. Sub Postmaster,Poolambadi in Srirangam Division - reg.The above said official died on 12-02-94 and till

his death, a sum of Rs. 30/- was collected every monthtowards the subscription for CGEGIS without anydefault.

Based on the same, the Chief Postmaster Generalhas also directed DA (P) Chennai for payment ofbenefits under the new CGEGIS 80 scheme. The DA(P) Chennai has also collected revised Annexure 'C'in duplicate. A sum of Rs. 27,396/- has also beenpaid to the wife of the deceased officials after deductingthe amount of Rs. 5000/- (insurance fund already paid).

After, the DAP Chennai is compelling the familyof the deceased official to credit the amount of Rs.27,396/- as the case did not come under CGEGIS1980 scheme. As the recovery was made @ Rs. 30/- p.m. from the official till his death, the recovery ofsubscription should have been made under the schemeof CGEGIS 1980.

It is requested to cause necessary instructionsto circle head not to insist recovery by applying theold scheme in his case. The copy of the representationof the wife of the deceased official is enclosed herewithfor reference.


Letter No. P/2-19/Cle,Dated: 18 April 2007addressed to Shri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P), Departmentof Posts.l Irregular posting of general line officials as

APM Accounts - case of Tamil Nadu Circle -reg.A kind attention is invited to the discussions we

had on the subject earlier and it is dismayed to notethat in Tamil Nadu Circle also, all the APM Accountsposts in HSG.II have been filled up with the generalline officials terminating the arrangements of Accountsline officials. This causes a serious concern.

It is nothing but irony that the unqualified officialsare supervising the whole work of the Accounts branchof the Head Post Offices and defeat the very purposeof the existence of such specialised exam.

It is also paradoxical to note that the subordinateslike Accountants should possess the Accountsqualifications; whereas the one supervising suchAccountants need not have the knowledge of accountsmatters, like pay fixation, drawal of arrears of pay andallowances, maintenance of service books, authorisationof family pension, drawal of pension arrears, compilationof cash book etc. which are all important nature ofworks and require a specialised skill. The very purposeof holding PO and RMS Accountants exam will bedefeated by these irregular postings.

It is, therefore, requested to take immediate actionto rectify the anomalies prevailing in the field level andfill up the posts only with the Accounts qualified officials.

Letter No. P/2-21/Chamoli, Dated: 18 April 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Pre-tenure transfer of Treasurer of AIPEU

Group 'C', Chamoli Division - case ofUttarakhand Circle - reg.Kindly refer to this union letter of even number

dated 2nd February 2007 wherein it was mentionedabout unleashing victimisation against the officebearers by the SPOs. Now it has been reported thatthe Treasurer of our Divisional union has also beentransferred before completion of his tenure.

This union is of considered opinion that pre-tenuretransfer of union office bearer is nothing but a threat toothers raising voice against the misdeeds andatrocities unleashed by the Divisional Superintendent.

All our earlier references against the misuse ofpower and mal-administration of the SPOs Chamolidivision has not properly been enquired so far whichhas strengthen him to further unleash repressivemeasures against the active union office bearers.

You are once again requested to cause appropriateaction and set right the situation in Chamoli Divisionduly ensuring the peace atmosphere to the staffworking in the division.

Letter No. P/2-21/UK Cle, Dated: 18 April 2007addressed to Shri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P), Departmentof Posts.l Non holding of DPC for selection of the

officials for the posts of LSG - case ofUttarakhand Circle - reg.This is a sorry state of affair to hear that the

exercise of granting notional promotion to LSG byholding DPC has not been taken place in UttarakhandCircle and all the posts are remained unfilled on regularbasis. The check list issued by the Directorate inNovember 2006 has not been adhered and there aremany LSG posts still remaining unfilled up.

It is therefore requested to cause instructions withtime schedule to finalise the DPC process and accordorders for LSG promotion.



Letter No. P/2-21/Pithoragarh, Dated: 18 April2007 addressed to Shri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P),Department of Posts.l Non filling up of the post of Dy. Postmaster

(HSG.I) of Pithoragarh HO - case ofUttarakhand Circle - reg.It has been brought to the notice of this union that

during discussion on the above issue in the four monthlymeeting between Chief Postmaster General and theunion representatives that it was referred to Directorateseeking some clarifications which is yet to be issued.The delay in filling up the post of Dy. Postmaster HSG.Iis nothing but sheer injustice to the senior officials inselection of HSG.II and HSG.I posts in time.

It is therefore requested to direct the CircleAdministration to expedite DPC and fill up the vacantpost without further delay.

Awaiting your immediate action,Letter No. P/2-1/Eluru, Dated: 28 April 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Sanction of Special Compensatory

Allowance and Bad Climate Allowance toemployees working in tribal areas -- case ofAndhra Pradesh Circle - reg.The State Government of Andhra Pradesh vide

GOMS No. 6 dated 12-01-2007 has granted SpecialCompensatory Allowance to its employees from thedate of issue of the Gazette Notification i.e. 12-01-2007 working in the scheduled areas.

The copy of the said G.O. is enclosed herewithfor immediate action. It is pertinent to note that theBad Climate Allowance sanctioned to the officialsworking in the Andhra Pradesh Circle has beendiscontinued w.e.from 01-03-96 vide M.F. OM No. 5/1/E-II(B)/99 dated 18-09-2000.

Since the state government has revived andrestored the payment of Special CompensatoryAllowances to its employees and issued GazetteNotification, this may be applied to the CentralGovernment employees also based on the MoF OMNo. 20012/1/86-E.IV dated 23-09-86.

It is therefore requested to cause immediate actionto sanction Special Compensatory Allowance to theofficials working in those stations.

A line in reply about the action taken is highly solicited.Letter No. P/4-4/Honorarium, Dated: 28 April 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Clarification on grant of honorarium for

calculation of interest for RD PrematureClosures - reg.A kind attention is invited to the Directorate

instructions vide letter No. 113-1/2004-SB dated 12-01-2007 wherein, there is no specific mention aboutthe rate for the single handed SPMs who is performingboth the work of clerk and supervisor. This may pleasebe clarified.

Further, the rates prescribed is not commensuratewith the performance in the days of inflation. Theamount is very meagre and has been prescribed longback. This requires revision.

It is therefore requested to enhance the rate ofhonorarium also at the earliest.

Soliciting response.Letter No. P/4-9/TF, Dated: 28 April 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Review of standards of working hours of HO /

SO after decentralisation of RD & MIS scheme- reg.A kind attention is invited to the norm fixed for RD

works communicated in the letter No. 4-1/2006-PE.Idated 01-03-2007.

Even though the work connected with RDdepositors are similar in between H.O.s and S.O.safter decentralisation, the time factor has been fixedas 2 minutes for HO and one minute for SO underAnnexure 'A' which is insufficient and incorrect.

Further, the time factor for the work performed byEDSOs have not been prescribed for sub offices sincemany such EDSOs are being attached with majorS.O.s. The time factor prescribed against head 'C'requires to be extended to sub offices also. Finally,the coefficient for S.O.s had mistakenly mentioned'for HO' which requires correction and also this requiresrevision as 1.6 as if fixed for Head Offices.

It is therefore requested to accord clarificatory ordersafter considering the revisions demanded by this union.

Immediate action is highly solicited.Letter No. P/4-2/CA, Dated: 14 May 2007

addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Request for Fixed Conveyance Allowance to

Public Relation Inspectors (Postal), MarketingExecutives & Systems Administrators - reg.

Ref.: This union letter of even number dated 06-10-2006Apropos reference, it is constrained to note that

no action has so far been taken to mitigate the financialloss being met by the PRI (P)s, Marketing Executivesand System Managers.

Apart from regular duties of the inspection work,supervision of delivery staff and addressing thegrievances of public, propagating the new productslaunched under the aegis of Business DevelopmentDirectorate and canvassing for the various schemesintroduced by the department.

Similar is the case of Marketing Executives andSystems Manager. Their nature of work has no fixedworking hours and they have to travel miles together tocomplete their assignments every day. In metropolitancities the amount spent by them to cover vast areas todischarge their duties exceeds their capacity.

Taking into account the plight of these officialsand the indispensability of their services, a fixed sum


of Rs. 1000/- may please be fixed as FixedConveyance Allowance per month.

A line in reply about the action taken is highly solicited.Letter No. P/2-20/Shahjahanpur, Dated: 14 May

2007 addressed to Shri Harinder Singh, Member (P),Postal Services Board.l Mal-administration and authorities caused to

the staff of Shahjahanpur Division, UttarPradesh Circle by the Superintendent of PostOffices, Shahjahanpur - reg.It has been brought to notice of this union that the

staff belongs to AIPEU Group 'C' are being harassedby Superintendent of Post Offices, ShahjahanpurDivision on flimsy and frivolous grounds which causesstrong resentment amongst the general members.

It may not be out of place to mention here thatShri Arun Pratap Singh, Asstt. Secretary of theDivisional Union working as SPM, Bahadurganj SOhas been chargesheeted under Rule 16 on the groundof his attending Circle Conference as delegate from17th to 18th June 2006 at Mathura and awarded thepunishment of stoppage of 3 increments. Shri J.P.Shukla, President of the Divisional Union has also beenchargesheeted and awarded with the punishment ofwithholding of 2 increments, on the ground of quarrellingo/s Postman. The SPM has reported about theintoxicated condition of the o/s Postman for which theSPM has been awarded with the punishment.

The Superintendent of Post Offices is targetingthe activists of this union and punishing them on flimsy,fabricated and concocted grounds since this union hasbrought many irregularities purported by the divisionalhead to the Circle Administration. The terror unleashedby the divisional head should put to end and peaceamd amity in the division should be ensured.

It is requested to review both the cases and renderjustice to the aggrieved officials besides restoringpeace and calm atmosphere to the staff.

Soliciting immediate action.Letter No. P/4-2/Con. Allowance, Dated: 27 April

2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Upward revision of Conveyance Allowance

to PRI (P)s - reg.Consequent upon the increase in the oil prices,

the PRI (P)s have to spend the double of the amountwhile comparing the existing rates fixed earlier.

There is every justification to revise upwardly thequantum of Conveyance Allowance. It will also beproper to consider to segregate some of the works ofthe PRI (P)s relating to marketing activities, verificationbeyond 8 kms etc. and to bring them TA / DA ruels sothat they will be compensated properly besidesavoiding their loss in conveyance.

It is therefore requested to consider the same andcause appropriate order at the earliest.

An line in reply about the action taken is highly solicited.

Letter No. P/4-1/Accounts, Dated: 15 May 2007addressed to Shri P.T.S. Kumar, DDG (P), Departmentof Posts.l Filling up the posts of APM Accounts &

promotional avenues to Accounts lineofficials - reg.A kind attention is invited to the discussions we

had earlier and also on 11-05-2007 and I wish to pointout that there is a great injustice met out to the POand RMS Accounts qualified officials throughout allthe circles.

The APM Accounts posts in LSG & HSG.II havebeen filled up among the PO and RMS Accountantsqualified officials as per the Selection GradeRecruitment Rules 1976. The selection was madebased on the date of qualifying the PO and RMSAccountant examination in accordance with PostalManual Volume IV under Rule 276 & 277. The LSGAccounts cadre remains as a separate entity evenafter the divisionalisaiton of LSG for General Line.

After the introduction of FTP vide revisedRecruitment Rules (Memo dated 26-02-2002), therewas no mention about the APM Accounts posts andthe method of filling up the posts in the revised rules.Resultantly there was an anomaly and lot of confusionsare prevailing at the field levels. The subsequentclarification issued for FTP vide letter No. 137/10/96-SPB.II dated 28-01-2003, it was mentioned that theofficials promoted to LSG having Accounts qualificationmay be considered for APM Accounts post. This hasalso created a bundle of contradictions and freezedthe separate entity of PO and RMS Accounts line.

Now in many circles, unqualified officials havebeen posted as APM Accounts HSG.II and thusdefeated the very purpose of existence of such qualifiedposts. The APM Accounts should have the knowledgeof accounts matters, like pay fixation, drawal of arrearsof pay and allowances, maintenance of service books,authorisation of family pension, drawal of pensionarrears. Compilation of cash book etc. which are allimportant duties of the APM Accounts. By postingunqualified officials, the purpose of conducting such aspecialised exam is totally defeated.

The Hon'ble CAT Chennai & Mumbai observed thatthe LSG Accountant Recruitment Rules of 1976 stillholds good. No administrative instructions will changethe statutory Recruitment Rules. As such PO andRMS Accountants should be a separate line ofpromotion and the APM Accounts posts in LSG &HSG.II should be filled up based on the RecruitmentRules 1976 only.

The following problems erupted in the meantimein the postings of APM Accounts may please bemitigated.(i) The LSG Recruitment Rules 1976 should berevived for the filling up of APM Accounts posts.


(ii) The year of qualifying the PO & RMS Accountantexam should be the yardstick for promotion to APMAccounts posts. The seniority should be decided ontheir assumption in LSG post in Accounts cadre.(iii) During upgradation of 1622 HSG.I posts, manyposts of APM Accounts were upgraded to HSG.II.Resultantly, there is a dearth of LSG APM Accountsposts for promotion in the feeder cadre. Hence it isrequested to restore the LSG position for APMAccounts atleast to the extent of 50% of the total postand upgrade those posts in general line.(iv) Keep 50% HSG.II APM Accounts posts whichcan be filled up only with the HSG.II officials withAccounts qualification.(v) Reserve 20% of the total establishment in HSG.Ipromotion for providing promotion to the PO and RMSqualified HSG.II APM Accounts.

