MINUTES OF THE UNION MEETING HELD ON 15TH JULY- 2010 AT NEW DELHI

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department of Posts and by the following officers of the management side:
Ms. Manjula Prasher, Member (O)
Ms. Kalpana Tiwari,CGM (MB)
Ms. S Trivedi, CGM (BD)
Ms. Aruna Jain,DDG(Training)
Mr. Alok Sharma, GM (Speed Post)
Mr. T.S Sinha, AGM (Speed Post
Mr. Subhash Chander, Director (SR)
Mr. Rishikesh, Director (MM)
Mr. Aman Sharma, ADG (MO)
The Staff side was represented by the following office bearers:
Mr. D. Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO
Mr. R.N. Parashar, Asstt. Secretary General, NFPE
Mr. K.V. Sridharan, General Secretary, AIPE Union Class. III
Mr. D. Kishan Rao, General Secretary, NUPE Group 'C'.
Mr.Giri Raj Singh, General Secretary, AI RMS&MMS EU Group 'C'.
Mr. T.N. Rahate, General Secretary, NUPE Postmen & Gr 'D'
Mr. P Suresh, General Secretary, AIRMS & MMS Employees Union, Mailguard and Multi  Skilled Employees
Mr. A. H. Siddique, General Secretary, NU RMS & MMS Employees, Mail Guards and Multi-skilled Employees.
The following officials were present from Mckinsey.
Mr. Thomas Netzer
Mr. Sascha A Hower
Ms Manjula Prasher, Member (O) in her welcome address highlighted that the aim of the meeting was to develop a common understanding on the Mail Network Optimization Project so that the management and staff could move together. Member (O) pointed that the Project was currently focusing on Speed Post network and the standardization of process and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have resulted in a reduction in transit time across 6 metros. Member (O) expressed hope that the management and staff side shall work together towards achieving a common goal of making India Post a preferred choice of customers.
Ms Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department of Posts, in her address explaining that all the Plan projects currently being undertaken by the Department were aimed at transforming the Department and Mail Network Optimization Project was one such initiative. Secretary pointed out that in the last decade a lot of things had been tried by the Department without much success. Hence, the present efforts were being undertaken with the help of experts who have a lot of international experience of working in the Postal sector. The aim of the current project was to introduce the best global technology and practices in our mail offices. As compared to the earlier consultancy exercise done by the Department the mandate of Mckinsey was to not only study our system and suggest ways of improving it but also to do the hand holding in implementing the recommendations accepted by the Department. The Secretary added that there was no question of moving ahead without taking the staff along and all the proposal changes shall be made by taking the staff into confidence.
Secretary's address was followed by a detailed presentation on the background, strategy, work plan, process redesign and the expected outcome of the Mail Network Optimization Project by Mr. Rishikesh, Director (Mails Management).
The presentation was followed by discussion with the staff side. The following points were discussed:
1. Mr. D. Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO, pointed out that the staff were happy that the Department was focusing on its core business of mails and he was also aware about the significant improvements in the transit time and quality of service across metros that has been achieved as a result of the implementation of the Mail Network Optimization Project. It was also pointed that the focus on the metros shall be the Department increase its market share vis a vis couriers but the Department should not loose on the rural areas even though they may not be important from the business point of view and no mail office in rural areas should be closed.. Mr. Theagarajan expressed that all the concept being recommended by Mckinsey were already there in the Postal manuals and there was nothing new in them. However, before implementing the recommendations given by Mckinsey there should be a thorough debate within the Department about their pros and cons. The cost component and the overall benefit should be assessed before giving a go-ahead to Mckinsey to implement the recommendations. Mr. Theagarajan also wanted to know the fate of the KPMG report and if any action was taken on that report.
In response to the comments made by Mr. Theagarajan, Secretary (P) replied that the Department remains a socially committed organization and there was no pressure on the Department from the Finance Ministry to earn profit. However, there was a need to make products such as Speed Post profitable and the Department was committed to improve the quality of its services and this Project was a step in this direction. There was no agenda to cause serious dislocation of offices or staff and the Union shall be taken into confidence before moving ahead. Secretary pointed out that the aim of bringing in Mckinsey was to utilize their expertise and global experience to introduce the state- of- the -art technology and global best –practices in the mail offices and give the best facilities and tools to the staff. As regards the KPMG consultancy report was concerned, Secretary mentioned that the recommendations given by KPMG were discussed by the Department internally and some of the recommendations were implemented.
2. Mr. KV Sridharan, General Secretary ,AIPE Union Class III wanted to know whether the Plan project to create 230 MBCs would entail closure or merger of the existing mail offices.
The Secretary responded that no categorical reply can be given at this nascent stage of the project implementation.
3. Mr. Giri Raj Singh General Secretary AIRMS & MMS EU Group `C` lamented the abolition of Sorting Mail Sections and concluded that the fall in mail volumes coincide with this decision of the Department and that the Department should re-introduce Sorting Mail sections.
In response the Secretary emphasized that as the Railways are regularly revising the tariff upwards and reducing the capacity in the trains significantly, hence it was not possible to restart the Sorting Sections and the Department was exploring alternative modes for mail transmission in order to improve quality and reduce cost.
The meeting ended with a vote –of – thanks by the CGM (MB)
D.G. Posts No. 2/2/2010-SR dated 30th July, 2010.

