RETIREMENT FELICITATION

Our Senior Com. K.RAJENDRAN, Secretary, Tambaram Division is retiring from departmental service on 28.02.2010. Felicitation on 07.03.2010 at Chromepet PO. Circle union is honouring his selfless service & Wishing for happy prosperous retired life.

J.Ramamurthy

Circle Secretary

CHIEF PMG MAHARASHTRA & GOA CIRCLE CAUGHT IN CBI RAID IN A A TWO CRORE BRIBE SCAM

CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL MAHARASHTRA & GOA CIRCLE RAIDED BY CBI IN A TWO CRORE BRIBE SCAM
TIMES OF INDIA MUMBAI EDITION REPORTS THAT THE CHIEF PMG HAD REPORTEDLY TAKEN THIS BRIBE OF TWO CRORES FOR CHANGING THE DESIGNATION OF A PLOT OF LAND RESERVED FOR POSTAL DEPARTMENT TO A SOUTH MUMBAI HOTEL.
MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE ADMINSTRATION IS RECENTLY SHOWING TRENDS OF SHAKING HANDS WITH PRIVATE AND JUST SOME DAYS BACK THE SPEED POST PROCESSING HAS BEEN GIVEN TO PRIVATE - NOW THIS NEWS OF TWO CRORES BRIBE SCAM HAS COME OUT - THIS IS ALL THE OFF-SHOOT OF THE CORPORATE POLICY AND UNILATERALISM IN IMPLEMENTING THINGS IN VIOLATION OF GOVERNMENT RULES & REGULATIONS!
THE NEWS ITEM APPEARED IN TIMES OF INDIA MUMBAI EDITION IS GIVEN HERE FOR THE INFORMATION OF OUR MEMBERS.

NEWS FLASH - CHIEF PMG MAHARASHTRA ARRESTED

CBI HELD PRESS CONFERENCE IN MUMBAI ABOUT THE TWO CRORES LAND DESIGNATION TRANSFER SCAM BY CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL MAHARASHTRA & GOA

THE CHARGES ARE THAT THE CHIEF PMG DEMANDED TWO CRORES OF RUPEES FOR CHANGING THE DESIGNATION OF PLOT OF LAND RESERVED FOR INDIA POST TO A SOUTH MUMBAI HOTEL

IN ADDITION TO THE CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL, TWO MORE PERSONS 'DALMIAS' INVOLVED IN THE DEAL ARE REPORTEDLY ARRESTED - CHIEF PMG WAS ARRESTED WHILE A BAG CONTAINING CASH FOR Rs.1,25,00,000 [One crore twnenty five lakhs] WAS KEPT IN HIS CAR

CHIEF PMG HOUSE WAS ALSO RAIDED BY CBI - 35,00,000 LIQUID CASH - 3400 EURO DOLLARS - 10,700 US DOLLARS & SOME MORE CURRENCY OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES - 22 BANK ACCOUNTS - 24 LAKHS WORTH PPF ACCOUNTS WERE REPORTEDLY FOUND IN HIS HOUSE AND FREEZED BY CBI.

CHIEF PMG MAHARASHTRA WHO WAS ARRESTED AND TAKEN BEFORE MAGISTRATE IS A SHAME TO THE IMAGE OF THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT - EVEN THE P3 CHQ HAD ALREADY COMPLAINED TO THE SECRETARY [P] ABOUT THE SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH LAPTOPS WERE PURCHASED BUT DISAPPEARED IN MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE - NO ACTION SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE DIRECTORATE YET.


THIS TYPE OF HIGH LEVEL CORRUPTION IS THE PRODUCT OF COMMERCIALISM AND CORPORATE POLICIES UNLEASHED BY INDIA POST INCLUDING PRIVATISATION OF POSTAL FUNCTIONS AND HAND SHAKE WITH PRIVATE PARTIES - EVEN THE PROPOSED POSTAL LAND UTILISATION MIGHT LEAD TO LARGE SCALE CORRUPTION - DEPARTMENT SHOULD STOP ALL ITS UNILATERAL ACTIVITIES FOR PRIVATISATION, OUTSOURCING ETC IMMEDIATELY LEADING CLOSER INTERACTION WITH THE PRIVATE PARTIES AND CONSEQUENT CORRUPTION AT HIGH PLACES.

RETIREMENT FELICITATION

Our Senior Com. K.RAJENDRAN, Secretary, Tambaram Division is retiring from departmental service on 28.02.2010. Felicitation on 07.03.2010 at Chromepet PO. Circle union is honouring his selfless service & Wishing for happy prosperous retired life.

J.Ramamurthy

Circle Secretary

Deapartment issued notification for verification of membership of Service Associations

Postal Directorate issued Notification for verification of member ship of Service Assiciations vide its letter No.13/01/2010-SR dated 18/02/2010. I appeal to all the Circle Office Bearers and Divisional/Branch Secretaries to act immediately and try to grab the maximum number of declaration forms. Some important dates are furnished here under for the information of the members.Last date for submission of the declaration forms to the Divisional Heads is 26/04/2010. Display the list of members in Notice Board is 27/04/2010 to 30/04/2010.Representations from members if any will be received by the divisional head before 06/05/2010.Recovery of subsecription will starts from 31/05/2010.Verification process should complete before 11/06/2010.

J.Ramamurthy

Circle Secretary

CAT clears air on promotion benefits

If an employee, fulfiling the eligibility criteria for promotion to a particular post, works for a reasonable period on that post against a vacancy,, the government cannot deny him/her the actual promotion and accompanying financial benefits, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has held.A Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) bench headed by Chairman Justice V.K. Bali held that in such a situation, it would be arbitrary to deny salary and other benefits of the promoted post to the employee.The bench ordered the Delhi Government to re-fix the salary and retirement benefits of six retired school teachers, who had been given notional promotion to the post of principal, albeit without any accruing financial benefits.Rejecting the Delhi Government’s arguments that all promotions had to be prospective and retired employees had no right to actual promotion, the CAT allowed the petition filed by Gaurishankar Sharma, Budh Prakash Tyagi, Raj Kumar Uppal, Prabhu Dayal, Jagdish Prasad Sharma and Chintamani Mathur. It directed the Delhi Government to fix the correct salary of the petitioners, from the dates each of them had been promoted notionally to principal and to fix par arrears of salary for the period they were in service. The CAT also ordered payment of revised retirement benefits, with six per cent interest on arrears within four months.

The petitioners had served as heads of schools over several years. But the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), held after their retirement, recommended only notional promotion for them and accordingly, the government did not give them any financial benefit of promotion.Aggrieved by the decision, they moved the CAT, seeking benefit of the pay scale of principal, from the date they were assumed charge of the post, plus the arrears of pay and allowances after proper pay fixation, with retrospective effect. They also demanded revision of their retirement benefits.The government contended the DPC could not be convened due to procedural reasons while they were in service and making them principals was only a stopgap arrangement. It said petitioners were not eligible for revision of retirement benefits and back wages because their promotion was only notional.But citing the Supreme Court’s rulings on the issue, the CAT rejected these arguments. “By virtue of the fact that the Applicants have actually worked on the post of principal, they would …be eligible for payment of back wages also, besides salary for the post of principal, from the date they have been notionally promoted to that post,” it said.Source: Hindustan Times

Government introduce a new Medical Scheme for Central Government Employees and Pensioners

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India have proposed to introduce a new "Central Government Employees & Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme" (CGEPHIS) for all serving employees and pensioners.

More detail... Click the link...http://mohfw.nic.in/AA-CGEPHIS.doc

Rotational transfer in HSG I Cadre & HSG II for 2010 in CCR

Rotational Transfers Guidelines 2010

Rotational Transfers of Accountants in Chennai

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE HELD ON 12th DECEMBER, 2009

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE HELD ON 12th DECEMBER, 2009

A meeting of the National Anomaly Committee (NAC) was held on 12th December, 2009 in Conference Room No.119, North Block, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Personnel). A list of participants who attended the meeting is annexed.

2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the representatives of the Staff Side and Official Side. The Chairman stated that the recommendations of the 6th CPC have been implemented with certain modifications. While processing the Report, the Committee of Secretaries also consulted the Staff Side. As decided by the Cabinet at the time of approving the Report of the Sixth CPC, instructions have been issued for setting up of Anomaly Committees at the National as well as Departmental Level in order to ensure the resolution of anomalies. The Chairman informed that the National Anomaly Committee would discuss the anomalies common to two or more Departments and anomalies pertaining to common categories of employees. Further, he indicated his firm belief as well as conviction that all the anomalies can be resolved through the consultative process. The Chairman also informed that the next (46th) meeting of the National Council (JCM) has been scheduled to be held on 16'~ January, 2010 under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary.The Chairman also reiterated the resolve of the Government to maintain a sustained level of contact with the Staff Side in order to take forward the process of consensus building and collaborative endeavour to achieve the goals of higher productivity, efficiency and staff welfare. Thereafter, the Chairman invited the Leader and Secretary of Staff Side to say a few words.