It is therefore requested to cause a crystalclarificatory orders to end the confusions and renderjustice to the PO and RMS Accounts qualified officials.

Letter No. P/4-9/TF Computer, Dated: 15 May 2007addressed to The Secretary, Department of Posts.l Posting of PLI Data through HPO TPS - reg.

It is brought to our notice that H.O.s are receivingfloppies from circle offices containing Master Data foreach month for posting of PLI transactions throughHPO TPS Software only. The earlier procedure ofposting the transaction through Meghdoot Softwarehas been done away.

This has resulted in many disadvantages whichare enumerated below:-1. The monthly premium receipt entry work takes alot of time.2. When the policy numbers are wrongly entered, itis difficult to find out the actual number, because thereis no proper search function to find out the same.3. There is no proper database management. Asbecause, the whole data is stored in the Hard disk ofthe client/ stand alone PC where the HPOTPS programis functioning.4. HPOTPS system does not run on a network.5. It is difficult for many offices; currently using thissoftware so as to get any support in times when there isany problem in the HPOTPS program, as we do not knowwhether any company is having any contract with thedepartment or not as far as troubleshooting is concerned.6. Lastly, facilities namely, provisions to enter servicetax, Education Cess etc., has not been incorporatedinto the existing Software.7. The option in the existing HPOTPS Software inrelation to modification of any information related to aPLI policy, like Policy Number, Holder's Name, etc.,is not at all user-friendly to a data-entry operator andis quite tedious in nature.8. As far as deletion of any erroneous data entered,the required option for such deletion not at all exists

in this Software.In light of the same, the Meghdoot Millennium

Accounts PBS software is much better and less timetaking as well as user friendly. But, the followingmeasures have to be taken before its implementation:-1. The administrative offices, to which the PLIschedules in text format are being sent, have to becomputerized in such a manner so that, they canaccept schedules sent by the H.Os created in theMeghdoot software.2. If the PLI details as to Name of the policyholder,PLI number and Premium amount can be providedthrough floppy as per the provisions available in theMeghdoot Millennium (MM) Accounts PBS software-Schedule module, the details can be uploaded intothe system of the H.Os and need not have to be re-entered.3. The transfer system for downloading and uploadingof text file/ PLI details through floppy can be substitutedwith an enhanced system of transfer through possiblymodem or the usage of internet.4. Lately, it has been found that the PLI masterdetails facility cannot be utilized to enter PLI detailssuch as policyholder name, PLI number and premiumamount in the schedule module of the MM- AccountsPBS software which has to taken up with PTC Mysoreand get fixed accordingly.5. The Meghdoot software also has provisions toenter Service Tax and Education Cess. The Meghdootsoftware can be updated as necessarily as and whenrequired as PTC Mysore updates the software fromtime to time.6. The only difficulty in switching over to MMAccounts PBS software is huge time that would betaken for data entry of PLI master details. If thedevelopers of HPOTPS system can provide with anauto transfer option of PLI master details from HPOTPSsoftware to Meghdoot software, then the data entrywork involving huge time can be eradicated.

It is therefore requested to consider thedisadvantages of the HPO TPS Software and alsothe advantages of the Meghdoot Millennium with theabove said notification and cause necessary changesin the usage of software for this specific work ofposting PLI datas.

A line in reply about the action taken is highlyappreciated.

OBITUARYThe son in law of Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas,

Treasurer, NFPE & Circle Secretary, P-IV, Delhi

Circle passed away due to massive heart attack at

Japan on 11-05-2007. We convey our heartfelt

condolences to the bereaved family members and

Com. Ishwar Singh Dabas. We share his grief.


LETTERS FROM DIRECTORATED.G.(P) No. 16-66/2006-SR Dated: 25-04-2007

addressed to General Secretary, Group 'C', CHQ.

l Delay in granting transfer to parent Circle -Case of U.P. Circle- reg.I am directed to refer to your letter No.P/2-19/

Roorkee dated 5-3-2006 on the above mentioned

subject.

2. The matter has been examined in consultation

with the Circle Office and the position is as follows:

At the time of creation of Uttaranchal Circle in 2001

thirteen officials of PA cadre had exercised their

option for transfer to Saharanpur Dn. (U.P. Circle),

out of these 13 officails, 8 officails have already

been relieved and 4 officials are not willing for

repatriation to Saharanpur division. The remaining

one official presently working as SPM Ikbalpur

(Roorkee) is not pressing for his relief and this circle

is also not in a position to relieve him immediately

due to shortage of staff.

D.G.(P) letter No. 12-17/2003-PF, Dated: 10-05-2007

addressed to the General Secretary, Group 'C', CHQ.

l Non Supply of forms, Passbooks, Stationeriesetc.-case of Chattisgarh Circle.I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/2-4/cle

dated 27th Feb, 2007 on the subject noted above.

2. In this regard a report was called from CPMG

Chattisgarh and it has been intimated by the CPMG

that all the files are being disposed off regularly in

time. No file is pending in the CPMGs office. The

Stock position of the forms is also satisfactory.

Availability of various forms is being ensured/

monitored by CPMG.

D.G.(P) letter No. 16-36/2007-SR, Dated: 11-05-

2007 addressed to the General Secretary, Group 'C',

CHQ.

l Alleged unbearable work load leading tosuicide - case of late Shri Naryan Majhi, SPMGopalpur S.O. in Orissa Circle.I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/2-16/

Cuttack dated 28-2-2007 on the above mentioned subject.

2. The matter has been examined in consultation

with the Circle offices. As reported, the contention of

the General Secretary that the official was working

single handedly in the 'B' class SO for months is not

correct. He worked from 17-2-07 to 24-2-07. SSPO's

Cuttack City Division on receipt of letter from late Shri

Majhi on 22-2-07 made arrangements by directing one

PA of Medical College S.O. on 23-2-07 to work at

Gopalpur S.O. The PA of the Medical College S.O.

was relieved on 24-2-07 A/N and proceeded to join at

Gopalpur S.O. on 26-2-07 F/N.

D.G.(P) letter No. 21-38/2005-Medical, Dated: 15-

05-2007 addressed to the General Secretary, Gr. 'C',

CHQ.

l Representation against rejection of medicalreimbursement claim Case of Shri Y.U.Gorwade, Accountant, O/o the SSPO'sKolhapur Division.I am directed to acknowledged receipt of your

letter No. P/2-13/Kolhapur dated the 02nd April, 2007

on the subject mentioned above and to say the matter

is under examination.

D.G.(P) letter No. 66-5/05-BP-I, Dated: 15-05-

2007 addressed to the General Secretary, Gr. 'C', CHQ.

l Construction of new building for FatehgarhHO, UP Circle-reg.I am directed to refer to your letter No. P/2-20/

Fatehgarh dated 28-04-2007 on the above mentioned

subject. The Circle has proposed reconstruction of

Fatehgarh HO building during 11th Plan. The proposal

of Circle will be considered while finalizing the 11th

Plan subject to availability of funds. The Circle has

also been requested to take all precautionary

measures to avoid any mishap.

D.G.(P) letter No. 40-1/2005-Tech (Vol.III), Dated:

11-05-2007 addressed to the General Secretary, Gr.

'C', CHQ.

l Modernization of post office-replacement ofgenerators/gensets-reg.Please refer to your reference No. p/4-4/post

offices dated 27/4/2007 on the above mentioned

subject.

2. In this connection, I am directed to state that

funds were allotted to the circles out of the Plan fund

"Computerization and Networking of Post Offices" to

procure gensets for post offices where computers had

been supplied during the Tenth Five Year Plan and

where Generators of required capacity and

specifications were not available. These Gensets are

meant for supply of uninterrupted power supply for

computer operation only and may not cater to the

requirements of entire office.

3. So far as replacement/repair of old generators are

concerned, it will be done by the circles out of the

non-plan fund placed at their disposal.


2007 addressed to The Chief Postmaster General,

Orissa Circle and copy to CHQ.


l Alleged irregular actions of SSPO's, Puri Dn.-reg.I am directed to enclose a copy of letter

No. P/2-16/Puri dated 9-5-2007 received from

the Genera l Sec re ta ry, A l l I nd ia Pos ta l

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.


2007 addressed to the Chief Postmaster General, U.P.

Circle and copy to CHQ.

l Alleged exemplary case of favouritism byPMG Agra by granting irregular extension toSri Udaivir Singh, Postal Assistant, Vrindaban(Mathura), U.P. regarding unauthorizedoccupation of Govt. quarter at Mathura HOCampus-reg.I am directed to enclose a copy of letter No.

P/2-20/Mathura dated 10-5-2007 received from

the Genera l Secre ta ry, A l l Ind ia Posta l

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.

Encl. As above.

INDIA POST TO LAUNCH DEDICATED FREIGHTERSERVICE, INDIAN TO FOLLOW

India Posts is out to take on the private express industry. The department is planning to launch a

dedicated freighter service and is in talks with the national carrier Indian to lease up to three Boeing 737-200

aircraft. To start with, the operations would be launched with a single aircraft.

"The Department of Posts will take the delivery of the first aircraft soon. They will be in a position to use

this aircraft from June," Minister for Communication and IT Dayanidhi Maran told ET. According to the

Minister, the aircraft would primarily cater to the postal and courier requirements of the North East regions.

"During the night, it will be used to carry couriers and parcels between the four metros," he said. While

starting that DoP had plans to expand its fleet of cargo aircraft, he however, declined to comment on the

estimated fleet strength and plans to get additional aircraft.

Sources in airline industry told ET that DoP's initial plans are for a three aircraft fleet. Domestic carrier

Indian, too, is working on plans to launch a dedicated freighter service in the country. It has been toying with

the idea of converting its ageing fleet of 11 Boeing 737-200 aircraft into freighters. India has been in talks

with several private logistics players for strategic tie-ups in this regard. One such announcement in this

regard is expected early next week with Gati Limited, sources told ET. Following the merger of operations

of Indian and Air India, a combined cargo and freighter service as a separate profit centre is envlsagd.

Express and cargo major Blue Dart too has chalked out plans to expand its freighter fleet by adding six

aircraft over the next five years.

Blue Dart currently operates five boeing 737 and two Boeing 757 freighters across seven major metros

in the country. The express company now plans to connect secondary cities, such as Coimbatore, Pune,

Amritsar and Ludhiana and including some up-coming SEZs. The buoyancy in the retail and manufacturing

sectors has given a fresh fillip to the air express and logistics business in the country.

[Courtesy : The Economic Time 27-04-2007]

Com. P. Venkatachalam, President,

Gobichettipalayam in Tamilnadu Circle has retired

from service on 31-03-2007. Despite the efforts of

the General Secretary to attend his felicitation

function held on 01-04-2007, he could not

participate. Com. P. Venkatachalam is a staunch

and devoted unionist and had many scars during

his service due to his active participation in trade

union. He donated Rs. 2000/- to CHQ after his

retirement. We wish him a peaceful, pleasant and

healthy retirement life.

RETIREMENT

Sri B. Kannan, son of Com. N.

Balasubramanian, Ex. Circ le Secretary,

Tamilnadu Circle (39 years) breathed his last on

14-05-2007 due to sudden heart attack. He is

having two daughters. An irreparable loss to

Com. Balu and his famly. We share his grief

and pray to gather sufficient strength to sustain

the loss of his son.

WE SHARE YOUR GRIEFCOM. BALU


EVOLUTION OF HIGHER PAY TO POSTAL ASSISTANTS

(Extract from the Memorandum Submitted to Sixth CPC)3:1 The Postal Clerical employees constitute the

nerve of the Postal Administration and the natureof work assigned to them spreads over longhours besides shouldering heavy responsibilitiesincluding monetary and otherwise.

3:1:1 Postal Assistant is the main functionary in thePostal Network and translate the policies andplanning into practice. He is the first PublicRelation Officer of the department who has directdealings with the members of public andtransacts with them at the counters. He is themain link behind the delivery of all postal mailsand articles. The Postal Assistants are regardedas the symbol of 'Service Before Self!'

3:2 The history of the recommendations of the earliercommittees considering the pay of the PostalAssistants is furnished in gist.

3:2:1 The first committee presided over by Mr. H.N.Haseltine in 1920 enquired into in the conditionsof service of the non-gazetted supervisory, clerical,sorting, delivery and menial establishmentsemployed in the postal branch with specialreference to their rates of pay and allowances,the hours of duty and the principles which havebeen laid down for fixing the staff strength.

3:2:2 The committee came to the irresistibleconclusion after an elaborate investigation andrecognised that the Postal Clerk performs dutiesof a special nature although the remunerationdid not commensurate.

3:2:3 The Committee further observed that "theconditions of service of postal clerks differ verymuch from those of ordinary clerks of theGovernment offices, their hours of work are longerand much more irregular beginning in some casesat 5:00 AM and ending at 10:00 PM.

3:2:4 The subsequent committee appointed in the1940's headed by Sir Gurunath Bewoor whilemaking his report on Time Test observedinteralia:-

3:2:5 "It is necessary to point out here the peculiarconditions of work in other offices. In an ordinaryadministrative office if the staff cannot finish theday's work, the unfinished work is left over forthe next day……… in the post offices, theaccumulation of arrears is not possible. Day'smail must be delivered the same day anddespatched on the same day."

3:2:6 "The accounts and abstracts must be adjustedthe same day and returns to the audit officemust be sent on due dates. The staff of post

offices cannot leave office unless all this workis completed. If the staff is inadequate it mightwork beyond the fixed hours of duty and late inthe night to finish the work."