JCM ( DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL) MEETING

JCM (DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL) MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 27th AUGUST, 10 A.M. COMMITTEE ROOM DAK BHAWAN NEW DELHI
THIS IS ONE OF OUR MAJOR DEMAND IN THE 13th JULY, STRIKE CHARTER OF DEMANDS

NO GDS MM Recruitment in RMS in Future. Department issued orders

NO. 6- 23/2010-PE-II

Government of India

Ministry of communication & IT

Department of Posts ( Establishment Division)

Dak Bhawan Parliement Street

New Delhi-110001 Dated 21-07-2010

All Chief Postmasters General
All Postmasters General
Sub:- Implementation of recommendations of One-man Committee on Gramin Dak Sevak Mailmen.
Sir/Madam
I am directed to intimate that One-man Committee constituted under Shri. R.S. Nataraja Murti Chairman examined the issue of deployment of Gramin Dak sevak Mailmen posted in Mail Offices by conducting a study and submitted its recommendation in para 5.22 of the Report.

2 The recommendations of One-man Committee on GDS Mailmen have examined by the department and after a careful consideration, the Competent Authority ordered the following.
1) Conducting of a work study by Internal Work Study Unit (IWSU) for laying down the standard for various operations/ work done by Mailmen in Mail Offices/Transit Mail Offices/Mail Agency.
2) The existing vacancies of GDS Mailmen and future resultant vacancies of GDS Mailmen failing vacant either due to discharge/ absorption in Department shall not be filled up in future.
3) The category of GDS Mailmen be considered as a wasting group.
4) The present GDS Mailmen engaged in Mail offices on regular basis shall continue till they vacate the post either due to discharge/absorption in department or death.

3. The instruction may be brought to the notice of all concerned. The compliance may sent in the prescribed enclosed proforma .
4. Receipt of this letter may be acknowledged to Assistant Director General(Establishment)
5. This with the approval of Secretary (posts)
DA: As above

Yours Faithfully

( A.K.Sharma)

Deputy Director General (Esst)

PROMOTION FROM UDC TO IPO WILL GET BENEFIT OF MACP

TBOP/BCR Scheme was extended to the circle office staff by re-designating the exixting LDCs and UDC as Postal Assistant . As such as on date consideration of MACPS ie 01.09.2008, there is no exixtance of the cadres of LDCs and UDCsand therefore promtions earned by the officials from from PA/SA UDC or LDCs to UDCs prior to re designation is to be ignored.
Authority: Department of Post letter no 4-7 MACP/2009- pcc DATED 19.07.2010.

Clarification regarding Pay Fixation of existing Group-D employees in the revised pay structure-Orders issued by Finance Ministry

Dear Comrades, In the 46th ordinary meeting of National Council JCM helc on 15/05/2010, the staff side had requested that the cases relating to the non-matriculate class-IV employees who retired or died between January 2006 and August 2008 without any re-training be re-considered and such employees should be granted the benifit by re-fixing their pension/family pension at par with those employees who were retrained and whose pay was fixed in PB-1 with a grade pay of rs.1800/-. The request of Staff side on the subject has been considered and it has been decided that the Group-D non-matriculate employees who died in harness of have retired between 01/01/2006 and date of notification of CCS (Revised Pay) Rules 2008 from those Ministries/Departments which have since re-trained all the eligible serving non-matriculate Group-D employees and have placed them in PB-1 with grade pay of Rs.1800/- would be placed in P-1 with grade pay of Rs.1800/- with effect from the same date that the retrained eligible employees were placed in this pay band and grade pay. Finance Ministry issued orders accordingly vide Memo No.7/19/2010-E-III(A) dated 02/08/2010.
for order copy please  Click here  and down load.

Exemption for Women candidates from the payment of fees now extended to any examination/test/interview conducted by Central Autonomous bodies

Dear Comrades, Earlier vide DOPTLetter of even number dated 15/07/2009 central government issued orders to exemption for Women candidates from payment of fees for competitive examinations by direct recruitment/Departmental examination/interviews conducted by Staff Selection commission(SSC) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Now the Government decided to extend the fecility for any examination/Test/Interview conducted by Central Autonomous bodies to encourage participation of Women candidates.
For order copy please  Click here  and down load.