3. Leader of the Staff Side Shri M. Raghaviah thanked the Chairman and conveyed the appreciation of the Staff Side for convening the meeting of the National Anomaly Committee. He further stated that the opening address of the Chairman conveyed the right message and stated that all anomalies can be resolved in a peaceful fashion. He thanked the Government for all the improvements over and above the recommendations of the 6th CPC and stated that there are certain areas where there is some unrest with respect to implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC and requested the Chairman that all such issues should be resolved as soon as possible. He once again thanked the Chairman and reiterated the resolve of the Staff Side for cordial and healthy industrial relations.

4. Secretary of the Staff Side Shri Umraomal Purohit reciprocated the sentiments expressed by the Chairman and indicated that all the anomalies can be resolved through mutual discussion. He also thanked the Chairman, for not only for convening the first meeting of the NAC at such a short notice, but also taking initiative in scheduling the next meeting of the National Council (JCM) on 16th January, 2010. He mentioned about the long delay in convening the meeting of the National Council but also stated that he hoped that from now onwards things would change for the better. Secretary, Staff Side drew the attention of the Chairman towards non-functioning I delays in holding the meetings of the Departmental Councils in various Ministries/Departments. Emphasising the importance of the Departmental Councils in the Scheme of Joint Consultative Machinery and Compulsory Arbitration, Secretary of the Staff Side stated that some way out has to be found to ensure that Departmental Councils work properly in all Ministries/Departments and its meetings are held regularly. While complimenting the Government for timely implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC, Secretary of the Staff Side stated that the definition of the anomaly which was adopted earlier has been altered this time which may lead to certain problems. He also stated that the Report of the 6'h CPC is not like the earlier reports and the new format recommended by the 6th CPC is being gradually adopted. He also referred to certain issues like Risk Allowance (RA), Patient Care Allowance and Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for pensioners and requested that final orders on these issues may be issued only after discussing the same with the Staff Side. Secretary of the Staff Side also drew the attention of the Chairman towards certain benefits like maternity leave1 child care leave and stated that the same have not been extended as yet to the women industrial employees and requested for early action in this regard. Secretary of the Staff Side also complimented the Government with respect to the setting of the Fast Track Committee and stated that the Fast Track Committee has resolved long standing problems of the employees. He once again thanked the Chairman for convening the meeting of the NAC and for giving him an opportunity to express his feelings.

5. The Chairman stated that Government also understand that the report of the 6th CPC is different and was of the view that there is a need for greater dissemination of information on the recommendations of the 6th CPC. Accordingly, he requested the Staff Side for a list of questions /issues on which more information is required so that the Government can prepare a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and put the same on the web site for, increasing awareness etc. The Chairman also assured to take necessary steps to ensure that meetings of the Departmental Councils of various Ministries / Departments are held regularly. Regarding the definition of an anomaly, the Chairman opined that this should not lead to any problems and stated that official side is open to examining the matter if it is found that there is indeed a case. The Chairman also requested the Staff Side to forward issues which could have become anomalies had the said para not been deleted for further examination of the same.

6. Thereafter, the anomalies as per the agenda were taken up for discussion:

Agenda Item Nos. 1 to 4- Anomaly in Pay Fixation in case of merqer of various Pay Scales.

As the anomalies mentioned at item No.1 to 4 represented similar items, it was decided to club the four items together. The Staff Side demanded that since the pre-revised Pay Scales of Rs.5000-80001-, Rs.5500-90001- were merged with the pay scale of Rs.6500-10500, the pay of the incumbents holding the pay scales of Rs.5000-80001- and Rs.5500-9000 should have been fixed with effect from 1 .1.2006 by applying the multiplying factor of 1.86 at Rs.65001-. The Staff Side stated that the intention of the Pay Commission was to upgrade the two pay scales and merge them with the higher pay scale of Rs.65001-. Therefore, denying the benefit of higher pay scale to the concerned employees is not justified. Joint Secretary (Pers), Department of Expenditure stated that this issue was raised by the Staff Side before the Committee of Secretaries set up by the Government to process the Report of the Sixth CPC. Further, JS (Per) informed that pay fixation in the revised pay structure has been done strictly in accordance with the fixation tables given in the Report of the 6th CPC (with suitable modifications due to change in fitment factor from Rs.1.74 to 1.86) and therefore, this could not be termed as an anomaly. She further stated that all the employees in the pre-revised Pay Scales of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-90001- were given the uniform fitment benefit @ 40% of the maximum of the pay scale of Rs.6500-10500, i.e., 40% of Rs.105001- as Grade Pay. In case the merger of the pre-revised pay scales of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 with Rs.6500-10500 had not been recommended by the Pay Commission, then the fitment benefit granted to the Government servants who were in the pre-revised scales of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 would have been much lesser i.e. 40% of Rs.8000 and Rs.9000 respectively. JS (Per) also clarified that the paras in the text of the Report should be read in conjunction with the fitment tables as they are not independent of each other. The fitment tables have been incorporated for the first time in a Report of the Central Pay Commission and are very much part of its recommendations. However, the Staff Side insisted that from the phraseology of the report of the 6'h CPC, it is evident that the intention of the Pay Commission was to upgrade the two pay scales and pay fixation done merely on the basis of the fixation table given in the report of the 6th CPC cannot be an excuse to justify the denial of benefit on this ground to the concerned employees. The Staff Side reiterated that it was an anomaly precisely for the reason that vide Para 2.2.19, the 6th CPC has stated unambiguously that where pre revised pay scales have been merged it has been done by extending the minimum prescribed for the highest pay scale with which the other pay scales are being merged. However, the pay band has been fixed with reference to the minimum of the lowest pay scales which have been merged. The Chairman, while reiterating that the tables are very much part of the recommendations of the Pay Commission, suggested that Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure may look into this issue further.

Agenda Item No.5- Revised Pay Rules

(i) The Staff Side stated that since the 6'h CPC has introduced the new system of Pay Bands and Grade Pay, there was a lot of confusion among the employees in deciding about the option for switching over to the revised pay scales. Accordingly, Staff Side demanded that the first option exercised may not be treated as final and one more option should be given to the employees. Officers of Department of Expenditure informed that all the cases of revision of option in relaxation of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 referred to them had been agreed to by them. However, JS (Pers) agreed to look into the matter regarding delegation of powers to the administrative ministries to allow the options.

(ii) Regarding reckoning of Special Allowances and Qualification Pay at the time of fixation of pay in the revised pay structure, the Staff Side demanded that the same should have been taken into account while fixing the revised pay of the concerned Government servants. JS (Per) stated that this was not provided for in the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008. In this context, Members of Staff Side demanded that Rule should be modified to allow reckoning of Special Allowances Qualification Pay. JS (Per) enquired about the procedure followed at the time of implementation of Fifth Pay Commission's recommendations. Responding to this, Staff Side stated that an item pertaining to reckoning of such allowances / pay for the purpose of pay fixation after Fifth CPC was pending in the Standing Committee of the National Council. In this context, JS (Per) observed that CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 have no provision for this purpose and there is no precedent on the matter since the item raised by Staff Side after implementation of Fifth CPC's recommendations is still pending in the Standing Committee, logically the present issue could be taken up depending on the final decision on the item pending in the Standing Committee.

(iii) It was noted that this part has already been discussed as it relates to agenda item Nos.1 to 4.

(iv) Regarding anomaly in fixation of pay between direct recruits and promotees, the Staff Side argued that while applying Rule 8 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, the pay of direct recruits and new entrants is fixed at a higher stage when compared to the existing employees who were promoted in the same grade. The Staff Side demanded that this anomaly should be rectified by incorporating a provision that in case after 1.1.2006, if a promotee's pay is getting fixed at a stage lower than that of a direct recruit as given in Section 2 of the First Schedule of the CCS (RP) Rules, then the pay of the promotee should be fixed at the same stage as that of a direct recruit/ new entrant so that the existing employees pay is protected at par with the pay given to a new entrant. JS (Pers) stated that the pay of the new entrants is being fixed strictly in accordance with the principles laid down by the 6th CPC in this regard. In case where a promotee and post-1.1.2006 direct recruit are borne on the same seniority list and the senior is drawing less basic pay than the junior, the pay of the senior can be stepped up. The Staff Side argued that it was not the intention of the 6th CPC to grant higher pay to direct recruitees vis-a-vis promotees and also stated that stepping up of pay is not being allowed in many Ministries1 Departments in such matters. The Staff Side further stated that the pay granted to the fresh entrant is the deemed minimum pay of the post and no promotees can be fixed below the minimum pay of the post to which he is promoted on regular basis. The Chairman suggested to the Department of Expenditure to re-examine the matter.