3:2:7 Sir Gurnath Bewoor envisaged that to cope withthe intensity of the postal work, the only otheralternative for the Postal Clerk is to ignore therules and get through the work somehow or other.But it invariably leads to losses, commission oferrors, resulting in punishments and recoveriesfrom the staff.

3:2:8 After considering the Bewoor observations, theP&T Department sanctioned relief exclusivelyfor the Postal Clerks in 1946 vide letter No. A17-8/46 dated 04-08-46 which reads as follows:-

3:2:9 "Taking into consideration also the nature andconditions of work of the P&T employees, asspecial measure of relief for them, Governmentdecided to increase the "Good Conduct Pay"and the quantum of this special pay was alsoenhanced subsequently."

3:2:10Thus, it is very clear that the Postal Clerkswere treated as superiors when comparedto other employees in the Government ofIndia and granted with special payconsidering their hard work andresponsibilities.

3:2:11Meanwhile, the Retrenchment Committeeheaded by Sir Gowasjee Jehangir suggesteda combination of graded pay and thusintroduced the time scale system for clericalcadres. This was the starting point providedfor the reduction of the status of the PostalClerk since they were equated with other clerksin the Government service.

3:2:12The scale of pay of the other Governmentdepartments should not be considered as acriterion for fixing the scales of pay of PostalClerks who stand on a different footing altogether.

3:2:13The 1st Pay Commission has pointed out intheir report, "that the work of the post office clerkwhich involves split duty, contact with the publicand heavy financial responsibilities is of a moreonerous character. The post offices clerksshould be equated on a pay with the CivilAccounts and currency office clerks who performmore or less identical and similar duties."

3:3 The Postal Assistants performs a variety ofduties and shoulders heavy responsibility inhandling valuables besides the cash andcurrency. Unless one is fully conversant with


the rules and regulations which are changingevery day and month, efficient discharge of dutiescannot be expected of him.

3:3:1 The Postal Assistant who is incharge of postoffices also performs a variety of works. Heacts as a liaison with the public and ensuressecrecy, security and confidence of the people.He should possess thorough knowledge in thematter of various rules and regulations andshould have abundant, resourceful intelligenceto tackle the customers - the public.

3:3:2 The Postal Assistant is not doing a "SedentaryType" of job in the general run of the category ofclerks. He is responsible for all the transactionsthat take place both before and after theincidence since he is liable to make good thelosses suffered by the department under thenomenclature of "Contributory Negligence."

3:3:3 In case of loss or fraud or misappropriation the

liability thereof is squarely put on the shouldersof the post office clerk whatever be thecircumstances, whether fortuitous or deliberate.Besides, he is also subjected to disciplinaryaction and awarded with severe punishmentsfor such acts even after making good the losssustained by the department.

3:3:4 The Postal Assistant is made to work underunhygienic conditions. The location of postoffice buildings in dilapidated conditions,inadequacy of space are the glaring examplesto quote at many levels.

3:3:5 The Postal Assistants are performing morevolume of work as compared to the otherGovernment Administrative Offices. Thecomparative figures between other GovernmentAdministrative Offices and post offices will provethat both should not be equated with the volumeof work done qualitatively and quantitively.

Operative Staff in Post Offices Other Government Administrative OfficesHolidays (effective) 18 days 18 daysCasual Leave & RH 10 days 10 daysSaturdays 0 52 daysWeekly Off / Sundays 52 days 52 daysTotal in a year 80 days 132 daysWorking days in a year 285 days 233 daysOne year 365 days 365 days

Working hours converted into hours for Postal Assistants 285 X 8 hours = 2280 hours

Working days converted into hours for Assistants working

in Administrative Offices 233 X 8 ½ hours = 1980.5 hours

Excess of work hours for Postal Assistant 2280-1980.5 = 299.5 (i.e.) 300 hours

3:3:6 Thus it could be seen that the PostalAssistant working in post offices is doing300 hours extra work in a year for thatadditional work he has not been properlycompensated.

3:4 The working condition of the postal service isentirely different from the employees of the otherCentral Government Services.

(i) The postal staff are subjected to prolonged overinconvenient hours of attendance. They couldleave the office only after the works of the daycompleted. Sometimes they are involvingattendance in split duty barring them to attendtheir homely needs and other social obligations;

(ii) They have to shoulder heavy monetary andfinancial responsibility;

(iii) They are required to perform duties of a veryarduous nature;

(iv) The postal officials are required to put in longerhours of duty i.e. 48 hours weekly duty insteadof 42 hours in other Government departments;

(v) The PO is now engaging various business

activities and required to do much morework apart from their conventional workof transmission and delivery of articles.

3:5 The Postal Assistant in the postal departmentdoes the work of all other departments whileno other department does the work of the postoffice. The Postal Assistant,

(i) Does the work of 'Bank' involving huge monetaryresponsibility in the Postal Savings Bank, dealsin savings certificates, time deposits, seniorcitizen schemes, public provident fund, monthlyincome scheme and also sale of debentures,share certificates etc. etc.

(ii) Does the work of 'Insurance Department' as thepostal department itself runs the PLI / RPLI andknows the different rules and regulations on thesubject. Besides does the work related toOriental Insurance Company and implementingtheir scheme through post office;

(iii) Does the work of 'passport' Department byaccepting the passport application forms acrossthe counters and processing the same;


(iv) Does the work of 'Pension Payment' work ofother departments as well like Railway,Telecom, EPF etc.;

(v) Does the work of 'Telecom Assistant' by booking,transmitting, receiving, delivering telegrams andalso booking trunk calls and acceptingtelephone revenue collections, etc. entailing the'know how' of the 'Rules and Procedures';

(vi) Does the work of Police in issuing identity cards;(vii) Does the work of various branches like mail and

sorting, Delivery and Deposit, Registration andParcel, Money Orders, Indian Postal Orders,British Postal Orders etc.

(viii) Does the work of enquiry clerk; enquiry coveringmultifarious subjects;

(ix) Does the work of 'Treasurer';(x) Does the work of an 'Accountant';(xi) Does the work of a 'Counter clerk';(xii) Does the work of 'Correspondence clerk';(xiii) Does the work of an Auditor, a Typist, Despatcher

and correspondence clerk when posted in adivisional office;

(xiv) Does the work of an Accounts clerk;(xv) Does the work of 'Promoter' in various financial

schemes developed in the Business tie up;(xvi) Handles lakhs of rupees worth insured / foreign

articles daily involving great risks;(xvii) Helps the Excise department in checking &

transmission of contraband goods;(xviii) Has direct contact and moves with different types

of public;(xix) Expected to know thousands of rules running

in several volumes. Breach of any rule isattracted to with the severe punishment;

(xx) Has to be conversant not only with the IndianPostal business but complicated Foreign Postalbusiness as well;

(xxi) Will not be let off even after 8 hours of work butwill have to work till accounts for the day tallywhich in most cases result in long hours;

(xxii) Must be conversant with hundreds of Multipleletters, circulars etc. issued by the divisionalheads, circle heads and the Director Generalwhich will be changing every day;

(xxiii) Involves great attention, concentration andintelligence even in ordinary 'mail branch'. If atag is mislabelled, thousands of letters will bedelayed for more than a day;

(xxiv) Not only his work is brain killing and nerve eating,he should also be very honest in word anddeed.

(xxv) Due to introduction of various new schemes andtying up with UTI, Oriental Insurance Scheme,Clearance of cheques for various privatecompanies like TVS, Bajaj Auto, HDFC Bank,

verification of address proof for Hutch and BSNL,Direct Posts and other schemes, the PostalAssistants are put into enormous pressures.There is also a huge task of filing TDS returnsto the Income Tax returns, Acceptance of ITreturns etc., now shouldered by the PostalAssistants. Apart from these, several serviceswere introduced depending on the local needslike "Sabrimala Prasadams", Sales etc. Theverification / compilation work which is alaborious job was now looked after by the HOinstead of Director of Postal Accounts. Nowthe Postal Assistants are entrusted with thework of Electoral verification, driving licenceverification work, loan payments through postoffices like NABARD. They are now workingas System Engineer and Marketing Executives.In quarters post offices they are guarding theproperties of post offices as Night Watchmantoo since they are bound to sleep in the officeas per the rules on the subject. All these extraworks are being shouldered by the existingstaff even after a drastic staff cut exercisedin the post office for more than 17% whilecomparing the figures from 2000-01 to 2004-05.

3:6 The first and foremost principle which shouldbe ensured is that the Central Governmentshould be the model employer of the countryand the employees should have a pride andproud of their job. It is very much essential thatthe Postal Assistant should receive salarymuch higher than the counterparts of the otherPublic Sector Undertaking considering themultifarious activities of profound by the PostalAssistant.

3:6:1 Though five pay commissions have submittedtheir reports, this vital aspect has not been dulyconsidered. The condition of living of the PostalAssistant has been deteriorating due toinflationary spiral soaring up everyday. TheGovernment all along comes up with the pleathat the state of finance does not admit toincrease the wage expenses to the Governmentemployees. Resultantly several fringe benefitsrecommended by the earlier pay commissionshave not been implemented.

3:6:2 The Fourth Central Pay Commission in its reportobserved in chapter 10 para 10.56 that thepostal services and personnel managementmay be reviewed by a committee to be speciallyset up for the purpose so that it may be possibleto achieve postal excellence and givesatisfaction to those employed in the vastinfrastructure of the department.


3:7 In pursuant to the recommendation stated inpara supra, the Government has set up an'Expert Committee on Excellence in PostalServices in 1987. The committee in its interimreport (December 1988)" Quest for PostalExcellence", observed that almost 86% of thepopulation is quite satisfied regarding timelyopening of post offices. (5-1 Appendix IV).

3:7:1 It further observed that "this seems to be astrong point for postal employees with about92% of the sample population being quitepositively oriented as far as honesty of postalemployees is concerned. Educational

institutions and banks are more satisfied withhonesty of employees than other Governmentinstitutions. (Appendix IV . 6 (a)While elaborating the sincerity of the Postalemployees, it observed that "Postal employeesare seen to be quite sincere in their work by thegeneral public. Only 12% of the samplepopulation has any serious doubts about sincerityof postal employees. (Appendix IV. 6 (b))

3:7:2 The following tabulation observed in the saidExcellence Committee will exhibit the personaltraits of the postal employees working in theDepartment of Posts.

Personal Traits of Postal Employees % shows level of population satisfied.

Trait Satisfied Partially Satisfied Dissatisfied(In % age) (In % age) (In % age)

Honesty 73 25 2

Courtesy 57 38 5

Helpfulness 56 38 6

Patience 52 41 7

Efficiency 53 42 5

Knowledge-ability 52 43 5

Skill at Handling Complaints 52 40 8

Sincerity 59 36 5

Hardworking 64 31 5

(Consumer Survey - Appendix IV Para 6)

3:7:3 Such being the performance of the postalemployees , they are still denied anddeprived of their due pay and perks. Thesaid committee in its 'quest for PostalExcellence observed that' the postal servicesuffers from:-

(a) Failure to attune itself to the changing needs ofthe various segments of postal users;

(b) Failure to increase the productivity of postalemployees in the context of increasing manpowercosts and availability of new technology;

(c) Insensitivity to the low morale of the postalemployees who do routine manual jobs whichoffer no chance for upgradation of their skill andself development. (Chapter VI para 6.2)

3:7:4 Based on the recommendations of thecommittee, there was vast changes in theoperation as detailed in various paras. Thedepartment had launched an extensivemodernisation covering all facets of its activitieslike counter, mail, SAT MOs, MIS SB, PLI andfor various business activities including moneytransfer service. Similarly there was a drasticstaff cut exercised unscientifically; whereas thedire need of extending more promotionalavenues had been totally ignored and denied.

3:8 Considering all these aspects, theDepartment of Posts also in its

memorandum to 5th Pay Commission hasrequested to consider higher pay to PostalAssistant at par with Bank and InsuranceOrganisations. It also recommend to grantpay scale atleast at par with the employeesof Postal Accounts Organisation. Theexcerpts of the observation is furnishedhereunder for the kind consideration.

3:8:1 "Both in terms of number of the personnelemployed and cost, in reference to totalestablishment of the Central Government, thedepartment has exercised strict economy in useof the manpower by optimising human resources.During this period the staff has offered higherproductivity, but for which it would not have beenpossible to handle higher work load withdecreasing manpower base. At the same time,during this period there has been ban on sanctionof additional posts, justified or in the basis ofapproved norms. Introduction of technology formodernisation of postal services has been takenplace without offering any economic packageto its employees, as has been done in the caseof banking and insurance industries.

3:8:2 For computerisation of banks, the employeeswere offered pension, wage rise and cashincentives. The staff side while accepting theneed for modernisation of the services to


maintain its edge in the communication markethave been demanding share of the fruits oftechnology induction for upgrading services.There is a force in the demand made by thestaff side and the department submits to thecommission for favour of sympatheticconsideration of this demand."

3:8:3 "That apart, introduction of modern technologiesand consequent all round upgradation of skillsof the postal employees calls for re-categorisation of the postal operative andsupervisory cadres which were hitherto beingtreated as clerical cadres. Having regard to thenature of their functions, the postal employeesin the front offices should be equated with EDPpersonnel in the Central Government and theback room operators with the employees of thebanks / insurance companies or the employeesof Postal Accounts Organisation."