Govt may bank on post offices for financial inclusion - Economic Times

NEW DELHI: The neighbourhood post office may soon become a full-fledged bank as the government could facilitate a bank licence for India Post as part of a multi-pronged strategy to achieve greater financial inclusion. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to soon come out with draft guidelines on licences to new banks.
“India Post is a strong contender for banking license given its spread across the country,” said a finance ministry official.
The postal department already works as a quasi bank, providing a host of savings products, postal life insurance, pension payments and money transfer services through its 1.55 lakh branches, more than any other bank.
It, however, does not provide credit, the most important bit of financial inclusion. A banking licence will help fill that gap enabling the delivery of modern banking facilities in areas lacking access to financial products, credit and savings.
The department is expected to soon seek the required clearances from the Postal Services Board to expedite the process.
The Department of Post has already hired international consultancy firm Accenture to modernise the post offices across the country, which will also help create infrastructure for banking services.
“Once the infrastructure in place, we will able to assess if we need to rope in another player or not and accordingly get clearances from the RBI,” said an official with the Department of Post, adding that a Cabinet approval will also be required before commencing operations.
The idea of the Department of Post evolving into a bank has been around for a while. In 2006, India Post had even decided to appoint consultants to chalk out a regime for the transformation.
“There was a proposal to set up a bank with an initial capital of Rs 1,000 crore. The bank was to be set up as a subsidiary with the postal department holding a 51% stake in it,” said the finance ministry official.
More recently, the idea of a banking licence for India post was discussed in the inter-ministerial committee for financial inclusion, said an official of the Postal Services Board adding that the organisation was keen to provide banking services.
It is already working on core banking solution (CBS) for nearly 4,000 of its branches, which will allow customers to operate their accounts from any of the networked branches. The department has provided for Rs 106 crore towards development of CBS software.
Both the government and RBI have indicated that financial inclusion will be major criteria for giving new banking licences. “The final decision on granting a new licence will be taken by RBI. It will be a consultative decision as India Post is a government arm,” the official said.
A government committee on financial inclusion had also recommended that “India Post, with its ubiquitous reach should actively position itself to offer a low-cost, light-weight bank account to anyone enrolling for a Unique Identity Number.”
As per the committee report, nearly 16 crore people use India Post to save Rs 3,23,781 crore as on March 31, 2007. Out of this, deposits in savings bank account alone is Rs 16,789 crore, which makes a strong case for India Post to deepen the level of financial transactions and offer banking services to the rural population.
The Thirteenth Finance Commission has even proposed a budget of Rs 3,000 crore to be used for delivering an incentive of Rs 100 into the bank account of each BPL resident who enrolls for the UID Project.
Source : Economic Times

20% SUPERVISORY POSTS & 6% OPERATIVE POSTS SURRENDERED FOR TBOP/BCR ARE RESTORED

The Department of Post has now clarified that reduction of staff earlier implemented as matching savings for implementation of TBOP/BCR promotions stands withdrawn

from 01.09.2008.After switching over to MACP from TBOP/BCR promotions, we are persuading the Department either to revive the posts or adjust the same at the time of cadre restructuring. Now the Department has issued orders for revival of the surrendered posts and it will certainly be helpful for cadre review proposals.

The Postal Board’s action is highly appreciated. We fervently appeal the Secretary to restore the charge Allowance and other allowances, which we surrendered at the time of implementation of TBOP Scheme during 1983.

The copy of the Order is furnished below.

(Copy of letter No. 25-5/2010-PE.I dated 19.07.2010 of Department of Posts)

Sub: - Reduction of staff under TBOP/BCR schemes stands withdrawn w.e.f 01.09.2008 consequent upon implementation of MACP.

The undersigned is directed clarify the position in respect of reduction of staff under TBOP/BCR schemes w.e.f 01.09.2008 during periodical Establishment Reviews consequent upon implementation of MACP and withdrawal of TBOP/BCR Schemes as under:

“Consequent on implementation of time Bound One Promotion (TBOP) Scheme and Biennial Cadre Review (BCR) Scheme, Department of Posts had imposed cuts of 5% in operative staff and 15% in supervisory staff w.e.f 30.11.1983 under TBOP Scheme and later on, additional cuts of 1% in operative staff and 5% in supervisory staff were introduced w.e.f. 01.10.1991 under BCR Scheme. These cuts were introduced as measure of matching savings to offset the financial implications on account of grant of financial upgradations to staff and for obtaining additional productivity. The number of posts reduced under this matching savings/productivity provisions were kept in view at the time of periodical reviews or establishment of augmentation proposals.

The said TBOP and BCR Schemes have now been withdrawn w.e.f 01.09.20087 consequent upon implementation of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACP). Consequently, the number of operative/supervisory posts existing as on 01.09.2008 will be taken into consideration for the purpose of periodical reviews or augmentation proposals of Post Offices establishment. Thus, provisions relating to reduction of staff under TBOP/BCR Schemes stand also withdrawn w.e.f 01.09.2008.”

This issues with the approval of Secretary (P)

Sd/-
(Raj Kumar)
Director (Estt. & DE)

COUNTING OF APS SERVICE FOR TBOP/BCR

The adhoc services of erstwhile RTPs who were deputed to Army Postal Services and those approached judiciary had been taken for promotion under TBOP/BCR earlier.We are demanding since then that it should be applied to all the similarly situated persons. This is one of the demands, we placed in the JCM Departmental council meeting.The Department has now issued orders to apply the same to all the similarly situated persons who are deputed to APS for counting their past adhoc services in APS as regular service for TBOP/BCR promotion.

We are seeking justice to all the erstwhile RTPS with similar orders.

(Copy of Letter No 93-25/2003-SPB-II dated 21.07.2010 of Department of Posts)

Sub: - Counting of ad-hoc services rendered in Army Postal Service (APS) for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under Time Bound One Promotion (TBOP) Scheme – Reg.

I am directed to refer to the references received regarding the issue of counting of ad-hoc services rendered in Army Postal Service (APS) for the purpose of grant of financial upgradation under Time Bound One Promotion (TBOP) Scheme introduced by the Department.

2. It is observed that the issue under reference was considered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in C.A No. 5739 of 2005 in the case of UOI Vs Shri Mathivanan. The Apex Court in their judgment dated 09.06.2006 held that the official has completed 16 years of service (after taking into account his adhoc service rendered in APS) and would be entitled to the benefit of paragraph 1 of TBOP scheme and the action of the authorities in not granting the said benefit was illegal and contrary to law. Hon’ble Court observed that so far as placing of an officer in the next ‘higher grade’ is concerned, what was relevant and material was that such official belonging to basic grades in Group ‘C’ and D must have completed ‘sixteen years of service in that Grade’. They pointed out that it no where uses the connotation ‘regular’ service. It was also inter-alia observed “The scheme merely perused that any person having rendered 16/26 years of service without obtaining any promotion could be entitled to benefit therefore. It is, therefore, not a case where promotion to the higher post is to be made only on the basis of seniority.