(v) Regarding the date of annual increment, the Staff Side argued that since the date of increment of all the Central Government employees has been fixed as 1st of July of every year, the employees whose increment dates are between 1st February 2006 and 1st June 2006 have to wait for more than 12 months for their first increment after the implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC. The Staff Side argued that this situation is quite anomalous since this will affect the employees who retire during the period between 1st February to 3oth June every year. They will suffer a loss of one increment perpetually and thus affecting their pension. The Staff Side demanded that the employees, whose increment falls between 1st February to 1st June, 2006, may be given an increment on 01.01.2006 as a one-time measure. JS (Per) intimated that as per the recommendation of Sixth CPC in the matter, which has been accepted by the Government, now there is only one day in the year, i.e., 1st of July of every year, for the purpose of granting annual increments. Further, it was stated that as far as cases of promotions that took place between 1st of January and 30th of June are concerned, instructions have already been issued that in such cases, Government servants have the option to have their pay fixed under FR 22(l)(a)(I). As per this, they will be granted two increments on 1'' July, one annual increment , and the other on account of promotion. Regarding employees who retire during the period between lSt February to 30th June every year, it was intimated that even prior to 01.01.2006, there were cases where the date of superannuation of a Government servant could be just one day prior to their DNI. Even at that time, there was no system to grant an additional increment to Government servants in such cases. Regarding the demand of the Staff Side that the employees whose increment falls between 1st February to 1st June, 2006 may be given an increment on 01.01.2006 as a one-time measure, JS (Per) stated that the issue will be looked into keeping in view its repercussions and a final view on the matter will be taken after factoring the likely repercussions. The Staff Side further stated that the Revised Pay Rules in relaxation of F.R. are meant only for the purpose of fixing the pay in the revised Pay scales. It has no application thereafter. It is on this specific understanding that the staff side had demanded the one time relaxation as otherwise the one time relaxation would not address similar issues of future recruitees and promotees. The Official Side contended that the Revised Pay Rules would override the provisions of the Fundamental Rules permanently. The Staff Side then contended that an increment has to be granted on completion of one year service. It must not be postponed except on award of a penalty on initiation of disciplinary proceedings. After some further discussion, the official side agreed to reconsider this matter.

(vi) The Staff Side agreed to drop this part relating to deduction of tax from salary.

(vii) The Staff Side stated that as per the existing scheme the temporary status employees have been granted the minimum of the corresponding scale of pay of regular employees (with benefit of annual increments). Therefore it would be necessary that these employees if they are non matriculates are given the requisite training and the benefit of fixation of pay at Rs.7000/- (with grade pay of Rs.1800 with effect from 01 .01.2006. The Secretary, Staff Side pointed out that in respect of those who have retired / die during the period between 1 .I .2006 and 1.9. 2008 it would not be possible to impart training to them. He, therefore, suggested, referring to his letter in this regard that they may be given the benefit of Grade Pay of Rs.1800 with effect from 1.01.2006. Regarding granting of temporary status to casual labourers, JS (Pers) informed that Department of Expenditure had already rendered their advice in the matter to JS (E), DoPT. Further action is to be taken by DoPT.

Agenda Item Nos.6 & 7-Benefit on Promotion

The Staff Side stated that prior to implementation of the recommendations of the 61h CPC while on promotion, the employees used to get the benefit of almost two increments subject to a minimum benefit of Rs.1001-. However, after the implementation of the recommendations of the 6th CPC, the promotion benefit is restricted to one increment, i.e., three percent of the lower pay band and grade pay. The Staff Side demanded that there should be at least a benefit of two increments while on promotion. JS (Pers), while reminding that this issue was also raised by the Staff Side before the Committee of Secretaries set up by the Government to process the Report of the Sixth CPC, stated that this was not an anomaly in terms of the definition of the anomaly. Further, she stated that as per the recommendations of Sixth CPC, in addition to 3% increment, the difference of grade pay also is given to the employee while on promotion and hence there is no justification in the demand of the Staff Side. The Staff Side argued that in the case of PB-I, the difference of grade pay is Rs.1001- to Rs.4001- only and in PB-2, the difference of grade pay is Rs.200 to Rs.400- only. Therefore the Staff Side demanded that two increments while on promotion are fully justified. However, JS (Per) stated that since this was not an anomaly, Staff Side should raise this matter outside the forum of National Anomaly Committee.

Agenda Item No.8- Re-fixation of pension and family pension

Director (Pension) informed that the Dearness Relief is admissible toall categories of Central Government pensioners1 family pensioners. Therefore, it was agreed that the item may be treated as closed.

Agenda Item No.9-Parity in Pension

Regarding anomaly in the pension for Government servants, who retired / died in harness between 1 .1.2006and 1.9.2008, Director(Pension) informed that Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare has already clarified vide its 0.M dated 11/12/2008 that the provision of payment of pension at 50% of the emoluments (pay last drawn or 50% of average emoluments received during the last ten months, whichever is more beneficial to the retiring employee, shall be applicable to all Government servants retiring on or after 1.1.2006. Therefore, it was agreed that the item may be treated as closed. The Staff side also drew the attention of the Chairman towards difficulties being faced by many pensioners in getting the second instalment of the arrears of pension. The Chairman assured the staff side that he would take up the matter with the Department of Financial Services and also instructed Director (Pensions) to ensure that the problem is sorted out at the earliest.

Agenda Item No.10-Cornrnutaion of Pension

The Staff Side dropped this item

Agenda Item No.15, 16 & 17 -Parity in Pension to all Pensioners

Regarding parity in pension of all pre 1996 retirees with those who retired on or after 1 .1.1996, the Staff Side stated that the pensioners were not given parity in pension irrespective of the date from which they had retired. The Government in the past have accepted the principle that there shall be parity in pension irrespective of the date from which they had retired. The benefit was given while implementing the 6th CPC recommendations. The Staff Side further stated that the 6'h CPC in para 5.1.47 has stated that in order to maintain the existing modified parity between present and future retirees it will be necessary to allow the same fitment benefit as is being recommended for the existing Government employees. However, while implementing the 6th CPC, the pensioners who retired prior to 01.01.2006 were given only 40% of the basic pension where as the serving employees were given 40% of the maximum of their pay scale. The Staff Side, therefore, demanded that the pensioners should be granted 50% of the Grade Pay in the scale from which they had retired by way of fitment benefit and not 40% of basic pension. JS (Pers) informed that as per the recommendations of Sixth CPC, modified parity had already been granted to all pre-01.01.2006 pensioners. Consequent upon the implementation of Sixth CPC's recommendations regarding pension, all pre-01.01.2006 pensioners have been granted fitment benefit equal to 40% of their pre-revised basic pension, subject to the revised pension, in no case, being fixed lower than fifty percent of the sum of the minimum of the pay in the pay band and the grade pay thereon corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. At this, the Staff Side argued that a reading of the recommendation of Sixth Pay Commission on the matter indicated that the intent of the Pay Commission was to grant modified parity to pre-1.1.2006 pensioners by allowing same fitment benefit as is being recommended to the existing Government employees subject to the provision that revised pension shall not be lower than 50% of the minimum of the pay in the pay band prescribed for the grade pay and the sum of the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. On the other hand, the Government had approved modified parity with reference to the minimum of the pay band plus the grade pay which is not consistent with the recommendation of the Sixth CPC. Officers of Department of Expenditure stated that this was not the intent of the recommendation of the Pay Commission. After some discussions, the staff side requested the official side to examine the matter once again.Agenda Item no 27-Constant Attendance Allowance Director (Pensions) informed the Members of the Committee that suitable instruction have already been issued vide O.M. No.451612008-P&PW dated the 7'h December, 2009. Therefore, it was agreed that the item may be treated as closed.

7. It was decided that the remaining items shall be taken up for discussion in the next meeting of the National Anomaly Committee.

ANNEXUREDEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING LIST OF PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTENDED THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NATIONAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE HELD ON lzTH DECEMBER, 2009 AT 11 .00 AM IN ROOM NO. 119, NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI.

CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY (PERSONNEL)OFFICIAL SIDE STAFF SIDE
1Shri P.K. Sharma,Addl. Member (Staff), Railways 1.Shri M.Raghavaiah,Leader (Staff Side)
2Shri C.B.Paliwal,Joint Secretary, DOPT 2.Shri U.M.PurohitSecretary (Staff Side)
3Smt. Archna Arora,Pr. Secy. Education, A & N Adm. 3.Shri Rakhal DasGupta, Member
4Smt. Madhulika P.Sukul,JS (Pers), D/o Expenditure 4.Shri R.P.Bhatnagar,Member
5.Shri Ramesh Kumar,Joint Secretary & AFA,Defence 5.Shri Guman Singh,Member
6Shri D.K. Pandey,JS, Deptt. of Official Language(MHA)6.Shri C.Srikumar,Member
7Shri D.M. Gautam,Ex. Dir. (Pay Comion-I), Railways, 7.Shri S.K. Vyas.Member
8Smt. Urvilla Khati, Ex. Dir.(Pay Com-ll),Railways 8.Shri Ch.Sankara Rao,Member
9Shri S. Sreeram, Jt. Dir. (Fin. Estb)Min of Railways 9.Shri R.Srinivasan,Member
10Shri A.K. Das, DDG (Estb)Deptt. of Telecom 10.Shri K.K.N. Kutty,Member
11Shri Raj Kumar,Director, Deptt. of Posts 11.Shri S.G. Mishra,Member
12Shri Subhash Chander,Director. Deptt. of Posts
13Shri Raj Singh,Director, Deptt. of Pensions
14Shri Alok Saxena,Director (IC), Deptt. of Expenditure
15Smt. Simmi Nakra,Director (P&A), DOPT
16Smt. Rita Mathur,Director (Pay), DOPT
17Shri Alok Ranjan,Director (E.I), DOPT
18Shri M.L. Verma,Dy. Secy., Min. of Home Affairs
19Shri A. Selvaraj,Dy. Secy., Fin. Deptt., Govt. of Puducherry
20Shri G.K. Shukla,Under Secy., Min. of Home Affairs
21Shri Dinesh Kapila,Deputy Secretary (JCA), DOPT

POSTAL JCA CIRCULAR & COPY OF JCA LETTER TO HONOURABLE MOC&IT

POSTAL JCA OF NFPE & FNPO AS WELL AS GDS UNIONS JOINT CIRCULAR IS REPRODUCED BELOW

POSTAL JCA CIRCULAR NARRATES THE LATEST PROVOCATIONS ON THE PART OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CALL OF THE POSTAL JCA FOR A MASSIVE MARCH TO PARLIAMENT ON 2ND MARCH 2010

POSTAL JCA LETTER TO HONOURABLE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT IS ALSO PLACED FOR DOWNLOADING AND SENDING TO HONOURABLE MOC & IT BY BRANCHES / DIVISIONS / CIRCLES ON 2.3.2010 AFTER HOLDING PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS



NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS

ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION

NATIONAL UNION OF GDS



JCA/2010 Dated 3rd February 2010

To

All Circle / Divisional / Branch Secretaries

NFPE & FNPO Affiliated Unions / Associations & GDS Unions.

Dear Comrades / Colleagues,

PROTEST THE UNJUSTIFIED UNILATERALISM OF DOP

The Department of Posts has taken the route once again to total unilateralism and complete ignoring of staff side views on any basic issues that affect the interests of staff and service. It either prefers to non-consult the staff side totally before taking any decision to implement things that have a serious adverse impact on our interests and even against the existing Rules and Procedures formulated by DOPT and under FR&SR. It forgets and undermines its own accepted agreements and before the ink in the agreements dry takes recourse to violation of same agreements to which it is a party. This forces the staff side to time and again come to the streets to launch protest action to make ourselves heard. Unless this unhealthy practice is totally given up and an atmosphere of mutual consultations and honouring of its own committed positions in agreements is brought about by the DoP, the Postal JCA is of the firm opinion that a lot of energy and concentration of workers and employees of postal services would be wasted on unnecessary trade union action.

Latest Violation of agreement:

The Postal JCA has expressed its intent in the month of November 2009 to go on an indefinite strike on the face of serious attacks launched on the RMS & MMS. Hectic negotiations were conducted by Member [O] and Secretary [P] with the staff side on the issues and a written minutes was drawn up by the Department committing to maintenance of Status Quo as on 1.12.2009 on RMS & MMS. It was also decided that a further meeting would take place to discuss all other issues in the Charter of Demands. The struggle line was given up in an atmosphere of good will. The assured meeting with Member [O] on all other issues is yet to take place but suddenly the Department conducted its own official Work Shop for some officers at Bangalore and based on their own internal discussion is going ahead with serious implementation of changes thus distorting the status quo in RMS & MMS. Work Shops are only for consultation among officers and not for implementing whatever the Secretary or some other top officers speak in those so called workshops!

One such issue discussed in that workshop was to man the Mail Offices with HSG-I status by ASPOs instead of General Line HSG-I officials. This point has no basis to stand on and all existing Statutory Rules on HSG-I posts of General Line do not provide for such arbitrary and unilateral altering of the established positions. Even without trying to discuss with the staff side; even without attempting to amend the existing statutory rules of Government the DoP is trying to distort the rules on manning the HSG-I posts of General Line by ASPOs!

Bangalore workshop:

Bangalore workshop of official side has discussed various action points to be implemented on Mails operations and Delivery. Sweeping changes on several issues including about delivery hubs etc were subject matter of discussion there. These measures which are being experimented in one or two places recently over which the experiences of positive and negative nature are yet to be consolidated and discussed. Staff Side is nowhere in picture in all such contemplated changes. All the past experiences of the Department over implementation such schemes without involving staff side had ended in fiasco. Several such schemes were forced to be called off after haphazardly implemented here and there! Even the example of fast tract examination scheme implemented unilaterally ignoring the staff side views ended in subsequent roll back causing further more problems to the staff. But ironically those experiences are ignored and the road to unilateralism and arbitrariness is the chosen path for the present DoP. NFPE and FNPO Federations have in a joint letter expressed our differences on several aspects of Bangalore Workshop of Department. Yet the Department instead of coming to the table for discussion in a genuine effort to collectively plan for improvement of services on practical grounds is interested in arbitrariness only. This may land the department in a more critical situation than where we find ourselves in today. The interests of employees are highly compromised in the so called minutes of the Bangalore Workshop. We have no alternative but to raise our voice heard at all levels of higher administration and Government.

Postmasters' Cadre:

Yet another example of DoP's unilateralism is the way the Department preferred to bring about the Postmasters' Cadre ignoring the staff side views. The staff side is demanding cadre restructuring of all cadres in the department as like Railways and Income tax where such measures have been taken up seriously after 6th CPC. Instead of processing the cadre restructuring in a comprehensive manner, the DoP has opted to unilaterally bring about some cadre restructuring called 'Postmasters' Cadre' without any consultation with us. Sweeping changes to deny the senior officials to become LSG Postmasters on seniority cum fitness manner has been contemplated in the said changes! We opposed the improper apportionment of LSG and HSG-II vacancies for fast track promotions through examination but now the hundred percent future LSG Postmasters vacancies would be filled up only through such fast track examinations!! Retrograde decisions are taken without minding the implications and without consulting the staff side.

Serious attacks on GDS:

The DoP's attitude towards the GDS Employees is a glaring example of its hatred towards these three lakhs of Gramin Dak Sevaks. Merciless attacks are being let loose on the GDS System and employees. Retrograde recommendations of GDS Committee which received total condemnation from the entire staff side are being implemented unilaterally in the name of work study unit decisions etc. Arbitrary tightening of cash handling norms of BPMs will play havoc with their wages. Over and above the DoP has just immediately after implementing the GDS Committee recommendations for GDS SPMs is going for downgrading the GDS SPMs into GDS BPMs that will take away their right to higher TRCA slab and land them in down level slabs based on the tightened cash handling norms applied there too. The down gradation of GDS SOs into BOs would result in down gradation of status of several HPOs and ultimately the status of Divisions! That appears to be the intention of the Department!! In spite of Court judgments and earlier understanding reached with the staff side on the matter of PLB Ceiling, the DoP is adamantly implementing reduced ceiling of 2500/- for GDS. Even the existing practice of correct prorata fixation of wages to GDS staff denied this time by implementing the faulty calculations of Nataraja Murti Committee on prorata! Over and above the Department is not understood the importance of opening the forum of negotiations for GDS issues in the GDS Departmental Committee that has been locked up for years before! The entireties of GDS are under distress.

Casual labourers and GDS Substitutes:

The DoP order endorsing fixation of revised wages for the Temporary Status Casual Labourers restricted it only to TS CLS and underlined that a separate order for other Casual labourers would be issued. But till date no such order has come about! The payments of daily wages to casual labourers are fixed on statutory rulings on the subject which does not require sanction every time from the DOPT or MOF. Unfortunately the Department is not ready to take a decision on this issue and wasting their time on unnecessary file movements between different nodal ministries. Even the accruing DA instalments have not been added to the computation of their daily wages! Similar is the situation with regard to contingent workers and GDS Substitutes. All these sections are rotting at the old level of wages even after three years of implementation of 6th CPC recommendations. These sections also under total distress.

Postal JCA Decisions:

It was under these circumstances, the Postal Joint Council of Action of NFPE and FNPO Organisations met in New Delhi on 3.2.2010. The necessity of focussing the issues effectively before the Government and all levels of Administration was felt by the JCA. It was also felt by the JCA that in the event of non-redressal of our above genuine concerns immediately, there is no alternative course before the Postal Workers but to launch an industrial action including strike action to be decided by the JCA soon.