(Para 3.6 of the report)3:8:4 Even though, the 5th Pay Commission had

considered the plight of the Postal Assistantsat par with UDC, the justified upgradatonof pay scales considering the multifariousfunctions have not been recommended.

3:9 It is most apt to see the nature of job performedby the Postal Assistants drafted to the divisionaloffices. The Postal Assistants from the postoffices are being drafted to man the differentbranches of the Postal Superintendent's officefor a tenure period of 4 years. The administrativework in the office of the Superintendent of PostOffices is of a very high order.

3:9:1 The correspondence work of high calibre hasnecessarily to be performed by the divisionaloffice assistants. They have to be thorough withthe rules of the P&T Department and the variousorders issued from time to time. The nature ofwork in the divisional office is such as to demanda high intellectual standard; patience,willingness to overwork and the capacity to facearduous work are the other qualities expectedof a clerk in the divisional office.

3:9:2 The Postal Assistants attached to the divisionaloffices perform the following administrativeduties.Maintenance of the personal files of entire staff,grant of leave, issue of leave orders,arrangements of substitutes, maintenance ofgradation lists in each categories, appointmentand confirmation of staff, arrangement for holdingdepartmental examination, recruitment, matterrelating to GDS, collection of pension papers,rotational transfer, leave roasters, reservationroaster, grant of advance of pay, GPF, advanceslike cycle, scooter, festival etc. Adequate

proposals for opening and grading of offices,redeployment / relocation of post officesaugmentation of staff on the basis of statisticaldata compiled, review of establishment, revisionand fixation of stationary charges, grant of cycleallowance etc.

3:10 Apart from this, these Postal Assistants haveto attend complaints, mail arrangements, followup action on inspection reports, issue ofsanctions relating to SB / SC claims, all mattersrelating to surcharge / supply of articles of stock/ forms, sanction of all bills etc. planning,preparation of budget estimates etc. The dutiesperformed in this divisional office is more skilledand highly responsible while comparing the workin the other administrative offices.

3:10:1The complaint section in the divisional officehas to maintain a very great vigilance andextreme efficiency. A perusal of the list of dutiesperformed by the Postal Assistants in thedivisional office will speak for itself. Now onintroduction of Right to Information Act, thecomplaints clerk work is not only confined tothe postal services to the customer but alsoinvolves a wider ramifications of work andknowledge consuming a lot of time to trace,consolidate and present the information requiredby any members of public, not necessarily theconsumer. Sometimes, the information requiredunder RTI act relates many decades back andthe work cannot be completed within theassigned date as enshrined in the act. Officialstry to avoid a transfer to the divisional office allalong because they are denied compensationfor shouldering such a heavy responsibility andfurther they have to move to a station where thecost of living is high since the divisional officesare located only in big towns.

3:10:2 It is pertinent to mention that many items werenot covered under the norms and no incentiveor extra duty allowance has been paid to themsince they are not being granted OvertimeAllowance. The following items are theexamples about non-fixation of norms.

3:11 Recently, the PLI/ RPLI work has again beendecentralised, involving more and more workforceat divisional level. Even in the existingcircumstances, the RPLI work and other newlyintroduced financial services are handled by theofficials drafted from operative work force withoutprovision of any special establishment andbudgetary allotment etc.

3:11:1The present formula for clerical strength ofDivisional office is evolved on the basis of SIUstandard of 1986. While computing the workloadof complaints only Cpt. 21 and search bills


relating to Registration, Parcels and MoneyOrders are taken into account. The followingitems are omitted for inclusion.

(a) Inward references relating to Money Orders,Registration, Parcels.

(b) Audit objections.(c) Allotment of Post Boxes and renewal.(d) Recall of articles.(e) Mail arrangements and schedules.(f) Buildings and wirings.(g) Work relating to service union matters.(h) Dealing of public complaints.3:12 In respect of recruitment at divisional level, since

its introduction so many recruitments have beentaken place without provision of any additionalmanpower. Apart from this, the bulk of SBCOstaff and its administration have been transferredto divisional office and the staff clerks being verymuch overloaded are unable to release evennormal leave orders, resulting delay insettlement of personal claims like pension etc.

3:13 The following items of work are not covered underSIU Formula consequent on decentralisation ofworks to divisional level.

1. Recruitment of Postal Assistants since 1979;2. Dealings relating to SDPAs / RTPs3. Triennail revision of allowance to GDS;4. Sanction of PCO allowance to BPMs;5. Review of workload of EDBOs ;6. Split Duty allowances;7. Authorisation of Payment of DCRG and

Commutation of Pension;8. Process of IR;9. Investigation of loss or fraud consequent to

enhancement of limit;10. Work relating to SB claims consequent to raising

of limit;11. Sanction of honorarium to IVP discharge & MIS

work;12. Claims relating to NS / MIS work;13. Franking Machine work;14. Registration of newspapers;15. Sanction of GPF to all officials;16. Sanction of all kinds of advances;17. Sample mails, survey;18. Reimbursement of Tuition fees;19. TBOP scheme work relating thereto convening of

DPC etc.20. Best Postman award, Meghdoot award work;21. Encashment of Leave Salary;22. Absorption of ED outsiders and Casual Labour

Problems;23. SBCO staff matters;24. Speed Post dealings like BNPL, Franking Machine

& Calculation of Rebates etc.25. FRAC conduction for enhancement;

26. Group Insurance Scheme including EDAs;27. Cash Allowance for SPMs;28. Statements for all financial activities like Western

Union Money Transfer, E-trading, Mutual Funds,Unit Trust, Micro Credit loans etc.

29. Retail services work;3:14 Apart from above, various new services were

launched and resultantly the Dealing Assistanthas to collect daily statistics on each and everyitem and submit a bundle number of returns /statements every day, weekly, fortnightly andmonthly. The work is very cumbersome andwith all difficulties, they are attending suchreturns.

3:14:1 This is most pertinent to mention that thedepartment in its submission to 5th PayCommission observed interalia:-"The minimum educational qualification for thepost of Postal Assistant is Higher Secondary(10+2). In practice, it is found that suitablenumber of direct recruits have higherqualifications, many of them being graduatesor above." (Para No. 5.3)

3:14:2We are also of the firm opinion that theminimum educational qualification for thePostal Assistant may be enhanced asgraduation with computer knowledge andthe Postal Assistants may be granted in theexisting pay scale of Rs. 5000-8000 sincethe post requires more knowledge, skill &talent to tackle the situations after the facelift the Department of Posts was changedfrom the traditional service.

3:15 After the computerisation of the post offices,the nature of job of the Postal Assistant hasbeen changed thoroughly and his work is moreor less equal to EDP personnels. TheDepartment of Posts in its report to 5th PayCommission while recommending higher payto Postal Assistants at par with Bank / LICorganisations and also postal accounts staff,requested the Pay Commission to consider forthe payment of 'qualification pay' for handlingcomputers at an attractive rates. The followingis the extracts from the report of the postaldepartment on the issue.

3:15:1 "The operation in post offices, RMS offices,Stores Department and Administrative officesis undergoing a qualitative change and Postaland Sorting Assistants handling computerisedoperations are performing higher skilled jobrather than conventional clerical work."

3:15:2 "To encourage the employees to acquireappropriate technical skill either throughdepartmental training or from outside bypersonal efforts and to motivate them for


computerised operation, appropriate incentivemay be provided. It is suggested that foracquiring necessary qualification to handlecomputerised operation, an employee shouldbe paid qualification pay as it is admissible tosome categories of staff.

3:15:3 "For example, an employee, after qualifying inthe Junior Accounts officer examination inAccounts organisation like CGA, CGDA etc. isentitled to get a special pay of Rs. 40/- p.m. inthe first year and Rs. 70/- p.m. from the secondyear onwards till he gets his promotion as JuniorAccounts Officer. The provision of such anincentive will motivate employees to acquiretechnical qualification and upgrade their skill.Once these employees are posted in thepositions to handle computerised operation theyshould be paid a special pay. At present, aPostal Assistant working in computerisedcounters is being paid a special pay of Rs. 100/- p.m. This may be appropriately enhanced tomake it attractive to the operative staff. Inaddition, the special pay should be madeapplicable to all the staff handling computerisedoperation in post office. The employeesacquiring EDP qualification should be paidqualification pay. In addition, trade allowanceshould be paid to personnel who actually handlecomputerised operations."

3:15:4However, the 5th Pay Commission did notconsider about the grant of qualification pay.However the computerisation has taken placevastly in the Department of Posts and all HeadPost Offices were already computerised. Someof the sub offices are also now computerised.In the long run every SO is being computerised.

The officials deployed at the computers are notbeing compensated.

3:16 It is therefore requested to consider the followingbased on the facts and figures furnished above.

1. The Postal Assistants may be granted withhigher pay and perk. Considering theirmultifarious duties with higher skills andresponsibilities, the Postal Assistants may begranted higher pay scale in the existing payscale of Rs. 5000-150-8000 duly enhancing theminimum educational qualification asgraduation. According to the pay scaledemanded by the staff side JCM, the pay scaleof the Postal Assistant may be considered inthe scale of pay starting with minimum of Rs.23000 with annual increment of Rs. 1150 p.m.

2. The Postal Assistants may be granted with'qualification pay' as recommended earlier bythe department to 5th Pay Commission for skill,talents being spent on computer operations. The'qualification pay' may at least be equal to oneadvance annual increment atleast.

3. Similar qualification may also be extended toAMFI qualified officials.

N.B. : The copy of Memorandum can be obtainedfrom CHQ by remitting Rs. 30/-

(Justification of Higher Pay to TBOP/BCR - Next Issue)

NEW PENSION SCHEME LIKELY TO COVER PRE-2004 STAFFPension of Central Government employees who joined service before the New Pension Scheme (NPS)

came into effect on January 1, 2004 may also be linked to the market. The Government hoes the switch-over

will be more palatable to its employees if it comes with an all-round hike in their pay.

The Sixth Pay Commission has, therefore, decided to study "various suitable self-sustaining models to

finance the pensions of Central Government Employees". It has asked Bangalore-based Institute for Social

and Economic Change to suggest options by September. The commission is expected to give its

recommendations in early 2008.

The initiative reflects the Government's commitment to reforming the pension structure of its employees.

The interim pension fund regulator is already in the process of appointing a central record-keeping agency to

track the pension records of those who will be part of the NPS.

The employees who joined service before January 1, 2004 get a guaranteed pension of 50 per cent of their

last basic pay. This is fully funded by the Government. Those who joined service thereafter will have their

pension corpus invested in various long-term schemes by pension fund managers, to be appointed soon.

[ THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS, Dated. 4-4-2007. ]

IMPORTANT NOTICEAccording to Article 52 of the constitution of our

union, each and every office bearers and executive

members of the Branch / Divisional / Circle Union

should be the subscriber to "Bhartiya Post". Please

remit Rs. 30/- per year per office bearer. Enrol more

subscribers for the Bhartiya Post.


RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEESAND FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATION

DG(Posts) No. 602/2002-SR(Vol-II) Dated: 24-04-2007

I am directed to refer to your letter No. PF-124/

2006 dated 26th June, 2006 on the above mentioned

subject.

2. The matter was examined in consultation with the

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension,

DOPT, and their observations in this regard are as follows:

i. The Associations/Federations of the Central

Government employees are not recognized under

Indian Trade Union Act. Therefore, para 2 and also

rest of the draft Constitution may be suitably amended

so as to make no reference to the Indian Trade Union

Act. Also the word "Union" may be replaced by the

word "Association" at all places.

ii. The object of the Federation is to safe guard and

promote the interest of the employees. The aim of the

Federation cannot be publishing any journals. For this

they can take approval of the Government separately.

Accordingly, para 4 (g) may be amended/deleted.

iii. The EDAs (now designated as GDSs) are not eligible

for inclusion in the Federation. Therefore, EDAs may

be excluded in para 5 (i) & (ii) of the draft constitution.

iv. In part (a) of the bottom note of para 5 it has been

mentioned that the federating Unions shall not have

the right to secede from the Federation. This does not

seem to be appropriate. The Unions should have the

right to associate with the Federation of their choice.

Accordingly, part (a) may be amended.

v. Retired/ex-employees can neither be member nor

office bearers of an Association / Federation.

Therefore, para 6(ii) and/or any other para having such

reference may be deleted/amended suitably.

vi. In para 12 (d) (iii), it may be added in the last line

"and the Laws, Rules and regulations and guidelines

in force, as notified by the Government".

vii. Since EDAs are not eligible for inclusion in the

Federation they cannot subscribe to the Federation.

Para 15(a) may be suitably amended.

viii. In note (1) of para 15 (a) it has been mentioned

that:

"accounts of the NFPE will be kept open upon

31st January of the following year to enable it to adjust

quota remitted by branches on or before 31st

December (not in cash) but received thereafter"

It seems from the above para the Federation has

decided to count the financial year form January to

December. The Deptt of Post is requested to advise the

Federation to have accounting year from 1st April to 31st

March and amend the draft Constitution suitably.

ix. Constitution of a Federation must lay down

procedure for conduct of elections to elect office bearers/

members of Executive Committee. Such election should

be conducted by Association themselves.

x. Para 20 of the draft Constitution may be replaced

with :-

"The Constitution shall be constructed with reference

to the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Recognition

of Services Association) Rules, 1993 and the Rules/

Guidelines related to recognition of Federations. If any

question arises as to the interpretation of the above Rules/

Guidelines, the governments decision shall be final."

Subject to the above, DOP&T have conveyed their "No

Objection" to the proposal.