3. In view of the dismissal of Civil Appeal No. 5739 of 2005-UOI & Ors Vs M. Mathivanan by the Hon’ble Supreme court on the above grounds vide their order dated 09.06.2006, the order dated 03.04.2002 of the Hon’ble CAT, Madras Bench pronounced in OA No. 1094 of 2001 was implemented subject to condition that the official will not be entitled to claim any seniority over those absorbed in the Postal Departmental before he was absorbed, for any purpose whatsoever.

4. It had been brought to the notice of the Directorate that a number of cases have been filed by the officials who have rendered adhoc service in APS seeking the benefit of above stated Apex court order in their cases also. The Department has considered the matter. Department of Personnel & Training and D/o Legal Affairs have also been consulted in the matter.

5. Keeping in view the Apex Court’s decision in M. Mathivanan’s case and the fact that TBOP is not to be granted on the basis of seniority. it has been decided with approval of competent authority to extend the benefit of the Apex Court’s order to similarly placed serving officials.

6. The TBOP scheme now stands withdrawn w.e.f. 01.09.2008 after introduction of Modified Career Progress Scheme (MACPS). It is, therefore, advised that all the cases of officials similar to the case of Shri. Mathivanan for grant of TBOP/BCR upto the period 31.08.2008 may be decided by counting the adhoc service rendered by them in APS.

7. This issues with the approval of Secretary (Posts)

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Suraj Bhan)

Asstt. Director General (SPN)

CONGRATULATIONS TO RRR ( RELAXATION RECRUITMENT) CANDIDATES OF TAMIL NADU CIRCLE.

At last justice done , though belated. 

The Supreme court  pronounced judgment  to- day directing the Department  to absorb 204  RRR  candidates of Tamilnadu Circle  with immediate effect .  

I) service will count for pension from back date.

ii) Notional  fixation of pay from earlier date without arrears.

What a Magnificent  Victory ! efforts of RRR candidates and sincere support  extended to them by NFPE R IV CHQ will be cherished for ever.   

(Tamil Nadu Circle)

Supreme Court Judgment-- RRR Candidates

ITEM NO.53(PH) COURT NO.9 SECTION XII

S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

CIVIL APPEAL NO(s). 7773 OF 2009

Civil Appeal NO. 7779 of 2009

(With appln.(s) for C/delay in filing SLP)

Civil Appeal NO. 5131 of 2005

Date: 30/07/2010 These Appeals were called on for hearing today.

UPON being mentioned, the Court made the following

O R D E R

Civil Appeal No.5131 of 2005 arising out of SLP(C) No.19587 of 2003 is delinked from other matters. The remaining appeals are disposed of in terms of the signed order.

(Sukhbir Paul Kaur) (J.P. Sharma)

Court Master Court Master

(Signed Order is placed on the file)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CIVIL APPEAL NO. 7773 OF 2009

UNION OF INDIA & ANR. ...APPELLANTS

VERSUS

M. NALLAVAN ...RESONDENT

WITH

O R D E R

We have heard learned counsel for the parties.

During the course of hearing of this batch of appeals, the appellants represented by the Director(Staff), Ministry of Communication & I.T., Department of Posts filed an additional affidavit which may put an end tothe controversy between the parties. In fact, the said additional affidavit has been filed pursuant to certain observations made by this Court while hearing the appeals.

It is evident from the affidavit that the entire matter was reconsidered by the Department and upon such reexamination based on humanitarian considerations, found that out of 204 respondents in all 202 respondents working in the Department against short term/leave vacancies can be accommodated against compassionate appointment vacancies for the years 2000-01 to 2009 as per the departmental guidelines. However, in the case of Postal Assistants (PA)and Sorting Assistants (SA) cadre, according to the Ministry, the number of vacancies is not enough to accommodate all of them in the cadre. It is stated that the number of vacancies earmarked for this period is only 113 whereas the number of respondents claiming the relief is 152. However, it is stated that as a one time measure, the Department is willing to accommodate them against residual vacancies of the Department. The statement made in the affidavit is made part of the record directing the respondents to act upon  the same.In the circumstances, the appellants are directed to regularize the services of all the 202 respondents who are working in the Department against short term/leave vacancies with effect from their date of appointment. However, the respondents shall not be entitled for payment of any arrears on account of such regularization. But their pay and pensionary benefits are protected. In view of this order, it is made clear that the findings recorded by the Tribunal and as well as the High Court with regard to the interpretation of office memorandums and circulars of the Department are set aside and those findings and observations shall not be treated as precedent for the purpose of any other case or cases that may be pending. The questions of law, if any, are left open. The appeals are accordingly disposed of without any order as to costs. The interlocutory applications are accordingly allowed.

(B. SUDERSHAN REDDY)                     (SURINDER SINGH NIJJAR)

NEW DELHI, July 30, 2010

10% DA from July 2010 : AICPIN for the month of June-2010 published by Labour Bureau

 All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 value has been released by Labour Bureau. The value of the index stands at 174level, so in this situation, the Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employees will be rised 10% and total of 45% (35% + 10%). All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of June, 2010 increased by 2 points and stood at 174 (one hundred and seventy four). 