In the meanwhile, to effectively focus the attention of all concerned, it was unanimously decided by the Postal JCA Meeting, in which the Secretary General of NFPE and FNPO, General Secretaries of all affiliated unions and associations of these two Federations and the General Secretaries of GDS Unions took part, to undertake the following immediate action programme:

· Joint letter from Postal JCA to be written to Honourable MOC & IT; MOSC & IT; Cabinet Secretary; DOPT Secretary and to Secretary [P] expressing the existing situation that may lead to industrial unrest and for seeking redressal of the deteriorating situation.



· Massive Protest Demonstration before Parliament on 2.3.2010 during the Budget Session of Parliament and inviting all Party M.Ps to our Demonstration and to seek their good offices for intervention.



· On the same day on 2.3.2010, field level Circle / Divisional / Branch organisations should unitedly launch a protest collective demonstration at all levels and send the same letter of All India Postal JCA addressed to Hon'ble MOC & IT to the Honourable Minister of Communications & IT by speed post.



· Further Action would be announced by the Postal JCA.



Unite to Fight the Injustice:

Dear Comrades / Colleagues, The time has come to seriously demonstrate our will that under such conditions of suffocation and torment the postal workers would not tolerate. We are not slaves to the unbridled bureaucrats who decided on their will and pleasure undermining all Departmental Rules and Procedures and distort the system from within. We have a voice and we have to make our voice clear and loud to the whole Administration and Government to put a full stop to the unethical attitude of unilateralism and repeated violations of agreements they prefer to sign after marathon discussions.

In this hour of distress, the all India leadership in the Postal Joint Council of Action urges upon the entirety of Postal Workers and their branch unions to sink their differences and come about in a united platform with all their convictions and might. United we survive and divided we fall! Let us unite and agitate to win.

With the best greetings of struggle,



Comradely,

K.Ragavendran D.Theagarajan

Secretary General NFPE Secretary General FNPO


S.S.Mahadevaiah P.Muraleedharan

General Secretary AIPEDEU General Secretary NUGDS





NATIONAL FEDERATION OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES

FEDERATION OF NATIONAL POSTAL ORGANISATIONS

ALL INDIA POSTAL EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEES UNION

NATIONAL UNION OF GRAMIN DAK SEWAKS

JCA/2010 Dated 3rd February 2010



To

Honourable Minister of Communications & IT

Government of India

New Delhi



Sir,

We, the undersigned Secretaries General of major Federations of Postal Employees with all General Secretaries of our affiliated all India organisations and the All India Unions of Gramin Dak Sewaks, prefer to bring to your kind notice about the attitude of total unilateralism, arbitrariness and repeated violations of written agreements by the Department of Posts and to seek your kind intervention for setting the things right in the larger interests of postal services and more than five lakhs of its work force.

We like to place the following major issues for your kind notice in order get them redressed to prevent any escalation of industrial unrest in the postal services at the time the Postal services is struggling to establish itself as an organisation of its own entity.

Unilateralism and Violation of Agreements:
The Department of Posts has taken the route once again to total unilateralism and complete ignoring of staff side views on any basic issues that affect the interests of staff and service. It either prefers to non-consult the staff side totally before taking any decision to implement things that have a serious adverse impact on our interests and even against the existing Rules and Procedures. It forgets and undermines its own accepted agreements and before the ink in the agreements dry takes recourse to violation of same agreements to which it is a party. Unless this unhealthy practice is totally given up and an atmosphere of mutual consultations and honouring of its own committed positions in agreements is brought about by the DoP, the Postal JCA is of the firm opinion that a lot of energy and concentration of workers and employees of postal services would be wasted on unnecessary trade union action.



Latest Violation of agreement:
When the RMS Unions expressed its intent in the month of November 2009 to go on an indefinite strike on the face of serious attacks launched on the RMS & MMS, hectic negotiations were conducted by Member [O] and Secretary [P] with the staff side on the issues and a written minutes was drawn up by the Department committing to maintenance of Status Quo as on 1.12.2009 on RMS & MMS. It was also decided that a further meeting would take place to discuss all other issues in the Charter of Demands. But even before the assured meeting took place the Department conducted its own official Work Shop for some officers at Bangalore and based on their own internal discussion is going ahead with serious implementation of changes thus distorting the status quo in RMS & MMS. Work Shops are only for consultation among officers and not for implementing whatever the Secretary or some other top officers speak in those so called workshops!

Breach of Statutory Rules:
One such issue discussed in the Bangalore Officers level workshop was to man the Mail Offices with HSG-I status by Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices instead of General Line HSG-I officials. This point has no basis to stand on and all existing Statutory Rules on HSG-I posts of General Line do not provide for such arbitrary and unilateral altering of the established positions. Even without trying to discuss with the staff side; even without attempting to amend the existing statutory rules of Government the DoP is trying to distort the rules on manning the HSG-I posts of General Line by ASPOs!

Bangalore workshop:
Bangalore workshop of official side has discussed various action points to be implemented on Mails operations and Delivery. Sweeping changes on several issues including about delivery hubs etc were subject matter of discussion there. All the past experiences of the Department over implementation such schemes without involving staff side had ended in fiasco. But ironically those experiences are ignored and the road to unilateralism and arbitrariness is the chosen path for the present DoP. NFPE and FNPO Federations have in a joint letter expressed our differences on several aspects of Bangalore Workshop of Department. Yet the Department instead of coming to the table for discussion in a genuine effort to collectively plan for improvement of services on practical grounds are interested in arbitrariness only.

Postmasters' Cadre:
Yet another example of DoP's unilateralism is the way the Department preferred to bring about the Postmasters' Cadre ignoring the staff side views. The staff side is demanding cadre restructuring of all cadres in the department as like Railways and Income tax where such measures have been taken up seriously after 6th CPC. Instead of processing the cadre restructuring in a comprehensive manner, the DoP has opted to unilaterally bring about some cadre restructuring called 'Postmasters' Cadre' without any consultation with us. Sweeping changes to deny the senior officials to become LSG Postmasters on seniority cum fitness has been contemplated in the said changes! We opposed the improper apportionment of LSG and HSG-II vacancies for fast track promotions through examination but now the hundred percent future LSG Postmasters vacancies would be filled up only through such fast track examinations!! Retrograde decisions are taken without minding the implications and without consulting the staff side.

Serious attacks on GDS:
The DoP's attitude towards the GDS Employees is a glaring example of its hatred towards these three lakhs of Gramin Dak Sevaks. Merciless attacks are being let loose on the GDS System and employees. Retrograde recommendations of GDS Committee which received total condemnation from the entire staff side are being implemented unilaterally in the name of work study unit decisions etc. Arbitrary tightening of cash handling norms of BPMs will play havoc with their wages. Over and above the DoP has just immediately after implementing the GDS Committee recommendations for GDS SPMs is going for downgrading the GDS SPMs into GDS BPMs that will take away their right to higher TRCA slab and land them in down level slabs based on the tightened cash handling norms applied there too. The down gradation of GDS SOs into BOs would result in down gradation of status of several HPOs and ultimately the status of Divisions! That appears to be the intention of the Department!! In spite of Court judgments and earlier understanding reached with the staff side on the matter of PLB Ceiling, the DoP is adamantly implementing reduced ceiling of 2500/- for GDS. Even the existing practice of correct prorata fixation of wages to GDS staff denied this time by implementing the faulty calculations of Nataraja Murti Committee on prorata! Over and above the Department is not understood the importance of opening the forum of negotiations for GDS issues in the GDS Departmental Committee that has been locked up for years before! The entirety of GDS is under distress.

Casual labourers and GDS Substitutes:
The DoP order endorsing fixation of revised wages for the Temporary Status Casual Labourers restricted it only to TS CLS and underlined that a separate order for other Casual labourers would be issued. But till date no such order has come about! The payment of daily wages to casual labourers is fixed on statutory rulings on the subject which does not require sanction every time from the DOPT or MOF. Unfortunately the Department is not ready to take a decision on this issue and wasting their time on unnecessary file movements between different nodal Ministries. Even the accruing DA instalments have not been added to the computation of their daily wages! Similar is the situation with regard to contingent workers and GDS Substitutes. All these sections are rotting at the old level of wages even after three years of implementation of 6th CPC recommendations. These sections also under total distress.



Request for kind intervention of Hon'ble MOC & IT:
It is in the background as explained above, that the postal employees who are in distress, seek your kind intervention for causing orders and instructions to the DoP to sit across the table with the staff side Federations and Unions of both regular employees and Gramin Dak Sevaks for amicably resolving the issues before the distress and disillusionment are allowed to grow further demanding avoidable staff unrest in the postal services which as responsible trade union organisations we would desire to avoid.