3. Attention of Secretary General, NFPE is also

drawn to the Department's letters of even number dated

the 6th July, 2006 and 13th July, 2006 with the request

to keep contents of these letters in view while

amending constitution.

4. It is requested to amend/include the above

provisions in the constitution of the federation and

submit an updated copy to the undersigned so that

approval of the competent authority for recognition of

the federation could be obtained.

TWO OF EVERY 3 CHILDRENPHYSICALLY ABUSED: STUDY

With two of every three children facing some formof physical abuse, an official study, "Child Abuse:India 2007", has suggested that the issue be placedon the national agenda. Fifty per cent of the abusersare people known to the child or in a position of trustand responsibility. The study released by Ministerfor Women and Child Development (Independentcharge) Renuka Chowdhury, says children in the agegroup of 5 to 12 faced higher level of abuse. Over 70per cent of the abused children did not report thematter to anyone.

Andhra Pradesh has the highest percentage ofalmost all forms of abuse, followed by Assam, Biharand Delhi. In the national capital, 87 per cent ofyoung women reportedly faced one or more formsof emotional abuse during childhood.

The study, conducted jointly by the UNICEF,Save the Children and Prayas, covered over 13States and 12,000 children.

[The Hindu/ 10-4-2005]


RECOGNITION OF FEDERATION OF SERVICE ASSOCIATION/UNIONSFORMED BY EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

DOP&T No. 2/5/2006-JCA Dated: 19th April 2007OFFICE MEMOIRANDUM

Department of Posts may please refer to their OfficeMemorandum No. 6-2/2002-SR (Vol.II) dated 18th July,

2006 forwarding therewith a draft constitution ofNational Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE) forvetting by Department of Personnel & Training as asample case.2. In respect of the draft constitution the Departmentof Posts had mentioned following points:-

iv. NFPE has included All India Postal ExtraDepartmental Employees Union as one of the affiliatedUnions to the Federation. The Department of Postshas informed that the above Union is not eligible foraffiliation, the same will not be treated as federatedwith the NFPE.

v. In para 5 of the draft constitution, details ofstructure of the Federation has been given. The ExtraDepartmental Association (EDAs) have beenintegrated as part of All India Postal Employees UnionClass.III and All India Postal Employees UnionPostmen/Class.IV. Since the EDAs are now havingseparate Unions the Department of Posts has advised

the Federation to make suitable amendments. Theproposal of the Federation to federate All India PostalAccounts Employees Association has been approved.The Federation will provide for it in the constitution.vi. The draft constitution provides election of non-employees/retired/ex-employees to be elected to any

office of the Federation, which is not in consonancewith the provisions contained in CCS (RSA) Rules,1993. The Federation has agreed to make necessaryamendments in the constitution in their next federalcouncil meeting by the end of 2007.5. The Deptt. of posts is required to incorporate above

points in the draft constitution approved by DoPT. Thedraft constitution of the Federation has been perusedand following observations are made :-xi. The Association/Federations of the CentralGovernment employees are not recognized underIndian Trade Union Act. Therefore, para 2 and also in

rest of the draft Constitution may be suitably amendedso as to make no reference to the Indian Trade UnionAct. Also the word Union may be replaced by the word"Association" at all places.xii. The object of the Federation is to safe guard andpromote the interest of the employees. The aim of the

Federation cannot be publishing any journals. For thisthey can take approval of the Government separately.

Accordingly, the para 4(g) may be amended/deleted.xiii. The EDDAs are not eligible for inclusion in theFederation. Therefore, EDAs may be excluded in para5 (i) & (ii) of the draft constitution.xiv. In part (a) of the bottom note of para 5 it has beenmentioned that the federating Unions shall not have

the right to secede from the Federation. This does notseem to be appropriate. The Unions should have theright to associate with the Federation of their choice.Accordingly, the part (a) may be amended.xv. Retired/ex-employees can neither be member noroffice bearers of an Association/Federation. Therefore,

para 6 (ii) and/or any other para having such referencemay be deleted/amended suitably.xvi. In para 12(d) (iii), it may be added in the last ofline "and the Laws, Rules and regulations andguidelines in force, as notified by the Government'.xvii.Since EDAs are not eligible for inclusion in the

Federation they cannot subscribe to the Federation.The para 15(a) may be suitably amended.xviii. In Note (1) of para 15(a) it has been mentionedthat :-

"accounts of the NFPE will be kept open upto 31stJanuary of the following year to enable it to adjust quota

remitted by branches on or before 31st December (notin cash) but received thereafter"

In seems from the above para that the Federationhas decided to count the financial year from Januaryto December. The Deptt of Posts is requested toadvise the Federation to have accounting year from

1st April to 31st March and amend the draft Constitutionsuitably.xix.Constitution of a Federation must lay downprocedure for conduct of elections to elect office-bearers/members of Executive Committee. Such election shouldbe conducted by Association themselves.

xx. Para 20 of the draft Constitution may be replacedwith :-

"The Consitution shall be construed with referenceto the provisions of the Central Civil Services(Recognition of Services Association) Rules, 1993 andthe Rules/Guidelines related to recognition of

Federation. If any question arises as to theinterpretation of the above Rules/Guidelines, thegovernments decision shall be final."7. The Deptt. of Posts is required to amend/includethe above provisions in the draft consitution of theFederation. The draft constitution is approved with

above modification (modified draft enclosed).


CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERSManishinath Bhawan, A/2/95 Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110 027

1. The Commission will consider the minimum wageas per 15 ILC norms subject to verification of pricesand the relevance and requirements of the additionmade thereon by the staff side.2. The desirability of having parity with the wagesobtaining in PSUs will be borne in mind whilecomputing the minimum wage.3. They disfavored the rate of Increase of NNP orGDP as a base for computation of minimum wage.4. The reductions of the No. of employees between1995 to 2006 as also the reduction of wage andallowances as a percentage to Revenue expenditurehave been noted.5. The submission of the staff side of the capacity ofthe Govt. to meet the additional expenditure due torevision will also be considered.

The staff side brought to the notice of thecommission that the fixation of minimum wage bysuccessive commissions had the following impact:

2nd CPC 2.5 times3rd CPC 2.6 times4th CPC 3.2 times5th CPC 3.4 times6th CPC 3.9 times if the demand of the staff

side is accepted.Proposed Pay Structure :

The staff side explained the rationale adopted bythem in the construction of Pay Scales without anymaximum and added that the conversion factor wouldensure the existing relativities. The change in theconversion factor for Pay scales upto S-5 and S-7 wasalso explained. The Commission enquired in detailabout the advantage of an open ended pay scale vis-a-vis a master scale of pay.Date of effect :

The Commission may concede the demand forgiving effect to their recommendation from 1-1-2006.Allowances :D.A. The Commission may propose that the presentscheme for calculation of DA on the basis of all Indiaannual average CPI index (IW) might be continued.HRA : The staff side demand for reducing theclassification of towns and cities into three instead ofsix will be considered.CCA : The demand to replace the present slab systemby percentage linked to basic pay would be looked into.The Staff side has also stated that all allowances maybe expressed in terms of percentage of Basic Pay.Transport Allowance : The Board of Arbitration awardto link the allowance to Basic Pay in place of the scaleof pay has been specifically presented before the

Conf. Cir.5/2007 Dated: 20-04-2007To,

All Office Bearers, National Executive Members,Affiliates and CoC.

Oral Evidence before the 6th CPC StandingCommittee Staff Side JCM

Dear Comrades,On 16th, 17th and 18th April, 2007, the standing

Committee of the Staff Side JCM, National Council,tendered evidence before the 6th CPC on the threememorandum they had submitted to the Commissionviz.i. On interim Relief.ii. On minimum wage, pay scales, Pay & Allowancesiii. On pension.Interim Relief :

On 16th, the staff side presented before theCommission, the necessity for the grant of the InterimRelief we had demanded, i.e. 15% of Pay + DP, subjectto a minimum of Rs. 1000/- as Interim Relief. TheCommission is of the view that(i) Since the Central Govt. employees are not indistress, they are not entitled for any relief.(ii) Since the Commission had not yet come to anyconclusion of the probable final wage structure, it maynot be possible to determine the Interim relief,(iii) Any amount of Interim Relief if granted immediatelywould only to add to the woes of inflation.

The Staff Side pointed out that the interim reliefdemanded by them was not in the nature of a relief asis understood by the Commission. What they havedemanded, they explained was only an advancepayment to be adjusted against the final settlementor to be subsumed in the arrears of salary as the dateof effect of the Commission's recommendation has tobe 1-1-2006. They also added that they are entitled tothe Interim relief because of the delay in setting upthe commission itself. If the I.R. is not granted to theemployees they will have to wait for 24 month even ifthe Commission adheres to the 18 months timeschedule specified under the terms of reference. Theyalso brought to the notice of the commission that ifthe arrears are to be drawn in one go, a large part of ithas to be remitted back to the Govt. as tax and theemployees will not be able to invest the same in anytax saving devices retrospectively. It is however, evidentthat the Commission has almost made up its mind onthis issue i.e. not to grant Interim Relief.Minimum wage

The main memorandum was taken up fordiscussion on 17th. It is noted that :


Commission.SDA : NE Region: The Commission may recommendremoving the present discrimination.Fixation on Promotion: The minimum benefit maybe suitably revised.Fixation in the revised scale : The staff sidedemanded for point to point fixation that might beconsidered by the Commission.Classification of Posts : The present classificationmay Continue, without the nomenclature of Gazettedor Non-gazetted.Pension: (Existing) Commission was of the opinionthat to facilitate easy exit the present pension i.e. 50%of salary might be made available to whoever wants toseek Voluntary Retirement after completion of 15/20

years of service.Pension for those who superannuate might be at

a higher percentage, as demanded by the staff side.Increasing the rate of pension for those who live

beyond the age of 70 will be considered.Average emoluments may not undergo any

change. The anomalous situation that might arise inthe transitory stage of wage revision might be takencare of. The pensioners might be covered under a groupinsurance scheme for medicare.

The Commission may not look into the pensionschemes for those who are recruited after 1-1-2004.

The Commission had been positive in its responseto many of the staff side demands presented before them,except of course in the matter of grant of Interim Relief.

JOBLESS YOUTH, A THREAT TO STABILITYA recent study by the International Labour

Organization (ILO) brings out certain startling facts:Of the 1.1 billion young people aged 15-24 worldwide,one out of three is either seeking but unable to findwork, has given up the job search entirely or is workingbut living on subsistence wages. While the youthpopulation grew by 13.2 percent between 1995 and2005, employment among young people grew by only3.8 percent. Unemployed youth make up 44 percentof the world's total unemployed despite the fact thattheir share of the total working age population aged15 and over is only 25 per cent. The youthunemployment rate was far higher than the adultunemployment rate of 4.6 per cent in 2005, risingfrom 12.3 per cent in 1995 to 13.5 per cent last year.

As regards India, it is hard to come by preciseestimates of youth population or employment Piecingtogether information available in the Census Report,National Sample Surveys and the UN Statisticalcompilations, India's youth can be said to constitute20 percent of the total population. An interestingfinding of the UN-based research is that the averageannual increase in the number of youth in India was3.06 million during 1985-90, and 2.1 million during1990-95. It is expected to rise to 3.4 million during1995-2000 and further to a peak of 3.72 million during2000-2005.Threat to social stability.

As is only to be expected, the employment levelhas been unable to match the increase in the numbersof persons falling within the definition of youth (agegroup of 15-24). Here again, other than this broadstatement, it is difficult to lay hands on precise orupto-to-date figures, but indications are that the shareof youth in total unemployment can be anywherebetween 50 and 70 percent. The implications forsocial stability are clear. Unless maximum efforts

are put in by the Central and State Governments,the corporate sector and the civil society to engagethe youth in constructive occupations or avocations.India will head for an era of recurring social upheavalsaggravated by militant movements even in those partsof the country which are relatively free at present.

Of course, from the First Plan downwards,various policy documents of the Government havepaid the customary tribute to youth as "the mostvital section of the community", its "most importantcomponent", and "the most idealistic inspired andenergetic section of our society", while rich inrhetoric, the results on the ground have been relatedpoor by the Government's own monitoring andevaluating agencies.

This was how the world outlook was summed upby the Director-General of the ILO some time ago:"Despite increased economic growth, the inability ofeconomics to create enough decent and productivejobs is hitting the world's young especially hard. Notonly are we seeing a growing deficit of decent workopportunities and high levels of economic uncertainly,but this worrying trend threatens to damage the futureeconomic prospects of one of our world's greatestassets - our young men and women... Today, we aresquandering the economic potential of an enormouspercentage of our population, especially in developingcountries which can least afford it. Focusing on youth,therefore, is must for any country. "This applies toIndia many times over.

It is imperative, therefore, for the Department ofyouth Affairs to focus the Cabinet's and nation'sattention on this looming threat to stability by bringingout a White Paper embodying purposeful initiativesfor directing the energies and idealism of youth alongcreative and productive channels.