Postal Directorate issued orders for Filling up of the posts of Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants byDirect Recruitment for the years 2009 and 2010

60-9/2010SPB-1

Government of India

Ministry of Communication & IT

(Department of Posts)

                                                                                    Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

                                                                         New Delhi -110001

                                                                            Dated 22^nd July, 2010

To

1. All Chief Post Masters General.
2. All Post Master General
3. CGM, PLI

Subject: - Filling up of the posts of Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant by Direct Recruitment.

Sir/Madam,

            I am directed to refer to this Department’s letter No 60-16/2009-SPB-1 dt. 12.11.2009 on the above subject and to say that the matter regarding filling up of the posts of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant pertaining to the years 2009 has been reviewed and it has been decided that the direct recruitment vacancies of the year 2009 and existing as well as firm anticipated vacancies of the year 2010 may be filled up by direct recruitment as per the existing instructions issued vide this Department’s letter No 51-2/2003-SPB-1 dated 10.11.2004. It may please be ensured that the recruitment process is finalized and results declared by 16^th December 2010.

2.         In order to finalize the recruitment process by the said target date all are requested to ensure that following steps leading to the selection of the candidates are taken/completed not later than the dates indicated against each:

1. Advertisement/Circulation of vacancies for the years 2009 and 2010 20^th August, 2010
2. Last date for receipt of the applications 05^th October, 2010
3. Holding of written examination and completion of computer test 14^th November, 2010
4. Declaration of final result/Select list 16^th December, 2010
• If any circle so desires it may continue to follow the system of holding the computer test after or before holding the written/aptitude test but it must be ensured that the process of holding of written examination and computer test is completed by 14^th November, 2010 and the time limit prescribed for declaration of final result is strictly adhered to.

3.         The receipt of this letter may please be acknowledged.

Yours faithfully

(V.C.KAJLA)

DIRECTOR SPN

Tel No. 23096092

Core banking services at post offices

There is a proposal to introduce Core Banking Solution (CBS) in 4,000 post offices for ensuring “anytime, anywhere and any branch banking” in these 4000 post offices. There is a financial outlay of Rs.106 crores for development of CBS software, customer relations management, training,project management unit, centralised back office etc. during the 11th Five Year Plan. The project aims at provision of delivery channels like ATM, internet, phone and mobile banking services besides streamlining the existing operations of savings schemes /savings certificates. Till now, 117 officers have been imparted CBS appreciation training and 60 operative officials have attended workshop on Core Banking. Government has also taken the following steps to make the post offices a profitable organization:Modernize mail operations through improved transmission of mails, parcel and logistics between major cities, setting up of automatic mail processing centres for faster processing of mails and rationalization of the existing mail network.

Induction of technology in speed post network and financial services so as to increase the efficiency of operations.

Leveraging the postal network to provide various utility services.

Utilizing technology for improving productivity in post offices.

Imparting need based training to all staff.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications &Information Technology, Shri Gurudas Kamat in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

Modernisation of Post Offices

Project Arrow has been launched with objective of modernizing the post offices and making visible, tangible and noteworthy differences in the Post Offices’ operations that matter to “Aam Aadmi”. The project envisages upgradation of Post Offices in urban andrural areas both in terms of upgrading and enhancing the quality of service in ‘core areas’ and improving the ‘look and feel.’ The project aims at creating a conducive and friendlywork environment both for the staff and the customers visiting the Post Offices, providing all IT enabled services through secure connectivity, improving the service quality levels in the core business areas e.g. Mail delivery, Remittances both electronic and manual and Postal Savings Scheme.

The Project was launched initially on proof of concept basis in 50 post offices in Phase I. After the successful completion of the Phase I, it was implemented in 450 post office in Phase II and in 500 post offices in Phase III across the country including rural areas. In the current financial year Project Arrow is being extended to 500 more post offices across the country. Project Arrow aims at comprehensive improvement of the core operations of the Post Office as well as the ambience in which postal transactions are undertaken. The response of the general public and the staff of the department to the initiatives have been overwhelmingly positive.
The initiative Project Arrow - Transforming India Post has also won the Prime Minister’s award for Excellence in Public Administration for the year 2008-09.
Head Post Offices and important Sub Post Offices located in rural areas are being covered under Project Arrow in a phased manner.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Gurudas Kamat in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

Review of Functioning of CGHS

Review of Functioning of CGHS 
The performance of the CGHS is regularly reviewed by the Government. The committee of secretaries has also been regularly reviewing the functioning of the CGHS since December 2008 and has been giving directions to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for making it beneficiary friendly. Some of the recent initiatives are listed below:

1. Computerisation: To keep pace with the modern times, a massive computerisation work has been taken up under CGHS in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre. Computerisation of the CGHS will result in lesser waiting period for beneficiaries at the dispensaries; online placement indents on local chemists, availability of patients profiles; availability of medicine, drugs usage pattern, which enable the CGHS to prepare a realistic of formulary drugs; reduction in use of paper; removal of jurisdictional restriction (as regard the dispensaries) for the beneficiaries, etc.