Yours sincerely,



K.Ragavendran D.Theagarajan

Secretary General NFPE Secretary General FNPO

K.V.Sridharan D.Kishanrao

General Secretary P3 General Secretary P3

Ishwar Singh Dabas T.N.Rahate

General Secretary P4 General Secretary P4

Giriraj Singh D.Theagarajan

General Secretary R3 General Secretary R3

P.Suresh Siddique

General Secretary R4 General Secretary R4

S.P.Mukherjee P.Muraleedharan

General Secretary Admn General Secretary GDS

Rajanayagam S.S.Mahadevaiah

General Secretary Postal Accounts General Secretary GDS Union

PSS Group B Examination to be held on 3rd, 4th and 5th May 2010

Department has issued notification for conducting PSS Group 'B' Examination for General Line and IP Lines officials to be held on 3rd, 4th and 5th May 2010. The vacancy declared as under:-

General Secretary's Desk

Dear Comrade,

This time, I feel a long gap in discussing with all of you through this desk which is due to various works and preoccupations. We are in receipt of lot of appreciations about the 'Hand Book 2010', I record my sincere thanks to all those compliments through this letter.

1. HAND BOOK – 2010
A sudden thought as proposed by our beloved President Com. M. Krishnan. We did it with in a span of one week in compilation and one week in proof corrections & printing. There are many items left behind which we will include in the next year book 2011.
First we printed 2000 copies for complimentary to Branch/Divisional Secretaries, Circle Secretaries/ Circle office bearers, & CHQ office bearers, well wishers & officers of the department. Further 2000 copies were printed exclusively for A.P. Circle due to the efforts of Com. R. Sivannarayana, AGS.
Yes it is a record break! Totally 10000 copies were printed and almost all sold or sent within a short span of time. We can't imagine this much of demand. I record my sincere thanks to all Branch/Divisional Secretaries & well wishers in popularizing the Hand Book.
Some representatives told that they are procuring the Hand Books for supply to the newly recruited PAs so that they can understand our history and hard work. Some told that it will be helpful to distribute among the membership at the time of verification of membership.
Anyhow, the CHQ is proud that it has reached a great height and next year book 2011 will be more attractive with more contents.

2. FRESH VERIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP
The Department has convened a meeting of all union representatives on 04.02.10 and discussed about the process of fresh membership verification as per the decisions of Chennai High court. According to the revised procedure, the declarations should be submitted to the divisional head instead of DDOs. Most of the other conditions are same and similar to the previous verifications.
The Declaration form to be submitted by the members is a new one which bears the signature of Director (SR). The submission and verification of membership declarations etc may end in the last week of April 2010 and recovery of subscription as per the revised option will be commenced from the pay of May 2010. Exact dates and procedures will be published in our website as soon as the Department releases the orders for re verification which we expect within a week time. All of you please get ready to gather more support from members than in the past. Please act swiftly.
We have been give sufficient time. But we should rush to approach the members. Meet them and discuss about our commitment, hard work and future planning. Educate them against the Dual Membership. Tell them it is a shame to give declaration to two unions. Enroll more membership during this verification. Shed down all the difference at local level. No operation elimination. That will be viewed very seriously. Remember! The prestige of our organization is on your hands now. I fervently trust that you will enroll maximum membership this time. Yes: you will be honoured in the next All India conference.

3. JCM (DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL MEETING)
The Department has sought subjects for the ensuing JCM Departmental council meeting and the same was submitted to the department on 27.01.2010. The following items have been notified as General and related to our cadre problems
1. Cadre Restructuring for all Non-Gazetted Group B & C cadres:
2. Creation of System Administrators Cadre.
3. Computation of proper norms to existing System Administrators and grant of certain essential amenities.
4. Grant of Officiating Pay with all consequential benefits for staff officiated in HSG-I vacancies:
5. Filling up of Residual Vacancies.
6. Imparting training to non-matriculate Group D employees promoted to Postman / Mail Guard or PA/SA Cadres after 1.1.2006.
7. Irregular mention of PB Slab for certain categories of Staff in the MACP Orders issued by the department
8. Counting of Special Allowance for pay fixation case of PO & RMS Accountants
9. Request for discontinuance of the practice of obtaining fidelity / security bond from the employees handling cash
10. Non-Drawal of HRA to the officiating SPMs working at offices having attached quarters.
11. Protection of pay of defunct scale of PO & RMS Accountants who opted for general line under Directorate letter No. 2-22/88 - PE I dt. 01.12.92.
12. Enhancement of Savings Bank incentive to Postal Assistants working in Savings Bank branches.
13. Payment of honorarium/incentive for drawal of arrears on implementation of Sixth CPC and GDS Committee.
14. Stepping up of pay of senior officials on par with juniors in case of anomaly arising out of fixation of pay on placement to TBOP/BCR Scales Clarification.
15. Revision of Cash Allowance to the SPMs handling cash in the absence of treasurer.
16. Anomaly in fixation of Pay in respect of the officials promoted on 01.01.96 under BCR Scheme.
17. Review of Short Duty Staff Scheme introduced w.e.f 14.08.2008- reg.
18. Request to drop the Confirmation Examination – reg.
19. Enhancing the limit of cash to be remitted through leather cash bags (LCB) & Special messengers.
20. Arbitrary and forcible allotment of Staff Quarters.
21. Non-posting of Women Employees where basic amenities are not available.
22. Upward revision of Conveyance Allowance to PRI (P)
23. Non-Supply of Statement of Balance to the officials brought under New Pension scheme 2004.
24. Conveyance of cash with police escort- Problems there on.
25. Discontinuance of Medical facilities availed from Ispat General Hospital (IGH) Rourkela in Orissa Circle.
26. Fixing work norms to RPLI work at BOs/SOs - Request immediate orders.
27. Fixing of Uniform rate of incentive for computerized work in POs.
28. Officiating arrangement in Group B Posts earmarked for General line.
29. Introduction of new system of bag numbering.
30. Non grant of Special Allowance to unqualified Accountants.
31. Incentive scheme for the Post offices retailing Mutual Funds and Bonds along with funds for marketing & publicity and suggested strategies.
32. Ensuring the standard of residential accommodation to the SPMs provided with attached Quarters.
33. Enhancement of Financial powers of HSG I, HSG II & LSG Postmasters.
34. Budgetary allotment for Computer Advance.
35. Fixing Norms/ Time Factors to Postal Stores Depot; Circle Stamp Depot & creation of establishment.
36. More bonus in respect of PLI policies to the Departmental employees.
37. Payment of Special Allowance to the staff working on MPCMs.
38. Grant of Tribal Area Allowance to the employees serving in Tribal area of Igadpuri and other places of Nasik District.
39. Grant of Financial Assistance & relaxation of rules in granting Special disability leave to victims of terrorist / bomb blasts.
40. Grant of Road Mileage Allowance to the staff entrusted with the work of Clearance of cheques.
41. Unilateral decision to close down Foreign Post offices
42. Stop harassing staff on contributory factors for simple and flimsy reasons by misusing the provision of 'unbecoming of Government Servant' deviating the ruling contained in Volume III, FHB etc.
43. Recovery of alleged overpayment of pay and allowances to postman on account of fixation from the officials of Accounts branches of HPOs
44. Enhancement of honorarium to RD premature closures
45. Counting of Special Allowance for pay fixation – case of PO and RMS Accountants
46. Drawal of pay to senior BCR officials in HSG I posts as the pay scales of HSG II & BCR is one and the same & settlement of earlier officiating cases of Tamilnadu, West Bengal & other circles as one time measure
47. Tenure posting of officials in Single & Double Handed post offices – request to withdraw the conditions
48. Enhancement of honorarium for engaging the officials in departmental examinations
49. Restriction in posting of SPM due to minor penalties / CR entries
50. Allowing to appear in the Departmental Exam like IPOs – case of physically handicapped officials
51. Fixed Conveyance Allowance to Marketing Executives
52. Revision of FSC
53. Enhancement of Split Duty Allowance
54. Transfer of all HSG I Posts to General line
55. Denial of ROHSC claim for emergent treatment due to non circulation of Health Ministry OMS
56. Payment of honorarium to supervisors & Staff of Divisional offices for processing of PLI and RPLI proposals.
The meeting is expected to be convened in the month of March 2010.

4. POSTAL JCA DECISIONS
The Postal JCA met on 03.02.2010 and took the decision to hold a massive protest demonstration before parliament during the budget session on 02.03.2010 and also at Divisional level and also to write letter to Hon'ble MOC & IT, MOSC & IT, Cabinet Secretary, DOPT Secretary and also the Secretary (P) on the following serious issues emerged now.
1. Down gradation of GDS SOs in to BOs; unilateral introductions of Cash handling work norms for BPMs, Denial of Prorata wages, Disparity in PLB to GDS, non revival of GDS Committee etc.
2. Non revision of wages to full time & part time contingent employees & GDS substitutes.
3. Violation of status Quo agreement on RMS & MMS and transferring HSG I posts to ASRMS in RMS.
4. Unilateral implementation of Postmaster; cadre without considering cadre review proposals.
5. General attitude in ignoring the staff side before taking any important decision affecting the interest of Postal itself.
The JCA Circular is exhibited in our website. Please take a print out and also forward the copy of letters addressed to Hon'ble MOC & IT through speed post on 02.03.2010 after holding demonstration in your branch/division.