[The Hindu Business Line, Feb-12, 2007]


READERS FORUM

u iwoZ esa Mkd foHkkx esa OTBP Promotion Scheme

Nov. 1983 esa Introduce fd;k x;k tksfd 16 o"kZ ds,d gh dSMj esa fu;fer lsok ij fn;s tkus dkizko/kku j[kk x;kA blh izdkj vDVwcj 1991 esa 26 o"kZdh lsok iw.kZ djus ij BCR Promoition Scheme yk;kx;kA ge lcus Ist TBP Promotion dks LSG Promotion

ekuk blh izdkj 26 Yrs. BCR Promotion dks HSG-II

dk izeks'ku eku cSBsA vpkud dqN o"kZ ds varjky¼yxHkx lu~ 2003 esa½ esa foHkkx }kjk ;g Li"V :i lsdg fn;k x;k fd ITBP vkSj 26 Yrs. BCR Scheme

are Promotional Scheme they are purely only Financial-

upgradation and not a promotion vkt dh fLFkfr esaPA Cadre ds fy, dksbZ fuf'pr Vkbe ckm.M (Regular-

Time Bound Promotion) dh dksbZ ;kstuk@uhfr ughagSA ge yksx tgka ls pydj vkxs c<+dj ;gka rd vk;sFks vc iqu% ogha ds ogha gS] vc ,d PA Cadre dsdeZpkjh dks 26&28 o"kZ dh Continue Service ds cknHkh LSG Promotion izkIr gksuk cM+h VsM+h [khj gSAinksUufr ds volj c<+us pkfg, u fd de gksuspkfg,A ,d rjQ TBOP/BCR Pay Scale dk ekeykCourt esa yafcr gS nwljh vksj bl chp 6oka osruvk;ksx xfBr gks pqdk gSA fiNys osru vk;ksx }kjkTBOP/BCR ds fy, cM+s gq, ¼ekaxs x;s½ osrueku dksugha fn;k Fkk dgha bl ckj Hkh xzqi ̂lh* (PA Cadre) dsdeZpkfj;ksa ds lkFk Nykok u gks] Nys u tk;sa] blvksj t:j /;ku fn;k tk;sA

uksV% uksV% uksV% uksV% uksV% ikapos osru vk;skx ds flQkfj'k ds vk/kkjij ACP Scheme ykbZ xbZ fd 12 ,oa 24 o"kZ dh lsokvof/k esa ¼mPp osrueku½ inksUufr ns tcfd TBOP

,oa BCR Øe'k% 16 ,oa 26 o"kZ esa feyrk gSAldkjkRed igy dh vk'kk ds lkFkA

¼oh-ds- vxzoky½¼oh-ds- vxzoky½¼oh-ds- vxzoky½¼oh-ds- vxzoky½¼oh-ds- vxzoky½fMohtuy lfpo] xqi ^lh*]

nqxZ] fMohtu] NÙkhlx<+

u First of all thank you for visiting Kolkata GPO. I

should introduce myself a little. I was the person who

asked you about the demands of System Executives,

about the deteriorating condition of computers at

Kolkata GPO and about our promotional aspects. Now

I want to send you some more important suggestions

and hope you would take initiative to implement them.

1. Large offices like Kolkata GPO and other HPOs,

where the number of employees is large and also since

the government have increased the retirement age to

60 years, it is likely that very often our employees fall

ill or suffer from heart ailments especially on the

summer days. Owing to this a first aid room with a

bed, a oxygen cylinder (changed after expiry as the

fire extinguishers) and some important live saving

allopathic medicine may be kept in the room under

the custodian of the office head and also contact with

some ambulance services (taxi may not be readily

available or supportive to carry patient), so that the

employees does not have to lay on the office tables

until the PRI arrives to take them to the nearby hospital

within which there may be a possibility that he may

die on transfer to hospital.

2. Try to provide a senior citizen counter at all offices

where savings bank work is done and provide

multipurpose small savings services from that counter.

3. To provide a considerable amount of cash kept in

deposit to the small sub-offices, so that they may not

have to wait for fresh cash deposit to make payment

for savings withdrawals.

4. It has to be intimated that Sanchay post ver 5.0

has been out for installation, but the Chennai

Software Development Centre recommended

hardware configuration have not yet been supplied

to many post offices like Kol GPO, where SB

computerization has begun in 1999. Neither the

Local Admin nor the C.O. is responding to our plea.

In this context, it should be advisable to the

department to force upon implementation of Sanchay

Post 5.0 and upgrades to run upon older systems

and not go into procurement of new upgraded hard

wares (incurring huge cost) each and every time new

versions comes out.

5. Proper fire fighting measures to be adapted in the

server rooms, proper training to fight fire and fire alarms

in the server rooms to cope up with emergencies.

6. Procurement of latest antivirus software matching

with the OS and also licensed version of OC and Client

softwares. To be mentioned that almost 60% of the


softwares running at Kolkata GPO are either un-

licensed (single user license and used at multiple site)

or out-of-date.

7. Being sorry for making such a remark but

necessary that a criteria should be implemented so

that the Union executives go for a minimum computer

literacy at their own cost, so not to depend upon any

particular person for technical queries.

8. Again being sorry for remark but thinking it is

necessary, that a performance assessment of union

executives may be done by the union headquarters in

co-operation with the branch secretaries once a year

to mark out adverse members.

I pledge that this suggestion are absolutely mine

and hope that you will be kind enough to keep it to

yourself and take necessary, action on whichever points

you think feasible.

Com. Nilanjan Mukherjee

(P.A. Computer Cell, Kolkata GPO )

u Indian Postal Department Reforms Required

Our Strength

# A strong distribution network with good outreach.

# 1,55,000 post offices of which 1.37,000 were in

rural areas.

# No Indian lived more than several kilometers from

a post office.

# The Indian Post Office, through its own million

employees, knew every Indian in India.

# Through the post office savings bank account,

Indian Post had a customer base of 110 million

savers, with deposits in excess of 4 lak cores.

# The Indian post office was a trusted institution.

# The basic services are not just delivery of letters

and postcards, but the "Money Order" as well, for

which most poor and illiterate people rely on the

post office, in preference to banks, because of its

simplicity and easy access.

# Human resources

# Good public image

Our weakness

# Compared to the US postal services that deliver

550 million items of mail every day, Indian Post

handled only 43 million items daily.

# It had low service quality, low customer awareness,

and a weak business skill.

# It was a monopoly with weak incentives to perform.

# Its mounting financial deficit limited its own scope

for investments.

# It had a bureaucratic mindset.

# Management was constantly changing and

operating on seniority.

# No business culture.

Our Position

# Indian Post is a "commercial" department of the

government of India, which has no financial

autonomy.

# Classified as commercial-pension liabilities of

employees are also added to cost.

# Universal Service Obligation and Commercial

Obligations are not separated.

# Subsidy for USO is not separately given with the

result that the whole deficit is seen in one.

# Greater deficit, the lower managerial discretions

the department of posts enjoys.

# There may be services, which qualify for USO but

need not subsided. (MOs).

# Cities have grown 2.5 times in the last 20 years

but the same workforce has been reassigned to

handle the task.

# Indian Post office had been earliest adapter of

technology and change in infrastructures during

British rule.

# It used train extensively when it was introduced,

when the airplane was introduced, again it was

the first user.

# But when computers and information technology,

were introduced, it was relatively late adapter.

# Retooling the same old workforce for hi-tech

applications.

# Competitors, in the mean time, have moved ahead;

they offer better service with limited infrastructure and

are poaching the creamy segments of the market.

# Indian Post faces in the move towards

commercialization is their weak cost accounting

system.

# Violations of postal monopoly figures low in the

priority of the police, who have greater crimes to

contend with.

# In other countries, the license fee charged on the

operator is a means of funding for the government

to finance Universal Service Obligation.

# Indian Post treated all segments as a common

generic category.

# The private couriers came to the doorstep of the

client and took the material, both for individual

consumer and corporate.

# Indian Post was a behemoth where pricing

decisions could only be made in Delhi, and some

of the decisions required legislative approval.

# The Postal services net work were to a certain

extent mandatory in the early years of the 20th

century but as time passes and rural sector gets

linked up to electronic means of communication

Postal is obsolete.


# As savoor committee and Talwar Committee

reports would reveal, a large number of post offices

have been opened particularly in the rural sector

without justification.

# The criteria namely distance and population are

of hypothetical interest only because if the relevant

rural area generate any traffic what so ever than

the distance and population are not material.

# In the era of computer the pace of change is so

rapid that knowledge acquired earlier can be a

liability if new systems have to put in place.

# Postal systems are satisfied with deputing persons

for the training courses but actual utilization of

knowledge is very limited.

The department of posts is a large and an

amorphous organization where decision making

is time consuming.

# Once file goes into orbit, there is no certainty about

when the decision will be taken.

# Private sector organizations have 3 or 4 levels and

every body is accountable and the pay, allowances

and incentives are directly linked to their

The reality is disquieting. Only about 7 per cent of the youth in the 17-23 age group get an

opportunity for higher education. Enrolment in science is less than 20 per cent, in engineering

and technology 6.6 per cent, and in medicine 3.3 per cent. Enrolment in basic sciences is on the

wane. The standard of research in universities is on the decline. Our universities have to be the

hub of quality education and research, and centres of academic excellence.

India's economy is strong and resilient today. Since Independence, our achievements in

agriculture, industry, defence, space, and atomic energy have been spectacular. We are a global

player in IT; our service sector is expanding; foreign trade and investments are up to growth rate

of over 8 per cent has put the country on a high-growth trajectory. Our parliamentary folity with

an independent judiciary and a free press has deepened the roots of our democracy.

But we are still grappling with poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, and disease, with a sub-optimal

Human Development Index ranking of 126. Over three crore people are unemployed. Malaria,

tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS have emerged as serious public health problems. About 26 crore

Indians live below the poverty line. Rural incomes have dwindled; farm households have become

more prone to stress and insecurity. Farmers' suicides call for rejuvenating agriculture, revamping

cooperative institutions, and taking up programmes for integrated rural development.

We need development that promotes growth not just in terms of percentage increase in GDP

but brings about inclusive development, growth that uplifts the poor and deprived and that which

alleviates poverty and bridges the gap between rich and poor. We need development that

eradicates illiteracy and provides the common man with access to basic education, healthcare,

and shelter."

(Excerpts from the convocation address delivered by Vice-President Bhairon Singh

Shekahawat at Banaras Hindu University on April 9).

[The Hindu / 12-4-2007]

THE TASKS ON THE EDUCATION FRONT

performance.

# In basic levels employees has neither proper

material nor he understands the logic and the

purpose of the scheme.

# Employees are crushed by the weight of hierarchies

and the organization seems to be caught between

a rule bound culture where Volume-VI of postal

manual and postal Financial Hand Book acquire

dominance over business decisions.

# If the postal department was only 20 years old

then it would have enormous amount of flexibility,

and that will be reflected in quick decision-making

and the required decentralization.

# In an organization with 150 years history, the

transition is more difficult.

# Losing of opportunities.

# No new services so that post offices are more

useful to society.

Yes, certainly Reforms required.

C N Hegde

Divisional Secretary, AIPEU Gr. C

Sirsi Division Sirsi-581401


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ATTACK ON POSAL SAVINGS BANKFINANCE MINISTER CHIDAMBARAN ADMITS

FINANCE Minister P. Chidambaram on

Monday retaliated against the Left's attempts

to pin the blame for successive-electoral

setbacks on the economic policies and bluntly

told the Left that his Ministry was not dimwitted

to go against the interests of the common man.

While replying to a calling attention motion on

small savings, the minister strongly refuted the

Left's charge that he was deliberately keeping

the rates of interest on small savings in post

offices low in order to encourage the outflow of

these funds to the stock market.

The finance minister asserted that the

government was not only determined to ensure

the best possible returns for the small investor

but wanted to provide him with a wider range of

investment instruments. Mr. Chidambaram said

the government might allow the Indian

Infrastructure Finance Company Limited to

access National Small Savings fund and quoted

figures to reject the Left charges of 'alarming

outflow' from the small savings accounts. "Indian

Infrastructure Finance Company (IIFCL) may be

allowed to access National Small Savings

funds," the finance minister told the Lok Sabha

while replying to a brief discussion on the need

to increase interest rates on small savings in

post offices and bringing it on par with banks.

The minister, who gave vent to his irritation

over the tendency in the Left to portray the

finance ministry as the villain, took pot-shots at

the comrades by reminding them that the centre

was maintaining the present 9.5% rate of

interest for post offices savings despite all the

state Governments (including the Left ruled

West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura) seeking

slashing of the rate to 7.5%. "If the government

is at all discouraging small savings, how come

the savings rate has increased by 4%, "he

asked, "Interest rates on small saving schemes

were revised in March 2003 based on the

recommendation of the Y V Reddy committee.

In 2004, the advisory committee under the

chairmanship of RBI deputy governor Rakesh

Mohan recommended continuation of average

G-sec yields as the suitable benchmark, "he

told the House.

Stating that small savings would not be

allowed to outlive their existence, he pointed

out there could possibly be transfer of money

from these schemes to the banks which was

not unhealthy.

The mover of the calling attention motion,

CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta, went to the extent of

suggesting that the finance ministry was not

sensitive to the interests of the ruling alliance.

"If the results of Punjab and Uttaranchal polls

have not sensitised the government, perhaps

the UP outcome will, "Mr. Dasgupta said.

Refusing to be "provoked" by Mr. Dasgupta,

Mr. Chidambaram dismissed as "alarmist" the

claims of the CPI member and others that the

centre was forcing the small investor to enter

the speculative market and mutual funds. Mr.

Chidambaram lobbed the ball back at the Left

saying that he was aware of how a political party

(read of CPM) had invested in UTI mutual funds.