2. Introduction of Plastic cards: As part of the computerisation process, it has been decided to plastics cards individually to each beneficiary of the CGHS. This will enable beneficiaries to avail CGHS facility in any city should they happen to be in that city either on official work or on leave. Inter city treatment will be possible after all cities are computerised and networked.

3. Accreditation of hospitals with National Accreditation Board for hospitals and health care providers (NABH) and lapse with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Caliberation Laboratories (NABL): With a view to providing better quality treatment to CGHS beneficiaries, it was decided that only those private hospitals and diagnostic centres would be empanelled under the CGHS, as have been cleared by the quality Council of India after it carried out inspection of the facilities available at these hospitals and diagnostic centres. It may been decided all the hospitals and laboratories on the panel of CGHS have to get certificates issued by the NABH / NADL under the quality council of India.

4. Medical Audit of Hospital Bills is an important exercise to assess the quality of services offered and expenditure incurred. In order to be sure that the bills raised by private empanelled hospitals are genuine and that the beneficiaries were required to undergo only that treatment as was required and that the hospital has not forced the beneficiary to undergo unnecessary tests / treatment at the hospital. The job of the medical audit of Hospital bills has been outsourced to TPAs.

5. Holding of Claims Adalats: Complaints were received in the CGHS and in the Ministry that old cases of reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by pensioners were pending for settlement for long time. It was decided that claims adalats be held in each Zonal office of CGHS, Delhi under the chairmanship of the Additional Directors of the respective zones. Claims adalats were held annually, in each zone (East, Central, South and North Zones) in Delhi, during 2007 and 2008 and over 95% of the claims were settled in those adalats. Encorporated by the success in Delhi, all CGHS cities have been directed to hold claim adalats on annual basis.

6. Local Advisory Committees Local Advisory Committee meetings are held in each CGHS dispensary on second Saturday on the month attended by the Welfare Officer appointed by the Chief Welfare Officer, Department of Personnel & Training, representatives from pensioners associations, local chemists to resolve problems at dispensary level.

7. Decentralisation and delegation of powers: Ministries / departments have been delegated powers to handle all cases of reimbursement claims if no relaxation of rules was involved. Either they had powers to handle requests upto Rs. 2 Lakh and beyond that amount, the cases were referred to CGHS.

8. Rate contract for purchase of drugs: Dispensaries in Delhi have been permitted to place indent directly on the manufacturers on rate contract basis. The benefit of this arrangement is that dispensaries / CGHS do not have to carry huge inventory of medicines and indents can be placed on a monthly basis depending on the need.
This information was given by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today

Committee to consider Cadre Restructuring of Gr.`C’ employees( PA/SA/PM/MG/MSE )

The Dept.has sent a letter to the Federations stating that the it would constitute a committee to consider cadre restructuring of Gr.`C’ employees. The committee will consist of three representatives from the staff side and three from the official side. Further it is stated that after receipt of letter from staff side a formal order will be issued by the Dept. to constitute the committee .

New Regulatory body to fix postal rates

New regulator on the cards for India Post and private courier firms would fix the tariffs for their services. The government has comprehensively re-drafted an earlier Bill on postal regulation with a view to bringing the entire communication industry under a regulatory regime similar to the one for the telecoms sector.
As per the re-drafted Bill —the Post Office and Courier Services Bill, 2010—which was reviewed by FE, the courier firms would need to register themselves with the regulator—Postal Regulatory Authority of India (PRAI)— and adhere to a set of guidelines for quality of services framed by it. The firms will also have to contribute to a Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to enable delivery of postal services to financially unviable areas at affordable rates. However, the government has dropped the controversial provision in the original (2006) draft of the Bill which sought to bar private courier firms from carrying packets weighing below 500 gm. Also, in a departure from the original draft, which specified the fee structure for the players, the new Bill has left such matters for the regulator to decide.  The size of the Indian courier industry is over Rs 4,000 crore with major players being DHL, FedEx India and DTDC. As per the latest proposal, PRAI will have functions similar to that of telecom regulator Trai. It can suo motu recommend to the government policy measures on the entire gamut of the postal sector. On its part, the government can seek its recommendations on issues of importance. Once PRAI is constituted, all existing courier firms would have to register themselves with it for a 10-year period on payment of a fee. The registration, of course, can be renewed once it expires. The regulator would set eligibility criteria for those wanting to enter the sector in the new regulated regime. It would have powers to recommend to the government revocation of licenses of any firm which fails to meet the criteria set out by it. The government (read the department of post and a reinforced Postal Board) would retain the powers to make policies and provide licences.  A Postal Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal would be set up to arbitrate on disputes between the industry and the regulator, the regulator and the government, industry and the government; and between industry players.  Source:Financialexpress.com

GDS ANNUITY PENSION SCHEME

The proposal for the introduction of Annuity scheme in lieu of pension for the GDS employees has been cleared by the Ministry of Finance on 15.7.2010. The Postal Board has also approved the same. The next process for the implementation of the scheme is to get approval from PFRDA. Thereafter the scheme should be notified. Option will be called for among the existing GDS comrades whether he is willing to switch over to the new Annuity scheme or to continue in the present severance amount scheme.
The modalities and the real benefits of the proposed annuity scheme are not made known to us. We should also study the scheme and see the advantages before severing the severance amount scheme. As per the present position, the normal process for the implementation of the scheme will take another three to four months minimum.

CHQ R IV Letter to Department on Terms of Reference on Mckinsey & Co.