5. POSTMASTER'S CADRE
The DOP has unilaterally caused orders for the creation of Postmasters cadre vides its order no. 13-2/2010-PE-I dated 03.02.2010 without considering our entire Proposal of cadre restructuring. 2097 LSG Postmasters, 511 HSG II Postmasters and 495 HSG I postmasters posts are to be identified as Postmaster Grade I, II & III respectively. 116 PSS Group B Senior Postmasters posts have also have been brought under this cadre.
The procedures for filling up the posts have not been spelt out in this order. These posts may be filled up with the present officials as one time absorption from LSG, HSG II & HSG I officials as one time absorption from LSG, HSG II & HSG I officials and thereafter vacancies will be filled up only through competitive examination among Postal Assts. The full text of the order has been published in the web site.
The opinions/suggestions/future courses of action are invited from the branch/divisional/Circle Secretaries to evolve a correct position over its implementation and other cadre restructuring.

6. POSTAL DEPARTMENTAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE MEETING.
The anomaly committee meeting was held on 05.02.2010 at Directorate. The following are the outcome of discussion
1. Placement of TBOP/BCR PA/SA at lower level in comparison to same cadre in Telecom: The stand of the Official Side is that this is not an anomaly of 6th CPC. However it was agreed by the Chairman that the issue would be re-examined independently out of the anomaly committee.
2. Denial of Higher Pay Scale and also denial of special allowance of PO&RMS Accountants for fixation of pay on promotion: The Official Side took the position that this is also not an anomaly of the 6th CPC but agreed to examine the issue for making a favourable reference to the Nodal Ministry.
3. Anomaly of omission of grant of PB2 to Postal Machine Assistants renamed as Technical Postal Assistants: The Official Side agreed to have a re-check with all aspects raised by the Staff Side.
4. Head Mailman - Disturbance of relativity with Postman/Mailguard following 5th CPC: The Official Side took the same position that this is not an anomaly of 6th CPC. After discussion in which the decision of the Departmental Council JCM in the year 1978 was pointed out, the Chairman stated that only the willing seniors at BCR Group D level with pay on par with Postman/Mailguard will be posted against Head Mailman post.
5. Chargehand - Placement of Chargehand in PB-2 rather than its merger with Artisan Grade I: Chairman agreed the justification of this Anomaly and stated the Department has taken up this issue with the DOPT for settlement.
6. Artisan Grade I - Common cadre including Railways and Defence - Parity from 01.01.1996: The Official Side pointed out that the anomaly existed after 5th CPC has been set right by the 6th CPC. Therefore there is no anomaly arising after 6TH CPC. However on the question of parity with Railways and Defence would be re-examined.
7. Data Entry Operators - Lower placement than other Central Government Departments: The creation of DEO Posts by matching savings on direction from Directorate in Chennai DAP and the denial of 4000-6000 pay to these employees has been elaborately discussed. The Official Side contended that this cannot be taken as a 6th pay commission anomaly since the cadre of DEO has not been created in DoP so far. The Official Side admitted that follow up measurers should have been taken at that time itself for creating Recruitment Rules etc. However it is agreed that the issue would be addressed by creating the said DEO cadre with appropriate Recruitment Rules.
8. Cash Handling Allowance to PO & RMS Treasurer - allowing allowance at par with Cashiers in administrative offices: Once again the official side did not agree this as an anomaly of the 6th CPC. After much discussion it was suggested by the Official Side that we may have to make out a strong case in this matter and requested the staff side to provide such vital points in justification which will be examined by Official Side and taken up.
9. Sorters in DAP - Relativity disturbance from 5th CPC compared to Postman cadre: On explaining that the Sorter Cadre which was a promotional cadre to Group D is now placed in the same level with Group D, the Official Side suggested that this has to be set right through cadre restructuring. We pointed out that a recommendation to merge sorters with LDC is not been implemented. It was agreed to proceed in this issue along with cadre restructuring.
10. Grant of Supervisory Allowance to LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I supervisors - Non grant of graded supervisory allowance: The Official Side pointed out that this is not an anomaly of 6th CPC.
11. Anomaly in connection with revision of pay scale of BCR Group D (multi skilled Group C) - Non grant of PB-1 with Grade Pay of Rs.1900: Staff Side pointed out the non-fixing of 1900 Grade Pay from 1.1.2006 for the BCR Group D who were in pre-revised scale of 3050. The Official Side agreed to our view and agreed to set right the anomaly. Further the dept agreed to issue necessary orders to the erstwhile Group Ds who become Postman or PA after 1.1.2006 to upgrade their pay entitlement to MSE.
12. Supervisory allowance for Head Postman/Overseer Postman: Not an anomaly and this has to be taken up separately.
13. TA/DA to Mail Overseer: Not an anomaly and this has to be taken up separately
14. Higher pay scale to PA/SA Supervisory Posts: After discussion the Official Side agreed to send a reference for grant of Grade Pay 4200/- in PB-2 for LSG Supervisors.
15. Anomaly in fixation of Stenographers: The Official Side stated that the anomaly of Stenographers has been sorted out after the orders of Government to grant 4600/- Grade Pay to Private Secretaries. We pointed out that the anomaly of Grade II and Grade I remaining in same grade pay of 4200/- still remains. The Official Side has taken the position that since this is a common cadre and has to be taken up at higher level.
16. Grant of Pay Scale to drivers equal to Postal Assistant (reference in accordance with judgment of High Court of Madras): The official side pointed out that this is an issue pertaining to common cadre. Staff side pointed out the differences between MMS Drivers and Government staff Car Drivers in the nature of duties and that Drivers are exchanging mails also. Finally the official side agreed to refer the issue to nodal ministry for enhancing the Drivers Scale on par with Postman to pre-revised 3200 scale.
17. Lab Attendant: Official Side told a reference has already been made to nodal ministry in this regard.
18. Medical Store Keepers: Already issued.
19. Nurses: Already issued.

7. D.A. RISE
The Statistic department, Government of India has announced the consumer price Index for December 2009 as 169 and accordingly, the D.A. hike will be 8% from 01.01.2010. The revised D.A w.e.f 01.01.2010 will be 35%. This will be approved and given effect during March.

8. MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME
The Health Ministry & Family welfare is undertaking a survey to ascertain as to how many of the exiting employees and existing pensioners are willing to switch over from the present CGHS or medical reimbursement system to Health insurance scheme. The survey is intended for fair assessment of determining the problem premium etc. This insurance scheme will be compulsory for the future recruitees and fee existing employees on becoming pensioner. Insurance coverage will be up to 5 lakhs per family per year. The last date for the survey fixed as 15.02.2010.

9. OTHER NEWS

* National council JCM meeting scheduled on 16.01.2010 has been postponed the next date has not been finalised.

* NREGS revised incentive has been circulated by the DOP according to individual transactions vide letter No. 01-14/2009 – RB dated 18.1.2010. The full text of the orders will be published in the next Bhartiya Post. The revision is due to our continuous & repeated pressures.

* Systems Administrators are now handling 57 applications of software at present are well versed with its handling. But still awaiting for their recognition!

* The deficit of Department of Posts for the last three years is as follows: -
2006-07: Rs. 1249.52 crores. 2007-08: Rs. 1511.44 crores 2008-09: Rs. 3593-09 crores.
The estimated deficit for the current year is Rs.5632.42 crores.

* The DOPT vide its OM No. 36038/2/2008-Estt (Res) dt. 15.01.2010 has ordered to launch a special recruitment drive to fill up the back log reserved vacancies of persons with disabilities as on 15.11.2009 forthwith.

* We are demanding to consider and identical enhancement of Grade pay to BCR/HSG II from 4200 to 4600/- and HSG I from 4600/- to 4800/- to protect the horizontal and vertical relatives between General & IPO line.

* The Department notified Group B examination to be held on 3, 4 & 5 May 2010. Vacancies in General line are OC: 25, SC: 6, ST: 2 For IP line OC: 21, SC:3, ST: 2.

* The Department circulated revised norms for postmen vide its letter No. 9-1/2005-W.S.I/PE I. dt. 05.02.10. The norms for delivery of unregistered mail have been reduced from 0.75 mts. to 0.72 mts. For delivery of Speed Post 2 mts. time factor has been provided. The norms distance traversed has been revised. 20 mts. time factor was provided for returns work. The orders will be published in website.

* The Department vides its letter no. 37-36/2004-SPB-1/2 dt. 20.01.10. has notified the relative merit points and procedure for selection for compassionate appointment. 100 points scale has been prescribed. The order is published in the website & Bhartiya Post.