Countering the charge of Mr. Dasgupta that

due to low interest rate, lower and middle class

investors were being forced to move their

deposit to banks, the finance minister said it

should be seen in the context of banks,

especially the PSU banks, expanding their

network by opening new branches all over the

country. "How can I ask the investor not to invest

in banks or mutual funds if they want to do so,"

He asked while maintaining that the

Government was determined to protect the

interest of the post-office accounts.

To a pointed question by Mr. Gurudas

Dasgupta about the banks offering 13% to 14%

rate of interest for bulk investments by

corporate, Mr. Chidambaram said he was very

well aware of this "problem of legacy" and

reminded the CPI leader that how his ministry

had issued a statement warning the banks

against such a practice.

[Economic Times Dt. 8-5-07]

'Small Investor To be Provided Wider Range of Instruments'


THE POST SCRIPT

Recently, John Samuel, the general manager

of India Post's business development and

marketing cell, wrote to a senior official at the

Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Berne,

Switzerland. (The UPU is an international

organisation that coordinates postal policies

between nations). The document expressed

India Post's plans of entering the logistics

services segment, a step he described as 'an

inflection point' in the history of the department.

In his 13 years of service with this monolithic

organisation, Samuel could not have been more

right or perhaps, more excited. It was fortuitous

that the note was sent by e-mail, instead of a

handwritten note or a postcard that would have

been the GM of India Post's expected mode of

communication.

And i t symbolised the shift in the

communications industry that had hit India Post

hard, and forced a change of its strategy.

Regular mail, the bread and butter of the postal

department, was a dying business and it was

clear that the department needed a lifeline.

"Work on this shift started even without our

real ising i t ," says Samuel. Five years of

intensive research went into exploring the

viability of a logistics operation in India: after

all, the market opportunity was humungous at

nearly Rs. 85,000 crore. Starting from a World

Bank study in 2002, followed by another study

by AF Ferguson & Co in 2003, and finally a

McKinsey study in 2005, all reports highlighted

the need for India Post to diversity into logistics

solutions for its customers.

It has taken half a decade to put those plans

to practice, but the wheels of change have

started to rol l , albeit slowly. In 2004, the

Department of Posts (DoP) soft launched

Logistics Post, its logistics offering in the

southern states. The DoP had f inal ly put

together a plan that it believed would lift it out

of the financial doldrums and significantly cut

losses. These include sett ing up with

warehouses in different locations all lover India,

extensive investment in technology, and building

up a team of marketing professionals to pitch for

service contracts - in short, a complete rehaul.

"This is an area that India Post had been

neglecting over the years. However, we have not

realised that's where the volumes lie, and so we

are looking at building up that business," says

Samuel, who hopes that the parcels and logistics

business will bring in revenues to the tune of Rs.

1,000 coree over the next 2-3 years, and help

wipe off the Rs. 1,000 crore-plus loss that it incurs

annually.

However, logistics is only one of the many

areas that India Post has experimented with. Other

ideas- from retailing of herbal medicines to

verification of passports -have also been put to

test but the returns have been too insignificant.

Now, India Post finally seems to have found its

calling in logistics.

What that means, is best explained in the

words of IMG Khan, secretary to the

Government of India, Department of Posts

(DoP): "It means we will carry everything." And

the includes everything - from computer

hardware to automobile parts, credit cards and

even FMCGs.

India Post is now aggressively seeking

business, and results are showing : it's pitching

itself against global logistics players and winning

contracts. In the recent past, the DoP has

provided logistics solutions for TVS Logistics and

HCL computers in Pondicharry. Logistics Post

services have been introduced in almost nine

states, and India Post's total carrying capacity is

averaging 42,000 tonne per annum. "Although

we have made a small beginning and are

targeting only short routes, we have the

capabilities of booking large orders and handling

bigger parcles too. Our infrastructure is

unbeatable," says Khan. In the initial stages,

India Post is targeting 5% of the Rs. 1,500 crore

short-to-medium-distance market.

To support such aggressive plans, it's

imperative to create additional capacity, and India

Post is in talks with Indian Airlines to lease a

freighter for its logistics and parcels division, a


step that will allow it to build an aviation network

that's critical for time-sensitive delivery of goods.

It has also inked agreements with Indian Railways

for transporting goods using the superfast

'Shatabdi' and 'Rajdhani' express trains. The

40 Rajdhani Express and 28 Shatabdi Express

trains on various routes across India could give

India Post an unparal leled competit ive

advantage in terms of speed and reach. On the

surface transport segment, the DoP intends to

build a fleet of almost 1,000 vehicles through

both ownership and lease models. "We will be

creating our presence in all segments, which

include surface, rail and aviation to give our

customers a wide array of services to choose

from "says Samuel.

And that's not all. The DoP is also investing

Rs. 1,400 crore in newer technologies such as

RFID web-based customer response systems,

and even mobile phones for its postmen. "World

over, leading post offices such as United States

Postal Service (USPS), Royal Mail and

Deutsche Post have reformed themselves by

investing hugely in cutting-edge technology.

And we are doing the same," says Samuel. The

RFID system will be first put to use for the

parcels and logistics division, following which it

will be extended to letters.

Competition is, however, tough and won't cede

ground easily. In the domestic logistics and

express industry today, there are only two private

operators - Blue Dart and First Flight - which are

operating freighters. Blue Dart Express has a fleet

of five Boeing 737 and two Boeing 757 aircrafts,

which make the DoP's plans look minuscule in

comparison. "It is good if the DoP is thinking of

expanding its business in this direction, but there's

a long way to go," says Vineet Agarwal, executive

director, TCI.

The big challenge now for India Post will be to

make the elephant dance. It's a mammoth and

highly bureaucratic organisation with 1,56,000

branches spread all over India, and employing

5,50,000 persons, and like any other Government

of India organisation, productivity is low. Each of

the US Postal Services's 700,000 employees

handles more than 15 times as many pieces of

mail a year on average, as India Post workers do.

Laying off people is a strict no no. Moreover, the

average age of the employees is above 35. But

officials say that will change. "There is some

resistance but slowly the efficiencies will set in,"

says Samuel.

(Economic Times, Dt. 9-3-07)

NC-JCM TENDERS ORAL EVIDENCE BEFORE CPCCommission Reluctant to Grant Interim Relief

The National Council (Staff Side) of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) for Central Government

Employees appeared before the VIth Central Pay Commission in New Delhi on 16th, 17th and 18th

April, 2007, to tender oral evidence.

Shri M. Raghavaiah, leader of the Staff Side, JCM thanked the Pay Commission for providing

an opportunity to the apex body of Central Government employees to explain in person their demands

on various issues. Shri Umraomal Purohit, Secretary, Staff Side invited the attention of the Commission

to the Memorandum on the issue of Interim Relief. Reply to Commission's Questionnaire, General

Memorandum covering all relevant aspects and supplementary Memorandum about Pensioners.

The Staff Side urged the Pay Commission to sympathetically consider the grant of Interim

Relief to the employees and pensioners. The members of the Staff Side informed the Pay Commission

that the employees and pensioners were eagerly awaiting this grant.

The Central Pay Commission listened patiently the views expressed by the Staff Side. They

stated that they were looking into various options before them.

The Pay Commission informed that the report would be handed over to the Government of

India by December, 2007. They, however, express their reluctance to grant Interim Relief.

[JCM Bulletin]


GOVERNMENT ORDERS

allotment to one of the Circles thus indicated by him.

However, before the said allotment, the surplus qualified

candidates shall be given a final opportunity to revise

their preference of Circles given earlier, after declaration

of results when the unfilled vacancies pertaining to

that examination are known. Re-allotment requests

to the Home Circle/other Circles will be considered

only in accordance with Rule 38 of Volume-IV.

6. In so far as filling up of the unfilled SC/ST

vacancies of IP Departmental Examination is

concerned, such unfilled vacancies of the respective

Circles would continue to be filled up as per the extant

rules on the subject, whereby the Circle High Power

Committee examines the issue of awarding grace

marks to the failed SC/ST candidates under relaxation

of standards. The review by the Circles shall be carried

out within three months of the announcement of the

results. After the review is completed, if sufficient

number of SC/ST candidates are still not available in

the Home Circle, the Circle shall notify such unfilled

SC/ST vacancies to the Directorate for filling up these

vacancies through the surplus qualified SC/ST

candidates of the All India Merit list. As for 'OC' surplus

qualified candidates, the SC/ST surplus qualified

candidates will also be given an opportunity to change

their preference at this stage. In the Circle Seniority

List, in respect of SC/ST candidates, the surplus

qualified SC/ST candidates allotted to the Circle based

on All India merit list will rank senior to the SC/ST

candidates of the Home Circle who have been awarded

grace marks under relaxation of standards.

7. In case a candidate declines promotion, which

should be intimated to the competent authority within

a month of the receipt of the offer letter, such vacancies

will also become available for being filled up by the

candidates of the same examination as per the extent

rules applicable to various categories.

8. The surplus qualified candidates, who are allotted

to other Circles, will be required to pass a language

proficiency test in the language of the State concerned,

within the period of probation of two years. This test

shall be conducted by the Circle itself. Candidates

who fail to pass the language proficiency test shall be

reverted to their substantive cadre and would be free

to undertake the next IP examination subject to the

prescribed eligibility norms.

9. This shall come into force with effect from the

Inspector of Posts Examination of 2008.

10. Issued with the approval of DG (Posts).

[Ministry of Communication & IT Letter No. A-

34020/01/2007-DE, Dated: 13-04-2007]

OFFICE MEMORANDUMn Inspector of Posts Examination-allotment of

surplus qualified candidates.This is regarding promotion to the cadre of

Inspector of Posts through a Limited Departmental

Competitive Examination. The recruitment rules

prescribe that 33.34% of the posts be filled by direct

recruitment through the Staff Selection Commission

and 66.66% through the Limited Departmental

Competitive Examination.

2. As per the past experience, and based on the

available data of the Inspector of Posts Departmental

Examinations conducted during the years 2004 and

2005, it is seen that only 65% and 61% respectively

of the notified vacancies could be filled up.

Consequently, in a few Circles, the vacancies were

left unfilled due to lack of qualified candidates.

3. The matter has been examined at the Directorate

and it was felt that there is a need to evolve a system,

so that the surplus qualified candidates who are

available over and above the selected candidates in a

Circle, can be allotted to the deficient Circles. It has

now been decided that in the Limited Departmental

Competitive Examination of Inspector of Posts, after

completion of the first stage of drawing up the Circle-

wise list of successful candidates (which is followed

hitherto), an All India merit list, in descending order,

strictly based on the marks secured by the surplus

qualified candidates from all the Circles for each

category will be drawn up. The number of candidates

in this list shall be equal to the combined unfilled

vacancies of all the Circles.

4. The surplus qualified candidates in the All India

merit list will thereafter be allotted to Circles in

accordance with the candidate's All India merit and

choice of Circle indicated, subject to availability of

vacancies. On their allotment to a Circle other than

their Home Circle, they shall rank junior to the last

selected merit candidate of the Home Circle

irrespective of the marks obtained by them. However,

their All India seniority will be determined by their All

India merit position.

5. In order to exercise the option of allotment to a

Circle as a surplus qualified candidate, the candidate

will be required to give a choice in the descending

order of preference, covering all the 22 Circles at the

stage of application itself. In case the candidate does

not indicate his preference, he will not be considered

for the allotment, even if he is a surplus qualified

candidate. The candidate shall also be required to give

an unconditional undertaking that he shall accept


n Quality of mail delivery.It has been brought to the notice of Secretary

(Posts) that delivery of Speed Post and other classes

of mail has been curtailed in many places in the garb

of rationalization of delivery network. It is reiterated

that while rationalization of offices is necessary with a

view to consolidate the postal/mail network, such an

exercise should in no way compromise on the quality

of service. Circles have curtailed delivery frequency

on the pretext of non-availability of sufficient quantum

of mail, even though there remains a large quantity of

mail in the pipeline.

At a time when our competitors are offering

delivery of mail in the late evening or even till late

night, there is an urgent need to review the entire

delivery mechanism. In major towns and cities,

customers in central business districts may be offered

the service of mail delivery till late evening. Circles

should review delivery arrangements in all such cites

and towns, and provide for second delivery wherever

there is sufficient quantum of mail which is (or can

be) received beyond the prescribed cut-off time for

first delivery.

With the establishment of Mail Business Centres,

the work load in delivery post offices should be reduced.

Spare postmen may be utilized for second delivery of

mail in all major towns and cities. In addition, Circles

may also consider delivery of speed post mail on

Sundays/closed holidays/evenings in important

commercial areas direct from MBCs.

Outcome of review of concrete steps taken in the

direction referred to above should be intimated for

information of Secretary (Posts) through e-mail (email

id : [email protected]) by 20.04-07.

[Ministry of Communication & IT Letter No. 38-1/

2000-D (Vol.II), Dated: 16-04-2007]

n Amendment of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965(Department of Posts).In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-rule

(2) of Rule 9, Clause (b) of sub-rule (2) of Rule 12 and

sub-rule (1) of Rule 24 of Central Civil Services

(Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, the

President hereby makes the following amendments

in order of Government of India in the Ministry of

Communications (Department of Posts) number S.O.

2454, dated the 27th August, 1990, namely :-

In the Schedule to the said order, for Part-I, the

following shall be substituted namely :-

Authority

3

Director-General (Posts)

Member, Postal Services Board or

Head of Circle

Head of Circle

Director, Postal Services

(concerned)


(concerned)

Appellate

Authority

5

President

Director-

General

(Posts)

Member,

Postal

Services Board

Head of Circle/

Regional

Postmaster-

General

Head of Circle/

Regional

Panalities

4

All

(i) to (iv)

All

(i) to (iv)

All

Authority competent to impose

penalties and penalities which it may

impose (with reference ot item

numbers in Rule 11)

Description of

Posts

1

(1) All Posts

Group 'B'

(Except the posts

mentioend at S.No.