To
Smt. Radhika Doraiswamy
Secretary Dept. of Posts
New Delhi 110 001.
Madam,
Sub : Terms of Reference on Mckinsey & Co. – AI RMS & MMS EU MGs & MSE views.

AI RMS & MMS EU MGs & MSE has sought to get the terms of reference made by the Department
when it called for expression of interest (EOI) and request for proposal (RPF) in 2009 for the selection of a consultant for mail network optimization project of Department of Post .We now understand that MCKinsey and Co is handling this project. Having gone through the above reference, AI RMS & MMS EU MGs & MSE  has the following points/proposals/ suggestions and demands, which we except the Department of Post to consider:

1. We are happy that the Department is seriously looking at the mail network optimization, which is our core business and welcome any initiative in that direction. However, we would like that the Department hears the Workers’ suggestions, represented by AI RMS & MMS EU MGs & MSE and other unions, before any action to implement any new idea/venture/modifications of the existing system, discuss and debate and then act of consensus.

2. We feel that the terms of reference itself carries lot of contradictions. For example, at para 1.7, the Department’s objective to double its mail volume and corresponding revenue by FY 2014-15. There is nomention of any profit target there, where as at para 2.1, it talks about“…the ambitious growth and profit targets set by the India Post…”. Revenue is not Profit, we all know. So far Department has not set any profit target. It has not even fixed, a target date for getting out of deficit support. This is one example. These need clarifications and discussion.

3. At para 1.7 from para 1.7 (a) to 1.7 (f), six mail business projects are already listed as being conceptualized, whereas at para 3.1 (scope of work), the consultant has to define the new structure, including preparing a business plan. we have already decided on projects, did we do it without a business plan? If we had, where is the need for a consultant?

4. While we appreciate the thrust sought to be made in the mail area, we are worried that the revenue/profit dimension is narrowly sought to be achieved at the cost of the poor and rural population and workers of the Department, as certain inherent cues in the reference indicate. We want to elucidate this logic: Any business plan to make this Department profitable should start with the Vision of the Organisation: “India Post to be a Socially Committed, entrepreneurially managed, technology driven and self-sustained organization.” Any business plan should satisfy the above vision, in the context of detailed analysis of the internal and external environment. A self-sustained enterprise should get rid of the dependence on subsidy. But can the drive for this come from the mail business alone, given the differential growth rate of mail for the underprivileged Vs the business mail? The way the reference is worded, one gets the feeling that this is what is planned, namely to bring down the service levels of the under- privilaged:
i) Term 1.7 (co says : “…establish 230 mail business centres through restructuring of existing mail offices and network optimization”. We feel while the intentions may be good, the process may not be. Social commitment is for the poor, rural and far-flung area people as well. Social commitment is to generate and sustain employment for the disadvantaged people in those areas as well. From the way the number of mail offices to be rationalized  are pre-dertermined even before the consultant gives his views, makes us believe that the Consultant’s report is sought to be made a fait- acompli. Department of Post is part of the Nation’s overall economy and its rationalization cannot marginalize one section. This needs further and wider discussion and debate.
ii) Mail business segments into two areas-normal mail, largely used by the poor and underprivileged growing at a rate and the business mail of more affluent, growing at a faster rate, calling for cultivation vis-à-vis  competition. While it is conceded,  Mail business centres located at select mail offices can build up the  second category business, it is equally true that in many cases better business can be achieved by location them in HOs /large Post Offices/ new locations. The fact that the reference specifically talks about 230 Mail offices for the location of Business Mail offices in 230 Mail offices through rationalization makes us wonder if it is an indirect way to abolish mail offices. Thus, we call for detailed discussions on this issue.
iii) We all know that the largest growth of business mail is in the seven metros- Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, followed by a few more cities. One must naturally concentrate on these cities for building up business mail potential and thus Mail business offices there. Instead the attempt appears to be indirectly abolish mail offices in 230 places in the name of building business mail. Technology induction by way of Automated Mail processing Centres should be first concentrated in these cities. Even there one must look at the characteristics of Indian Business Mail, not all of which lend themselves for automated sorting. Not even in USA it has happened. Even with good growth of business mail in Mumbai and Chennai, where Automated Sorting exist, the business mail processing through these automated centres is low, everyone knows. Under these circumstances, setting up of 14 such centres within 3 years 2011-2014, as indicated, will lead to heavy loss, with no commensurate benefits. This pre-determined notion, as reflected in the reference, calls for discussion.
iv) We are afraid that what is sought to be achieved by way of rationalization is closing down of many mail  offices, which in reality will affect the growth of revenue and add to cost. Sure enough, some mail offices  deserve closing but they are far and few between. Many mail offices vitally serve rural and far-flung large  areas. A case by case approach is needed. An out side consultant is not the ideal one to do this. We are open for discussions and not for omni-bus decisions. By closing many of them we will breach the vision to serve with Social commitment
v) We, India Post, not only operate mail business, operate Banking, Insurance, reatailing etc. The Finance Marts, when they emerge as full Bank, can go a long way, along with Insurance and Business products, in generating  even profits and cross subsidise our mail business, fulfilling our vision of “social commitment” and “self- sustained growth”. One has to take a more over-all view than to stick to per notions of abolitions of offices and posts, in the name of rationalization, eroding our competitive advantage of net work, committed work force and social relevance.
vi. At para 1.4 a wrong diagnosis is made. It tells about non-viability of our transport system. Far from it. Large areas of our transport system are still relevant and cost-effective. Railways still offer on most areas a good and  cost effective means of transportation. Our Departmental Mail Motor Service (DMMS) is efficient. The managerial decision to keep it confined to cities is incorrect. With the growth of road networks and out Logistics Post and EPP, DMMS has a vital role to play. The uncharitable reference to DMMS in that para is not-justifiable and sets a wrong premise for the consultant to examine. With the growth of Geographic  information System (GIS), DMMS if allowed proper mobility and support can in fact accelerate Business Mail Growth. This needs discussion.