10. CWC MEETING
The CHQ has notified the conduct of its CWC meeting at Ajmer from 26.03.2010 to 27.03.2010 to discuss various developments taken place in the recent days to chalk out future programme.

11. AN APPEAL TO DIVISIONAL/BRANCH SECRETARIES
1. Please furnish the following details and send by next post and assist the CHQ in updating the information's available in the CHQ.
i. Name of the Divisional Secretary, Mobile Phone No, Office no. & residential numbers and his present address (office & Home)
ii. Date of Last conference and the office bearer's list if not sent already.
iii. If the divisional Secretaries are having email address, Please furnish the same for communicating any urgent news.
iv. The above particulars of Circle office bearers & Circle Secretaries may please also be sent to create records for them.
v. If any website is created and exhibited news at Division/Circle, the blog address may be furnished.

Shall I seek your response within a fort night?

With fraternal greetings,

Comradely yours,

(K. V. Sridharan)
General Secretary

GET READY FOR ANOTHER RE-VERIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP

AFTER SUCCESSIVE COURT CASES BY THE BPEF UNIONS FINALLY THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS IS FINALISING ANOTHER RE-VERIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP UNDER CCS[RSA]RULES 1993 & ED [RA] RULES 1995.

Discussions are being held by Director SR & Legal with NFPE - FNPO - BPEF Federations and all other Unions / Associations on finalising the procedure for another re-verification.

This time, the Divisional Head will be the Check-Off and Re-verification Authority instead of DDOs as in the past occassions since the plea of the BPEF that DDOs are union members of one of the unions and therefore they cannot be the Authority to verify the declaration forms of members was accepted by the Court and directions given accordingly.

The submission and verification of declarations etc procedure may end in the month of April and Recovery of subscriptions may be in the pay of May month. Exact Dates and Procedure would be published by us as soon as the DoP issues the orders for re-verification.

Re-verification is a very difficult task and the repeated re-verifications forced on us due to the attitude of the BPEF Unions who do not have even 10% of membership again and again knocking the doors of Courts for stalling the verification process in order to prevent recognition of majority service unions and federations. Yet, we cannot shirk our task - we have to take up the challenge once again to prove that NFPE is the dominant organisation of Postal Workers.

Get Ready - Do not get complacent- As soon as the Procedure is ordered get into the task of collecting Declaration Forms from employees - Educate the workers against Dual Membership - Tell them it is a shame that thousands of employees resort to dual membership in spite of clear instructions by the Department.

POSTAL DEPARTMENTAL ANOMALY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD TODAY

Postal Departmental Anomaly Committee Meeting was held today [5.2.2010] in the Committee Room Dak Bhawan New Delhi.


Meeting was held by the Chairman Anomaly Committee Shri.A.K.Sharma DDG Estt. and attened by DDG P and other members of Official Side.

Staff Side was represented by Comrades K.V.Sridharan Leader Staff Side; Giriraj Singh Secretary Staff Side; K.Ragavendran Member; D.Theagarajan Member; Ishwar Singh Dabas Member; S.P.Mukherjee Member and D.Kishanrao Member.

The issues discussed and the situation arising out the discussion are as follows:

1. Placement of TBOP/BCR PA/SA at lower level in comparison to same cadre in Telecom: The stand of the Official Side is that this is not an anomaly of 6th CPC. However it was agreed by the Chiarman that the issue would be re-examined independently of the anomaly committee.

2. Denial of HIgher Pay Scale and also denial of special allowance of PO&RMS Accountants for fixation of pay on promotion: The Official Side took the position that this is also not an anomaly of the 6th CPC but agreed to examine the issue for making a favourable reference to the Nodal Ministry.

3. Anomaly of omission of grant of PB2 to Postal Machine Assistants renamed as Technical Postal Assistants: The Official Side agreed to have a re-check with all aspects raised by the Staff Side.

4. Head Mailman - disturbance of relativity with Postman/Mailguard following 5th CPC: The Official Side took the same position that this is not an anomaly of 6th CPC. AFter discussion in which the decision of the Departmental Council JCM in the year 1978 was pointed out, the Chairman stated that only the willing seniors at BCR Group D level with pay on par with Postman/Mailguard will be posted against Head Mailman post.

5. Chargehand - Placement of Chargehand in PB-2 rather than its merger with Artisan Grade I: Chairman agreed the justification of this Anomaly and stated the Department has taken up this issue with the DOPT for settlement.

6. Artisan Grade I - Common cadre including Railways and Defence - Parity from 01.01.1996: The Official Side pointed out that the anomaly existed after 5th CPC has been set right by the 6th CPC. Therefore there is no anomaly arising after 6TH CPC. However on the question of parity with Railways and Defence would be re-exmined.

7. Data Entry Operators - Lower placement than other Central Government Departments: The creation of DEO Posts by matching savings on direction from Directorate in Chennai DAP and the denial of 4000-6000 pay to these employees has been elaborately discussed. The Official Side contended that this cannot be taken as a 6th pay commission anomaly since the cadre of DEO has not been created in DoP so far. The Official Side admitted that follow up measurers should have been taken at that time itself for creating Recruitment Rules etc. However it is agreed that the issue would be addressed by creating the said DEO cadre with appropriate Recruitment Rules.

8. Cash Handling Allowance to PO & RMS Treasurer - allowing alowance at par with Cashiers in administrative offices: Once again the official side did not agree this as an anomaly of the 6th CPC. After much discussion it was suggested by the Official Side that we may have to make out a strong case in this matter and requested the staff side to provide such vital points in justification which will be examined by Official Side and taken up.

9. Sorters in DAP - relativity disturbance from 5th CPC compared to Postman cadre: On explaining that the Sorter Cadre which was a promotional cadre to Group D is now placed in the same level with Group D, the Official Side suggested that this has to be set right through cadre restructuring. We pointed out that a recommendation to merge sorters wtih LDC is not been implemented. It was agreed to proceed in this issue along with cadre restructuring.

10. Grant of Supervisory Allowance to LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I supervisors - non grant of graded supervisory allowance: The Official Side pointed out that this is not an anomaly of 6th CPC.

11. Anomaly in connection with revision of pay scale of BCR Group D (multi skilled Group C) - non grant of PB-1 with Grade Pay of Rs.1900: Staff Side pointed out the non-fixing of 1900 Grade Pay from 1.1.2006 for the BCR Group D who were in pre-revised scale of 3050. The Official Side agreed to our view and agreed to set right the anomaly.

12. Supervisory allowance for Head Postman/Overseer Postman:Not an anomaly and this has to be taken up separately.

13. TA/DA to Mail Overseer: Not an anomaly and this has to be taken up separately

14. Higher pay scale to PA/Sa Supervisory Posts: After discussion the Official Side agreed to send a reference for grant of Grade Pay 4200/- in PB-2 for LSG Supervisors.

15. Anomaly in fixation of Stenographers: The Official Side stated that the anomaly of Stenographers has been sorted out after the orders of Government to grant 4600/- Grade Pay to Private Secretaries. We pointed out that the anomaly of Grade II and Grade I remaining in same grade pay of 4200/- still remains. The Official Side has taken the position that since this is a common cadre and has to be taken up at higher level.

16. Grant of Pay Scale to drivers equal to Postal Assistant (reference in accordance with judgment of High Court of Madras): The official side pointed out that this is an issue pertaining to common cadre. Staff side pointed out the differences between MMS Drivers and Government staff Car Drivers in the nature of duties and that Drivers are exchanging mails also. Finally the official side agreed to refer the issue to nodal ministry for enhancing the Drivers Scale on par with Postman to pre-revised 3200 scale.

17. Lab Attendent: Official Side told a reference has already been made to nodal ministry in this regard.

18. Medical Store Keepers:Already issued.

19. Nurses: Already issued.

POSTMASTER CADRE CREATION ORDERS UNILATERALLY ISSUED BY DOP

DEPARTMENT ISSUED ORDERS
FOR CREATING POSTMASTERS CADRE UNILATERALLY AS PUBLISHED IN OUR WEBSITE EARLIER.
2097 LSG Postmasters [POSTMASTER GRADE - I]; 511 HSG-II Postmasters [POSTMASTER GRADE - II]; 495 HSG-I Postmasters [POSTMASTER GRADE -III]; & 116 PSS GROUP -B POSTS [SENIOR POSTMASTER] HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS POSTMASTERS.
The Procedures to fill up these posts have not been spelt out in this order -But we gathered that the first time absorption in all these posts will be by one-time option from LSG - HSG-II -HSG-I officials. - But in future LSG Postmasters vacancies will be filled up only through competitive examination from PA/SAs.
Postal JCA has already decided on its 3rd February 2010 meeting to organise protest on such unilateral action of the DoP and called for a nationwide protest with a Massive Parliamentary March on 2.3.2010 along with important GDS, casual labouers and Attack on RMS issues. The full text of the order is placed here for the information and comments of the membership.