(2) to (9)

(2) Assistant

Superintendent

of Posts

(Previously known as

Assicatnt

Superintendent of

Posts Offices/

Assistant

Superintendent of

Railway Mail

Services)

(3) "Inspector of

Posts

Appointing

Authority

2

Director

General

(Posts)

Head of Circle

Director Postal

Services

Director Postal

Services

"PART-I - GENERAL CENTRAL SERVICES GROUP 'B'


Director Postal

Services

Director Postal

Services

Director, Postal

Staff College of

India

Director Postal

Services

Head of Circle

Secretary,

Postal Services

Board

Postmaster-

General

Director,

Postal

Services

(concerned)

Head of Circle/

Regional

Postmaster-

General

Director-Postal

Services

(concerned)

Head of Circle,

Director,

Postal Services

(concerned)

Member, Postal

Services Board.

Director, Postal

Staff College, India

Head of Circle/

Regional

Postmaster-

General

Director, Postal

Services

(concerned)

Member, Postal

Services Board

Head of Circle

Member, Postal

Services Board

Secretary,Posta l

Servcies Board"

(i) to (iv)

All

(i) to iv)

All

(i) to (iv)

All

(i) to (iv)

All

(i) to (iv)

All

(i) to (iv)

All

(i) to (iv)

Head of Division / Superintendent,

Postal Stores Depot / Circle Stamp

Depot / Senior Postmaster / Chief

Postmaster / Assistant Director

(Staff)/ Superintendent, Sorting


(concerned)

Head of Division / Superintendent,

Postal Stores Depot / Circlds

Stamp Depot/Senior Postmaster

/ Chief Postmaster / Assistant

Director (Staff)/ Superintendent,

Sorting


Assistant Postmaster General

(Staff)/Assistant Director (Staff)

Director, Postal Staff College,

India

Joint Director, Postal Staff College,

India


(concerned)

Senior Manager/Manager, Mail

Motor Services

Head of Circle

Director, Postal Services/ Director

of Account (Postal)/Deputy

Director of Accounts (Postal)/Joint

Director Postal Staff College India/

Director, Postal Training Centre

Secretry, Postal Services Board

Director (Administration) (in

respect of non-secretariate posts)

(Previously known as

Inspector of Post

Office/Inspector of

Railway Mail

Services)

(4) Higher Selection,

Grade-I

(5) Office

Superintendent

Higher Selection

Grade-I (Circle

Office)

(6) Liberarian

(7) Assistant

Manager, Mail Motor

Services (Posts of

Insepector Mail

Motor Services has

been merged with

Assistnat Manager,

Mail Motor Services)

(8) Junior Accounts

Officer

(9) Statistical

Assistant

[G.I. Dept. of Posts, Order No. C-32016/10/2006-VP, dated 12-12-2006]


n Delegation of powers to Heads of Departmentsin various Ministries/Departments for settlingpermission cases and post facto approvalrelating to referral system in CGHS.The undersigned is directed to refer to this

Ministry's Office Memoranda of even number, datedthe 7th April, 1999 and 7th March, 2000 (Sl. Nos 112and 120 of Swamy's Annual, 1999 and 2000respectively) on the above subject vide which powerswere delegated by the CGHS. Delegation No. 12 ofO.M. of 7th April, 1999, under post facto approval inrespect of CGHS for settlement of individual medicalreimbursement claims/to accord permission/grant ofmedical advance reads as follows :-

Subject to the approval of Head of the CGHSorganization of the concerned CGHS covered City/Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, whereprescribed in the preceding paras, the monetary limitfor issuing sanction were raised as under :-A Rs. 2 lakhs (in case of By the HoD

serving employeebeneficiaries)

B Rs. 2 lakhs (in case of By the Head of thepensioner CGHS concerned CGHSbeneficiaries) covered city

C Rs. 2 to 5 lakhs Director, CGHSD Above Rs. 5 lakhs Ministry of Health

and Family Welfare2. Power were further delegated vide OfficeMemorandum No. S-12020/4/97-CGHS (P), dated the7th March, 2000, as follows :-(i) A serving Central Government servant coveredunder CGHS who is taking treatment in some CGHSDispensary/Government hospital and desires to obtaintreatment in a private hospital recognized under CGHS,the Heads of Departments may grant him permissionfor indoor treatment on the basis of medical prescriptionissued to the CGHS beneficiary.(ii) The Heads of Departments (HoDs) may decidethe cases of reimbursement of medical claims inrespect of treatment obtained in emergency at privatehospital/private nursing home/private clinic, subject toitem-wise ceiling as per rates prescribed for CGHSbeneficiaries without financial limit on the total amountto be reimbursed.3. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hasbeen receiving files from different Ministries/Departmentin respect of medical claims/request for advance whenthe admissible amounts exceeded Rs. 2.00 lakhs eventhough in most of the cases the admissible amountcalculated were as per the approved rate list. This hascreated avoidable work in the Ministry without anyscope for value addition in the process of examination.4. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hasbeen examining the question of further delegation ofpowers to the Heads of Departments/Ministries in thematter and it has been decided with the approval of the

Competent Authority to delegate bearers toDepartments/Ministries to settle all cases where thereis no relaxation of rules and the entitlement was workedout with reference to the rate list prescribed without anymonetary ceiling. The delegation would, however, besubject to the condition that the Heads of theDepartments/Ministries may settle cases up to the limitof Rs. 2,00,000 (Rupees Two lakhs only) (worked outwith reference to the prescribed rate list). In respect ofcases involving payment exceeding Rs. 2,00,000 (Rupeestwo lakhs only) but as per the prescribed rate list, theconcerned Departments/Ministries may settle suchcases in consultation with their respective InternalFinance Division. Only in those cases where the settledscheme/rules are required to be relaxed, should the casebe referred to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.5. This issues with concurrence of Internal FinanceDivision, vide CD No. C-2572-IFD/2006, dated the 27thNovember, 2006.

[G.I., M.H. & F.W., O.M. No. S. 12020/4/97-CGHS(P), dated (27-12-2006)

n LTC (All India in block of 4 years) incombination with transfer/tour TA-Mode ofRegularization.I am directed to forward herewith a copy OM No.

31011/3/2006-Estt. (A) dated 7th February, 2007received from Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance& Pension, Department of Personnel & Training, onthe subject mentioned above, for your information/guidance and necessary action.

[DG (Posts) No. 20-1/2007-PAP,Dated: 19-03-2007]

n LTC (All India in block of 4 years) incombination with transfer/tour TA-Mode ofRegularization.The undersigned is directed to say that as per

instructions contained in Ministry of Home Affairs O.M.No. 43/15/59-Estt. (A), dated 19-7-1960, LTC (HomeTown) may be availed in combination with transfer/tour. The question of extending this facility to All IndiaLTC (anywhere in the country in a block of 4 years)has been considered and it has been decided that theprovisions of the aforesaid OM, dated 19-7-1960 willalso be applicable for All India LTC availed incombination with transfer/tour.2. Tour T.A. and transfer T.A. shall be regulated interms of relevant instructions of Ministry of Finance.3. These orders will take effect from the date of issuebut claims which were pending on the date of issuemay be regulated under these order. Past cases in whichdecisions have already been taken will not be re-opened.4. In so far as the personnel serving in the IndianAudit and Accounts Department are concerned, theseorders have been issued after consultation with theComptroller and Auditor-General.

[G.I. Dept. of Per. & Trg., O.M. No. 31011/3/2006-Estt.(A), Dated: 7-2-2007]


1. Postman Examination Guide 100.00

2. L.G.O. to P.A./RMS Sorter Guide 500.00

3. P.O. & RMS A/Cs Guide I & II 1000.00

4. Solved Paper P.O.A./cs 250.00

5. L.S.G. Guide 600.00

6. L.S.G. Unsolved Paper 60.00

7. H.S.G. Guide 500.00

8. H.S.G. Unsolved Paper 30.00

9. Postal & RMS Confirmation Guide 500.00

10. Inspector PO/RMS, Paper I-V Material 2000.00

11. Solved paper to IPO/IRM I-IV 500.00

12. PSS Gr. B Exam, Material Paper I to IV 1800.00

13. PSSGr.B Solved Paper I-IV 800.00

14. JAO Pt.I Postal Guide I-V- 1600.00 Sol. Paper I-V 350.00

15. JAO Pt. II Guide VI-IX 1450/- Sol. Paper 350.00

16. SB/SC Aptitude Test 400.00

Deptt. Books

1. Manual of Office Procedure 200.00

2. P&T Manual II (Ch 9-10 & 12) 100.00

3. Postal Manual Vol. V 250.00

4. P&T Manual Vol. VII 125.00

5. Financial Hand Book Vol. I 275.00

6. Financial Hand Book Vol. II 150.00

7. Appendix V to P.A.M. 100.00

8. P.O. Insurance Fund Rules 60.00

9. Accounting Procedure for P&T Motor Serivces 75.00

10. Constitution of India 230.00

11. G.D.S. Service Rule (Swamy) 115.00

DICTONARIES1. The Concise Oxford Dictionary 535.00

2. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictonary 410.00

3. Oxford English - Handi, Dictonary 123.00

4. Oxford Hindi - English Dictionary 330.00

5. Oxford Advance Dictonary Eng. Eng.-Hindi 300.00

6. Bhargava's Dictonary Eng.-Hindi 170.00

7. Bhargava's Dictonary Hindi-Eng. 170.00

8. Oxford Dictionary Thesaurus & world power guide 795.00

9. Oxford Progressive Eng.-Hindi Dictonary 105.00

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NEWS OF THE MONTHl Seminar on 24th May 2007: In order to share

with the federations / service Associations various

developments which have taken place in department

in the recent past as also Action Plans for the 11th

Five years plan, Department of Posts has decided

to hold one day seminar on 24th May 2007 at Dak

Bhawan. All General Secretaries of NFPE Union

and Secretary General of NFPE will participate in

the seminar.

l Group B Exam: We were informed that our

request to consider TBOP / BCR officials to appear

Group B exam instead of LSG will be considered by

amending some prescribed years of PA service instead

of TBOP / LSG etc. This will take a minimum of more

than six months since amendment to Recruitment

Rules will be approved by all nodal ministries like Law,

DoP&T and even Union Service Commission.

l Syllabus for Group B Exam: This is under

consideration. Revised syllabus will be finalised soon.

The proposed Exam, as learnt will be postponed and

not held in September as notified.

l Engagement of SDPA: This is being pursued at

the Directorate considering various judicial

pronouncements and we were informed that orders for

engaging retired pensioners will be issued shortly.

l Bench Mark : Confidential instructions to all the

circle heads have been issued by the Directorate on

this subject.

l LSG / HSG.II/ HSG.I : All APMG / AD Staff were

called on 04-05-2004 to Directorate and instructed to

complete the LSG process at first and then HSG.II &

HSG.I. They were instructed to complete the entire

process of filling all the vacant posts within a month.

l LGO Exam Syllabus : The department has now

proposed to modify the syllabus as follows:-

Aptitude Test can include questions of issues of

topical relevance, logic, simple arithmetic and English

Grammar to test their working knowledge. Postal

Services will include questions of basic postal issues

relating to customer service and operations. This will

be without the aid of books. The language component

will include simple letter writing or drafting in local

language / English. Computer proficiency test will be

on the same pattern as for direct recruitment. All the

questions in aptitude test and postal services will be

objective type or multiple choice.

Accordingly there will be no mathematics but only

Arithmetic that too in simple questions will be without

aid of books. It is informed that Model Question Paper

is under preparation and will be circulated before May

2007. Certainly it will be a great achievement in

negotiation.

l During the personal visit of General Secretary

in Uttarakhand Circle, May Day meeting was

organised by the Branch Secretary, Haridwar on 01-

05-2007. Com. Rajesh Kapil, Asstt. Circle Secretary

presided the meeting. Com. Rajeev Singh, Asstt.

Divisional Secretary, Com. A.K. Sharma, Branch

Secretary, Com. Kanwarpal Singh, Branch Secretary,

P-IV, Com. Suresh Chand Tiwari, Treasurer, GDS also

spoke on the occasion.

l A well organised meeting was organised by

the Circle Secretary, Com. K.S. Panwar at Gopeshwar

HPO on 04-05-2007. General Secretary, Com. K.V.

Sridharan in his speech explained the settlement on

strike demands and pay commission. The interaction

session was really purposeful. Com. B.L. Tanta

presided the meeting. Com. R.C. Dimri, Divisional

Secretary, Com. A.P. Dhyani, Asstt. Circle Secretary,

Com. N.S. Ahatri, Divisional Secretary, P-IV, Com.

K.K. Rana, Ex. President, P-III also spoke on the

occasion. Thanks to Uttarkhand Comrades for

affectionate reception during my visit and particular to

our Circle Secretary Com. K.S. Panwar.

ATTENTION: BRANCH / DIVISIONAL SECRETARIESr Please remit quota regularly to Circle/CHQ/NFPE as required under the constitution.

r Non remittance of quota will lead to suspension of Branches as per the

article 39 (b) of the constitution of this union.

r Clear Bhartiya Post dues at once.

JUNE 2007 BHARTIYA POST

Documents

bhartiya post june 2007