5. AI RMS & MMS EU MGs & MSE strongly feels that the narrow focus on mail network rationalization  along, without examining the full network Post Offices, Banking, Insurance etc. is not correct. In this connection we wish to know what happened to the earlier consultant’s, KPMG, report. Have we used that report? May be it  should be referred as well. In short, AI RMS & MMS EU MGs & MSE rightly calls for a wider and detailed discussions with trade unions before we seek Mckinsey’s help, inter actions with Mckinsey to present Trade Unions’ point of view and implementation of any recommendations only after a consensus with unions emerge. While we are willing to cooperate for the new and useful mail arrangements, our support will be based on the willingness of administration to work with us as well.

COMMEMMORATIVE CONVENTION

ON 16TH JULY, 2010 AT MAVLANKAR HALL, NEW DELHI The National Convention to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 12th July, 1960 All India indefinite strike action of the Central Government employees was held at Mavalankar hall, Rafi Marg, New Delhi on 16th July, 2010. The convention was jointly organized by the All India Railway men Federation, All India Defence Employees Federation and the Confederation of Central Govt. employees and workers. The convention was presided over by a presidium consisting of Com. Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF, Com. S.K.Vyas, President, Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, Com. Sailo Bhattacharya, General Secretary, All India Defence Employees Federation. More than 1000 delegates participated in the convention. On behalf of the Presidium, Com. Umraomal Purohit made the introductory speech, followed by the presentation of the Declaration by Com. K.K.N. Kutty, Secretary General, and Confederation. In his presentation, Com. Kutty highlighted the issue of Minimum wage, the concept of DA and the extreme brutality with which the Government suppressed the strike. Com. Srikumar, Secretary General, AIDEF seconded the declaration. Com. Pathak, President, AIDEF presented the Hindi version of the declaration. Com. Shiv Gopal Misra, General Secretary, AIRF,Com. Harbajan Singh, from AIRF, Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, Com. M.S. Raja, Secretary, Confederation, Com. R.N Parasar, Officiating Secretary General, National Federation of Postal Employees addressed the convention. Thereafter the following veterans were honoured.
Com. J.D. Suryavanshi, AIDEF, Com. Sadasiva Misra, AIDEF, Com. U.M. Purohit (AIRF), Com. Rakhal Das Gupata (AIRF), Com.S.K. Vyas (Confdn.), Com. K.L. Gupta (AIRF), Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri (BSNLEU), Com. R.L. Bhattacharya. (NFPE), Com. Diwakar (NFPE), Com. Rajnath Srivastava, (Confdn) and Com. Pabitra Ranjan Chakraborty (BSNLEU)
Te convention unanimously adopted the enclosed declaration and decided to observe the year commencing from 16th July, 2010 to 15th July, 2011 as the commemorative year of 1960 strike. The State Committees may take necessary action to carry out the directive contained in the declaration.
The house observed two minutes silence in memory of those comrades who led the 1960 struggle who passed away and specially in respectful memory of those who laid down their life being the victims of the police brutality.

DEARNESS ALLOWANCE : NO - 1 Allowance...!

Dearness Allowance : ‘King’ of all allowances…! The central government disburses different types of allowances to their employees. Allowances are given for different reasons :-
DA is given for rise in prices of essential commodities…
CEA is for Children’s education…
HRA for accommodation in rented houses…
FPA for family planning operation for maintaining small family and so on…
An individual may not be granted all the allowances. The disbursement of allowances has some limitations – due to different situations…
For example,
Those who gets a pay below Rs.7440, the Transport Allowance will be Rs.600+DA, those who are above Rs.7440, the TA will be Rs.1600+DA, and those who gets a grade pay Rs.5400 and above the TA will be Rs.3200+DA…
Those employees who are married and has two school going children, they are eligible to get Rs.12000 per year as Children Education Allowance…
HRA is given as per city grade specifications as 30%, 20%, 10%, but we all know that DA is given to all Central Government Employees evenly as per their basic pay. So this stands apart…
Moreover, when the DA goes up 50%, it gives some pushups to Compensatory Allowances such as – Increases of 25% in Children Education Allowance, Child Care Allowance, Washing Allowance, Cycle Allowance, Cash Handling Allowance, Conveyance Allowance, Split Duty Allowance will also be increased.
It also boosts up some advances namely – Flood Advance, Festival Advance will be increased by 25%, when the DA goes up 50% as per recommendations in the 6th CPC report.
So to conclude, we can use the term ‘King’ for the Dearness Allowance.
Source : CGS

Minutes of the 20th Meeting of Postal Sports Board held on 5.07.2010 at Chennai.

Click for Minutes of Postal Sports Meeting
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6BL5XGWIUWKZDkxOTRlNTMtMmYwZS00YzBiLTg1MjktMzVmZGY4NWEzMGZl&hl=en